2006 LEXUS RX330 park

STARTING AND DRIVING
398
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION(multimode type)
Your automatic transmission has a shift lock system to
minimize the possibility of incorrect operation. This
means you can only shift out of “P” position when the
brake pedal is depressed with the ignition switch in “ON”
position. ( )
31RY303
The shift position or shift range position is displayed
on the instrument cluster.
P: Parking, engine starting and key removal position
R: Reverse position
N: Neutral position
D: Normal driving position (shifting into overdrive possible)
S: “S” mode driving
+: Upshifting
: Downshifting

STARTING AND DRIVING
399
Correct
use of the automatic transmission is explained in
the following parts.
(a) Normal driving
(b) Driving in “S” mode
(c) Using engine braking
(d) Backing up
(e) Parking
(f) Good driving practice
(g) If you cannot shift the selector lever
(h) Driving in snow mode
(a) Normal driving
1“P” (Park) position2 “N” (Neutral) position
1. Start the engine as instructed in “How to start the
engine” on page 388.
The transmission must be in “P” or “N” position. The engine wi\
ll
not start in any drive position even if the ignition key is turned
to “START”.

STARTING AND DRIVING
400
1Brake pedal 2 “D” (Drive) position
2. With your foot holding down the brake pedal, shift the
selector lever to “D” position.
Always use the “D” position to improve fuel economy and quiet
driving. In this position, shifting into the overdrive gear is
possible. However, while the engine coolant temperature is
low, the transmission will not shift into the overdrive gear even
in the “D” position. (See “(c) Using engine braking” and\
“(f)
Good driving practice” for exceptions.)
CAUTION
Never put your foot on the accelerator pedal while
shifting.
3. Release the parking brake and brake pedal. Depress
the accelerator pedal slowly for smooth starting.
In normal cruising, the vehicle will start in first gear and
automatically shift up to the most suitable gear. On inclines,
declines or winding roads, etc., the vehicle shifts up and down
automatically according to the running conditions to obtain the
suitable driving power and engine braking.
If you need to accelerate rapidly while driving, depress the
accelerator pedal to the full throttle position. This provides
more acceleration by automatically downshifting the
transmission to the next lower gear or beyond, depending on
the vehicle speed.
If engine braking is needed, such as in descending a long hill,
see “(c) Using engine braking”.

STARTING AND DRIVING
406
(e) Parking
1Brake pedal2 Parking brake pedal
3“P” (Park) position
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Depress the parking brake fully to securely apply the
parking brake.
3. With the brake pedal held down with your foot, shift the
selector lever to the “P” position.
CAUTION
Never attempt to move the selector lever into “P” under
any circumstances while the vehicle is moving. Serious
mechanical damage and loss of vehicle control may
result.

STARTING AND DRIVING
407
(f) Good driving practice
If the transmission repeatedly shifts up and down between
fourth and overdrive gears when climbing a gentle slope,
shift the selector lever into the “S” position. Be sure to shift
the selector lever to the “D” position after climbing the slope.
 When towing a trailer, in order to maintain efficient engine
braking and electrical charging performance, do not use
overdrive (fifth) gear.
CAUTION
Always keep your foot on the brake pedal while stopped
with the engine running. This prevents the vehicle from
creeping.
NOTICE
Always use the brake pedal or the parking brake to hold
the vehicle on an upgrade. Do not attempt to hold the
vehicle using the accelerator pedal, as this can cause
the transmission to overheat.
(g) If you cannot shift the selector lever
If you cannot shift the selector lever even though the brake
pedal is depressed, use the shift lock override button. For
instructions, see “If you cannot shift automatic transmission
selector lever” on page 524.

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
461
If either of the following conditions occurs, this indicates
a malfunction somewhere in the components monitored
by the warning light system. Contact your Lexus dealer as
soon as possible to service the vehicle.

The light does not come on when the ignition key is turned
to the “ON” position, or remains on.
 The light comes on while you are driving.
A warning light turning on briefly during operation does not
indicate a problem.
CAUTION
If the “ABS” warning light remains on together with the
brake system warning light, immediately stop your
vehicle at a safe place and contact your Lexus dealer.
In this case, not only the antilock brake system will fail
but also the vehicle will become extremely unstable
during braking.
Drumindisc type parking brake system
Your vehicle has a drum−in−disc type parking brake system.
This type of brake system needs bedding −down of the brake
shoes periodically or whenever the parking brake shoes and/or
drums are replaced.
Have your Lexus dealer perform the bedding −down.

STARTING AND DRIVING
464
The tread wear is very different among the installed tires.
 Rapid acceleration/deceleration or sharp turns is continue.
 Towing a trailer.
 The loading is over the limit or imbalanced.
 Initialization was not performed correctly after replacing or
rotating tires or wheels.
 The outside temperature is below 0 C (32F) or above
40 C (104 F).
CAUTION
When the tire pressure warning light comes on, observe
the following instructions:
 Adjust the tire inflation pressure to the specified level
as soon as possible.
 Avoid abrupt steering wheel maneuvering and
braking when the tire pressure warning light comes
on. If the vehicle tires deteriorate, you could lose
control of the steering wheel or the brakes, causing
death or serious injury.
Tire pressure warning system reset switch
The tire pressure warning system need to be initialized in
the following conditions:
When the low tire pressure warning light blinks twice
every second
 After replacing or rotating tires or wheels
When initializing the system, the present tire condition is
stored as a standard.
To initialize the system, perform the following:
1. Park the vehicle at a safe place and apply the parking brake.
Stop the engine.
2. Adjust the pressure of all the installed tires to the specified
level. (See “Tires and wheels” on page 566.)
3. Turn the ignition key to “ON”.