271-1. For safe use
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1
For safety and security
The pretensioners help the seat belts to
quickly restrain the occupants by
retracting the seat belts when the vehi-
cle is subjected to certain types of
severe frontal collision or a vehicle roll-
over.
The front seat belt pr etensioners also acti-
vate when the vehicle is subjected to cer-
tain types of severe side collision.
The pretensioners do not activate in the
event of a minor frontal impact, a minor
side impact or a rear impact.
■Replacing the belt after the preten-
sioner has been activated
If the vehicle is involved in multiple colli-
sions, the pretensioner will activate for the
first collision, but will not activate for the
second or subsequent collisions.
Seat belt pretensioners
WARNING
■Seat belt pretensioners
●Do not place anything, such as a cush-
ion, on the front passenger’s seat.
Doing so will disperse the passenger’s
weight, which prevents the sensor
from detecting the passenger’s weight
properly. As a result , the seat belt pre-
tensioner for the front passenger’s seat
may not activate in the event of a colli-
sion.
●If the pretensioner has activated, the
SRS warning light will come on. In that
case, the seat belt cannot be used
again and must be replaced at your
Lexus dealer.
351-1. For safe use
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1
For safety and security
WARNING
●If a vinyl cover is put on the area where
the SRS knee airbag will deploy, be
sure to remove it.
●Do not use seat accessories which
cover the parts where the SRS side air-
bags inflate as they may interfere with
inflation of the airbags. Such accesso-
ries may prevent the side airbags from
activating correctly, disable the system
or cause the side airbags to inflate
accidentally, resulting in death or seri-
ous injury.
●Do not strike or apply significant levels
of force to the area of the SRS airbag
components.
Doing so can cause the SRS airbags to
malfunction.
●Do not touch any of the component
parts immediately after the SRS air-
bags have deployed (inflated) as they
may be hot.
●If breathing becomes difficult after the
SRS airbags have deployed, open a
door or window to allow fresh air in, or
leave the vehicle if it is safe to do so.
Wash off any residue as soon as possi-
ble to prevent skin irritation.
●If the areas where the SRS airbags are
stored, such as the steering wheel pad
and front and rear pillar garnishes, are
damaged or cracked, have them
replaced by your Lexus dealer.
●Do not place anything, such as a cush-
ion, on the front passenger's seat.
Doing so will disperse the passenger's
weight, which prevents the sensor
from detecting the passenger's weight
properly. As a result, the SRS front air-
bags for the front passenger may not
deploy in the event of a collision.
■Modification and disposal of SRS air-
bag system components
Do not dispose of your vehicle or per-
form any of the following modifications
without consulting your Lexus dealer.
The SRS airbags may malfunction or
deploy (inflate) accidentally, causing
death or serious injury.
●Installation, removal, disassembly and
repair of the SRS airbags
●Repairs, modifications, removal or
replacement of the steering wheel,
instrument panel, dashboard, seats or
seat upholstery, front, side and rear pil-
lars or roof side rails
●Repairs or modifications of the front
fender, front bumper, or side of the
occupant compartment
●Installation of a grille guard (bull bars,
kangaroo bar, etc.), snow plows,
winches or roof luggage carrier
●Modifications to the vehicle’s suspen-
sion system
●Installation of elec tronic devices such
as mobile two-way radios and CD
players
●Modifications to your vehicle for a per-
son with a physical disability
371-1. For safe use
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1
For safety and security
WARNING
●Make sure the “AIR BAG OFF” indica-
tor light is not illuminated when using
the seat belt extender for the front pas-
senger seat. If the “AIR BAG OFF”
indicator light is illuminated, discon-
nect the extender tongue from the seat
belt buckle, and reconnect the seat
belt. Reconnect the se at belt extender
after making sure the “AIR BAG ON”
indicator light is illu minated. If you use
the seat belt extender while the “AIR
BAG OFF” indicator light is illumi-
nated, the SRS airbags for the front
passenger may not activate, which
could cause death or serious injury in
the event of a collision.
●Do not apply a heavy load to the front
passenger seat or equipment (e.g.
seatback pocket).
