coolant temperature LEXUS RX350 2011 Owners Manual

166
2-2. Instrument cluster
Gauges and meters
Tachometer
Displays the engine speed in revolutions per minute
Multi-information display
→P. 1 7 3
Speedometer
Displays the vehicle speed
Fuel gauge
Displays the quantity of fuel remaining in the tank
Odometer and trip meter
Odometer: Displays the total distance the vehicle has been driven
Trip meter: Displays the distance the vehicle has been driven since the
meter was last reset. Trip meters “A” and “B” can be used to
record and display different distances independently.
Automatic transmission shift position indicator
→P. 1 5 9
Engine coolant temperature gauge
Displays the engine coolant temperature

167
2-2. Instrument cluster
2

When driving
Changing the display
Switches between odometer and
trip meter displays. When the trip
meter is displayed, pressing and
holding the button will reset the
trip meter.
Instrument panel light control buttons
The brightness of the instrument panel lights can be adjusted.
Darker
Brighter
nThe meters and display illuminate when
The “ENGINE START STOP” switch is in IGNITION ON mode.
NOTICE
nTo prevent damage to the engine and its components
lDo not let the indicator needle of the tachometer enter the red zone, which indi-
cates the maximum engine speed.
lThe engine may be overheating if the engine coolant temperature gauge is in the
red zone (H). In this case, immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place, and check
the engine after it has cooled completely. (→P. 5 8 7 )

265
2-5. Driving information
2

When driving
lCrosswinds and rough roads will adversely affect handling of your
vehicle and trailer, causing sway. Periodically check the rear to prepare
for being passed by large trucks or buses, which may cause your vehi-
cle and trailer to sway. If swaying occurs, firmly grip the steering wheel,
reduce speed immediately but gradually, and steer straight ahead.
Never increase speed. If you make no extreme correction with the
steering or brakes, your vehicle and trailer will stabilize.
lTake care when passing other vehicles. Passing requires considerable
distance. After passing a vehicle, do not forget the length of your
trailer, and be sure you have plenty of room before changing lanes.
lIn order to maintain engine braking efficiency when driving on a long
steep downgrade, do not use overdrive. Transmission shift range posi-
tion must be in 4 in S mode.
lDue to the added load of the trailer, your vehicle's engine may over-
heat on hot days (at temperatures over 85°F [30°C]) when driving up
a long or steep grade. If the engine coolant temperature gauge indi-
cates overheating, immediately turn off the air conditioning (if in use),
pull your vehicle off the road and stop in a safe spot. (→P. 587)
lAlways place wheel blocks under both the vehicle and the trailer
wheels when parking. Apply the parking brake firmly, and put the
transmission in P. Avoid parking on a slope, but if unavoidable, do so
only after performing the following:
Apply the brakes and keep them applied.
Have someone place wheel blocks under both the vehicle and
trailer wheels.
When the wheel blocks are in place, release the brakes slowly
until the blocks absorb the load.
Apply the parking brake firmly.
Shift into P and turn off the engine.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
STEP5

459
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4

Maintenance and care
CAUTION
The engine compartment contains many mechanisms and fluids that may move sud-
denly, become hot, or become electrically energized. To avoid death or serious injury,
observe the following precautions:
nWhen working on the engine compartment
lKeep hands, clothing and tools away from the moving fan and engine drive belt.
lBe careful not to touch the engine, radiator, exhaust manifold, etc. right after driv-
ing as they may be hot. Oil and other fluids may also be hot.
lDo not leave anything that may burn easily, such as paper or rags, in the engine
compartment.
lDo not smoke, cause sparks or expose an open flame to fuel or the battery. Fuel
and battery fumes are flammable.
lBe extremely cautious when working on the battery. It contains poisonous and
corrosive sulfuric acid.
nWhen working near the electric cooling fan or radiator grille
Be sure the “ENGINE START STOP” switch is off.
With the “ENGINE START STOP” switch in IGNITION ON mode, the electric
cooling fan may automatically start to run if the air conditioning is on and/or the
coolant temperature is high. (→P. 4 7 2 )
nSafety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc. from getting
in the eyes.
NOTICE
nIf you remove the air cleaner filter
Driving with the air cleaner filter removed may cause excessive engine wear due to
dirt in the air. Also a backfire could cause a fire in the engine compartment.

470
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Engine coolant
The coolant level is satisfactory if it is between the “FULL” and “LOW”
lines on the reservoir when the engine is cold.
Reservoir cap
“FULL” line
“LOW” line
If the level is on or below the
“LOW” line, add coolant up to the
“FULL” line. (→P. 5 8 7 )
nCoolant selection
Only use “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or a similar high quality ethylene glycol
based non-silicate, non-amine, non-nitrite, and non-borate coolant with long-life
hybrid organic acid technology.
U.S.A.: “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 50% coolant and 50%
deionized water. (Minimum temperature: -31°F [-35°C])
Canada: “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 55% coolant and 45%
deionized water. (Minimum temperature: -44°F [-42°C])
For more details about coolant, contact your Lexus dealer.

