4967-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
WARNING
The engine compartment contains many mechanisms and fluids that may move suddenly,
become hot, or become electrically energize d. To avoid death or serious injury, observe
the following precautions.
■When working on the engine compartment
●Keep hands, clothing and tools away from the moving fan and engine drive belt.
●Be careful not to touch the engine, radiator, exhaust manifold, etc. right after driving
as they may be hot. Oil and other fluids may also be hot.
●Do not leave anything that may burn easily, such as paper and rags, in the engine
compartment.
●Do not smoke, cause sparks or expose an open flame to fuel or the battery. Fuel and
battery fumes are flammable.
●Be extremely cautious when working on the battery. It contains poisonous and corro-
sive sulfuric acid.
■When working near the electric cooling fans or radiator grille
Be sure the engine switch is off.
With the engine switch in IGNITION ON mode, the electric cooling fans may auto-
matically start to run if the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant temperature is high.
( → P. 511)
■Safety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc. from getting in
your eyes.
NOTICE
■If you remove the air cleaner filter
Driving with the air cleaner f ilter removed may cause excessive engine wear due to dirt
in the air.
5297-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
WARNING
■When inspecting or replacing tires
Observe the following precautions to prevent accidents.
Failure to do so may cause damage to parts of the drivetrain as well as dangerous han-
dling characteristics, which may lead to an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
●Do not mix tires of different makes, models or tread patterns.
Also, do not mix tires of remarkably different treadwear.
●Do not use tire sizes other than those recommended by Lexus.
●Do not mix differently constructed tires (radial, bias-belted or bias-ply tires).
●Do not mix summer, all season and snow tires.
●Do not use tires that have be en used on another vehicle.
Do not use tires if you do not know how they were used previously.
●Vehicles with a compact spare tire: Do no t tow if your vehicle has a compact spare
tire installed.
●Vehicles with an emergency tire puncture repair kit: Do not tow anything if a tire that
has been repaired using the emergency tire puncture repair kit is installed. The load
on the tire may cause unexpected damage to the tire.
■When initializing the tire pressure warning system
Do not operate the tire pressure warning reset switch without first adjusting the tire
inflation pressure to the spec ified level. Otherwise, the tire pressure warning light may
not come on even if the tire inflation pressu re is low, or it may come on when the tire
inflation pressure is actually normal.
■Caution regarding interference with electronic devices
●Users of any electrical medical device ot her than implantable cardiac pacemakers,
cardiac resynchronization th erapy-pacemakers or implantable cardioverter defibril-
lators should consult the manufacturer of the device for information about its opera-
tion under the influence of radio waves.
Radio waves could have unexpected effects on the operation of such medical
devices.
●People with implantabl e cardiac pacemakers,
cardiac resynchronization therapy-pacemak-
ers or implantable cardioverter defibrillators
should not come within 17.7 in. (450 mm) of
the tire pressure warn ing system initiators.
The radio waves may affect the operation of
such devices.
5658-2. Steps to take in an emergency
8
When trouble arises
If a warning light turns on or a warning buzzer
sounds
Calmly perform the following actions if any of the warning lights comes on or
flashes. If a light comes on or flashes, but then goes off, this does not necessar-
ily indicate a malfunction in the system. However, if this continues to occur,
have the vehicle inspecte d by your Lexus dealer.
Warning light and warning buzzer list
Warning lightWarning light/Details/Actions
(U.S.A.)
(Canada)
Brake system warning light (warning buzzer)*1
Indicates that:
• The brake fluid level is low; or
• The brake system is malfunctioning
RC350/RC300/RC200t: This light also comes on when the
parking brake is not released. If th e light turns off after the parking
brake is fully released the system is operating normally.
→ Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact your
Lexus dealer. Continuing to drive the vehicle may be dangerous.
Charging system warning light
Indicates a malfunction in the vehicle’s charging system
→ Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact your
Lexus dealer.
(U.S.A.)
(Canada)
Malfunction indicator lamp Indicates a malfunction in:
• The electronic engine control system;
• The electronic throttle control system; or
• The electronic automatic transmission control system
→ Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
SRS warning light
Indicates a malfunction in:
• The SRS airbag system;
• The front passenger occupant classification system; or
• The seat belt pretensioner system
→ Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
(U.S.A.)
