brake LEXUS RX350 2011 Owner's Guide

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2-4. Using other driving systems
When the VSC/TRAC systems are operating
If the vehicle is in danger of slip-
ping or rolling backward when
starting on an incline, or if any of
the drive wheels spins, the slip indi-
cator light flashes to indicate that
the VSC/TRAC systems are oper-
ating.
A buzzer (intermittent) sounds to
indicate that VSC is operating.
nEnhanced VSC (Enhanced vehicle stability control)
Provides cooperative control of the ABS, TRAC, VSC and EPS.
Helps to maintain directional stability when swerving on slippery road sur-
faces by controlling steering performance.
nVDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management) (if equipped)
Provides integrated control of the ABS, brake assist, TRAC, VSC,
enhanced VSC, and hill-start assist control systems.
Helps to maintain vehicle stability when swerving on slippery road sur-
faces by controlling the brakes and engine output.
nPCS (Pre-Collision System) (if equipped)
→P. 2 4 0

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2-4. Using other driving systems
nSounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, VSC and TRAC systems
lA sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the engine is
started or just after the vehicle begins to move. This sound does not indicate that
a malfunction has occurred in any of these systems.
lAny of the following conditions may occur when the above systems are operat-
ing. None of these indicates that a malfunction has occurred.

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2-4. Using other driving systems
2

When driving
All-wheel drive lock switch (AWD models)
nAll-wheel drive lock mode
lAll-wheel drive lock mode is canceled when the brakes are applied to ensure
the ABS and VSC systems operate effectively.
lAll-wheel drive lock mode is canceled when the vehicle speed exceeds 25 mph
(40 km/h).
All-wheel drive lock mode can be used when a large amount of drive power
needs to be applied to all the wheels, such as when the vehicle gets stuck in
mud and you need to free it.
Press the switch.
The torque of the engine is dis-
tributed to the rear wheels to
the maximum extent possible in
accordance with driving condi-
tions.
Pressing the switch again can-
cels all-wheel drive lock mode
and returns the active torque
control 4WD system to normal
mode. (→P. 2 3 1 )

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2-4. Using other driving systems
Hill-start assist control
nHill-start assist control can be operated when
lThe shift lever is in a position other than P.
lThe parking brake is not applied.
lThe accelerator pedal is not depressed.
nHill-start assist control
lWhile hill-start assist control is operating, the brakes remain automatically
applied after the driver releases the brake pedal. The stop lights and the high
mounted stoplight turn on.
lHill-start assist control operates for about 2 seconds after the brake pedal is
released.
lIf the slip indicator does not flash and the buzzer does not sound when the brake
pedal is further depressed, slightly reduce the pressure on the brake pedal (do
not allow the vehicle to roll backward) and then firmly depress it again. If the sys-
tem still does not operate, check if the operating conditions explained above
have been met.
Hill-start assist control helps to prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards
when starting on an incline or slippery slope.
To engage hill-start assist con-
trol, further depress the brake
pedal when the vehicle is
stopped completely.
A buzzer will sound once to
indicate the system is activated.
The slip indicator will also start
flashing.

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2-4. Using other driving systems
Pre-Collision System
∗
Radar sensor
The radar sensor detects vehicles
or other obstacles on or near the
road ahead and determines
whether a collision is imminent
based on the position, speed, and
heading of the obstacles.
∗: If equipped
When the radar sensor detects the possibility of a frontal collision, pre-col-
lision system such as the brake assist and seat belts are automatically
engaged to lessen impact and injuries to occupants as well as vehicle dam-
age.
nPre-collision seat belts (front seat belt only)
If the pre-collision sensor detects that a collision is unavoidable, the pre-
collision system will retract the seat belt before the collision occurs.
The same will happen if the driver makes an emergency braking or loses
control of the vehicle. (→P. 7 8 )
However, the system will not operate in the event of skidding when the
VSC system is disabled.
nPre-collision brake assist
When there is a high possibility of a frontal collision, the system applies
greater braking force in relation to how strongly the brake pedal is
depressed.

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2-4. Using other driving systems
When the system is activated in the situations described above, there is also a possi-
bility that the seat belts will retract quickly and the brakes will be applied with a force
greater than normal. When the seat belt is locked in the retracted position, stop the
vehicle in a safe place, release the seat belt and refasten it.
nObstacles not detected
The sensor cannot detect plastic obstacles such as traffic cones. There may also be
occasions when the sensor cannot detect pedestrians, animals, bicycles, motorcy-
cles, trees, or snowdrifts.
nWhen there is a malfunction in the system
Warning lights and/or warning messages will turn on or flash. (→P. 535, 545)
nCertification
For vehicles sold in U.S.A.
FCC ID: HYQDNMWR005
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the fol-
lowing two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2)
this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
FCC WARNING
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
Radiofrequency radiation exposure Information:
This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncon-
trolled environment.
This equipment should be installed and operated with minimum distance of 20 cm
between the radiator (antenna) and your body.
This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other
antenna or transmitter.
For vehicles sold in Canada
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause
interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, including interfer-
ence that may cause undesired operation of the device.

