2011 LEXUS RX350 check engine

265
2-5. Driving information
2

When driving
lCrosswinds and rough roads will adversely 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 gradually, and steer straight ahead.
Never increase speed. If you make no extreme correction with the
steering or brakes, your vehicle and trailer will stabilize.
lTake care when passing other vehicles. 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.
lIn order to maintain engine braking efficiency when driving on a long
steep downgrade, do not use overdrive. Transmission shift range posi-
tion must be in 4 in S mode.
lDue to the added load of the trailer, your vehicle's engine may over-
heat on hot days (at temperatures over 85°F [30°C]) when driving up
a long or steep grade. If the engine coolant temperature gauge indi-
cates overheating, immediately turn off the air conditioning (if in use),
pull your vehicle off the road and stop in a safe spot. (→P. 587)
lAlways 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 engine.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
STEP5

266
2-5. Driving information
lWhen restarting after parking on a slope:
With the transmission in the P position, start the engine. Be sure
to keep the brake pedal depressed.
Shift into 3, 2, 1, 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.
nBefore towing
Check that the following conditions are met:
lThe vehicle's tires are properly inflated. (→P. 4 8 7 )
lTrailer tires are inflated according to the trailer manufacturer's recommendation.
lAll trailer lights work.
lAll lights work each time you connect them.
lThe trailer ball is set up at the proper height for the coupler on the trailer.
lThe 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.
lThe trailer cargo is securely loaded.
lThe 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.
nBreak-in schedule
If your vehicle is new or equipped with any new power train components (such as
an engine, transmission, differential and wheel bearing), Lexus recommends that
you do not tow a trailer until it has been driven for over 500 miles (800 km).
However, avoid full throttle acceleration.
nMaintenance
lIf 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” or “Scheduled Maintenance”.)
lRetighten the fixing bolts of the towing ball and bracket after approximately 600
miles (1000 km) of trailer towing.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4

420
3-7. Other interior features
Floor mat
CAUTION
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may cause the driver's floor mat to slip, possibly interfering with the
pedals while driving. An unexpectedly high speed may result or it may become diffi-
cult to stop the vehicle, leading to a serious accident.
nWhen installing the driver's floor mat
lDo not use floor mats designed for other models or different model year vehicles,
even if they are Lexus Genuine floor mats.
lOnly use floor mats designed for the driver's seat.
lAlways install the floor mat securely using the retaining hooks (clips) provided.
lDo not use two or more floor mats on top of each other.
lDo not place the floor mat bottom-side up or upside-down.
nBefore driving
Use only floor mats designed specifically for vehicles of the same model
and model year as your vehicle. Fix them securely in place onto the carpet.
Fix the floor mat in place using
the retaining hooks (clips) pro-
vided.
The shape of the retaining hooks
(clips) and the fixing procedure
of the floor mat for your vehicle
may differ from those shown in
the illustration. For details, refer
to the floor mat retention clip
installation instructions supplied
with the clips.
lCheck that the floor mat is securely fixed in
the right place with all the provided retain-
ing hooks (clips). Be especially careful to
perform this check after cleaning the floor.
lWith the engine stopped and the shift lever
in P, fully depress each pedal to the floor to
make sure it does not interfere with the
floor mat.

452
4-2. Maintenance
General maintenance
Engine compartment
ItemsCheck points
BatteryCheck the indicator and
connections. (→P. 4 74 )
Brake fluidIs the brake fluid at the correct level?
(→P. 4 7 2 )
Engine coolantIs the engine coolant at the correct
level?(→P. 4 7 0 )
Engine oilIs the engine oil at the correct level?
(→P. 4 6 6 )
Exhaust systemThere should not be any fumes or
strange sounds.
Radiator/condenser/hoses
The radiator and condenser should
be free from foreign objects.
(→P. 4 7 2 )
Wa s h e r f l u i dIs there sufficient washer fluid?
(→P. 4 7 7 )
Listed below are the general maintenance items that should be performed
at the intervals specified in the “Warranty and Service Guide” or “Owner’s
Manual Supplement”. It is recommended that any problem you notice
should be brought to the attention of your Lexus dealer or qualified service
shop for advice.

466
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Engine oil
With the engine at operating temperature and turned off, check the oil
level on the dipstick.
nChecking the engine oil
Park the vehicle on level ground. After turning off the engine, wait
more than 5 minutes for the oil to drain back into the bottom of
the engine.
Hold a rag under the end and pull
the dipstick out.
Wipe the dipstick clean.
Reinsert the dipstick fully.
Holding a rag under the end, pull the dipstick out and check the
oil level.
Wipe the dipstick and reinsert it fully.
Low
Full
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
STEP5
STEP6

467
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4

Maintenance and care
nAdding engine oil
If the oil level is below or near the
low level mark, add engine oil of
the same type as that already in the
engine.
Make sure to check the oil type and prepare the items needed before
adding oil.
Remove the oil filler cap by turning it counterclockwise.
Add engine oil slowly, checking the dipstick.
Install the oil filler cap by turning it clockwise.
About 1.6 qt. (1.5 L, 1.3 Imp. qt.) is required to raise the oil level from low to full on
the dipstick.
Engine oil
selection→P. 5 9 7
ItemsClean funnel
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3

469
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4

Maintenance and care
CAUTION
nUsed engine oil
lUsed 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.
lDispose 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.
lDo not leave used engine oil within the reach of children.
NOTICE
nTo prevent serious engine damage
Check the oil level on a regular basis.
nWhen replacing the engine oil
lBe careful not to spill engine oil on the vehicle components.
lAvoid overfilling, or the engine could be damaged.
lCheck the oil level on the dipstick every time you refill the vehicle.
lBe sure the engine oil filler cap is properly tightened.

471
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4

Maintenance and care
nIf the coolant level drops within a short time after replenishing
Visually check the radiator, hoses, radiator cap, drain cock and water pump.
If you cannot find a leak, have your Lexus dealer test the cap and check for leaks in
the cooling systems.
CAUTION
nWhen the engine is hot
Do not remove the radiator cap.
The cooling system may be under pressure and may spray hot coolant if the cap is
removed, causing burns or other injuries.
NOTICE
nWhen adding engine coolant
Coolant is neither plain water nor straight antifreeze. The correct mixture of water
and antifreeze must be used to provide proper lubrication, corrosion protection
and cooling. Be sure to read the antifreeze or coolant label.
nIf you spill coolant
Be sure to wash it off with water to prevent damage to parts or paint.