Lexus RX (2022 year). Manual in english — page 9

153

3

3-5. Opening, closing the windows and moon roof

Be

fore
driving

*

: If equipped

■

Opening and closing

1

Opens the moon roof

*

The moon roof stops slightly before the
fully open position to reduce wind noise.
Press the switch again to fully open the
moon roof.

2

Closes the moon roof

*

*

: Lightly press either side of the moon roof

switch to stop the moon roof partway.

■

Tilting up and down

1

Tilts the moon roof up

*

2

Tilts the moon roof down

*

*

: Lightly press either side of the moon roof

switch to stop the moon roof partway.

■

The moon roof can be operated when

The engine switch is in IGNITION ON

mode.

■

Operating the moon roof after turning

the engine off

The moon roof can be operated for approx-

imately 45 seconds after the engine switch

is turned to ACCESSORY mode or turned

off. It cannot, however, be operated once

the driver’s door is opened.

■

Jam protection function

If an object is detected between the moon

roof and the frame while the moon roof is

closing or tilting down, travel is stopped and

the moon roof opens slightly.

■

Sunshade

The sunshade can be opened and closed

manually. However, the sunshade will open

automatically when the moon roof is

opened.

■

Door lock linked moon roof operation

●

The moon roof can be opened and
closed using the mechanical key.

*

(



P.459)

●

The moon roof can be opened and

closed using the wireless remote con-
trol.

*

(



P.100)

●

The alarm may be triggered if the alarm is

set and the moon roof is closed using the

door lock linked moon roof operation

function. (



P.65)

*

: These settings must be customized at

any authorized Lexus retailer or Lexus
authorized repairer, or any reliable
repairer.

■

When the moon roof does not close nor-

mally

Perform the following procedure:

Moon roof

*

Use the overhead switches to open
and close the moon roof and tilt it
up and down.

Operating the moon roof

154

3-5. Opening, closing the windows and moon roof



If the moon roof closes but then re-opens

slightly

1

Stop the vehicle.

2

Press and hold the “CLOSE” switch.

*1

The moon roof will close, reopen and pause
for approximately 10 seconds.

*2

Then it will

close again, tilt up and pause for approxi-

mately 1 second. Finally, it will tilt down,

open and close.

3

Check to make sure that the moon roof

is completely closed and then release

the switch.



If the moon roof tilts down but then tilts

back up

1

Stop the vehicle.

2

Press and hold the “UP” switch

*1

until

the moon roof moves into the tilt up

position and stops.

3

Release the “UP” switch once and then

press and hold the “UP” switch
again.

*1

The moon roof will pause for

approximately 10 seconds in the tilt up
position.

*2

Then it will adjust slightly and

pause for approximately 1 second.

Finally, it will tilt down, open and close.

4

Check to make sure that the moon roof

is completely closed and then release

the switch.

*1

: If the switch is released at the incorrect

time, the procedure will have to be per-
formed again from the beginning.

*2

: If the switch is released after the above

mentioned 10 second pause, automatic
operation will be disabled. In that case,
press and hold the “CLOSE” or “UP”
switch, and the moon roof will tilt up and
pause for approximately 1 second. Then
it will tilt down, open and close. Check
to make sure that the moon roof is com-
pletely closed and then release the
switch.

If the moon roof does not fully close even

after performing the above procedure cor-

rectly, have the vehicle inspected by any

authorized Lexus retailer or Lexus author-

ized repairer, or any reliable repairer.

■

Moon roof open warning buzzer

A buzzer sounds and a message is shown

on the multi-information display in the

instrument cluster when the engine switch

is turned off and the driver’s door is opened

with the moon roof open.

■

Customization

Some functions can be customized.

(



P.480)

WARNING

Observe the following precautions.

Failing to do so may cause death or seri-

ous injury.

■

Opening the moon roof

●

Do not allow any passengers to put

their hands or heads outside the vehi-

cle while it is moving.

●

Do not sit on top of the moon roof.

■

Opening and closing the moon roof

●

The driver is responsible for moon roof

opening and closing operations.

In order to prevent accidental opera-

tion, especially by a child, do not let a

child operate the moon roof. It is possi-

ble for children and other passengers

to have body parts caught in the moon

roof.

155

3

3-5. Opening, closing the windows and moon roof

Be

fore
driving

WARNING

●

Check to make sure that all passen-

gers do not have any part of their body

in a position where it could be caught

when the moon roof is being operated.

