check engine light LEXUS RX330 2006 Owner's Manual

DRIVING TIPS
485
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. 
Avoid jerky starts or sudden acceleration.
 Avoid jerky steering and sharp turns. The trailer could hit
your vehicle in a tight turn. Slow down before making a turn
to avoid the need of sudden braking.
 Remember that when making a turn, the trailer wheels will
be closer than the vehicle wheels to the inside of the turn.
Therefore, compensate for this by making a larger than
normal turning radius with your vehicle.
 Crosswinds and rough roads will adversely affect handling
of your vehicle and trailer, causing sway. Pay attention to
the rear from time to time to prepare yourself for being
passed by large trucks or buses, which may cause your
vehicle and trailer to sway. If swaying happens, firmly grip
the steering wheel and reduce speed immediately but
gradually. Never increase speed. If it is necessary to
reduce speed, brake slowly. Steer straight ahead. If you
make no extreme correction with the steering or brakes,
your vehicle and trailer will stabilize.
 Be careful when passing other vehicles. Passing requires
considerable distance. After passing a vehicle, do not forget
the length of your trailer and be sure you have plenty of room
before changing lanes.
 In order to maintain efficient engine braking and electrical
charging performance, do not use overdrive. Transmission
must be “4” position (with standard type) or the shift range
position must be “4” (fourth range) in “S” mode (with
multi−mode type).

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
494
IF YOUR ENGINE STALLS WHILEDRIVING
If your engine stalls while driving...
1. Reduce your speed gradually, keeping a straight line. Move
cautiously off the road to a safe place.
2. Turn on your emergency flashers.
3. Turn the ignition key to “ACC” or “LOCK”, and try starting the
engine again.
If the engine will not start, see “If your vehicle will not start”\
.
CAUTION
If the engine is not running, the power assist for the
brakes and steering will not work, so steering and
braking will be much harder than usual.
IF YOUR VEHICLE WILL NOT START
(a) Simple checks
Before making these checks, make sure you have followed the
correct starting procedure instructions in “How to start the
engine” on page 388 and that you have sufficient fuel. Since
your vehicle is equipped with the engine immobilizer system,
also check whether the other keys will start the engine. If they
work, your key may be broken. Have the key checked at your
Lexus dealer. If none of your keys work, there may be a
malfunction in the immobilizer system. Call your Lexus dealer.
See “Keys” on page 12.
If the engine is not turning over or is turning over too
slowly —
1. Check that the battery terminals are tight and clean.
2. If the battery terminals are O.K., switch on the interior light.
3. If the light is out, dim or goes out when the starter is cranked,
the battery is discharged. You may try jump starting. See “(c)
Jump starting” for further instruction.
If the light is O.K., but the engine still will not start, it needs
adjustment or repair. Call a Lexus dealer, Roadside
Assistance or Customer Service. (See “Foreword”.)

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
498
4Connect the clamp at the other end of the negative (black)
cable to a solid, stationary, unpainted metallic point (such
as shown in the illustration) away from the battery. Do not
connect it to or near any part that moves when the engine
is cranked.
CAUTION
When making the connections, to avoid serious injury,
do not lean over the battery or accidentally let the
jumper cables or clamps touch anything except the
correct battery terminals or the ground.
5. Start your engine in the normal way. After starting, run it at
about 2000 rpm for several minutes with the accelerator pedal
lightly depressed.
6. Carefully disconnect the cables in the exact reverse order:
the negative cable and then the positive cable.
7. Carefully dispose of the battery cover cloths which may now
contain sulfuric acid.
8. If removed, replace all the battery vent plugs.
If the cause of your battery discharging is not apparent (for
example, lights left on), you should have it checked at your
Lexus dealer. If the first start attempt is not successful...
Check
that the clamp on the jumper cables are tight. Recharge
the discharged battery with the jumper cables connected for
several minutes and restart your engine in the normal way.
If the another attempt is not successful, the battery may be
depleted. Have it checked at your Lexus dealer.

MAINTENANCE
530Battery
Check the battery condition by the indicator color. See page
601 for additional information.
Brake fluid level
Make sure the brake fluid level is correct. See page 568 for
additional information.
Engine oil level
Check the level on the dipstick with the engine turned off and
the vehicle parked on a level spot. See page 556 for
additional
information.
Power steering fluid level
Check the level through the reservoir. The level should be in
the “HOT” or “COLD” range depending on the fluid
temperature. See page 569 for additional information.
Exhaust system
If you notice any change in the sound of the exhaust or smell
exhaust fumes, have the cause located and corrected
immediately. (See “Engine exhaust caution” on page 384.)
Vehicle interior
Items listed below should be checked regularly, e.g. while
performing periodic services, cleaning the vehicle, etc.
Lights
Make sure the headlight, stop lights, tail lights, turn signal
lights, and other lights are working. Check headlight aim.
Service reminder indicators and warning buzzers
Check that all service reminder indicators and warning buzzers
function properly.
Steering wheel
Check that it has the specified free play. Be alert for changes
in steering condition, such as hard steering, excessive free
play or strange noise.
Seats
Check that all front seat controls such as seat adjusters,
seatback recliner, etc., operate smoothly. Check that the head
restraints move up and down smoothly and that the locks hold
securely in any latched position. For folding −down rear
seatbacks, check that the latches lock securely.
Seat belts
Check that the seat belt system such as buckles, retractors
and anchors operate properly and smoothly. Make sure the
belt webbing is not cut, frayed, worn or damaged.

