air conditioning LEXUS RC350 2015 Owner's Manual

4236-1. Using the air conditioning system
6
Interior features
RC350/RCF_U (OM24636U)
■Automatic mode for air intake control
In automatic mode, the system detects exhaust gas and other pollutants and auto-
matically switches between outside air and recirculated air modes.
When the dehumidification function is off, and the fan is operating, turning automatic
mode on will activate the dehumidification function.
■Operation of the air conditioning system in Eco drive mode
In Eco drive mode, the air conditioning system is controlled as follows to prioritize fuel
efficiency:
●Engine speed and compressor operation controlled to restrict heating/cooling capac-
ity
●Fan speed restricted when automatic mode is selected
To improve air conditioning performance, perform the following operations:
●Adjust the fan speed
●Turn off Eco drive mode
■When the outside temperature falls to nearly 32 F (0 C)
The dehumidification function may not operate even when is pressed or “A/C” is
selected.
■Ventilation and air conditioning odors
●To let fresh air in, set the air conditio ning system to the outside air mode.
●During use, various odors from inside and outside the vehicle may enter into and accu-
mulate in the air conditioning system. This may then cause odor to be emitted from the
vents.
●To reduce potential odors from occurring:
• It is recommended that the air conditioning system be set to outside air mode prior to turning the vehicle off.
• The start timing of the blower may be dela yed for a short period of time immediately
after the air conditioning system is started in automatic mode.
■Air conditioning filter
 P. 5 0 5
■Customization
Settings (e.g. A/C Auto switch operation) can be changed.
(Customizable features P. 6 4 3 )

4246-1. Using the air conditioning system
RC350/RCF_U (OM24636U)
WA R N I N G
■To prevent the windshield from fogging up
●Do not use during cool air operation in extremely humid weather. The differ-
ence between the temperature of the outside air and that of the windshield can cause
the outer surface of the windshield to fog up, blocking your vision.
■To prevent burns
●Do not touch the rear view mirror surfaces when the outside rear view mirror defog-
gers are on.
●Do not touch the glass at lower part of the wi ndshield or to the side of the front pillars
when the windshield wiper de-icer is on.
NOTICE
■To prevent battery discharge
Do not leave the air conditioning system on longer than necessary when the engine is
stopped.
●Do not place anything on the instrument
panel which may cover th e air outlets. Other-
wise, air flow may be obstructed, preventing
the windshield defoggers from defogging.

4256-1. Using the air conditioning system
6
Interior features
RC350/RCF_U (OM24636U)
Turn the heated steering wheel on/off
The indicator light comes on when the
heated steering wheel is operating.
Heated steering wheel/seat heaters/seat ventila-
tors


: If equipped
Heated steering wheel and seat heaters heat the side grips of the steering
wheel and seats, respectively. Seat ventilators maintain good airflow by blow-
ing air from the seats.
WA R N I N G
●Care should be taken to prevent injury if anyone in the following categories comes in
contact with the steering wheel or seats when the heater is on:
• Babies, small children, the elderly, the sick and the physically challenged
• Persons with sensitive skin
• Persons who are fatigued
• Persons who have taken alcohol or drugs that induce sleep (s leeping drugs, cold
remedies, etc.)
●Observe the following precautions to prevent the minor burns or overheating
• Do not cover the seat with a blanket or cushion when using the seat heater.
• Do not use seat heater more than necessary.
NOTICE
●Do not put heavy objects that have an uneven surface on the seat and do not stick
sharp objects (needles, nails, etc.) into the seat.
●To prevent battery discharge, do not use the functions when the engine is off.
Heated steering wheel

4266-1. Using the air conditioning system
RC350/RCF_U (OM24636U)
●The heated steering wheel can be used when the engine switch is in IGNITION ON
mode.
●The heated steering wheel will automati cally turn off after about 30 minutes.
Each time the switch is pressed, the
intensity of the seat heater changes and
the level indicator lights (amber) light
as follows:
Hi (3 segments lit)  Mid (2 segments
lit)  Lo (1 segment lit)  Off
■The seat heaters can be used when
The engine switch is in IGNITION ON mode.
■Seat heater timer control
To enable seat heater timer control, press and hold the driver and front passenger seat
heater switches at the same time when the vehicle is stopped until a buzzer sounds once.
If a seat heater is turned on while seat heater timer control is enabled, the intensity of the
seat heater will automatically change from Hi Mid Lo.
The timing of the change in seat heater intensity differs depending on the temperature
inside the cabin, etc. when the seat heater is operating.
To disable seat heater timer control, press and hold the driver and front passenger seat
heater switches at the same time until a buzzer sounds twice.
Seat heaters
Type A Type B

