service LEXUS RX350 2011 Owner's Manual

451
4-2. Maintenance
4

Maintenance and care
nAllow inspection and repairs to be performed by a Lexus dealer
lLexus technicians are well-trained specialists and are kept up to date with the
latest service information. They are well informed about the operations of all
systems on your vehicle.
lKeep a copy of the repair order. It proves that the maintenance that has been
performed is under warranty coverage. If any problem should arise while your
vehicle is under warranty, your Lexus dealer will promptly take care of it.
CAUTION
nIf your vehicle is not properly maintained
Improper maintenance could result in serious damage to the vehicle and possible
serious injury or death.
nHandling of the battery
lEngine exhaust, some of its constituents, and a wide variety of automobile com-
ponents contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause can-
cer and birth defects and other reproductive harm. Work in a well ventilated area.
lOils, fuels and fluids contained in vehicles as well as waste produced by compo-
nent wear contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause
cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Avoid exposure and wash
any affected area immediately.
lBattery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead com-
pounds which are known to cause brain damage. Wash your hands after han-
dling. (→P. 4 74 )

452
4-2. Maintenance
General maintenance
Engine compartment
ItemsCheck points
BatteryCheck the indicator and
connections. (→P. 4 74 )
Brake fluidIs the brake fluid at the correct level?
(→P. 4 7 2 )
Engine coolantIs the engine coolant at the correct
level?(→P. 4 7 0 )
Engine oilIs the engine oil at the correct level?
(→P. 4 6 6 )
Exhaust systemThere should not be any fumes or
strange sounds.
Radiator/condenser/hoses
The radiator and condenser should
be free from foreign objects.
(→P. 4 7 2 )
Wa s h e r f l u i dIs there sufficient washer fluid?
(→P. 4 7 7 )
Listed below are the general maintenance items that should be performed
at the intervals specified in the “Warranty and Service Guide” or “Owner’s
Manual Supplement”. It is recommended that any problem you notice
should be brought to the attention of your Lexus dealer or qualified service
shop for advice.

456
4-2. Maintenance
Emission inspection and maintenance (I/M) programs
Some states have vehicle emission inspection programs which include
OBD (On Board Diagnostics) checks. The OBD system monitors the oper-
ation of the emission control system.
nIf the malfunction indicator lamp comes on
The OBD system determines that a problem exists somewhere in
the emission control system. Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test
and may need to be repaired. Contact your Lexus dealer to service
the vehicle.
nYour vehicle may not pass the I/M test in the following situations:
lWhen the battery is disconnected or discharged
Readiness codes that are set during ordinary driving are erased.
Also, depending on your driving habits, the readiness codes may
not be completely set.
lWhen the fuel tank cap is loose
The malfunction indicator lamp comes on indicating a temporary
malfunction and your vehicle may not pass the I/M test.
nWhen the malfunction indicator lamp still remains on after several
driving trips
The error code in the OBD system will not be cleared unless the
vehicle is driven 40 or more times.
nIf your vehicle does not pass the I/M test
Contact your Lexus dealer to prepare the vehicle for re-testing.

457
4

Maintenance and care
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself service precautions
If you perform maintenance by yourself, be sure to follow the correct pro-
cedures as given in these sections.
ItemsPa r t s a n d t o o l s
Battery condition (→P. 4 74)

469
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4

Maintenance and care
CAUTION
nUsed engine oil
lUsed engine oil contains potentially harmful contaminants which may cause skin
disorders such as inflammation or skin cancer, so care should be taken to avoid
prolonged and repeated contact. To remove used engine oil from your skin, wash
thoroughly with soap and water.
lDispose of used oil and filters only in a safe and acceptable manner. Do not dis-
pose of used oil and filters in household trash, in sewers or onto the ground.
Call your Lexus dealer, service station or auto parts store for information con-
cerning recycling or disposal.
lDo not leave used engine oil within the reach of children.
NOTICE
nTo prevent serious engine damage
Check the oil level on a regular basis.
nWhen replacing the engine oil
lBe careful not to spill engine oil on the vehicle components.
lAvoid overfilling, or the engine could be damaged.
lCheck the oil level on the dipstick every time you refill the vehicle.
lBe sure the engine oil filler cap is properly tightened.

486
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
NOTICE
nRepairing or replacing tires, wheels, tire pressure warning valves, transmitters
and tire valve caps
lWhen removing or fitting the wheels, tires or the tire pressure warning valve and
transmitter, contact your Lexus dealer as the tire pressure warning valves and
transmitter may be damaged if not handled correctly.
lWhen replacing tire valve caps, do not use tire valve caps other than those speci-
fied. The cap may become stuck.
nTo avoid damage to the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters
When a tire is repaired with liquid sealants, the tire pressure warning valve and
transmitter may not operate properly. If a liquid sealant is used, contact your Lexus
dealer or other qualified service shop as soon as possible. Make sure to replace the
tire pressure warning valve and transmitter when replacing the tire. (→P. 4 7 9 )
nDriving on rough roads
Take particular care when driving on roads with loose surfaces or potholes.
These conditions may cause losses in tire inflation pressure, reducing the cushion-
ing ability of the tires. In addition, driving on rough roads may cause damage to the
tires themselves, as well as the vehicle’s wheels and body.
nIf tire inflation pressures become low while driving
Do not continue driving, or your tires and/or wheels may be ruined.

