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Precaution [08/2021 - 09/2022]

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2024 Lexus ES 250, 2023 Lexus ES 250, 2022 Lexus ES 250, and 2021 Lexus ES 250. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. PRECAUTION FOR DISCONNECTING CABLE FROM NEGATIVE BATTERY TERMINAL 
    NOTE:

    When disconnecting the cable from the negative (-) battery terminal, initialize the following system(s) after the cable is reconnected:

    System See Procedure
    Lane Tracing Assist System Refer to INITIALIZATION [08/2021 - 09/2022]
    Pre-collision System
    Parking Support Brake System (for Gasoline Model)
    Lighting System (for Gasoline Model)
    Parking Assist Monitor System (for Gasoline Model)
    Panoramic View Monitor System (for Gasoline Model)
    Power Trunk Lid System (for Gasoline Model)
  2. TROUBLESHOOTING PRECAUTION 
    NOTE:
    • Since the Dynamic Torque Control AWD system may be influenced by a malfunction in other systems, be sure to check for DTCs in the other systems.
    • When removing and installing the 4WD ECU assembly and each sensor, be sure to check that the normal display is output in DTC output inspection after installing all the parts.
    • When replacing the 4WD ECU assembly, always replace it with a new one.
    • When the yaw rate and acceleration sensor (airbag ECU assembly) is replaced, Reset Memory must be performed.

      Refer to CALIBRATION [08/2020 - ] 

  3. PRECAUTIONS WHEN INSPECTING VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH DYNAMIC TORQUE CONTROL AWD SYSTEM 
    1. When using speedometer tester
      NOTE:
      • Testers with a load setting mechanism for 2 wheels only (models with a power absorption mechanism for 2 wheels only: 2-wheel chassis dynamometer, or any combination testers such as 2-wheel chassis dynamometer with speedometer tester or brake tester) cannot be used by themselves.
      • Perform the inspection on the front wheels.
      • Do not start off, accelerate or decelerate suddenly.
      • The vehicle speed should be 60 km/h (37 mph) or less (When a free roller is in use, the vehicle speed should be 50 km/h (31 mph) or less).
      • The driving time should be within 1 minute.
      1. Enter "4WD Control Prevention Mode" or "VSC/TR(A)C/4WD Control Prevention Mode".

        HINT: 

        Refer to "4WD Control Prevention Mode" or "VSC/TR(A)C/4WD Control Prevention Mode" Procedures for Inspection and Maintenance.

      2. Check that AWD test mode message is displayed on the multi-information display. (Check that AWD control is prohibited)
      3. Place the front wheels onto the roller.
      4. Place the rear wheels onto the free roller or safety stand.
        GTY854086Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
        *1 Safety Stand *2 Free Roller
        *a When using drum tester *b AWD control operation prohibited condition
      5. Secure the vehicle with lock chains.

        HINT: 

        The position of the lock chain in the illustration is for reference only.

      6. With the shift lever in D, measure the vehicle speed while increasing the speed gradually.
      7. Slowly decelerate by the brake and stop the vehicle after the measurement.
        NOTE:

        Do not use the parking brake. If brake is applied only on the rear wheels during high engine speed, it may cause AWD function effectiveness to decline, drivetrain parts to malfunction or the vehicle to move unexpectedly.

      8. Cancel "4WD Control Prevention Mode" or "VSC/TR(A)C/4WD Control Prevention Mode".
        NOTE:
        • Be sure to cancel "4WD Control Prevention Mode" or "VSC/TR(A)C/4WD Control Prevention Mode" after the measurement.
        • Do not drive the vehicle while in "4WD Control Prevention Mode" or "VSC/TR(A)C/4WD Control Prevention Mode".

        HINT: 

        Refer to "4WD Control Prevention Mode" or "VSC/TR(A)C/4WD Control Prevention Mode" Procedures for Inspection and Maintenance.

      9. Check that the AWD test mode message is no longer displayed on the multi-information display ("4WD Control Prevention Mode" or "VSC/TR(A)C/4WD Control Prevention Mode" is canceled).
    2. When using brake tester
      NOTE:
      • A tester with a load measurement mechanism cannot be used.
      • A high-speed type brake tester cannot be used.
      1. Enter "4WD Control Prevention Mode" or "VSC/TR(A)C/4WD Control Prevention Mode".

        HINT: 

        Refer to "4WD Control Prevention Mode" or "VSC/TR(A)C/4WD Control Prevention Mode" Procedures for Inspection and Maintenance.

      2. Check that AWD test mode message is displayed on the multi-information display. (Check that AWD control is prohibited)
      3. Place the wheels to be tested (front or rear) onto the roller.
      4. Move the shift lever to N.
      5. Drive the roller of the brake tester and measure.

        HINT: 

        The driving time should be within 1 minute.

      6. Cancel "4WD Control Prevention Mode" or "VSC/TR(A)C/4WD Control Prevention Mode".
        NOTE:
        • Be sure to cancel "4WD Control Prevention Mode" or "VSC/TR(A)C/4WD Control Prevention Mode" after the measurement.
        • Do not drive the vehicle while in "4WD Control Prevention Mode" or "VSC/TR(A)C/4WD Control Prevention Mode".

