brake light LEXUS RX400H 2008 User Guide

170
2-4. Using other driving systems
RX400h_U
When the VSC/traction control are operatingIf the vehicle is in danger of slip-
ping, or if the front wheels (2WD
models) or all wheels (AWD mod-
els) spin, the slip indicator light
flashes to indicate that the VSC/
traction control have been
engaged.
A buzzer (intermittent) sounds to
indicate that VSC is operating.
■Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, VSC and traction control
●A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the hybrid system 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.
●Any of the following conditions may occur when the above systems are operat-
ing. None of these indicates that a malfunction has occurred.
• Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.
• A motor sound may be heard after the vehicle comes to a stop.
• The brake pedal may pulsate slightly after the ABS is activated.
• The brake pedal may move down slightly after the ABS is activated.
■Reduced effectiveness of EPS
The effectiveness of EPS is reduced to prevent the system from overheating when
there is frequent steering input over an extended period of time. The steering wheel
may feel heavy as a result. Should this occur, refrain from excessive steering input or
stop the vehicle and turn the hybrid system OFF. The system should return to nor-
mal within 10 minutes.

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2-5. Driving information
RX400h_U
CAUTION
■Hitches
●If you wish to install a trailer hitch, contact your Lexus dealer.
●Use only a hitch that conforms to the total trailer weight requirement.
●Follow the directions supplied by the hitch manufacturer.
●Lubricate the hitch ball with a light coat of grease.
●Remove the trailer hitch whenever you are not towing a trailer. After removing
the hitch, seal any mounting hole in the vehicle body to prevent entry of any sub-
stances into the vehicle.
■When towing a trailer
●If the total trailer weight exceeds 1000 lb. (450 kg), trailer brakes are required.
●Never tap into your vehicle's hydraulic system, as this will lower the vehicle's
braking effectiveness.
●Never tow a trailer without using a safety chain securely attached to both the
trailer and the vehicle. If damage occurs to the coupling unit or hitch ball, there is
danger of the trailer wandering into another lane.
NOTICE
■When installing a trailer hitch
●Use only the position recommended by your Lexus dealer. Do not install the
trailer hitch on the bumper; this may cause body damage.
●Do not use axle-mounted hitches, as they can cause damage to the axle housing,
wheel bearings, wheels or tires.
■Brakes
Lexus recommends trailers with brakes that conform to all applicable federal and
state/provincial regulations.

307
4-2. Maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
RX400h_U
Vehicle interior
ItemsCheck points
Accelerator pedal• Moves smoothly (without uneven pedal effort or catching)?
Transmission “Park” mechanism
• Can the vehicle be hold securely on an incline with the shift lever in
P?
Brake pedal
• Moves smoothly?
• Does it have appropriate clearance and correct amount of free play?
Brakes
• Not pull to one side when applied?
• Loss of brake effectiveness?
• Spongy feeling brake pedal?
• Pedal almost touches floor?
Head restraints• Move smoothly and lock securely?
Indicators/buzzers•Function properly?
Lights
• Do all the lights come on?
• Headlights aimed correctly? (→ P. 364)
Pa r k i n g b r a ke
• Moves smoothly?
• Can hold the vehicle securely on
an incline?
Seat belts
• Does the seat belt system operate smoothly?
• Are the belts undamaged?
Seats• Do the seat controls operate prop- erly?

325
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
RX400h_U
Radiator and condenserCheck the radiator and condenser and clear any foreign objects.
If either of the above parts are extremely dirty or you are not sure of their
condition, have your vehicle checked by your Lexus dealer.
Brake fluid■ Checking fluid level
The brake fluid level should be between the MAX and MIN lines on
the tank.
MAX
MIN
If the level is low, take your vehicle
to a Lexus dealer as soon as possi-
ble. Do not drive your vehicle if the
red brake system warning light is
on. Call a Lexus dealer for assis-
tance.
Make sure to check the fluid type.
CAUTION
■When the engine is hot
Do not touch the radiator or condenser, as they may be hot and you may be burned.

326
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
RX400h_U
■Brake fluid can absorb moisture from the air
Excess moisture in the fluid can cause a dangerous loss of braking efficiency. Use
only newly opened brake fluid.
CAUTION
■When filling the reservoir
Take care because brake fluid can harm your hands or eyes and damage painted
surfaces.
If fluid gets in your eyes, flush your eyes with clean water immediately.
If you still experience discomfort, see a doctor.
NOTICE
■If the fluid level is low or high
It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as the brake pads wear or
when the fluid level in the accumulator is high.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, it may indicate a serious problem.