●

When using the wireless remote con-

trol or mechanical key and operating

the moon roof, operate the moon roof

after checking to make sure that there

is no possibility of any passenger hav-

ing any of their body parts caught in

the moon roof. Also, do not let a child

operate moon roof by the wireless

remote control or mechanical key. It is

possible for children and other passen-

gers to get caught in the moon roof.

●

When exiting the vehicle, turn the

engine switch off, carry the key and

exit the vehicle along with the child.

There may be accidental operation,

due to mischief, etc., that may possibly

lead to an accident.

■

Jam protection function

●

Never use any part of your body to

intentionally activate the jam protec-

tion function.

●

The jam protection function may not

work if something gets caught just

before the moon roof is fully closed.

Also, the jam protection function is not

designed to operate while the switch is

being pressed. Take care so that your

fingers, etc. do not get caught.

156

3-5. Opening, closing the windows and moon roof

*

: If equipped

■

Opening and closing the elec-
tronic sunshade

1

Opens the electronic sunshade

Slide and hold the

switch backward.

The electronic sunshade will fully open
automatically.

*

2

Closes the electronic sunshade

Slide and hold the

switch forward. The

electronic sunshade will fully close auto-
matically.

*

*

: Quickly slide and release the

switch

in either direction to stop the electronic
sunshade partway.

■

Tilting the panoramic moon roof up
and down

Tilts the panoramic moon roof up
(press)

*

When the panoramic moon roof is tilted
up, the electronic sunshade will open to the
half-open position of the roof.

*

: Lightly press the

switch again to

stop the panoramic moon roof partway.

Tilts the panoramic moon roof down
(press and hold)

The panoramic moon roof can be tilted
down only when it is in the tilt-up position.

■

Opening and closing the pano-
ramic moon roof

Opens the panoramic moon roof

*

Slide and hold the

switch back-

ward. The panoramic moon roof and
electronic sunshade will open auto-
matically.

The panoramic moon roof can be opened
from the tilt-up position.

*

: Quickly slide and release the

switch

in either direction to stop the panoramic
moon roof partway.

Panoramic moon roof

*

Use the overhead switches to oper-
ate the panoramic moon roof and
electronic sunshade.

Operating the panoramic moon
roof

157

3

3-5. Opening, closing the windows and moon roof

Be

fore
driving

Closes the panoramic moon roof

Slide and hold the

switch forward.

The panoramic moon roof will fully
close automatically.

■

The panoramic moon roof can be oper-

ated when

The engine switch is in IGNITION ON

mode.

■

Operating the panoramic moon roof

after turning the engine off

The panoramic moon roof and electronic

sunshade can be operated for approxi-

mately 45 seconds after the engine switch

is turned to ACCESSORY mode or turned

off. They cannot, however, be operated

once the driver’s door is opened.

■

Jam protection function

If an object is detected between the pano-

ramic moon roof and the frame in the fol-

lowing situations, travel is stopped and the

panoramic moon roof opens slightly:

●

The panoramic moon roof is closing or

tilting down.

●

The electronic sunshade is closing.

■

Door lock linked panoramic moon roof

operation

●

The panoramic moon roof can be

opened and closed using the mechanical
key.

*

(



P.459)

●

The panoramic moon roof can be

opened and closed using the wireless
remote control.

*

(



P.100)

*

: These settings must be customized at

any authorized Lexus retailer or Lexus
authorized repairer, or any reliable
repairer.

■

Closing both the panoramic moon roof

and electronic sunshade

Slide the

switch forward.

The electronic sunshade will close to the

half-open position and pause. The pano-

ramic moon roof will then fully close. Then

the electronic sunshade will fully close.

■

When the panoramic moon roof or elec-

tronic sunshade does not close normally

Perform the following procedure:

1

Stop the vehicle.

2

Turn the engine switch to IGNITION

ON mode.

3

Slide and hold the

switch or

switch forward. Continue pressing the

switch for approximately 10 seconds

after the panoramic moon roof or elec-

tronic sunshade closes and reopens.

The panoramic moon roof and elec-
tronic sunshade will start to close.

*

4

Check that the panoramic moon roof

and electronic sunshade are fully closed

and release the switch.

*

: If the switch is released at the incorrect

time, the procedure will have to be per-
formed again from the beginning.

