ground LEXUS RX330 2006 Owners Manual

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR LEXUS
vii
Tires and loading on your Lexus
Underinflated or overinflated tire pressure and the
excess load may result in the deterioration of steering
ability and braking ability, leading to an accident.
Check the tire inflation pressure periodically and be
sure to keep the load limits given in this Owner’s
Manual. For details about tire inflation pressure and
load limits, see pages 570 and 489.
Scrapping of your Lexus
The SRS airbag and seat belt pretensioner devices in your
Lexus contain explosive chemicals. If the vehicle is scrapped
with the airbags and seat belt pretensioners left as they are,
this may cause an accident such as fire. Be sure to have the
system of the SRS airbag and seat belt pretensioner removed
and disposed of by a qualified service shop or by your Lexus
dealer before you scrap your vehicle.
Onpavement and offroad driving tips
This vehicle belongs to the utility vehicle class. Utility vehicles
have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of
vehicles. This vehicle will handle and maneuver differently
from an ordinary passenger car because it is designed for
off−road use also. In addition, this vehicle has a higher ground
clearance and center of gravity than that of an ordinary
passenger car. This vehicle design feature causes this type of
vehicle to be more likely to rollover. Failure to operate this
vehicle correctly may result in loss of control, accidents or
vehicle rollover causing death or serious injury. Be sure to read
“Off −road vehicle precautions” on page 468 and “Off −road
driving precautions” on page 472.

STEERING WHEEL AND MIRRORS
236
The vehicle is in a place where the earth’s magnetic field is
subject to interference by artificial magnetic fields
(underground parking, under a steel tower, between
buildings, roof parking, near a crossing, near a large vehicle,
etc.).
 The vehicle is magnetized. (There is a magnet or a metal
object on or near the inside rear view mirror.)
 The battery has been disconnected.
If your vehicle is out of the set zone, refer to “Calibrating the
compass” in this Section to set the zone number.
If the deviation is small, the compass works to calibrate the
direction automatically while the vehicle is in motion.
For obtaining additional precision or for complete calibrating,
see “Calibrating the compass” below.
If the direction is not indicated or the system does not operate
properly, contact your Lexus dealer.
 Compass sensor
NOTICE
Do not put magnets or a metal object on or near the
inside rear view mirror of the vehicle. Doing this may
cause malfunction of the compass sensor in the mirror.

STEERING WHEEL AND MIRRORS
239
Drive the vehicle slowly (at 8 km/h [5 mph] or lower) in a circle
until the direction is displayed. If there is not enough space to
drive in a circle, drive around the block until the direction is
displayed.
After driving in 1 to 3 circles in the above method, calibration
is complete with the direction shown on the display. Perform
circling calibration just after you have purchased
your Lexus. And then always perform circling calibration
after the battery has been removed, replaced or
disconnected.
 Do not perform circling calibration of the compass in a place
where the earth’s magnetic field is subject to interference by
artificial magnetic fields (underground parking, under a steel
tower, between buildings, roof parking, near a crossing,
near a large vehicle, etc.).
 During calibration, do not operate electric systems (moon
roof, power windows, etc.) as they may interfere with the
calibration.

STARTING AND DRIVING
420
4Acceleration cruising function: If the vehicle ahead
changes lanes, your vehicle cruising speed will be
gradually increased up to the preset speed, and your
vehicle resumes fixed−speed cruising.
This system operates by detecting primarily the reflectors
of the vehicle ahead. The distance may not be accurately
or absolutely detected in the following cases:
 The vehicle ahead has higher ground clearance, which
means that the placement of the reflectors is in a higher
position.
 The rear section of the vehicle ahead is extremely dirty.
 The vehicle ahead or other vehicles around you are
flinging up water or snow.
 Excessive exhaust gas (black smoke) is coming from
the vehicle ahead or other vehicles around you,
obscuring your front view.
 There is an obstruction (protective film, sticker , etc.) on
the reflectors on the vehicle ahead, or reflectors are not
installed on the vehicle ahead or are damaged.
 Heavy luggage in the luggage compartment or rear
seats is causing the nose of your vehicle to tilt up.CAUTION
To avoid accidents, always keep the laser radar sensor
glass clean and never allow it to be covered with icicle
or any substance, so it can detect the vehicle in front.
(See “(k) Laser radar sensor” on page 430.)

