light LEXUS RX400H 2008 Repair Manual

153
2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers
2
When driving
RX400h_U
■The windshield wiper and washer can be operated when
The engine switch must be in the ON position.
■Effects of vehicle speed on wiper operation (vehicles with the rain-sensing wind-
shield wipers)
When low speed wiper operation is selected, wiper operation will be switched from
low speed to intermittent wiper operation when the vehicle is stationary.
(However, the mode will not be switched when the adjustment dial for the auto-
matic wiper control sensitivity is set to high.)
■Rain-sensing windshield wipers (if equipped)
With AUTO selected, the wipers will operate automatically when
the sensor detects falling rain. The system automatically adjusts
wiper timing in accordance with rain volume.
Sensor sensitivity (high)
Sensor sensitivity (low)
Rain-sensing wiper operation
Low speed wiper operation
High speed wiper operation
Temporary operation
Washer/wiper dual operation
Wipers will automatically oper-
ate a couple of times after the
washer squirts.

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2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers
RX400h_U
■Rain drop sensor (vehicles with the rain-sensing windshield wipers)
■If no windshield washer fluid sprays
Check that the washer nozzles are not blocked if there is washer fluid in the wind-
shield washer fluid reservoir.
■Customization that can be configured at Lexus dealer
The setting of the wiper operation when the vehicle is stationary can be changed.
(Customizable features →P. 4 5 8 )
CAUTION
■Caution regarding the use of windshield wipers in AUTO mode
The windshield wipers may operate unexpectedly if the sensor is touched or the
windshield is subject to vibration in AUTO mode. Take care that your fingers or any-
thing else do not become caught in the windshield wipers.
NOTICE
■When the windshield is dry
Do not use the wipers, as they may damage the windshield.
■When there is no washer fluid spray from the nozzle
Damage to the washer fluid pump may be caused if the lever is pulled toward you
and held continually.
The sensor judges the amount of raindrops.

155
2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers
2
When driving
RX400h_U
Rear window wiper and washer
■The rear window wiper and washer can be operated when
The engine switch must be in the ON position.
NOTICE
■When the rear window is dry
Do not use the wipers, as they may damage the rear window.
Intermittent window wiper
operation
Normal window wiper oper-
ation
Washer operation
Washer/wiper dual operation

156
2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers
RX400h_U
Headlight cleaner switch (if equipped)
■The headlight cleaner can be operated when
When the engine switch must be in the ON position and the headlight switch is
turned ON.
NOTICE
■When the washer fluid tank is empty
Do not use this function when the washer fluid tank is empty.
This may cause the washer fluid pump to overheat.
Washer fluid can be sprayed on the headlights.
Press the switch to clean the
headlights.

158
2-4. Using other driving systems
RX400h_U
■Fine adjustment of the set speed
Adjustment of the set speed by approximately 1.0 mph (1.6 km/h) cab be made by
lightly pressing the lever up or down and releasing it.
■Cruise control can be set when
●The shift lever is in the D.
●Vehicle speed is between approximately 25 mph (40 km/h) and 125 mph (200
km/h).
■Accelerating
The vehicle can be accelerated normally.
■Automatic cruise control cancellation
The set speed is automatically cancelled in any of the following situations.
●Actual vehicle speed falls more than 10 mph (16 km/h) below the preset vehicle
speed.
At this time, the memorized set speed is not retained.
●Actual vehicle speed is below 25 mph (40km/h).
●VSC is activated.
■Canceling and resuming regular acceleration
Cancel
Push the lever towards you to
cancel cruise control.
The speed setting is also can-
celed when the brakes are
applied.
Resume
To resume cruise control and
return to the set speed, push the
lever up.

159
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
RX400h_U
■If the cruise control indicator light flashes
Turn the ON-OFF button off once, and then reactivate the system.
If the cruise control speed cannot be set or if the cruise control cancels immediately
after being activated, there may be a malfunction in the cruise control system. Have
the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer.
CAUTION
■To avoid operating the cruise control by mistake
Keep the ON-OFF button off when not in use.
■Situations unsuitable for cruise control
Do not use cruise control in any of the following situations.
Doing so may result in control of the vehicle being lost and could cause serious or
fatal accident.
●In heavy traffic
●On roads with sharp bends
●On slippery roads, such as those covered with rain, ice or snow
●On steep hills
●On winding roads

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2-4. Using other driving systems
RX400h_UExample of follow-up cruising (when following a vehicle driving slower
than the set speed):
When the speed is set to 62 mph (100 km/h) and the vehicle ahead is
driving at 50 mph (80 km/h)
The system continues follow-up cruising while adjusting for changes in the
speed of the vehicle ahead in order to maintain the vehicle-to-vehicle dis-
tance set by the driver.
Example of acceleration (when there are no longer vehicles driving
slower than the set speed in the lane ahead):
When the speed is set to 62 mph (100 km/h) and the vehicle ahead
driving at 50 mph (80 km/h) is out of the lane
When the vehicle ahead of you executes a lane change, the system slowly
accelerates until the set vehicle speed is reached. The system then returns to
fixed speed cruising.
■Fine adjustment of the set speed
Adjustment of the set speed by the following speed can be made by lightly pressing
the lever up or down and releasing it.
In the constant speed control mode: Approximately 1.0 mph (1.6 km/h)
In the vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode: U.S.A.: Approximately 5 mph (8 km/h)
Canada: Approximately 3 mph (5 km/h)
■Dynamic laser cruise control warning lights, display and buzzers
Warning lights, display and buzzers are used to indicate a system malfunction or to
alert you to the need for caution while driving. ( →P. 3 9 8 )
■The dynamic laser cruise can be set when
●The shift lever is in D.
●Vehicle speed is between approximately 27 mph (45 km/h) and 85 mph (135
km/h).
■Accelerating
The vehicle can be accelerated normally.

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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2-4. Using other driving systems
RX400h_U
CAUTION
■When the slip indicator flashes and a warning buzzer sounds
This situation occurs immediately while VSC is activated. Always drive carefully.
Reckless driving may cause an accident. Exercise particular care when the indica-
tor light flashes and a buzzer sounds.
■Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the same size, brand, tread pattern and total load
capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are inflated to the recommended tire
pressure level.
The ABS and VSC systems will not function correctly if different tires are fitted on
the vehicle.
Contact your Lexus dealer for further information when replacing tires or wheels.
■Handling of tires and suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modifying the suspension will affect the
VDIM, and may cause the system to malfunction.

190
2-5. Driving information
RX400h_U
Connecting trailer lightsWith tow hitch receiver
Use the socket located under the rear bumper.
Without tow hitch receiver
Use the wire harness stored in the rear end under body.
■Front Emblem
■Before towing
Check that the following conditions are met:
●The vehicle's tires are properly inflated. ( →P. 3 4 0 )
●Trailer tires are inflated according to the trailer manufacturer's recommendation.
●All trailer lights work
●All lights work each time you connect them.
●The trailer ball is set up at the proper height for the coupler on the trailer.
●The vehicle remains level when a loaded or unloaded trailer is hitched. Do not
drive if the vehicle is not level, and check for improper tongue load, overloading,
worn suspension, or other possible 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 pur-
poses.
With towing package
Without towing package
On vehicles with a towing package, the
front emblem has openings, which are
designed to improve the cooling perfor-
mance.