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2-4. Using other driving systems
2

When driving
CAUTION
nLimitations of the pre-collision system
Do not rely on the pre-collision system. Always drive safely, taking care to observe
your surroundings and checking for any obstacles or other road hazards.
Failure to do so may cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
nWhen the sensor may not be correctly detecting the vehicle ahead
Apply the brakes as necessary in any of the following situations.
lWhen water or snow thrown up by the surrounding vehicles hinders the function-
ing of the sensor
lWhen your vehicle is pointing upwards (caused by a heavy load in the luggage
compartment etc.)
lVehicles that cut in suddenly
lVehicles with small rear ends (trailers with no load on board etc.)
lMotorcycles traveling in the same lane
nHandling the radar sensor
Observe the following to ensure the pre-collision system can function effectively:
lKeep the sensor and front grille clean at all times.
Clean the sensor and front grille with a soft cloth so you do not mark or damage
them.
lDo not subject the sensor or surrounding area to a strong impact.
If the sensor moves even slightly off position, the system may malfunction. If the
sensor or surrounding area is subject to a strong impact, always have the area
inspected and adjusted by your Lexus dealer.
lDo not disassemble the sensor.
lDo not attach accessories or stickers to the sensor, grille or surrounding area.
lDo not modify or paint the sensor and grille cover.

247
2-5. Driving information
2

When driving
CAUTION
nOff-road driving precautions
Always observe the following precautions to minimize the risk of death or serious
injury or damage to your vehicle:
lDrive carefully when off the road. Do not take unnecessary risks by driving in
dangerous places.
lDo not grip the steering wheel spokes when driving off-road. A bad bump could
jerk the wheel and injure your hands. Keep both hands and especially your
thumbs on the outside of the rim.
lAlways check your brakes for effectiveness immediately after driving in sand,
mud, water or snow.
lAfter driving through tall grass, mud, rock, sand, water, etc., check that there is no
grass, bush, paper, rags, stone, sand, etc. adhering or trapped to the underbody.
Clear off any such matter from the underbody. If the vehicle is used with these
materials trapped or adhering to the underbody, a breakdown or fire could occur.
lWhen driving off-road or in rugged terrain, do not drive at excessive speeds,
jump, make sharp turns, strike objects, etc. This may cause loss of control or vehi-
cle rollover causing death or serious injury. You are also risking expensive dam-
age to your vehicle’s suspension and chassis.
NOTICE
nTo prevent water damage
Take all necessary safety measures to ensure that water damage to the engine or
other components does not occur.
lWater entering the engine air intake will cause severe engine damage.
lWater entering the automatic transmission will cause deterioration in shift quality,
locking up of your transmission accompanied by vibration, and ultimately dam-
age.
lWater can wash the grease from wheel bearings, causing rusting and premature
failure, and may also enter the differentials, transmission and transfer case, reduc-
ing the gear oil’s lubricating qualities.

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2-5. Driving information
NOTICE
nWhen you drive through water
If driving through water, such as when crossing shallow streams, first check the
depth of the water and the bottom of the stream for firmness. Drive slowly and avoid
deep water.
nInspection after off-road driving
lSand and mud that has accumulated around brake discs may affect braking effi-
ciency and may damage brake system components.
lAlways perform a maintenance inspection after each day of off-road driving that
has taken you through rough terrain, sand, mud, or water. For scheduled mainte-
nance information, refer to the “Warranty and Services Guide/Owner’s Manual
Supplement/Scheduled Maintenance”.

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2-5. Driving information
2

When driving
CAUTION
nThings that must not be carried in the luggage compartment
The following things may cause a fire if loaded in the luggage compartment:
lReceptacles containing gasoline
lAerosol cans
nStorage precautions
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.
lStow cargo and luggage in the luggage compartment whenever possible.
lDo not stack cargo and luggage in the luggage compartment higher than the
seatbacks.
Such items may be thrown about and possibly injure people in the vehicle in the
event of sudden braking or in an accident.
lDo not place cargo or luggage in or on the following locations as the item may
get under the brake or accelerator pedal and prevent pedals from being
depressed properly, block the driver’s vision, or hit the driver or passengers,
causing an accident: