fuel LEXUS RCF 2021 Owner's Guide

2576-3. Maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
6-3.Maintenance
■Repair and replacement
It is recommended that genuine Lexus parts
be used for repairs to ensure performance
of each system. If non-Lexus parts are used
in replacement or if a repair shop other than
a Lexus dealer perfor ms repairs, confirm
the warranty coverage.
■Allow inspection and repairs to be per-
formed by a Lexus dealer
●Lexus technicians are well-trained spe-
cialists and are kept up to date with the
latest service information. They are well
informed about the operations of all sys-
tems on your vehicle.
●Keep a copy of the repa ir order. It proves
that the maintenance that has been per-
formed is under warra nty coverage. If any
problem should arise while your vehicle is
under warranty, your Lexus dealer will
promptly take care of it.
General maintenance should be per-
formed on a daily basis. This can be
done by yourself or by a Lexus dealer.
Scheduled maintenance should be
performed at specified intervals
according to the maintenance sched-
ule.
For details about ma intenance items and
schedules, refer to the “Warranty and Ser-
vice Guide”, “Owner’s Manual Supple-
ment” or “Scheduled Maintenance”.
■Resetting the message indicating main-
tenance is required
After the required maintenance is pre-
formed according to the maintenance
schedule, please reset the message.
To reset the message, follow the procedures
described below:
1 Select on the multi-information dis-
play. ( P.81)
2 Press the or meter control
switch on the steeri ng wheel to select
“Vehicle Settings” then “Scheduled
Maintenance requirements
To ensure safe and economical driv-
ing, day-to-day care and regular
maintenance are essential. It is the
owner’s responsibility to perform
regular checks. Lexus recommends
the maintenance below.
WARNING
■If your vehicle is not properly main-
tained
Improper maintenanc e could result in
serious damage to the vehicle and possi-
ble death or serious injury.
■Handling of the battery
●Engine exhaust, some of its constitu-
ents, and a wide variety of automobile
components contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to
cause cancer and birth defects and
other reproductive harm. Work in a
well ventilated area.
●Oils, fuels and fluids contained in vehi-
cles as well as waste produced by
component wear contain or emit
chemicals known to the State of Cali-
fornia to cause cancer and birth
defects or other re productive harm.
Avoid exposure and wash any affected
area immediately.
●Battery posts, terminals and related
accessories contai n lead and lead
compounds which are known to cause
brain damage. Wash your hands after
handling. ( P.271)
General maintenance
Scheduled maintenance

2616-3. Maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
The OBD system determines that a
problem exists somewhere in the emis-
sion 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.
When the battery is disconnected
or discharged
Readiness codes that are set during ordi-
nary driving are erased.Also, depending
on your driving habits, the readiness codes
may not be completely set.
When 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.
The error code in the OBD system will
not be cleared unless the vehicle is
driven 40 or more times.
Contact your Lexus dealer to prepare
the vehicle for re-testing.
Emission inspection and
maintenance (I/M) pro-
grams
Some states have vehicle emission
inspection programs which include
OBD (On Board Diagnostics)
checks. The OBD system monitors
the operation of the emission con-
trol system.
If the malfunction indicator lamp
comes on
Your vehicle may not pass the
I/M test in the following situa-
tions:
When the malfunction indicator
lamp still remains on after sev-
eral driving trips
If your vehicle does not pass the
I/M test

2636-4. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
Light bulbs
( P.288)
•Bulb with same num-
ber and wattage rat-
ing as original
• Phillips-head screw- driver
•Flathead screw- driver
•Wrench
Radiator and con-
denser ( P.270)
Tire inflation pres-
sure ( P.279)• Tire pressure gauge
•Compressed air
source
Washer fluid
( P.272)
• Water or washer
fluid containing anti-
freeze (for winter
use)
• Funnel (used only for adding water or
washer fluid)
WARNING
The engine compartment contains many
mechanisms and fluids that may move
suddenly, become hot, or become elec-
trically energized. To avoid death or seri-
ous injury, observe the following
precautions.
■When working on the engine com-
partment
●Keep hands, clothi ng and tools away
from the moving fans 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.
ItemsParts and tools●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 corrosive sulfuric acid.
■When working near the electric cool-
ing fans or radiator grille
Be sure the engine switch is off.
With the engine switch in IGNITION
ON mode, the electric cooling fans may
automatically start to run if the air condi-
tioning is on and/or the coolant tempera-
ture is high. ( P.270)
■Safety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or
falling material, fluid spray, etc. from get-
ting 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.

