maintenance LEXUS RX350 2021 Owners Manual

RX350L-RX350_U
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Pictorial indexSearch by illustration
For safety
and securityMake sure to read through them
(Main topics: Child seat, theft deterrent system)
Vehicle status
information and
indicatorsReading driving-related information
(Main topics: Meters, multi-information display)
Before drivingOpening and closing the doors and windows,
adjustment before driving
(Main topics: Keys, doors, seats)
DrivingOperations and advice which are necessary for driving
(Main topics: Starting engine, refueling)
Interior featuresUsage of the interior features
(Main topics: Air conditioner, storage features)
Maintenance
and careCaring for your vehicle and maintenance procedures
(Main topics: Interior and exterior, light bulbs)
When trouble
arisesWhat to do in case of malfunction and emergency
(Main topics: Battery discharge, flat tire)
Vehicle
specificationsVehicle specifications, customizable features
(Main topics: Fuel, oil, tire inflation pressure)
For ownersReporting safety defects for U.S. owners, and seat belt,
SRS airbag and headlight aim instructions for Canadian
owners
IndexSearch by symptom
Search alphabetically

4TABLE OF CONTENTS
6-1. Maintenance and careCleaning and protecting the vehi-cle exterior ................................... 344
Cleaning and protecting the vehi- cle interior .................................... 347
6-2. Maintenance Maintenance requirements ..... 350
General maintenance ................. 351
Emission inspection and mainte- nance (I/M) programs ............ 354
6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance Do-it-yourself service precautions........................................................... 355
Hood.................................................. 357
Positioning a floor jack............... 357
Engine compartment.................. 359
Tires ................................................... 365
Tire inflation pressure ................. 373
Wheels.............................................. 374
Air conditioning filter..................376
Windshield wiper inserts........... 378
Electronic key battery ................ 379
Checking and replacing fuses ............................................................ 381
Headlight aim................................. 382
Light bulbs ....................................... 384
7-1. Essential information Emergency flashers..................... 394
If your vehicle has to be stopped in an emergency ............................. 394If the vehicle is trapped in rising
water .............................................. 395
7-2. Steps to take in an emergency If your vehicle needs to be towed.......................................................... 397
If you think something is wrong ........................................................... 401
Fuel pump shut off system ........ 402
If a warning light turns on or a warn- ing buzzer sounds..................... 403
If a warning messa ge is displayed
............................................................ 412
If you have a flat tire ..................... 416
If the engine will not start .......... 428
If you lose your keys.................... 430
If the fuel filler door cannot be opened .......................................... 430
If the electronic key does not oper- ate properly ................................... 431
If the vehicle battery is discharged .......................................................... 433
If your vehicle overheats ........... 437
If the vehicle becomes stuck ... 439
8-1. Specifications Maintenance data (fuel, oil level, etc.) .................................................. 442
Fuel information............................ 450
Tire information ............................ 452
8-2. Customization Customizable features ............... 461
8-3. Initialization Items to initialize ........................... 474
6Maintenance and care
7When trouble arises
8Vehicle specifications

661-4. Theft deterrent system
1-4.Theft deterrent systemThe indicator light flashes after the
engine switch has been turned off to
indicate that the system is operating.
The indicator light stops flashing after
the engine switch has been turned to
ACCESSORY or IGNITION ON
mode to indicate that the system has
been canceled.
■System maintenance
The vehicle has a maintenance-free type
engine immobilizer system.
■Conditions that may cause the system to
malfunction
●If the grip portion of the key is in contact
with a metallic object
●If the key is in close proximity to or touch-
ing a key registered to the security sys-
tem (key with a built-in transponder chip)
of another vehicle
■Certification for the en gine immobilizer system
Except for vehicles sold in Canada
Engine immobilizer system
The vehicle’s keys have built-in tran-
sponder chips that prevent the
engine from starting if a key has not
been previously registered in the
vehicle’s on-board computer.
Never leave the keys inside the
vehicle when you leave the vehicle.
This system is designed to help pre-
vent vehicle theft but does not
guarantee absolute security
against all vehicle thefts.
Operating the system