492
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
CAUTION
nWhen replacing wheels
lDo not use wheels that are a different size from those recommended in the
Owner’s Manual, as this may result in a loss of handling control.
lNever use an inner tube in a leaking wheel which is designed for a tubeless tire.
Doing so may result in an accident, causing death or serious injury.
NOTICE
nReplacing tire pressure warning valves and transmitters
lBecause tire repair or replacement may affect the tire pressure warning valves
and transmitters, make sure to have tires serviced by your Lexus dealer or other
qualified service shop. In addition, make sure to purchase your tire pressure
warning valves and transmitters at your Lexus dealer.
lEnsure that only genuine Lexus wheels are used on your vehicle.
Tire pressure warning valves and transmitters may not work properly with non-
genuine wheels.

5

When trouble arises
525
5-1. Essential information
If your vehicle needs to be towed
Before towing
The following may indicate a problem with your transmission. Contact
your Lexus dealer before towing.
lThe engine is running, but the vehicle will not move.
lThe vehicle makes an abnormal sound.
If towing is necessary, we recommend having your vehicle towed by your
Lexus dealer or a commercial towing service, using a lift-type truck or a
flatbed truck.
Use a safety chain system for all towing, and abide by all state/provincial
and local laws.
2WD models: If towing your vehicle with a wheel-lift type truck from the
front, the vehicle's rear wheels and axles must be in good conditions.
(→P. 527, 530)
If they are damaged, use a towing dolly or flatbed truck.
AWD models: If towing your vehicle with a wheel-lift type truck, use a tow-
ing dolly. (→P. 5 2 7 , 5 3 0 )

576
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
CAUTION
Also, not only can the following system not be utilized fully, but it may even nega-
tively affect the drive-train components:
lAWD system (if equipped)
nSpeed limit when using the compact spare tire
Do not drive at speeds in excess of 50 mph (80 km/h) when a compact spare tire is
installed on the vehicle.
The compact spare tire is not designed for driving at high speeds. Failure to observe
this precaution may lead to an accident causing death or serious injury.
NOTICE
nDo not drive the vehicle with a flat tire
Do not continue driving with a flat tire.
Driving even a short distance with a flat tire can damage the tire and the wheel
beyond repair.
nBe careful when driving over bumps with the compact spare tire installed on the
vehicle.
The vehicle becomes lower when driving with the compact spare tire compared to
when driving with standard tires. Be careful when driving over uneven road sur-
faces.
nDriving with tire chains and the compact spare tire
Do not fit tire chains to the compact spare tire.
Tire chains may damage the vehicle body and adversely affect driving performance.
nWhen replacing the tires
When removing or fitting the wheels, tires or the tire pressure warning valve and
transmitter, contact your Lexus dealer as the tire pressure warning valve and trans-
mitter may be damaged if not handled correctly.
nTo avoid damage to the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters
When a tire is repaired with liquid sealants, the tire pressure warning valve and
transmitter may not operate properly. If a liquid sealant is used, contact your Lexus
dealer or other qualified service shop as soon as possible. Make sure to replace the
tire pressure warning valve and transmitter when replacing the tire. (→P. 4 7 9 )

607
6-1. Specifications
6

Vehicle specifications
nGasoline quality standards
lAutomotive manufacturers in the US, Europe and Japan have developed a
specification for fuel quality called World-Wide Fuel Charter (WWFC) that is
expected to be applied worldwide.
lThe WWFC consists of four categories that are based on required emission
levels. In the US, category 4 has been adopted.
lThe WWFC improves air quality by lowering emissions in vehicle fleets, and
customer satisfaction through better performance.
nLexus recommends the use of gasoline containing detergent additives
lLexus recommends the use of gasoline that contains detergent additives to
avoid build-up of engine deposits.
lAll gasoline sold in the US contains detergent additives to clean and/or keep
clean intake systems.
nLexus recommends the use of cleaner burning gasoline
Cleaner burning gasoline, including reformulated gasoline that contains oxygen-
ates such as ethanol or MTBE (Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether) is available in many
areas.
Lexus recommends the use of cleaner burning gasoline and appropriately blended
reformulated gasoline. These types of gasoline provide excellent vehicle perfor-
mance, reduce vehicle emissions and improve air quality.
nLexus does not recommend blended gasoline
lLexus allows the use of oxygenate blended gasoline where the oxygenate con-
tent is up to 10% ethanol or 15% MTBE.
lIf you use gasohol in your Lexus, be sure that it has an octane rating no lower
than 87.
lLexus DOES NOT recommend the use of gasoline containing methanol.
nLexus does not recommend gasoline containing MMT
Some gasoline contains octane enhancing additive called MMT (Methylcyclopen-
tadienyl Manganese Tricarbonyl).
Lexus DOES NOT recommend the use of gasoline that contains MMT. If fuel con-
taining MMT is used, your emission control system may be adversely affected.
The malfunction indicator lamp on the instrument cluster may come on. If this hap-
pens, contact your Lexus dealer for service.