
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL81
Certain conditions, such as a loose or missing gas 
cap, poor quality fuel, etc., may illuminate the light 
after engine start. The vehicle should be serviced if 
the light stays on through several typical driving 
styles. In most situations, the vehicle will drive 
normally and will not require towing.
When the engine is running, the MIL may flash to 
alert serious conditions that could lead to immediate 
loss of power or severe catalytic converter damage. 
The vehicle should be serviced by an authorized 
dealer as soon as possible if this occurs.
Service AWD Warning Light — If Equipped
This warning light will turn on to indicate 
the All Wheel Drive (AWD) system is not 
functioning properly and that service is 
required. Contact an authorized dealer.
Service Forward Collision Warning (FCW) 
Light — If Equipped
This warning light will illuminate to 
indicate a fault in the Forward Collision 
Warning System. Contact an authorized 
dealer for service Ú page 155.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) 
Warning Light 
The warning light switches on and a 
message is displayed to indicate that 
the tire pressure is lower than the 
recommended value and/or that slow 
pressure loss is occurring. In these cases, optimal 
tire duration and fuel consumption may not be 
guaranteed.
Should one or more tires be in the condition 
mentioned above, the display will show the 
indications corresponding to each tire. Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should 
be checked monthly when cold and inflated to the 
inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle 
manufacturer on the vehicle placard or tire 
inflation pressure label. If your vehicle has tires of 
a different size than the size indicated on the 
vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you 
should determine the proper tire inflation pressure 
for those tires.
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been 
equipped with a TPMS that illuminates a low tire 
pressure warning light when one or more of your 
tires is significantly underinflated. Accordingly, 
when the low tire pressure warning light 
illuminates, you should stop and check your tires 
as soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper 
pressure. Driving on a significantly underinflated 
tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire 
failure. Underinflation also reduces fuel efficiency 
and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s 
handling and stopping ability.
WARNING!
A malfunctioning catalytic converter, as referenced 
above, can reach higher temperatures than in 
normal operating conditions. This can cause a fire 
if you drive slowly or park over flammable 
substances such as dry plants, wood, cardboard, 
etc. This could result in death or serious injury to 
the driver, occupants or others.
CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the Malfunction Indicator 
Light (MIL) on could cause damage to the 
vehicle control system. It also could affect fuel 
economy and driveability. If the MIL is flashing, 
severe catalytic converter damage and power 
loss will soon occur. Immediate service is 
required.
CAUTION!
Do not continue driving with one or more flat 
tires as handling may be compromised. Stop the 
vehicle, avoiding sharp braking and steering. If a 
tire puncture occurs, repair immediately using 
the dedicated tire repair kit and contact an 
authorized dealer as soon as possible.
3
22_LX_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 81   

84GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL  
ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM — OBD II   
Your vehicle is equipped with a sophisticated 
Onboard Diagnostic system called OBD II. This 
system monitors the performance of the 
emissions, engine, and transmission control 
systems. When these systems are operating 
properly, your vehicle will provide excellent 
performance and fuel economy, as well as engine 
emissions well within current government 
regulations.
If any of these systems require service, the OBD II 
system will turn on the Malfunction Indicator Light 
(MIL). It will also store diagnostic codes and other 
information to assist your service technician in 
making repairs. Although your vehicle will usually 
be drivable and not need towing, see an authorized 
dealer for service as soon as possible.
ONBOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM 
(OBD II) C
YBERSECURITY
Your vehicle is required to have an OBD II and a 
connection port to allow access to information 
related to the performance of your emissions 
controls. Authorized service technicians may need 
to access this information to assist with the 
diagnosis and service of your vehicle and 
emissions system  Ú page 128.
CAUTION!
Prolonged driving with the MIL on could cause 
further damage to the emission control 
system. It could also affect fuel economy and 
driveability. The vehicle must be serviced 
before any emissions tests can be performed.
If the MIL is flashing while the vehicle is 
running, severe catalytic converter damage 
and power loss will soon occur. Immediate 
service is required.
WARNING!
ONLY an authorized service technician should 
connect equipment to the OBD II connection 
port in order to read the VIN, diagnose, or 
service your vehicle.
If unauthorized equipment is connected to the 
OBD II connection port, such as a 
driver-behavior tracking device, it may:
Be possible that vehicle systems, 
including safety related systems, could be 
impaired or a loss of vehicle control could 
occur that may result in an accident 
involving serious injury or death.
Access, or allow others to access, infor -
mation stored in your vehicle systems, 
including personal information.
22_LX_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 84   

