towing LEXUS RX270 2014 User Guide

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2-5. Driving information
RX350/270_EE
■Tire info rmat ion
●Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated. Adjust the tire pressure to
the recommended pressure. (→P. 6 1 7 )
●Increase the air pressure of the trailer tires in accordance with the total trailer
weight and according to the values recommended by the manufacturer of your
trailer.
■Trailer lights
●Check that the turn signal lights and stoplights are operating correctly every
time you hitch up the trailer. Directly wiring up to your vehicle may damage the
electrical system and stop the lights from functioning correctly.
●Please consult at any authorized dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified
and equipped professional when installing trailer lights, as incorrect installation
may cause damage to the vehicle’s lights. Please take care to comply with your
state’s laws when installing trailer lights.
■Break-in schedule
Lexus recommends that vehicles fitted with new power train components should
not be used for towing trailers for the first 800 km (500 miles).
■Safety checks before towing
●Check that the maximum load limit for the towing hitch/bracket hitch ball is not
exceeded. Bear in mind that the coupling weight of the trailer will add to the
load exerted on the vehicle. Also make sure that you will not be towing a load
that exceeds the maximum permissible axle capacity.
●Ensure that the trailer load is secure.
●Supplementary outside rear view mirrors should be added to the vehicle if the
traffic behind cannot be clearly seen with standard mirrors. Adjust the extend-
ing arms of these mirrors on both sides of the vehicle so that they always provide
maximum visibility of the road behind.
■Maintenance
●Maintenance must be performed more frequently when using the vehicle for
towing due to the greater weight burden placed on the vehicle compared to
normal driving.
●Retighten all bolts securing the hitching ball and bracket after towing for
approximately 1000 km (600 miles).
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2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
RX350/270_EE
Guidance
Your vehicle will handle differently when towing a trailer. In order to avoid
accident, death or serious injury, keep the following in mind when towing:
■Checking connections between trailer and lights
Stop the vehicle and check the operation of the connection between
the trailer and lights after driving for a brief period as well as before
starting off.
■Practicing driving with a coupled trailer
●Get the feel for turning, stopping and reversing with the trailer cou-
pled by practicing in an area with no or light traffic.
●When reversing with a coupled trailer, hold the section of the steer-
ing wheel nearest to you and rotate clockwise to turn the trailer left
or counterclockwise to turn it right. Always rotate a little at a time to
prevent steering error. Have someone guide you when reversing to
lessen the risk of an accident.
■Increasing vehicle-to-vehicle distance
At a speed of 10 km/h (6 mph), the distance to the vehicle running
ahead of you should be equivalent to or greater than the combined
length of your vehicle and trailer. Avoid sudden braking that may cause
skidding. Otherwise, the vehicle may spin out of control. This is espe-
cially true when driving on wet or slippery road surfaces.
■Sudden acceleration/steering input/cornering
Executing sharp turns when towing may result in the trailer colliding
with your vehicle. Decelerate well in advance when approaching turns
and take them slowly and carefully to avoid sudden braking.
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2-5. Driving information
RX350/270_EE■Important points regarding turning
The wheels of the trailer will travel closer to the inside of the curve than
the wheels of the vehicle. To make allowance for this, take the turns
wider than you would normally do.
■Important points regarding stability
Vehicle movement resulting from uneven road surfaces and strong
crosswinds will affect handling. The vehicle may also be rocked by
passing buses or large trucks. Frequently check behind when moving
alongside such vehicles. As soon as such vehicle movement occurs,
immediately start to decelerate smoothly by slowly applying the
brakes. Always steer the vehicle straight ahead while braking.
■Passing other vehicles
Consider the total combined length of your vehicle and trailer and
ensure that the vehicle-to-vehicle distance is sufficient before execut-
ing lane changes.
■Transmission information
Refrain from driving in 6 range in S mode to maintain the effectiveness
of the engine brake and the charge performance of electrical compo-
nents.
■If the engine overheats
Towing a loaded trailer up a long, steep incline in temperatures
exceeding 30°C (85°F) may result in the engine overheating. If the
engine coolant temperature gauge indicates that the engine is over-
heating, turn the air conditioning off immediately, leave the road and
stop the vehicle in a safe place. (→P. 5 9 8 )
■When parking the vehicle
Always place wheel chocks under the wheels of both the vehicle and
trailer. Firmly set the parking brake and shift the shift lever to P.
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2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
RX350/270_EE
CAUTION
■When the gross vehicle mass limit or maximum permissible axle capacity is
exceeded
Do not exceed the established speed limit for towing a trailer in built-up areas or
100 km/h (62 mph), whichever is the lower.
■Vehicle speed while towing
Observe the legal maximum speeds for trailer towing.
■Before descending hills or long declines
Reduce speed and downshift. However, never downshift suddenly while descend-
ing steep or long downhill grades.
■Operation of the brake pedal
Do not hold the brake pedal depressed often or for long periods of time.
Doing so may result in the brake overheating or reduce braking effects.
■To avoid accident or injury
●For vehicles with electronically modulated air suspension, set the vehicle height
to LO mode and turn off the electronically modulated air suspension to prevent
the vehicle height from automatically changing.
●Do not use cruise control when you are towing.
●Do not tow the vehicle with the compact spare tire installed.
