For All Of Vehicles: Precaution

1. The LEXUS RX300 is equipped with an SRS (Supplemental Restraint System), such as the driver airbag, front passenger airbag assembly, side airbag assembly and seat belt pretensioner.

   Failure to carry out service operations in the correct sequence could cause the supplemental restraint system to unexpectedly deploy during servicing, possibly leading to a serious accident.

   Further, if a mistake is made in servicing the supplemental restraint system, it is possible the SRS may fail to operate when required. Before servicing (including removal or installation of parts, inspection or replacement), be sure to read the following items carefully:

2. GENERAL NOTICE
   1. Malfunction symptoms of the supplemental restraint system are difficult to confirm, so the diagnostic trouble codes become the most important source of information when troubleshooting. When troubleshooting the supplemental restraint system, always inspect the diagnostic trouble codes before disconnecting the battery (See AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS ).
   2. Work must be started after 90 seconds from the time the ignition switch is turned to the "LOCK" position and the negative (-) terminal cable is disconnected from the battery.

      (The supplemental restraint system is equipped with a back-up power source so that if work is started within 90 seconds of disconnecting the negative (-) terminal cable from the battery, the SRS may deploy.)

      When the negative (-) terminal cable is disconnected from the battery, memory of the clock and audio systems will be cancelled. So before starting work, make a record of the contents memorized by the each memory system. Then when work is finished, reset the clock and audio systems as before. This vehicle has power seat, which are all equipped with memory function, it is not possible to make a record of the memory contents. So when the work is finished, therefore it will be necessary to explain this fact to the customer, and ask the customer to adjust the features and reset the memory.

      Fig 1: Removing Negative (-) Terminal Cable

      Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

      To avoid erasing the memory of each memory system, never use a back-up power supply from another battery.

   3. Even in cases of a minor collision where the SRS does not deploy, the steering wheel pad, front passenger airbag assembly, side airbag assembly and seat belt pretensioner should be inspected (See PRECAUTION , Also see AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS ).
   4. Never use SRS parts from another vehicle. When replacing parts, replace them with new parts.
   5. Before repairs, remove the airbag sensor if shocks are likely to be applied to the sensor during repairs.
   6. Never disassemble and repair the airbag sensor assembly, steering wheel pad, front passenger airbag assembly, side airbag assembly or seat belt pretensioner in order to reuse them.
   7. If the airbag sensor assembly, steering wheel pad, front passenger airbag assembly, side airbag assembly or seat belt pretensioner have been dropped, or if there are cracks, dents or other defects in the case, bracket or connector, replace them with new ones.
   8. Do not directly expose the airbag sensor assembly, steering wheel pad, front passenger airbag, assembly, side airbag assembly or seat belt pretensioner to hot air or flames.
   9. Use a volt/ohmmeter with high impedance (10 kΩ/V minimum) for troubleshooting of the electrical circuit.
   10. Information labels are attached to the periphery of the SRS components. Follow the instructions on the notices.
   11. After work on the supplemental restraint system is completed, check the SRS warning light (See SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM ).
3. SPIRAL CABLE (in Combination Switch)

   The steering wheel must be fitted correctly to the steering column with the spiral cable at the neutral position, otherwise cable disconnection and other troubles may result. Refer to INSTALLATION in STEERING SYSTEM article concerning correct steering wheel installation.

   Fig 2: Identifying Spiral Cable

   Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
4. STEERING WHEEL PAD (with Airbag)
   1. When removing the steering wheel pad or handling a new steering wheel pad, it should be placed with the pad top surface facing up.

      Storing the pad with its metallic surface facing upward may lead to a serious accident if the airbag inflates for some reason. In addition do not store a steering wheel pad on top of another one.

   2. Never measure the resistance of the airbag squib. (This may cause the airbag to deploy, which is very dangerous.)
   3. Grease should not be applied to the steering wheel pad and the pad should not be cleaned with detergents of any kind.
   4. Store the steering wheel pad where the ambient temperature remains below 93°C (200°F), without high humidity and away from electrical noise.
   5. When using electric welding, first disconnect the air-bag connector (yellow color and 2 pins) under the steering column near the combination switch connector before starting work.
   6. When disposing of a vehicle or the steering wheel pad alone, the airbag should be deployed using an SST before disposal (See AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS ).

      Carry out the operation in a safe place away from electrical noise.

      Fig 3: Identifying Correct Storing Of Steering Wheel Pad

      Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
      Fig 4: Identifying Wrong Pattern Of Checking Steering Wheel Pad (Airbag)

      Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
5. FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG ASSEMBLY
   1. Always store a removed or new front passenger air-bag assembly with the airbag deployment direction facing up.

