2008 LEXUS RX400H parking brake

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2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
RX400h_U●
Always place wheel blocks under both the vehicle and the trailer
wheels when parking. Apply the parking brake firmly, and put the
transmission in P. Avoid parking on a slope, but if unavoidable, do so
only after performing the following:
Apply the brakes and keep them applied.
Have someone place wheel blocks under both the vehicle and
trailer wheels.
When the wheel blocks are in place, release the brakes slowly
until the blocks absorb the load.
Apply the parking brake firmly.
Shift into P and turn off the hybrid system.
● When restarting after parking on a slope:
With the transmission in the P position, start the hybrid system. Be
sure to keep the brake pedal pressed.
Shift into D or the R position (if reversing).
Release the parking brake and brake pedal, and slowly pull or
back away from the wheel blocks. Stop and apply the brakes.
Have someone retrieve the blocks.
CAUTION
■To avoid an accident
●Do not exceed 45 mph (72 km/h) or the posted towing speed limit, whichever is
lower. As instability (swaying) of the towing vehicle-trailer combination increases
as speed increases, exceeding 45 mph (72 km/h) may cause loss of control.
●Slow down and downshift before descending steep or long downhill grades. Do
not make sudden downshifts.
●Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long or applying the brakes too fre-
quently.
This could cause the brakes to overheat and result in reduced braking efficiency.
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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
RX400h_U
CAUTION
■When raising your vehicle:
Make sure to observe the following to reduce the possibility of death or serious
injury.
●Do not use the jack that was supplied with your vehicle.
●Do not put any part of your body or get underneath the vehicle supported only by
the floor jack.
Always use automotive jack stands on a solid, level, surface.
●Do not start the hybrid system while the vehicle is supported by the floor jack.
●Stop the vehicle on level firm ground, firmly set the parking brake and put the shift
lever in P.
●Make sure to set the floor jack properly at the jack point.
Raising the vehicle with an improperly positioned floor jack will damage the vehi-
cle and may cause the vehicle to fall off the floor jack.
●Do not raise the vehicle while someone is in the vehicle.
●When raising the vehicle, do not place any objects on top of or underneath the
floor jack.
●Lift up the vehicle using a floor jack such as
the one shown in the illustration.

5
When trouble arises
379
5-1. Essential information
RX400h_U
■Emergency towing procedureRelease the parking brake.
Shift the shift lever to N.
Turn the engine switch to the ACC (hybrid system off) or ON (hybrid sys-
tem on) position.
CAUTION
■Caution while towing
●Use extreme caution when towing the vehicle.
Avoid sudden starts or erratic driving maneuvers which place excessive stress on
the emergency towing eyelets and the cables or chains.
●If the hybrid system is not running, the power assist for the brakes and steering
will not function, making steering and braking more difficult.
NOTICE
■To prevent causing serious damage to the transmission
Never tow this vehicle from the rear with four wheels on the ground.
This may cause serious damage to the transmission.
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382
5-1. Essential information
RX400h_U
Towing with a wheel lift-type truckFrom the front (2WD models) Release the parking brake.
From the front (AWD models) Use a towing dolly under the rear
wheel.
NOTICE
■To prevent damaging the vehicle
When raising the vehicle, ensure adequate ground clearance for towing at the
opposite end of the raised vehicle.
Without adequate clearance, the vehicle could be damaged while being towed.
■To prevent causing serious damage to the transmission (AWD models)
Never tow this vehicle from the front with the rear wheels on the ground.

388
RX400h_U
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 vehicle in a safe place and contact your Lexus
dealer.
*: Parking brake engaged warning buzzer:
→P. 4 0 2
Warning lightWarning light/Details
(U.S.A.)

(Canada)
Brake system warning light (warning buzzer)*
•Low brake fluid
• Malfunction in the electronically controlled 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.
(U.S.A.)

(Canada)Brake system warning lightIndicates a malfunction in the vehicle’s brake system.
Calmly perform the following actions if any of the warning lights turn on or
flash. If a light turns on or flashes, but then turns off, this does not necessar-
ily indicate a malfunction in the system.

5
When trouble arises
403
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
RX400h_U
Wa r n i n g m e s s a g eDetailsCorrection procedure
(Flashing)
Indicates that the moon
roof is not fully closed
(with the engine switch
LOCK and the driver’s
door opened).
Close the moon roof.
(Flashing)
Indicates that the parking
brake is still engaged
(with the vehicle having
reached a speed of more
than 3 mph [5 km/h]).
Release the parking
brake.
Indicates that the washer
fluid level is low.Add washer fluid.

408
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
RX400h_U
If you have a flat tire
Remove the flat tire and replace it with the spare provided.
■Before jacking up the vehicle
● Stop the vehicle on a hard, flat surface.
● Set the parking brake.
● Shift the shift lever to P.
● Stop the hybrid system.
● Turn on the emergency flashers.
■ Location of the spare tire, jack and tools
Jack
Adapter socket Wr e n c h
Towing eyelet
Jack handle
Tool bag
Spare tire

5
When trouble arises
419
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
RX400h_U
If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P
If the shift lever cannot be shifted with your foot on the brake, there may be
a problem with the shift lock system (a system to prevent accidental opera-
tion of the shift lever). Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer
immediately.
The following steps may be used as an emergency measure to ensure that
the shift lever can be shifted.
Set the parking brake.
Turn the engine switch to the ON position.
Depress the brake pedal.
Pry the cover up with a flathead
screwdriver or equivalent.
Press the shift lock override but-
ton.
The shift lever can be shifted
while the button is pressed.
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