228
SECTION 3 – 1
STARTING AND DRIVING
Starting and driving
- Three-way catalytic converters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ........ 229
- Engine exhaust caution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ........ 230
- Before starting the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ........

STARTING AND DRIVING
THREE-WAY CATALYTIC CONVERTERS

Three-way catalytic converters are emission control devices installed in the exhaust system.
The purpose is to reduce pollutants in the exhaust gas.
CAUTION
- Keep people and combustible materials away from the exhaust pipe while the engine is running. The exhaust gas is very hot.
- Do not drive, idle or park your vehicle over anything that might burn easily such as grass, leaves, paper or rags.
NOTICE A large amount of unburned gases flowing into the three-way catalytic converter may cause it to overheat and create a fire hazard. To prevent this and other damage, observe the following precautions:
- Use only unleaded gasoline.
- Do not drive with an extremely low fuel level; running out of fuel could cause the engine to misfire, creating an excessive load on the three-way catalytic converter.
- Do not allow the engine to run at idle speed for more than 20 minutes.
- Avoid racing the engine.
- Do not push-start or pull-start your vehicle.
- Do not turn off the ignition while the vehicle is moving.
- Keep your engine in good running order. Malfunctions in the engine electrical system, electric ignition system or fuel system could cause an extremely high three-way catalytic converter temperature.
- If the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls frequently, take your vehicle in for a check-up as soon as possible. Remember, your Lexus dealer knows your vehicle and its three-way catalytic converter system best.
229

STARTING AND DRIVING
- To ensure that the three-way catalytic converter and the entire emission control system operate properly, your vehicle must receive the periodic inspections required by the Lexus Maintenance Schedule. For scheduled maintenance information, refer to the “Owner’s Manual Supplement / Scheduled Maintenance”.
ENGINE EXHAUST CAUTION
! CAUTION
-
Avoid inhaling the engine exhaust. It contains carbon monoxide, which is a colorless and odorless gas. It can cause unconsciousness or even death.
-
Make sure the exhaust system has no holes or loose connections. The system should be checked from time to time. If you hit something, or notice a change in the sound of the exhaust, have the system checked immediately.
-
Do not run the engine in a garage or enclosed area except for the time needed to drive the vehicle in or out. The exhaust gases cannot escape, making this a particularly dangerous situation.
-
Do not remain for a long time in a parked vehicle with the engine running. If it is unavoidable, however, do so only in an unconfined area and adjust the heating or cooling system to force outside air into the vehicle.
-
Keep the back door closed while driving. An open or unsealed back door may cause exhaust gases to be drawn into the vehicle.
-
To allow proper operation of your vehicle's ventilation system, keep the inlet grilles in front of the windshield clear of snow, leaves, or other obstructions.
-
If you smell exhaust fumes in the vehicle, drive with the windows open and the back door closed. Have the cause immediately located and corrected.
230
STARTING AND DRIVING
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
- Check the area around the vehicle before entering it.
- Adjust seat position, seatback angle, head restraint height and steering wheel angle.
- Adjust the inside and outside rear view mirrors.
- Lock all doors.
- Fasten seat belts.
Remember to check that the service reminder indicators function when turning the key to "ON", and check the fuel gauge to see that you have sufficient fuel.
IGNITION SWITCH WITH STEERING LOCK

"START" – Starter motor on. The key will return to the "ON" position when released.
For starting tips, see page 233.
It is not a malfunction even if the needle of the tachometer, fuel gauge, engine coolant temperature gauge, engine oil pressure gauge or volt meter returns to the bottom position when the ignition switch is turned to the "START" position.
"ON" – Engine on and all accessories on.
This is the normal driving position.
231
STARTING AND DRIVING
NOTICE Do not leave the key in the "ON" position if the engine is not running. The battery will discharge and the electronic ignition system could be damaged.
"ACC" – Accessories such as the radio operate, but the engine is off.
If you leave the key in the "ACC" or "LOCK" position and open the driver's door, a buzzer will remind you to remove the key.