If the panoramic moon roof or electronic

sunshade does not fully close even after

performing the above procedure correctly,

have the vehicle inspected by any author-

ized Lexus retailer or Lexus authorized

158

3-5. Opening, closing the windows and moon roof

repairer, or any reliable repairer.

■

Alarm (if equipped)

The alarm may be triggered if the alarm is

set and the panoramic moon roof is closed

using the door lock linked panoramic moon

roof operation function. (



P.66)

■

Panoramic moon roof open warning

buzzer

A buzzer sounds and a message is shown

on the multi-information display in the

instrument cluster when the engine switch

is turned off and the driver’s door is opened

with the panoramic moon roof open.

■

Customization

Some functions can be customized.

(



P.480)

WARNING

Observe the following precautions.

Failing to do so may cause death or seri-

ous injury.

■

Opening and closing the electronic

sunshade

●

Check to make sure that all passen-

gers do not have any part of their body

in a position where it could be caught

when the electronic sunshade is being

operated.

●

Do not let a child operate the elec-

tronic sunshade. Closing the elec-

tronic sunshade on someone can

cause death or serious injury.

■

Opening and closing the panoramic

moon roof

●

The driver is responsible for pano-

ramic moon roof opening and closing

operations. In order to prevent acci-

dental operation, especially by a child,

do not let a child operate the pano-

ramic moon roof. It is possible for chil-

dren and other passengers to have

body parts caught in the panoramic

moon roof.

●

Check to make sure that all passen-

gers do not have any part of their body

in a position where it could be caught

when the panoramic moon roof is

being operated.

●

When using the wireless remote con-

trol or mechanical key and operating

the panoramic moon roof, operate the

panoramic moon roof after checking

to make sure that there is no possibility

of any passenger having any of their

body parts caught in the panoramic

moon roof. Also, do not let a child

operate panoramic moon roof by the

wireless remote control or mechanical

key. It is possible for children and other

passengers to get caught in the pano-

ramic moon roof.

159

3

3-5. Opening, closing the windows and moon roof

Be

fore
driving

WARNING

●

When exiting the vehicle, turn the

engine switch off, carry the key and

exit the vehicle along with the child.

There may be accidental operation,

due to mischief, etc., that may possibly

lead to an accident.

■

Jam protection function

●

Never use any part of your body to

intentionally activate the jam protec-

tion function.

●

The jam protection function may not

work if something gets caught just

before the panoramic moon roof or

electronic sunshade is fully closed.

Also, the jam protection function is not

designed to operate while the switch is

being pressed. Take care so that your

fingers, etc. do not get caught.

■

To prevent burns or injuries

Do not touch the area between the

underside of the panoramic moon roof

and the electronic sunshade. Your hand

may get caught and you could injure

yourself. Also, if the vehicle is left in direct

sunlight for a long time, the underside of

the panoramic moon roof could become

very hot and could cause burns.

NOTICE

■

To prevent damage to the panoramic

moon roof

●

Before opening the panoramic moon

roof, make sure that there are no for-

eign objects, such as stones or ice,

around the opening.

●

Do not hit the surface or edge of the

panoramic moon roof with hard

objects.

●

Do not continuously press the

switch after the panoramic moon roof

has been fully opened or closed.

■

After the vehicle has been washed or

rained on

Before opening the panoramic moon

roof, wipe any water off the panoramic

moon roof. Otherwise, water may enter

the cabin when the panoramic moon roof

is opened.

4

161

4

Driving

Driving

.

4-1. Before driving

Driving the vehicle. . . . . .

162

Cargo and luggage. . . . ...

168

Trailer towing (vehicles without

towing package). . . . . ..

170

Trailer towing (RX300/RX350

with towing package). . .

170

4-2. Driving procedures

Engine (ignition) switch . . ...

177

Automatic transmission. . .

181

Turn signal lever . . . . . . .

186

Parking brake . . . . . . . ..

187

Brake Hold. . . . . . . . .

190

4-3. Operating the lights and wipers

Headlight switch. . . . . . .

192

AHS (Adaptive High-beam Sys-

tem). . . . . . . . . . . ...

194

AHB (Automatic High Beam)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

198

Fog light switch . . . . . . ...

201

Windshield wipers and washer

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

202

Rear window wiper and washer

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

207

4-4. Refueling

Opening the fuel tank cap. .