(Canada)
ABS warning light Indicates a malfunction in:
• The ABS; or
• The brake assist system
→ Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
5668-2. Steps to take in an emergency
Electric power steering system warning light (warning buzzer)
Indicates a malfunction in the EPS (Electric Power Steering) sys-
tem
→ Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
(Flashes)
(If equipped)
Pre-collision system warning light Indicates a malfunction in the PCS (Pre-Collision System)
The warning light will operate as follows, even when the system is
not malfunctioning:
• The light will flash quickly when the system is operating.
(→ P. 306)
• The light will turn on when the pre-collision system is disabled.
( → P. 307)
• The light will turn on when th e VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)
system is disabled. ( →P. 301)
• The light will flash when the system cannot temporarily be used.
(→ P. 585)
→ Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
Slip indicator
Indicates a malfunction in:
• The VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) system;
• The TRAC (Traction Control) system; or
• The hill-start assist control system
The light will flash when the VSC or the TRAC system is operating.
→ Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
Automatic headlight leve ling system warning light
Indicates a malfunction in the automatic headlight leveling system
→ Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
Open door warning light (warning buzzer)*2
Indicates that a door or the trunk is not fully closed
→ Check that both side doors and the trunk are closed.
Low fuel level warning light
Indicates that remaining fuel is approximately 2.6 gal. (10 L, 2.2
Imp. gal.) or less
→ Refuel the vehicle.
Seat belt reminder light (warning buzzer)*3
Warns the driver and/or front pass enger to fasten their seat belts
→ Fasten the seat belt.
If the front passenger’s seat is occupied, the front passenger’s
seat belt also needs to be fastened to make the warning light
(warning buzzer) turn off.
Master warning light
A buzzer sounds and the warning light comes on and flashes to
indicate that the master warnin g system has detected a malfunc-
tion.
→ P. 571
Warning lightWarning light/Details/Actions
5678-2. Steps to take in an emergency
8
When trouble arises
*1: Parking brake engaged warning buzzer (RC350/RC300/RC200t):→ P. 575
*2: Open door warning buzzer:
→ P. 573
*3: Driver’s seat belt buzzer:
The driver’s seat belt buzzer sounds to alert the driver that his or her seat belt is not
fastened. Once the engine switch is turned to IGNITION ON mode, the buzzer
sounds for 6 seconds. If the vehicle reaches a speed of 12 mph (20 km/h), the buzzer
sounds once. If the seat belt is still unfast ened after 24 seconds, the buzzer will sound
intermittently for 10 seconds. Then, if the se at belt is still unfastened, the buzzer will
sound in a different tone for 20 more seconds.
Front passenger’s seat belt buzzer:
The front passenger’s seat belt buzzer soun ds to alert the front passenger that his or
her seat belt is not fastened. The buzzer so unds once if the vehicle reaches a speed of
12 mph (20 km/h). If the seat belt is still unfastened after 24 se conds, the buzzer will
sound intermittently for 10 se conds. Then, if the seat belt is still unfastened, the buzzer
will sound in a different to ne for 20 more seconds.
Tire pressure warning light
When the light comes on:
Low tire inflation pressure such as
• Natural causes ( →P. 568)
•Flat tire ( →P. 592, 606)
→ Adjust the tire inflation pres sure to the specified level.
The light will turn off after a few minutes. In case the light does
not turn off even if the tire inflation pressure is adjusted, have the
system checked by your Lexus dealer.
When the light comes on af ter blinking for 1 minute:
Malfunction in the tire pressure warning system
→ Have the system checked by your Lexus dealer.
Warning lightWarning light/Details/Actions
5688-2. Steps to take in an emergency
■SRS warning light
This warning light system monitors the airbag sensor assembly, front impact sensors, side
impact sensors (door), side impact sensors (front), side impact sensors (rear), driver’s
seat position sensor, driver’s seat belt buckle switch, front passenger occupant classifica-
tion system, “AIR BAG ON” indicator light, “A IR BAG OFF” indicator light, front passen-
ger’s seat belt buckle switch, seat belt pretensioners, airbags, interconnecting wiring and
power sources. (→ P. 41)
■Front passenger detection sensor, seat belt reminder and warning buzzer
If luggage is placed on the front passenger seat, the front passenger detection sensor
may cause the warning light to flash and the warning buzzer to sound even if a passenger
is not sitting in the seat.
