engine coolant LEXUS RX350 2011 Owners Manual

166
2-2. Instrument cluster
Gauges and meters
Tachometer
Displays the engine speed in revolutions per minute
Multi-information display
→P. 1 7 3
Speedometer
Displays the vehicle speed
Fuel gauge
Displays the quantity of fuel remaining in the tank
Odometer and trip meter
Odometer: Displays the total distance the vehicle has been driven
Trip meter: Displays the distance the vehicle has been driven since the
meter was last reset. Trip meters “A” and “B” can be used to
record and display different distances independently.
Automatic transmission shift position indicator
→P. 1 5 9
Engine coolant temperature gauge
Displays the engine coolant temperature

167
2-2. Instrument cluster
2

When driving
Changing the display
Switches between odometer and
trip meter displays. When the trip
meter is displayed, pressing and
holding the button will reset the
trip meter.
Instrument panel light control buttons
The brightness of the instrument panel lights can be adjusted.
Darker
Brighter
nThe meters and display illuminate when
The “ENGINE START STOP” switch is in IGNITION ON mode.
NOTICE
nTo prevent damage to the engine and its components
lDo not let the indicator needle of the tachometer enter the red zone, which indi-
cates the maximum engine speed.
lThe engine may be overheating if the engine coolant temperature gauge is in the
red zone (H). In this case, immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place, and check
the engine after it has cooled completely. (→P. 5 8 7 )

265
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

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.

459
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.

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)

470
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Engine coolant
The coolant level is satisfactory if it is between the “FULL” and “LOW”
lines on the reservoir when the engine is cold.
Reservoir cap
“FULL” line
“LOW” line
If the level is on or below the
“LOW” line, add coolant up to the
“FULL” line. (→P. 5 8 7 )
nCoolant selection
Only use “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or a similar high quality ethylene glycol
based non-silicate, non-amine, non-nitrite, and non-borate coolant with long-life
hybrid organic acid technology.
U.S.A.: “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 50% coolant and 50%
deionized water. (Minimum temperature: -31°F [-35°C])
Canada: “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 55% coolant and 45%
deionized water. (Minimum temperature: -44°F [-42°C])
For more details about coolant, contact your Lexus dealer.

471
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4

Maintenance and care
nIf the coolant level drops within a short time after replenishing
Visually check the radiator, hoses, radiator cap, drain cock and water pump.
If you cannot find a leak, have your Lexus dealer test the cap and check for leaks in
the cooling systems.
CAUTION
nWhen the engine is hot
Do not remove the radiator cap.
The cooling system may be under pressure and may spray hot coolant if the cap is
removed, causing burns or other injuries.
NOTICE
nWhen adding engine coolant
Coolant is neither plain water nor straight antifreeze. The correct mixture of water
and antifreeze must be used to provide proper lubrication, corrosion protection
and cooling. Be sure to read the antifreeze or coolant label.
nIf you spill coolant
Be sure to wash it off with water to prevent damage to parts or paint.

5

When trouble arises
531
5-1. Essential information
If you think something is wrong
If you notice any of the following symptoms, your vehicle probably needs
adjustment or repair. Contact your Lexus dealer as soon as possible.
nVisible symptoms
lFluid leaks under the vehicle.
(Water dripping from the air conditioning after use is normal.)
lFlat-looking tires or uneven tire wear
lEngine coolant temperature gauge needle continually points
higher than normal.
nAudible symptoms
lChanges in exhaust sound
lExcessive tire squeal when cornering
lStrange noises related to the suspension system
lPinging or other noises related to the engine
nOperational symptoms
lEngine missing, stumbling or running rough
lAppreciable loss of power
lVehicle pulls heavily to one side when braking
lVehicle pulls heavily to one side when driving on a level road
lLoss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling, pedal almost touches
the floor

5

When trouble arises
587
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If your vehicle overheats
If your engine overheats:
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and turn off the air conditioning
system.
Check to see if steam is coming out from under the hood.
If you see steam:
Stop the engine. Carefully lift the hood after the steam sub-
sides and then restart the engine.
If you do not see steam:
Leave the engine running and carefully lift the hood.
Remove the engine compartment cover. (→P. 464)
Check to see if the cooling fan is operating.
If the fan is operating:
Wait until the temperature of the engine (shown on the instru-
ment panel) begins to fall and then stop the engine.
If the fan is not operating:
Stop the engine immediately and call your Lexus dealer.
After the engine has cooled
down sufficiently, check the
engine coolant level and inspect
the radiator core (radiator) for
any leaks.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
STEP5