2014 LEXUS RX270 engine

277
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
RX350/270_EE
All-wheel drive lock switch (AWD models)
■All-wheel drive lock mode
●All-wheel drive lock mode is canceled when the brakes are applied to ensure
the ABS and VSC systems operate effectively.
●All-wheel drive lock mode is canceled when the vehicle speed exceeds 40
km/h (25 mph).
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 7 1 )
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292
2-5. Driving information
RX350/270_EE
NOTICE
■To prevent water damage
Take all necessary safety measures to ensure that water damage to the engine or
other components does not occur.
●Water entering the engine air intake will cause severe engine damage.
●Water entering the automatic transmission will cause deterioration in shift quality,
locking up of your transmission accompanied by vibration, and ultimately dam-
age.
●Water can wash the grease from wheel bearings, causing rusting and premature
failure, and may also enter the differentials, transmission and transfer case (AWD
models), reducing the gear oil’s lubricating qualities.
■When you drive through water
If driving through water, such as when crossing shallow streams, first check the
depth of the water and the bottom of the stream for firmness. Drive slowly and avoid
deep water.
■Inspection after off-road driving
●Sand and mud that has accumulated around brake discs may affect braking effi-
ciency and may damage brake system components.
●Always perform a maintenance inspection after each day of off-road driving that
has taken you through rough terrain, sand, mud, or water.
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296
2-5. Driving information
RX350/270_EE
Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving the
vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropriate to the
prevailing weather conditions.
■Pre-winter preparations
●Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside tempera-
tures.
• Engine oil
• Engine coolant
• Washer fluid
●Have a service technician inspect the condition of the battery.
●Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set of
tire chains for the front tires.
Ensure that all tires are the same size and brand, and that chains match
the size of the tires.
■Before driving the vehicle
Perform the following according to the driving conditions:
●Do not try to forcibly open a window or move a wiper that is fro-
zen. Pour warm water over the frozen area to melt the ice. Wipe
away the water immediately to prevent it from freezing.
●To ensure proper operation of the climate control system fan,
remove any snow that has accumulated on the air inlet vents in
front of the windshield.
●Check for and remove any excess ice or snow that may have
accumulated on the exterior lights, vehicle's roof, chassis, around
the tires or on the brakes.
●Remove any snow or mud from the bottom of your shoes before
getting in the vehicle.
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298
2-5. Driving information
RX350/270_EE
■Tire chain installation
Observe the following precautions when installing and removing chains:
●Install and remove tire chains in a safe location.
●Install tire chains on the front tires only. Do not install tire chains on the rear tires.
●Install tire chains on front tires as tightly as possible. Retighten chains after driv-
ing 0.5  1.0 km (1 /4  1 /2 mile).
●Install tire chains following the instructions provided with the tire chains.
CAUTION
■Driving with snow tires
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in a loss of vehicle control and cause death or serious
injury.
●Use tires of the specified size.
●Maintain the recommended level of air pressure.
●Do not drive at speeds in excess of the speed limit or the speed limit specified for
the snow tires being used.
●Use snow tires on all, not just some wheels.
■Driving with tire chains
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in the vehicle being unable to be driven safely, and may
cause death or serious injury.
●Do not drive in excess of the speed limit specified for the tire chains being used,
or 50 km/h (30 mph), whichever is lower.
●Avoid driving on bumpy road surfaces or over potholes.
●Avoid sudden acceleration, abrupt steering, sudden braking and shifting opera-
tions that cause sudden engine braking.
●Slow down sufficiently before entering a curve to ensure that vehicle control is
maintained.
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302
2-5. Driving information
RX350/270_EE■Information tag (manufacturer’s label)
Type A
Gross vehicle mass
Maximum permissible rear axle
capacity
Type B
Gross vehicle mass
Maximum permissible rear axle
capacity
■Gross vehicle mass
The combined weight of the driver, passengers, luggage, towing hitch,
total curb mass and drawbar load should not exceed the gross vehicle
mass by more than 100 kg (220.5 lb.). Exceeding this weight is dan-
gerous.
