2011 Lexus ES350 engine lights

149
2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers
2
When driving
ES350_U
■Daytime running light system
●To make your vehicle more visible to other drivers, the headlights turn on auto-
matically (at a reduced intensity) whenever the engine is started and the parking
brake is released. Daytime running lights are not designed for use at night.
●Compared to turning on the headlights, the daytime running light system offers
greater durability and consumes less electricity, so it can help improve fuel
economy.
■Headlight control sensor
■Automatic light off system
●When the headlights come on: The headlights and tail lights turn off 30 seconds
after all doors are closed with the “ENGINE START STOP” switch switched to
ACCESSORY mode or turned OFF. (The light turns off immediately if
the button on the key is pressed after all doors are locked.)
●When only the tail lights come on: The tail lights turn off automatically if the
“ENGINE START STOP” switch is switched to ACCESSORY mode or turned
OFF and driver’s door is opened.
To turn the lights on again, switch to IGNITION ON mode, or turn the light switch
OFF once and then back to the
or position.
■Automatic headlight leveling system (vehicles with discharge headlights)
The level of the headlights is automatically adjusted according to the number of
passengers and the loading condition of the vehicle to ensure that the headlights do
not interfere with other road users.
■If the indicator flashes... (vehicles with discharge headlights)
It may indicate a malfunction in the system. Contact your Lexus dealer. The sensor may not function properly if an
object is placed on the sensor, or anything
that blocks the sensor is affixed to the wind-
shield.
Doing so interferes with the sensor detecting
the level of ambient light and may cause the
automatic headlight control system to mal-
function.

150
2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers
ES350_U
■Customization that can be configured at Lexus dealer
Settings (e.g. light sensor sensitivity) can be changed.
(Customizable features →P. 5 1 7 )
NOTICE
■To prevent battery discharge
Do not leave the lights on longer than necessary when the engine is not running.

153
2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers
2
When driving
ES350_U
■The windshield wiper and washer can be operated when
The “ENGINE START STOP” switch is in IGNITION ON mode.
■Raindrop sensor
●If the temperature of the raindrop sensor is 194°F (90 °C) or higher, or 5 °F
( -1 5 °C) or lower, automatic operation may not occur. In this case, operate
the wipers in any mode other than “AUTO”.
■AUTO mode
If the wiper switch is turned to AUTO position while the “ENGINE START STOP”
switch is in IGNITION ON mode, the wiper will operate once to show that AUTO
mode is activated.
■If no windshield washer fluid sprays
Check that the washer nozzles are not blocked if there is washer fluid in the wind-
shield washer fluid reservoir.
Wash/wipe operation
Wipers operate automatically.
(With “AUTO” selected, after
operating several times, the wip-
ers operate one more time after
a short delay to prevent drip-
ping.)
●The sensor judges the amount of raindrops.

199
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
ES350_U
■Before towing
●Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated. (→P. 4 0 3 )
●Trailer tires should be inflated according to the trailer manufacturer's recom-
mendation.
●All trailer lights work to be legal.
●Confirm all lights work each time you connect them.
●Check that your 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.
●Make sure the trailer cargo is securely loaded.
●Check that your rear view mirrors conform to any federal, state/provincial or
local regulations. If they do not, install rear view mirrors appropriate for towing
purposes.
■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.
CAUTION
■To avoid accident or injury
●The total trailer weight (trailer weight plus the weight of cargo) must not exceed
1000 lb. (450 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.

314
ES350_U
3-5. Using the interior lights
Interior lights list
Your Lexus is equipped with the illuminated entry system to assist in enter-
ing the vehicle. Owing to the function of the system, the lights shown in the
following illustration automatically turn on/off according to the presence of
the electronic key, whether the door s are locked/unlocked, whether the
doors are opened/closed, and the “ENGINE START STOP” switch mode.
Front personal lights (→P. 316)
Front interior lights ( →P. 316)
Shift lever lighting
This light turns on or off depending on the darkness of the surroundings
when the “ENGINE START STOP” switch is in ACCESSORY or IGNI-
TION ON mode.
Rear personal lights ( → P. 316)
Rear interior light ( → P. 316)
Door courtesy lights
Front foot well lighting
Outer foot lights

Maintenance and care4
361
ES350_U
4-1. Maintenance and careCleaning and protecting the vehicle exterior............. 362
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle interior .............. 365
4-2. Maintenance Maintenance requirements ....................... 368
General maintenance .......... 370
Emission inspection and maintenance (I/M)
programs................................ 373 4-3. Do-it-yourself
maintenance
Do-it-yourself service precautions ............................ 374
Hood .......................................... 378
Positioning a floor jack ......... 379
Engine compartment ............ 381
Tires............................................ 394
Tire inflation pressure........... 403
Wheels ...................................... 407
Air conditioning filter ........... 409
Electronic key battery............ 411
Checking and replacing fuses ......................................... 413
Headlight aim (vehicles with discharge
headlights) ............................ 422
Light bulbs................................ 424

422
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
ES350_U
Headlight aim (vehicles with discharge headlights)
■Vertical movement adjusting bolts
Adjustment bolt A
Adjustment bolt B
■ Before checking the headlight aim
Make sure the vehicle has a full tank of gas and the area around
the headlight is not deformed.
Park the vehicle on level ground.
Sit in the driver’s seat.
Bounce the vehicle several times.
■ Adjusting the headlight aim
Remove the engine compartment cover. ( →P. 382)
Turn bolt A in either direction
using a Phillips-head screw-
driver.
Remember the turning direction
and the number of turns in mind.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
STEP1
STEP2

425
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
ES350_U
Replacing light bulbs■ Headlight low beams (for vehicles with halogen bulbs), headlight
high beams and daytime running lights
Remove the engine compartment cover. ( →P. 382)
Turn the bulb base counterclock-
wise.
Unplug the connector while
depressing the lock release.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3