suspension LEXUS RX330 2006 User Guide

STARTING AND DRIVING
445
1Higher2Lower
3Height control indicator lights
 Changing the mode
You can change the easy access mode to the “LO”, “N” or “HI”\
mode when the engine is running.
To change easy access mode to “LO” mode: Push the
height select switch on the “ ” (higher) side once.
To change easy access mode to “N”mode: Push the height
select switch on the “ ” (higher) side twice.
In the following cases, the vehicle’s height is automatically
changed to “N” (normal) mode.
 The vehicle speed exceeds approximately 12 km/h (8 mph).
 The engine is restarted and the easy access mode is
canceled. To change easy access
mode to “HI” mode: Push the height
select switch on the “ ” (higher) side for three times.
The “LO”, “N” or “HI” indicator light blinks while the\
vehicle’s
height changes. When the vehicle’s height reaches the “LO”,
“N” or “HI” mode, the indicator light remains on.
If the vehicle’s height is changed frequently, the raising or
lowering will take longer than usual. There is no problem in the
electronically modulated air suspension.
CAUTION
If you select easy access mode, check under the vehicle
to make sure nothing that could damage the vehicle or
no one who could be injured is there and that the
underbody of the vehicle does not touch the ground
before the engine is stopped.

STARTING AND DRIVING
446
(e) Turning off the electronically modulated airsuspension
1Height control switch
2Height control “OFF” indicator light
To turn off the electronically modulated air suspension
with the vehicle stopped, push the height control switch.
The height control “OFF” indicator light comes on and the
vehicle height is fixed in the same mode as was last
selected.
This status is maintained in the system even after the engine
is stopped.
If you push the switch again, the height control “OFF” indicator
light goes out and the electronically modulated air suspension
is turned on. When the vehicle’s speed exceeds 30 km/h (19 mph), the
height control “OFF” indicator light goes out and the
electronically modulated air suspension turns on
automatically.
CAUTION

If you drive through water, such as when crossing
shallow streams, first check the depth of the water
and the firmness of the bottom of the river bed then
put the vehicle height into “HI” mode with the height
select switch and turn off the electronically
modulated air suspension by pushing the height
control switch. Drive your vehicle at 30 km/h (19
mph) or slower and avoid deep water.
 When jacking up, installing tire chains or tying your
vehicle with chains or wires for transportation by a
flat bed, be sure to turn off the electronically
modulated air suspension with the height control
switch and stop the engine. Otherwise, the automatic
leveling function may cause the vehicle’s height to
change, resulting in an unexpected accident.
 If your vehicle must be towed, put the vehicle height
in the “N” mode and turn off the electronically
modulated air suspension. Otherwise, the automatic
leveling function may cause the vehicle’s height to
change, resulting in an unexpected accident.

STARTING AND DRIVING
447
If your vehicle gets ditched, turn off the electronically
modulated air suspension with the height control
switch. Otherwise, the automatic leveling function
may cause the vehicle height to change, possibly
resulting in further damage to the vehicle.
 When disconnecting a trailer, put the vehicle height
in the “LO” mode and push the height control switch
to turn off the electronically modulated air
suspension. Otherwise, the vehicle height may be
changed in the automatic leveling function, resulting
in unexpected accident.(f) Height control failure warning
1Height control indicator lights
2Height control “OFF” indicator light
3Easy access mode indicator light
When the ignition switch is turned on, all the indicator lights
come on. Only the indicator light showing the present mode
remains on and all other lights go off after a few seconds. This
means the system is operating correctly.

STARTING AND DRIVING
448In the following cases, there is a problem somewhere in the
electronically
modulated air suspension, in which case the “N”
mode is automatically selected. Although there is no problem
to continue driving normally, have the electronically modulated
air suspension checked by your Lexus dealer as soon as
possible.
 The height control “OFF” indicator light does not come on
when the ignition switch is turned on.
 The height control “OFF” indicator light blinks.
(g) Operating noise of the electronically
modulated air suspension
You may hear an operating noise in the following cases. There
is no problem in the electronically modulated air suspension.
Selecting vehicle height with the height select switch
 Adjusting vehicle height according to the number of
occupants or the luggage load
 Changing vehicle height by selecting the easy access mode
when the engine is stopped
 Changing vehicle height by selecting the easy access mode
when the vehicle speed exceeds 12 km/h (8 mph)
 Changing the vehicle height by selecting the “HI” mode
when the vehicle speed exceeds 50 km/h (31 mph) or
driving at a speed of 30 km/h (19 mph) for 10 seconds or
more
 Lowering the vehicle’s height automatically when the
vehicle is moving at high speed
 Returning the vehicle height after high speed driving