      Storing the airbag assembly with the airbag deployment direction facing down could cause a serious accident if the airbag inflates.

   2. Never measure the resistance of the airbag squib. (This may cause the airbag to deploy, which is very dangerous.)
   3. Grease should not be applied to the front passenger airbag assembly and the airbag door should not be cleaned with detergents of any kind.
   4. Store the airbag assembly where the ambient temperature remains below 93°C (200°F), without high humidity and away from electrical noise.
   5. When using electric welding, first disconnect the air-bag connector (yellow color and 2 pins) installed on the assembly before starting work.
   6. When disposing of a vehicle or the airbag assembly alone, the airbag should be deployed using an SST before disposal (See AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS ).

      Perform the operation in a safe place away from electrical noise.

      Fig 5: Identifying Correct Storing Of Front Passenger Airbag Assembly

      Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
      Fig 6: Identifying Wrong Pattern Of Checking Front Passenger Airbag Assembly

      Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
6. SIDE AIRBAG ASSEMBLY
   1. Always store a removed or new side airbag assembly with the airbag deployment direction facing up. Storing the airbag assembly with the airbag deployment direction facing down could cause a serious accident if the airbag inflates.
   2. Never measure the resistance of the airbag squib. (This may cause the airbag to deploy, which is very dangerous.)
   3. Grease should not be applied to the side airbag assembly and the surface should not be cleaned with detergents of any kind.
   4. Store the airbag assembly where the ambient temperature remains below 93°C (200°F), without high humidity and away from electrical noise.
   5. When using electric welding, first disconnect the air-bag connector (yellow color and 2 pins) under the seat before starting work.
   6. When disposing of a vehicle or the side airbag assembly alone, the airbag should be deployed using an SST before disposal (See AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS ).

      Perform the operation in a safe place away from electrical noise.

      Fig 7: Identifying Correct Storing Of Side Airbag Assembly

      Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
      Fig 8: Identifying Wrong Pattern Of Checking Side Airbag Assembly

      Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
7. SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER
   1. Never measure the resistance of the seat belt pre-tensioner. (This may cause the seat belt pretensioner activation which is very dangerous.)
   2. Never disassemble the seat belt pretensioner.
   3. Never install the seat belt pretensioner in another vehicle.
   4. Store the seat belt pretensioner where the ambient temperature remains below 80°C (176°F) and away from electrical noise without high humidity.
   5. When using electric welding, first disconnect the connector (yellow color and 2 pins) before starting work.
   6. When disposing of a vehicle or the seat belt pretensioner alone, the seat belt pretensioner should be activated before disposal (See SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM ). Perform the operation in a safe place away from electrical noise.
   7. The seat belt pretensioner is hot after activation, so let it cool down sufficiently before the disposal. However never apply water to the seat belt pretensioner.
      Fig 9: Identifying Wrong Pattern Of Checking Seat Belt Tensioner

      Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
8. AIRBAG SENSOR ASSEMBLY
   1. Never reuse the airbag sensor assembly involved in a collision when the SRS has deployed.
   2. The connectors to the airbag sensor assembly should be connected or disconnected with the sensor mounted on the floor. If the connectors are connected or disconnected while the airbag sensor assembly is not mounted to the floor, it could cause undesired ignition of the supplemental restraint system.
   3. Work must be started after 90 seconds from the time the ignition switch is turned to the "LOCK" position and the negative (-) terminal cable is disconnected from the battery, even if only loosing the set bolts of the airbag sensor assembly.
9. WIRE HARNESS AND CONNECTOR

   The SRS wire harness is integrated with the instrument panel wire harness assembly. All the connectors in the system are a standard yellow color. If the SRS wire harness becomes disconnected or the connector becomes broken due to an accident, etc., repair or replace it.

   NOTE: For SRS wiring, DO NOT attempt wiring harness repairs. Replace SRS component wiring harnesses.

The center differential of the Full-time 4WD RX300 is equipped with the viscous coupling type LSD.

If incorrect preparations or test procedures are used, the test will not only be unsuccessful, but may be dangerous as well. Therefore, before beginning any such servicing or test, be sure to check the following items:

• Whether wheels should be touching ground or jacked up
• Transaxle gear position
• Maximum testing vehicle speed
• Maximum testing time
  CAUTION:

  • Never accelerate or decelerate the vehicle suddenly
  • Observe the other cautions given for each individual test

1. Before Beginning Test

   This vehicle does not have a Center Diff. Lock Mode or 4WD (Normal) Mode to allow only the front or rear wheel to be rotated.

