2011 LEXUS RX350 overheating

150
2-1. Driving procedures
CAUTION
lIf the vehicle is in a poorly ventilated area, stop the engine. In a closed area, such
as a garage, exhaust gases may collect and enter the vehicle. This may lead to
death or a serious health hazard.
lThe exhaust system should be checked occasionally. If there is a hole or crack
caused by corrosion, damage to a joint or abnormal exhaust noise, be sure to
have the vehicle inspected and repaired by your Lexus dealer. Failure to do so
may allow exhaust gases to enter the vehicle, resulting in death or a serious health
hazard.
nWhen taking a nap in the vehicle
Always turn the engine off. Otherwise, if you accidentally move the shift lever or
depress the accelerator pedal, this could cause an accident or fire due to engine
overheating. Additionally, if the vehicle is parked in a poorly ventilated area, exhaust
gases may collect and enter the vehicle, leading to death or a serious health hazard.
nWhen braking the vehicle
lWhen the brakes are wet, drive more cautiously.
Braking distance increases when the brakes are wet, and this may cause one side
of the vehicle to brake differently than the other side. Also, the parking brake may
not securely hold the vehicle.
lIf the power brake assist function does not operate, do not follow other vehicles
closely and avoid hills or sharp turns that require braking.
In this case, braking is still possible, but the brake pedal should be depressed
more firmly than usual. Also, the braking distance will increase.
lDo not pump the brake pedal if the engine stalls.
Each push on the brake pedal uses up the reserve for the power-assisted brakes.
lThe brake system consists of 2 individual hydraulic systems: if one of the systems
fails, the other will still operate. In this case, the brake pedal should be depressed
more firmly than usual and the braking distance will increase.
If this happens, do not drive the vehicle. Have your brakes fixed immediately.
nIf the vehicle becomes stuck
Do not spin the wheels excessively when any of the tires is up in the air, or the vehi-
cle is stuck in sand, mud, etc. This may damage the driveline components or propel
the vehicle forward or backward, causing an accident.

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.

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 )

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

588
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
nOverheating
If you observe the following, your vehicle may be overheating:
lThe engine coolant temperature gauge enters the red zone or a loss of power is
experienced.
lSteam comes out from under the hood.
CAUTION
nTo prevent an accident or injury when inspecting under the hood of your vehicle
lIf steam is seen coming from under the hood, do not open the hood until the
steam has subsided. The engine compartment may be very hot, causing serious
injuries such as burns.
lKeep hands and clothing away from the fans and drive belt while the engine is
running.
lDo not loosen the radiator cap while the engine and radiator are hot.
Serious injury, such as burns, may result from hot coolant and steam released
under pressure.
Add engine coolant if neces-
sary.
Water can be used in an emer-
gency if engine coolant is
unavailable. (→P. 599)
Have the vehicle inspected at the nearest Lexus dealer as soon as pos-
sible.
STEP6

654
Alphabetical index
Cleaning
Exterior................................................... 444
Interior ..................................................... 447
Seat belts................................................448
Clock .......................................................... 410
Coat hooks ............................................... 419
Compass .................................................. 432
Condenser .............................................. 472
Console box ...........................................404
Cooling system
Engine overheating ..........................587
Cornering assist sensors ...................220
Cruise control
Cruise control ..................................... 204
Dynamic radar cruise control .....208
Cup holders ............................................402
Curtain shield airbags.......................... 109
Customizable features ........................ 621
Daytime running light system ............187
Defogger
Rear window ......................................... 281
Side mirrors..............................................87
Dimensions ............................................. 594
Dinghy towing........................................ 270
Display
Multi-information display ................ 173
Trip information.................................... 176
Warning message ............................ 545
Do-it-yourself maintenance ............. 457
Door courtesy lights
Door courtesy lights ........................ 396
Wattage ................................................. 605
Door lock
Back door ................................................ 50
Side door................................................... 47
Wireless remote control ................... 43
Door pockets .......................................... 401
Doors
Back door ................................................ 50
Door windows ....................................... 90
Door lock .................................. 31, 43, 47
Power back door ................................. 50
Side door................................................... 47
Side mirrors..............................................87
Driver's seat belt reminder light ..... 537
Driving
Break-in tips........................................... 145
Correct posture................................... 107
Utility vehicle precautions..............244
Procedures............................................. 144
Winter driving tips ............................ 254
Driving position memory...................... 70
D

655
Alphabetical index
Electric power steering ....................... 231
Electronic features control ................ 173
Electronic key
If the electronic key does not
operate properly ............................. 581
Emergency flasher switch .................524
Emergency, in case of
If the electronic key does not
operate properly ............................. 581
If the engine will not start ................577
If the shift lever cannot be
shifted from P ................................... 579
If the vehicle has a
discharged battery ........................ 584
If a warning buzzer sounds .......... 535
If a warning light turns on .............. 535
If a warning message is
displayed ............................................ 545
If you have a flat tire ........................ 564
If you lose your keys ....................... 580
If you think something is
wrong..................................................... 531
If your vehicle becomes stuck ....590
If your vehicle has to be stopped
in an emergency...............................591
If your vehicle needs to be
towed ................................................... 525
If your vehicle overheats................ 587
Engine
Accessory mode................................. 153
Compartment......................................463
Engine switch ........................................ 153
Hood ....................................................... 460
How to start the engine ................... 153
Identification number ...................... 595
If the engine will not start................ 577
Ignition switch ....................................... 153
Overheating ........................................ 587
Engine compartment cover ............. 464
Engine coolant
Capacity ................................................ 599
Checking ...............................................470
Preparing and checking
before winter ....................................254
Engine coolant temperature
gauge....................................................... 166
Engine immobilizer system..................101
Engine oil
Capacity .................................................597
Checking .............................................. 466
Preparing and checking
before winter ....................................254
Engine oil maintenance data............468
EPS .............................................................. 231
Event data recorder ............................533
E

659
Alphabetical index
Outer foot lights
Outer foot lights................................. 396
Wattage .................................................605
Outside rear view mirrors
Adjusting and folding ......................... 87
Mirror position memory ................... 70
Outside temperature display ..............411
Overhead console .............................. 406
Overhead courtesy lights
Overhead courtesy lights ............. 396
Wattage .................................................605
Overheating, Engine .......................... 587
Parking assist sensors ........................ 220
Parking brake .......................................... 164
Parking lights
Replacing light bulbs ...........................511
Switch ........................................................184
Wattage .................................................605
PCS............................................................ 240
Personal lights
Switch ...................................................... 397
Power back door .................................... 50
Power outlet ............................................. 413
Power windows........................................ 90
Pre-collision system ............................ 240
Radar cruise control ........................... 208
Radiator .................................................... 472
Radio ......................................................... 287
Rear seat
Folding down ..........................................66
Seat adjustment .....................................66
Rear turn signal lights
Replacing light bulbs ......................... 512
Wattage ................................................. 605
Rear view mirror
Compass................................................ 432
Rear view monitor system................. 227
Rear window defogger ....................... 281
Rear window wiper .............................. 202
Remote Touch*
Replacing
Electronic key battery ..................... 496
Fuses........................................................ 498
Light bulbs ................................................ 511
Tires ......................................................... 564
Wireless remote control
battery ................................................. 496
Roof luggage carrier ........................... 249
Reporting safety defects for
U.S. owners .......................................... 632
P
*: Refer to the “Navigation System Owner’s Manual”.
R