LEXUS RX350 2011 Owners Manual

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2-4. Using other driving systems
2

When driving
nHill-start assist control buzzer
lWhen hill-start assist control is activated, the buzzer will sound once.
lIn the following situations, hill-start assist control will be canceled and the
buzzer will sound twice.

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2-4. Using other driving systems
Pre-Collision System
∗
Radar sensor
The radar sensor detects vehicles
or other obstacles on or near the
road ahead and determines
whether a collision is imminent
based on the position, speed, and
heading of the obstacles.
∗: If equipped
When the radar sensor detects the possibility of a frontal collision, pre-col-
lision system such as the brake assist and seat belts are automatically
engaged to lessen impact and injuries to occupants as well as vehicle dam-
age.
nPre-collision seat belts (front seat belt only)
If the pre-collision sensor detects that a collision is unavoidable, the pre-
collision system will retract the seat belt before the collision occurs.
The same will happen if the driver makes an emergency braking or loses
control of the vehicle. (→P. 7 8 )
However, the system will not operate in the event of skidding when the
VSC system is disabled.
nPre-collision brake assist
When there is a high possibility of a frontal collision, the system applies
greater braking force in relation to how strongly the brake pedal is
depressed.

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When driving
nThe pre-collision system is operational when
lPre-collision seat belt (type A)

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2-4. Using other driving systems
When the system is activated in the situations described above, there is also a possi-
bility that the seat belts will retract quickly and the brakes will be applied with a force
greater than normal. When the seat belt is locked in the retracted position, stop the
vehicle in a safe place, release the seat belt and refasten it.
nObstacles not detected
The sensor cannot detect plastic obstacles such as traffic cones. There may also be
occasions when the sensor cannot detect pedestrians, animals, bicycles, motorcy-
cles, trees, or snowdrifts.
nWhen there is a malfunction in the system
Warning lights and/or warning messages will turn on or flash. (→P. 535, 545)
nCertification
For vehicles sold in U.S.A.
FCC ID: HYQDNMWR005
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the fol-
lowing two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2)
this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
FCC WARNING
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
Radiofrequency radiation exposure Information:
This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncon-
trolled environment.
This equipment should be installed and operated with minimum distance of 20 cm
between the radiator (antenna) and your body.
This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other
antenna or transmitter.
For vehicles sold in Canada
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause
interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, including interfer-
ence that may cause undesired operation of the device.

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2-4. Using other driving systems
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When driving
CAUTION
nLimitations of the pre-collision system
Do not rely on the pre-collision system. Always drive safely, taking care to observe
your surroundings and checking for any obstacles or other road hazards.
Failure to do so may cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
nWhen the sensor may not be correctly detecting the vehicle ahead
Apply the brakes as necessary in any of the following situations.
lWhen water or snow thrown up by the surrounding vehicles hinders the function-
ing of the sensor
lWhen your vehicle is pointing upwards (caused by a heavy load in the luggage
compartment etc.)
lVehicles that cut in suddenly
lVehicles with small rear ends (trailers with no load on board etc.)
lMotorcycles traveling in the same lane
nHandling the radar sensor
Observe the following to ensure the pre-collision system can function effectively:
lKeep the sensor and front grille clean at all times.
Clean the sensor and front grille with a soft cloth so you do not mark or damage
them.
lDo not subject the sensor or surrounding area to a strong impact.
If the sensor moves even slightly off position, the system may malfunction. If the
sensor or surrounding area is subject to a strong impact, always have the area
inspected and adjusted by your Lexus dealer.
lDo not disassemble the sensor.
lDo not attach accessories or stickers to the sensor, grille or surrounding area.
lDo not modify or paint the sensor and grille cover.

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2-5. Driving information
Utility vehicle precautions
Off-road vehicle feature
lSpecific design characteristics give it a higher center of gravity than
ordinary passenger cars. This vehicle design feature causes this type of
vehicle to be more likely to rollover. And, utility vehicles have a signifi-
cantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles.
lAn advantage of the higher ground clearance is a better view of the
road allowing you to anticipate problems.
lIt is not designed for cornering at the same speeds as ordinary passen-
ger cars any more than low-slung sports cars designed to perform sat-
isfactorily under off-road conditions. Therefore, sharp turns at
excessive speeds may cause rollover.
This vehicle belongs to the utility vehicle class, which has higher
ground clearance and narrower tread in relation to the height of its
center of gravity to make it capable of performing in a wide variety of
off-road applications.

