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109
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
ES350_U_(L/O_0708)
CAUTION
●Do not turn the engine off while driving.
The power steering and brake booster systems will not operate properly if the
engine is not running.
●Use engine braking (downshift) to maintain a safe speed when driving down a
steep hill.
Using the brakes continuously may cause the brakes to overheat and lose effec-
tiveness. (→P. 117)
●When stopped on an inclined surface, use the brake pedal and parking brake to
prevent the vehicle from rolling backward or forward and causing an accident.
●Do not adjust the position of the steering wheel, the seat, or the inside or outside
rear view mirrors while driving.
Doing so may result in a loss of vehicle control that can cause accidents that may
result in death or serious injury.
●Always check that all passengers' arms, heads or other parts of their bodies are
not outside the vehicle, as this may result in death or serious injury.
●Do not drive in excess of the speed limit. Even if the legal speed limit permits it, do
not drive over 85 mph (140 km/h) unless your vehicle has high-speed capability
tires. Driving over 85 mph (140 km/h) may result in tire failure, loss of control and
possible injury. Be sure to consult a tire dealer to determine whether the tires on
your vehicle are high-speed capability tires or not before driving at such speeds.
■When driving on slippery road surfaces
●Sudden braking, acceleration and steering may cause tire slippage and reduce
your ability to control the vehicle, resulting in an accident.
●Sudden changes in engine speed, such as engine braking caused by up-shifting
or down-shifting, may cause the vehicle to skid, resulting in an accident.
●After driving through a puddle, lightly depress the brake pedal to make sure that
the brakes are functioning properly. Wet brake pads may prevent the brakes from
functioning properly. If the brakes on only one side are wet and not functioning
properly, steering control may be affected, resulting in an accident.
■When shifting the shift lever
Be careful not to shift the shift lever with the accelerator pedal depressed.
This may lead to unexpected rapid acceleration of the vehicle that may cause an
accident and result in death or serious injury.
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165
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
ES350_U_(L/O_0708)
CAUTION
■Storage precautions
●Do not place anything on the package tray behind the rear seatback.
Such items may be thrown about and possibly injure people in the vehicle during
sudden braking or in an accident.
●Do not drive with objects on top of the instrument panel.
They may interfere with the driver’s field of view or move during sharp accelera-
tion or turning, thus impairing the driver’s control of the vehicle. In an accident
they may injure the vehicle occupants.
●Secure all items in the occupant compartment, as they may shift and injure some-
one during an accident or sudden braking.
■Capacity and distribution
●Do not exceed the maximum axle weight rating or the total vehicle weight rating.
●Even if the total load of occupant's weight and the cargo load is less than the total
load capacity, do not apply the load unevenly.
Improper loading may cause deterioration of steering or braking control which
may cause death or serious injury.
Page 168 of 459
166
2-5. Driving information
ES350_U_(L/O_0708)
Vehicle load limits
■Total load capacity and seating capacity
These details are also described on the tire and loading information label.
( → P. 3 2 4 )
CAUTION
■Overloading the vehicle
Do not overload the vehicle.
It may not only cause damage to the tires, but also degrade steering and braking
ability, resulting in an accident.
Vehicle load limits include total load capacity, seating capacity, towing
capacity and cargo capacity.
■Total load capacity: 900 lb. (410 kg)
Total load capacity means the combined weight of occupants, cargo and
luggage.
■Seating capacity: 5 occupants (Front 2, Rear 3)
Seating capacity means the maximum number of occupants whose esti-
mated average weight is 150 lb. (68 kg) per person.
■Towing capacity: 1000 lb. (450 kg)
■ Cargo capacity
Cargo capacity may increase or decrease depending on the weight and
the number of occupants.
