suspension Lexus ES330 2006 Basic Functions In Frequent Use / OWNER'S MANUAL (OM33703U)

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each Section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
iiPage
1Door lock switch and power window
switches xxvi, xlv
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2Driving position memory switches clxvii
. . . . . . . . . .
3Power rear view mirror control switches clxxv . . . . .
4Side vents cxcvi
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5Instrument panel light control dial lxxi
. . . . . . . . . . . .
6Headlight, turn signal and
fog light switches xxxiii, xxxv, xxxviii, xxxix . . . . . . .
7Audio remote control switches ccxviii, ccxlix . . . . . .
8Ignition switch cclx
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9Speech command switch See the separate . . . . . . . .
“Navigation System Owner’s Manual”.
10Multiinformation display control button lxviii . . . . .
11Windshield wiper and washer switches xxxix. . . . . .
12Seat ventilator/heater switches xlix
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13Emergency flasher switch xlviii
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14Clock lxxvi
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
.
15Audio system or navigation system
including audio system
(For the navigation system, see the separate
“Navigation System Owner’s Manual”.) cci, ccxxv .
16Front passenger’s seat belt reminder light lxi . . . . . .
17“AIRBAG OFF” indicator light cxliii
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
18“AIRBAG ON” indicator light
cxliii
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19Security indicator light xv, xxix
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20Glove box lxxviii
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21Front passenger seat position
memory switches clxix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22Automatic air conditioning controls clxxxv . . . . . . . .
23Rear window and outside rear view mirror
defogger switch xliv. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24Grocery bag hook lxxxix
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25Automatic transmission selector lever cclxiii . . . . . .
26Rear electric sunshade switch xc
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27Electronic modulated suspension
control switch cclxxii . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28Cigarette lighter and ashtray lxxvi
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
29Traction control system off switch cclxxiv
. . . . . . . .
30Cruise control switch cclxix
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
31Power adjustable pedals switch clxxiii
. . . . . . . . . . . .
32Parking brake pedal cclxi
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
33Auxiliary box lxxxvii
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
34Hood lock release lever xciii
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
35Trunk lid opener xciv
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
36Fuel filler door opener xcvii
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SWITCHES
xxxv
Automatic headlight leveling system (vehicles
with discharge headlight only)
Vehicle position changes according to loading condition,
passengers getting on and off, vehicle acceleration and
deceleration, etc. However, as the headlight beam level is
always maintained automatically by the system at the proper
level, your headlights do not dazzle other road users.
If this system fails, the warning light in the instrument cluster
comes on. If this occurs, have your vehicle checked by your
Lexus dealer.
If you replace the rear suspension and/or the vehicle height
changes, contact your Lexus dealer to check the automatic
headlight leveling system and headlight beam level.
HEADLIGHT SWITCH(Canada)
To turn the lights on, twist the knob on the end of the lever.
FIRST CLICKSTOP: Only the parking, tail, license plate, side
marker and instrument panel lights turn on.
SECOND CLICKSTOP: Headlights also turn on.
THIRD CLICKSTOP (“AUTO”): The headlights and all other
lights automatically turn on depending on the darkness of the
surroundings.*
NOTE:
* The sensitivity of the automatic light control sensor can be
changed.
Ask your Lexus dealer for details.

SWITCHES
xxxvii
To turn on the lights again, turn the ignition key to the “ON”
position, or turn the headlight switch off and then twist the knob
until the first or second clickstop.
If you are going to park for over one week, make sure the
headlight switch is off.
Daytime Running Light System
The headlights turn on at reduced intensity when the parking
brake is released with the engine started, even with the light
switch in the “OFF” position. They will not go off until the
ignition switch is turned off.
To turn on the other exterior lights and instrument panel lights,
twist the knob to the first clickstop.
Twist
the knob to the second clickstop to turn on the headlights
to full intensity for driving at night.
When setting the knob to the third clickstop (“AUTO”), the
headlights will automatically adjust to full intensity and/or turn
on the other lights depending on the darkness of the
surroundings. Likewise, as the surroundings become brighter,
the headlights will turn to reduced intensity, ultimately turning
off the other lights.
NOTICE
To prevent the battery from being discharged, do not
leave the lights on longer than necessary when the
engine is not running.
Automatic headlight leveling system (vehicles
with discharge headlight only)
Vehicle position changes according to loading condition,
passengers getting on and off, vehicle acceleration and
deceleration, etc. However, the headlight beam level is always
maintained automatically by the system at the proper level so
that your headlights do not dazzle other road users.
If this system fails, the warning light in the instrument cluster
comes on. If this occurs, have your vehicle checked by your
Lexus dealer.
If you replace the rear suspension and/or the vehicle height
changes, contact your Lexus dealer to check the automatic
headlight leveling system and headlight beam level.

OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEM
cxxi
CAUTION
Do not modify, remove, strike or open the seat belt
pretensioner assemblies, airbag sensor or surrounding
area or wiring. Failure to follow these instruction may
prevent the seat belt pretensioners from activating
correctly, cause sudden operation of the system or
disable the system, which could result in death or
serious injury. Consult your Lexus dealer about any
repair and modification.
NOTICE
Do not perform any of the following changes without
consulting your Lexus dealer. Such changes can
interfere with proper operation of the seat belt
pretensioners in some cases.
 Installation of electronic devices such as a mobile
twoway radio, cassette tape player or CD player
 Repairs on or near the seat belt retractor assemblies
 Modification of the suspension system
 Modification of the front end structure
 Attachment of a grille guard (bull bar, kangaroo bar,
etc.), snowplow, winches or any other equipment to
the front end
 Repair made on or near the front fenders, front end
structure or console
This indicator comes on when the ignition key is turned to
the “ON” position. It goes off after about 6 seconds. This
means the seat belt pretensioners are operating properly.
This warning light system monitors the airbag sensor
assembly, front airbag sensors, side and curtain shield airbag
sensor assemblies, curtain shield airbag sensor assemblies,
driver’s seat position sensor, driver’s seat belt buckle switch,
front passenger occupant classification system, “AIRBAG
OFF” indicator light, “AIRBAG ON” indicator light, front
passenger’s seat belt buckle switch, seat belt pretensioner
assemblies, inflators, warning light, interconnecting wiring and
power sources. (For details, see “Service reminder indicators
and warning buzzers” on page lviii for instructions.)

OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEM
cxxx
Do not modify or remove any wiring. Do not modify,
remove, strike or open any components, such as the
steering wheel pad, steering wheel, column cover,
front passenger airbag cover, front passenger airbag
or airbag sensor assembly. Doing so may prevent the
front airbag system from activating correctly, cause
sudden activation of the system or disable the
system, which could result in death or serious injury.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in death
or serious injury. Consult your Lexus dealer about any
repair and modification.
If you wish to modify your vehicle for a person with a
physical disability, consult your Lexus dealer. It may
dangerously interfere with the SRS front airbags
operation.NOTICE
Do not perform any of the following changes without
consulting your Lexus dealer. Such changes can
interfere with proper operation of the SRS front airbag
system in some cases.
 Installation of electronic devices such as a mobile
twoway radio, cassette tape player or CD player
 Modification of the suspension system
 Modification of the front end structure
 Attachment of a grille guard (bull bar, kangaroo bar,
etc.), snowplow, winches or any other equipment to
the front end
 Repairs made on or near the front fenders, front end
structure, console, steering column, steering wheel
or dashboard near the front passenger airbag

OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEM
cxl
Do not use seat accessories which cover the parts
where the side airbags inflate. Such accessories may
prevent the side airbags from activating correctly,
causing death or serious injury.
 Do not modify or replace the seats or upholstery of
the seats with side airbags. Such changes may
prevent the side airbag system from activating
correctly, disable the system or cause the side
airbags to inflate accidentally, resulting in death or
serious injury.
 Do not disassemble or repair the front and rear pillars
and roof side rail containing the curtain shield
airbags. Such changes may disable the system or
cause the curtain shield airbags to inflate
accidentally, resulting in death or serious injury.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in death
or serious injury. Consult your Lexus dealer about any
repair and modification.
If you wish to modify your vehicle for a person with a
physical disability, consult your Lexus dealer. It may
dangerously interfere with the SRS side airbags and
curtain shield airbags operation.NOTICE
Do not perform any of the following changes without
consulting your Lexus dealer. Such changes can
interfere with proper operation of the SRS side airbag
and curtain shield airbag system in some cases.
 Installation of electronic devices such as a mobile
twoway radio, cassette tape player or CD player
 Modification of the suspension system
 Modification of the structure of the passenger
compartment
 Repairs made on or near the console or front seat

SECTION 3 – 1
cclvi
STARTING AND DRIVING
Starting and driving
Three−way catalytic convertercclvii
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine exhaust caution cclviii
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before starting the engine cclix
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition switch cclx
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . .
Parking brake cclxi
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . .
How to start the engine cclxii
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic transmission cclxiii
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise control cclxix
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . .
Electronic modulated suspension cclxxii
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Traction control system cclxxiii
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle stability control system cclxxvi
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake system cclxxviii
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. .
Brake pad wear limit indicators cclxxxii
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