        HINT: 

        Refer to "4WD Control Prevention Mode" or "VSC/TR(A)C/4WD Control Prevention Mode" Procedures for Inspection and Maintenance.

      7. Check that the AWD test mode message is no longer displayed on the multi-information display ("4WD Control Prevention Mode" or "VSC/TR(A)C/4WD Control Prevention Mode" is canceled).
    3. When using chassis dynamometer
      1. Enter "4WD Control Prevention Mode" or "VSC/TR(A)C/4WD Control Prevention Mode".

        HINT: 

        Refer to "4WD Control Prevention Mode" or "VSC/TR(A)C/4WD Control Prevention Mode" Procedures for Inspection and Maintenance.

      2. Check that AWD test mode message is displayed on the multi-information display. (Check that AWD control is prohibited)
      3. Use the following methods to perform the test.
        GTY498237Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
        *1 Propeller Shaft Assembly - -
        *a 2-wheel Chassis Dynamometer *b 4-wheel Driven Chassis Dynamometer (Mechanical Front/back Synchronized Type)
        *c 4-wheel Driven Chassis Dynamometer (Electric Front/back Synchronized Type) - -
        Remove - -
        NOTE:
        • Do not suddenly accelerate or apply the brake.
        • Failure to observe the following methods may cause AWD function effectiveness to decline, drivetrain parts to malfunction or the vehicle to move unexpectedly.
          Vehicle Condition Chassis Dynamometer Vehicle Speed, Test Time Propeller Shaft Assembly
          *a
          (*1)
          2-wheel Chassis Dynamometer No limit Remove
          *b 4-wheel Driven Chassis Dynamometer (Mechanical Front/back Synchronized Type) No limit Normal
          *c
          (*1) (*2)
          4-wheel Driven Chassis Dynamometer (Electric Front/back Synchronized Type) No limit Remove
          NOTE:
          • (*1): Be sure to enter "4WD Control Prevention Mode" or "VSC/TR(A)C/4WD Control Prevention Mode" in order to perform the test with the vehicle in front wheel drive. If performed under other conditions, "AWD System Overheated 2WD Mode Engaged" is displayed on the multi-information display and the drivetrain may be damaged.
          • (*2): Do not use the electric front/back synchronized type 4-wheel driven chassis dynamometer with the propeller shaft assembly installed since the drivetrain may be damaged. (However, use with the propeller shaft assembly removed is possible)
      4. Canceling "4WD Control Prevention Mode" or "VSC/TR(A)C/4WD Control Prevention Mode".
        NOTE:
        • Be sure to cancel "4WD Control Prevention Mode" or "VSC/TR(A)C/4WD Control Prevention Mode" after the measurement.
        • Do not drive the vehicle while in "4WD Control Prevention Mode" or "VSC/TR(A)C/4WD Control Prevention Mode".

        HINT: 

        Refer to "4WD Control Prevention Mode" or "VSC/TR(A)C/4WD Control Prevention Mode" Procedures for Inspection and Maintenance.

      5. Check that the AWD test mode message is no longer displayed on the multi-information display ("4WD Control Prevention Mode" or "VSC/TR(A)C/4WD Control Prevention Mode" is canceled).
  4. CAUTIONS FOR TOWING DYNAMIC TORQUE CONTROL AWD VEHICLE 
    1. Tow the vehicle with all 4 wheels on the ground or lifted up. When towing the vehicle with all 4 wheels on the ground, limit the tow speed to 30 km/h (19 mph) or less and the tow distance to 80 km (50 miles) or less, and tow the vehicle in the forward direction.
      NOTE:

      If the vehicle is towed above this speed and beyond this distance or is towed in reverse direction, the transaxle may be affected or damaged.

    2. Do not tow with only the front or rear wheels lifted up. If the driving system or drivetrain is malfunctioning, transport the vehicle with all 4 wheels lifted up.
      GTY921102Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
      *A Tow Truck (Rear Wheels on the Ground) *B Tow Truck (Front Wheels on the Ground)
      *C Tow Truck (Sling-type) - -
      NOTE:
      • Do not use a sling-type towing method. If a sling-type tow truck is used, damage may occur to the vehicle body.
      • Towing with only the front wheels or rear wheels lifted up may damage drivetrain parts or cause the wheels to jump out of the tow truck.
    3. Use one of the methods shown below to tow the vehicle.
      GTY935639Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
      *A Car Carrier *B Tow Truck (4 Wheels Lifted)
      *C Tow Truck (4 Wheels on the Ground)
      - Limit the tow speed to 30 km/h (19 mph) or less
      - Limit the tow distance to 80 km (50 miles) or less
      - -
      NOTE:
      • If there is a malfunction in the chassis or drivetrain, use the car carrier.
      • When towing the vehicle, do not use any towing method other than those shown in the illustration.
      PARKING BRAKE AND SHIFT LEVER DURING TOWING

      Towing Method Parking Brake Transmission Shift Lever Position
      Car Carrier Parking brake applied* Any position
      Tow Truck (4 Wheels Lifted) Parking brake applied* Any position
      Tow Truck (4 Wheels on the Ground) Parking brake not applied Shift position in N
      WARNING:

      *: The braking force of the electric parking brake changes according to the tilt of the vehicle. When towing the vehicle, pull the parking brake switch 2 times (2 lock operations) to apply the maximum amount of braking force to prevent the wheels from moving unexpectedly.