"LOCK" – Engine is off and the steering wheel is locked. The ignition key can be removed only at this position.
To turn the key from "ACC" to the "LOCK" position, you must put the transmission selector lever in the "P" position.
Once you remove the key, the engine immobiliser system is automatically set. See "Engine immobiliser system" on page 11.
When starting the engine, the key may seem stuck at the "LOCK" position. To free it, first be sure the key is pushed all the way in, and then rock the steering wheel slightly while turning the key gently.
If, in an emergency, you must turn the engine off while the vehicle is moving, turn the key only to "ACC".
232
STARTING AND DRIVING
PARKING BRAKE

[1] To set: Pull up the lever. For better holding power, first depress the brake pedal and hold it while setting the parking brake.
[2] To release: Pull up the lever slightly (1), press the lock release button (2), and lower the lever (3).
Before leaving your vehicle, firmly apply the parking brake. For better holding power, first depress the brake pedal and hold it while setting the parking brake.
⚠ CAUTION Before driving, make sure the parking brake is fully released and that the parking brake reminder light is off.
HOW TO START THE ENGINE
Cranking hold function
Once you turn the ignition key to “START” position and release it, the cranking hold function continues to crank the engine in “ON” position until it starts.
The function stops cranking the engine after about 25 seconds maximum if the engine has not started yet. When you crank the engine again, wait a few seconds and restart it.
If you hold the key in “START” position, the function will keep cranking for about 30 seconds maximum.
Before cranking
- Apply the parking brake firmly.
- Turn off unnecessary lights and accessories.
- Put the selector lever in "P". If you need to restart the engine while the vehicle is moving, put the selector lever in "N". A starter safety device will prevent the starter from operating if the selector lever is in any drive position.
- Depress the brake pedal and hold it to the floor until driving off.
233

STARTING AND DRIVING
Starting the engine
Before starting the engine, be sure to follow the instructions in "Before cranking".
Normal starting procedure
The multiport fuel injection system/sequential multiport fuel injection system in your engine automatically controls the proper air-fuel mixture for starting. You can start a cold or hot engine as follows:
- With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition key to “START” position, then release it.
- After the engine runs for about 10 seconds, you are ready to drive.
If the weather is below freezing, let the engine warm up for a few minutes before driving. Do not leave the vehicle while the engine is warming up.
If the engine stalls ...
Simply restart it , using the correct procedure given in normal starting.
If the engine will not start
See "If your vehicle will not start" on page 293.
NOTICE
- Do not race a cold engine.
- If the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls frequently, have the engine checked immediately.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Your automatic transmission has a shift lock system to minimize the possibility of incorrect operation. This means you can only shift out of "P" position when the brake pedal is depressed with the ignition switch in “ON” position (★)

234
STARTING AND DRIVING
►The shift position is displayed on the instrument cluster.
P: Parking, engine starting and key removal position R: Reverse position N: Neutral position D: Normal driving position (Shifting into overdrive possible) 4: Position for engine braking (Shifting into overdrive not possible) When the cruise control is being used, even if you downshift from "D" to "4", engine braking will not be enabled because the cruise control is not cancelled. For the operation to decrease the vehicle speed, see page 249. 3, 2: Position for more powerful engine braking L: Position for maximum engine braking
Correct use of the automatic transmission is explained in the following parts. (a) Normal driving (b) Using engine braking (c) Using the “3”, “2” and “L” positions (d) Backing up (e) Parking (f) Good driving practice (g) If you cannot shift the selector lever (h) Driving in "2nd STRT" (second start) mode
235
STARTING AND DRIVING
(a) Normal driving

▶ 1 "P" (Park) position 2 "N" (Neutral) position
- Start the engine as instructed in "How to start the engine" on page 233.
The transmission must be in "P" or "N". The engine will not start in any drive position even if the ignition key is turned to "START".

