brake Lexus IS250 2006 Do-it-yourself maintenance / LEXUS 2006 IS350/250 FROM MAY 2006 PROD. (OM53619U) Owner's Guide

146
2-4. Using other driving systems
To disable TRAC (2WD vehicles only) If the vehicle gets stuck in fresh sn ow or mud, TRAC may reduce power
from the engine to the wheels. You may need to turn the system off to
enable you to rock the vehicle in order to free the vehicle.
Push the button to turn off
TRAC.
The slip indicator light should come
on.
Push the button again to turn the
system back on.
■Automatic TRAC reactivation (IS 350)
The TRAC system is reactivated when vehicle speed exceeds 30 mph (50 km/h)
even if TRAC OFF has been turned off.
■Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, BA, VSC, TRAC and hill-start assist
control systems
●A 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.
●Any of the following conditions may occur when the above systems are operat-
ing. None of these indicates that a malfunction has occurred.
• Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.
• A motor sound may be heard after the vehicle comes to a stop.
• The brake pedal may pulsate slightly after the ABS is activated.
• The brake pedal may move down slightly after the ABS is activated.
■Hill-start assist control is operational when
●The shift lever is in the D or S position.
●The brake pedal is not depressed.

149
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
PCS (Pre-Collision System) (if equipped)
Radar sensorDetects vehicles or other obsta-
cles on or near the road ahead and
determines whether a collision is
imminent based on the position,
speed, and heading of the obsta-
cles. Grille cover
Radar sensor
Safety systems such as the brakes and seat belts are automatically
engaged to lessen impact and injuries to occupants as well as vehicle dam-
age when the radar sensor detects an unavoidable frontal collision.
■Pre-collision seat belts
The seat belts are immediately retracted as the effect of the pretensioner is
increased ( P. 35), to provide even greater constraining force to protect
the driver and passengers. In the event of sudden braking or skidding, the
system will operate even if no obstacle has been detected.
■Pre-collision brake assist
Applies greater braking force in relati on to how strongly the brake pedal is
depressed.
■Obstacles not detected
The sensor cannot detect plastic obstacles such as pylons. There may also be occa-
sions when the sensor cannot detect pedestrians, animals, bicycles, motorcycles,
trees, or snowdrifts.

150
2-4. Using other driving systems
■The pre-collision system is operational when
●Seat belt (linked to the radar sensor)
• Vehicle speed is above 3 mph (5 km/h).
• The speed at which your vehicle is approaching the obstacle or oncomingvehicle exceeds 18 to 24 mph (30 to 40 km/h).
• The front occupants are wearing a seat belt.
●Seat belts (linked to brake operation)
• Vehicle speed exceeds 9 mph (15 km/h).
• The system detects sudd en braking or skidding.
• The front occupants are wearing a seat belt.
●Brake Assist
• Vehicle speed is above 18 mph (30 km/h).
• The speed at which your vehicle is approaching the obstacle or the vehicle is greater than 18 to 24 mph (30 to 40 km/h).
• The brake pedal is depressed.
■Conditions that may trigger the system even if there is no danger of collision
●When there is an object by the roadside at the entrance to a curve
●When passing an oncoming vehicle on a curve
●When driving over a narrow iron bridge
●When there is a metal object on the road surface
●When driving on an uneven road surface
●When passing an oncoming vehicle on a left-turn
●When your vehicle rapidly closes on the vehicle in front
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.
■When there is a malfunction in the system
Warning lights and/or warning messages will turn on or flash. ( P. 333, P. 338)

157
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
■Before driving the vehicle
Perform the following according to the driving conditions.
● Do not try to forcibly open a w indow or move a wiper that is fro-
zen. Pour warm water over the frozen area to melt the ice. Wipe
away the water immediately to prevent it from freezing.
● To ensure proper operation of the climate control system fan,
remove any snow that has accumu lated on the air inlet vents in
front of the windshield.
● Remove any ice that has accumul ated on the vehicle chassis.
● Periodically check for and remove any excess ice or snow that
may have accumulated in the wheel well or on the brakes.
■ When driving the vehicle
Accelerate the vehicle slowly and drive at a reduced speed suitable to
road conditions.
■When parking the vehicle
Park the vehicle and move the shift lever to P (automatic transmis-
sion) or R (manual transmission) without setting the parking brake.
The parking brake may freeze up, preventing it from being released.