STARTING AND DRIVING
443

Selecting the “N” mode
To change “HI” to “N” mode: Push the height select switch
on the “
” (lower) side once.
To change “LO” to “N” mode: Push the height select switch
on the “ ” (higher) side once.
The “N” indicator light blinks as the vehicle’s height changes.
When the vehicle’s height reaches the “N” mode, the indicator
light remains on.
Even if the engine stops while the vehicle’s height is being
lowered, the operation continues for up to one minute.
 Selecting the “LO” mode
To change “N” mode to “LO”: Push the height select switch
on the “
” (lower) side once.
To change “HI” mode to “LO”: Push the height select switch
on the “
” (lower) side twice.
The “LO” indicator light blinks as the vehicle’s height changes.
When the vehicle’s height reaches the “LO” mode, the indicator
light remains on.
Even if the engine stops while the vehicle’s height is being
lowered, the operation continues for up to one minute.
CAUTION
 Before you lower the vehicle’s height with the height
select switch, check under the vehicle to make sure
nothing that could damage the vehicle or no one who
could be injured is there and that the underbody of
the vehicle does not touch the ground.
 Do not select the “HI” mode when you load cargo on
the roof luggage carrier. Otherwise it may result in a
loss of control or vehicle rollover due to failure to
operate this vehicle correctly.
NOTICE
If the vehicle height is changed frequently, the
compressor may overheat, causing the vehicle
height adjustment operation to stop.
 After unloading, vehicle height rises slightly. Take
sufficient care where overhead space is restricted.
 Do not select “LO” mode when on bumpy roads. If
the underbody of the vehicle touches the rugged
road surface, the vehicle may be damaged.

STARTING AND DRIVING
445
1Higher2Lower
3Height control indicator lights
 Changing the mode
You can change the easy access mode to the “LO”, “N” or “HI”\
mode when the engine is running.
To change easy access mode to “LO” mode: Push the
height select switch on the “ ” (higher) side once.
To change easy access mode to “N”mode: Push the height
select switch on the “ ” (higher) side twice.
In the following cases, the vehicle’s height is automatically
changed to “N” (normal) mode.
 The vehicle speed exceeds approximately 12 km/h (8 mph).
 The engine is restarted and the easy access mode is
canceled. To change easy access
mode to “HI” mode: Push the height
select switch on the “ ” (higher) side for three times.
The “LO”, “N” or “HI” indicator light blinks while the\
vehicle’s
height changes. When the vehicle’s height reaches the “LO”,
“N” or “HI” mode, the indicator light remains on.
If the vehicle’s height is changed frequently, the raising or
lowering will take longer than usual. There is no problem in the
electronically modulated air suspension.
CAUTION
If you select easy access mode, check under the vehicle
to make sure nothing that could damage the vehicle or
no one who could be injured is there and that the
underbody of the vehicle does not touch the ground
before the engine is stopped.

