1284-2. Driving procedures
RC350/RC300 Owner's Manual
1Off*
The emergency flashers can be used.
2ACCESSORY mode
Some electrical comp onents such as the
audio system can be used.
“ACCESSORY” will be displayed on the
meters.
3 IGNITION ON mode
All electrical compon ents can be used.
“IGNITION ON” will be displayed on the
meters.
*: If the shift lever is in a position other than P when turning off the engine, the
engine switch will be turned to ACCES-
SORY mode, not to off.
■Auto power off function
If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY mode
for more than 20 minutes or IGNITION
ON mode (with the engine not running) for
more than an hour with the shift lever in P,
the engine switch will automatically turn off.
However, this function cannot entirely pre-
vent battery discharge. Do not leave the
vehicle with the engine switch in ACCES- SORY or IGNITION ON mode for long
periods of time when the engine is not run-
ning.
If the engine is stopped with the shift
lever in a position other than P, the
engine switch will not be turned off but
instead be turned
to ACCESSORY
mode. Perform the following proce-
dure to turn the switch off:
1 Check that the parking brake is set.
2 Shift the shift lever to P.
3 Check that “Turn Off Vehicle” is
displayed on the multi-information
display and then press the engine
switch once.
4 Check that “Turn Off Vehicle” on
the multi-information display is off.
NOTICE
■To prevent battery discharge
●Do not leave the engine switch in
ACCESSORY or IGNITION ON
mode for long periods of time without
the engine running.
●If “ACCESSORY” or “IGNITION
ON” is displayed on the meters while
the engine is not running, the engine
switch is not off. Exit the vehicle after
turning the engine switch off.
When stopping the engine with
the shift lever in a position other
than P
1304-2. Driving procedures
RC350/RC300 Owner's Manual
position, downshifting to 5 or 4. (P.131)
●8-speed models: While driving in the D
position, downshifting to 7, 6, 5 or 4.
(P.131)
●When switching the driving mode to
sport mode while driving in the D posi-
tion. ( P.196)
■Restraining sudden start (Drive-Start
Control)
P.117
■AI-SHIFT
The AI-SHIFT automatica lly selects the suit-
able gear according to driver performance
and driving conditions.
The AI-SHIFT automatically operates when
the shift lever is in D. (Shifting the shift lever
to the M position cancels the function.)
While the engine switch is in
IGNITION ON mode, move the shift
lever with the brake pedal depressed.
When shifting the shift lever between P
and D, make sure that the vehicle is com-
pletely stopped.
■Shift lock system
The shift lock system is a system to prevent
accidental operation of the shift lever in
starting.
The shift lever can be shifted from P only
when the engine switch is in IGNITION
ON mode and the brake pedal is being
depressed.
■If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P
First, check whether the brake pedal is
being depressed.
If the shift lever cannot be shifted with your
foot on the brake pedal, there may be a
problem with the shift lock system. Have the
vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer
immediately.
The following steps may be used as an
WARNING
■When driving on slippery road sur-
faces
Be careful of downshifting and sudden
acceleration, as this could result in the
vehicle skidding to th e side or spinning.
Shifting the shift lever
1314-2. Driving procedures
RC350/RC300 Owner's Manual
4
Driving
emergency measure to ensure that the shift
lever can be shifted.
Releasing the shift lock:
1Turn the engine switch to IGNITION
ON mode and check that the parking
brake is set. ( P.127, 135)
2 Turn the engine switch to off.
3 Depress the brake pedal.
4 Pry the cover up with a flathead screw-
driver or equivalent tool.
To prevent damage to the cover, cover the
tip of the screwdriver with a rag.
5 Press the shift lock override button.
The shift lever can be shifted while the but-
ton is pressed.
■Sport mode/Eco drive mode
P.196
■Snow mode
Snow mode can be se lected to suit the
conditions when driving on slippery
road surfaces, such as snow.
Press the switch.
Press the switch again to return to normal
mode.
■Snow mode automatic deactivation
Snow mode is automati cally deactivated if
the engine switch is turned off after driving
in snow mode.
