943-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors and trunk
RC350/RC300 Owner's Manual
●When an interior alarm sounds continu-
ously
■Battery-saving function
The battery-saving fu nction will be acti-
vated in order to prevent the electronic key
battery and the vehicle battery from being
discharged while the vehicle is not in opera-
tion for a long time.
●In the following situations, the smart
access system with pu sh-button start may
take some time to unlock the doors.
• The electronic key has been left within approximately 6 ft. (2 m) of the outside of
the vehicle for 10 minutes or longer.
• The smart access system with push-but- ton start has not been used for 5 days or
longer.
●If the smart access system with push-but-
ton start has not been used for 14 days or longer, the doors cannot be unlocked at
the passenger door. In this case, take hold
of the driver’s door handle, or use the
wireless remote control or mechanical
key, to unlock the doors.
■Electronic Key Battery-Saving Function
When battery-saving mode is set, battery
depletion is minimized by stopping the elec-
tronic key from receiving radio waves.
Press twice while pressing and holding
. Confirm that the electronic key indica-
tor flashes 4 times.
While the battery-saving mode is set, the
smart access system with push-button start
cannot be used. To cancel the function,
press any of the electronic key buttons.
■Conditions affecting operation
The smart access system with push-button
start uses weak radio waves. In the following
situations, the communication between the
electronic key and the vehicle may be
affected, preventing the smart access sys-
tem with push-button start, wireless remote
control and engine immobilizer system
from operating properly.
(Ways of coping: P.315)
●When the electronic key battery is
depleted
●Near a TV tower, electric power plant,
gas station, radio station, large display,
airport or other fac ility that generates
strong radio waves or electrical noise
●When carrying a portable radio, cellular
phone, cordless phone or other wireless
communication device
●When the electronic key is in contact
with, or is covered by the following metal-
lic objects
• Cards to which aluminum foil is attached
SituationCorrection
procedure
The trunk was closed
while the electronic key
was still inside the trunk
and both side doors were
locked.Retrieve the
electronic key
from the trunk
and close the
trunk lid.
An attempt was made to
lock the vehicle while a
door was open.Close both
side doors and
lock the doors
again.
SituationCorrection procedure
The engine switch was
turned to ACCESSORY
mode while the driver’s
door was open (or the
driver’s door was opened
while the engine switch
was in ACCESSORY
mode).
Turn the engine
switch off and
close the
driver’s door.
The engine switch was
turned off while the
driver’s door was open.Close the
driver’s door.
953-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors and trunk
RC350/RC300 Owner's Manual
3
Before driving
• Cigarette boxes that have aluminum foil
inside
• Metallic wallets or bags
•Coins
• Hand warmers made of metal
• Media such as CDs and DVDs
●When other wireless keys (that emit radio
waves) are being used nearby
●When carrying the electronic key
together with the following devices that
emit radio waves
• Another vehicle’s electronic key or a wireless key that emits radio waves
• Personal computers or personal digital assistants (PDAs)
• Digital audio players
• Portable game systems
●If window tint with a metallic content or
metallic objects are attached to the rear
window
●When the electronic key is placed near a
battery charger or electronic devices
■Note for the entry function
●Even when the electronic key is within the
effective range (detection areas), the sys-
tem may not operate properly in the fol-
lowing cases:
• The electronic key is too close to the win-
dow or outside door handle, near the
ground, or in a high place when the doors
are locked or unlocked.
• The electronic key is near the ground or
in a high place, or too close to the rear
bumper center when the trunk is opened.
• The electronic key is on the instrument
panel, rear package tray or floor, or in the
door pockets or glove box when the
engine is started or engine switch modes
are changed.
●Do not leave the electronic key on top of
the instrument panel or near the door
pockets when exiting the vehicle.
Depending on the ra dio wave reception
conditions, it may be detected by the
antenna outside the cabin and the doors
will become lockable from the outside,
possibly trapping the electronic key
inside the vehicle.
●As long as the electronic key is within the
effective range, the doors may be locked
or unlocked by anyone. However, only the doors detecting the electronic key
can be used to unlock the vehicle.