▶ 1 Driving pattern selector switch 2 Normal position 3 Power position
- Set the driving pattern selector switch to the "Normal" position.
Your transmission has a driving pattern selector switch which allows you to select either "Normal" or "Power" to suit your driving condition. For ordinary driving, Lexus recommends that you use the "Normal" position to improve fuel economy.
- For more powerful acceleration and sporty driving, use the "Power" position.
In the "Power" position, the "ECT PWR" light in the instrument cluster is on and the transmission is shifted up at higher vehicle speeds and shifted down more responsively than in the "Normal" position.
236
STARTING AND DRIVING

► 1 Brake pedal 2 "D" (Drive) position
- With your foot holding down the brake pedal, shift the selector lever to "D".
Always use the "D" position to improve fuel economy and quiet driving. Only in this position, shifting into the overdrive gear is possible. However, while the engine coolant temperature is low, the transmission will not shift into the overdrive gear even in the "D" position. (See "(b) Using engine braking" and "(f) Good driving practice" for exceptions.)
CAUTION Never put your foot on the accelerator pedal while shifting.
- Release the parking brake and brake pedal. Depress the accelerator pedal slowly for smooth starting.
In normal cruising, the vehicle will start in first gear and automatically shift up to the most suitable gear. On inclines, declines or winding roads, etc., the vehicle shifts up and down automatically according to the running conditions to obtain the suitable driving power and engine braking.
When the lever is in the "4" position, the automatic transmission system will select the most suitable gear for the running conditions such as hill climbing, hard towing, etc.
If you need to accelerate rapidly while driving, depress the accelerator pedal to the full throttle position. This provides more acceleration by automatically downshifting the transmission to the next lower gear or beyond, depending on the vehicle speed.
If engine braking is needed, such as in descending a long hill, see "(b) Using engine braking".
237
STARTING AND DRIVING
(b) Using engine braking

To use the braking power of the engine, downshift the transmission in the way described below:
-
Shift into the "4" position. The transmission will downshift to fourth gear and engine braking will be enabled.
When the cruise control is being used, even if you downshift from "D" to "4", engine braking will not be enabled because the cruise control is not cancelled. If you need to decrease the vehicle speed, see page 249.
-
Shift into the "3" position. The transmission will downshift to third gear when the vehicle speed is or becomes lower than the speed listed below and stronger engine braking will be enabled.
Transfer "H" 124 km/h (77 mph) "L" 49 km/h (31 mph)
-
Shift into the "2" position. The transmission will downshift to second gear when the vehicle speed is or becomes lower than the speed listed below and more powerful engine braking than that of "3" position will be enabled.
Transfer "H" 83 km/h (52 mph) "L" 33 km/h (21 mph)
-
Shift into the "L" position. The transmission will downshift to first gear when the vehicle speed is or becomes lower than the speed listed below and maximum engine braking will be enabled.
Transfer "H" 43 km/h (27 mph) "L" 17 km/h (11 mph)
CAUTION
Be careful when downshifting on a slippery surface. The abrupt change in engine speed could cause the vehicle to spin or skid.
238
STARTING AND DRIVING
(c) Using the “3”, “2” and “L” positions
The “3”, “2” and “L” positions are used for strong engine braking as described previously.
With the selector lever in “3”, “2” or “L”, you can start the vehicle in motion as with the lever in ”D”.
With the selector lever in “3” or “2”, the vehicle will start in first gear and automatically shift to second gear.
With the selector lever in ”L”, the transmission is engaged in first gear.
NOTICE
- Be careful not to over-rev the engine. Watch the tachometer to keep engine rpm from going into the red zone. The approximate maximum allowable speed for each position is given below for your reference:
| Transmission | Transfer “L” | Transfer “H” |
|---|---|---|
| “4” | 67 km/h (42 mph) | 165 km/h (102 mph) |
| “3” | 48 km/h (30 mph) | 118 km/h (73 mph) |
| “2” | 33 km/h (20 mph) | 81 km/h (50 mph) |
| “L” | 19 km/h (12 mph) | 47 km/h (29 mph) |
- Do not continue hill climbing or hard towing for a long time in the “3”, “2” or “L” position. This may cause severe automatic transmission damage from overheating. To prevent such damage, “4” position should be used in hill climbing or hard towing.
(d) Backing up

