tires lexus LFA 2012 Technical Information / LEXUS 2012 LFA OWNERS MANUAL (OM77006U)

TABLE OF CONTENTSIndex
4
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenanceDo-it-yourself service precautions .................................. 247
Hood................................................. 250
Positioning a floor jack............... 253
Engine compartment.................. 256
Adding washer fluid .................... 264
Battery .............................................. 265
Tires ................................................... 270
Tire inflation pressure ................. 277
Wheels............................................... 281
Air conditioning filter ................. 283
Wireless remote control battery ........................................... 285
Checking and replacing fuses ................................................ 287
Light bulbs ....................................... 299 5-1. Essential information
Emergency flashers.................... 302
If your vehicle needs to be towed ...................................... 303
If you think something is wrong ............................................ 308
Fuel pump shut off system ....... 309
Event data recorder ..................... 310
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If a warning light turns on or a warning buzzer
sounds... ......................................... 312
If a warning message is displayed ....................................... 322
If you have a flat tire..................... 332
If the engine will not start .......... 343
If you lose your keys/ wireless remote control
transmitter .................................... 344
If the parking brake cannot be released .................................. 345
If the vehicle battery is discharged .................................. 348
If your vehicle ov erheats ............ 351
If the vehicle becomes stuck................................................ 354
If your vehicle has to be stopped in an
emergency .................................. 355
5When trouble arises

7
Stop/tail lights P. 158
Rear hatch
Rear window defoggerP. 29
P. 201
Rear turn signal lights
P. 112
Doors P. 25
Fuel filler door P. 49
Rear view monitor system 
P. 163
Active rear wing P. 171
: If equipped
Rear side marker lights
P. 158
Tires
●Checking
● Puncture repair kit
● Inflation pressure
● Information
P. 270
P. 332
P. 366
P. 371

58
1-6. Theft deterrent system
■The alarm cannot be set when
In the following situations, the alarm cannot be set. Be careful if the vehicle will not
be used for an extended period of time.
●When a battery terminal is disconnected
●When the “D/C CUT” fuse is removed
■Canceling and automatic re-enabling of the tilt sensor
●The alarm will still be set even when the tilt sensor is canceled.
●After the tilt sensor is canceled, turning the ignition switch to the “ON” position
or unlocking the doors using the wireless remote control or key will re-enable
the tilt sensor.
●When the alarm system is set again, the intrusion sensor and tilt sensor will be
set.
■Tilt sensor detection considerations
The sensor may trigger the alarm in the fo llowing situations. Cancel the tilt sensor
as necessary.
●The vehicle is transported by a ferry, a flatbed track, train, etc.
●The vehicle is parked in a parking garage.
●Any of the tires loses air pressure.
●The vehicle is jacked up.
●An earthquake occurs or the road caves in.
NOTICE
■To ensure the system operates correctly
Do not modify or remove the system. If mo dified or removed, the proper operation
of the system cannot be guaranteed.

90
2-1. Driving procedures
■Engine speed restrictions
The following restrictions exist for engine protection:
●The engine speed is limited to 7400 rpm if the total mileage shown on the
odometer is less than 310 miles (500 km).
●The engine speed is limited when the engine is not sufficiently warmed-up, such
as immediately after the engine is started or during the engine warm-up period.
The variable red zone shows the maximum engine speed currently available.
(  P. 1 1 9 )
●The engine speed is limited to 4400 rpm for approximately 8 minutes when the
engine is started with the coolant temperature at 5 F (-15 C) or lower.
●The engine speed may be limited when either the coolant temperature gauge
or oil temperature gauge is flashing.
■Idling with five cylinders
To improve fuel consumption, the engine may idle at a reduced speed using five cyl-
inders on one side of the engine whil e stopped or immediately before stopping
when 1st gear is selected in AUTO driving mode. During this time, “5 cylinders
idling” will be displayed on the meter an d vibration or a change in engine sound
may occur. This is normal and does not indicate a malfunction.
■ASG (Automated Sequential Gearbox) operating sounds
 P. 1 1 0
■Braking sound
●As the LFA uses CCM (Carbon Ceramic Material) brake discs with high-fric-
tion pads, it may be possible to hear the sound of the brakes operating (such as
a rubbing or squealing sound). This is normal and does not indicate a malfunc-
tion.
●The sound of a motor operating may be heard after the engine is stopped. This
does not indicate a malfunction.
■Driving in the rain
●Drive carefully when it is raining, because visibility will be reduced, the windows
may become fogged-up, and the road will be slippery.
●Drive carefully when it starts to rain, because the road surface will be especially
slippery.
●Refrain from driving at high speeds on wet surfaces such as on an expressway in
the rain, as the LFA is fitted with wide-t read tires that may increase the risk of
hydroplaning.

