2016 LEXUS RX350 overheating

88 2. Instrument cluster
RX350_U_OM48E90U ■
The meters and display illuminate when
The engine switch is in IGNITION ON mode. ■
Brightness of the meters (day mode and night mode)
The brightness of the meters is changed between day mode and night mode. ●
Day mode: When the tail lights are off or when the tail lights are on but the surrounding
area is bright ●
Night mode: When the tail lights are on and the surrounding area is dark ■
Outside temperature display ●
In the following situations, the correct outside temperature may not be displayed, or the
display may take longer than normal to change.
• When stopped, or driving at low speeds (less than 12 mph [20 km/h])
• When the outside temperature has changed suddenly (at the entrance/exit of a
garage, tunnel, etc.) ●
When “  ” or “E” is displayed, the sy stem may be ma lfunctioning.
Take your vehicle to your Lexus dealer. ■
Clock settings screen (vehicles with a navigation system only)
If the clock adjustment screen is displayed continuously when attempting to change the
clock settings, the system may be malfunctioning.
Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer. ■
Customization
Some functions can be customized. (  P. 9 6 )
NOTICE ■
To prevent damage to the engine and its components ●
Do not let the indicator needle of the tachometer enter the red zone, which indicates
the maximum engine speed. ●
The 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. 6 6 8 )

2134-1. Before driving
4
Driving
RX350_U_OM48E90U ●
To maintain engine braking efficiency and charging system performance
when using engine braking, do not put th e transmission in D. If in the M or S
mode, the transmission shift range position must be in 6 or lower. (  P. 2 2 9 )●
Instability happens more frequently when descending steep or long downhill
grades. Before descending, slow down and downshift. Do not make sudden
downshifts while descending steep or long downhill grades. ●
Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long or applying the brakes too fre-
quently. This could cause the brakes to overheat and result in reduced braking
efficiency. ●
Due to the added load of the trailer, yo ur vehicle’s engine may overheat on hot
days (at temperatures over 85  F [30  C]) when driving up a long or steep
grade. If the engine coolant temperat ure gauge indicates overheating, imme-
diately turn off the air cond itioning (if in use), pull your vehicle off the road and
stop in a safe spot. (  P. 668)●
Always place wheel blocks under both the vehicle’s and the trailer’s wheels
when parking. Put the transmission in P and apply the parking brake. Avoid
parking on a slope, but if unavoidable, do so only after performing the follow-
ing:
Apply the brakes and keep them applied.
Have someone place wheel blocks under both the vehicle’s and trailer’s
wheels.
When the wheel blocks are in place, release the brakes slowly until the
blocks absorb the load.
Shift into P and apply the parking brake.
Turn off the engine.●
When restarting after parking on a slope:
With the transmission in P, start the engine. Be sure to keep the brake pedal
depressed.
Shift into a forward gear. If reversing, shift into R.
If the parking brake is in manual mode, release the parking brake.
(  P. 2 3 6 )
Release the brake pedal, and slowly pull or back away from the wheel
blocks. Stop and apply the brakes.
Have someone retrieve the blocks. 1
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222 4-2. Driving procedures
RX350_U_OM48E90U ■
Auto power off function
If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY mode for more than 20 minutes or IGNITION ON
mode (the engine is not running) for more than an hour with the shift lever in P, the engine
switch will automatically turn off. However, this function cannot en tirely prevent battery
discharge. Do not leave the vehicle with the engine switch in ACCESSORY or IGNI-
TION ON mode for long periods of ti me when the engine is not running.■
Electronic key battery depletion
 P. 1 2 2 ■
Conditions affe cting operation
 P. 1 4 8 ■
Note for the entry function
 P. 1 4 9 ■
If the engine does not start ●
The engine immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. (  P. 74 )
Contact your Lexus dealer. ●
Check that the shift lever is securely set in P. The engine may not start if the shift lever is
displaced out of P. “To Start Vehicle, Put Shift Lever into P” will be displayed on the
multi-information display. ■
Steering lock
After turning the engine switch off and opening and closing the doors, the steering wheel
will be locked due to the stee ring lock function. Operating the engine switch again auto-
matically cancels the steering lock. ■
When the steering lock cannot be released
■
Steering lock motor overheating prevention
To prevent the steering lock motor from over heating, operation of the motor may be sus-
pended if the engine is turned on and off repeat edly in a short period of time. In this case,
refrain from operating the engine switch. After about 10 seconds, the steering lock
motor will resume functioning. ■
When “Access System with Elec. Key Malfunction See Owner’s Manual” is displayed
on the multi-information display
The system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer
immediately.“Steering Wheel Lock Press Engine Switch
while Turning Wheel” will be displayed on the
multi-information display.
Check that the shift lever is in P. Press the
engine switch while turning the steering wheel
left and right.

