2011 LEXUS RX350 engine

156
2-1. Driving procedures
nIf the engine does not start
The engine immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. (→P. 1 0 1 )
nSteering lock
After turning the “ENGINE START STOP” switch off and opening and closing the
doors, the steering wheel will be locked due to the steering lock function. Operat-
ing the “ENGINE START STOP” switch again automatically cancels the steering
lock.
nWhen the steering lock cannot be released
nSteering lock motor overheating prevention
To prevent the steering lock motor from overheating, the motor may be suspended
if the engine is turned on and off repeatedly in a short period of time. In this case,
refrain from operating the engine. After about 2 seconds, the steering lock motor
will resume functioning.
nWhen the “ENGINE START STOP” switch indicator flashes in amber
The system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus
dealer immediately.
nIf the electronic key battery is depleted
→P. 4 9 6
The green indicator light on the “ENGINE
START STOP” switch will flash and a mes-
sage will be shown on the multi-information
display. Press the “ENGINE START STOP”
switch again while turning the steering wheel
left and right.

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2-1. Driving procedures
2

When driving
CAUTION
nWhen starting the engine
Always start the engine while sitting in the driver’s seat. Do not depress the acceler-
ator pedal while starting the engine under any circumstances.
Doing so may cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
nCaution while driving
If the vehicle begins to slide due to engine failure or other circumstances, do not
lock or open the doors until the vehicle reaches a safe and complete stop. Activa-
tion of the steering lock in this circumstance may lead to an accident, resulting in
death or serious injury.
nStopping the engine in an emergency
If you want to stop the engine in an emergency while driving the vehicle, press and
hold the “ENGINE START STOP” switch for more than 3 seconds.
However, do not touch the “ENGINE START STOP” switch while driving unless in
an emergency. If the engine stops while driving, this could lead to an accident.

158
2-1. Driving procedures
NOTICE
nTo prevent battery discharge
lDo not leave the “ENGINE START STOP” switch in ACCESSORY or IGNI-
TION ON mode for long periods of time without the engine running.
lIf the indicator on the “ENGINE START STOP” switch is illuminated, the
“ENGINE START STOP” switch is not off. When exiting the vehicle, always
check that the “ENGINE START STOP” switch is off.
lDo not stop the engine when the shift lever is in a position other than P. If the
engine is stopped in another shift lever position, the “ENGINE START STOP”
switch will not be turned off but instead be turned to ACCESSORY mode. If the
vehicle is left in ACCESSORY mode, battery discharge may occur.
nWhen starting the engine
lDo not race a cold engine.
lIf the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls frequently, have the engine
checked immediately.
nSymptoms indicating a malfunction with the “ENGINE START STOP” switch
If the “ENGINE START STOP” seems to be operating somewhat differently than
usual, such as the switch sticking slightly, there may be a malfunction. Contact your
Lexus dealer immediately.

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2-1. Driving procedures
2

When driving
Automatic transmission
Select a shift position appropriate for the driving conditions.
nShifting the shift lever
While the “ENGINE START STOP” switch is in IGNITION
ON mode, depress the brake pedal and move the shift lever.
nShift position purpose
*1:Shifting to the D position allows the system to select a gear suitable for the
driving conditions. Setting the shift lever to the D position is recommended
for normal driving.
*2: Selecting shift ranges using S mode restricts the upper limit of the possible
gear ranges, controls engine braking forces, and prevents unnecessary
upshifting.
Shift positionFunction
PParking the vehicle/starting the engine
RReversing
NNeutral
DNormal driving*1
SS mode driving*2 (→P. 161)

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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.

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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.)

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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.

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