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2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
NOTICE
■To avoid damage to the vehicle
●If in the low mode, the vehicle automatically shifts to the normal mode (vehicle
height is raised) when the engine is started. Take care when overhead height is
limited.
●After unloading, the vehicle height may be slightly higher than normal. Take care
when overhead height is limited.
●Before lowering the vehicle height, check that no-one is under the vehicle and
the area is free of obstructions. Also check that the underbody of the vehicle will
not touch the ground.
●Do not select the low mode when drivin g on bumpy roads, as the underbody of
the vehicle may contact the road surface.
■ Avoid rapid changes to the vehicle height when the vehicle is heavily loaded
As the compressor may overheat, causing the vehicle height adjustment operation
to stop.
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2-4. Using other driving systems
■Operating tips
The system will operate when the shift lever is in a position other than “P”, however
to make effective use of the system it is recommended that the shift lever be shifted
to “2” or “L”.
■If the four wheel drive control lever is in “H”
The system will not operate.
■If the brake system overheats
The system will cease operation and a bu zzer will sound to alert the driver.
Stop the vehicle in a safe place. (There is no problem with continuing normal driv-
ing.)
■System malfunction
●The “DAC” indicator does not come on when the engine switch is turned to the
“ON” position.
●The “DAC” indicator does not come on when the “DAC” switch is pressed.
In the above cases have your vehicle checked by your Lexus dealer.
CAUTION
■The system may not operate on the following surfaces, which may lead to an acci-
dent causing death or serious injury.
●Slippery surfaces such as wet or muddy roads
●Icy surfaces
●Unpaved roads
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2-5. Driving information
CAUTION
■Off-road driving precautions
Always observe the following precautions to minimize the risk of serious personal
injury or damage to your vehicle:
●Drive carefully when off the road. Do not take unnecessary risks by driving in
dangerous places.
●Do not grip the steering wheel spokes wh en driving off-road. A bad bump could
jerk the wheel and injure your hands. Keep both hands and especially your
thumbs on the outside of the rim.
●Always check your brakes for effectiveness immediately after driving in sand,
mud, water or snow.
●After driving through tall grass, mud, rock, sand, rivers, etc., check that there is no
grass, bush, paper, rags, stone, sand, etc. adhering or trapped on the underbody.
Clear off any such matter from the underbody. If the vehicle is used with these
materials trapped or adhering to the underbody, a breakdown or fire could occur.
●When driving off-road or in rugged te rrain, do not drive at excessive speeds,
jump, make sharp turns, strike objects, etc. This may cause loss of control or vehi-
cle rollover causing death or serious injury. You are also risking expensive dam-
age to your vehicle’s suspension and chassis.
NOTICE
■To prevent the water damage
Take all necessary safety measures to ensure that water damage to the engine or
other components does not occur.
●Water entering the engine air intake will cause severe engine damage.
●Water entering the automatic transmission will cause deterioration in shift quality,
locking up of your transmission accompanied by vibration, and ultimately dam-
age.
●Water can wash the grease from wheel bearings, causing rusting and premature
failure, and may also enter the differentials, transmission and transfer case, reduc-
ing the gear oil’s lubricating qualities.
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2-5. Driving information
Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving the
vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropriate to the
prevailing weather conditions.
■ Pre-winter preparations
●Use fluids that are appropria te to the prevailing outside tempera-
tures.
• Engine oil
• Engine coolant
• Washer fluid
● Have a service technician inspect the level and specific gravity of
battery electrolyte.
● Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set of
tire chains for the rear tires.
Ensure that all tires are the same size and brand, and that chains match
the size of the tires.
■ Before driving the vehicle
Perform the following according to the driving conditions.
● Do not try to forcibly open a w indow or move a wiper that is fro-
zen. Pour warm water over the frozen area to melt the ice. Wipe
away the water immediately to prevent it from freezing.
● To ensure proper operation of the climate control system fan,
remove any snow that has accumu lated on the air inlet vents in
front of the windshield.
● Remove any ice that has accumul ated on the vehicle chassis.
● Periodically check for and remove any excess ice or snow that
may have accumulated in the wheel well or on the brakes.
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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. 4 1 9 )
●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
●Note that when making a turn, the tr ailer wheels will be closer than the
vehicle wheels to the inside of the turn. Compensate by making a
larger than normal turning radius.
● Crosswinds and rough roads will ad versely affect handling of your
vehicle and trailer, causing sway. Periodically check the rear to prepare
for being passed by large trucks or buses, which may cause your vehi-
cle and trailer to sway. If swaying occurs, firmly grip the steering wheel,
reduce speed immediately but grad ually, and steer straight ahead.
Never increase speed. If you make no extreme correction with the
steering or brakes, your vehi cle and trailer will stabilize.
● Take care when passing other vehi cles. Passing requires considerable
distance. After passing a vehicle, do not forget the length of your
trailer, and be sure you have plenty of room before changing lanes.
● In order to maintain efficient eng ine braking and electrical charging
performance, do not use overdrive. Transmission shift range position
must be in “4”.
● Due to the added load of the trailer, your vehicle’s engine may overheat
on hot days (at temperatures over 85°F [30°C] when driving up a
long or steep grade. If the eng ine coolant temperature gauge indicates
overheating, immediately turn off th e air conditioning (if in use), pull
your vehicle off the road and stop in a safe spot. (
P. 4 0 8 )
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3-3. Using the rear audio system
■The rear seat entertainment system can be used when
The engine switch is in the “ACC” or “ON” position.
■Discs that can be used
Discs with the marks shown below can be used.
Playback may not be possible depending on recording format or disc features, or
due to scratches, dirt or deterioration.
■When appears on the screen
This indicates that the selected operation is not currently available.
■Error messages
DISC CHECK: Indicates that the disc is dirty, damaged or was inserted upside
down. Clean the disc or insert it correctly.
REGION ERROR: Indicates that the DVD region code is incorrect.
DVD ERROR: Indicates that there is a problem inside the player. Eject the disc, then reinsert it. If this problem persists, see your Lexus dealer.
If the malfunction still exists, take the vehicle to your Lexus
dealer.
■Before using the remote control (for new vehicle owners)
An insulating sheet is set to prevent the bat-
teries from being discharged. Remove the
insulating sheet before using the remote con-
trol.
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Maintenance and care4
305
4-1. Maintenance and care ............................... 306
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle exterior .................... 306
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle interior .................... 308 4-2. Maintenance .................... 311
Maintenance requirements.......................... 311
General maintenance ........... 313
Emission inspection and maintenance (I/M)
programs ................................ 316
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance ................. 317
Do-it-yourself service precautions ............................ 317
Hood .......................................... 320
Engine compartment ............ 321
Tires............................................ 336
Tire inflation pressure........... 343
Wheels ...................................... 347
Air conditioning filter ........... 349
Wireless remote control battery ................... .................. 351
Rear seat entertainment system controller ................ 353
Checking and replacing fuses ........................................ 355
Light bulbs ................................ 365