●Do not put weight on the front passen-
ger seat by putting your hands or feet
on the front passenger seat seatback
from the rear passenger seat.
●Do not let a rear passenger lift the
front passenger seat with their feet or
press on the seatback with their legs.
●Do not put objects under the front pas-
senger seat.
●Do not recline the front passenger
seatback so far that it touches a rear
seat. This may cause the “AIR BAG
OFF” indicator light to be illuminated,
which indicates that the SRS airbags
for the front passenger will not activate
in the event of a severe accident. If the
seatback touches the rear seat, return
the seatback to a position where it
does not touch the rear seat. Keep the
front passenger seatback as upright as
possible when the vehicle is moving.
Reclining the seatback excessively
may lessen the effectiveness of the
seat belt system.
●If an adult sits in the front passenger
seat, the “AIR BAG ON” indicator light
is illuminated. If the “AIR BAG OFF”
indicator is illuminated, ask the passen-
ger to sit up straight, well back in the
seat, feet on the floor, and with the seat
belt worn correctly. If the “AIR BAG
OFF” indicator still remains illumi-
nated, either ask the passenger to
move to the rear seat, or if that is not
possible, move the front passenger
seat fully rearward.
●When it is unavoidable to install a for-
ward-facing child restraint system on
the front passenger seat, install the
child restraint system on the front pas-
senger seat in the proper order.
( P.41)
●Do not modify or remove the front
seats.
●Do not kick the front passenger seat or
subject it to severe impact. Otherwise,
the SRS warning light may come on to
indicate a malfunction of the front pas-
senger occupant clas sification system.
In this case, contact your Lexus dealer
immediately.
●Child restraint systems installed on the
rear seat should not contact the front
seatbacks.
●Do not use a seat accessory, such as a
cushion and seat cover, that covers the
seat cushion surface.
●Do not modify or replace the uphol-
stery of the front seat.
●Do not place anything between the
console box and front passenger seat.
Otherwise, the system may not detect
the front passenger properly, leading
to improper operation of the airbags.
●Adjust the front passe nger seat so that
the head restraint does not touch the
ceiling. If the head restraint is left in
contact with the ceiling, the system
may not detect the front passenger
properly, leading to improper opera-
tion of the airbags.
903-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors and trunk
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■Trunk opener switch
Press the trunk opener switch.
■Smart access system with
push-button start
While carrying the electronic key,
press the button on the trunk lid.
When both side doors are unlocked
using one of the following methods, the
trunk can be opened without the elec-
tronic key:
Entry function
Wireless remote control
Door lock switches
Automatic door unlocking system
Mechanical key
WARNING
●When opening or closing the trunk lid,
thoroughly check to make sure the
surrounding area is safe.
●If anyone is in the vicinity, make sure
they are safe and let them know that
the trunk is about to open or close.
●Use caution when opening or closing
the trunk lid in windy weather as it may
move abruptly in strong wind.
●On an incline it is more difficult to
open or close the trunk lid than on a
level surface, so beware of the trunk lid
unexpectedly opening or closing by
itself. Make sure that the trunk lid is
fully open and secure before using the
trunk.
●When opening the trun k lid, take care
so that it does not hit anyone in the
face or any other part of the body.
●When closing the trunk lid, take extra
care to prevent your fingers etc. from
being caught.
●When closing the trunk lid, make sure
to press it lightly on its outer surface. If
the trunk handle is used to fully close
the trunk lid, it may result in hands or
arms being caught.
●Do not attach any accessories other
than genuine Lexus parts to the trunk
lid. Such additional weight on the trunk
lid may cause the lid to suddenly shut
again after it is opened.
Opening/closing the trunk
1214-1. Before driving
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4
Driving
Cargo capacity depends on the total
weight of the occupants.
(Cargo capacity) = (Total load capac-
ity) — (Total weight of occupants)
Steps for Determining Correct Load
Limit —
(1) Locate the statement “The com-
bined weight of occupants and cargo
should never exceed XXX kg or XXX
lbs.” on your vehicle’s placard.