ENGINE
550— COOLING SYSTEM
Capacity
9.5 L (10.0 qt., 8.4 Imp. qt.)
Coolant type“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or similar high quality ethylene glyco\
l
based non −silicate, non− amine, non−nitrite, and non −borate coolant
with long −life hybrid organic acid technology (Coolant with long −life
hybrid organic acid technology is a combination of low phosphates and
organic acids.)
Do not use plain water alone.
NOTE:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is used in your Lexus vehicle at factory fil\
l. In order to avoid technical problems, only use “Toyota
Super Long Life Coolant” or similar high quality ethylene glycol based non −silicate, non −amine, non −nitrite, and non −borate coolant
with long−life hybrid organic acid technology. (Coolant with long −life hybrid organic acid technology is a combination of low
phosphates and organic acids.) Please contact your Lexus dealer for further deta\
ils.
— IGNITION SYSTEM
Spark plug — Make DENSO NGK
— Gap
SK20R11
IFR6A11
1.1 mm (0.043 in.)
— ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Battery Open voltage at 20C (68F):
Charging rates
12.6 — 12.8 V Fully charged
12.2 — 12.4 V Half charged
11.8 — 12.0 V Discharged
[Voltage that is checked 20 minutes after the key is removed with all the
lights turned off]
5 A max.

ENGINE
557
If the oil level is below or only slightly above the low mark,
add engine oil of the same type as already in the engine.
Remove the oil filler cap and add engine oil a little at a time,
checking the dipstick. We recommend that you use a funnel
when adding oil. The approximate quantity of oil needed to
raise the level between low mark and full mark on the dipstick
is indicated as follows:
1.5 L (1.6 qt., 1.3 Imp. qt.)
For the engine oil capacity, see “Specifications” on page 548.
When the level reaches within the correct range, return the filler
cap and turn the cap clockwise until you hear a click.
NOTICE
 Be careful not to spill engine oil on the vehicle
components.
 Avoid overfilling, or the engine could be damaged.
Check the oil level on the dipstick once again after
adding the oil.

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
604Check the battery condition by the indicator color.
Type A —
1BLUE — Good condition
2WHITE — Charging necessary. Have the battery
checked by your Lexus dealer.
3RED — Have the battery checked by your Lexus dealer.
Type B —
1GREEN — Good condition
2DARK — Charging necessary. Have the battery checked
by your Lexus dealer.
3CLEAR or LIGHT YELLOW — Have the battery checked
by your Lexus dealer.
NOTICE
Do not refill the battery with water.
BATTERY RECHARGING PRECAUTIONS
During recharging, the battery is producing hydrogen
gas.
Therefore, before recharging:
1. If recharging with the battery installed on the vehicle, be
sure to disconnect the ground cable.
2. Make sure the power switch on the recharger is off when
connecting the charger cables to the battery and when
disconnecting them.
CAUTION
Always charge the battery in an unconfined area. Do
not charge the battery in a garage or closed room
where there is not sufficient ventilation.
 Only do a slow charge (5 A or less). Charging at a
quicker rate is dangerous. The battery may explode
causing personal injuries.
NOTICE
Never recharge the battery while the engine is running.
Also, be sure all accessories are turned off.

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
609
ADDING WASHER FLUID
If the washer tank becomes nearly empty, add washer
fluid.
You may use plain water as washer fluid. However, in cold
areas where temperatures range below the freezing point, use
washer fluid containing antifreeze. This product is available at
your Lexus dealer and most auto parts stores. Follow the
manufacturer’s directions for how much to mix with water.
NOTICE
Do not use engine antifreeze or any other substitute
because it may damage your vehicle’s paint.
CHECKING THE HEADLIGHT AIM
(vehicles with discharge headlight)
1Vertical movement adjusting screw
2Vertical movement adjusting bolt
Before checking the headlight aim:
1. Be sure that the body around the headlight is not deformed.
2. Park the vehicle on a level spot.
3. The driver gets into the driver’s seat and puts the vehicle in
a state readying for a driving (with a full tank).
4. Bounce the vehicle several times.

BODY
620Fuel
filler door: Do not apply water (high −pressure car wash,
for example) at or near the fuel tank inlet with the fuel filler door
opened. If the water enters the air vent, you may experience
trouble with refueling or rough engine idling.
Electronically modulated air suspension: Do not spray a jet
of high−pressure water at the air suspension unit, especially
the air spring, at an extremely close range. This may damage
the air suspension.
Plastic wheel ornaments: The plastic wheel ornaments are
damaged easily by organic substances. If any organic
substance splash an ornament, be sure to wash them off with
water and check if the ornament is damaged.
Aluminum wheels: Use only a mild soap or neutral detergent.
Plastic bumpers and side moldings: Wash carefully. Do not
scrub with abrasive cleaners. The bumper and side molding
faces are soft.
Exterior lights: Wash carefully. Do not use organic
substances or scrub them with a hard brush. This may damage
the surfaces of the lights.
Road tar: Remove with turpentine or cleaners that are marked
safe for painted surfaces.
3. Rinse thoroughly — dried soap can cause streaking. In hot
weather you may need to rinse each section right after you
wash it.
4. To prevent water spots, dry the vehicle using a clean soft
cotton towel. Do not rub or press hard — you might scratch the
paint.
NOTICE
 Do not use organic substances (gasoline, kerosene,
benzine or strong solvents), which may be toxic or
cause damage.
 Do not scrub any part of the vehicle with a hard brush,
which may cause damage.
Automatic car wash
NOTICE
To prevent damage to the antenna, make sure it is
removed before driving your vehicle through an
automatic car wash.
 When your vehicle goes through an automatic car
wash, make sure the power back door system is off.
Your vehicle may be washed in an automatic car wash, but
remember that the paint can be scratched by some types of
brushes, unfiltered washing water, or the washing process
itself. Scratching reduces paint durability and gloss, especially
on darker colors. The manager of the car wash should be able
to advise you whether the process is safe for the paint on your
vehicle.