2011 LEXUS RX350 engine

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

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2-4. Using other driving systems
When the VSC/TRAC systems are operating
If the vehicle is in danger of slip-
ping or rolling backward when
starting on an incline, or if any of
the drive wheels spins, the slip indi-
cator light flashes to indicate that
the VSC/TRAC systems are oper-
ating.
A buzzer (intermittent) sounds to
indicate that VSC is operating.
nEnhanced VSC (Enhanced vehicle stability control)
Provides cooperative control of the ABS, TRAC, VSC and EPS.
Helps to maintain directional stability when swerving on slippery road sur-
faces by controlling steering performance.
nVDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management) (if equipped)
Provides integrated control of the ABS, brake assist, TRAC, VSC,
enhanced VSC, and hill-start assist control systems.
Helps to maintain vehicle stability when swerving on slippery road sur-
faces by controlling the brakes and engine output.
nPCS (Pre-Collision System) (if equipped)
→P. 2 4 0

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2-4. Using other driving systems
2

When driving
Disabling the TRAC/VSC systems
If the vehicle gets stuck in fresh snow or mud, the TRAC/VSC systems
may reduce power from the engine to the wheels. You may need to turn
the system off to enable you to rock the vehicle in order to free it.
nTurning off the TRAC system only
To turn the TRAC system off,
quickly press and release the
switch.
A message will be shown on the
multi-information display.
Press the switch again to turn the
system back on.
nTurning off both TRAC and VSC systems
To turn the TRAC and VSC sys-
tems off, press and hold the switch
for more than 3 seconds while the
vehicle is stopped.
A message will be shown on the
multi-information display and VSC
off indicator light will come on.
Press the switch again to turn the
systems back on.

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2-4. Using other driving systems
nSounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, VSC and TRAC systems
lA sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the engine is
started or just after the vehicle begins to move. This sound does not indicate that
a malfunction has occurred in any of these systems.
lAny of the following conditions may occur when the above systems are operat-
ing. None of these indicates that a malfunction has occurred.

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2-4. Using other driving systems
2

When driving
All-wheel drive lock switch (AWD models)
nAll-wheel drive lock mode
lAll-wheel drive lock mode is canceled when the brakes are applied to ensure
the ABS and VSC systems operate effectively.
lAll-wheel drive lock mode is canceled when the vehicle speed exceeds 25 mph
(40 km/h).
All-wheel drive lock mode can be used when a large amount of drive power
needs to be applied to all the wheels, such as when the vehicle gets stuck in
mud and you need to free it.
Press the switch.
The torque of the engine is dis-
tributed to the rear wheels to
the maximum extent possible in
accordance with driving condi-
tions.
Pressing the switch again can-
cels all-wheel drive lock mode
and returns the active torque
control 4WD system to normal
mode. (→P. 2 3 1 )

247
2-5. Driving information
2

When driving
CAUTION
nOff-road driving precautions
Always observe the following precautions to minimize the risk of death or serious
injury or damage to your vehicle:
lDrive carefully when off the road. Do not take unnecessary risks by driving in
dangerous places.
lDo not grip the steering wheel spokes when driving off-road. A bad bump could
jerk the wheel and injure your hands. Keep both hands and especially your
thumbs on the outside of the rim.
lAlways check your brakes for effectiveness immediately after driving in sand,
mud, water or snow.
lAfter driving through tall grass, mud, rock, sand, water, etc., check that there is no
grass, bush, paper, rags, stone, sand, etc. adhering or trapped to the underbody.
Clear off any such matter from the underbody. If the vehicle is used with these
materials trapped or adhering to the underbody, a breakdown or fire could occur.
lWhen driving off-road or in rugged terrain, do not drive at excessive speeds,
jump, make sharp turns, strike objects, etc. This may cause loss of control or vehi-
cle rollover causing death or serious injury. You are also risking expensive dam-
age to your vehicle’s suspension and chassis.
NOTICE
nTo prevent water damage
Take all necessary safety measures to ensure that water damage to the engine or
other components does not occur.
lWater entering the engine air intake will cause severe engine damage.
lWater entering the automatic transmission will cause deterioration in shift quality,
locking up of your transmission accompanied by vibration, and ultimately dam-
age.
lWater can wash the grease from wheel bearings, causing rusting and premature
failure, and may also enter the differentials, transmission and transfer case, reduc-
ing the gear oil’s lubricating qualities.

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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.
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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.
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STEP2
STEP3
STEP4