DRIVING TIPS
469
When driving offroad or in rugged terrain, do not
drive at excessive speeds, jump, make sharp turns,
strike objects, etc. This may cause loss of control or
vehicle rollover causing death or serious injury. You
are also risking expensive damage to your vehicle’s
suspension and chassis.
 Do not drive horizontally across steep slopes.
Driving straight up or straight down is preferred.
Your vehicle (or any similar offroad vehicle) can tip
over sideways much more easily than forward or
backward.BREAKIN PERIOD
Drive gently and avoid high speeds.
You need not follow a break− in schedule with your new Lexus.
But following a few simple tips for the first 1600 km (1000 miles)
can add to the future economy and long life of your vehicle:
 Avoid full throttle acceleration when starting and driving.
 Avoid racing the engine.
 Try to avoid hard stops during the first 300 km (200 miles).
 Do not drive for a long time at any single speed, either fast
or slow.
 Do not tow a trailer during the first 800 km (500 miles).

DRIVING TIPS
471
CAUTION
Before driving off, make sure the parking brake is
fully released and that the parking brake reminder
light is off.
 Do not leave your vehicle unattended while the
engine is running.
 Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while driving.
It can cause dangerous overheating, needless wear,
and poor fuel economy.
 To drive down a long or steep hill, reduce your speed
and downshift. Remember, if you ride the brakes
excessively, they may overheat and not work
properly. See page 392 or 403.
 Be careful when accelerating, upshifting,
downshifting or braking on a slippery surface. The
abrupt change in engine speed, such as sudden
acceleration or engine braking, could cause the
vehicle to skid or spin.
Do not drive in excess of the speed limit. Even if the
legal speed limit permits it, do not drive over 140 km/h
(85 mph) unless your vehicle has highspeed
capability tires. Driving over 140 km/h (85 mph) may
result in tire failure, loss of control and possible
injury. Be sure to consult a tire dealer to determine
whether the tires on your vehicle are highspeed
capability tires or not before driving at such speeds.
 Do not continue normal driving when the brakes are
wet. If they are wet, your vehicle will require a longer
stopping distance, and it may pull to one side when
the brakes are applied. Also, the parking brake will
not hold the vehicle securely.
 Vehicles with electronically modulated air
suspension: If you drive through water, such as when
crossing swallow streams, first check the depth of
the water and the bottom of the river bed of firmness,
put the vehicle height in the “HI” (high) mode with the
height select switch and then turn off the
electronically modulated air suspension by pushing
the height control switch. Drive your vehicle at 30
km/h (19 mph) or lower speed.

DRIVING TIPS
473
After driving through tall grass, mud, rock, sand,
rivers, etc., check that there is no grass, bush, paper,
rags, stone, sand, etc. adhering or trapped on the
underbody. Clear off any such matter from the
underbody. If the vehicle is used with these materials
trapped or adhering to the underbody, a breakdown
or fire could occur.
 In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is
significantly more likely to die than a person wearing
a seat belt. Therefore, the driver and all passengers
should fasten their seat belts whenever the vehicle is
moving.
 When driving offroad or in rugged terrain, do not
drive at excessive speeds, jump, make sharp turns,
strike objects, etc. This may cause loss of control or
vehicle rollover causing death or serious injury. You
are also risking expensive damage to your vehicle’s
suspension and chassis.NOTICE
 If driving through water, such as when crossing
shallow streams, first check the depth of the water
and the bottom of the river bed for firmness. Drive
slowly and avoid deep water.
 Take all necessary safety measures to ensure that
water damage to the engine or other components
does not occur.
Water entering the engine air intake will cause severe
engine damage.
Water can wash the grease from wheel bearings,
causing rusting and premature failure, and may also
enter the differentials, transmission and transfer
case, reducing the gear oil’s lubricating qualities.
 Sand and mud that has accumulated in brake drums
and around brake discs may affect braking ef ficiency
and may damage brake system components.
 Always perform a maintenance inspection after each
day of offroad driving that has taken you through
rough terrain, sand, mud, or water. For scheduled
maintenance information, refer to the “Owner’s
Manual Supplement / Scheduled Maintenance”.