96
2-1. Driving procedures
NOTICE
■When driving the vehicle
●Do not depress the accelerator and brake pedals at the same time during driving.
If the brake pedal is depressed whil e driving with the accelerator pedal
depressed, driving torque may be restrained.
●Do not use the accelerator pedal or depress the accelerator and brake pedals at
the same time to hold the vehicle on a hill. Doing so may damage the clutch.
■When parking the vehicle
●Parking with the rear of the vehicle close to a wall or similar structure may cause
the area around the exhaust pipes to over heat. As this may result in damage to
the rear bumper or other components, be sure to park the vehicle rear end as far
away as possible from walls and other such structures.
●When it rains, do not park on a slope with an angle of 15 degrees or more, as rain-
water may enter the vehicle. If parking at such an angle is unavoidable, use wheel
chocks and place a car cover over the vehicle.
■Avoiding damage to vehicle parts
●Do not turn the steering wheel fully in either direction and hold it there for an
extended period of time.
Doing so may damage the power steering motor.
●When driving over bumps in the road, be careful and drive as slowly as possible
to avoid damaging the wheels, tires, underside of the vehicle, etc.
■If you get a flat tire while driving
A flat or damaged tire may cause the following situations. Hold the steering wheel
firmly and gradually depress the brak e pedal to slow down the vehicle.
●It may be difficult to control your vehicle.
●The vehicle will make abnormal sounds or vibrations.
●The vehicle will lean.
Information on what to do in case of a flat tire ( P. 3 3 2 )

141
2-2. Instrument cluster
2
When driving
If one or more tires are insufficiently inflatedIf a tire is insufficiently inflated, an
amber frame will be shown.
The display does not specify the
location of the insufficiently inflated
tire. Adjust all the tires to the speci-
fied inflation pressure.
(  P. 2 7 8 366)
If a tire is noticeably deflated, it may
be punctured. Temporarily repair
the tire using the emergency tire
puncture repair kit. ( P. 3 3 2 )

169
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
CAUTION
■The ABS does not operate effectively when
●Tires with inadequate gripping ability are used.
●The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on wet or slick roads.
■Stopping distance when the ABS is operating will exceed that of normal condi-
tions
The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehicle’s stopping distance. Always main-
tain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you in the following situations:
●When driving on dirt, gravel or snow-covered roads
●When driving over bumps in the road
●When driving over roads with potholes or roads with uneven surfaces
■TRAC may not operate effectively in some conditions
Directional control and power may not be ac hievable while driving on slippery road
surfaces, even if the TRAC system is operating.
Do not drive the vehicle in conditions where stability and power may be lost.
■Hill-start assist control does not operate effectively in some conditions
Do not overly rely on the hill-start assist co ntrol. The hill-start assist control may not
operate effectively depending on the grad e of incline and on roads covered with
ice.
■If the slip indicator flashes while driving
The slip indicator flashes to indicate that ABS, VSC, TRAC or hill-start assist con-
trol is operating. Always drive carefully. Reckless driving may cause an accident.
Exercise particular care when the indicator light flashes.
■When the VSC/TRAC systems are turned off
Be especially careful and drive at a speed appropriate to the road conditions. As
these are the systems to help ensure vehicl e stability and driving force by automati-
cally controlling the brakes and engine ou tput, do not turn the VSC/TRAC systems
off unless necessary.

170
2-4. Using other driving systems
CAUTION
■Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the specified size, brand, tread pattern and total load
capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are inflated to the recommended tire
inflation pressure level. ( P. 366)
The ABS, VSC and TRAC systems will not function correctly if different tires are
installed on the vehicle.
Contact your Lexus dealer for further info rmation when replacing tires or wheels.
■Handling of tires and suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modifying the suspension will affect the driv-
ing assist systems, and may cause a system to malfunction.

180
2-5. Driving information
Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving the
vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropriate to the pre-
vailing weather conditions.
■ Pre-winter preparations
●Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside tempera-
tures.
• Engine coolant
• Washer fluid
● Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires.
Ensure that all tires are the specified size and the same brand.
■Before driving the vehicle
Perform the following according to the driving conditions.
● Do not try to forcibly open a window or move a wiper that is frozen.
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 accumulated on the air inlet vents in front
of the windshield.
● Remove any ice that has accumu lated 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 driv e at a reduced speed suitable to
road conditions.

181
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
■Tire grip at low temperatures
The tires fitted to the LFA are designed for dry road conditions. As such, tire grip on
cold, snowy and/or icy roads will be reduced compared to standard tires.
Be sure to use snow tires on snowy and/or icy roads and drive carefully at a speed
appropriate for road and weather conditions.
■Engine starting restrictions
In order to protect the engine, the engine may not start when the engine coolant
temperature or engine oil temperature is below -13 F (-25C). In that case, a
buzzer will sound and “Temp low Engine cannot be started” will be shown on the
meter. ( P. 3 2 7 )
CAUTION
■Driving with snow tires
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failing to do so may result in a loss of vehicle control and cause death or serious
injury.
●Use tires of the specified size.
●Maintain the recommended level of air pressure.
●Do not drive in excess of 75 mph (120 km/h), regardless of the type of snow tires
being used.
●Use snow tires on all, not just some wheels.
NOTICE
■Driving with tire chains
Do not fit tire chains. Tire chains may da mage the vehicle body and suspension, and
adversely affect driving performance.
■Repairing or replacing snow tires
Request repairs or replacement of snow ti res from Lexus dealers or legitimate tire
retailers.
This is because the removal and attachment of snow tires affects the operation of
the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters.