2011 LEXUS RX350 engine

5

When trouble arises
577
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If the engine will not start
If the engine will not start even though correct starting procedures are
being followed (→P. 153), consider each of the following points.
nThe engine will not start, even though the starter motor operates
normally.
One of the following may be the cause of the problem:
lThere may not be sufficient fuel in the vehicle’s tank.
Refuel the vehicle.
lThe engine may be flooded.
Try to restart the engine again following correct starting proce-
dures. (→P. 1 5 3 )
lThere may be a malfunction in the engine immobilizer system.
(→P. 1 0 1 )
nThe starter motor turns over slowly, the interior lights and head-
lights are dim, or the horn does not sound or sounds at a low vol-
ume.
One of the following may be the cause of the problem:
lThe battery may be discharged. (→P. 584)
lThe battery terminal connections may be loose or corroded.
nThe starter motor does not turn over.
The engine starting system may be malfunctioning due to an electri-
cal problem such as an open circuit or a blown fuse. However, an
interim measure is available to start the engine. (→P. 5 7 8 )

578
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
Emergency start function
When the engine does not start, the following steps can be used as an
interim measure to start the engine if the “ENGINE START STOP” switch
is functioning normally:
Set the parking brake.
Shift the shift lever to P.
Turn the “ENGINE START STOP” switch to ACCESSORY
mode.
Press and hold the “ENGINE START STOP” switch for about 15
seconds while depressing the brake pedal firmly.
Even if the engine can be started using the above steps, the system may
be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer.
nThe starter motor does not turn over, the interior lights and head-
lights do not turn on, or the horn does not sound.
One of the following may be the cause of the problem:
lOne or both of the battery terminals may be disconnected.
lThe battery may be discharged. (→P. 584)
lThere may be a malfunction in the steering lock system.
Contact your Lexus dealer if the problem cannot be repaired, or if
repair procedures are unknown.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4

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When trouble arises
579
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P
If the shift lever cannot be shifted with your foot on the brake pedal, there
may be a problem with the shift lock system (a system to prevent accidental
operation 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 START STOP” switch to ACCESSORY
mode.
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.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
STEP5

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When trouble arises
581
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If the electronic key does not operate properly
Locking and unlocking the doors and key linked functions
Use the mechanical key (→P. 2 7 )
in order to perform the following
operations (driver’s door only):
Locks all the doors
Closes the windows and moon
roof (turn and hold)
Unlocks the door
Turning the key rearward unlocks
the driver's door. Turning the key
once again unlocks the other
doors.
Opens the windows and moon
roof (turn and hold)
If communication between the electronic key and vehicle is interrupted
(→P. 36) or the electronic key cannot be used because the battery is
depleted, the smart access system with push-button start and wireless
remote control cannot be used. In such cases, the doors can be opened or
the engine can be started by following the procedure below.

582
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
Changing “ENGINE START STOP” switch modes and starting the engine
Ensure that the shift lever is in P and depress the brake pedal.
Touch the Lexus emblem side of
the electronic key to the
“ENGINE START STOP” switch.
If any of the doors is opened or
closed while the key is being
touched to the switch, an alarm will
sound to indicate that the start
function cannot detect the elec-
tronic key.
To change “ENGINE START STOP” switch modes: Within 10
seconds of the buzzer sounding, release the brake pedal and
press the “ENGINE START STOP” switch. Modes can be
changed each time the switch is pressed. (→P. 1 5 4 )
To start the engine: Press the “ENGINE START STOP” switch
within 10 seconds of the buzzer sounding, keeping the brake
pedal depressed.
In the event that the “ENGINE START STOP” switch still cannot be oper-
ated, contact your Lexus dealer.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3

5

When trouble arises
583
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
nStopping the engine
Shift the shift lever to P and press the “ENGINE START STOP” switch as you nor-
mally do when stopping the engine.
nReplacing the key battery
As the above procedure is a temporary measure, it is recommended that the elec-
tronic key battery be replaced immediately when the battery is depleted.
(→P. 4 9 6 )

584
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If the battery is discharged
The following procedures may be used to start the engine if the vehicle’s
battery is discharged.
You can call your Lexus dealer or a qualified repair shop.
If you have a set of jumper (or booster) cables and a second vehicle
with a 12-volt battery, you can jump start your vehicle by following the
steps below.
Open the hood. Remove the battery cover. (→P. 465)
Connect the jumper cables according to the following procedure:
Connect a positive jumper cable clamp to the positive (+) battery
terminal on your vehicle
Connect a positive jumper cable clamp to the positive (+) battery
terminal on the second vehicle
STEP1
STEP2

5

When trouble arises
585
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
nStarting the engine when the battery is discharged
The engine cannot be started by push-starting.
nTo prevent battery discharge
lTurn off the headlights and the audio system while the engine is off.
lTurn off any unnecessary electrical components when the vehicle is running at a
low speed for an extended period, such as in heavy traffic.
nWhen the battery is removed or discharged
The power back door must be initialized. (→P. 6 3 0 )
Connect a negative cable clamp to the negative (-) battery terminal
on the second vehicle
Connect the clamp at the other end of the negative cable to a solid,
stationary, unpainted metallic point away from the battery and any
moving parts, as shown in the illustration.
Start the engine of the second vehicle. Increase the engine
speed slightly and maintain that level for approximately 5 min-
utes to recharge the battery of your vehicle.
Open and close any of the doors with the “ENGINE START
STOP” switch off.
Maintain the engine speed of the second vehicle and start the
engine of your vehicle by turning the “ENGINE START STOP”
switch to IGNITION ON mode.
Once the vehicle’s engine has started, remove the jumper
cables in the exact reverse order from which they were con-
nected.
Once the engine starts, have the vehicle inspected at your Lexus
dealer as soon as possible.
STEP3
STEP4
STEP5
STEP6