5

When trouble arises
531
5-1. Essential information
If you think something is wrong
If you notice any of the following symptoms, your vehicle probably needs
adjustment or repair. Contact your Lexus dealer as soon as possible.
nVisible symptoms
lFluid leaks under the vehicle.
(Water dripping from the air conditioning after use is normal.)
lFlat-looking tires or uneven tire wear
lEngine coolant temperature gauge needle continually points
higher than normal.
nAudible symptoms
lChanges in exhaust sound
lExcessive tire squeal when cornering
lStrange noises related to the suspension system
lPinging or other noises related to the engine
nOperational symptoms
lEngine missing, stumbling or running rough
lAppreciable loss of power
lVehicle pulls heavily to one side when braking
lVehicle pulls heavily to one side when driving on a level road
lLoss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling, pedal almost touches
the floor

5

When trouble arises
587
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If your vehicle overheats
If your engine overheats:
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and turn off the air conditioning
system.
Check to see if steam is coming out from under the hood.
If you see steam:
Stop the engine. Carefully lift the hood after the steam sub-
sides and then restart the engine.
If you do not see steam:
Leave the engine running and carefully lift the hood.
Remove the engine compartment cover. (→P. 464)
Check to see if the cooling fan is operating.
If the fan is operating:
Wait until the temperature of the engine (shown on the instru-
ment panel) begins to fall and then stop the engine.
If the fan is not operating:
Stop the engine immediately and call your Lexus dealer.
After the engine has cooled
down sufficiently, check the
engine coolant level and inspect
the radiator core (radiator) for
any leaks.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
STEP5

588
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
nOverheating
If you observe the following, your vehicle may be overheating:
lThe engine coolant temperature gauge enters the red zone or a loss of power is
experienced.
lSteam comes out from under the hood.
CAUTION
nTo prevent an accident or injury when inspecting under the hood of your vehicle
lIf steam is seen coming from under the hood, do not open the hood until the
steam has subsided. The engine compartment may be very hot, causing serious
injuries such as burns.
lKeep hands and clothing away from the fans and drive belt while the engine is
running.
lDo not loosen the radiator cap while the engine and radiator are hot.
Serious injury, such as burns, may result from hot coolant and steam released
under pressure.
Add engine coolant if neces-
sary.
Water can be used in an emer-
gency if engine coolant is
unavailable. (→P. 599)
Have the vehicle inspected at the nearest Lexus dealer as soon as pos-
sible.
STEP6

615
6-1. Specifications
6

Vehicle specifications
Warning: The temperature grades for this tire are established for a tire that
is properly inflated and not overloaded.
Excessive speed, underinflation, or excessive loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.
Glossary of tire terminology
Tire related termMeaning
Cold tire inflation pres-
sure
Tire pressure when the vehicle has been parked for
three hours or more, or has not been driven more
than 1 mile or 1.5 km under that condition
Maximum inflation pres-
sure
The maximum cold inflated pressure to which a tire
may be inflated, shown on the sidewall of the tire
Recommended inflation
pressure
Cold tire inflation pressure recommended by a man-
ufacturer
Accessory weight
The combined weight (in excess of those standard
items which may be replaced) of automatic transmis-
sion, power steering, power brakes, power windows,
power seats, radio and heater, to the extent that these
items are available as factory-installed equipment
(whether installed or not)
Curb weight
The weight of a motor vehicle with standard equip-
ment, including the maximum capacity of fuel, oil and
coolant, and if so equipped, air conditioning and
additional weight optional engine
Maximum loaded vehicle
weight
The sum of:
(a) Curb weight
(b) Accessory weight
(c) Vehicle capacity weight
(d) Production options weight
Normal occupant weight150 lb. (68 kg) times the number of occupants speci-
fied in the second column of Table 1* that follows

655
Alphabetical index
Electric power steering ....................... 231
Electronic features control ................ 173
Electronic key
If the electronic key does not
operate properly ............................. 581
Emergency flasher switch .................524
Emergency, in case of
If the electronic key does not
operate properly ............................. 581
If the engine will not start ................577
If the shift lever cannot be
shifted from P ................................... 579
If the vehicle has a
discharged battery ........................ 584
If a warning buzzer sounds .......... 535
If a warning light turns on .............. 535
If a warning message is
displayed ............................................ 545
If you have a flat tire ........................ 564
If you lose your keys ....................... 580
If you think something is
wrong..................................................... 531
If your vehicle becomes stuck ....590
If your vehicle has to be stopped
in an emergency...............................591
If your vehicle needs to be
towed ................................................... 525
If your vehicle overheats................ 587
Engine
Accessory mode................................. 153
Compartment......................................463
Engine switch ........................................ 153
Hood ....................................................... 460
How to start the engine ................... 153
Identification number ...................... 595
If the engine will not start................ 577
Ignition switch ....................................... 153
Overheating ........................................ 587
Engine compartment cover ............. 464
Engine coolant
Capacity ................................................ 599
Checking ...............................................470
Preparing and checking
before winter ....................................254
Engine coolant temperature
gauge....................................................... 166
Engine immobilizer system..................101
Engine oil
Capacity .................................................597
Checking .............................................. 466
Preparing and checking
before winter ....................................254
Engine oil maintenance data............468
EPS .............................................................. 231
Event data recorder ............................533
E