2011 LEXUS RX350 stop start

203
2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers
2

When driving
Headlight cleaner switch∗
nThe headlight cleaner can be operated when
The “ENGINE START STOP” switch is in IGNITION ON mode and the headlight
switch is turned on.
nWindshield washer linked operation
When the windshield washer is operated with the “ENGINE START STOP” switch
in IGNITION ON mode and the headlights on, the headlight cleaner will operate
once. (→P. 1 9 7 )
NOTICE
nWhen the washer fluid tank is empty
Do not press the switch continually as the washer fluid pump may overheat.
Washer fluid can be sprayed on the headlights.
Press the switch to clean the
headlights.
∗: If equipped

209
2-4. Using other driving systems
2

When driving
Selecting conventional con-
stant speed control mode:
Press the “ON-OFF” button
to activate the cruise control.
Press the button again to deacti-
vate the cruise control.
Switch to constant speed
control mode.
(Push and hold for approxi-
mately one second.)
Constant speed control mode
indicator will come on.
Vehicle-to-vehicle distance con-
trol mode is always reset when
the “ENGINE START STOP”
switch is turned to IGNITION
ON mode.
nDriving in the selected cruise control mode
Accelerate or decelerate to the
desired speed, and push the
lever down to set the speed.
“SET” will be displayed.

211
2-4. Using other driving systems
2

When driving
nChanging the vehicle-to-vehicle distance
Pressing the button changes the
vehicle-to-vehicle distance as
follows:
Long
Medium
Short
The vehicle-to-vehicle distance
is set automatically to long
mode when the “ENGINE
START STOP” switch is turned
to IGNITION ON mode.
If a vehicle is running ahead of
you, the preceding vehicle mark
will be also displayed.
Preceding vehicle mark

228
2-4. Using other driving systems
nThe rear view monitor system can be operated when
The “ENGINE START STOP” switch is in IGNITION ON mode and the back door
is fully closed.
nSwitching the screen on/off
nDisplayed area
When the screen is displayed, press the
“AUTO” button on the inside rear view mirror
to switch the screen on/off
Screen on: Green indicator comes on.
Screen off: Orange indicator comes on.
The auto anti-glare inside rear view mirror
will revert to the screen on each time the
“ENGINE START STOP” switch to the
IGNITION ON mode.
The area covered by the camera is limited.
Objects that are close to either corner of
the bumper or under the bumper cannot
be seen on the screen.
The area displayed on the screen may vary
according to vehicle orientation or road
conditions.
Corners of bumper

231
2-4. Using other driving systems
2

When driving
Driving assist systems
To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following systems
operate automatically in response to various driving situations. Be aware,
however, that these systems are supplementary and should not be relied
upon too heavily when operating the vehicle.
nABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied suddenly, or if
the brakes are applied while driving on a slippery road surface
nBrake assist
Generates an increased level of braking force after the brake pedal is
depressed, when the system detects a panic stop situation
nVSC (Vehicle Stability Control)
Helps the driver to control skidding when swerving suddenly or turning on
slippery road surfaces
nTRAC (Traction Control)
Helps to maintain drive power and prevent the drive wheels from spinning
when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads
nHill-start assist control
→P. 2 3 8
nEPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed to turn
the steering wheel
nActive torque control 4WD system (AWD models only)
Automatically switches from front-wheel drive to AWD (All-Wheel Drive)
according to driving conditions, helping to ensure reliable handling and
stability. Examples of conditions where the system will switch to AWD are
when cornering, going uphill, starting off or accelerating, and when the
road surface is slippery due to snow or rain etc.

238
2-4. Using other driving systems
Hill-start assist control
nHill-start assist control can be operated when
lThe shift lever is in a position other than P.
lThe parking brake is not applied.
lThe accelerator pedal is not depressed.
nHill-start assist control
lWhile hill-start assist control is operating, the brakes remain automatically
applied after the driver releases the brake pedal. The stop lights and the high
mounted stoplight turn on.
lHill-start assist control operates for about 2 seconds after the brake pedal is
released.
lIf the slip indicator does not flash and the buzzer does not sound when the brake
pedal is further depressed, slightly reduce the pressure on the brake pedal (do
not allow the vehicle to roll backward) and then firmly depress it again. If the sys-
tem still does not operate, check if the operating conditions explained above
have been met.
Hill-start assist control helps to prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards
when starting on an incline or slippery slope.
To engage hill-start assist con-
trol, further depress the brake
pedal when the vehicle is
stopped completely.
A buzzer will sound once to
indicate the system is activated.
The slip indicator will also start
flashing.

252
2-5. Driving information
CAUTION
nRoof luggage carrier precautions
To use the roof rails as a roof luggage carrier, you must fit the roof rails with two or
more genuine Lexus cross rails or their equivalent.
When you load cargo on the roof luggage carrier, observe the following:
lBefore driving, make sure the cargo is securely fastened on the roof luggage car-
rier.
lLoading cargo on the roof luggage carrier will make the center of gravity of the
vehicle higher. Avoid high speeds, sudden starts, sharp turns, sudden braking or
abrupt maneuvers, otherwise the result may be a loss of control or vehicle roll-
over due to failure to operate this vehicle correctly and result in death or serious
injury.
lIf driving for a long distances, on rough roads, or at high speeds, stop the vehicle
now and then during the trip to make sure the cargo remains in its place.
lDo not exceed 165 lb. (75 kg) cargo weight on the roof luggage carrier.
lTo reduce wind noise when there is no luggage loaded on the roof luggage car-
rier, move the front cross rail to the front-most position and the rear cross rail to
the rearmost position.
NOTICE
nWhen loading cargo
Be careful not to scratch the surface of the moon roof.
lPlace the cargo so that its weight is distrib-
uted evenly between the front and rear
axles.
lIf loading long or wide cargo, never exceed
the vehicle’s overall length or width.
(→P. 5 9 4 )
Cross rails
Roof rails

264
2-5. Driving information
Trailer towing tips
Your vehicle will handle differently when towing a trailer. In order to avoid
accident, death or serious injury, keep the following in mind when towing:
lBefore starting out, check the trailer lights and the vehicle-trailer con-
nections. Recheck after driving a short distance.
lPractice turning, stopping and reversing with the trailer attached in an
area away from traffic until you become accustomed to the feel of the
vehicle.
lReversing with a trailer attached is difficult and requires practice. Grip
the bottom of the steering wheel and move your hand to the left to
move the trailer to the left. Move your hand to the right to move the
trailer to right. (This is generally opposite to reversing without a trailer
attached.) Avoid sharp or prolonged turning. Have someone guide
you when reversing to reduce the risk of an accident.
lAs stopping distance is increased when towing a trailer, vehicle-to-
vehicle distance should be increased. For each 10 mph (16 km/h) of
speed, allow at least one vehicle and trailer length.
lAvoid sudden braking as you may skid, resulting in jackknifing and loss
of control. This is especially true on wet or slippery surfaces.
lAvoid jerky starts or sudden acceleration.
lAvoid jerky steering and sharp turns, and slow down before making
turns.
lNote that when making a turn, the trailer wheels will be closer than the
vehicle wheels to the inside of the turn. Compensate by making a
larger than normal turning radius.