208

4-5. Using the driving support sys-

tems

Lexus Safety System + . . . ..

211

PCS (Pre-Collision System)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

222

LTA (Lane Tracing Assist) .

230

RSA (Road Sign Assist) . . .

240

Dynamic radar cruise control with

full-speed range . . . . . ..

244

Cruise control. . . . . . . .

254

Stop & Start system. . . . ..

256

BSM (Blind Spot Monitor). .

262

PKSA (Parking Support Alert)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

267

Lexus parking assist-sensor

. . . . . . . . . . . . . ...

268

RCTA (Rear crossing traffic alert)

function . . . . . . . . . ...

276

PKSB (Parking Support Brake)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . ...

282

Parking Support Brake function

(static objects). . . . . . .

288

Parking Support Brake function

(rear-crossing vehicles) . .

291

Driving mode select switch ..

293

All-wheel drive lock switch...

295

GPF (Gasoline Particulate Filter)

system. . . . . . . . . . .

296

Driving assist systems . . . ..

297

4-6. Driving tips

Winter driving tips. . . . .

303

Utility vehicle precautions. .

306

162

4-1. Before driving

4-1.Before driving

■

Starting the engine



P.177

■

Driving

1

With the brake pedal depressed,
shift the shift lever to D. (



P.181)

2

Release the parking brake.
(



P.187)

If the parking brake is in automatic mode,

the parking brake is released automatically

when shifting the shift lever to any position

other than P. (



P.187)

3

Gradually release the brake pedal
and gently depress the accelerator
pedal to accelerate the vehicle.

■

Stopping

1

With the shift lever in D, depress the
brake pedal.

Vehicles with a Stop & Start system: If the

Stop & Start system is enabled, depressing

the brake pedal will stop the engine.

2

If necessary, set the parking brake.
(



P.187)

If the vehicle is to be stopped for an

extended period of time, shift the shift lever

to P or N. (



P.181)

■

Parking the vehicle

1

With the shift lever in D, depress the
brake pedal.

2

Set the parking brake (



P.187),

and shift the shift lever to P
(



P.181).

3

Press the engine switch to stop the
engine.

4

Lock the door, making sure that you
have the electronic key on your
person.

If parking on a hill, block the wheels as

needed.

■

Starting off on a steep uphill

1

With the brake pedal depressed,
shift the shift lever to D. (



P.182)

2

Pull the parking brake switch and
parking brake is set manually.
(



P.187)

3

Release the brake pedal and gently
depress the accelerator pedal to
accelerate the vehicle.

4

Press the parking brake switch and
parking brake is released manually.

■

When starting off on a uphill

The hill-start assist control will activate.

(



P.297)

■

Driving in the rain

●

Drive carefully when it is raining, because

visibility will be reduced, the windows

may become fogged-up, and the road

will be slippery.

●

Drive carefully when it starts to rain,

because the road surface will be espe-

cially slippery.

●

Refrain from high speeds when driving on

an expressway in the rain, because there

may be a layer of water between the tires

and the road surface, preventing the

steering and brakes from operating prop-

erly.

Driving the vehicle

The following procedures should be
observed to ensure safe driving:

Driving procedure

163

4

4-1. Before driving

Driving

■

Engine speed while driving

In the following conditions, the engine

speed may become high while driving. This

is due to automatic up-shifting control or

down-shifting implementation to meet driv-

ing conditions. It does not indicate sudden

acceleration.

●

The vehicle is judged to be driving uphill

or downhill

●

When the accelerator pedal is released

●

When the brake pedal is depressed while

sport mode is selected

■

Restraining the engine output (Brake

Override System)

●

When the accelerator and brake pedals

are depressed at the same time, the

engine output may be restrained.

●

A warning message is displayed on the

multi-information display and head-up

display (if equipped) while the system is

operating.

■

Restraining sudden start (Drive-Start

Control)

●

When the following unusual operation is

performed, the engine output may be

restrained.

• When the shift lever is shifted from R to D,

D to R, N to R, P to D, or P to R (D

includes M) with the accelerator pedal

depressed, a warning message appears

on the multi-information display and

head-up display (if equipped). If a warn-

ing message is shown on the multi-infor-

mation display and head-up display (if

equipped), read the message and follow

the instructions.