To drive using temporary shift range
selection, operate the “-” or “+” paddle
shift switch.
When the “-” paddle shift switch is
operated, the shift range will be
downshifted to a range that enables
engine braking force that is suitable to
driving conditions. When the “+” pad-
dle shift switch is operated, the shift
range will be one gear higher than the
gear in use during normal D position
WARNING
■To prevent an accident when releas-
ing the shift lock
Before pressing the shift lock override
button, make sure to set the parking
brake and depress the brake pedal.
If the accelerator pe dal is accidentally
depressed instead of the brake pedal
when the shift lock override button is
pressed and the shift lever is shifted out
of P, the vehicle may suddenly start, pos-
sibly leading to an accident resulting in
death or serious injury.
Selecting the driving mode
Selecting shift ranges in the D
position
1344-2. Driving procedures
RC350/RC300 Owner's Manual
The lever will return to its original posi-
tion immediately after operation.
1Right turn
2 Lane change to the right (move the
lever partway and release it)
The right hand signals will flash 3 times.
3Lane change to the left (move the
lever partway and release it)
The left hand signals will flash 3 times.
4Left turn
■If the turn signals do not stop flash-
ing after turning left or right, or if
you want to stop them flashing
Operate the lever in the opposite
direction to either position 2 or 3 . If
you move the lever to either position 1
or 4, the selected turn signals will flash.
■Turn signals can be operated when
The engine switch is in IGNITION ON
mode.
■If the indicator flashes faster than usual
Check that a light bulb in the front or rear
turn signal lights has not burned out.
■If the turn signals stop flashing before a
lane change has been performed
Operate the lever again.
■Customization
Some functions can be customized.
( P.349)
Turn signal lever
Operating instructions
1514-3. Operating the lights and wipers
RC350/RC300 Owner's Manual
4
Driving
once. After this, the headlight cleaners will
operate every 5th time the lever is pulled.
■The windshield wiper and washer can be
operated when
The engine switch is in IGNITION ON
mode.
■Dripping prevention wiper sweep
After performing a washing and wiping
operation several times, the wipers operate
one more time after a short delay to prevent
dripping.
However, this final wiper operation will not
be performed while driving.
■Effects of vehicle speed on wiper opera-
tion (vehicles with rain-sensing wind-
shield wipers)
Vehicle speed affects the following even
when the wipers are not in AUTO mode.
●Intermittent wiper interval
●Wiper operation when the washer is
being used (delay until drip prevention
wiper sweep occurs)
With low speed windshield wiper opera-
tion selected, wiper operation will be
switched from low speed to intermittent
wiper operation only when the vehicle is
stationary.
■Raindrop sensor (vehicles with
rain-sensing windshield wipers)
●The raindrop sensor judges the amount
of raindrops.
An optical sensor is adopted. It may not
operate properly when sunlight from the
rising or setting of the sun intermittently
strikes the windshield, or if bugs etc. are
present on the windshield.
●If the wiper is turned to AUTO mode
while the engine switch is in IGNITION ON mode, the wipers will operate once
to show that AUTO mode is activated.
●If the temperature of
the raindrop sensor
is 185°F (85°C) or higher, or -22°F
(-30°C) or lower, automatic operation
may not occur. In this case, operate the
wipers in any mode other than AUTO
mode.
■When the windshield wipers are in tem-
porary operation (vehicles with
rain-sensing wind shield wipers)
AUTO mode cannot be activated even if is pressed.
■If no windshield washer fluid sprays
Check that the washer nozzles are not
blocked if there is wash er fluid in the wind-
shield washer fluid reservoir.
WARNING
■Caution regarding the use of wind-
shield wipers in AUTO mode
The windshield wipers may operate
unexpectedly if the se nsor is touched or
the windshield is subj ect to vibration in
AUTO mode. Take care that your fingers
or anything else do not become caught
in the windshield wipers.
■Caution regarding the use of washer
fluid
When it is cold, do not use the washer
fluid until the windshield becomes warm.
The fluid may freeze on the windshield
and cause low visibility. This may lead to
an accident, resulting in death or serious
injury.