●Even if the electronic
key is not inside the
vehicle, it may be possible to start the
engine if the electronic key is near the
window.
●The doors may unlock or lock if a large
amount of water splashes on the door
handle, such as in the rain or in a car
wash, when the electronic key is within
the effective range. (The doors will auto-
matically be locked after approximately
60 seconds if the doors are not opened
and closed.)
●If the wireless remote control is used to
lock the doors when the electronic key is
near the vehicle, there is a possibility that
the door may not be unlocked by the
entry function. (Use the wireless remote
control to unlock the doors.)
●Touching the door lock or unlock sensor
while wearing gloves may prevent lock or
unlock operation.
●When the lock operation is performed
using the lock sensor, recognition signals
will be shown up to two consecutive
times. After this, no recognition signals
will be given.
●If the door handle becomes wet while the
electronic key is within the effective
range, the door may lock and unlock
repeatedly. In this ca se, follow the follow-
ing correction procedures to wash the
vehicle:
• Place the electronic key in a location 6 ft. (2 m) or more away from the vehicle.
(Take care to ensure that the key is not
stolen.)
• Set the electronic key to battery-saving
mode to disable the smart access system
with push-button start. ( P.94)
●If the electronic key is inside the vehicle
and a door handle becomes wet during a
car wash, a message may be shown on
the multi-information display and a
buzzer will sound outside the vehicle. To
turn off the alarm, lock both side doors.
●The lock sensor may not work properly if
it comes into contact with ice, snow, mud,
etc. Clean the lock sensor and attempt to
operate it again.
1254-2. Driving procedures
RC350/RC300 Owner's Manual
4
Driving
4-2.Driving procedures
1Check that the parking brake is set.
2 Check that the shift lever is in P.
3 Firmly depress the brake pedal.
and a message will be displayed on
the multi-information display.
If it is not displayed, the engine cannot be
started.
4 Press the engine switch shortly and
firmly.
When operating the engine switch, one
short, firm press is enough.
It is not necessary to press and hold the
switch.
The engine will crank until it starts or for up
to 30 seconds, whichever is less.
Continue depressing the brake pedal until
the engine is completely started.
The engine can be started from any engine
switch mode.
■If the engine does not start
●The engine immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. (
P.56)
Contact your Lexus dealer.
●Check that the shift lever is securely set in
P. The engine may no t start if the shift
lever is displaced out of P. “To Start Vehi-
cle. Put Shift Lever into P” will be dis-
played on the multi- information display.
■Electronic key battery depletion
P.82
■Conditions affecting operation
P.94
■Notes for the entry function
P.95
■Steering lock function
●After turning the engine switch off and
opening and closing th e doors, the steer-
ing wheel will be lock ed due to the steer-
ing lock function. Operating the engine
switch again automatically cancels the
steering lock.
●When the steering lock cannot be
released, “Steering Wheel Lock Press
Engine Switch while Turning Wheel” will
be displayed on the multi-information dis-
play.
Check that the shift lever is in P. Press the
engine switch while turning the steering
wheel left and right.
●To prevent the steering lock motor from
overheating, operation of the motor may
be suspended if the en gine is turned on
and off repeatedly in a short period of
time. In this case, re frain from operating
the engine switch. After about 10 sec-
onds, the steering lock motor will resume
functioning.
Engine (ignition) switch
Performing the following opera-
tions when carryin g the electronic
key on your person starts the
engine or changes engine switch
modes.
Starting the engine
1264-2. Driving procedures
RC350/RC300 Owner's Manual
■When “Access System with Elec. Key
Malfunction See Owner’s Manual” is
displayed on the multi-information dis-
play
The system may be ma lfunctioning. Have
the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer
immediately.
■Electronic key battery
P.275
■Operation of the engine switch
●If the switch is not pressed shortly and
firmly, the engine switch mode may not
change or the engine may not start.
●If attempting to restart the engine imme-
diately after turning the engine switch off,
the engine may not start in some cases.
After turning the engine switch off, please
wait a few seconds before restarting the
engine.