681-4. Theft deterrent system
■Items to check before locking the
vehicle
To prevent unexpected triggering of
the alarm and vehicle theft, make sure
of the following:
 Nobody is in the vehicle.
 The windows, moon roof (if
equipped) and panoramic moon
roof (if equipped) are closed before
the alarm is set.
 No valuables or other personal
items are left in the vehicle.
■Setting
Close the doors and hood, and lock all
the doors. The system will be set auto-
matically after 30 seconds.
The indicator light changes from being on
to flashing when the system is set.
■Canceling or stopping
Do one of the following to deactivate
or stop the alarm:
 Unlock the doors.
 Turn the engine switch to ACCES-
SORY or IGNITION ON mode, or
start the engine. (The alarm will be
deactivated or stopped after a few
seconds.)
■System maintenance
The vehicle has a maintenance-free type
alarm system.
■Triggering of the alarm
The alarm may be triggered in the following
situations:
(Stopping the alarm deactivates the alarm
system.)
●For Canada: The doors are unlocked
using the mechanical key.
Alarm
The alarm uses light and sound to
give an alert when an intrusion is
detected.
The alarm is triggered in the follow-
ing situations when the alarm is set:
 Except for Canada: A locked
door is unlocked or opened in any
way other than using the entry
function, wireless remote control
or mechanical key. (The doors will
lock again automatically.)
 For Canada: A locked door is
unlocked or opened in any way
other than using the entry func-
tion or wireless remote control.
(The doors will lock again auto-
matically.)
 The hood is opened.
Setting/canceling/stopping the
alarm system

802-1. Instrument cluster
■Display items
 Odometer
Displays the total distance the vehicle has
been driven.
Trip meter A/trip meter B
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.
 Distance until next engine oil
change
Displays the distance the vehicle can be
driven until an oil change is necessary.
■Changing the display
Each time the “ODO TRIP” switch is
pressed, the displayed item will be
changed. When the trip meter is dis-
played, pressing and holding the switch
will reset the trip meter.
■Pop-up display
Distance until next engine oil change
Displays the distance until the next engine
oil change. This display will be displayed in
the following situations:
 When the engine switch is turned to
IGNITION ON mode. 
When a warning message indicating
that oil maintenance should be per-
formed soon or is required is dis-
played.
The brightness of the instrument panel
lights can be adjusted.
If the brightness is adjusted when the sur-
roundings are bright and the tail lights are
on (day mode bright ness adjustment), the
brightness level of night mode will be
adjusted at the same time.
1 Darker
2 Brighter
■Brightness of the meters (day mode and
night mode)
The brightness of the meters is changed
between day mode and night mode.
●Day mode: When the tail lights are off or
when the tail lights are on but the sur-
rounding area is bright
●Night mode: When the tail lights are on
and the surrounding area is dark
Odometer and trip meter dis-
play
Changing the instrument panel
light brightness

1644-1. Before driving
for a more safe trailer hookup, the trailer
ball setup must be the proper height for the
coupler on the trailer.Coupler
Trailer ball
■Before towing
Check that the following conditions are
met:
●Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are prop-
erly inflated. ( P.448)
●Trailer tires are inflated according to the
trailer manufacturer’s recommendation.
●All trailer lights work as required by law.
●All lights work each time you connect
them.
●The trailer ball is set at the proper height
for the coupler on the trailer.
●The trailer is level when it is hitched.
Do not drive if the trailer is not level, and
check for improper tongue weight, over-
loading, worn suspension, or other possi-
ble causes.
●The trailer cargo is securely loaded.
●The rear view mirrors conform to all
applicable federal, state/provincial or local regulations. If they do not, install
rear view mirrors appropriate for towing
purposes.
■Adaptive Variable Suspension System
(if equipped)
The suspension can be switched for
improvement in driveability. ( P.275)
■Break-in schedule
If your vehicle is new or equipped with any
new power train components (such as an
engine, transaxle, transfer [AWD models],
rear differential [AWD models] or wheel
bearing), Lexus recommends that you do
not tow a trailer until the vehicle has been
driven for over 500 miles (800 km).
After the vehicle has been driven for over
500 miles (800 km), you can start towing.
However, for the next 500 miles (800 km),
drive the vehicle at a speed of less than 50
mph (80 km/h) when towing a trailer, and
avoid full throttle acceleration.
■Maintenance
●If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will
require more frequent maintenance due
to the additional load. (See “Warranty
and Services Guide”, “Owner’s Manual
Supplement” or “Scheduled Mainte-
nance”.)
●Retighten the fixing bolts of the towing
ball and bracket after approximately 600
miles (1000 km) of trailer towing.
■If trailer sway occurs
One or more factors (crosswinds, passing
vehicles, rough roads, etc.) can adversely
affect handling of your vehicle and trailer,
causing instability.
●If trailer swaying occurs:
• Firmly grip the steering wheel. Steer straight ahead.
Do not try to control trailer swaying by
turning the steering wheel.
• Begin releasing th e accelerator pedal
immediately but very gradually to reduce
speed.
Do not increase speed. Do not apply
vehicle brakes.
If you make no extreme correction with the
steering or brakes, your vehicle and trailer
should stabilize. (if enabled, Trailer Sway
A
B