▶ [1] Brake pedal [2] "R" (Reverse) position
- Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
- With the brake pedal held down with your foot, shift the selector lever to the "R" position.
NOTICE
Never shift into reverse while the vehicle is moving.
When you are backing up, you can adjust the outside rear view mirror on the passenger’s side down quickly. For details, see page 118.
239
STARTING AND DRIVING
(e) Parking

1 Brake pedal 2 Parking brake lever 3 "P" (Park) position
- Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
- Apply the parking brake fully.
- With the brake pedal held down with your foot, shift the selector lever to the "P" position.
CAUTION While the vehicle is moving, never attempt to move the selector lever into "P" under any circumstances. Serious mechanical damage and loss of vehicle control may result.
(f) Good driving practice
- If the transmission repeatedly shifts up and down between the fourth and overdrive gears when climbing a gentle slope, shift the selector lever to the "4" position. Be sure to shift the selector lever to the "D" position after climbing the slope.
- When towing a trailer, in order to maintain efficient engine braking and electrical charging performance, do not use overdrive.
CAUTION Always keep your foot on the brake pedal while stopped with the engine running. This prevents the vehicle from creeping.
NOTICE Always use the brake pedal or parking brake to hold the vehicle on an upgrade. Do not attempt to hold the vehicle using the accelerator pedal, as this can cause the transmission to overheat.
240
STARTING AND DRIVING
(g) If you cannot shift the selector lever If you cannot shift the selector lever even though the brake pedal is depressed, use the shift lock override button. For instructions, see "If you cannot shift automatic transmission selector lever" on page 316.
(h) Driving in "2nd STRT" (second start) mode

In the "2nd STRT" (second start) mode, the transmission system shifts up from second gear. Use this mode when starting your vehicle in sand, mud, ice or snow.
To set the "2nd STRT" mode, push the "2nd" switch. In the "2nd STRT" mode, the "2nd STRT" indicator light comes on. To cancel the "2nd STRT" mode, push the "2nd" switch again.
The "PWR" mode is automatically cancelled when you push the "2nd" switch.
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM
(a) Four-wheel drive control