2806-4. Do-it-yourself maintenance
1Remove the tire valve cap.
2 Press the tip of the tire pressure
gauge onto the tire valve.
3 Read the pressure using the gauge
gradations.
4 If the tire inflation pressure is not at
the recommended level, adjust the
pressure.
If you add too much air, press the
center of the valve to deflate.
5 After completing the tire inflation
pressure measurem ent and adjust-
ment, apply soapy water to the
valve and check for leakage.
6 Put the tire valve cap back on.
■Tire inflation pressure check interval
You should check tire inflation pressure
every two weeks, or at least once a month.
Do not forget to check the spare.
■Effects of incorrect tire inflation pres-
sure
Driving with incorrect ti re inflation pressure
may result in the following:
●Reduced fuel economy
●Reduced driving comfort and poor han-
dling
●Reduced tire life due to wear
●Reduced safety
●Damage to the drivetrain
If a tire needs frequent inflating, have it
checked by your Lexus dealer.
■Instructions for checking tire inflation
pressure
When checking tire inflation pressure,
observe the following:
●Check only when the tires are cold.
If your vehicle has been parked for at least
3 hours or has not been driven for more
than 1 mile or 1.5 km, you will get an accu-
rate cold tire inflat ion pressure reading.
●Always use a tire pressure gauge.
It is difficult to judge if a tire is properly
inflated based only on its appearance.
●It is normal for the ti re inflation pressure
to be higher after driving as heat is gen-
erated in the tire. Do not reduce tire infla-
tion pressure after driving.
●Never exceed the vehicle capacity
weight.
Passengers and luggage weight should be
placed so that the vehicle is balanced.
WARNING
■Proper inflation is critical to save tire
performance
Keep your tires properly inflated.
If the tires are not properly inflated, the
following conditions may occur which
could lead to an accident resulting in
death or serious injury:
●Excessive wear
●Uneven wear
●Poor handling
●Possibility of blowouts resulting from
overheated tires
●Air leaking from between tire and
wheel
●Wheel deformation and/or tire dam-
age
●Greater possibility of tire damage
while driving (due to road hazards,
expansion joints, sharp edges on the
road, etc.)
NOTICE
■When inspecting and adjusting tire
inflation pressure
Be sure to put the tire valve caps back on.
If a valve cap is not installed, dirt or mois-
ture may get into the valve and cause an
air leak, resulting in decreased tire infla-
tion pressure.

293
7
7
When trouble arises
When trouble arises
.7-1. Essential informationEmergency flashers.................. 294
If your vehicle has to be stopped in an emergency .......................... 294
If the vehicle is trapped in rising water............................................ 295
7-2. Steps to take in an emergency If your vehicle needs to be towed........................................................ 297
If you think something is wrong ........................................................ 300
Fuel pump shut off system ...... 301
If a warning light turns on or a warning buzzer sounds ....... 302
If a warning message is displayed ......................................................... 310
If you have a flat tire (vehicles with a spare tire) ................................ 313
If you have a flat tire (vehicles with an emergency tire puncture
repair kit) .................................... 319
If the engine wi ll not start .......329
If you lose your keys .................. 331
If the fuel filler door cannot be opened......................................... 331
If the electronic key does not operate properly .................... 332
If the vehicle battery is discharged ........................................................ 334
If your vehicle overheats ........ 337
If the vehicle becomes stuck ........................................................ 339

3017-2. Steps to take in an emergency
7
When trouble arises
Follow the procedure below to restart
the engine after the system is activated.
1Turn the engine switch to ACCES-
SORY mode or turn it off.
2 Restart the engine.
Fuel pump shut off system
To minimize the risk of fuel leakage
when the engine stalls or when an
airbag inflates upon collision, the
fuel pump shut off system stops the
supply of fuel to the engine.
Restarting the engine
NOTICE
■Before starting the engine
Inspect the ground under the vehicle.
If you find that fuel has leaked onto the
ground, the fuel system has been dam-
aged and is in need of repair. Do not
restart the engine.

