engine LEXUS RX350 2011 Repair Manual

202
2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers
Rear window wiper and washer
nThe rear window wiper and washer can be operated when
The “ENGINE START STOP” switch is in IGNITION ON mode.
NOTICE
nWhen the rear window is dry
Do not use the wipers, as they may damage the rear window.
nWhen the washer fluid tank is empty
Damage to the washer fluid pump may be caused if the lever is operated continu-
ally.
nWhen a nozzle becomes blocked
Do not try to clear it with a pin or other object. The nozzle will be damaged.
The wiper operation is selected by moving the lever as follows:
Off
Intermittent window
wiper operation
Normal window wiper
operation
Washer/wiper dual
operation
Washer/wiper dual
operation

203
2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers
2

When driving
Headlight cleaner switch∗
nThe headlight cleaner can be operated when
The “ENGINE START STOP” switch is in IGNITION ON mode and the headlight
switch is turned on.
nWindshield washer linked operation
When the windshield washer is operated with the “ENGINE START STOP” switch
in IGNITION ON mode and the headlights on, the headlight cleaner will operate
once. (→P. 1 9 7 )
NOTICE
nWhen the washer fluid tank is empty
Do not press the switch continually as the washer fluid pump may overheat.
Washer fluid can be sprayed on the headlights.
Press the switch to clean the
headlights.
∗: If equipped

209
2-4. Using other driving systems
2

When driving
Selecting conventional con-
stant speed control mode:
Press the “ON-OFF” button
to activate the cruise control.
Press the button again to deacti-
vate the cruise control.
Switch to constant speed
control mode.
(Push and hold for approxi-
mately one second.)
Constant speed control mode
indicator will come on.
Vehicle-to-vehicle distance con-
trol mode is always reset when
the “ENGINE START STOP”
switch is turned to IGNITION
ON mode.
nDriving in the selected cruise control mode
Accelerate or decelerate to the
desired speed, and push the
lever down to set the speed.
“SET” will be displayed.

211
2-4. Using other driving systems
2

When driving
nChanging the vehicle-to-vehicle distance
Pressing the button changes the
vehicle-to-vehicle distance as
follows:
Long
Medium
Short
The vehicle-to-vehicle distance
is set automatically to long
mode when the “ENGINE
START STOP” switch is turned
to IGNITION ON mode.
If a vehicle is running ahead of
you, the preceding vehicle mark
will be also displayed.
Preceding vehicle mark

228
2-4. Using other driving systems
nThe rear view monitor system can be operated when
The “ENGINE START STOP” switch is in IGNITION ON mode and the back door
is fully closed.
nSwitching the screen on/off
nDisplayed area
When the screen is displayed, press the
“AUTO” button on the inside rear view mirror
to switch the screen on/off
Screen on: Green indicator comes on.
Screen off: Orange indicator comes on.
The auto anti-glare inside rear view mirror
will revert to the screen on each time the
“ENGINE START STOP” switch to the
IGNITION ON mode.
The area covered by the camera is limited.
Objects that are close to either corner of
the bumper or under the bumper cannot
be seen on the screen.
The area displayed on the screen may vary
according to vehicle orientation or road
conditions.
Corners of bumper

232
2-4. Using other driving systems
When the VSC/TRAC systems are operating
If the vehicle is in danger of slip-
ping or rolling backward when
starting on an incline, or if any of
the drive wheels spins, the slip indi-
cator light flashes to indicate that
the VSC/TRAC systems are oper-
ating.
A buzzer (intermittent) sounds to
indicate that VSC is operating.
nEnhanced VSC (Enhanced vehicle stability control)
Provides cooperative control of the ABS, TRAC, VSC and EPS.
Helps to maintain directional stability when swerving on slippery road sur-
faces by controlling steering performance.
nVDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management) (if equipped)
Provides integrated control of the ABS, brake assist, TRAC, VSC,
enhanced VSC, and hill-start assist control systems.
Helps to maintain vehicle stability when swerving on slippery road sur-
faces by controlling the brakes and engine output.
nPCS (Pre-Collision System) (if equipped)
→P. 2 4 0

233
2-4. Using other driving systems
2

When driving
Disabling the TRAC/VSC systems
If the vehicle gets stuck in fresh snow or mud, the TRAC/VSC systems
may reduce power from the engine to the wheels. You may need to turn
the system off to enable you to rock the vehicle in order to free it.
nTurning off the TRAC system only
To turn the TRAC system off,
quickly press and release the
switch.
A message will be shown on the
multi-information display.
Press the switch again to turn the
system back on.
nTurning off both TRAC and VSC systems
To turn the TRAC and VSC sys-
tems off, press and hold the switch
for more than 3 seconds while the
vehicle is stopped.
A message will be shown on the
multi-information display and VSC
off indicator light will come on.
Press the switch again to turn the
systems back on.

234
2-4. Using other driving systems
nSounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, VSC and TRAC systems
lA sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the engine is
started or just after the vehicle begins to move. This sound does not indicate that
a malfunction has occurred in any of these systems.
lAny of the following conditions may occur when the above systems are operat-
ing. None of these indicates that a malfunction has occurred.

237
2-4. Using other driving systems
2

When driving
All-wheel drive lock switch (AWD models)
nAll-wheel drive lock mode
lAll-wheel drive lock mode is canceled when the brakes are applied to ensure
the ABS and VSC systems operate effectively.
lAll-wheel drive lock mode is canceled when the vehicle speed exceeds 25 mph
(40 km/h).
All-wheel drive lock mode can be used when a large amount of drive power
needs to be applied to all the wheels, such as when the vehicle gets stuck in
mud and you need to free it.
Press the switch.
The torque of the engine is dis-
tributed to the rear wheels to
the maximum extent possible in
accordance with driving condi-
tions.
Pressing the switch again can-
cels all-wheel drive lock mode
and returns the active torque
control 4WD system to normal
mode. (→P. 2 3 1 )

247
2-5. Driving information
2

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.