STARTING AND DRIVING
cclxxii
Cruise control failure warning
If the “CRUISE” indicator light in the instrument cluster flashes
when using the cruise control, press the ”ON−OFF” button to
turn the system off and then press it again to turn it on.
If any of the following conditions then occurs, there is some
trouble in the cruise control system. Contact your Lexus dealer
and have your Lexus inspected.
 The indicator light does not come on.
 The indicator light flashes again.
 The indicator light goes out after it comes on.
ELECTRONIC MODULATED
SUSPENSION
This electronic modulated suspension adjusts the
damping effect on the shock absorbers with the control
switch. Select one of the 4 modes which is suited to the
driving conditions with the control switch to provide good
riding comfort and stability.
1For sporty type driving such as on winding mountain
roads and high speed driving
2For moderate high speed driving
3For ordinary driving such as in the city traffic
4For driving on a bumpy road
5Soft
6Firm

DRIVING TIPS
ccxciii
Maintenance
If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will require more frequent
maintenance due to the additional load. For this
information, please refer to the scheduled maintenance
information in the “Owner’s Manual Supplement/
Scheduled Maintenance”.
 Retighten all fixing bolts of the towing ball and bracket after
approximately 1000 km (600 miles) of trailer driving.
Pretowing safety check
Check that your vehicle remains level when a loaded or
unloaded trailer is hitched. Do not drive if the vehicle has an
abnormal nose −up or nose− down condition, and check for
improper tongue load, overload, worn suspension or other
possible causes.
 Make sure the trailer cargo is securely loaded so that it
cannot shift.
 Check that your rear view mirrors conform to any federal,
state/provincial or local regulations. If they do not, install
required rear view mirrors appropriate for towing purposes.
Trailer towing tips
When towing a trailer, your vehicle will handle differently
than when not towing. The three main causes of
vehicletrailer accidents are driver error, excessive speed
and improper trailer loading. Keep these in mind when
towing:
 Before starting out, check the operation of the lights and all
vehicle −trailer connections. After driving a short distance,
stop and recheck the lights and connections. Practice
turning, stopping and backing with a trailer in an area away
from traffic until you learn the feel.
 Backing with a trailer is difficult and requires practice. Grip
the bottom of the steering wheel and move your hand to the
left to move the trailer to the left. Move your hand to the right
to move the trailer to the right. (This procedure is generally
opposite to that when backing without a trailer.) Also, just
turn the steering wheel a little at a time, avoiding sharp or
prolonged turning. Have someone guide you when backing
to reduce the risk of an accident.
 Because stopping distance may be increased,
vehicle −to−vehicle distance should be increased when
towing a trailer. For each 16 km/h (10 mph) of speed, allow
at least one vehicle and trailer length between you and the
vehicle ahead. Avoid sudden braking as you may skid,
resulting in jackknifing and loss of control. This is especially
true on wet or slippery surfaces.

MAINTENANCE
cccxxxv
Tire inflation pressure
Check the tire inflation pressure with a gauge every
two weeks, or at least once a month and adjust as
shown on the tire and loading information label. See
page ccclxix for additional information.
Tire surface
Check the tires carefully for cuts, damage or
excessive wear. See page ccclxxxiv for additional
information.
Tire rotation
Rotate the tires according to the maintenance
schedule. (For scheduled maintenance information,
please refer to the “Owner’s Manual
Supplement/Scheduled Maintenance”.) See page
ccclxxxiii for additional information.DOES YOUR VEHICLE NEEDREPAIRING?
Be on the alert for changes in performance and sounds, and
visual tip −offs that indicate service is needed. Some important
clues are:
 Engine missing, stumbling, or pinging
 Appreciable loss of power
 Strange engine noises
 A fluid leak under the vehicle (However, water dripping from
the air conditioning after use is normal.)
 Change in exhaust sound (This may indicate a dangerous
carbon monoxide leak. Drive with the windows open and
have the exhaust system checked immediately.)
 Flat−looking tires, excessive tire squeal when cornering,
uneven tire wear
 Vehicle pulls to one side when driving straight on a level
road
 Strange noises related to suspension movement
 Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling brake pedal,
pedal almost touches floors, vehicle pulls to one side when
braking
 Engine coolant temperature continually higher than normal