2006 LEXUS RX330 automatic

STARTING AND DRIVING
447
If your vehicle gets ditched, turn off the electronically
modulated air suspension with the height control
switch. Otherwise, the automatic leveling function
may cause the vehicle height to change, possibly
resulting in further damage to the vehicle.
 When disconnecting a trailer, put the vehicle height
in the “LO” mode and push the height control switch
to turn off the electronically modulated air
suspension. Otherwise, the vehicle height may be
changed in the automatic leveling function, resulting
in unexpected accident.(f) Height control failure warning
1Height control indicator lights
2Height control “OFF” indicator light
3Easy access mode indicator light
When the ignition switch is turned on, all the indicator lights
come on. Only the indicator light showing the present mode
remains on and all other lights go off after a few seconds. This
means the system is operating correctly.

STARTING AND DRIVING
448In the following cases, there is a problem somewhere in the
electronically
modulated air suspension, in which case the “N”
mode is automatically selected. Although there is no problem
to continue driving normally, have the electronically modulated
air suspension checked by your Lexus dealer as soon as
possible.
 The height control “OFF” indicator light does not come on
when the ignition switch is turned on.
 The height control “OFF” indicator light blinks.
(g) Operating noise of the electronically
modulated air suspension
You may hear an operating noise in the following cases. There
is no problem in the electronically modulated air suspension.
Selecting vehicle height with the height select switch
 Adjusting vehicle height according to the number of
occupants or the luggage load
 Changing vehicle height by selecting the easy access mode
when the engine is stopped
 Changing vehicle height by selecting the easy access mode
when the vehicle speed exceeds 12 km/h (8 mph)
 Changing the vehicle height by selecting the “HI” mode
when the vehicle speed exceeds 50 km/h (31 mph) or
driving at a speed of 30 km/h (19 mph) for 10 seconds or
more
 Lowering the vehicle’s height automatically when the
vehicle is moving at high speed
 Returning the vehicle height after high speed driving

STARTING AND DRIVING
449
(h) Parking and stopping tips
If you immediately stop the engine to park the vehicle after
off−road driving, the vehicle height is lowered slightly as the
vehicle becomes cool. When parking, make sure there is
nothing that will be in contact with the underbody of the vehicle.
If the “HI” (high) mode is selected when you start the engine,
the vehicle returns to the “HI” (high) height. If the “LO” (\
low) or
“N” (normal) mode is selected when you start the engine, the
vehicle height is change to “N” (normal) mode.
If you park the vehicle for a long time, the vehicle height may
be gradually lowered. When parking for a long time, make sure
there is nothing that will be in contact with the underbody of the
vehicle. If the “HI” (high) mode is selected when you start the
engine, the vehicle returns to the “HI” (high) height. If the “LO”\
(low) or “N” (normal) mode is selected when you start the
engine, the vehicle height is change to “N” (normal) mode.
If you stop the engine, the vehicle height may change in
accordance with the change in the temperature. When you
start the engine, the vehicle returns to the “HI” (high) height.\
If the “LO” (low) or “N” (normal) mode is selected when \
you
start the engine, the vehicle height is change to “N” (normal)
mode.
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
(twowheel drive models)
The traction control system automatically helps prevent
the spinning of front wheels when the vehicle is started or
accelerated on slippery road surfaces.
When the ignition key is turned to “ON”, the system
automatically turns on.
CAUTION
Under certain slippery road conditions, full traction of
the vehicle and power against front wheels cannot be
maintained, even though the traction control system is
in operation. Do not drive the vehicle under any speed
or maneuvering conditions which may cause the
vehicle to lose traction control. In situations where the
road surface is covered with ice or snow, your vehicle
should be fitted with snow tires or tire chains. Always
drive at an appropriate and cautious speed for the
present road conditions.

STARTING AND DRIVING
453
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
(fourwheel drive modes)
The traction control system automatically helps prevent
the spinning of 4 wheels when the vehicle is started or
accelerated on slippery road surfaces.
When the ignition key is turned to “ON”, the system
automatically turns on.
CAUTION
Under certain slippery road conditions, full traction of
the vehicle and power against 4 wheels cannot be
maintained, even though the traction control system is
in operation. Do not drive the vehicle under any speed
or maneuvering conditions which may cause the
vehicle to lose traction control. In situations where the
road surface is covered with ice or snow, your vehicle
should be fitted with snow tires or tire chains. Always
drive at an appropriate and cautious speed for the
present road conditions.
Normal driving mode
 Slip indicator light
Leave the system on during the ordinary driving so that it
can operate when needed.
You may hear a sound in the engine compartment for a few
seconds just after the vehicle begins to move. This means that
the traction control system is in the self− check mode, but does
not indicate a malfunction.