■If the malfunction indicator lamp comes on while driving
First check the following:
●Is the fuel tank empty?
If it is, fill the fu el tank immediately.
●Is the fuel tank cap loose?
If it is, tighten it securely.
The light will go off after several driving trips.
If the light does not go off even after severa l trips, contact your Lexus dealer as soon as
possible.
■Electric power steering system warning light (warning buzzer)
When the battery charge becomes insufficien t or the voltage temporarily drops, the
electric power steering system warning li ght may come on and the warning buzzer may
sound.
■When the tire pressure warning light comes on
Check the tire inflation pressu re and adjust to the appropriate level. Pushing the tire
pressure warning reset switch will not tu rn off the tire pressure warning light.
■The tire pressure warning light may come on due to natural causes
The tire pressure warning light may come on due to natural causes such as natural air
leaks and tire inflation pressure changes caus ed by temperature. In this case, adjusting
the tire inflation pressure will turn off the warning light (after a few minutes).
■When a tire is replaced with the spare tire (if equipped)
The spare tire is not equipped with a tire pr essure warning valve and transmitter. If a tire
goes flat, the tire pressure warning light will not turn off even though the flat tire has been
replaced with the spare tire.
■Conditions that the tire pressure wa rning system may not function properly
→ P. 522
■If the tire pressure warning light freque ntly comes on after blinking for 1 minute
If the tire pressure warning light frequently comes on after blinking for 1 minute when the
engine switch is turned to IGNITION ON mo de, have it checked by your Lexus dealer.
■Warning buzzer
In some cases, the buzzer may not be heard due to being in a noisy location or audio
sound.
5768-2. Steps to take in an emergency
RC200t only
Indicates an engine malfunctionA buzzer also sounds.
→ Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer.
Indicates a malfunction in:
• The SRS airbag system;
• The front passenger occupa nt classification system; or
• The seat belt pretensioner system A buzzer also sounds.
→ Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer.
Indicates a malfunction in:
• The ABS; or
• The brake assist system
A buzzer also sounds.
→ Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer.
Indicates that the engine coolant temperature is too high
A buzzer also sounds.
→ P. 630
(If equipped)
Indicates that the radar sensor is dirty or covered with
ice
A buzzer also sounds.
→ Clean the sensor.
Warning messageDetails/Actions
(U.S.A.) (Canada)
6298-2. Steps to take in an emergency
8
When trouble arises
WARNING
■Avoiding battery fires or explosions
Observe the following precautions to prevent accidentally igniting the flammable gas
that may be emitted from the battery:
●Make sure each jumper cable is connected to the correct terminal and that it is not
unintentionally in contact with any other than the intended terminal.
●Do not allow the other end of the jumper cab le connected to the “+” terminal to come
into contact with any other parts or metal surfaces in the area, such as brackets or
unpainted metal.
●Do not allow the + and - clamps of the jump er cables to come into contact with each
other.
●Do not smoke, use matches, cigarette lighters or allow open flame near the battery.
■Battery precautions
The battery contains poisonous and corrosive acidic electrolyte, while related parts
contain lead and lead compounds. Observ e the following precautions when handling
the battery:
●When working with the battery, always wear safety glasses and take care not to allow
any battery fluids (acid) to come into cont act with skin, clothing or the vehicle body.
●Do not lean over the battery.
●In the event that battery fluid comes into contact with the skin or eyes, immediately
wash the affected area with water and seek medical attention.
Place a wet sponge or cloth over the affected area until medical attention can be
received.
●Always wash your hands afte r handling the battery support, terminals, and other bat-
tery-related parts.
●Do not allow children near the battery.
NOTICE
■When handling jumper cables
When connecting the jumper cables, ensure that they do not become entangled in the
cooling fans or engine drive belt.