3067-2. Steps to take in an emergency
■Automatic headlight leveling system warning light
■Open door warning light (warning buzzer)*
*: Open door warning buzzer: P.94
■Low fuel level warning light
■Driver’s and front passenger’s seat belt reminder light (warning buzzer)*
*: Driver’s seat belt warning buzzer:
The driver’s seat belt warning buzzer sounds to al ert the driver that his or her seat belt is not
fastened. Once the engine switch is turned to IGNITION ON mode, the buzzer sounds.
If the seat belt is still unfastened, the buzzer sounds intermittently for a certain period of
time after the vehicle reaches a certain speed.
Front passenger’s seat belt warning buzzer:
The front passenger’s seat belt warning buzzer sounds to alert the front passenger that his
or her seat belt is not fastened. If the seat belt is unfastened, the buzzer sounds intermit-
tently for a certain period of time af ter the vehicle reaches a certain speed.
Warning lightDetails/Actions
Indicates a malfunction in the automatic headlight leveling system
 Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
Warning lightDetails/Actions
Indicates that a door or th e trunk is not fully closed
 Check that both side doors and the trunk are closed.
Warning lightDetails/Actions
Indicates that remaining fuel is approximately 2.6 gal. (10 L, 2.2 Imp.
gal.) or less
 Refuel the vehicle.
Warning lightDetails/Actions
Warns the driver and/or front pass enger to fasten their seat belts
 Fasten the seat belt.
If the front passenger’s seat is occupied, the front passenger’s seat
belt also needs to be fastened to make the warning light (warning
buzzer) turn off.

3087-2. Steps to take in an emergency
interconnecting wiring and power sources.
(  P.29)
■Front passenger detection sensor, seat
belt reminder and warning buzzer
●If luggage is placed on the front passen-
ger seat, the front passenger detection
sensor may cause th e warning light to
flash and the warning buzzer to sound
even if a passenger is not sitting in the
seat.
●If a cushion is placed on the seat, the sen-
sor may not detect a passenger, and the
warning light may not operate properly.
■If the malfunction indicator lamp comes
on while driving
First check the following:
●Is the fuel tank empty?
If it is, fill the fuel tank immediately.
●Is the fuel tank cap loose?
If it is, tighten it securely.
The light will go off after several driving
trips.
If the light does not go off even after several
trips, contact your Lexus dealer as soon as
possible.
■Electric power steering system warning
light (warning buzzer)
When the battery charge becomes insuffi-
cient or the voltage temporarily drops, the
electric power steeri ng system warning
light may come on and the warning buzzer
may sound.
■When the tire pressure warning light
comes on
Check the tire inflation pressure and adjust
to the appropriate level. Pushing the tire
pressure warning reset switch will not turn
off the tire pressure warning light.
■The tire pressure warning light may
come on due to natural causes
The tire pressure wa rning light may come
on due to natural causes such as natural air
leaks and tire inflation pressure changes
caused by temperature. In this case, adjust-
ing the tire inflation pressure will turn off the
warning light (after a few minutes).
■When a tire is replaced with a spare tire
The spare tire is not equipped with a tire
pressure warning valve and transmitter. If a
tire goes flat, the tire pressure warning light
will not turn off even though the flat tire has
been replaced with the spare tire.
■Conditions that the tire pressure warn-
ing system may not function properly
 P.276
■If the tire pressure warning light fre-
quently comes on after blinking for 1
minute
If the tire pressure wa rning light frequently
comes on after blinking for 1 minute when
the engine switch is turned to IGNITION
ON mode, have it checked by your Lexus
dealer.
WARNING
■If both the ABS and the brake system
warning lights remain on
Stop your vehicle in a safe place immedi-
ately and contact your Lexus dealer. The
vehicle will become extremely unstable
during braking, and the ABS system may
fail, which could cause an accident
resulting in death or serious injury.
■When the electric power steering
system warning light comes on
The steering wheel may become
extremely heavy.
When steering wheel operations are
heavier than usual, grip the steering
wheel firmly and operate it using more
force than usual.
■If the tire pressure warning light
comes on
Be sure to observe the following precau-
tions. Failure to do so could cause a loss
of vehicle control and result in death or
serious injury.
Vehicles with a spare tire
●Stop your vehicle in a safe place as
soon as possible. Adjust the tire infla-
tion pressure immediately.