STARTING AND OPERATING89
COLD WEATHER OPERATION
(BELOW –22°F OR −30°C) 
To ensure reliable starting at these temperatures, 
use of an externally powered electric engine block 
heater (available from an authorized dealer) is 
recommended.
AFTER STARTING
The idle speed is controlled automatically, and it 
will decrease as the engine warms up.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER — IF EQUIPPED 
The engine block heater warms the engine, and 
permits quicker starts in cold weather. Connect the 
cord to a standard 110-115 Volt AC electrical 
outlet with a grounded, three-wire extension cord.
The engine block heater must be plugged in at 
least one hour to have an adequate warming effect 
on the engine.
The engine block heater cord is routed under the 
hood on the driver side of the vehicle. It has a 
removable cap that is located near the air box.
ENGINE BREAK-IN RECOMMENDATIONS  
A long break-in period is not required for the 
drivetrain (engine, transmission, and rear axle) in 
your new vehicle.
Drive moderately during the first 300 miles 
(500 km). After the initial 60 miles (100 km), 
speeds up to 50 or 55 mph (80 or 90 km/h) are 
desirable.
While cruising, brief full-throttle acceleration within 
the limits of local traffic laws contributes to a good 
break-in. However, wide-open throttle acceleration 
in low gear can be detrimental and should be 
avoided.
The engine oil, transmission fluid, and axle 
lubricant installed at the factory are high-quality 
and energy-conserving. Oil, fluid, and lubricant 
changes should be consistent with anticipated 
climate and conditions under which vehicle 
operations will occur. For the recommended 
viscosity and quality grades  Ú page 268.
WARNING!
Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid into 
the throttle body air inlet opening in an 
attempt to start the vehicle. This could result 
in flash fire causing serious personal injury.
Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to 
get it started. Vehicles equipped with an auto -
matic transmission cannot be started this 
way. Unburned fuel could enter the catalytic 
converter and once the engine has started, 
ignite and damage the converter and vehicle.
If the vehicle has a discharged battery, 
booster cables may be used to obtain a start 
from a booster battery or the battery in 
another vehicle. This type of start can be 
dangerous if done improperly  Ú page 201.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not 
continuously crank the engine for more than 10 
seconds at a time. Wait 10 to 15 seconds before 
trying again.
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the engine block 
heater cord before driving. Damage to the 
110-115 Volt electrical cord could cause 
electrocution.
CAUTION!
Never use Non-Detergent Oil or Straight Mineral 
Oil in the engine or damage may result.
4
22_LX_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 89   

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE223
(Continued) Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic 
converter will not require maintenance. However, it 
is important to keep the engine properly tuned to 
ensure proper catalyst operation and prevent 
possible catalyst damage.
NOTE:Intentional tampering with emission control 
systems can result in civil penalties being 
assessed against you. In unusual situations involving grossly 
malfunctioning engine operation, a scorching odor 
may suggest severe and abnormal catalyst 
overheating. If this occurs, stop the vehicle, turn off 
the engine and allow it to cool. Service, including a 
tune-up to manufacturer's specifications, should 
be obtained immediately.
To minimize the possibility of catalytic converter 
damage:
Do not shut off the engine or interrupt the igni-
tion when the transmission is in gear and the 
vehicle is in motion.
Do not try to start the engine by pushing or 
towing the vehicle.
Do not idle the engine with any spark plug wires 
disconnected or removed, such as when diag
-
nostic testing, or for prolonged periods during 
very rough idle or malfunctioning operating 
conditions.
NOTE:Your vehicle’s exhaust system may be equipped 
with an Electronic Exhaust Valve (EEV) system, if 
the exhaust system is replaced with aftermarket 
products a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) will 
illuminate.
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They contain 
carbon monoxide (CO), which is colorless and 
odorless. Breathing it can make you uncon -
scious and can eventually poison you. To 
avoid breathing CO  Ú page 191.
A hot exhaust system can start a fire if you 
park over materials that can burn. Such 
materials might be grass or leaves coming 
into contact with your exhaust system. Do not 
park or operate your vehicle in areas where 
your exhaust system can contact anything 
that can burn.
CAUTION!
The catalytic converter requires the use of 
unleaded fuel only. Leaded gasoline will 
destroy the effectiveness of the catalyst as an 
emissions control device and may seriously 
reduce engine performance and cause 
serious damage to the engine.
Damage to the catalytic converter can result if 
your vehicle is not kept in proper operating 
condition. In the event of engine malfunction, 
particularly involving engine misfire or other 
apparent loss of performance, have your 
vehicle serviced promptly. Continued opera -
tion of your vehicle with a severe malfunction 
could cause the converter to overheat, 
resulting in possible damage to the converter 
and vehicle.
CAUTION!
8
22_LX_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 223   

266TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS  
(Continued)
METHYLCYCLOPENTADIENYL 
M
ANGANESE TRICARBONYL (MMT) IN 
G
ASOLINE
MMT is a manganese-containing metallic additive 
that is blended into some gasoline to increase 
octane. Gasoline blended with MMT provides no 
performance advantage beyond gasoline of the 
same octane number without MMT. Gasoline 
blended with MMT reduces spark plug life and 
reduces emissions system performance in some 
vehicles. The manufacturer recommends that 
gasoline without MMT be used in your vehicle. The 
MMT content of gasoline may not be indicated on 
the gasoline pump; therefore, you should ask your 
gasoline retailer whether the gasoline contains 
MMT. MMT is prohibited in Federal and California 
reformulated gasoline.
FUEL SYSTEM CAUTIONS
NOTE:Intentional tampering with the emissions control 
system can result in civil penalties being assessed 
against you.
CAUTION!
Follow these guidelines to maintain your 
vehicle’s performance:
The use of leaded gasoline is prohibited by 
Federal law. Using leaded gasoline can impair 
engine performance and damage the emis -
sions control system.
An out-of-tune engine or certain fuel or ignition 
malfunctions can cause the catalytic 
converter to overheat. If you notice a pungent 
burning odor or some light smoke, your engine 
may be out of tune or malfunctioning and may 
require immediate service. Contact an autho -
rized dealer for service assistance.
The use of fuel additives, which are now being 
sold as octane enhancers, is not recom -
mended. Most of these products contain high 
concentrations of methanol. Fuel system 
damage or vehicle performance problems 
resulting from the use of such fuels or addi -
tives is not the responsibility of the manufac-
turer and may void or not be covered under 
the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
CAUTION!
22_LX_OM_EN_USC_t.book  Page 266