2884-5. Using the driving support systems
RC350/RCF_U (OM24636U)
WA R N I N G
■The ABS does not operate effectively when
●The limits of tire gripping performance have been exceeded (such as excessively
worn tires on a snow covered road).
●The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on wet or slick roads.
■Stopping distance when the ABS is operat ing may exceed that of normal conditions
The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehicle’s stopping distance. Always maintain a
safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, especially in the following situations:
●When driving on dirt, gravel or snow-covered roads
●When driving with tire chains
●When driving over bumps in the road
●When driving over roads with potholes or uneven surfaces
■TRAC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while drivin g on slippery road
surfaces, even if the TRAC system is operating.
Drive the vehicle carefully in conditions where stability and power may be lost.
■Hill- start assist control does not operate effectively when
●Do not overly rely on hill-start assist contro l. Hill-start assist control may not operate
effectively on steep inclines and roads covered with ice.
●Unlike the parking brake, hill-start assist control is not intended to hold the vehicle
stationary for an extended period of time. Do not attempt to use hill-start assist con-
trol to hold the vehicle on an incline, as doing so may lead to an accident.
■When the VSC is activated
The slip indicator light flashes. Always drive carefully. Reckless driving may cause an
accident. Exercise particular care when the indicator light flashes.
2904-5. Using the driving support systems
RC350/RCF_U (OM24636U)
◆ Pre-collision warning
When a high possibility of a frontal
collision is detected, the pre-colli-
sion system warning light flashes, a
buzzer sounds and a message is
shown on the multi-information dis-
play to urge the driver to take eva-
sive action.
◆Pre-collision brake assist
When there is a high possibility of a frontal collision, the system applies
greater braking force in relation to ho w strongly the brake pedal is depressed.
The system may not warn the driver using a warning light, warning display and
buzzer when the system detects and judges braking operations.
◆Pre-collision braking
When there is a high possibility of a frontal collision, the system warns the
driver using a warning light, warning di splay and buzzer. If the system deter-
mines that a collision is unavoidable, the brakes are automatically applied to
reduce the collision speed.
◆Suspension control (if equipped)
When the system determines that there is a high possibility of a frontal colli-
sion, the operation of Adaptive Variable Suspension System ( P. 2 8 3 ) o p t i -
mally controls the damping force of the shock absorber.
PCS (Pre-Collision System)
: If equipped
When the radar sensor detects the possibility of a frontal collision, brakes are
automatically engaged to lessen im pact as well as vehicle damage.
The pre-collision system can be turned on and off as necessary by operating
the switch. ( P. 2 9 1 )
2934-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
RC350/RCF_U (OM24636U)
■Conditions that may trigger the system even if there is no danger of a collision
In the following situations, the front of the sensor may be obstructed causing the system
to determine that there is a poss ibility of a collision and operate:
●When passing an oncoming vehicle on a cu rb or while making a left or right turn
●When rapidly closing on an obstruction in front of the vehicle, such as a vehicle or toll
gate
●When climbing a hill, and an overhead structure (billboard, low ceiling, street lamps,
etc.) appears in the vehicle’s line of travel
●When driving through a narrow passage or a place with a low ceiling (bridges, tunnels,
overhead passes, etc.)
●When driving on an uneven road surface
●When there is a metal object on the road surf ace, or a gap or protrusion in the road sur-
face
●When there is an extreme change in the vehicle height
●When the sensor is misaligned due to a stro ng impact to the surrounding area of the
sensor
●When there is an object on the side of the road at the entrance to a curve, such as
guardrails
●When the front of your vehicle is inclined (during emergency towing, carrying a heavy
load in the trunk, etc.)
When the system is activated in the situations described above, there is also a possibility
that the brakes will be applied with a force greater than normal.
■Obstacles not detected
The sensor cannot detect plasti c obstacles such as traffic cones. There may also be occa-
sions when the sensor cannot detect pedestrians, animals, bicycles, motorcycles, trees,
or snowdrifts.