   The test method for this vehicle is different from that for vehicles equipped with the Center Diff. Lock Mode or 4WD (Normal) Mode, so make sure to use the correct test method.

2. Braking Force Test

   (Vehicle Speed: Below 0.5 km/h or 0.3 mph) When performing low-speed type brake tester measurements, observe the following instructions.

   1. Position the wheels to be tested (front or rear) on the tester.
   2. Shift the transaxle shift lever to "N" position.
   3. Idle the engine, operate the brake booster and perform the test.
      Fig 10: Positioning Wheels To Be Tested (Front Or Rear) On The Tester

      Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
   4. Speedometer Test or Other Tests

      (Using Speedometer Tester or Chassis Dynamometer)

      When performing test at high speed or high load, use the methods shown.

      Fig 11: Identifying Method Of Testing At High Speed Or Low Speed

      Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

      *: This is to avoid damaging the center viscous coupling.

      NOTE:

      • Confirm that the vehicle is securely immobilized.
      • Never operate the brakes to drive the wheels or stop them suddenly.
3. ON-VEHICLE WHEEL BALANCING

   When doing on-vehicle wheel balancing on a Full-time 4WD vehicle, to prevent the wheels from rotating at different speeds in different directions from each other (which could damage the center differential), always be sure to observe the following precautions:

   1. All 4 wheels should be jacked up, clearing the ground completely.
   2. The parking brake lever should be fully released.
   3. None of the brakes should be allowed to drag.
   4. The wheels should be driven on the wheel balancer with the engine running.

      HINT:

      When doing this, be careful of the other wheels, which will rotate at the same time.

   5. Avoid sudden acceleration, deceleration and braking.
   6. Carry out the wheel balancing with the transaxle in D position.
      Fig 12: Identifying On-Vehicle Wheel Balancing

      Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

• Use one of the methods shown below to tow the vehicle.
• If the vehicle has trouble in the chassis and drive train, use method 1 (flat bed truck).
  Fig 13: Identifying Methods To Tow Vehicle

  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  NOTE: Do not use any towing method other than those shown above.
• For example, the towing methods shown below are dangerous or damage the vehicle, so do not use them.
  Fig 14: Identifying Dangerous Towing Methods

  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

1. Use only unleaded gasoline.
2. Avoid prolonged idling.

   Avoid running the engine at idle speed for more than 20 minutes.

3. Avoid spark jump test.
   1. Perform spark jump test only when absolutely necessary. Perform this test as rapidly as possible.
   2. While testing, never race the engine.
4. Avoid prolonged engine compression measurement.

   Engine compression tests must be done as rapidly as possible.

5. Do not run engine when fuel tank is nearly empty.

   This may cause the engine to misfire and create an extra load on the converter.

6. Avoid coasting with ignition turned off and prolonged braking.
7. Do not dispose of used catalyst along with parts contaminated with gasoline or oil.

For vehicles with mobile communication systems such as two-way radios and cellular telephones, observe the following precautions.

1. Install the antenna as far as possible away from the ECU and sensors of the vehicle's electronic system.
2. Install the antenna feeder at least 20 cm (7.87 in.) away from the ECU and sensors of the vehicle's electronic systems. For details about ECU and sensors locations, refer to the section on the applicable component.
3. Do not wind the antenna feeder together with the other wiring as much as possible, also avoid running the antenna feeder parallel with other wire harnesses.
4. Check that the antenna and feeder are correctly adjusted.
5. Do not install powerful mobile communications system.

When using a 2-wheel drum tester such as a speedometer tester or chassis dynamometer, etc., or jacking up the front wheels and driving the wheels, always push in the TRAC cut ("TRAC OFF") switch and turn the TRAC system OFF.

Confirm TRAC system is OFF

1. Press the TRAC cut ("TRAC OFF") switch.
2. Check that the TRAC OFF indicator light comes on when the TRAC system is turned OFF by the TRAC cut switch.

   HINT:

   The SLIP indicator light should always operate right after the engine is restarted.

   Fig 15: Identifying TRAC Cut Switch

   Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
3. Begin measurements.
   Fig 16: Vehicle Placed On Dynamometer

   Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
4. Press the TRAC cut switch to turn the TRAC to the operative mode and check that the TRAC OFF indicator light goes off.

   HINT:

   The SLIP indicator light blinks when the TRAC system in operation.

   Fig 17: Identifying SLIP Indicator Light

   Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002