flat tire LEXUS RX330 2006 User Guide

STARTING AND DRIVING
463
Low tire pressure warning light
This light comes on when the ignition key is turned to the “ON”
position. It goes off after a few seconds. This indicates that the
tire pressure warning system is functioning properly.
If the low tire pressure warning light comes on or blinks
while driving, do the following.
 If the warning light comes on: The tire pressure is critically
low. Adjust the tire inflation pressure to the specified level
as soon as possible. (See “Tires and wheels” on page 566.)
Once the ignition switch is turned off, the warning light also
goes off. If the light comes on again when the vehicle is started
after adjusting tire inflation pressure to the specified level, have
the system checked at your Lexus dealer. If you have a flat tire, replace it with the spare tire. For details,
see “If you have a flat tire” on page 500.

If the warning light blinks once every second: The low
tire pressure warning system may be malfunctioning.
Contact your Lexus dealer.
 If the warning light blinks twice every second: The low
tire pressure warning system needs to be initialized. Reset
the system with the tire pressure warning system reset
switch. (To reset the system, see “Tire pressure warning
system reset switch”.)
The tire pressure warning system does not function
properly under certain circumstances. In the following
cases, the low tire pressure warning light may not come
on even if the tire inflation pressure is low, or it may come
on when the tire inflation pressure is actually normal.
 A compact spare tire, snow tires, or tire chains are used.
 The tire inflation pressure is excessively higher than
specified, or tire inflation pressure suddenly drops due to
bursting or other causes.
 The vehicle is driven on a slippery road surface such as
rough or frozen roads.
 The vehicle speed is less than 30 km/h (19 mph) or more
than 100 km/h (62 mph), and the driving duration is less than
5 minutes.
 The tires differ in tread pattern or manufacturer.
 The tires are not the specified size.

STARTING AND DRIVING
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The tread wear is very different among the installed tires.
 Rapid acceleration/deceleration or sharp turns is continue.
 Towing a trailer.
 The loading is over the limit or imbalanced.
 Initialization was not performed correctly after replacing or
rotating tires or wheels.
 The outside temperature is below 0 C (32F) or above
40 C (104 F).
CAUTION
When the tire pressure warning light comes on, observe
the following instructions:
 Adjust the tire inflation pressure to the specified level
as soon as possible.
 Avoid abrupt steering wheel maneuvering and
braking when the tire pressure warning light comes
on. If the vehicle tires deteriorate, you could lose
control of the steering wheel or the brakes, causing
death or serious injury.
Tire pressure warning system reset switch
The tire pressure warning system need to be initialized in
the following conditions:
When the low tire pressure warning light blinks twice
every second
 After replacing or rotating tires or wheels
When initializing the system, the present tire condition is
stored as a standard.
To initialize the system, perform the following:
1. Park the vehicle at a safe place and apply the parking brake.
Stop the engine.
2. Adjust the pressure of all the installed tires to the specified
level. (See “Tires and wheels” on page 566.)
3. Turn the ignition key to “ON”.

STARTING AND DRIVING
465
4. With the vehicle stopped, push the reset switch on the left
lower instrument panel and hold it until the low tire pressure
warning light blinks three times.
Initialization is
completed after driving at the speeds of 30 km/h
(19 mph) or over for about a few hours total, when the tire
pressure warning system detects the normal tire pressure. If
the following driving conditions are satisfied, initialization will
be completed in about one hour.
 Vehicle speed varies between 30 km/h (19 mph) and 80
km/h (50 mph)
 Normal road surface
When the warning light blinks twice every second while driving,
you may be unable to reset the system. In this case, set the
system again according to the above procedure.
Do not push the reset switch without adjusting the tire inflation
pressure to the specified level. Otherwise, the low tire
pressure warning light may not come on even if the tire
pressure is low, or it may come on when the tire inflation
pressure is actually normal.
If you push the reset switch while the vehicle is moving,
initialization is not performed.
If the low tire pressure warning light does not blink when you
push and hold the reset switch, have the low pressure warning
system checked at your Lexus dealer.
BRAKE PAD WEAR LIMIT INDICATORS
The brake pad wear limit indicators on your disc brakes
give a warning noise when the brake pads are worn to the
extent that replacement is required.
If you hear a squealing or scraping noise while driving, have the
brake pads checked and replaced by your Lexus dealer as
soon as possible. Expensive rotor damage can result if the
pads are not replaced when needed.

DRIVING TIPS
482
Brakes and safety chains
Lexus recommends trailers with brakes that conform to
any applicable federal and state/provincial regulations.
 A safety chain must always be used between the towing
vehicle and the trailer. Leave sufficient slack in the
chain for turns. The chain should cross under the
trailer tongue to prevent the tongue from dropping to
the ground in case it becomes damaged or separated.
For correct safety chain procedures, follow the hitch or
trailer manufacturer’s recommendations.
CAUTION
 If the total trailer weight exceeds 450 kg (1000 lb.),
trailer brakes are required.
 Never tap into your vehicle’s hydraulic system as it
will lower its braking effectiveness.
 Never tow a trailer without using a safety chain
securely attached to both the trailer and the vehicle.
If damage occurs to the coupling unit or hitch ball,
there is possible danger of the trailer wandering over
into another lane.
Tires
Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated. Adjust
the tire pressure to the recommended cold tire pressure
indicated below:
Tire pressure, kPa (kgf/cm
2 or bar, psi)
Front 210 (2.1, 30) Rear 210 (2.1, 30)
 The trailer tires should be inflated to the pressure
recommended by the trailer manufacturer in respect to the
total trailer weight.

