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2-4. Using other driving systems
■Advice for driving on slippery roads in “L” (low speed position)
●If you shift the four-wheel drive control lever to “L” and the shift lever to “2” while
driving in steep off-road areas, the output of the brake can be controlled effec-
tively by the active traction control system, which assists the driver to control the
driving power of 4 wheels.
●Use the “L” position of the shift lever for maximum power and traction when
your wheels get stuck or when you drive down a steep incline. In the following
cases, the output of the brake can be co ntrolled by the active traction control
system if the engine speed is un der 3,000 rpm (normally under 3,000 rpm
when the wheels get unstuck).
• The four-wheel drive control lever in the “L” position and the shift lever in the
“L” position or the shift lever in the “D”, “4”, “3” or “2” with the transmission
downshifting to first gear.
• The four-wheel drive control lever in the “L” position and the shift lever in the
“R” position.
■The center differential lock/unlock button can be operated when
●The ignition key is in the “ON” position, and
●The four-wheel drive control lever is in the “H” or “L” position.
■Locking /unlocking the center differential
●When the center differential is locked, VSC (vehicle stability control) is auto-
matically turned off. (Center differenti al lock and “VSC OFF” indicator light
come on.)
●When the operation is not completed, th e center differential lock indicator
blinks. If the indicator light does not go off when unlocking the center differen-
tial, drive straight ahead while accelerating or decelerating, or drive in reverse.
●The center differential lock system operation is not completed within 5 seconds
while the cruise control system is set, cancel the cruise control system.
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2-4. Using other driving systems
Driving assist systems
When the VSC system is operatingIf the vehicle is in danger of slip-
ping, the slip indicator light flashes
and buzzer sounds to indicate that
the VSC systems have been
engaged.
To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following systems
operate automatically in response to various driving situations. Be aware,
however, that these systems are supplementary and should not be relied
upon too heavily when operating the vehicle.
■ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Restrains the vehicle from slipping when driving on slick road surfaces or
in the event of sudden braking.
■BA (Brake Assist)
Generates an increased level of braking force after the brake pedal is
depressed, when the system detects a panic stop situation.
■VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)
Helps the driver to control skidding when swerving suddenly or turning on
slippery road surfaces.
■ TRAC (Active Traction Control)
Maintains drive power and prevents the 4 wheels from spinning when
starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads.
■VGRS (Variable Gear Ratio Steering)
Adjusts the wheel turning angle in accordance with the vehicle speed and
steering wheel movement.
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2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
When the TRAC system is operatingIf the 4 wheels spin, the active trac-
tion control system indicator light
flashes to indicate that the TRAC
system have been engaged.
To disable VSC system
If the vehicle gets stuck in fresh snow or mud, VSC system may reduce
power from the engine to the wheels. You may need to turn the system off
to enable you to rock the vehicle in order to free it. Push the center differential lock/
unlock switch to turn off VSC sys-
tem.
The center differential lock and
“VSC OFF” indicator lights should
come on.
Push the switch again to turn the
system back on.
U.S.A
Canada
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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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2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
CAUTION
Any of the following conditions may result in an accident which could cause death or
serious injury:
■The ABS does not operate effectively when
●The limits of tire gripping performance have been exceeded.
●The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on the wet or slick road.
■Stopping distance when the ABS is operating on the wet or slick roads
The ABS is not designed to shorten the ve hicle’s stopping distance. Always main-
tain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you in the following situations.
●When driving on dirt, gravel or snow-covered roads
●When driving with tire chains
●When driving over bumps in the road
●When driving over roads with potholes or roads with uneven roads
■TRAC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be ac hievable while driving on slippery road
surfaces, even if the TRAC is operating.
Do not drive the vehicle in conditions where stability and power may be lost.
■When the VSC is activated
The slip indicator light flashes and a warning buzzer sounds. Always drive carefully.
Reckless driving may cause an accident. Ex ercise particular care when the indica-
tor light flashes and a buzzer sounds.
■Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the same size, brand, tread pattern and total load
capacity. In addition, make sure that the ti res are inflated to the specified tire pres-
sure level.
The ABS and VSC will not function correctly if different tires are fitted on the vehi-
cle.
Contact your Lexus dealer for further info rmation when replacing tires or wheels.
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2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
Connecting trailer lightsUse the wire harness stored in the rear end under body.
■When connecting and disconnecting a trailer Connecting
Set the active height control suspension to “LO” mode.
Turn off the ignition switch or th e active height control suspension.
Connect the trailer.
Turn on the switch that was turned off on step 2.
Set the active height control suspension to “N” mode.
Disconnecting
Set the active height control suspension to “LO” mode.
Turn off the ignition switch or th e active height control suspension.
Set the supporting leg of the trailer on the ground and raise the hitch by 4
in. (100 mm).
Turn on the switch that was turned off on step 2.
Wait until vehicle height is stabilized.
Make sure the hitch is disconnected. If the hitch does not disconnect, raise
the hitch higher and repeat steps 2 through 5.
Move the vehicle forward in the “LO” mode to a point where the hitch
does not touch anything in the “N” mode.
Set the active height control suspension in the “N” mode.
STEP1STEP1
STEP2STEP2
STEP1STEP3STEP3
STEP1STEP4STEP4
STEP1STEP5STEP5
STEP1STEP1
STEP2STEP2
STEP1STEP3STEP3
STEP1STEP4STEP4
STEP1STEP5STEP5
STEP1STEP5STEP6STEP6
STEP1STEP5STEP6STEP7STEP7
STEP1STEP5STEP6STEP8STEP8
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2-5. Driving information
■Before towing
Check that the following conditions are met:
●The vehicle’s tires are properly inflated. (P. 3 0 2 )
●Trailer tires are inflated according to the trailer manufacturer’s recommenda-
tion.
●All trailer lights work.
●All lights work each time you connect them.
●The trailer ball is set up at the proper height for the coupler on the trailer.
●The vehicle remains level when a loaded or unloaded trailer is hitched. Do not
drive if the vehicle is not level, and check for improper tongue load, overloading,
worn suspension, or other possible causes.
●The trailer cargo is securely loaded.
●The rear view mirrors conform to all applicable federal, state/provincial or local
regulations. If they do not, install rear view mirrors appropriate for towing pur-
poses.
■Break-in schedule
Lexus recommends that you do not use a new vehicle or a vehicle with any new
power train components (engine, transmission, differential, wheel bearings, etc.) to
tow a trailer for the first 500 miles (800 km) of driving.
■Maintenance
●If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will require more frequent maintenance due to
the additional load. (See “Warranty and Services Guide/ Owner’s Manual Sup-
plement/ Scheduled Maintenance”.)
●Retighten the fixing bolts of the towing ball and bracket after approximately
600 miles (1000 km) of trailer towing.
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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.