236 4-2. Driving procedures
RX350_U_OM48E90U The parking brake can be set and released manually.
Sets the parking brake The parking brake indicator light and
parking brake lamp will turn on.
Pull and hold the parking brake switch if
an emergency occurs and it is necessary
to operate the parking brake while driv-
ing.
Releases the parking brake Operate the parking brake switch while
depressing the brake pedal. Make sure
that the parking brake indicator light
and parking brake lamp turn off.
If the parking brake indicator light and
parking brake lamp flashes, operate the
switch again. (  P. 6 3 4 )■
Parking brake operation ●
When the engine switch is not in IGNITION ON mode, the parking brake cannot be
released using the pa rking brake switch.●
When the engine switch is not in IGNI TION ON mode, automatic mode (automatic
brake setting and releas ing) is not available.■
If “Parking Brake Overheated Parking Brake Unavailable” is displayed on the multi-
information display
If the parking brake is operated repeatedly over a short period of time, the system may
restrict operation to prevent overheating. If this happens, refrain from operating the
parking brake. Normal operation will return after about 1 minute. ■
If “EPB Activation Stopped In completely” or “Parking Brake Unavailable” is displayed
on the multi-information display
Operate the parking brake switch. If the mess age does not disappear after operating the
switch several times, the sy stem may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by
your Lexus dealer immediately.Manual mode U.S.A. Canada
Pa r k i n g
brake lamp1
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378 4-5. Using the driving support systems
RX350_U_OM48E90U ■
Reactivation of the TRAC system linked to vehicle speed
When only the TRAC system is turned off, the TRAC system will turn on when vehicle
speed increases. However, when TRAC, VS C and Trailer Sway Control systems are
turned off, the systems will not turn on even when vehicle speed increases.■
Reduced effectiveness of the EPS system
The effectiveness of the EPS system is reduced to prevent the system from overheating
when there is frequent steering input over an extended period of time. The steering
wheel may feel heavy as a result. Should this occur, refrain from excessive steering input
or stop the vehicle and turn the engine of f. The EPS system should return to normal
within 10 minutes. ■
Operating conditions of hill-start assist control
When the following four conditions are met, the hill-start assist control will operate:●
The shift lever is in a position other than P or N (when starting off forward/backward on
an upward incline). ●
The vehicle is stopped. ●
The accelerator pedal is not depressed. ●
The parking brake is not engaged. ■
Automatic system cancelation of hill-start assist control
The hill-start assist control will turn off in any of the following situations: ●
The shift lever is moved to P or N. ●
The accelerator pedal is depressed. ●
The parking brake is engaged. ●
Approximately 2 seconds elapse after the brake pedal is released.
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.

5056-2. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
6
Interior features
RX350_U_OM48E90UHeated steering wheel 
/seat heaters 
/seat ventila-
tors 
 : If equippedHeated steering wheel and seat heater s heat the side grips of the steering
wheel and seats, respectively. Seat ventilators maintain good airflow by blow-
ing air from the seats. WA R N I N G ●
Care should be taken to prevent injury if anyone in the following categories comes in
contact with the steering wheel an d seats when the heater is on:
• Babies, small children, the elderly, the sick and the physically challenged
• Persons with sensitive skin
• Persons who are fatigued
• Persons who have taken alcohol or drugs that induce sleep (s leeping drugs, cold
remedies, etc.) ●
Observe the following precautions to prevent minor burns or overheating:
• Do not cover the seat with a blanket or cushion when using the seat heater.
• Do not use seat heater more than necessary.
NOTICE ●
Do not put heavy objects that have an uneven surface on the seat and do not stick
sharp objects (needles, nails, etc.) into the seat. ●
To prevent battery discharge, do not use the functions when the engine is off.

668 8-2. Steps to take in an emergency
RX350_U_OM48E90U Stop the vehicle in a safe place and tu rn off the air conditioning system, and
then stop the engine.
If you see steam:
Carefully lift the hood after the steam subsides.
If you do not see steam:
Carefully lift the hood.
After the engine has cooled down
sufficiently, inspect the hoses and
radiator core (radiator) for any
leaks.
Radiator
Cooling fans If a large amount of coolant leaks,
immediately contact your Lexus
dealer.
The coolant level is satisfactory if it is
between the “FULL” and “LOW”
lines on the reservoir.
Reservoir
“FULL” line
“LOW” line
Radiator capIf your vehicle overheats The following may indicate that your vehicle is overheating. ●
The needle of the engine coolant temperature gauge (  P. 8 5 ) e n t e r s t h e
red zone, or a loss of engine power is experienced. (For example, the vehi-
cle speed does not increase.) ●
“Engine Coolant Temp High Stop in a Safe Place See Owner’s Manual” is
shown on the multi-information display. ●
Steam comes out from under the hood.
Correction procedures 1
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735Alphabetical index
RX350_U_OM48E90U Coolant
Capacity ................................................ 678
Checking............................................... 578
Preparing and checking
before winter ................................... 380
Cooling system ..................................... 578
Engine overheating.......................... 668
Cornering lights .................................... 242
Cruise control
Cruise control......................................326
Dynamic radar cruise control....... 314
Dynamic radar cruise control
with full-speed range ................... 302
Cup holders ..............................................514
Curtain shield airbags ........................... 37
Customizable features ....................... 699
Customized mode ............................... 369
Daytime running light system .......... 243
Defogger
Outside rear view mirrors ............ 500
Rear window .......................................500
Windshield ........................................... 500
Differential ............................................... 679
Dimension ............................................... 674
Dinghy towing..........................................219
Display
Dynamic radar cruise control....... 314
Dynamic radar cruise control
with full-speed range ................... 302
LDA (Lane Departure Alert
with steering control) ................... 297
LKA (Lane-Keeping Assist) ........ 288
Multi-information display ..................89
Warning messages............................ 641 Do-it-yourself maintenance............. 570
Doors
Automatic door locking and
unlocking system.............................. 127
Door lock................................................. 126
Outside rear view mirrors .............. 173
Power back door ............................... 130
Rear door child-p rotectors ............ 127
Side doors ............................................... 124
Side windows ........................................ 177
Drive information .....................................93
Drive-start control .......... 193, 227, 232
Driver’s seat belt reminder light .... 636
Driver’s seat position memory.......... 162
Driving
Break-in tips ...........................................194
Correct posture .................................... 28
Driving mode select switch .......... 369
Procedures ............................................. 192
Winter drive tips ............................... 380
Driving position memory .................... 162
Memory recall function ....................165
Dynamic radar cruise control ........... 314
Dynamic radar cruise control
with full-speed range....................... 302
Dynamic Torque Control AWD
system .....................................................375D