DRIVING TIPS
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CAUTION
Do not exceed 72 km/h (45 mph) or the posted towing
speed limit, whichever is lower. Because instability
(swaying) of a towing vehicletrailer combination
usually increases as the speed increases, exceeding
72 km/h (45 mph) may cause loss of control.
 Slow down and downshift before descending steep
or long downhill grades. Do not make sudden
downshifts.
 Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long or too
frequently. This could cause the brakes to overheat
and result in reduced braking efficiency.
HOW TO SAVE FUEL AND MAKE
YOUR VEHICLE LAST LONGER
Improving fuel economy is easy — just take it easy. It will help
make your vehicle last longer, too. Here are some specific tips
on how to save money on both fuel and repairs:
 Keep your tires inflated at the correct pressure. Check
the pressure every two weeks, or at least once a month.
Underinflation causes tire wear and wastes fuel.
 Do not carry unneeded weight in your vehicle. Excess
weight puts a heavier load on the engine, causing greater
fuel consumption.
 Avoid lengthy warmup idling. Once the engine is
running smoothly, begin driving — but gently. Remember,
however, that on cold winter days this may take a little
longer.
 Always keep the automatic transmission selector lever
in the “D” position when engine braking is not required.
Driving with the overdrive off will reduce the fuel economy.
(For details, see “Automatic transmission (standard type)”
or “Automatic transmission (multi− mode type)” on page 389
or 398.)
 Accelerate slowly and smoothly. Avoid jackrabbit starts.
 Avoid long engine idling. If you have a long wait and you
are not in traffic, it is better to turn off the engine and start
again later.

DRIVING TIPS
489
VEHICLE LOAD LIMITS
Vehicle load limits include total load capacity, seating
capacity, towing capacity and cargo capacity. Follow
the load limits shown below. Total load capacity and
seating capacity are also described on the tire and
loading information label. For location of the tire and
loading information label, see “Checking tire inflation
pressure” on page 570.
Total load capacity: 420 kg (925 lb.)
Total load capacity means combined weight of
occupants, cargo and luggage. Tongue load is
included when trailer towing.
Seating capacity: Total 5 (Front 2, Rear 3)
Seating capacity means the maximum number of
occupants whose estimated average weight is 68 kg
(150 lb.) per person. Depending on the weight of
each person, the seating capacity given may exceed
the total load capacity.
NOTICE
Even if the number of occupants are within the
seating capacity, do not exceed the total load
capacity.
Towing capacity:
Without towing package 907 kg (2000 lb.)
With towing package 1588 kg (3500 lb.)
Towing capacity means the maximum gross trailer
weight (trailer weight plus its cargo weight) that your
vehicle is able to tow.
Cargo capacity
Cargo capacity may increase or decrease depending
on the size (weight) and the number of occupants.
For details, see “Capacity and distribution” that
follows.
CAUTION
Do not apply the load more than each load limit.
That may cause not only damage to the tires,
but also deterioration to the steering ability and
braking ability, which may cause an accident.

SECTION 4
493
IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
In case of an emergency
If your engine stalls while driving494
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If your vehicle will not start 494
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If you cannot increase engine speed 499
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If your vehicle overheats 499
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If you have a flat tire 500
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
.
If your vehicle becomes stuck 514
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If your vehicle needs to be towed 515
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If you cannot shift automatic transmission
selector lever 524
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . .
If you lose your keys or lock yourself out 525
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
500B: If no steam is coming from your engine:
Leave the engine running and turn off the air conditioning.
Check the following.

Is the cooling fan operating?
 Is the coolant in the acceptable range?
 Is the engine drive belt O.K.?
CAUTION
When the engine is running, keep hands and clothing
away from the moving fan and engine drive belt.
 Do not attempt to remove the radiator cap when the
engine and radiator are hot. Serious injury could
result from scalding hot fluid and steam blown out
under pressure.
If the cooling fan is not operating or the coolant is not in the
acceptable range, turn off the engine and call your Lexus
dealer.
If both conditions are O.K., after the engine coolant
temperature has cooled to normal, continue driving your
vehicle.
If the engine coolant temperature does not cool down, or your
vehicle overheats again, have it checked as soon as possible
by your Lexus dealer.
IF YOU HAVE A FLAT TIRE
1. Reduce your speed gradually, keeping a straight
line. Move cautiously off the road to a safe place
— well away from the traffic. Avoid stopping on the
center divider of a highway. Park on a level spot with
firm ground.
2. Stop the engine and turn on your emergency
flashers.
3. F i r m l y s e t t h e p a r k i n g b r a k e a n d p u t t h e
transmission in “P”.
4. Have everyone get out of the vehicle on the side
away from traffic.
5. Read the following instructions thoroughly.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
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NOTICE
Do not continue driving with a deflated tire.
Driving even a short distance can damage a tire
and wheel beyond repair.
Access to spare tire
1Jack
2Adapter socket (for removing a spare tire)
3Wrench
4Towing eyelet
5Jack handle
6Tool bag
7Spare tire
1. Get the tool, jack, wrench, adapter socket (for
removing a spare tire) and spare tire.
To prepare yourself for an emergency, you should
familiarize yourself with the use of the jack and each
tool, and their storage locations.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
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To remove the spare tire:
1Remove the inside spare tire cover by turning it
counterclockwise.
If it is difficult to remove the inside spare tire cover,
remove the cover after pulling out the spare tire and
stand it up against the bumper.
2In the luggage compartment, open the right side
auxiliary box by pushing the button. You will find
the spare tire clamp bolt on the right side of the
auxiliary box.
3Remove the cover using a flathead screwdriver
which is wrapped with a cloth.