2011 LEXUS RX350 Owners Manual

161
2-1. Driving procedures
2

When driving
Changing shift ranges in S mode
When the shift lever is in the S position, the shift lever can be operated as
follows:
For upshifting
For downshifting
The initial shift range in S mode is set automatically to “5” or “4” accord-
ing to vehicle speed. However, the initial shift range may be set to “3” if
AI-SHIFT has operated while the shift lever was in the D position.
(→P. 162)
nShift ranges and their functions
lYou can choose from 6 levels of engine braking force.
lA lower shift range will provide greater engine braking force than a
higher shift range, and the engine speed will also increase.

162
2-1. Driving procedures
nSnow mode automatic deactivation
Snow mode is automatically deactivated if the “ENGINE START STOP” switch is
turned off after driving in snow mode.
nS mode
lWhen the shift range is “5” or lower, holding the shift lever toward “+” sets the
shift range to “6”.
lTo prevent the engine from over-revving, upshifting may automatically occur.
lTo protect the automatic transmission, a function is adopted that automatically
selects a higher shift range when the fluid temperature is high.
nAI-SHIFT
AI-SHIFT automatically selects the optimal gear according to driver performance
and driving conditions.
AI-SHIFT automatically operates when the shift lever is in the D position. (Shifting
the shift lever to the S position cancels the function.)
nWhen driving with the cruise control or dynamic radar cruise control
Engine braking will not occur in S mode, even when downshifting to “5” or “4”.
(→P. 204, 208)
nIf the shift lever cannot be shifted from P
→P. 5 7 9
nIf S does not come on even after shifting the shift lever to S
This may indicate a malfunction in the automatic transmission system. Have the
vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
(In this situation, the transmission will operate in the same as manner as when the
shift lever is in D.)
nDownshift restriction warning buzzer (S mode)
To help ensure safety and driving performance, downshifting operation may some-
times be restricted. In some circumstances, downshifting may not be possible even
when the shift lever is operated. (The buzzer will sound twice.)

163
2-1. Driving procedures
2

When driving
Turn signal lever
nTurn signals can be operated when
The “ENGINE START STOP” switch is in IGNITION ON mode.
nIf the indicators flash faster than usual
Check that a light bulb in the front or rear turn signal lights has not burned out.
The turn signal lever can be used to show the following intention of the
driver:
Right turn
Left turn
Lane change to the right
(push and hold the lever part-
way)
The right hand signals will flash
until you release the lever.
Lane change to the left (push
and hold the lever partway)
The left hand signals will flash
until you release the lever.

164
2-1. Driving procedures
Parking brake
nUsage in winter time
See “Winter driving tips” for parking brake usage in winter time. (→P. 2 5 4 )
NOTICE
nBefore driving
Fully release the parking brake.
Driving the vehicle with the parking brake set will lead to brake components over-
heating, which may affect braking performance and increase brake wear.
To set the parking brake, fully
depress the parking brake pedal
with your left foot while
depressing the brake pedal with
your right foot.
(Depressing the pedal again
releases the parking brake.)
CanadaU.S.A.

165
2-1. Driving procedures
2

When driving
Horn
To sound the horn, press on or
close to the mark.

166
2-2. Instrument cluster
Gauges and meters
Tachometer
Displays the engine speed in revolutions per minute
Multi-information display
→P. 1 7 3
Speedometer
Displays the vehicle speed
Fuel gauge
Displays the quantity of fuel remaining in the tank
Odometer and trip meter
Odometer: Displays the total distance the vehicle has been driven
Trip meter: Displays the distance the vehicle has been driven since the
meter was last reset. Trip meters “A” and “B” can be used to
record and display different distances independently.
Automatic transmission shift position indicator
→P. 1 5 9
Engine coolant temperature gauge
Displays the engine coolant temperature

167
2-2. Instrument cluster
2

When driving
Changing the display
Switches between odometer and
trip meter displays. When the trip
meter is displayed, pressing and
holding the button will reset the
trip meter.
Instrument panel light control buttons
The brightness of the instrument panel lights can be adjusted.
Darker
Brighter
nThe meters and display illuminate when
The “ENGINE START STOP” switch is in IGNITION ON mode.
NOTICE
nTo prevent damage to the engine and its components
lDo not let the indicator needle of the tachometer enter the red zone, which indi-
cates the maximum engine speed.
lThe engine may be overheating if the engine coolant temperature gauge is in the
red zone (H). In this case, immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place, and check
the engine after it has cooled completely. (→P. 5 8 7 )

168
2-2. Instrument cluster
Indicators and warning lights
The indicator and warning lights on the instrument cluster and center
panel inform the driver of the status of the vehicle’s various systems.
Instrument cluster
Center panel (without navigation system)