(2) Determine the combined weight of
the driver and passengers that will be
riding in your vehicle.
(3) Subtract the combined weight of
the driver and passengers from XXX
kg or XXX lbs.
(4) The resulting figure equals the
available amount of cargo and luggage
load capacity.
For example, if the “XXX” amount
equals 1400 lbs. and there will be five
150 lb passengers in your vehicle, the
amount of available cargo and luggage
load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400 - 750
(5 150) = 650 lbs.)
(5) Determine the combined weight of
luggage and cargo being loaded on
the vehicle. That weight may not safely
exceed the available cargo and lug-
NOTICE
●RC300: Make sure to idle the engine
immediately after high-load driving.
Stop the engine only after the turbo-
charger has cooled down.
Failure to do so may cause damage to
the turbocharger.
■If you get a flat tire while driving
A flat or damaged ti re may cause the fol-
lowing situations. Hold the steering
wheel firmly and gradually depress the
brake pedal to slow down the vehicle.
●It may be difficult to control your vehi-
cle.
●The vehicle will make abnormal
sounds or vibrations.
●The vehicle will lean abnormally.
Information on what to do in case of a flat
tire ( P.294)
■When encountering flooded roads
Do not drive on a road that has flooded
after heavy rain etc. Doing so may cause
the following serious damage to the vehi-
cle:
●Engine stalling
●Short in electrical components
●Engine damage caused by water
immersion
In the event that you drive on a flooded
road and the vehicle is flooded, be sure
to have your Lexus dealer check the fol-
lowing:
●Brake function
●Changes in quantity and quality of oil
and fluid used for the engine, transmis-
sion, transfer (AWD models), differen-
tial, etc.
●Lubricant condition for the propeller
shaft, bearings and suspension joints
(where possible), and the function of
all joints, bearings, etc.
Cargo and luggage
Take notice of the following infor-
mation about storage precautions,
cargo capacity and load:
Capacity and distribution
1224-1. Before driving
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gage load capacity calculated in Step
4.
(6) If your vehicle will be towing a
trailer, load from your trailer will be
transferred to your vehicle. Consult
this manual to determine how this
reduces the available cargo and lug-
gage load capacity of your vehicle.
( P.123)
Lexus does not recommend towing a
trailer with your vehicle. Your vehicle is not
designed for trailer towing.
Cargo capacity
Total load capacity (vehicle capac-
ity weight) ( P.316)
When 2 people with the combined
weight of A lb. (kg) are riding in your
vehicle, which has a total load capacity
(vehicle capacity weight) of B lb. (kg),
the available amount of cargo and lug-
gage load capacity will be C lb. (kg) as
follows:
B
*2 lb. (kg) - A*1 lb. (kg) = C*3 lb. (kg)
*1: A =Weight of people
*2: B =Total load capacity
*3: C =Available cargo and luggage load
In this condition, if 2 more passengers with
the combined weight of D lb. (kg) get on,
the available cargo and luggage load will
be reduced E lb. (kg) as follows:
C lb. (kg) - D*4 lb. (kg) = E*5 lb. (kg)
*4: D =Additional weight of people
*5: E =Available cargo and luggage load
As shown in the example above, if the
number of occupant s increases, the
cargo and luggage load will be
reduced by an amount that equals the
increased weight due to the additional
occupants. In other words, if an
increase in the number of occupants
causes an excess of the total load
capacity (combined weight of occu-
pants plus cargo and luggage load),
you must reduce the cargo and lug-
gage on your vehicle.
Calculation formula for your
vehicle
A
B
WARNING
■Things that must not be carried in the
trunk
The following things may cause a fire if
loaded in the trunk:
●Receptacles containing gasoline
●Aerosol cans
■Storage precautions
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may prevent the pedals
from being depressed properly, may
block the driver’s vision, or may result in
items hitting the driver or passengers,
possibly causing an accident.
●Stow cargo and luggage in the trunk
whenever possible.
1234-1. Before driving
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4
Driving
■Total load capacity and seating capacity
These details are also described on the tire
and loading information label. ( P.261)
WARNING
●To prevent cargo and luggage from
sliding forward during braking, do not
stack anything in th e enlarged trunk.