■Maximum permissible rear axle capacity
The weight borne by the rear axle should not exceed the maximum
permissible axle capacity by 15% or more. Exceeding this weight is
dangerous.
The values for towing capacity were derived from testing conducted at
sea level. Take note that engine output and towing capacity will be
reduced at high altitudes.
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305
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
RX350/270_EE
■When connecting and disconnecting a trailer (vehicles with electrically modu-
lated air suspension)
●Connecting
Set the electronically modulated air suspension to LO mode.
Press the height control off switch to turn off the electronically modulated
air suspension.
Turn off the “ENGINE START STOP” switch
Connect the trailer.
Turn on the “ENGINE START STOP” switch
Press the height control off switch again to turn on the electronically mod-
ulated air suspension.
Set the electronically modulated air suspension to N mode.
●Disconnecting
Set the electronically modulated air suspension to LO mode.
Press the height control off switch to turn off the electronically modulated
air suspension.
Turn off the “ENGINE START STOP” switch
Set the supporting leg of the trailer on the ground and raise the hitch by
100 mm (4 in.)
Turn on the “ENGINE START STOP” switch
Press the height control off switch again to turn on the electronically mod-
ulated air suspension.
Wait until vehicle height is stabilized.
Make sure the hitch is disconnected. If the hitch does not disconnect, raise the hitch
higher and repeat steps 2 through 7.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
STEP5
STEP6
STEP7
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
STEP5
STEP6
STEP7
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308
2-5. Driving information
RX350/270_EE■Important points regarding turning
The wheels of the trailer will travel closer to the inside of the curve than
the wheels of the vehicle. To make allowance for this, take the turns
wider than you would normally do.
■Important points regarding stability
Vehicle movement resulting from uneven road surfaces and strong
crosswinds will affect handling. The vehicle may also be rocked by
passing buses or large trucks. Frequently check behind when moving
alongside such vehicles. As soon as such vehicle movement occurs,
immediately start to decelerate smoothly by slowly applying the
brakes. Always steer the vehicle straight ahead while braking.
■Passing other vehicles
Consider the total combined length of your vehicle and trailer and
ensure that the vehicle-to-vehicle distance is sufficient before execut-
ing lane changes.
■Transmission information
Refrain from driving in 6 range in S mode to maintain the effectiveness
of the engine brake and the charge performance of electrical compo-
nents.
■If the engine overheats
Towing a loaded trailer up a long, steep incline in temperatures
exceeding 30°C (85°F) may result in the engine overheating. If the
engine coolant temperature gauge indicates that the engine is over-
heating, turn the air conditioning off immediately, leave the road and
stop the vehicle in a safe place. (→P. 5 9 8 )
■When parking the vehicle
Always place wheel chocks under the wheels of both the vehicle and
trailer. Firmly set the parking brake and shift the shift lever to P.
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319
3-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
3
Interior features
RX350/270_EE
■Air conditioning system settings
●When the “ENGINE START STOP” switch is turned on, the air conditioning
system settings will be set to those that were in use the last time the “ENGINE
START STOP” switch was turned off.
●Air conditioning system settings are memorized individually on each electronic
key, so the settings reproduced will be specific to the key that is used.
●This feature is customizable at any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or
another duly qualified and equipped professional.
■Using automatic mode
Fan speed is adjusted automatically according to the temperature setting and ambi-
ent conditions. As a result, the following may occur:
Immediately after the button is pressed, the fan may stop for a while until warm or
cool air is ready to flow.
■Using the system in recirculated air mode
The windows will fog up more easily if recirculated air mode is used for an extended
period.
■Switching between outside air and recirculated air modes
Recirculated air mode or outside air mode may be automatically switched in accor-
dance with the temperature setting and the inside temperature.
■Window defogger feature
Recirculated air mode may automatically switch to outside air mode in situations
where the windows need to be defogged.
■When outside air temperature is below 0°C (32°F)
The cooling and dehumidification function may not operate even when is
pressed.
■When the indicator light on goes off
Press to turn on the cooling and dehumidification function again. There may
be a problem in the air conditioning system if the indicator light goes off again
shortly after the button is pressed. Have it inspected by any authorized Lexus
dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional.
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