2834-6. Driving tips
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Driving
WARNING
●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 break-
down or fire could occur.
●When 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 vehicle rollover causing
death or serious injury. You are also
risking expensive damage to your
vehicle’s suspension and chassis.
NOTICE
■To prevent water damage
Take all necessary sa fety measures to
ensure that water da mage to the engine
or other components does not occur.
●Water entering the engine air intake
will cause severe engine damage.
●Water entering the automatic trans-
mission will cause deterioration in shift
quality, locking up of your transmission
accompanied by vibration, and ulti-
mately damage.
●Water can wash the grease from wheel
bearings, causing rusting and prema-
ture failure, and may also enter the dif-
ferential, transmission and transfer
(AWD models only) case, reducing
the gear oil’s lubricating qualities.
■When you drive through water
If driving through water, such as when
crossing shallow stre ams, first check the
depth of the water and the bottom of the
riverbed for firmness. Drive slowly and
avoid deep water.
■Inspection after off-road driving
●Sand and mud that has accumulated
around brake discs may affect braking
efficiency and may damage brake sys-
tem components.
●Always perform a maintenance
inspection after each day of off-road
driving that has taken you through
rough terrain, sand, mud, or water. For
scheduled maintena nce information,
refer to the “Warranty and Services
Guide/Owner’s Manual Supple-
ment/Scheduled Maintenance”.

343
6
6
Maintenance and care
Maintenance and care
.6-1. Maintenance and careCleaning and protecting the vehi-cle exterior ................................ 344
Cleaning and protecting the vehi- cle interior ................................. 347
6-2. Maintenance Maintenance requirements........................................................ 350
General maintenance .............. 351
Emission inspection and mainte- nance (I/M) programs ......... 354
6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance Do-it-yourself service precautions........................................................ 355
Hood............................................... 357
Positioning a floor jack............ 357
Engine compartment............... 359
Tires ................................................ 365
Tire inflation pressure .............. 373
Wheels........................................... 374
Air conditioning filter...............376
Windshield wiper inserts........ 378
Electronic key battery ............. 379
Checking and replacing fuses ......................................................... 381
Headlight aim.............................. 382
Light bulbs .................................... 384