3097-2. Steps to take in an emergency
7
When trouble arises
WARNING
●If the tire pressure warning light comes
on even after tire inflation pressure
adjustment, it is probable that you have
a flat tire. Check the tires. If a tire is flat,
change it with the spare tire and have
the flat tire repaired by the nearest
Lexus dealer.
●Avoid abrupt maneuvering and brak-
ing. If the vehicle tires deteriorate, you
could lose control of the steering
wheel or the brakes.
Vehicles with an emergency tire punc-
ture repair kit
●Stop your vehicle in a safe place as
soon as possible. Adjust the tire infla-
tion pressure immediately.
●If the tire pressure warning light comes
on even after tire inflation pressure
adjustment, it is probable that you have
a flat tire. Check the tires. If a tire is flat,
repair the flat tire by using emergency
tire puncture repair kit.
●Avoid abrupt maneuvering and brak-
ing. If the vehicle tires deteriorate, you
could lose control of the steering
wheel or the brakes.
■If a blowout or sudden air leakage
should occur
The tire pressure warning system may
not activate immediately.
■Maintenance of the tires
Each tire, including the spare (if pro-
vided), should be checked monthly when
cold and inflated to the inflation pressure
recommended by the vehicle manufac-
turer on the vehicle placard or tire infla-
tion pressure label (tire and load
information label). (I f your vehicle has
tires of a different size than the size indi-
cated on the vehicle placard or tire infla-
tion pressure label [tire and load
information label], yo u should determine
the proper tire infl ation pressure for
those tires.)
As an added safety fe ature, your vehicle
has been equipped with a tire pressure
monitoring system (TPMS-tire pressure
warning system) that illuminates a low
tire pressure telltale (tire pressure warn-
ing light) when one or more of your tires
is significantly under-inflated. Accord-
ingly, when the low ti re pressure telltale
(tire pressure warning light) illuminates,
you should stop and check your tires as
soon as possible, and inflate them to the
proper pressure. Driving on a signifi-
cantly under-inflated tire causes the tire
to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Under-inflation also reduces fuel effi-
ciency and tire tread life, and may affect
the vehicle’s handling and stopping abil-
ity.
Please note that the TPMS (tire pressure
warning system) is not a substitute for
proper tire maintenance, and it is the
driver’s responsibility to maintain correct
tire pressure, even if under-inflation has
not reached the level to trigger illumina-
tion of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale
(tire pressure warning light).
Your vehicle has also been equipped with
a TPMS (tire pressure warning system)
malfunction indicator to indicate when
the system is not operating properly. The
TPMS (tire pressure warning system)
malfunction indicator is combined with
the low tire pressure telltale (tire pres-
sure warning light) . When the system
detects a malfunction, the telltale will
flash for approximately one minute and
then remain continuously illuminated.
This sequence will continue upon subse-
quent vehicle start-ups as long as the
malfunction exists. When the malfunction
indicator is illuminated, the system may
not be able to detect or signal low tire
pressure as intended.

3297-2. Steps to take in an emergency
7
When trouble arises
One of the following may be the cause
of the problem:
There may not be sufficient fuel in
the vehicle’s tank.
Refuel the vehicle.
 The engine may be flooded.
Try to restart the engine again fol-
lowing correct starting procedures.
( P.128)
 There may be a malfunction in the
engine immobilizer system.
( P.57)
One of the following may be the cause
of the problem:
 The battery may be discharged.
( P.334)
 The battery terminal connections
may be loose or corroded.
( P.271)
NOTICE
●Store the emergency tire puncture
repair kit in the trunk. The kit may be
thrown around during sudden braking
and so forth, damaging the kit.
●Store the kit in its assigned place out of
reach of children.
●Do not disassemble or modify the kit.
Do not subject parts such as the air
pressure indicator to impacts. This may
cause a malfunction.
■To avoid damage to the tire pressure
warning valves and transmitters
When a tire is repaired with liquid seal-
ants, the tire pressu re warning valve and
transmitter may not operate properly. If a
liquid sealant is used , contact your Lexus
dealer as soon as possible. After use of
liquid sealant, make sure to replace the
tire pressure warnin g valve and transmit-
ter when repairing or replacing the tire.
(
P.277)
If the engine will not start
If the engine will not start even
though correct starting procedures
are being followed ( P.128), con-
sider each of the following points:
The engine will not start even
though the starter motor oper-
ates normally.
The starter motor turns over
slowly, the interior lights and
headlights are dim, or the horn
does not sound or sounds at a low
volume.