STARTING AND DRIVING
455
In the following cases, contact your Lexus dealer:

The warning light does not come on after the ignition key is
turned to “ON”.
 The warning light remains on after the ignition key is turned
to “ON”.
 The warning light comes on while driving.
VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL
SYSTEM
The vehicle stability control system helps provide
comprehensive control of the systems such as antilock
brake system, traction control, engine control, etc. This
system automatically controls the brakes and engine to
help prevent the vehicle from skidding when cornering on
a slippery road surface or operating steering wheel
abruptly.
This system activates when the vehicle speed is about more
than 15 km/h (9 mph).
You may hear a sound in the engine compartment for a few
seconds just after the vehicle begins to move. This means that
the system is in the self −check mode, but does not indicate a
malfunction.

DRIVING TIPS
476
TRAILER TOWING
Your vehicle is designed primarily as a passenger−and−load
carrying vehicle. T owing a trailer will have an adverse ef fect on
handling, performance, braking, durability and driving
economy (fuel consumption, etc.). Y our safety and satisfaction
depend on the proper use of correct equipment and cautious
driving habits. For your safety and the safety of others, you
must not overload your vehicle or trailer. Lexus warranties do
not apply to damage or malfunction caused by towing a trailer
for commercial purposes. Ask your local Lexus dealer for
further details before towing.
CAUTION
Vehicles with electronically modulated air suspension:
When disconnecting a trailer, put the vehicle height in
the “LO” mode and push the height control switch to
turn off the electronically modulated air suspension.
Otherwise, the vehicle height may be changed in the
automatic leveling function, resulting in unexpected
accident. For details see “Electronically modulated air
suspension” on page 437.
NOTICE
When towing a trailer, be sure to consult your Lexus
dealer for further information on additional
requirements such as a towing kit, etc.

DRIVING TIPS
484
Disconnecting a trailer (models with
electronically modulated air suspension)
Stop your vehicle and trailer so they are in line and perform the
following:
1. Place the electronically modulated air suspension in “LO”
mode. (Make sure the vehicle height is in “LO” mode by
pushing the height select switch on the “
” [lower] side.)
2. Push the height control switch to turn off the electronically
modulated air suspension. The height control “OFF” indicator
light will come on.
3. Turn the ignition switch off.
4. Set the supporting leg of the trailer on the ground and raise
the hitch by 100 mm (4 in.).
5. Turn the ignition switch on.
6. Push the height control switch to turn on the electronically
modulated air suspension. The height control “OFF” indicator
will go out.
7. Wait for about one minute until vehicle height is stabilized by
the automatic leveling function.
8. Make sure the hitch is disconnected. If not, raise the hitch
higher and repeat steps 2 through 7.
Pretowing safety check
 Check that your vehicle remains level when a loaded or
unloaded trailer is hitched. Do not drive if the vehicle has an
abnormal nose −up or nose− down condition, and check for
improper tongue load, overload, worn suspension or other
possible causes.
 Make sure the trailer cargo is securely loaded so that it
cannot shift.
 Check that your rear view mirrors conform to any federal,
state/provincial or local regulations. If they do not, install
required rear view mirrors appropriate for towing purposes.

DRIVING TIPS
486
Because of the added load of the trailer, your vehicle’s
engine may overheat on hot days (at temperatures over
30C [85 F]) when going up a long or steep grade with a
trailer. If the engine coolant temperature gauge indicates
overheating, immediately turn off the air conditioning (if in
use), pull your vehicle off the road and stop in a safe spot.
See “If your vehicle overheats” on page 499 of this manual.
 Always place wheel blocks under both the vehicle and trailer
wheels when parking. Apply the parking brake firmly. Put
the transmission in “P”. Avoid parking on a slope with a
trailer, but if it cannot be avoided, do so only after performing
the following:
1. Apply the brakes and keep them applied.
2. Have someone place wheel blocks under both the vehicle
and trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel blocks are in place, release your brakes
slowly until the blocks absorb the load.
4. Apply the parking brake firmly.
5. Shift into “P” and turn off the engine. When restarting out after parking on a slope:
1. With the transmission in “P” position, start the engine. Be
sure to keep the brake pedal depressed.
2. Shift into the following position.
With automatic transmission (standard type) —
Shift into the “3”, “2”, “L” or “R” position.
With automatic transmission (multi
−mode type) —
Shift into the “3” (third range), “2” (second range), “\
1” (first
range) or “R” position.
3. Release the parking brake and brake pedal and slowly pull
or back away from the wheel blocks. Stop and apply your
brakes.
4. Have someone retrieve the blocks.