■Customization
If the smart access sy stem with push-button
start has been deactivated in a customized
setting, refer to P.315.
1 Stop the vehicle.
2 Set the parking brake ( P.135),
and shift the shift lever to P.
3 Press the engine switch.
4 Release the brake pedal and check
that the display on the meters is off.
■Automatic engine shut off feature
●The vehicle is equipped with a feature
that automatically shuts off the engine
when the shift lever is in P with the engine
running for an extended period.
●The engine will automatically shut off
after approximately 1 hour if it has been
left running while the shift lever is in P.
●The timer for the automatic engine shut
off feature will reset if the brake pedal is
depressed or if the shift lever is in a posi-
tion other than P.
●After the vehicle is parked, if the door is
locked with the door lock switch
(P.88) from the inside or the mechani-
cal key ( P.315) from the outside, the
automatic engine shut off feature will be
disabled. The timer for the automatic
engine shut off feature will be re-enabled
if the driver’s door is opened.
WARNING
■When starting the engine
Always start the engi ne while sitting in
the driver’s seat. Do not depress the
accelerator pedal wh ile starting the
engine under any circumstances.
Doing so may cause an accident result-
ing in death or serious injury.
■Caution while driving
If engine failure occurs while the vehicle
is moving, do not lock or open the doors
until the vehicle reaches a safe and com-
plete stop. Activation of the steering lock
in this circumstance may lead to an acci-
dent, resulting in death or serious injury.
NOTICE
■When starting the engine
●Do not race a cold engine.
●If the engine becomes difficult to start
or stalls frequently, have your vehicle
checked by your Lexus dealer immedi-
ately.
■Symptoms indicating a malfunction
with the engine switch
If the engine switch seems to be operat-
ing somewhat differently than usual, such
as the switch sticking slightly, there may
be a malfunction. Contact your Lexus
dealer immediately.
Stopping the engine
1414-3. Operating the lights and wipers
RC350/RC300 Owner's Manual
4
Driving
ing the level of ambient light and may cause
the automatic headlight system to malfunc-
tion.
■Automatic light off system
When the light switch is in , or : The headlights and tail lights turn off
30 seconds after the engine switch is
turned to ACCESSORY mode or turned
off and a door is opened and all of the doors
and trunk are closed. (The lights turn off
immediately if on the key is pressed
twice after both side doors are closed.)
To turn the lights on again, turn the engine
switch to IGNITION ON mode, or turn the
light switch off once and then back to
or .
If any of the doors or trunk lid is left open,
the lights automatically turn off after 20
minutes.
■Light reminder buzzer
A buzzer sounds when the engine switch is
turned off or turned to ACCESSORY
mode and the driver’s door is opened while
the lights are turned on.
■Automatic headlight leveling system
The level of the headlights is automatically
adjusted according to the number of pas-
sengers and the loading condition of the
vehicle to ensure that the headlights do not
interfere with other road users.
■Customization
Some functions can be customized.
( P.349)
1 With the headlights on, push the
lever away from you to turn on the
high beams.
Pull the lever toward you to the center
position to turn the high beams off.
2Pull the lever toward you and
release it to flash the high beams
once.
You can flash the high beams with the
headlights on or off.
When the steering wheel or turn
signal lever is operated while the
headlights are on (low beam) and
the vehicle speed is 19 mph (30
km/h) or lower, a cornering light will
turn on and light up the direction of
movement of the vehicle. The cor-
nering lights are designed to ensure
excellent visibility when making a
turn at an intersection.
When the shift position is in R while
the headlights are on (low beam),
both cornering lights will turn on.
This is designed to enhance visibility
when parking.
NOTICE
■To prevent battery discharge
Do not leave the lights on longer than
necessary when the engine is not run-
ning.
Turning on the high beam head-
lights
Cornering lights
2245-3. Using the interior lights
RC350/RC300 Owner's Manual
1On
2 Off
■Rear
Turns the light on/off
If the front interior light is off, the rear light
can be turned on/off separately.
Turns the lights on/off (touch the lights)
■Illuminated entry system
The lights automatically turn on/off accord-
ing to engine switch mode, the presence of
the electronic key, whether the doors are locked/unlocked, and whether the doors
are opened/closed.
■To prevent the battery from being dis-
charged
If the interior lights remain on when the
engine switch is turned off, the lights will go
off automatically after 20 minutes.
■When front interior light or personal
lights do not respond as normal
●When water, dirt, etc., have adhered to
the lens surface
●When operated with a wet hand
●When wearing gloves, etc.
■Customization
Some functions can be customized.
( P.349)
Operating the personal lights
NOTICE
■Removing light lenses
Never remove the lens for the front inte-
rior light and personal lights. Otherwise,
the lights will be damaged.
■To prevent battery discharge
Do not leave the lights on longer than
necessary when the engine is off.
239
RC350/RC300 Owner's Manual
6
6
Maintenance and care
Maintenance and care
.6-1. Maintenance and careCleaning and protecting the vehi-cle exterior ................................ 240
Cleaning and protecting the vehi- cle interior ................................. 243
6-2. Maintenance Maintenance requirements .. 246
General maintenance ............. 247
Emission inspection and mainte- nance (I/M) programs ......... 250
6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance Do-it-yourself service precautions......................................................... 251
Hood............................................... 253
Positioning a floor jack............ 253
Engine compartment............... 255
Tires ................................................ 263
Tire inflation pressure............... 271
Wheels........................................... 272
Air conditioning filter...............273
Electronic key battery ............. 275
Checking and replacing fuses ........................................................ 276
Headlight aim.............................. 278
Light bulbs .................................... 279
2406-1. Maintenance and care
RC350/RC300 Owner's Manual
6-1.Maintenance and care
Working from top to bottom, liber-
ally apply water to the vehicle body,
wheel wells and underside of the
vehicle to remove any dirt and dust.
Wash the vehicle body using a
sponge or soft cloth, such as a
chamois.
For hard-to-remove marks, use car
wash soap and rinse thoroughly with
water.
Wipe away any water.
Wax the vehicle when the water-
proof coating deteriorates.
If water does not bead on a clean surface,
apply wax when the vehicle body is cool.
■Black stainless steel window moldings (F
SPORT models)
The stainless steel window moldings are
made of black oxide coated stainless steel.
When cleaning the vehicle, do not scrub the
moldings with an abrasive cleaner as their
finish may be damaged or the color may
change.
■Self-restoring coat
The vehicle body has a self-restoring coat-
ing that is resistant to small surface
scratches caused in a car wash etc.
●The coating lasts for 5 to 8 years from
when the vehicle is delivered from the
plant.
●The restoration time differs depending on
the depth of the scratch and outside tem-
perature.
The restoration time may become shorter
when the coating is warmed by applying
warm water.
●Deep scratches caused by keys, coins,
etc. cannot be restored.
●Do not use wax that contains abrasives.
■Automatic car washes
●Fold the mirrors before washing the vehi-
cle. Start washing from the front of the
vehicle. Make sure to extend the mirrors
before driving.
●Brushes used in automatic car washes
may scratch the vehicle surface, parts
(wheel, etc.) and damage the paint.
■High pressure car washes
As water may enter the cabin, do not bring
the nozzle tip near the gaps around the
doors or perimeter of the windows, or spray
these areas continuously.
■When using a car wash
If the door handle becomes wet while the
electronic key is within the effective range,
the door may lock and unlock repeatedly. In
that case, follow the following correction
procedures to wash the vehicle:
●Place the key in a position 6 ft. (2 m) or
more separate from the vehicle while the
vehicle is being washed. (Take care to
ensure that the key is not stolen.)
●Set the electronic key to battery-saving
mode to disable the smart access system
with push-button start. ( P.93)
■Wheels and wheel ornaments
●Remove any dirt immediately by using a
neutral detergent.
●Wash detergent off with water immedi-
Cleaning and protecting the
vehicle exterior
Perform cleaning in a manner
appropriate to each component
and its material.
Cleaning instructions