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2-5. Driving information
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When driving
CAUTION
nOff-road vehicle precautions
Always observe the following precautions to minimize the risk of death or serious
injury or damage to your vehicle:
lIn 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.
lAvoid sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers, if at all possible.
Failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result in loss of control or vehicle roll-
over causing death or serious injury.
lLoading cargo on the roof luggage carrier will make the center of the vehicle
gravity higher. Avoid high speeds, sudden starts, sharp turns, sudden braking or
abrupt maneuvers, otherwise it may result in loss of control or vehicle rollover
due to failure to operate this vehicle correctly.
lAlways slow down in gusty crosswinds. Because of its profile and higher center of
gravity, your vehicle is more sensitive to side winds than an ordinary passenger
car. Slowing down will allow you to have better control.
lDo not drive horizontally across steep slopes. Driving straight up or straight down
is preferred. Your vehicle (or any similar off-road vehicle) can tip over sideways
much more easily than forward or backward.

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2-5. Driving information
Off-road driving
When driving your vehicle off-road, please observe the following precau-
tions to ensure your driving enjoyment and to help prevent the closure of
areas to off-road vehicles.
lDrive your vehicle only in areas where off-road vehicles are permitted
to travel.
lRespect private property. Get owner’s permission before entering pri-
vate property.
lDo not enter areas that are closed. Honor gates, barriers and signs
that restrict travel.
lStay on established roads. When conditions are wet, driving tech-
niques should be changed or travel delayed to prevent damage to
roads.
nAdditional information for off-road driving
For owners in U.S. mainland, Hawaii and Puerto Rico:
To obtain additional information pertaining to driving your vehicle off-road, consult
the following organizations.
lState and Local Parks and Recreation Departments
lState Motor Vehicle Bureau
lRecreational Vehicle Clubs
lU.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management

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2-5. Driving information
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When driving
CAUTION
nOff-road driving precautions
Always observe the following precautions to minimize the risk of death or serious
injury or damage to your vehicle:
lDrive carefully when off the road. Do not take unnecessary risks by driving in
dangerous places.
lDo not grip the steering wheel spokes when driving off-road. A bad bump could
jerk the wheel and injure your hands. Keep both hands and especially your
thumbs on the outside of the rim.
lAlways check your brakes for effectiveness immediately after driving in sand,
mud, water or snow.
lAfter driving through tall grass, mud, rock, sand, water, etc., check that there is no
grass, bush, paper, rags, stone, sand, etc. adhering or trapped to 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.
lWhen driving off-road or in rugged terrain, do not drive at excessive speeds,
jump, make sharp turns, strike objects, etc. This may cause loss of control or vehi-
cle rollover causing death or serious injury. You are also risking expensive dam-
age to your vehicle’s suspension and chassis.
NOTICE
nTo prevent water damage
Take all necessary safety measures to ensure that water damage to the engine or
other components does not occur.
lWater entering the engine air intake will cause severe engine damage.
lWater entering the automatic transmission will cause deterioration in shift quality,
locking up of your transmission accompanied by vibration, and ultimately dam-
age.
lWater can wash the grease from wheel bearings, causing rusting and premature
failure, and may also enter the differentials, transmission and transfer case, reduc-
ing the gear oil’s lubricating qualities.

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2-5. Driving information
NOTICE
nWhen you drive through water
If driving through water, such as when crossing shallow streams, first check the
depth of the water and the bottom of the stream for firmness. Drive slowly and avoid
deep water.
nInspection after off-road driving
lSand and mud that has accumulated around brake discs may affect braking effi-
ciency and may damage brake system components.
lAlways perform a maintenance inspection after each day of off-road driving that
has taken you through rough terrain, sand, mud, or water. For scheduled mainte-
nance information, refer to the “Warranty and Services Guide/Owner’s Manual
Supplement/Scheduled Maintenance”.