■Situations in which the pre-collision system does not function properly
The system may not function effectively in situations such as the following:
●On roads with sharp bends or uneven surfaces
●If a vehicle suddenly moves in front of your vehicle, such as at an intersection
●If a vehicle suddenly cuts in front of your vehicle, such as when overtaking
●In inclement weather such as heavy rain, fog, snow or sand storms
●If the vehicle is skidding when VSC is not operating
●When your vehicle is steeply inclined
●When the radar sensor moves off position due to its surrounding area being subjected
to a strong impact
●When an obstacle suddenly appears in front of the vehicle due to the steering wheel
being turned sharply or another cause
■Automatic cancelation of the pre-collision system
When a malfunction occurs due to sensor cont amination, etc. that results in the sensors
being unable to detect obstacles, the pre-collision syst em will be automatically disabled.
In this case, the system will not activate even if there is a collision possibility.
■When there is a malfunction in the system or if the system is temporarily unusable
The pre-collision system warning light will flash or illuminate and warning messages will
be displayed. ( P. 5 3 4 , 5 4 5 )
2954-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
RC350/RCF_U (OM24636U)
WA R N I N G
■Limitations of the pre-collision system
●The driver is solely responsible for safe driving. Always drive safely, taking care to
observe your surroundings.
Never use the pre-collision safety system instead of normal braking operations. This
system is not designed to avoid or reduce collisions in every situation. Overly relying
on the system or entrusting it with safety may lead to an accident resulting in death or
serious injury.
Although this system is designed to suppor t in avoiding a collision or reducing the
damage of a collision, its effectiveness may change according to various conditions
( P. 292, 293). Therefore, the system may not always provide the same perfor-
mance. Also, pre-collision braking function may not operate depending on the oper-
ations of the driver. If the driver is stepping on the brake pedal or is operating the
steering wheel, the system may determine th at the driver is taking evasive action and
pre-collision braking func tion may not operate.
●As the pre-collision system is designed to assi st the driver in safe driving, it may oper-
ate under sporty driving conditions, whic h may cause an accident. For this reason
under sporty driving conditions, it is reco mmended that this system be disabled by
using the PCS OFF switch.
■Handling the radar sensor
Observe the following to ensure the pre-collision system can function effectively.
Otherwise, the system may not function correctly and could result in an accident.
●Keep the sensor and grille cover clean at all times.
Clean the sensor and grille cover with a soft cloth so you do not mark or damage
them.
●Do not subject the sensor or surr ounding area to a strong impact.
If the sensor moves even slightly off posi tion, the system may become inaccurate or
malfunction. If the sensor or surrounding area is subject to a strong impact, always
have the area inspected and adjusted by your Lexus dealer.
●Do not disassemble the sensor.
●Do not attach accessories or stickers to the sensor, grille cover or surrounding area.
●Do not modify or paint the sensor and grille cover.
●If the radar sensor needs to be replaced, contact your Lexus dealer.
3164-6. Driving tips
RC350/RCF_U (OM24636U)
Perform the following according to the driving conditions:
●Do not try to forcibly open a window or move a wiper that is frozen. Pour
warm water over the frozen area to melt the ice. Wipe away the water imme-
diately 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.
Accelerate the vehicle slowly, keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle
ahead, and drive at a reduced speed suitable to road conditions.
Park the vehicle and move the shift lever to P without setting the parking brake.
The parking brake may freeze up, preventing it from being released. If necessary,
block the wheels to prevent in advertent sliding or creeping.
Vehicles with front and rear tires of the same size
Use the correct tire chain size when mounting the tire chains.
Chain size is regulated for each tire size.
Side chain
(0.12 in. [3 mm] in diameter)
Cross chain
(0.16 in. [4 mm] in diameter)
Vehicles with front and rear tires of differing sizes
Tire chains cannot be mounted.
Snow tires should be used instead.