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2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
RX350/270_EE
Trailer towing (RX270)
Lexus does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle. Lexus also
does not recommend the installation of a tow hitch or the use of a tow hitch
carrier for a wheelchair, scooter, bicycle, etc. Your vehicle is not designed
for trailer towing or for the use of tow hitch mounted carriers.
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423
3-4. Using the storage features
3
Interior features
RX350/270_EE
Cup holders
Front (Center console)
Press down the lid on the farthest
side from the driver.
Front (Instrument panel)
Press in and release the cup
holder.
NOTICE
■When stowing a bottle
Put the cap on before stowing the bottle. Do not place open bottles in the bottle
holders. The contents may spill.
Bottle holders/door pockets and cup holders
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475
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
RX350/270_EE
■Engine oil consumption
A certain amount of engine oil will be consumed while driving. In the following situ-
ations, oil consumption may increase, and engine oil may need to be refilled in
between oil maintenance intervals.
●When the engine is new, for example directly after purchasing the vehicle or
after replacing the engine
●If low quality oil or oil of an inappropriate viscosity is used
●When driving at high engine speeds or with a heavy load, when towing, or when
driving while accelerating or decelerating frequently
●When leaving the engine idling for a long time, or when driving frequently
through heavy traffic
CAUTION
■Used engine oil
●Used engine oil contains potentially harmful contaminants which may cause skin
disorders such as inflammation or skin cancer, so care should be taken to avoid
prolonged and repeated contact. To remove used engine oil from your skin, wash
thoroughly with soap and water.
●Dispose of used oil and filters only in a safe and acceptable manner. Do not dis-
pose of used oil and filters in household trash, in sewers or onto the ground.
Call any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and
equipped professional, service station or auto parts store for information con-
cerning recycling or disposal.
●Do not leave used engine oil within the reach of children.
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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
RX350/270_EE
12ABS NO. 150 AVehicle stability control
13EPS60 AElectric power steering system
14ALT140 A
IG1 MAIN, TOWING BATT,
DEICER, TOWING, STOP, RDI FAN
NO. 1, FILTER, RR DEF, AIR SUS,
HEATER, ABS NO. 2, H-LP CLN,
PBD, ECU-IG1 NO. 1, ECU-IG1 NO.
3, GAUGE NO. 1, ECU-IG1 NO. 2,
E P S , F R W I P, R R W I P, F R WA S H , R R
WASH, RH S-HTR, LH S-HTR, TAIL,
PANEL, D/L ALT B, FR FOG, FR
DOOR, FL DOOR, RR DOOR, RL
DOOR, PSB, P-SEAT LH, P-SEAT
RH, TI&TE, FUEL OPN, DR LOCK,
OBD, RR FOG, S/ROOF, 4WD,
INVERTER, ECU-ACC, P/POINT,
CIG, RADIO NO. 2
15AMP130 AAudio system
16EFI MAIN30 A
Multiport fuel injection system/
sequential multiport fuel injection sys-
tem, electronic controlled transmis-
sion, EFI NO. 1, EFI NO. 2, F/PMP
17AMP230 AAudio system
18IG2 MAIN30 AIGN, GAUGE NO. 2, ECU IG 2
19IP J/B25 APow e r d o o r l o c k s y s t e m
20STR LOCK20 AStarter system
21RAD NO. 315 AMeters and gauges, navigation sys-
tem, audio system
22HAZ15 AEmergency flashers
FuseAmpereCircuit
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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
RX350/270_EE
21PA N E L10 A
Switch illumination, navigation system,
electronically modulated air suspen-
sion, automatic transmission system,
audio system, multi-information dis-
play, air conditioning system, multiplex
communication system
22TA I L10 A
Front position lights, tail lights, license
plate lights, front fog lights, towing
converter, rear fog lights
23AIR SUS20 AElectronically modulated air suspen-
sion
24P- S E AT R H30 APower seat right side
25OBD7. 5 AOn-Board diagnosis
26FR DOOR25 AFront power window (right-side), out-
side rear view mirror
27RR DOOR25 ARear power window (right-side)
28FL DOOR25 AFront power window (left-side), out-
side rear view mirror
29RL DOOR25 ARear power window (left-side)
30FR WASH25 AWindshield wipers and washer
31RR WIP15 AWindshield wipers and washer
32RR WASH20 AWindshield wipers and washer
33FR WIP30 AWindshield wipers and washer
34ECU IG210 A
Multiport fuel injection system/
sequential multiport fuel injection sys-
tem, SRS airbag system, stop lights,
electronic controlled transmission,
steering lock system
FuseAmpereCircuit
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5
533
5-1. Essential information
When trouble arises
RX350/270_EE
If your vehicle needs to be towed
Situations needs to contact dealers before towing
The following may indicate a problem with your transmission. Contact
any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, before towing.
●The engine is running but the vehicle will not move.
●The vehicle makes an abnormal sound.
If towing is necessary, we recommend having your vehicle towed by any
authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and
equipped professional, or a commercial towing service, using a lift-type
truck or flatbed truck.
Use a safety chain system for all towing, and abide by all state/provincial
and local laws.
2WD models: If towing your vehicle with a wheel-lift type truck from the
front, the vehicle's rear wheels and axles must be in good conditions.
(→P. 534, 539)
If they are damaged, use a towing dolly or flatbed truck.
AWD models: If towing your vehicle with a wheel-lift type truck, use a tow-
ing dolly. (→P. 5 3 4 , 5 3 9 )
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