4276-1. Using the air conditioning system
6
Interior features
RC350/RCF_U (OM24636U)
Each time the switch is pressed, the
intensity of the seat ventilator changes
and the level indicator lights (green)
light as follows:
Hi (3 segments lit)  Mid (2 segments
lit)  Lo (1 segment lit)  Off
■The seat ventilators can be used when
The engine switch is in IGNITION ON mode.
Seat ventilators

457
Maintenance and care7
RC350/RCF_U (OM24636U)
7-1. Maintenance and careCleaning and protecting the vehicle exterior................. 458
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle interior .................. 463
7-2. Maintenance Maintenance requirements............................. 466
General maintena nce .............. 469
Emission inspection and maintenance (I/M)
programs .....................................472
7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance Do-it-yourself service precautions .................................473
Hood ............................................... 475
Positioning a floor jack .............. 476
Engine compartment ............... 479
Tires ................................................... 491
Tire inflation pressure .............. 500
Wheels ...........................................503
Air conditioning filter .............. 505
Electronic key battery .............. 507
Checking and replacing fuses ..............................................509
Light bulbs...................................... 512

4747-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
RC350/RCF_U (OM24636U)
WA R N I N G
The engine compartment contains many mechanisms and fluids that may move suddenly,
become hot, or become electrically energized. To avoid death or serious injury, observe
the following precautions.
■When working on the engine compartment
●Keep hands, clothing and tools away from the moving fan and engine drive belt.
●Be careful not to touch the engine, radiator, exhaust manifold, etc. right after driving
as they may be hot. Oil and other fluids may also be hot.
●Do not leave anything that may burn easily, such as paper and rags, in the engine
compartment.
●Do not smoke, cause sparks or expose an open flame to fuel or the battery. Fuel and
battery fumes are flammable.
●Be extremely cautious when working on the battery. It contains poisonous and corro-
sive sulfuric acid.
■When working near the electric cooling fans or radiator grille
Be sure the engine switch is off.
With the engine switch in IGNITION ON mode, the electric cooling fans may auto-
matically start to run if the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant temperature is high.
(  P. 4 8 5 )
■Safety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or fallin g material, fluid spray, etc. from getting in
your eyes.
NOTICE
■If you remove the air cleaner filter
Driving with the air cleaner filter removed may cause excessive engine wear due to dirt
in the air.

5057-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
RC350/RCF_U (OM24636U)
Turn the engine switch off.
Open the glove box. Lift up the side
with the stay, disconnect the stay
tabs and remove the partition by
pulling horizontally.
Press the tabs and remove the filter
cover.
Press the tabs and remove the filter
case.
Air conditioning filter
The air conditioning filter must be changed regularly to maintain air condi-
tioning efficiency.
Removal method
1
2
3
4

5067-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
RC350/RCF_U (OM24636U)
Remove the air conditioning filter
from the filter case and replace it
with a new one.
The “ UP” marks shown on the filter
and the filter case should be pointing up.
■Checking interval
Inspect and replace the air conditioning filt er according to the maintenance schedule. In
dusty areas or areas with heavy traffic flow, early replacement may be required. (For
scheduled maintenance informat ion, please refer to the “Owner’s Manual Supplement”
or “Scheduled Maintenance”.)
■If air flow from the vents decreases dramatically
The filter may be clogged. Check the filter and replace if necessary.
5
NOTICE
■When using the air conditioning system
Make sure that a filter is always installed.
Using the air conditioning system without a filter may cause damage to the system.

5318-2. Steps to take in an emergency
8
When trouble arises
RC350/RCF_U (OM24636U)
●Fluid leaks under the vehicle.
(Water dripping from the air conditioning after use is normal.)
●Flat-looking tires or uneven tire wear
●Engine coolant temperature gauge cont inually points higher than normal.
●Changes in exhaust sound
●Excessive tire squeal when cornering
●Strange noises related to the suspension system
●Pinging or other noises related to the engine
●Engine missing, stumbling or running roughly
●Appreciable loss of power
●Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when braking
●Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when driving on a level road
●Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling, pedal almost touches the floor
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.
Visible symptoms
Audible symptoms
Operational symptoms