2009 Lexus IS250 driving mode

207
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
08_IS350/250_U_(L/O_0808)
NOTICE
■Dinghy towing direction
■To prevent the steering from locking
Ensure the “ENGINE START STOP” switch is in ACCESSORY mode.
Do not tow the vehicle backwards.
Doing so may cause serious damage.

252
3-4. Using the storage features
08_IS350/250_U_(L/O_0808)
Console boxesFront Pull up the knob to release the
lock.
Slide the armrest.
Pull up the knob to release the
lock.
Lift the armrest to open.
Rear (if equipped) Press the button to release the
lock.
Lift the armrest to open.
■Glove box light
The glove box light turns on when the “ENGINE START STOP” switch is in IGNI-
TION ON mode.
■Trunk opener main switch
The trunk opener main switch located in the glove box. (

P. 4 3 )
CAUTION
■Caution while driving
Keep the glove box closed.
Injuries may result in the event of an accident or sudden braking.
Glove box and console boxes

253
3-4. Using the storage features
3
Interior features
08_IS350/250_U_(L/O_0808)
Overhead consoleThe overhead console is useful for
temporarily storing sunglasses and
similar small items.
■Console box light (front)
The console box light turn on when the “ENGINE START STOP” switch is in IGNI-
TION ON mode.
■Using the front console box to store CD cases
CAUTION
■Caution while driving
Keep the console box closed.
Injuries may result in the event of an accident or sudden braking.
Store a CD case with the hinged portion fac-
ing either the front or back of the console
box.
Console boxes and overhead console

306
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
08_IS350/250_U_(L/O_0808)
CAUTION
■When working near the electric cooling fan or radiator grille
Be sure the “ENGINE START STOP” switch is OFF.
With the “ENGINE START STOP” switch in IGNITION ON mode, the electric
cooling fan may automatically start to run if the air conditioning is on and/or the
coolant temperature is high. (

P. 3 1 9 )
■Safety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc. from getting
in the eyes.
NOTICE
■If you remove the air cleaner
Driving with the air filter removed may cause excessive engine wear due to dirt in
the air. Also a backfire could cause a fire in the engine compartment.

316
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
08_IS350/250_U_(L/O_0808)
■Engine oil consumption
●The amount of engine oil consumed depends on the oil viscosity, the quality of
the oil and the way the vehicle is driven.
●More oil is consumed under driving conditions such as high speeds and fre-
quent acceleration and deceleration.
●A new engine consumes more oil.
●When judging the amount of oil consumption, keep in mind that the oil may
have become diluted, making it difficult to judge the true level accurately.
●Oil consumption: Max. 1.1 qt./600 miles, 0.9 lmp.qt./600 miles (1.0 L per 1000
km)
●If you consume more than 1.1 qt. (1.0 L, 0.9 lmp.qt.) every 600 miles (1000 km),
contact your Lexus dealer.
■After changing the engine oil (U.S.A. only)
The oil change system should be reset. Perform the following procedures:Switch the display to the odometer (

P. 142) when the engine is running.
Turn the “ENGINE START STOP” switch OFF.
While pressing the trip meter reset button, set the “ENGINE START
STOP” switch to the IGNITION ON mode (but do not start the engine
because otherwise the reset mode will be cancelled). Continue to press
and hold the button until the trip meter displays 000000.
CAUTION
■Used engine oil
●Used engine oil contains potentially harmful contaminants which may cause skin
disorders such as inflammation or skin cancer, so care should be taken to avoid
prolonged and repeated contact. To remove used engine oil from your skin, wash
thoroughly with soap and water.
●Dispose of used oil and filters only in a safe and acceptable manner. Do not dis-
pose of used oil and filters in household trash, in sewers or onto the ground.
Call your Lexus dealer, service station or auto parts store for information con-
cerning recycling or disposal.
●Do not leave used engine oil within the reach of children.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3

331
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
08_IS350/250_U_(L/O_0808)
■Replacing tires and wheels
If the ID code of the tire pressure warning valve and transmitter is not registered,
the tire pressure warning system will not work properly. After driving for about 20
minutes, the tire pressure warning light comes on after blinking for 1 minute to indi-
cate a system malfunction.
■Tire life
Any tire over 6 years old must be checked by a qualified technician even if they
have seldom or never been used or damage is not obvious.
■If the tread wears down below 0. 16 in. (4 mm) on snow tires
The effectiveness of snow tires is lost.
■Low profile tires (models not equipped with 16-inch tires)
Generally, low profile tires will wear more rapidly and tire grip performance will be
reduced on snowy and/or icy roads when compared to standard tires. Be sure to
use snow tires or tire chains
* on snowy and/or icy roads and drive carefully at a
speed appropriate for road and weather conditions.
*: Tire chains cannot be mounted on 18-inch tires.
■Maximum load of tire
Check that the maximum load of the replacement tire is greater than 1 /2 of the
Gross Axle Weight Ratings (GAWR) of either the front axle or the rear axle, which-
ever is greater.
For the GAWR, see the Certification Label.
For the maximum load of the tire, see the load
limit at maximum cold tire inflation pressure
mentioned on the sidewall of the tire.
(
→P. 4 4 9 )

374
5-1. Essential information
08_IS350/250_U_(L/O_0808)
■Emergency towing procedureRelease the parking brake.
Shift the shift lever to N.
Put the “ENGINE START STOP” switch in ACCESSORY mode or IGNI-
TION ON mode.
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 engine 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 da mage to the transmission
(vehicles with an automatic transmission)
Never tow this vehicle from the front with the rear wheels on the ground.
This may cause serious damage to the transmission.
■When towing a vehicle without using a towing dolly
(vehicles with a manual transmission)
The “ENGINE START STOP” switch must not be OFF.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3

5
When trouble arises
399
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
08_IS350/250_U_(L/O_0808)
Wa r n i n g m e s s a g eDetailsCorrection procedure
(Flashing and then con-tinuously on)
(Flashing)
(If equipped)Indicates that the radar
cruise control system is
unable to judge vehicle-
to-vehicle distance.
• Switch the driving mode to either the normal or
power mode.
• If the windshield wipers are on, turn them off or
set them to either the
intermittent or the slow
mode.
(Flashing)
(If equipped)
Indicates that your vehi-
cle is nearing the vehicle
ahead (in radar cruise
mode).
Slow the vehicle by apply-
ing the brakes.
■Changing the engine oil (U.S.A. only)
Make sure to reset the oil change system. (

P. 313)
■Warning light display in radar cruise mode
In the following cases, the warning light may not be displayed even if vehicle-to-
vehicle distance closes.
●When your vehicle and the vehicle ahead are traveling at the same speed or the
vehicle ahead is traveling more quickly than your vehicle
●When the vehicle ahead is traveling at a very low speed
●Immediately after cruise control speed is set
●At the instant the accelerator pedal is depressed