Page 183 of 459

Interior features3
181
ES350_U_(L/O_0708)
3-1. Using the air conditioning system and
defogger ........................ 182
Automatic air conditioning
system ...................................... 182
Rear window and outside rear view mirror
defoggers ............................... 189
3-2. Using the audio system ........................... 190
Audio system type................... 190
Using the radio......................... 192
Using the CD player .............. 199
Playing back MP3 and
WMA discs........................... 205
Optimal use of the audio system ...................................... 213
Using the AUX adapter ........ 216
Using the steering wheel audio switches ....................... 217
3-3. Using the hands-free phone system
(for cellular phone) ...... 219
Hands-free phone system
features
(for cellular phone) .............. 219
Using the hands-free phone
system
(for cellular phone) ............. 222
Making a phone call ............. 230
Setting a cellular phone ....... 234
Security and system setup ....................................... 238 Using the phone book ........... 241
3-4. Using the interior lights ............................. 247
Interior lights list ..................... 247
• Front interior lights............. 249
• Personal lights ..................... 249
3-5. Using the storage features ........................ 250
List of storage features......... 250
• Glove box .............................. 250
• Console box .......................... 251
• Overhead console.............. 253
• Cup holders .......................... 254
• Auxiliary box ........................ 256
3-6. Other interior features ........................ 257
Sun visors ................................. 257
Vanity mirror ........................... 258
Clock ......................................... 259
Ashtray ..................................... 260
Cigarette lighter ...................... 261
Power outlet ............................ 262
Seat heaters and ventilators ............................. 263
Armrest .................................... 265
Rear sunshade ........................ 266
Extended trunk....................... 268
Floor mat .................................. 269
Trunk features ......................... 270
Garage door opener ............ 272
Compass.................................... 277
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214
3-2. Using the audio system
ES350_U_(L/O_0708)■
Changing the li stening position
Turning changes the position in the following order.
■ Adjusting sound quality
Turning adjusts the level.
*: The sound quality level is adjusted individually in each radio mode or CD mode.
DisplayListening position
DRIVERPosition best suited to the driver’s seat
FRONTPosition best suited to the driver’s and front passenger
seats
REARPosition best suited to the rear seats
ALLPosition best suited to all seats
Sound qual-
ity modeMode
displayedLevelTurn to the leftTurn to the right
Bass*BAS-5 to 5
LowHighMid-range*MID-5 to 5
Tr e b l e*TRE-5 to 5
F r o n t /r e a r volume
balance
FA DF7 to R7Shifts to rearShifts to front
Left/right volume
balance
BALL7 to R7Shifts to leftShifts to right
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268
3-6. Other interior features
ES350_U_(L/O_0708)
Extended trunk
CAUTION
■When not in use
Ensure that the armrest door is closed.
In the event of sudden braking, items stored in the trunk may be thrown forward into
the cabin, resulting in injury.
Long objects can be loaded in the vehicle by utilizing the trunk space and
rear seat area.
Pull down the armrest.
Open the armrest door.
The armrest door can be locked
and unlocked using the
mechanical key.Lock
UnlockSTEP1
STEP2
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286
4-1. Maintenance and care
ES350_U_(L/O_0708)
■Cleaning the inside of the rear window
Do not use glass cleaner to clean the rear window, as this may cause damage to the
rear window defogger heater wires. Use a cloth dampened with lukewarm water to
gently wipe the window clean. Wipe the window in strokes running parallel to the
heater wires or antenna.
■Caring for leather areas
Lexus recommends cleaning the interior of the vehicle at least twice a year to main-
tain the quality of the vehicle’s interior.
■Shampooing the carpets
There are several commercial foaming-type cleaners available. Use a sponge or
brush to apply the foam. Rub in overlapping circles. Do not apply water. The excel-
lent results are obtained by keeping the carpet as dry as possible.
■Seat belts
Clean with mild soap and lukewarm water using a cloth or sponge. Also check the
belts periodically for excessive wear, fraying or cuts.
CAUTION
■Water in the vehicle
●Be careful not to splash or spill liquid on the floor.
●Do not get any of the SRS components or wiring in the vehicle interior wet.
(→ P. 7 7 )
Electrical malfunction may cause the airbags to deploy or not function properly,
resulting in death or severe injury.
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287
4-1. Maintenance and care
4
Maintenance and care
ES350_U_(L/O_0708)
NOTICE
■Cleaning detergents
Do not use the following types of detergent, as they may discolor the vehicle inte-
rior or cause streaks or damage to painted surfaces.
●Non-seat portions: Organic substances such as benzene or gasoline, alkaline or
acidic solutions, dye, or bleach.
●Seats: Acidic solutions, such as thinner, benzene, or alcohol.
■Preventing damage to leather surfaces
Observe the following precautions to avoid damage to and deterioration of leather
surfaces.
●Remove any dust or dirt on leather surfaces immediately.
●Do not expose the vehicle to direct sunlight for extended periods of time. Park
the vehicle in the shade, especially during summer.
●Do not place items made of vinyl, plastic, or that contain wax on the upholstery, as
they may stick to the leather surface if the vehicle interior heats up significantly.
■Water on the floor
Do not wash the vehicle floor with water.
Vehicle systems such as the audio system may be damaged if water comes into
contact with electrical components under the floor of the vehicle, and may also
cause the body to rust.
■Cleaning the inside of the rear window
Be careful not to scratch or damage the heater wires or antenna.