Keep cargo and luggage low, as close
to the floor as possible.
●When you fold down the rear seats,
long items should not be placed
directly behind the front seats.
●Never allow anyone to ride in the
enlarged trunk. It is not designed for
passengers. They should ride in their
seats with their seat belts properly fas-
tened.
●Do not place cargo or luggage in or on
the following locations.
• At the feet of the driver
• On the front passenger or rear seats (when stacking items)
• On the package tray
• On the instrument panel
• On the dashboard
• In front of the Center Display
●Secure all items in the occupant com-
partment.
■Capacity and distribution
●Do not exceed the maximum axle
weight rating or the total vehicle
weight rating.
●Even if the total load of occupant’s
weight and the cargo load is less than
the total load capacity, do not apply the
load unevenly. Improper loading may
cause deterioration of steering or
braking control which may cause
death or serious injury.
Vehicle load limits
Vehicle load limits include total
load capacity, seating capacity,
towing capacity and cargo capac-
ity.
Total load capacity (vehicle
capacity weight): P.316
Total load capacity means the com-
bined weight of occupants, cargo
and luggage.
Seating capacity: 4 occupants
(Front 2, Rear 2)
Seating capacity means the maxi-
mum number of occupants whose
estimated average weight is 150 lb.
(68 kg) per person.
Towing capacity
Lexus does not recommend towing
a trailer with your vehicle.
Cargo capacity
Cargo capacity may increase or
decrease depending on the weight
and the number of occupants.
WARNING
■Overloading the vehicle
Do not overload the vehicle.
It may not only cause damage to the tires,
but also degrade steering and braking
ability, resulting in an accident.
2566-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
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■When to replace your vehicle’s tires
Tires should be replaced if:
●The treadwear indicators are showing on
a tire.
●You have tire damage such as cuts, splits,
cracks deep enough to expose the fabric,
and bulges indicating internal damage
●A tire goes flat repeatedly or cannot be
properly repaired due to the size or loca-
tion of a cut or other damage
If you are not sure, consult your Lexus
dealer.
■Tire life
Any tire over 6 years old must be checked
by a qualified technician even if it has sel-
dom or never been used or damage is not
obvious.
■Low profile 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 ti res. Be sure to use
snow tires or tire chains on snowy and/or icy
roads and drive carefully at a speed appro-
priate for road and weather conditions.
■Maximum load of tire
Check that the maximum load of the
replacement tire is greater than 1/2 of the
Gross Axle Weight Ratings (GAWR) of
either the front axle or the rear axle, which-
ever is greater.
For the GAWR, see the Certification Label.
For the maximum load of the tire, see the
load limit at maximum cold tire inflation
pressure mentioned on the sidewall of the
tire. ( P.329)
■Tire types
●Summer tires Summer tires are high-speed performance
tires best suited to
highway driving under
dry conditions. Since summer tires do not
have the same traction performance as
snow tires, summer ti res are inadequate for
driving on snow-covered or icy roads. For
driving on snow-covered roads or icy
roads, the use of snow tires is recom-
mended. When installing snow tires, be
sure to replace all four tires.
●All season tires
All season tires are designed to provide
better traction in snow and to be adequate
for driving in most winter conditions as well
as for use year-round. All season tires,
however, do not have adequate traction
performance compared with snow tires in
heavy or loose snow. Also, all season tires
fall short in accelerati on and handling per-
formance compared with summer tires in
highway driving.
●Snow tires
For driving on snow-covered roads or icy
roads, we recommend using snow tires. If
you need snow tires, select tires of the
same size, construction and load capacity
as the originally instal led tires. Since your
vehicle has radial tires as original equip-
ment, make sure your snow tires also have
radial construction. Do not install studded
tires without first checking local regula-
tions for possible restrictions. Snow tires
should be installed on all wheels. ( P.196)
■If the tread on snow tires wears down
below 0.16 in. (4 mm)
The effectiveness of the tires as snow tires is
lost.