Use the four-wheel drive control lever and center differential lock button to select the following transfer and center differential modes.
The "H" and "L" position of the four-wheel drive control lever provides either lock or unlock mode of the center differential depending on the center differential lock button position.
Use the center differential lock system if your wheels get stuck in a ditch, or when you are driving on a slippery or bumpy surface. When the center differential is locked, the vehicle stability control system is automatically turned off and the center differential lock and "VSC OFF" indicator lights come on because the function that controls engine performance interferes with the process of freeing your wheels.
241
STARTING AND DRIVING
NOTICE
As soon as the center differential lock switch is turned on, the “VSC OFF” indicator light comes on. After the wheels are out of the ditch or off the slippery or bumpy surface, turn the center differential lock switch off. Make sure the center differential lock indicator light and vehicle stability control system off indicator light turn off.
"H" (high speed position, center differential unlocked): Lever at "H", center differential lock button left out
Use this for normal driving on all types of roads, from dry hard-surfaced roads to wet, icy or snow-covered roads. This position gives greater economy, quietest ride, least wear and better vehicle control.
"H" (high speed position, center differential locked): Lever at "H", center differential lock button pushed in
Use this for greater traction when you experience a loss of power, such as wheel slipping, in the center differential unlock mode.
"N" (neutral position): Lever at "N"
No power is delivered to the wheels. The vehicle must be stopped.
"L" (low speed position, center differential unlocked): Lever at "L", center differential lock button left out
Use this for maximum power and traction. Use this for climbing or descending steep hills, off-road driving, and hard pulling in sand or mud.
In this mode, the braking feeling that occurs when the wheels are negotiating a sharp corner is further reduced than in the "L" (low position, center differential locked) mode.
“L” (low speed position, center differential locked): Lever at “L”, center differential lock button pushed in
Use this for maximum power and traction. Use this for hard pulling in situations the vehicle cannot negotiate even in the “L” (low speed position, center differential unlocked) mode. Also, using this mode when driving down steep off-road inclines will help contribute to increased vehicle stability.
The indicator light tells when the differential lock is engaged. Note that the differential is not still locked as long as the indicator light remains off.
If the indicator light does not go off when you push out the center differential lock button, drive straight ahead while accelerating or decelerating, or drive in reverse.
See "(b) Shifting procedure" for further instructions.
242
STARTING AND DRIVING
Advice for driving on slippery roads in “L” (low speed position) mode
If you shift the four-wheel drive control lever to “L”, the automatic transmission lever to “2” when you drive in steep off-road areas, the output of the brake can be controlled effectively by the active traction control system, which assists the driver to control the driving power of 4 wheels.
Use the “L” position of the automatic transmission lever for maximum power and traction when your wheels get stuck or when you drive down a steep incline. In the following cases, the out put of the brake can be controlled by the active traction control system if the engine speed is under 3,000 rpm (normally engine speed is under 3,000 rpm when the wheels get unstuck).
- The four-wheel drive control lever in the “L” position and the automatic transmission lever in the “L” position or the automatic transmission lever in the “D”, “4”, “3” or “2” with the transmission downshifting to the first gear.
- The four-wheel drive control lever in the “L” position and the automatic transmission lever in the “R” position
(As for the automatic transmission lever positions, see “Automatic transmission” on page 234.)
(b) Shifting procedure
To shift between unlock and lock modes in "H", push the center differential lock button.
To shift between unlock and lock modes in "L", push the center differential lock button.
To shift between "H" and "L", stop the vehicle, put the transmission into "N" and move the four-wheel drive control lever.
CAUTION
Never move the four-wheel drive control lever if wheels are slipping. Stop the slipping or spinning before shifting.
NOTICE
For normal driving on dry and hard surface roads, unlock the center differential. To prevent damage to the center differential lock system, do not push the center differential lock button when the vehicle is cornering or when its wheels are spinning freely off the ground. If the indicator light does not go off when unlocking the center differential, drive straight ahead while accelerating or decelerating, or drive in reverse.
243
STARTING AND DRIVING
LEXUS NIGHT VIEW SYSTEM

The Lexus night view system can help you see forward when driving at night. If pedestrians or objects are detected within the area reaching the tip of the low beam to high beam, they are displayed along with the layout of the road in the windshield as a monochrome image.
CAUTION
- This system should be used as a supplemental aid to help you see objects. Never depend on this system only. Be sure to view objects with your own eyes while driving.
- This system is designed to help you see objects better when driving in a flat area with few curves in darkness. Use of this function in an area with many curves or slopes or in a well-lit area could cause an accident.
Turning on the system

The Lexus night view system turns on and the “MAIN” indicator light comes on when you push the knob with the ignition switch on:
When the system is turned on in the following conditions, the head-up display (night view display) shutter opens automatically and the image sent from the head-up display is shown on the windshield.
- It is dark outside.
- The headlights are on.
When the vehicle starts moving in this condition, the “BEAM” indicator light comes on, the near-infrared floodlight (night view projector) is irradiated, and the image of the road ahead is shown on the windshield.
You can adjust the brightness by turning the knob.
244

