brake LEXUS RX350 2011 Service Manual

255
2-5. Driving information
2

When driving
Selecting tire chains
Use the correct tire chain size when mounting the tire chains. Chain size
is regulated for each tire size.
Side chain:
0.12 in. (3 mm) in diameter
0.98 in. (25 mm) in length
0.43 in. (10.8 mm) in width
Cross chain:
0.15 in. (3.9 mm) in diameter
1.00 in. (25.3 mm) in length
0.54 in. (13.8 mm) in width
Regulations on the use of tire chains
Regulations regarding the use of tire chains vary depending on location
and type of road. Always check local regulations before installing chains.
nWhen driving the vehicle
Accelerate the vehicle slowly and drive at a reduced speed suitable to the
road conditions.
nWhen parking the vehicle
Park the vehicle and move the shift lever to P without setting the
parking brake. The parking brake may freeze up, preventing it from
being released. If necessary, block the wheels to prevent inadvert-
ent sliding or creeping.

258
2-5. Driving information
Trailer towing
Your vehicle is designed primarily as a passenger-and-load carrying vehi-
cle. Towing a trailer will have an adverse effect on handling, performance,
braking, durability, and fuel consumption. For your safety and the safety of
others, do not overload the vehicle or trailer.
To tow a trailer safely, use extreme care and drive the vehicle in accor-
dance with the trailer's characteristics and operating conditions.
The vehicle stability and braking performance are affected by trailer stabil-
ity, brake setting and performance, and the hitch.
Lexus warranties do not apply to damage or malfunction caused by towing
a trailer for commercial purposes.
Contact your Lexus dealer for further information about additional
requirements such as a towing kit etc.

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2-5. Driving information
2

When driving
Connecting trailer lights
Without towing package: Please consult your dealer when installing
trailer lights, as incorrect installation may cause damage to the vehicle's
lights. Please take care to comply with your state's laws when installing
trailer lights.
With towing package: Use the 4 pin connector located under the rear
bumper.
nAuto current cut-off function (vehicles with towing package)
In case of over current, the auto cut-off function stops the power flowing to the
trailer lights to prevent damage to the vehicle's electrical system.
This function is activated when the rated current of any of the following trailer light
circuit components is exceeded:
lTail lights: maximum 7.8 A
lStop/turn signal light (right): maximum 4.5 A
lStop/turn signal light (left): maximum 4.5 A
nWhen the auto current cut function is activated
If a trailer light does not come on due to the activation of the auto current cut func-
tion, the light system will need to be reset.
Follow the reset procedure shown below.
lIf a tail light does not come on, turn off the headlight switch.
lIf the right-side stop/turn signal light does not come on, put the turn signal in the
off position or remove foot from the brake pedal.
lIf the left-side stop/turn signal light does not come on, put the turn signal in the
off position or remove foot from the brake pedal.
If the emergency flashers do not operate, press the emergency flasher switch to
turn them off.
After the light system is reset, operate the light switches again to see if the lights
operate normally.
If the lights do not operate normally, have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus
dealer.

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2-5. Driving information
2

When driving
lCrosswinds and rough roads will adversely affect handling of your
vehicle and trailer, causing sway. Periodically check the rear to prepare
for being passed by large trucks or buses, which may cause your vehi-
cle and trailer to sway. If swaying occurs, firmly grip the steering wheel,
reduce speed immediately but gradually, and steer straight ahead.
Never increase speed. If you make no extreme correction with the
steering or brakes, your vehicle and trailer will stabilize.
lTake care 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.
lIn order to maintain engine braking efficiency when driving on a long
steep downgrade, do not use overdrive. Transmission shift range posi-
tion must be in 4 in S mode.
lDue to the added load of the trailer, your vehicle's engine may over-
heat on hot days (at temperatures over 85°F [30°C]) when driving up
a long or steep grade. If the engine coolant temperature gauge indi-
cates overheating, immediately turn off the air conditioning (if in use),
pull your vehicle off the road and stop in a safe spot. (→P. 587)
lAlways place wheel blocks under both the vehicle and the trailer
wheels when parking. Apply the parking brake firmly, and put the
transmission in P. Avoid parking on a slope, but if unavoidable, do so
only after performing the following:
Apply the brakes and keep them applied.
Have someone place wheel blocks under both the vehicle and
trailer wheels.
When the wheel blocks are in place, release the brakes slowly
until the blocks absorb the load.
Apply the parking brake firmly.
Shift into P and turn off the engine.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
STEP5