• When the accelerator pedal is depressed

too much while the vehicle is in reverse.

●

While Drive-Start Control is being acti-

vated, your vehicle may have trouble

escaping from the mud or fresh snow. In

such case, deactivate TRC (



P.298) to

cancel Drive-Start Control so that the

vehicle may become able to escape from

the mud or fresh snow.

■

Breaking in your new Lexus

To extend the life of the vehicle, observing

the following precautions is recommended:

●

For the first 300 km (200 miles):

Avoid sudden stops.

●

For the first 800 km (500 miles):

Do not tow a trailer.

●

For the first 2000 km (1200 miles):

• Do not drive at extremely high speeds.

• Avoid sudden acceleration.

• Do not drive continuously in low gears.

• Do not drive at a constant speed for

extended periods.

■

Operating your vehicle in a foreign

country

Comply with the relevant vehicle registra-

tion laws and confirm the availability of the

correct fuel. (



P.472)

■

Idling time before engine stop (RX300)

To prevent damage to the turbocharger,

allow the engine to idle immediately after

high-load driving.

■

Eco-friendly driving



P.82

Driving condition

Idling time

Normal city driving or
high-speed driving (at the
highway speed limit or rec-
ommended speed)

Not neces-

sary

Steep hill driving, continuous
driving (race track driving
etc.), or towing a trailer or
another vehicle (vehicles with
towing package)

Approxi-

mately 1

minute

WARNING

Observe the following precautions.

Failure to do so may result in death or

serious injury.

164

4-1. Before driving

WARNING

■

When starting the vehicle

Always keep your foot on the brake

pedal while stopped with the engine run-

ning. This prevents the vehicle from

creeping.

■

When driving the vehicle

●

Do not drive if you are unfamiliar with

the location of the brake and accelera-

tor pedals to avoid depressing the

wrong pedal.

• Accidentally depressing the accelera-

tor pedal instead of the brake pedal

will result in sudden acceleration that

may lead to an accident.

• When backing up, you may twist your

body around, leading to a difficulty in

operating the pedals. Make sure to

operate the pedals properly.

• Make sure to keep a correct driving

posture even when moving the vehicle

only slightly. This allows you to depress

the brake and accelerator pedals

properly.

• Depress the brake pedal using your

right foot. Depressing the brake pedal

using your left foot may delay

response in an emergency, resulting in

an accident.

●

Do not drive the vehicle over or stop

the vehicle near flammable materials.

The exhaust system and exhaust gases

can be extremely hot. These hot parts

may cause a fire if there is any flamma-

ble material nearby.

●

During normal driving, do not turn off

the engine. Turning the engine off

while driving will not cause loss of

steering or braking control, but the

power assist to these systems will be

lost. This will make it more difficult to

steer and brake, so you should pull

over and stop the vehicle as soon as it

is safe to do so.

However, in the event of an emer-

gency, such as if it becomes impossible

to stop the vehicle in the normal way:



P.406

●

Use engine braking (downshift) to

maintain a safe speed when driving

down a steep hill.

Using the brakes continuously may

cause the brakes to overheat and lose

effectiveness. (



P.181)

●

Do not adjust the positions of the

steering wheel, the seat, or the inside

or outside rear view mirrors while driv-

ing.

Doing so may result in a loss of vehicle

control.

●

Always check that all passengers’

arms, heads or other parts of their

body are not outside the vehicle.

●

AWD models: Do not drive the vehicle

off-road.

This is not an AWD vehicle designed

for off-road driving. Proceed with all

due caution if it becomes unavoidable

to drive off-road.

●

Do not drive across a river or through

other bodies of water.

This may cause electric/electronic

components to short circuit, damage

the engine or cause other serious

damage to the vehicle.

■

When driving on slippery road sur-

faces

●

Sudden braking, acceleration and

steering may cause tire slippage and

reduce your ability to control the vehi-

cle.

165

4

4-1. Before driving

Driving

WARNING

●

Sudden acceleration, engine braking

due to shifting, or changes in engine

speed could cause the vehicle to skid.

●

After driving through a puddle, lightly

depress the brake pedal to make sure

that the brakes are functioning prop-

erly. Wet brake pads may prevent the

brakes from functioning properly. If the

brakes on only one side are wet and

not functioning properly, steering con-

trol may be affected.