While the system is on, pushing the knob turns off the “MAIN” indicator light and the system. If you turn the ignition off with the system turned on, the system will be turned off automatically.
CAUTION
If the image in the head-up display (night view display) is too bright, you cannot see the surroundings through the windshield clearly. To avoid glare, do not make the display brighter than necessary.
1 Near-infrared floodlight (Night view projector) 2 Near-infrared camera (Night view camera) 3 Head-up display (Night view display) 4 Automatic light control sensor
The near-infrared floodlight (night view projector which irradiates near-infrared light not seen by people) located near the fog lights irradiates the area reaching from the tip of the low beam to high beam. The near-infrared camera (night view camera) located on top of the windshield converts irradiated light into an image. This image is shown on the head-up display (night view display) located on the bottom of the windshield.
The automatic light control sensor is on top of the passenger side instrument panel.
Do not place anything on the instrument panel and do not affix anything on the windshield to block this sensor.

STARTING AND DRIVING
In the following conditions, the image may not be clear or the view of the road ahead may not be shown at all.
- Driving on hills with many up and down slopes
- Driving on road with curves
- In severe weather conditions such as rain, fog or snow
- Strong near-infrared light emission, such as the light coming from a vehicle running in the opposite lane, enters the near-infrared camera (night view camera).
- An object or clothing of a pedestrian is made of a certain kind of material (ex. leather).
- The windshield or the lens of the near-infrared floodlight (night view projector) is dirty. (Always keep the windshield and the lens clean.)
- Double vision of image reduces clarity in some situation.
- The top of the windshield fogs up.
If the top of the windshield fogs up, the glass in front of the lens of the camera will also fog up, resulting in deterioration of the system performance. Defog the windshield by pushing the "FRONT WINDSHIELD" button on the air conditioning.
If you notice the inner lens of the near-infrared camera (night view camera) is dirty, have it inspected at your Lexus dealer.
You cannot use this system to read a road sign or signboard.
If the outside temperature is low, the display may darken or it may take time to display the image with the system on.
The near-infrared floodlight (night view projector) is installed on the bumper. If the bumper is deformed in a collision, etc., the performance of the system will be affected. Have it repaired or replaced at Lexus dealer.
CAUTION
The near-infrared floodlight (night view projector) irradiates strong energy not visible to the eyes. Do not stare at the floodlight at close range for a long time. Your eyes could be seriously injured.
NOTICE
- Do not put anything in front of the head-up display (night view display) shutter. It may hinder the opening or closing of the shutter, resulting in a malfunction of the system.
- Do not let drinks spill on the head-up display. This may cause a malfunction of the system.
- If an object gets caught in the shutter and it does not close securely, it may cause a malfunction of the system. Open the shutter with your hand and remove the object. The shutter will function properly after you turn the ignition off and then on.
246
STARTING AND DRIVING
If this warning light comes on, the bulb of the near-infrared floodlight (night view projector) has blown out. Have the bulb replaced at your Lexus dealer.
CRUISE CONTROL
The cruise control allows you to cruise the vehicle at a desired speed over about 40 km/h (25 mph) with your foot off the accelerator pedal.
Your cruising speed can be maintained although a slight speed change may occur when driving up or down a gradient, within the limits of engine performance. On steeper hills, a greater speed change will occur so it is better to drive without the cruise control.
When the cruise control is on, the driving pattern of the automatic transmission is fixed in the normal position, regardless of the position of the driving pattern selector switch.
CAUTION
- To help maintain maximum control of your vehicle, do not use the cruise control when driving in heavy or varying traffic, or on slippery (rainy, icy or snow-covered) or winding roads.
- Avoid vehicle speed increases when driving downhill. If the vehicle speed is too fast in relation to the cruise control set speed, cancel the cruise control then downshift the transmission to use engine braking to slow down.
247

