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2-4. Using other driving systems
■Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, BA, VSC, TRAC and VGRS systems
●A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the engine is
started or just after the vehicle begins to move. This sound does not indicate that
a malfunction has occurred in any of these systems.
●Any of the following conditions may occur when the above systems are operat-
ing. None of these indicates that a malfunction has occurred.
• Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.
• A motor sound may be heard after the vehicle comes to a stop.
• The brake pedal may pulsate slightly after the ABS is activated.
• The brake pedal may move down slightly after the ABS is activated.
■VGRS is disabled in the following situations
●During stopping or the steering wheel has been moved for a long time while
driving at lower speeds.
●After the engine is restarted at less than -22°F (-30°C).
●If you disconnect the batter y with the steering wheel turned, the center position
of the steering wheel could be slightly and temporary changed. To initialize the
VGRS, drive for a short while.
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2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
CAUTION
■To avoid accident or injury
●The total trailer weight (trailer weight plus the weight of cargo) must not exceed
6500 lb. (2948 kg).
●If a trailer and cargo weight over 2000 lb. (907 kg), use a sway control device
with sufficient capacity.
●The gross combined weight (sum of your vehicle weight plus its load and the total
trailer weight) must not exceed 12400 lb. (5625 kg).
●Do not exceed the trailer hitch assembly weight, gross vehicle weight, gross axle
weight and trailer tongue load capacities.
●Never load more weight in the back than in the front of the trailer. About 60% of
the load should be in the front half of the trailer, and the remaining 40% in the
rear.
●Set the vehicle height to the “LO” mode an d turn off the active height control sus-
pension to prevent the vehicle heig ht from automatically changing.
●The tow hitch receiver installed on your vehicle must never be used on another
vehicle.
■Hitches
●If you wish to install a trailer hitch, contact your Lexus dealer.
●Use only a hitch that conforms to the total trailer weight requirement.
●Follow the directions supplied by the hitch manufacturer.
●Lubricate the hitch ball with a light coat of grease.
●Remove the trailer hitch whenever you are not towing a trailer. After removing
the hitch, seal any mounting hole in the vehicle body to prevent entry of any sub-
stances into the vehicle.
■When towing a trailer
●If the total trailer weight exceeds 1000 lb . (453 kg), trailer brakes are required.
●Never tap into your vehicle’s hydraulic system, as this will lower the vehicle’s brak-
ing effectiveness.
●Never tow a trailer without using a safety chain securely attached to both the
trailer and the vehicle. If damage occurs to the coupling unit or hitch ball, there is
danger of the trailer wandering into another lane.
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2-5. Driving information
Trailer towing tipsYour vehicle will handle differently when towing a trailer. The 3 main
causes of vehicle-trailer accidents are driver error, excessive speed and
improper trailer loading. Keep the following in mind when towing.
● Before starting out, check the trailer lights and the vehicle-trailer con-
nections. Recheck after driving a short distance.
● Practice turning, stopping and reversing with the trailer attached in an
area away from traffic until you be come accustomed to the feel of the
vehicle.
NOTICE
■When installing a trailer hitch
●Use only the position recommended by your Lexus dealer. Do not install the
trailer hitch on the bumper; this may cause body damage.
●Do not use axle-mounted hitches, as they can cause damage to the axle housing,
wheel bearings, wheels or tires.
■Brakes
Lexus recommends trailers with brakes that conform to all applicable federal and
state/provincial regulations.
■Safety chain
A safety chain must always be used between the towing vehicle and the trailer.
Leave sufficient slack in the chain for turns. The chain should cross under the trailer
tongue to prevent the tongue from droppi ng to the ground in the case that it
becomes damaged or separated. For the correct safety chain installation proce-
dure, ask your Lexus dealer.
■Do not directly splice trailer lights
Directly splicing trailer lights may dama ge your vehicle’s electrical system and
cause a malfunction.
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4-2. Maintenance
Vehicle interior
ItemsCheck points
Accelerator pedal• Moves smoothly (without uneven pedal effort or catching)?
Automatic transmission “Park”
mechanism• Can the vehicle be hold securely on an incline with the shift lever in
“P”?
Brake pedal
• Moves smoothly?
• Does it have appropriate clearance and correct amount of free play?
Brakes
• Pulls to one side when applied?
• Loss of brake effectiveness?
• Spongy feeling brake pedal?
• Pedal almost touches floor?
Head restraints• Move smoothly and lock securely?
Indicators/buzzers• Function properly?
Lights• Do all the lights come on?
• Headlights aimed correctly?
Pa r k i n g b r a ke
• Moves smoothly?
• Can hold the vehicle securely on an incline?
Seat belts
• Does the seat belt system operate smoothly?
• Are the belts undamaged?
Seats• Do the seat controls operate prop- erly?
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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
NOTICE
■If the fluid level is low or high
It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as the brake pads wear or
when the fluid level in the accumulator is high.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, it may indicate a serious problem.
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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Fuse layout and amperage ratings■ Engine compartment
FuseAmpereCircuit
1ABS NO.240Anti-lock brake system
2ABS NO.150Anti-lock brake system
3AHC50Active height control suspension
(AHC)
4WIP-S7. 5No circuit
5TOW I N G30Trailer lights
6MIR HTR15Outside rear view mirror defogger
7RR HTR10Rear air conditioning system
8HAZ-TRN15Emergency flashers, Turn signal lights
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5
When trouble arises
337
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If a warning light turns on or a warning buzzer sounds...
Stop the vehicle immediately. Continuing to drive the vehicle may be dangerous.
The following warning indicates a possible problem in the brake system.
Immediately stop the vehi cle in a safe place and contact your Lexus
dealer.
*: Parking brake engaged warning buzzer:
A buzzer will sound if the vehicle is driv en at a speed of approximately 3 mph (5
km/h) or more.
Warning lightWarning light/Details
(U.S.A.)
(Canada)
Brake system warning light (warning buzzer)*
•Low brake fluid
• Malfunction in the brake system
This light also comes on when the parking brake is not
released. If the light turns off after the parking brake is fully
released, the system is operating normally.
Calmly perform the following actions if any of the warning lights turn on or
flash. If a light turns on or flashes, bu t then turns off, this does not necessar-
ily indicate a malfunction in the system.
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When trouble arises
339
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
Have the malfunction repaired immediately.After taking the specified steps to co rrect the suspected problem, check
that the warning light turns off.
Warning lightWarning light/Details
(U.S.A.)
(Canada)
ABS warning light
Malfunction in:
•The ABS; or
• The brake assist system.
and
Vehicle stability control system and active traction control
system warning lightMalfunction in:
• The VSC system; or
• The active traction control system.
Variable gear ratio stee ring system warning light
Malfunction in the variable gear ratio steering system.
Lexus night view system warning light The bulb for the near-infrared floodlight is burned out.
Automatic transmission fluid temperature warning lightThe automatic transmission fluid temperature is too high.
Warning lightWarning light/DetailsCorrection procedure
Open door warning lightA door is not fully closed.Check that all doors are
closed.