fuel LEXUS RX400H 2008 Owner's Manual

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2-2. Instrument cluster
2
When driving
RX400h_U■
Driving time
■ Average fuel consumption
■ Current fuel consumption
■ Driving distance Displays the elapsed time after the hybrid system
starts.
When the hybrid system is started, driving time is
counted from 0:00. Up to 11:59 (11 hours, 59 minutes)
can be displayed.
Displays the average fuel consumption since the
vehicle was last refueled.
Displays the current rate of fuel consumption.
Displays the driving distance since the hybrid system
was started.
The function can be reset by pushing the INFO switch
for longer than one second when the driving distance is
displayed.
CAUTION
■Caution while driving
Do not adjust the display while driving.
Doing so may cause the driver to mishandle the vehicle and an accident, resulting in
death or serious injury.

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2-5. Driving information
RX400h_U
Cargo and luggage
Capacity and distributionCargo capacity depends on the total weight of the occupants.
(Cargo capacity) = (Total load cap acity) — (Total weight of occupants)
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit 
(1) Locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your vehicle’s placard.
(2) Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.
(3)Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kg or XXX lbs.
(4) The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will be
five 150 lb passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo
and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400 − 750 (5 × 150) = 650
lbs.)
(5)Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo
and luggage load capacity calculated in Step 4.
Take notice of the following information about storage precautions, cargo
capacity and load.
●Stow cargo and luggage in the luggage compartment whenever
possible. Be sure all items are secured in place.
● Be careful to keep the vehicle level. Placing the weight as far for-
ward as possible helps maintain vehicle balance.
● For better fuel economy, do not carry unnecessary weight.

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2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
RX400h_U
Trailer towing (if equipped)
Your vehicle is designed primarily as a passenger-and-load carrying vehi-
cle. Towing a trailer will have an adverse effect on handling, performance,
braking, durability, and fuel consumption. For your safety and the safety of
others, do not overload the vehicle or trailer.
Lexus warranties do not apply to damage or malfunction caused by towing
a trailer for commercial purposes.
■ Weight limits
Confirm that the total trailer weight, gross vehicle weight, gross axle
weight and trailer tongue load are all within the limits.
■ Gross vehicle weight
The gross vehicle weight must not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR) indicated on the Certification Label. The gross
vehicle weight is the sum weight of the unloaded vehicle, driver, pas-
sengers, luggage, hitch and trailer tongue load. Also included is the
weight of any special equipment installed on your vehicle.
■ Gross axle weight
The load on either the front or rear axle resulting from distribution of
the gross vehicle weight on both axles must not exceed the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) listed on the Certification Label.
Certification Label

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RX400h_U
4-1. Maintenance and care
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle exterior
■Automatic car washes
●Before washing the vehicle:
• Fold the mirrors back.
• Remove the antenna.
• Turn the power back door system off.
●Brushes used in automatic car washes may scratch the vehicle surface and harm
your vehicle’s paint.
■High pressure car washes
●Do not allow the nozzles of the car wash to come within close proximity of the
windows.
●Before car wash, check that the fuel filler door on your vehicle is closed properly.
Perform the following to protect the vehicle and maintain it in prime condi-
tion.
●Working from top to bottom, liberally 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 thor-
oughly with water.
● Wipe away any water.
● Wax the vehicle when the waterproof coating deteriorates.
If water does not bead on a clean surface, apply wax when the vehicle
body is cool.

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4-2. Maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
RX400h_U
■Allow inspection and repairs to be performed by a Lexus dealer
●Lexus technicians are well-trained specialists and are kept up to date with the lat-
est service information. They are well informed about the operations of all sys-
tems on your vehicle.
●Keep a copy of the repair order. It proves that the maintenance that has been per-
formed is under warranty coverage. If any problem should arise while your vehi-
cle is under warranty, your Lexus dealer will promptly take care of it.
CAUTION
■Warning in handling of battery
●Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and a wide variety of automobile com-
ponents contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause can-
cer and birth defects and other reproductive harm. Work in a well ventilated area.
●Oils, fuels and fluids contained in vehicles as well as waste produced by compo-
nent wear contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause
cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Avoid exposure and wash
any affected area immediately.
●Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead com-
pounds which are known to cause brain damage. Wash your hands after han-
dling. (→P. 3 2 7 )

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4-2. Maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
RX400h_U
Emission inspection and maintenance (I/M) programs
Some states have vehicle emission inspection programs which include
OBD (On Board Diagnostics) checks. The OBD system monitors the oper-
ation of the emission control system.
■If the malfunction indicator lamp comes on
The OBD system determines that a problem exists somewhere in
the emission control system. Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test
and may need to be repaired. Cont act your Lexus dealer to service
the vehicle.
■ Your vehicle may not pass the I/M test:
●When the 12-volt battery is disconnected or discharged
Readiness codes that are set du ring ordinary driving are erased.
Also, depending on your driving habits, the readiness codes may
not be completely set.
● When the fuel tank cap is loose
The malfunction indicator lamp comes on as a temporary mal-
function and your vehicle may not pass the I/M test.
■ When the malfunction indicator la mp goes off after several driv-
ing trips
The error code in the OBD system will not be cleared unless the
vehicle is driven 40 or more times.
■ If your vehicle does not pass the I/M test
Contact your Lexus dealer to prepare the vehicle for re-testing.