388
RX400h_U
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If a warning light turns on or a warning buzzer sounds...
Stop the vehicle immediately. Continuing to drive the vehicle may be dangerous.
The following warning indicates a possible problem in the brake system.
Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact your Lexus
dealer.
*: Parking brake engaged warning buzzer:
→P. 4 0 2
Warning lightWarning light/Details
(U.S.A.)

(Canada)
Brake system warning light (warning buzzer)*
•Low brake fluid
• Malfunction in the electronically controlled brake system
This light also comes on when the parking brake is not
released. If the light turns off after the parking brake is fully
released the system is operating normally.
(U.S.A.)

(Canada)Brake system warning lightIndicates a malfunction in the vehicle’s brake system.
Calmly perform the following actions if any of the warning lights turn on or
flash. If a light turns on or flashes, but then turns off, this does not necessar-
ily indicate a malfunction in the system.

390
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
RX400h_U
Warning lightWarning light/Details
(U.S.A.)

(Canada)
ABS warning lightIndicates a malfunction in:
•The ABS;
• The brake assist system.
Brake system warning lightIndicates a malfunction in:
• Electronically controlled brake system; or
• Regenerative brake system.
Electric power steering warning lightMalfunction in the EPS.

5
When trouble arises
395
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
RX400h_U
CAUTION
■If the tire pressure warning light comes on
Be sure to observe the following precautions. Failure to do so could cause loss of
vehicle control and result in death or serious injury.
●Stop your vehicle in a safe place as soon as possible. Adjust the tire inflation pres-
sure immediately.
●If the tire pressure warning light comes on even after tire inflation pressure adjust-
ment, it is probable that you have a flat tire. Check the tires. If the tire is flat,
change to the spare tire and have the flat tire repaired by the nearest Lexus
dealer.
●Avoid abrupt maneuvering and braking. If the vehicle tires deteriorate, you could
lose control of the steering wheel or the brakes.
■If a blowout or sudden air leakage should occur
The tire pressure warning system may not activate immediately.

470
RX400h_U
Abbreviation list
Abbreviation/Acronym list
ABBREVIATIONSMEANING
A/CAir Conditioning
ABSAnti-Lock Brake System
ACCAccessory
AFSAdaptive Front-lighting System
ALRAutomatic Locking Retractor
AW DAll-Wheel Drive
CRSChild Restraint System
DISPDisplay
ECUElectronic Control Unit
EDREvent Data Recorder
ELREmergency Locking Retractor
EPSElectric Power Steering
GAWRGross Axle Weight Ratings
GVWRGross Vehicle Weight Ratings
I/MEmission inspection and Maintenance
INFOInformation
INTIntermittent
LEDLight Emitting Diode
LTLight Truck
MMTMethylcyclopentadienyl Manganese Tricarbonyl
M + SMud and Snow
MTBEMethyl Tertiary Butyl Ether
OBDOn Board Diagnostics
PWRPow e r
SRSSupplemental Restraint System

472
RX400h_U
Alphabetical index
Alphabetical index
A/C ............................................................. 198
ABS.............................................................. 169
Adaptive front lighting system ......... 149
AFS .............................................................. 149
Air conditioning filter ..........................346
Air conditioning systemAir conditioning filter ....................... 346
Automatic air conditioning system ................................................... 198
Air bags
Air bag operating conditions ......... 93
Air bag precautions for your child.......................................................... 98
Air bag warning light .......................389
Curtain shield airbag operating conditions.............................................. 94
Curtain shield airbag precautions .......................................... 98
Front passenger occupant classification system....................... 103
General airbag precautions ........... 98
Locations of airbags.............................. 91
Modification and disposal of airbags ...................................................102
Proper driving posture .............89, 98
Side airbag operating conditions.............................................. 94
Side airbag precautions .................... 98
SRS airbags ............................................... 91
Alarm ............................................................85
Antenna ....................................................... 211
Anti-lock brake system ....................... 169
Armrest .....................................................282
Audio system
Antenna ......................................................211 Audio visual input................................ 251
A/V input adapter .............................. 251
CD player/changer ........................... 214
MP3/WMA disc............................... 220
Optimal use ......................................... 228
Radio ........................................................207
Steering wheel audio switch.......... 231
Audio visual input ...................................251
Automatic air conditioning system ..................................................... 198
Automatic headlight leveling system ..................................................... 150
Automatic light control system........ 148
A/V input adapter..................................251
Back door Back door ................................................. 44
Wireless remote control ...................36
Back-up lights Replacing light bulbs ....................... 365
Wattage ................................................... 441
Battery
Checking................................................327
If the 12-volt battery is discharged ......................................... 421
Preparing and checking
before winter...................................... 182
Brake
Fluid.......................................................... 325
Parking brake........................................ 137
Brake assist ...............................................169
Break-in tips..............................................123
Brightness control Multi-display light control .............. 276A
B