■

When shifting the shift lever

●

Do not let the vehicle roll backward

while the shift lever is in a driving posi-

tion, or roll forward while the shift lever

is in R.

Doing so may cause the engine to stall

or lead to poor brake and steering

performance, resulting in an accident

or damage to the vehicle.

●

Do not shift the shift lever to P while

the vehicle is moving.

Doing so can damage the transmission

and may result in a loss of vehicle con-

trol.

●

Do not shift the shift lever to R while

the vehicle is moving forward.

Doing so can damage the transmission

and may result in a loss of vehicle con-

trol.

●

Do not shift the shift lever to a driving

position while the vehicle is moving

backward.

Doing so can damage the transmission

and may result in a loss of vehicle con-

trol.

●

Shifting the shift lever to N while the

vehicle is moving will disengage the

engine. Engine braking is not available

when N is selected.

●

Be careful not to shift the shift lever

with the accelerator pedal depressed.

Shifting the shift lever to any position

other than P or N may lead to unex-

pected rapid acceleration of the vehi-

cle that may cause an accident and

result in death or serious injury.

■

If you hear a squealing or scraping

noise (brake pad wear indicators)

Have the brake pads checked and

replaced by any authorized Lexus

retailer or Lexus authorized repairer, or

any reliable repairer as soon as possible.

Rotor damage may result if the pads are

not replaced when needed.
Front brakes only: Moderate levels of

brake pad and disc wear allow enhanced

front braking power. As a result, the discs

may wear more quickly than conven-

tional brake discs. Therefore, when

replacing the brake pads, Lexus recom-

mends that you also have the thickness of

the discs measured.
It is dangerous to drive the vehicle when

the wear limits of the brake pads and/or

those of the brake discs are exceeded.

■

When the vehicle is stopped

●

Do not race the engine.

If the shift lever is in any position other

than P or N, the vehicle may acceler-

ate suddenly and unexpectedly, caus-

ing an accident.

●

In order to prevent accidents due to

the vehicle rolling away, always keep

depressing the brake pedal while the

engine is running, and apply the park-

ing brake as necessary.

●

If the vehicle is stopped on an incline,

in order to prevent accidents caused

by the vehicle rolling forward or back-

ward, always depress the brake pedal

and securely apply the parking brake

as needed.

166

4-1. Before driving

WARNING

●

Avoid revving or racing the engine.

Running the engine at high speed

while the vehicle is stopped may cause

the exhaust system to overheat, which

could result in a fire if combustible

material is nearby.

■

When the vehicle is parked

●

Do not leave glasses, cigarette lighters,

spray cans, or soft drink cans in the

vehicle when it is in the sun.

Doing so may result in the following:

• Gas may leak from a cigarette lighter

or spray can, and may lead to a fire.

• The temperature inside the vehicle

may cause the plastic lenses and plas-

tic material of glasses to deform or

crack.

• Soft drink cans may fracture, causing

the contents to spray over the interior

of the vehicle, and may also cause a

short circuit in the vehicle’s electrical

components.

●

Do not leave cigarette lighters in the

vehicle. If a cigarette lighter is in a

place such as the glove box or on the

floor, it may be lit accidentally when

luggage is loaded or the seat is

adjusted, causing a fire.

●

Do not attach adhesive discs to the

windshield or windows. Do not place

containers such as air fresheners on

the instrument panel or dashboard.

Adhesive discs or containers may act

as lenses, causing a fire in the vehicle.

●

Do not leave a door or window open if

the curved glass is coated with a

metallized film such as a silver-colored

one. Reflected sunlight may cause the

glass to act as a lens, causing a fire.

●

Always apply the parking brake, shift

the shift lever to P, stop the engine and

lock the vehicle.

Do not leave the vehicle unattended

while the engine is running.

If the vehicle is parked with the shift

lever in P but the parking brake is not

set, the vehicle may start to move, pos-

sibly leading to an accident.

●

Do not touch the exhaust pipes while

the engine is running or immediately

after turning the engine off.

Doing so may cause burns.

■

When taking a nap in the vehicle

Always turn the engine off. Otherwise, if

you accidentally move the shift lever or

depress the accelerator pedal, this could

cause an accident or fire due to engine

overheating. Additionally, if the vehicle is

parked in a poorly ventilated area,

exhaust gases may collect and enter the

vehicle, leading to death or a serious

health hazard.

■

When braking

●

When the brakes are wet, drive more

cautiously.