      HINT: 

      The steering lock cannot be released with the battery fully depleted or the cable disconnected from the negative (-) battery terminal.

  5. "4WD CONTROL PREVENTION MODE" OR "VSC/TR(A)C/4WD CONTROL PREVENTION MODE" PROCEDURES FOR INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE 
    NOTE:

    In the case of using a speedometer tester, brake tester, or chassis dynamometer, etc., there is some possibility of a speed differential between the front and rear wheels. Therefore, before performing the test, make sure to enter "4WD Control Prevention Mode" or "VSC/TR(A)C/4WD Control Prevention Mode".

    1. Enter "4WD Control Prevention Mode" (When using Techstream)
      WARNING:

      When using a drum tester while in "4WD Control Prevention Mode", secure the vehicle with chains for safety.

      NOTE:
      • "4WD Control Prevention Mode" is canceled when the engine switch is turned off. Therefore, when continuing the inspection after the engine switch has been turned off during inspection, it is necessary to re-enter "4WD Control Prevention Mode".
      • Do not drive the vehicle while in "4WD Control Prevention Mode".

      HINT: 

      The operation of the dynamic torque control AWD system can be prohibited by entering "4WD Control Prevention Mode".

      1. With the engine switch off, connect the Techstream to the DLC3.
      2. Turn the engine switch on (IG), and enter the following menus: Four Wheel Drive / Utility / 4WD Control Prevention Mode.
      3. Following the display on the Techstream screen, enter "4WD Control Prevention Mode".

        HINT: 

        Check that the AWD test mode message is displayed on the multi-information display.

      Chassis > Four Wheel Drive > Utility 

      Tester Display
      4WD Control Prevention Mode
    2. Enter "VSC/TR(A)C/4WD Control Prevention Mode" (When not using Techstream)
      WARNING:

      When using a drum tester while in "VSC/TR(A)C/4WD Control Prevention Mode", secure the vehicle with chains for safety.

      HINT: 

      • When entering "VSC/TR(A)C/4WD Control Prevention Mode" when not using the Techstream, operation of both the electronically controlled brake system and the dynamic torque control AWD system is prohibited.
      • "VSC/TR(A)C/4WD Control Prevention Mode" is canceled when the engine switch is turned off. When continuing the inspection after the engine switch has been turned off during inspection, re-enter "VSC/TR(A)C/4WD Control Prevention Mode".
      • Do not drive the vehicle while in "VSC/TR(A)C/4WD Control Prevention Mode".
      • Perform the operation within 30 seconds of turning the engine switch on (IG).
      • If it cannot be confirmed that "VSC/TR(A)C/4WD Control Prevention Mode" has been entered, carry out the procedure again from step 1 after turning the engine switch off.
      • Fully depress or release the brake pedal to ensure that the stop light switch changes between ON and OFF respectively.
      • Fully apply or release the parking brake to ensure that the parking brake light in the combination meter assembly illuminates or turns off respectively.
      1. Turn the engine switch on (IG).
      2. With the parking brake applied, release and then depress the brake pedal 2 or more times consecutively, and then keep the brake pedal depressed.
      3. With the brake pedal depressed, release and then apply the parking brake 2 or more times consecutively, and then keep the parking brake applied.
      4. With the parking brake applied, release and then depress the brake pedal 2 or more times consecutively again.
      5. Check that the AWD test mode message and TRAC OFF message are displayed on the multi-information display and that the VSC OFF indicator light is illuminated.
    3. Cancel "4WD Control Prevention Mode" or "VSC/TR(A)C/4WD Control Prevention Mode"
      1. Turn the engine switch off, wait for 60 seconds or more, and cancel "4WD Control Prevention Mode" or "VSC/TR(A)C/4WD Control Prevention Mode".
        NOTE:

        Do not turn the engine switch off within 60 seconds of entering "4WD Control Prevention Mode" or "VSC/TR(A)C/4WD Control Prevention Mode". If the engine switch is turned off within 60 seconds, "4WD Control Prevention Mode" or "VSC/TR(A)C/4WD Control Prevention Mode" will continue when the engine switch is turned on (IG) again.

        HINT: 

        • When canceling "4WD Control Prevention Mode":
          1. Check that the AWD test mode message is no longer displayed on the multi-information display.
        • When canceling "VSC/TR(A)C/4WD Control Prevention Mode":
          1. Check that the AWD test mode message and TRAC OFF message are not displayed on the multi-information display and that the VSC OFF indicator light is not illuminated.