DRIVING TIPS
476
TRAILER TOWING
Your vehicle is designed primarily as a passenger−and−load
carrying vehicle. T owing a trailer will have an adverse ef fect on
handling, performance, braking, durability and driving
economy (fuel consumption, etc.). Y our safety and satisfaction
depend on the proper use of correct equipment and cautious
driving habits. For your safety and the safety of others, you
must not overload your vehicle or trailer. Lexus warranties do
not apply to damage or malfunction caused by towing a trailer
for commercial purposes. Ask your local Lexus dealer for
further details before towing.
CAUTION
Vehicles with electronically modulated air suspension:
When disconnecting a trailer, put the vehicle height in
the “LO” mode and push the height control switch to
turn off the electronically modulated air suspension.
Otherwise, the vehicle height may be changed in the
automatic leveling function, resulting in unexpected
accident. For details see “Electronically modulated air
suspension” on page 437.
NOTICE
When towing a trailer, be sure to consult your Lexus
dealer for further information on additional
requirements such as a towing kit, etc.

DRIVING TIPS
483
Trailer lights
 Socket for trailer lights
Your vehicle is equipped with a wire harness stored in the rear
end underbody. Models with tow hitch receiver are fitted with
a socket for trailer lights under the rear bumper. Use either of
them to connect and operate the trailer lights. However, the
trailer lights must comply with federal, state/provincial and
local regulations. See your local recreational vehicle dealer or
rental agency for the correct type of wiring and relays for your
trailer. Check for correct operation of the turn signals and stop
lights each time you hitch up. Direct splicing may damage your
vehicle’s electrical system and cause a malfunction of your
lights.
Breakin schedule
 Lexus recommends that you do not tow a trailer with a new
vehicle or a vehicle with any new power train component
(engine, transmission, differential, wheel bearing, etc.) for
the first 800 km (500 miles) of driving.
Maintenance
 If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will require more frequent
maintenance due to the additional load. For this
information, please refer to the scheduled maintenance
information in the “Owner’s Manual Supplement /
Scheduled Maintenance”.
 Retighten all fixing bolts of the towing ball and bracket after
approximately 1000 km (600 miles) of trailer driving.
Connecting a trailer (models with
electronically modulated air suspension)
Stop your vehicle and a trailer in line and perform the following:
1. Put the electronically modulated air suspension in the “LO”
mode. Turn the ignition switch off or push the height control
switch to turn off the electronically modulated air suspension.
2. Connect a trailer.
3. Turn the ignition switch on or push the height control switch
to turn on the electronically modulated air suspension. Select
the “N” (normal) mode with the height select switch.

DRIVING TIPS
484
Disconnecting a trailer (models with
electronically modulated air suspension)
Stop your vehicle and trailer so they are in line and perform the
following:
1. Place the electronically modulated air suspension in “LO”
mode. (Make sure the vehicle height is in “LO” mode by
pushing the height select switch on the “
” [lower] side.)
2. Push the height control switch to turn off the electronically
modulated air suspension. The height control “OFF” indicator
light will come on.
3. Turn the ignition switch off.
4. Set the supporting leg of the trailer on the ground and raise
the hitch by 100 mm (4 in.).
5. Turn the ignition switch on.
6. Push the height control switch to turn on the electronically
modulated air suspension. The height control “OFF” indicator
will go out.
7. Wait for about one minute until vehicle height is stabilized by
the automatic leveling function.
8. Make sure the hitch is disconnected. If not, raise the hitch
higher and repeat steps 2 through 7.
Pretowing safety check
 Check that your vehicle remains level when a loaded or
unloaded trailer is hitched. Do not drive if the vehicle has an
abnormal nose −up or nose− down condition, and check for
improper tongue load, overload, worn suspension or other
possible causes.
 Make sure the trailer cargo is securely loaded so that it
cannot shift.
 Check that your rear view mirrors conform to any federal,
state/provincial or local regulations. If they do not, install
required rear view mirrors appropriate for towing purposes.