Braking distance increases when the

brakes are wet, and this may cause one

side of the vehicle to brake differently

than the other side. Also, the parking

brake may not securely hold the vehi-

cle.

●

If the brake booster device does not

operate, do not follow other vehicles

closely and avoid hills or sharp turns

that require braking.

In this case, braking is still possible, but

the brake pedal should be depressed

more firmly than usual. Also, the brak-

ing distance will increase. Have your

brakes fixed immediately.

●

Do not pump the brake pedal if the

engine stalls.

Each push on the brake pedal uses up

the reserve for the power-assisted

brakes.

167

4

4-1. Before driving

Driving

WARNING

●

The brake system consists of 2 individ-

ual hydraulic systems; if one of the sys-

tems fails, the other will still operate. In

this case, the brake pedal should be

depressed more firmly than usual and

the braking distance will increase.

Have your brakes fixed immediately.

■

If the vehicle becomes stuck (AWD

models)

Do not spin the wheels excessively when

any of the tires is up in the air, or the vehi-

cle is stuck in sand, mud, etc. This may

damage the driveline components or

propel the vehicle forward or backward,

causing an accident.

NOTICE

■

When driving the vehicle

●

Do not depress the accelerator and

brake pedals at the same time during

driving, as this may restrain the engine

output.

●

Do not use the accelerator pedal or

depress the accelerator and brake

pedals at the same time to hold the

vehicle on a hill.

■

When parking the vehicle

Always set the parking brake and shift

the shift lever to P. Failure to do so may

cause the vehicle to move or the vehicle

may accelerate suddenly if the accelera-

tor pedal is accidentally depressed.

■

Avoiding damage to vehicle parts

●

Do not turn the steering wheel fully in

either direction and hold it there for an

extended period of time.

Doing so may damage the power

steering motor.

●

When driving over bumps on the road,

drive as slowly as possible to avoid

damaging the wheels, underside of the

vehicle, etc.

●

RX300: Make sure to idle the engine

immediately after high-load driving.

Stop the engine only after the

turbocharger 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 tire 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.428, 439)

■

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 any authorized Lexus retailer or

Lexus authorized repairer, or any reliable

repairer check the following:

●

Brake function

●

Changes in quantity and quality of oil

and fluid used for the engine, transaxle,

transfer (AWD models), rear differen-

tial (AWD models), etc.

168

4-1. Before driving

NOTICE

●

Lubricant condition for the propeller

shaft (AWD models), 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.

WARNING

■

Things that must not be carried in the

luggage compartment

The following things may cause a fire if

loaded in the luggage compartment:

●

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 lug-

gage compartment whenever possi-

ble.

●

Do not stack cargo and luggage in the

luggage compartment higher than the

seatbacks.

●

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 lug-

gage compartment. It is not designed

for passengers. They should ride in

their seats with their seat belts prop-

erly fastened.

●

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 luggage cover

169

4

4-1. Before driving

Driving

WARNING

• On the instrument panel

• On the dashboard

●

Secure all items in the occupant com-

partment.

■

Load and distribution

●

Do not overload your vehicle.

●

Do not apply loads unevenly.

Improper loading may cause deteriora-

tion of steering or braking control which

may cause death or serious injury.

■

When using a roof luggage carrier

(vehicles with roof rails)

Observe the following precautions:

●

Place the cargo so that its weight is dis-

tributed evenly between the front and

rear axles.

●

If loading long or wide cargo, never

exceed the vehicle overall length or

width. (



P.470)

●

Before driving, make sure the cargo is

securely fastened on the roof luggage

carrier.

●

Loading cargo on the roof luggage

carrier will make the center of gravity

of the vehicle higher. Avoid high

speeds, sudden starts, sharp turns,

sudden braking or abrupt maneuvers,

otherwise it may result in loss of con-

trol or vehicle rollover due to failure to

operate this vehicle correctly and

result in death or serious injury.

●

If driving for a long distance, on rough

roads, or at high speeds, stop the vehi-

cle now and then during the trip to

make sure the cargo remains in its

place.

●

Do not exceed 75 kg (165 lb.) cargo

weight on the roof luggage carrier.

NOTICE

■

When loading cargo (vehicles with a

moon roof or panoramic moon roof)

Be careful not to scratch the surface of

the moon roof or panoramic moon roof.