DRIVING TIPS
468
OFFROAD VEHICLEPRECAUTIONS
This vehicle belongs to the utility vehicle class, which has
higher ground clearance and narrower tread in relation to
the height of its center of gravity to make it capable of
performing in a wide variety of offroad applications.
Specific design characteristics give it a higher center of
gravity than ordinary passenger cars. This vehicle design
feature causes this type of vehicle to be more likely to
rollover. And, utility vehicles have a significantly higher
rollover rate than other types of vehicles. An advantage
of the higher ground clearance is a better view of the road
allowing you to anticipate problems. It is not designed for
cornering at the same speeds as ordinary passenger cars
any more than lowslung sports cars designed to perform
satisfactorily under offroad conditions. Therefore, sharp
turns at excessive speeds may cause rollover.
CAUTION
Always observe the following precautions to minimize
the risk of serious personal injury or damage to your
vehicle:
 In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is
significantly more likely to die than a person wearing
a seat belt. Therefore, the driver and all passengers
should fasten their seat belts whenever the vehicle is
moving.
 Avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers, if at all
possible. Failure to operate this vehicle correctly
may result in loss of control or vehicle rollover
causing death or serious injury.
 Loading cargo on the roof luggage carrier will make
the center of the vehicle gravity higher. Avoid high
speeds, sudden starts, sharp turns, sudden braking
or abrupt maneuvers, otherwise it may result in loss
of control or vehicle rollover due to failure to operate
this vehicle correctly.
 Always slow down in gusty crosswinds. Because of
its profile and higher center of gravity, your vehicle is
more sensitive to side winds than an ordinary
passenger car . Slowing down will allow you to have
better control.

DRIVING TIPS
475
Do not use your parking brake when there is a possibility
it could freeze.
When
parking, put the transmission into “P” and block the rear
wheels. Do not use the parking brake, or snow or water
accumulated in and around the parking brake mechanism may
freeze the parking brake, making it hard to release.
Keep ice and snow from accumulating under the fenders.
Ice and snow built up under your fenders can make steering
difficult. During bad winter driving, stop and check under the
fenders occasionally.
Depending on where you are driving, we recommend you
carry some emergency equipment.
Some of the things you might put in the vehicle are tire chains,
window scraper, bag of sand or salt, flares, small shovel,
jumper cables, etc.
DINGHY TOWING
Your vehicle is not designed to be dinghy towed (with four
wheels on the ground) behind a motorhome.
NOTICE
Do not tow your vehicle with four wheels on the ground.
This may cause serious damage to your vehicle.

DRIVING TIPS
482
Brakes and safety chains
Lexus recommends trailers with brakes that conform to
any applicable federal and state/provincial regulations.
 A safety chain must always be used between the towing
vehicle and the trailer. Leave sufficient slack in the
chain for turns. The chain should cross under the
trailer tongue to prevent the tongue from dropping to
the ground in case it becomes damaged or separated.
For correct safety chain procedures, follow the hitch or
trailer manufacturer’s recommendations.
CAUTION
 If the total trailer weight exceeds 450 kg (1000 lb.),
trailer brakes are required.
 Never tap into your vehicle’s hydraulic system as it
will lower its braking effectiveness.
 Never tow a trailer without using a safety chain
securely attached to both the trailer and the vehicle.
If damage occurs to the coupling unit or hitch ball,
there is possible danger of the trailer wandering over
into another lane.
Tires
Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated. Adjust
the tire pressure to the recommended cold tire pressure
indicated below:
Tire pressure, kPa (kgf/cm
2 or bar, psi)
Front 210 (2.1, 30) Rear 210 (2.1, 30)
 The trailer tires should be inflated to the pressure
recommended by the trailer manufacturer in respect to the
total trailer weight.

DRIVING TIPS
484
Disconnecting a trailer (models with
electronically modulated air suspension)
Stop your vehicle and trailer so they are in line and perform the
following:
1. Place the electronically modulated air suspension in “LO”
mode. (Make sure the vehicle height is in “LO” mode by
pushing the height select switch on the “
” [lower] side.)
2. Push the height control switch to turn off the electronically
modulated air suspension. The height control “OFF” indicator
light will come on.
3. Turn the ignition switch off.
4. Set the supporting leg of the trailer on the ground and raise
the hitch by 100 mm (4 in.).
5. Turn the ignition switch on.
6. Push the height control switch to turn on the electronically
modulated air suspension. The height control “OFF” indicator
will go out.
7. Wait for about one minute until vehicle height is stabilized by
the automatic leveling function.
8. Make sure the hitch is disconnected. If not, raise the hitch
higher and repeat steps 2 through 7.
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.