2011 LEXUS RX350 suspension

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1-7. Safety information
1

Before driving
CAUTION
nSRS airbag precautions
lDo not place anything, such as a cushion, on the front passenger's seat. Doing so
will disperse the passenger's weight, which prevents the sensor from detecting
the passenger's weight properly. As a result, the SRS front passenger airbag may
not deploy in the event of a collision.
nModification and disposal of SRS airbag system components
Do not dispose of your vehicle or perform any of the following modifications with-
out consulting your Lexus dealer.
The SRS airbags may malfunction or deploy (inflate) accidentally, causing death or
serious injury.
lInstallation, removal, disassembly and repair of the SRS airbags
lRepairs, modifications, removal or replacement of the steering wheel, instrument
panel, dashboard, seats or seat upholstery, front, side and rear pillars or roof side
rails
lRepairs or modifications of the front fender, front bumper, or side of the occupant
compartment
lInstallation of snow plows, winches, etc. to the front grille (bull bars or kangaroo
bar etc.)
lModifications to the vehicle's suspension system
lInstallation of electronic devices such as mobile two-way radios or CD players
lModifications to your vehicle for a person with a physical disability

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2-4. Using other driving systems
CAUTION
nWhen the VSC is activated
The slip indicator light flashes and a warning buzzer sounds. Always drive carefully.
Reckless driving may cause an accident. Exercise particular care when the indica-
tor light flashes and a buzzer sounds.
nWhen the TRAC/VSC systems are turned off
Be especially careful and drive at a speed appropriate to the road conditions. As
these are the systems to ensure vehicle stability and driving force, do not turn the
TRAC/VSC systems off unless necessary.
nReplacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the same size, brand, tread pattern and total load
capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are inflated to the recommended tire
inflation pressure level.
The ABS and VSC systems will not function correctly if different tires are installed
on the vehicle.
Contact your Lexus dealer for further information when replacing tires or wheels.
nHandling of tires and suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modifying the suspension will affect the driv-
ing assist systems, and may cause a system malfunction.

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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.

266
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.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4

5

When trouble arises
531
5-1. Essential information
If you think something is wrong
If you notice any of the following symptoms, your vehicle probably needs
adjustment or repair. Contact your Lexus dealer as soon as possible.
nVisible symptoms
lFluid leaks under the vehicle.
(Water dripping from the air conditioning after use is normal.)
lFlat-looking tires or uneven tire wear
lEngine coolant temperature gauge needle continually points
higher than normal.
nAudible symptoms
lChanges in exhaust sound
lExcessive tire squeal when cornering
lStrange noises related to the suspension system
lPinging or other noises related to the engine
nOperational symptoms
lEngine missing, stumbling or running rough
lAppreciable loss of power
lVehicle pulls heavily to one side when braking
lVehicle pulls heavily to one side when driving on a level road
lLoss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling, pedal almost touches
the floor

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7

For owners ATTENTION
■ Modification et mise au rebut des éléments du système de sacs de sécurité
gonflables SRS
Consultez impérativement votre concessionnaire Lexus si vous avez besoin
d'intervenir sur votre véhicule ou de procéder à l'une des modifications suivantes.
Les sacs de sécurité gonflables SRS risquent de ne pas fonctionner correctement
ou de se déployer (gonfler) accidentellement, provoquant ainsi des blessures
graves, voire mortelles.
● Installation, dépose, démontage et réparations des sacs de sécurité gonflables
SRS
● Réparations, modifications, démontage ou remplacement du volant, du tableau
de bord, de la planche de bord, des sièges ou de leur garnissage, des montants
avant, latéraux et arrière ou des rails latéraux de toit
● Réparations ou modifications de l'aile avant, du bouclier avant ou du côté de
l'habitacle
● Installation de chasse-neige, de treuils, etc., sur la calandre (pare-buffle ou pare-
kangourou, etc.)
● Modification des suspensions du véhicule
● Installation d'appareils électroniques, tels qu'un radioémetteur/récepteur ou d'un
lecteur CD
● Aménagements du véhicule visant à permettre sa conduite par une personne
atteinte d'un handicap physique

EXPLANATION OF MAINTENANCE ITEMS
MAINTENANCE
Scheduled Maintenance Log68
The following descriptions are provid-
ed to give you a better understanding
of the maintenance services that
should be performed on your vehicle.
The scheduled maintenance log indi-
cates at which time/mileage intervals
each service should be performed.
Please note that many maintenance
services should be performed only
by a qualified technician.
Air Conditioner Filter
Clean or replace at specified inter-
vals. More frequent cleaning or
replacement may be required when
driving in dusty conditions, heavy
traffic areas, urban areas, desert
areas or dirt roads. Refer to your
Owner’s Manualfor service details.
Axle Shaft Boots
Check the axle shaft boots and
clamps for cracks, deterioration and
damage. Replace any damaged parts
and, if necessary, repack the grease.
A qualified technician should perform
these operations.
Ball Joints and Dust Covers
Check the suspension and steering
linkage ball joints for looseness and
damage. Check all dust covers for
deterioration and damage. A qualified
technician should perform these
inspections.
Body Inspection
Visually check for corrosion, scratch-
es and other damage. Check outer
body panels, inner panels of the hood
and doors, and underneath the vehi-
cle. Apply touch-up paint to any chips
and scratches or have them repaired
by a qualified technician.
Brake Fluid
Replace using fluid type specified
in your Owner’s Manual. A qualified
technician should perform this
operation.
Brake Lines and Hoses
Visually inspect for proper installation.
Check for chafing, cracks, deteriora-
tion and signs of leakage. Replace
any deteriorated or damaged parts.
A qualified technician should perform
these operations.
For further information on
maintenance services that you
can perform yourself, see the
maintenance sections of your
Owner’s Manual.
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