STARTING AND DRIVING
Turning the system on

To operate the cruise control, push the main switch. This turns the system on. The indicator light in the instrument cluster shows that you can now set your desired cruising speed. Another push on the switch will turn the system completely off.
When the ignition key is turned off, the main switch is also automatically turned off. To use the cruise control again, push the main switch again to turn it on.
CAUTION To avoid accidental cruise control engagement, keep the main switch off when not using the cruise control.
Setting operation

►Each function is described below.
[1] Setting at a desired speed.
The transmission must be in "D" or "4" before you set the cruise control speed.
Bring the vehicle to the desired speed, press the control lever downward in the "–/SET" direction and release it. This sets the vehicle at that speed. Now you may take your foot off the accelerator pedal. If you need acceleration – for example, when passing – depress the accelerator pedal enough for the vehicle to exceed the set speed. When you release the accelerator pedal, the vehicle will return to the speed set prior to the acceleration.
248

STARTING AND DRIVING
[2] Cancelling the preset speed You can cancel the preset speed by either of the following: a. Pulling the control lever in the "CANCEL" direction. b. Depressing the brake pedal.
If the vehicle speed falls below about 40 km/h (25 mph), the preset speed will be automatically cancelled.
If the vehicle speed drops 16 km/h (10 mph) below the preset speed, the preset speed will also automatically be cancelled.
If the preset speed automatically cancels out for other than these reasons, have your vehicle checked by your Lexus dealer at the earliest opportunity.
[3] Resetting to a faster speed Press the control lever upward in the "+/RES" direction and hold it. Release the lever when the desired speed is attained. While the lever is held upward, the vehicle will gradually gain speed.
When the difference between the actual vehicle speed and the set speed is less than 5 km/h (3 mph), the set speed can be increased 1.6 km/h (1 mph) each time by pressing the control lever upward in the "+/RES" direction quickly within 0.6 seconds.
However, a quicker way to reset is to accelerate the vehicle and then press the control lever downward in the "-/SET" direction.
[4] Resetting to a slower speed Press the control lever downward in the "-/SET" direction and hold it. Release the lever when the desired speed is attained. While the lever is held downward, the vehicle speed will gradually decrease.
When the difference between the actual vehicle speed and the set speed is less than 5 km/h (3 mph), the set speed can be lowered 1.6 km/h (1 mph) each time by pressing the control lever downward in the "-/SET" direction quickly within 0.6 seconds.
However, a quicker way to reset is to depress the brake pedal and then press the control lever downward in the "-/SET" direction.
Even if you turn off the overdrive switch with the cruise control on, engine braking will not be applied because the cruise control is not cancelled. To decrease the vehicle speed, reset to a slower speed with the cruise control lever or depress the brake pedal. If you use the brake pedal, cruise control is cancelled.
[5] Resuming the preset speed If the preset speed is cancelled by pulling the control lever or by depressing the brake pedal, pushing the lever up in the "+/RES" direction will restore the speed set prior to cancellation. However, once the vehicle speed falls below about 40 km/h (25 mph), the preset speed will not be resumed.
249
STARTING AND DRIVING
Cruise control failure warning
If the "CRUISE" indicator light in the instrument cluster flashes when using the cruise control, push the main switch to turn the system off and then push it again to turn it on.
If any of the following conditions then occurs, there is some trouble in the cruise control system.
- The indicator light does not come on.
- The indicator light flashes again.
- The indicator light goes out after it comes on.
If this is the case, contact your Lexus dealer and have your Lexus inspected.
ACTIVE HEIGHT CONTROL SUSPENSION (AHC)
This active height control suspension controls the vehicle height depending on the vehicle driving condition. Select your desired height among the "HI" (high), "N" (normal) and "LO" (low) modes with the height select switch.

(a) Vehicle height modes
- "HI" (high) mode
The vehicle height is about 40 mm (1.6 in.) higher at front and about 50 mm (2.0 in.) higher at rear than the normal mode height.
This mode is suitable when driving on bumpy roads and through water.
This mode is available when the vehicle speed is under about 30 km/h (19 mph).
250