LEXUS RX350 2011 Owners Manual

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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 )

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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.

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4-2. Maintenance
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Maintenance and care
Vehicle interior
ItemsCheck points
Accelerator pedal

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4-2. Maintenance
ItemsCheck points
Pa r k i n g b r a ke

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4-2. Maintenance
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Maintenance and care
Vehicle exterior
ItemsCheck points
Doors

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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.

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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)

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
ItemsPa r t s a n d t o o l s
Engine oil level (→P. 4 6 6 )

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4

Maintenance and care
CAUTION
The engine compartment contains many mechanisms and fluids that may move sud-
denly, become hot, or become electrically energized. To avoid death or serious injury,
observe the following precautions:
nWhen working on the engine compartment
lKeep hands, clothing and tools away from the moving fan and engine drive belt.
lBe careful not to touch the engine, radiator, exhaust manifold, etc. right after driv-
ing as they may be hot. Oil and other fluids may also be hot.
lDo not leave anything that may burn easily, such as paper or rags, in the engine
compartment.
lDo not smoke, cause sparks or expose an open flame to fuel or the battery. Fuel
and battery fumes are flammable.
lBe extremely cautious when working on the battery. It contains poisonous and
corrosive sulfuric acid.
nWhen working near the electric cooling fan or radiator grille
Be sure the “ENGINE START STOP” switch is off.
With the “ENGINE START STOP” switch in IGNITION ON mode, the electric
cooling fan may automatically start to run if the air conditioning is on and/or the
coolant temperature is high. (→P. 4 7 2 )
nSafety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc. from getting
in the eyes.
NOTICE
nIf you remove the air cleaner filter
Driving with the air cleaner filter removed may cause excessive engine wear due to
dirt in the air. Also a backfire could cause a fire in the engine compartment.

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Hood
CAUTION
nPre-driving check
Check that the hood is fully closed and locked.
If the hood is not locked properly, it may open while the vehicle is in motion and
cause an accident, which may result in death or serious injury.
Release the lock from the inside of the vehicle to open the hood.
Pull the hood lock release lever.
The hood will pop up slightly.
Pull up the hood catch and lift
the hood.
STEP1
STEP2