Before driving the vehicle
When driving the vehicle
When parking the vehicle
Selecting tire chains (RC350)
1
2
4707-2. Maintenance
RC350/RCF_U (OM24636U)
Vehicle interior
ItemsCheck points
Accelerator pedal• The accelerator pedal should move smoothly (with- out uneven pedal effort or catching).
Automatic transmission
“Park” mechanism• When parked on a slope and the shift lever is in P, isthe vehicle securely stopped?
Brake pedal
• Does the brake pedal move smoothly?
• Does the brake pedal have appropriate clearance
from the floor? ( P. 6 1 3 )
• Does the brake pedal have the correct amount of
free play? ( P. 6 1 3 )
Brakes
• The vehicle should not pull to one side when the
brakes are applied.
• The brakes should work effectively.
• The brake pedal should not feel spongy.
• The brake pedal should not get too close to the floor when the brakes are applied.
Head restraints (RC350)• Do the head restraints move smoothly and lock
securely?
Indicators/buzzers• Do the indicators and buzzers function properly?
Lights• Do all the lights come on?
Parking brake
• Does the parking brake pedal move smoothly?
• When parked on a slope and the parking brake is on,is the vehicle securely stopped?
Seat belts•Do the seat belt s operate smoothly?
• The seat belts should not be damaged.
Seats• Do the seat controls operate properly?
Steering wheel
• Does the steering wheel rotate smoothly?
• Does the steering wheel have the correct amount of free play?
• There should not be an y strange sounds coming
from the steering wheel.
473
RC350/RCF_U (OM24636U)
7
Maintenance and care
7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself service precautions
If you perform maintenance by yourself, be sure to follow the correct proce-
dure as given in these sections.
ItemsPa r t s a n d t o o l s
Battery condition
( P. 4 8 7 )•Warm water• Baking soda•Grease
• Conventional wrench (for terminal clamp bolts)
Brake fluid level
( P. 4 8 6 )• SAE J1703 or FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 brake fluid
•Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding brake fluid)
Engine coolant level
( P. 4 8 4 )
• “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or a similar high quality
ethylene glycol-based non-silicate, non-amine, non-nitrite
and non-borate coolant with long-life hybrid organic acid
technology
For the U.S.A.:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is pre-mixed with 50%
coolant and 50% deionized water.
For Canada:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is pre-mixed with 55%
coolant and 45% deionized water.
• Funnel (used only for adding coolant)
Engine oil level
( P. 4 8 1 )
• “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equivalent
•Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding engine oil)
Fuses
( P. 5 0 9 )• Fuse with same amperage rating as original
Light bulbs
( P. 5 1 2 )
• Bulb with same number and wattage rating as original
• Phillips-head screwdriver•Flathead screwdriver
•Wrench
Radiator and con-
denser ( P. 4 8 5 )
Tire inflation pres-
sure (P. 5 0 0 )•Tire pressure gauge• Compressed air source
Wa s h e r f l u i d
( P. 4 9 0 )• Water or washer fluid containi ng antifreeze (for winter use)
• Funnel (used only for adding water or washer fluid)
4867-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
RC350/RCF_U (OM24636U)
■Checking fluid level
The brake fluid level should be between the “MAX” and “MIN” lines on the
tank.
■Adding fluid
Make sure to check the fluid type and prepare the necessary items.
■Brake fluid can absorb moisture from the air
Excess moisture in the brake fluid can cause a dangerous loss of braking efficiency. Use
only newly opened brake fluid.
Brake fluid
RC350RC F
Fluid type SAE J1703 or FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 brake fluid
Items Clean funnel
WA R N I N G
■When filling the reservoir
Take care as brake fluid can harm your hands and eyes and damage painted surfaces.
If fluid gets on your hands or in your eyes, flush the affected area with clean water
immediately.
If you still experience discomfort, see a doctor.
NOTICE
■If the fluid level is low or high
It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as the brake pads wear out or
when the fluid level in the accumulator is high.
If the reservoir needs frequent refil ling, there may be a serious problem.