3834-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
RX350/RX350L_U WARNING ■
Hill-start assist control does not operate effectively when ●
Do not overly rely on hill-start assist control. Hill-start assist control may not operate
effectively on steep inclines and roads covered with ice. ●
Unlike the parking brake, hill-start assist co ntrol is not intended to hold the vehicle
stationary for an exte nded period of time. Do not atte mpt to use hill-start assist con-
trol to hold the vehicle on an incline, as doing so may lead to an accident. ■
When the TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sw ay Control is activated
The slip indicator light flashes. Always drive carefully. Reckle ss driving may cause an
accident. Exercise particular care when the indicator light flashes.■
When the TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Control systems are turned off
Be especially careful and drive at a speed appropriate to the road conditions. As these
are the systems to help ensure vehicle stab ility and driving force, do not turn the
TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Contro l systems off unless necessary.
Trailer Sway Control is part of the VSC syst em and will not operate if VSC is turned off
or experiences a malfunction. ■
Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the specified size, brand, tread pattern and total load
capacity. In addition, make sure that the tire s are inflated to the recommended tire infla-
tion pressure level.
The ABS, TRAC, Trailer Sway Control and VS C systems will not function correctly if
different tires are installed on the vehicle.
Contact your Lexus dealer for further in formation when replacing tires or wheels.■
Handling of tires and the suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modi fying the suspension w ill affect the driving
assist systems, and may cause a system to malfunction. ■
Trailer Sway Control precaution
The Trailer Sway Control system is not able to reduce trailer sway in all situations.
Depending on many factors such as the condit ions of the vehicle, trailer, road surface,
and driving environment, the Trailer Sway Control system may not be effective. Refer to
your trailer owner’s manual for information on how to tow your trailer properly. ■
If trailer sway occurs
Observe the following precautions.
Failing to do so may cause death or serious injury. ●
Firmly grip the steering wh eel. Steer straight ahead.
Do not try to control trailer sway by turning the steering wheel.●
Begin releasing the accelerator pedal immediately but very gradually to reduce
speed.
Do not increase speed. Do not apply vehicle brakes.
If you make no extreme correction with the steering or brakes, your vehicle and trailer
should stabilize. ( P. 226)
384
RX350/RX350L_U 4-6. Driving tips
●
Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside temperatures.
•Engine oil
• Engine coolant
• Washer fluid ●
Have a service technician inspect the condition of the battery. ●
Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set of tire chains for
the front tires. Ensure that all tires are of the specified size and the same brand, and that chains
match the size of the tires.
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 me lt the ice. Wipe away the water imme-
diately to prevent it from freezing. ●
To ensure proper operation of the c limate 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, chassi s, around the tires or on the brakes.●
Remove any snow or mud from the bottom of your shoes before getting in the
vehicle.Winter driving tips Carry out the necessary preparations an d inspections before driving the vehi-
cle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropriate to the prevail-
ing weather conditions.
Pre-winter preparations
Before driving the vehicle
5877-2. Maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
RX350/RX350L_U * : Vehicles with single-beam headlightsVehicle interior Items Check points
Accelerator pedal • The accelerator pedal sh ould 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, is
the vehicle securely stopped?
Brake pedal • Does the brake pedal move smoothly?
• Does the brake pedal have appropriate clearance
from the floor? ( P. 704)
• Does the brake pedal have the correct amount of
free play? ( P. 704)
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 no t get too close to the floor
when the brakes are applied.
Head restraints • 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?
• Are the headlights aimed correctly?
* ( P. 628)
Parking brake • Does the parking brake switch operate normally?
• When parked on a slope and the parking brake is on,
is the vehicle securely stopped?
Seat belts • Do the seat belts 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 any strange sounds coming
from the steering wheel.