312
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
RX400h_U
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:
■When working on the engine compartment
●Keep hands, clothing, and tools away from the moving fan and engine drive belt.
●Be careful not to touch the engine, inverter, radiator, exhaust manifold, etc. right
after driving as they may be hot. Oil and other fluids may also be hot.
●Do not leave anything that may burn easily, such as paper or rags, in the engine
compartment.
●Do not smoke, cause sparks or expose an open flame to fuel or the battery. Fuel
and battery fumes are flammable.
●Be extremely cautious when working on the battery. It contains poisonous and
corrosive sulfuric acid.
●Never touch, disassemble, remove or replace the high voltage parts, cables and
their connectors. It can cause severe burns or electric shock that may result in
death or serious injury.
●When the hybrid system is operating with the READY light on, the engine may
suddenly start in some cases. When you inspect the engine compartment, be
sure to turn off the hybrid system.
■When working near the electric cooling fan or radiator grille
Be sure the engine switch is off.
With the engine switch on, the electric cooling fan may automatically start to run if
the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant temperature is high. (→P. 3 2 5 )
■Safety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc. from getting
in the eyes.
NOTICE
■If you remove the air cleaner:
Driving with the air filter removed may cause excessive engine wear due to dirt in
the air. Also a backfire could cause a fire in the engine compartment.

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
RX400h_U■
Recommended viscosity
SAE 5W-20 or 0W-20
SAE 5W-20 or 0W-20 engine oil
may be used. However, SAE 0W-
20 is the best choice for good fuel
economy and good starting in cold
weather.
■How to read oil container labels
The ILSAC (International Lubricant Standardization and Approval
Committee) Certification Mark is added to some oil containers to help
you select the oil you should use.
Outside temperature

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
RX400h_U
■Effects of incorrect tire inflation pressure
Driving with incorrect tire inflation pressure may result in the following:
●Reduced fuel efficiency
●Reduced driving comfort and tire life
●Reduced safety
●Damage to the drive train
If a tire needs frequent refilling, have it checked by your Lexus dealer.
■Instructions for checking tire inflation pressure
When checking tire inflation pressure, observe the following:
●Check only when the tires are cold.
If your vehicle has been parked for at least 3 hours and has not been driven for
more than 1 mile or 1.5 km, you will get an accurate cold tire inflation pressure
reading.
●Always use a tire pressure gauge.
The appearance of the tire can be misleading. In addition, tire inflation pressures
that are even just a few pounds off can degrade ride and handling.
●Do not bleed or reduce tire inflation pressure after driving. It is normal for the tire
inflation pressure to be higher after driving.
●Never exceed the vehicle capacity weight.
Passengers and luggage weight should be placed so that the vehicle is balanced.

357
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
RX400h_U
24RDI FAN NO.240Electric cooling fan
25HAZ15Turn signal lights, emergency flashers
26MPX-B17. 5Electric power steering system
27AM2 NO.130“GAUGE NO.2”, “IGN”, “INJ” and
“ST” fuses
28HORN10Horns
29MAIN40
“H-LP L LWR”, “H-LP L UPR”, “H-LP
R LWR”, “H-LP R UPR” and “DRL”
fuses
30IGCT NO.150
“INV W/P”, “IGCT NO.2”, “IGCT
NO.3”, “IGCT NO.4” and “IGCT
NO.5” fuses
31RADIO NO.115Audio system
32ECU-B NO.17. 5
Theft deterrent system, air condition-
ing system, gauges and meters, moon
roof, multiplex communication system
33DOME7. 5
Personal lights, interior lights, vanity
lights, engine switch light, gauges and
meters, navigation system
34ECU-B NO.27. 5Wireless remote control
35AMP30Audio system
36DOOR NO.1 25Power door lock system
37A/F25Air/fuel control system
38CRT7. 5Navigation system screen, rear seat
entertainment system
39H-LP R LWR15Right-hand headlight (low beam)
40INV W/P15Hybrid system
FuseAmpereCircuit