163
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
Dinghy towing (vehicles with a manual transmission)
Towing your vehicle with 4 wheels on the groundTo prevent damage to your vehicle, perform the following procedures
before towing. Shift the shift lever to neutral.
Switch to ACC mode. ( P. 9 4 )
Ensure that the audio system and other powered devices have been
turned OFF.
Release the parking brake.
After towing, leave the engine in idle for at least 3 minutes before driv-
ing the vehicle.
■Necessary equipment and accessories
Specialized equipment and accessories are required for dinghy towing. Contact
the service branch of the motor home manufacturer regarding recommended
equipment.
Your vehicle can be dinghy towed in a forward direction (with 4 wheels on
the ground) behind a motor home.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3

255
4-2. Maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
General maintenance
Engine compartment
ItemsCheck points
BatteryMaintenance-free. (P. 2 7 5 )
Brake fluidAt the correct level? ( P. 2 74 )
Engine coolantAt the correct level? ( P. 2 7 2 )
Engine oilAt the correct level? ( P. 2 6 8 )
Exhaust systemNo fumes or strange sounds?
Radiator/condenser/hosesNot blocked with foreign matter?
(P. 2 74 )
Wa s h e r f l u i dAt the correct level? ( P. 2 7 8 )
Listed below are the general maintenance items that should be performed
at the intervals specified in the “Own ers Manual Supplement”. It is recom-
mended that any problem you notice sh ould be brought to the attention of
your Lexus dealer or qualified service shop for advice.

256
4-2. Maintenance
Vehicle interior
ItemsCheck points
Accelerator pedal• Moves smoothly (without uneven pedal effort or catching)?
Automatic transmission “Park”
mechanism• Can the vehicle be hold securely on an incline with the shift lever in
P?
Brake pedal
• Moves smoothly?
• Does it have appropriate clearance and correct amount of free play?
Brakes
• Not pull to one side when applied?
• Loss of brake effectiveness?
• Spongy feeling brake pedal?
• Pedal almost touches floor?
Head restraints• Move smoothly and lock securely?
Indicators/buzzers• Function properly?
Lights
• Do all the lights come on?
• Headlights aimed correctly? ( P. 313)
Pa r k i n g b r a ke
• Moves smoothly?
• Can hold the vehicle securely on
an incline?
Seat belts
• Does the seat belt system operate smoothly?
• Are the belts undamaged?
Seats• Do the seat controls operate prop- erly?

259
4
Maintenance and care
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself service precautions
If you perform maintenance yourself, be sure to follow the correct proce-
dure given in these sections.
ItemsPa r t s a n d t o o l s
Battery condition (P. 2 7 5)
•Warm water
• Baking soda
•Grease
• Conventional wrench(for terminal clamp bolts)
Brake fluid level ( P. 2 74 )
• FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE
J1703 brake fluid
•Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding brake fluid)
Engine coolant level ( P. 2 7 2 )
• “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant”
or similar high quality ethylene gly-
col based non-silicate, non-amine,
non-nitrate and non-borate coolant
with long-life hybrid organic acid
technology.
For the U.S.A.:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant”
is pre-mixed with 50% coolant and
50% deionized water.
For Canada:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant”
is pre-mixed with 55% coolant and
45% deionized water.
• Funnel (used only for adding engine coolant)

264
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
CAUTION
■When raising your vehicle:
Make sure to observe the following to reduce the possibility of death or serious
injury.
●Do not put any part of your body or get underneath the vehicle supported only by
the jack.
Always use automotive jack stands or a solid, level, surface.
●Do not start the engine while the vehicle is supported by the jack.
●Stop the vehicle on level firm ground, firmly set the parking brake and put the shift
lever in P (automatic) or R (manual).
●Make sure to set the jack properly at the jack point.
Raising the vehicle with an improperly positioned jack will damage the vehicle
and may cause the vehicle to fall off the jack.
●Do not raise the vehicle while someone is in the vehicle.
●When raising the vehicle, do not place any objects on top of or underneath the
jack.

265
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
Engine compartment
IS350
Battery (P. 275)
Engine oil level dipstick (P. 2 6 8 )
Engine oil filler cap (P. 2 6 8 )
Brake fluid reservoir (P. 2 74 )
Fuse boxes ( P. 2 9 9 )Washer fluid tank
( P. 2 7 8 )
Electric cooling fans
Condenser ( P. 2 74 )
Radiator ( P. 2 74 )
Engine coolant reservoir (P. 272)