590
RX350/RX350L_U 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. Items Parts and tools
Battery condition
( P. 601) •Warm water • Baking soda •Grease
• Conventional wrench (for terminal clamp bolts)
Brake fluid level
( P. 600) • FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding brake fluid)
Engine coolant level
( P. 598) • “Toyota Super Long Life Coolan t” 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 Cool ant” is pre-mixed with 55%
coolant and 45% deionized water.
• Funnel (used only for adding engine coolant)
Engine oil level
( P. 595) • “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equivalent
• Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding engine oil)
Fuses ( P. 625) • Fuse with same amperage rating as original
Headlight aim
*( P. 628) • Phillips-head screwdriver
Light bulbs
( P. 630) • Bulb with same number and wattage rating as original
• Flathead screwdriver •Wrench
Radiator and con-
denser ( P. 599)
600 7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
RX350/RX350L_U ■
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 item. ■
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
Fluid type FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid
Items Clean funnel
WARNING ■
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 ey es, flush the affected area with clean water
immediately.
If you still experience di scomfort, 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 ref illing, there may be a serious problem.
654 8-2. Steps to take in an emergency
RX350/RX350L_UIf 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 light Warning light/Details/Actions(U.S.A.)
(Canada)
Brake system warning light
Indicates that:
• The brake fluid level is low; or
• The brake system is malfunctioning
Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact your
Lexus dealer. Continuing to drive the vehicle may be dangerous.
Brake system warning light
Indicates a malfunction in the electric parking brake
Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately. (If equipped)
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. Continuing to drive the vehicle may be dangerous. (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.
6558-2. Steps to take in an emergency
8
When trouble arises
RX350/RX350L_U (Flashes)
(U.S.A.)
(Flashes)
(Canada)
Parking brake indicator
It is possible that the parking br ake is not fully engaged or released
Operate the parking brake switch once again.
This light comes on when the parking brake is not released. If the
light turns off after the parking brak e is fully released, the system is
operating normally. (Flashes)
Brake hold operated indicator
Indicates a malfunction in the brake hold system
Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
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.
LKA indicator
Indicates a malfunction in the LKA (Lane-Keeping Assist)
When “Lane Keeping Assist Unavailable” is displayed on the
multi-information display, turn the LKA system off, drive the
vehicle for a short time, and then turn the LKA system back on.
( P. 295)
When a message other than above is displayed, follow the
instructions displayed in the message.
Slip indicator
When the warning lig ht is illuminated:
Indicates a malfunction in:
• The VSC system;
• The TRAC system;
• The Trailer Sway Control; or
• The hill-start assist control system
Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
When the warning light flashes:
Indicates that the VSC, TRAC or Trailer Sway Control system is
operatingWarning light Warning light/Details/Actions
6598-2. Steps to take in an emergency
8
When trouble arises
RX350/RX350L_U WARNING ■
If both the ABS and the brake sy stem warning lights remain on
Stop your vehicle in a safe place immediat ely and contact your Lexus dealer. The vehi-
cle will become extremely unstable during br aking, and the ABS system may fail, which
could cause an accident resultin g in death or serious injury.■
When the electric power steering system warning light comes on
When the light comes on yellow, the assist to the power steering is restricted. When the
light comes on red, the assist to the power steering is lost and ha ndling operations of
the steering wheel become extremely heavy. When steering wheel operations are
heavier than usual, grip the steering wheel firmly and operate it using more force than
usual. ■
If the tire pressure warning light comes on
Be sure to observe the following precaution s. Failure to do so could cause a loss of
vehicle control and result in death or serious injury.●
Stop your vehicle in a safe place as soon as possible. Adjust the tire inflation pressure
immediately. ●
If the tire pressure warning light comes on even after tire inflation pressure adjust-
ment, it is probable that you have a flat tire . Check the tires. If a tire is flat, change it
with the spare tire and have the flat tire repaired by the nearest Lexus dealer. ●
Avoid abrupt maneuvering and braking. If the vehicle tires deteriorate, you could lose
control of the steering wheel or the brakes. ■
If a blowout or sudden air leakage should occur
The tire pressure warning system may not activate immediately.