266
2-5. Driving information
lWhen restarting after parking on a slope:
With the transmission in the P position, start the engine. Be sure
to keep the brake pedal depressed.
Shift into 3, 2, 1, or the R position (if reversing).
Release the parking brake and brake pedal, and slowly pull or
back away from the wheel blocks. Stop and apply the brakes.
Have someone retrieve the blocks.
nBefore towing
Check that the following conditions are met:
lThe vehicle's tires are properly inflated. (→P. 4 8 7 )
lTrailer tires are inflated according to the trailer manufacturer's recommendation.
lAll trailer lights work.
lAll lights work each time you connect them.
lThe trailer ball is set up at the proper height for the coupler on the trailer.
lThe vehicle remains level when a loaded or unloaded trailer is hitched. Do not
drive if the vehicle is not level, and check for improper tongue load, overloading,
worn suspension, or other possible causes.
lThe trailer cargo is securely loaded.
lThe rear view mirrors conform to all applicable federal, state/provincial or local
regulations. If they do not, install rear view mirrors appropriate for towing pur-
poses.
nBreak-in schedule
If your vehicle is new or equipped with any new power train components (such as
an engine, transmission, differential and wheel bearing), Lexus recommends that
you do not tow a trailer until it has been driven for over 500 miles (800 km).
However, avoid full throttle acceleration.
nMaintenance
lIf you tow a trailer, your vehicle will require more frequent maintenance due to
the additional load. (See “Warranty and Services Guide”, “Owner's Manual Sup-
plement” or “Scheduled Maintenance”.)
lRetighten the fixing bolts of the towing ball and bracket after approximately 600
miles (1000 km) of trailer towing.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4

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2-5. Driving information
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When driving
CAUTION
nTrailer towing precautions
lFollow all the instructions described in this section. Failure to do so could cause
an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
lExceeding the towing capacity, GVWR or GAWR can cause an accident result-
ing in death or serious personal injuries.
nTo avoid accident or injury
lDo not exceed the trailer hitch assembly weight, gross vehicle weight, gross axle
weight and trailer tongue load capacities.
lNever load more weight in the back than in the front of the trailer. About 60% of
the load should be in the front half of the trailer, and the remaining 40% in the
rear.
lDo not use cruise control when you are towing.
lThe tow hitch receiver installed on your vehicle must never be used on another
vehicle.
lDo not exceed 45 mph (72 km/h) or the posted towing speed limit, whichever is
lower. As instability (swaying) of the towing vehicle-trailer combination increases
as speed increases, exceeding 45 mph (72 km/h) may cause loss of control.
lSlow down and downshift before descending steep or long downhill grades. Do
not make sudden downshifts.
lAvoid holding the brake pedal down too long or applying the brakes too fre-
quently. This could cause the brakes to overheat and result in reduced braking
efficiency.
lDo not tow the vehicle with the compact spare tire installed.

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2-5. Driving information
CAUTION
nHitches
lIf you wish to install a trailer hitch, contact your Lexus dealer.
lUse only a hitch that conforms to the gross trailer weight requirement.
lFollow the directions supplied by the hitch manufacturer.
lLubricate the hitch ball with a light coat of grease.
lRemove the trailer hitch whenever you are not towing a trailer. After removing
the hitch, seal any mounting hole in the vehicle body to prevent entry of any sub-
stances into the vehicle.
nWhen towing a trailer
lIf the gross trailer weight exceeds 1000 lb. (450 kg), trailer brakes are required.
Lexus recommends trailers with brakes that conform to all applicable federal and
state/provincial regulations.
lNever tap into your vehicle's hydraulic system, as this will lower the vehicle's
braking effectiveness.
lNever 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
danger of the trailer wandering into another lane.

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.

462
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
CAUTION
nWhen raising your vehicle
Make sure to observe the following precautions to reduce the possibility of death or
serious injury:
lWhen using a floor jack, follow the instructions of the manual provided with the
jack.
lDo not use the jack that was supplied with your vehicle.
lDo not put any part of your body underneath the vehicle when it is supported
only by the floor jack.
lAlways use floor jack and/or automotive jack stands on a solid, flat, level surface.
lDo not start the engine while the vehicle is supported by the floor jack.
lStop the vehicle on level, firm ground, firmly set the parking brake and shift the
shift lever to P.
lMake sure to set the floor jack properly at the jack point.
Raising the vehicle with an improperly positioned floor jack will damage the vehi-
cle and may cause the vehicle to fall off the floor jack.
lDo not raise the vehicle while someone is in the vehicle.
lWhen raising the vehicle, do not place any objects on top of or underneath the
floor jack.
lLift up the vehicle using a floor jack such as
the one shown in the illustration.

463
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4

Maintenance and care
Engine compartment
Engine oil filler cap
(→P. 466)
Engine oil level dipstick
(→P. 466)
Battery (→P. 4 74 )
Brake fluid reservoir
(→P. 4 7 2 )
Fuse box (→P. 4 9 8 )
Engine coolant reservoir
(→P. 470)
Condenser (→P. 4 7 2 )
Radiator (→P. 4 7 2 )
Electric cooling fans
Washer fluid tank
(→P. 477)