NOTICE
■When there is no washer fluid spray
from the nozzle
Damage to the washer fluid pump may
be caused if the lever is pulled toward
you and held continually.
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
2466-2. Maintenance
RC350/RC300 Owner's Manual
6-2.Maintenance
■Repair and replacement
It is recommended that genuine Lexus parts
be used for repairs to ensure performance
of each system. If non-Lexus parts are used
in replacement or if a repair shop other than
a Lexus dealer performs repairs, confirm
the warranty coverage.
■Allow inspection and repairs to be per-
formed by a Lexus dealer
●Lexus technicians are well-trained spe-
cialists and are kept up to date with the
latest service information. They are well
informed about the operations of all sys-
tems on your vehicle.
●Keep a copy of the repair order. It proves
that the maintenance that has been per-
formed is under warra nty coverage. If any
problem should arise while your vehicle is
under warranty, your Lexus dealer will
promptly take care of it.
General maintenance should be per-
formed on a daily basis. This can be
done by yourself or by a Lexus dealer.
Scheduled maintenance should be
performed at specified intervals
according to the maintenance sched-
ule.
For details about ma intenance items and
schedules, refer to the “Warranty and Ser-
vice Guide”, “Owner’s Manual Supple-
ment” or “Scheduled Maintenance”.
■Resetting the message indicating main-
tenance is required
After the required maintenance is pre-
formed according to the maintenance
schedule, please reset the message.
To reset the message, follow the procedures
described below:
1 Select on the multi-information dis-
play. ( P.76)
2 Press the or meter control
switch on the steeri ng wheel to select
“Vehicle Settings” then “Scheduled
Maintenance requirements
To ensure safe and economical driv-
ing, day-to-day care and regular
maintenance are essential. It is the
owner’s responsibility to perform
regular checks. Lexus recommends
the maintenance below.
WARNING
■If your vehicle is not properly main-
tained
Improper maintenance could result in
serious damage to the vehicle and possi-
ble death or serious injury.
■Handling of the battery
●Engine exhaust, some of its constitu-
ents, and a wide variety of automobile
components contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to
cause cancer and birth defects and
other reproductive harm. Work in a
well ventilated area.
●Oils, fuels and fluids contained in vehi-
cles as well as waste produced by
component wear contain or emit
chemicals known to the State of Cali-
fornia to cause cancer and birth
defects or other re productive harm.
Avoid exposure and wash any affected
area immediately.
●Battery posts, terminals and related
accessories contai n lead and lead
compounds which are known to cause
brain damage. Wash your hands after
handling. ( P.261)
General maintenance
Scheduled maintenance
2476-2. Maintenance
RC350/RC300 Owner's Manual
6
Maintenance and care
Maintenance”. (To confirm setting,
press .)
3 Select “Yes” and then press .
4 A message will be displayed on the
multi-information display when the
reset procedure has been completed.
You can perform some maintenance
procedures by yourself.
Please be aware that do-it-yourself
maintenance may affect warranty cov-
erage.
The use of Lexus repair manuals is recom-
mended.
For details about warra nty coverage, refer
to the separate “Owner’s Guide”, “War-
ranty and Service Guide”, “Owner’s Man-
ual Supplement” or “Warranty Booklet”.
Do-it-yourself maintenance
General maintenance
Listed below are the general main-
tenance items that should be per-
formed at the intervals specified in
the “Warranty and Service Guide”
or “Owner’s Manual Supplement”.
It is recommended that any prob-
lem you notice should be brought to
the attention of your Lexus dealer
or qualified service shop for advice.
WARNING
■If the engine is running
Turn the engine off and ensure that there
is adequate ventilation before perform-
ing maintenance checks.
Engine compartment
ItemsCheck points
Battery
Check the indicator (if
equipped) and con-
nections. ( P.261)
Brake fluid
Is the brake fluid at the
correct level?
( P.260)
Engine/inter-
cooler coolant
Is the engine/inter-
cooler coolant at the
correct level?
( P.258)
Engine oil
Is the engine oil at the
correct level?
( P.256)
Exhaust system
There should not be
any fumes or strange
sounds.