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3-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
Rear window and outside re ar view mirror defoggers
nThe defogger can be operated when
The “ENGINE START STOP” switch is in IGNITION ON mode.
CAUTION
nWhen the outside rear view mirror defoggers are on
Do not touch the outside surface of the rear view mirror, as it can become very hot
and burn you.
These features are used to defog the rear window, and to remove rain-
drops, dew and frost from the outside rear view mirrors.
On/off
The defoggers will automatically
turn off after approximately 15
minutes.
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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
CAUTION
nWhen working near the electric cooling fan or radiator grille
Be sure the “ENGINE START STOP” switch is OFF.
With the “ENGINE START STOP” switch in IGNITION ON mode, the electric
cooling fan may automatically start to run if the air conditioning is on and/or the
coolant temperature is high. ( →P. 3 1 9 )
nSafety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc. from getting
in the eyes.
NOTICE
nIf you remove the air cleaner
Driving with the air filter removed may cause excessive engine wear due to dirt in
the air. Also a backfire could cause a fire in the engine compartment.
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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
Radiator and condenser
Check the radiator and condenser and clear any foreign objects.
If either of the above parts are extremely dirty or you are not sure of their
condition, have your vehicle checked by your Lexus dealer.
Brake fluid
nChecking fluid level
The brake fluid level should be
between the “MAX” and “MIN”
lines on the tank.
Make sure to check the fluid type and prepare the necessary items.
nAdding fluid
CAUTION
nWhen the engine is hot
Do not touch the radiator or condenser, as they may be hot and you may be burned.
Fluid typeFMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid
ItemsClean funnel
nBrake fluid can absorb moisture from the air
Excess moisture in the fluid can cause a dangerous loss of braking efficiency. Use
only newly opened brake fluid.
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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
nWhen to replace your vehicle’s tires
Tires should be replaced if:
lYou have tire damage such as cuts, splits, cracks deep enough to expose the
fabric or bulges indicating internal damage
lA tire goes flat repeatedly or cannot be properly repaired due to the size or
location of a cut or other damage
If you are not sure, consult with your Lexus dealer.
nReplacing tires and wheels
If the ID code of the tire pressure warning valve and transmitter is not registered,
the tire pressure warning system will not work properly. After driving for about 20
minutes, the tire pressure warning light comes on after blinking for 1 minute to indi-
cate a system malfunction.
nTire life
Any tire over 6 years old must be checked by a qualified technician even if they
have seldom or never been used or damage is not obvious.
nIf the tread wears down below 0.16 in. (4 mm) on snow tires
The effectiveness of snow tires is lost.
nLow profile tires (models not equipped with 16-inch tires)
Generally, low profile tires will wear more rapidly and tire grip performance will be
reduced on snowy and/or icy roads when compared to standard tires. Be sure to
use snow tires or tire chains* on snowy and/or icy roads and drive carefully at a
speed appropriate for road and weather conditions.
*: Tire chains cannot be mounted on 18-inch tires.
nMaximum load of tire
Check that the maximum load of the replaced tire is greater than 1 /2 of the Gross
Axle Weight Ratings (GAWR) of either the front axle or the rear axle, whichever is
greater.
As for the maximum load of the tire, see the load limit at maximum cold tire inflation
pressure mentioned on the sidewall of the tire, and as for the Gross Axle Weight
Ratings (GAWR), see the Certification Label. ( →P. 3 3 6 , 4 4 9 ) .
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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
CAUTION
nProper inflation is critical to save tire performance
Keep your tires properly inflated. Otherwise, the following conditions may occur
and result in an accident causing death or serious injury.
lExcessive wear
lUneven wear
lPoor handling
lPossibility of blowouts resulting from overheated tires
lPoor sealing of the tire bead
lWheel deformation and/or tire separation
lA greater possibility of tire damage from road hazards
NOTICE
nWhen inspecting and adjusting tire inflation pressure
Be sure to reinstall the tire valve caps.
Without the valve caps, dirt or moisture could get into the valve and cause air leak-
age, which could result in an accident. If the caps have been lost, replace them as
soon as possible.
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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Air conditioning filter
The air conditioning filter must be cleaned or changed regularly to main-
tain air conditioning efficiency.
nRemoval method
Set the air conditioning system to recirculated mode.
The air conditioning filter case cannot be removed with the system in
the outside air mode.
Turn the “ENGINE START STOP” switch OFF.
Open the glove box. Lift and
remove the partition.
Remove the filter cover.
Remove the filter case.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
STEP5
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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
nChecking interval
Inspect and replace the air conditioning filter according to the maintenance sched-
ule. In dusty areas or areas with heavy traffic flow, early replacement may be
required. (For scheduled maintenance information, please refer to the “Owner's
Manual Supplement/Scheduled Maintenance”.)
nIf air flow from the vents decreases dramatically
The filter may be clogged. Check the filter and replace if necessary.
nCleaning method
If the filter is dirty, clean by blow-
ing compressed air through the
filter from the downward side.
Hold the air gun 2 in. (5 cm)
from the filter and blow for
approximately 2 minutes at
72 psi (500 kPa, 5.0 kgf/cm2
or bar).
If it is not available, have the
filter cleaned by your Lexus
dealer.
nReplacement method
Remove the air conditioning fil-
ter from the filter case and
replace it with a new one.
The “ ↑UP” marks shown on the
filter and the filter case should
be pointing up.
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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
NOTICE
nTo prevent damage to the system
lWhen using the air conditioning system, make sure that a filter is always installed.
lWhen cleaning the filter, do not clean the filter with water.