3446-1. Maintenance and care
6-1.Maintenance and care
Working from top to bottom, liber-
ally apply water to the vehicle body,
wheel wells and underside of the
vehicle to remove any dirt and dust.
 Wash the vehicle body using a
sponge or soft cloth, such as a
chamois.
 For hard-to-remove marks, use car
wash soap and rinse thoroughly with
water.
 Wipe away any water.
 Wax the vehicle when the water-
proof coating deteriorates.
If water does not bead on a clean surface,
apply wax when the vehicle body is cool.
■Self-restoring coat
The vehicle body has a self-restoring coat-
ing that is resistant to small surface
scratches caused in a car wash etc.
●The coating lasts for 5 to 8 years from
when the vehicle is delivered from the
plant.
●The restoration time differs depending on
the depth of the scratch and outside tem-
perature.
The restoration time may become
shorter when the coating is warmed by
applying warm water.
●Deep scratches caused by keys, coins,
etc. cannot be restored.
●Do not use wax that contains abrasives.
■Automatic car washes
●Before washing the vehicle:
• Fold the mirrors
• Turn off the power back door
Start washing from the front of the vehicle.
Extend the mirrors before driving.
●Brushes used in automatic car washes
may scratch the vehicle surface, parts
(wheel, etc.) and harm your vehicle’s
paint.
●Rear spoiler may not be washable in
some automatic car washes. There may
also be an increased risk of damage to
vehicle.
■High pressure car washes
As water may enter the cabin, do not bring
the nozzle tip near the gaps around the
doors or perimeter of the windows, or spray
these areas continuously.
■When using a car wash
If the door handle becomes wet while the
electronic key is within the effective range,
the door may lock and unlock repeatedly. In
that case, follow the following correction
procedures to wash the vehicle:
●Place the key in a position 6 ft. (2 m) or
more separate from the vehicle while the
vehicle is being wash ed. (Take care to
ensure that the key is not stolen.)
●Set the electronic key to battery-saving
mode to disable the smart access system
with push-button start. ( P.116)
■Wheels and wheel ornaments
●Remove any dirt immediately by using a
neutral detergent.
●Wash detergent off with water immedi-
ately after use.
●To protect the paint from damage, make
sure to observe the following precau-
tions.
• Do not use acidic, alkaline or abrasive
detergent
• Do not use hard brushes
• Do not use detergent on the wheels when they are hot, such as after driving or park-
ing in hot weather
Cleaning and protecting the
vehicle exterior
Perform cleaning in a manner
appropriate to each component
and its material.
Cleaning instructions

3456-1. Maintenance and care
6
Maintenance and care
■Bumpers
Do not scrub with abrasive cleaners.
■Front side windows water-repellent
coating
●The following precautions can extend the
effectiveness of the water-repellent coat-
ing.
• Remove any dirt, etc. from the front side
windows regularly.
• Do not allow dirt and dust to accumulate on the windows for a long period.
Clean the windows with a soft, damp
cloth as soon as possible.
• Do not use wax or glass cleaners that
contain abrasives when cleaning the win-
dows.
• Do not use any metallic objects to
remove condensation build up.
●When the water-repellent performance
has become insufficie nt, the coating can
be repaired. Contact your Lexus dealer.
■Plated portions
If dirt cannot be removed, clean the parts as
follows:
●Use a soft cloth dampened with an
approximately 5% solution of neutral
detergent and water to clean the dirt off.
●Wipe the surface with a dry, soft cloth to
remove any remaining moisture.
●To remove oily deposits, use alcohol wet
wipes or a similar product.
WARNING
■When washing the vehicle
Do not apply water to the inside of the
engine compartment. Doing so may
cause the electrical components, etc. to
catch fire.
■When cleaning the windshield (vehi-
cles with rain-sensing windshield wip-
ers)
Set the wiper switch to off.
If the switch is in “AUTO”, the wipers may
operate unexpectedly in the following sit-
uations, and may result in hands being
caught or other serious injuries and
cause damage to the wiper blades.
Off
AUTO
●When the upper part of the windshield
where the raindrop sensor is located is
touched by hand
●When a wet rag or similar is held close
to the raindrop sensor
●If something bumps against the wind-
shield
●If you directly touch the raindrop sen-
sor body or if something bumps into
the raindrop sensor
■Precautions regarding the exhaust
pipes and rear bumper diffusers
Exhaust gasses cause the exhaust pipes
and rear bumper diffusers to become
quite hot.
When washing the vehicle, be careful not
to touch the pipes and diffusers until they
have cooled sufficiently, as touching hot
exhaust pipes and rear bumper diffusers
can cause burns.
■Precaution regarding the rear
bumper
If the paint of the re ar bumper is chipped
or scratched, the following systems may
not function correctly. If this occurs, con-
sult your Lexus dealer.
A
B