Driving procedures

Driving the vehicle

The following procedures should be observed to ensure safe driving.

Driving

1. With the brake pedal depressed, shift the shift lever to D.
2. Release the parking brake.
3. Gradually release the brake pedal and gently depress the
accelerator pedal to accelerate the vehicle.

Stopping

1. With the shift lever in D, depress the brake pedal.
2. If necessary, set the parking brake.
If the vehicle is to be stopped for an extended period of time, shift the
shift lever to P.

Parking the vehicle

1. With the shift lever in D, depress the brake pedal.
2. Set the parking brake.
3. Shift the shift lever to P.
If parking on a hill, block the wheels as needed.
4. Press the “POWER” switch to stop the hybrid system.
5. Lock the door, making sure that you have the electronic key on
your person.

Starting off on a steep uphill

1. Make sure that the parking brake is set and shift the shift lever to
D.
2. Gently depress the accelerator pedal.
3. Release the parking brake.

Driving in the rain

Drive carefully when it is raining, because visibility will be reduced, the windows
may become fogged-up, and the road will be slippery.
Drive carefully when it starts to rain, because the road surface will be especially
slippery.
Refrain from high speeds when driving on an expressway in the rain, because
there may be a layer of water between the tires and the road surface, preventing
the steering and brakes from operating properly.

Breaking in your new Lexus

To extend the life of the vehicle, observing the following precautions is recommended:
For the first 200 miles (300 km):
Avoid sudden stops.
For the first 500 miles (800 km):
Do not tow a trailer.
For the first 1000 miles (1600 km):
• Do not drive at extremely high speeds.
• Avoid sudden acceleration.
• Do not drive continuously in low gears.
• Do not drive at a constant speed for extended periods.

Drum-in-disc type parking brake system

Your vehicle has a drum-in-disc type parking brake system. This type of brake system
needs bedding-down of the brake shoes periodically or whenever the parking
brake shoes and/or drum are replaced. Have your Lexus dealer perform the bedding
down operation.

Operating your vehicle in a foreign country

Comply with the relevant vehicle registration laws and confirm the availability of the
correct fuel.

For efficient use

Shift the shift lever to D when driving.
In the N position, the gasoline engine operates but electricity cannot be generated.
The hybrid battery (traction battery) will discharge, requiring unnecessary
engine power to recharge.
Drive your vehicle smoothly.
Avoid abrupt acceleration and deceleration. Gradual acceleration and deceleration
will make more effective use of the electric motor (traction motor) without
having to use gasoline engine power.
Avoid repeated acceleration.
Repeated acceleration consumes hybrid battery (traction battery) power,
resulting in poor acceleration. Battery power can be restored by driving with
the accelerator pedal slightly released.
Shift the shift lever to P when parking.
In the N position, the hybrid battery (traction battery) does not recharge.
Leaving the shift lever in the N position for an extended period of time may discharge
the hybrid battery. The vehicle cannot run if the hybrid battery is discharged.

Environment-friendly driving

During environment-friendly acceleration
operation (Eco driving), Eco Driving Indicator
Light will turn on. If the accelerator pedal
is depressed more than necessary, the indicator
will turn off.
Eco Driving Indicator Light will operate when
the vehicle is being driven with the shift lever
in D. The indicator will not operate when the
vehicle is in snow mode or EV drive mode.

Customization

Setting of Eco Driving Indicator Light can be changed.

Caution

When starting the vehicle Always keep your foot on the brake pedal while stopped with the hybrid system operating. This prevents the vehicle from creeping. When driving the vehicle Do not drive if you are unfamiliar with the location of the brake and accelerator pedals to avoid depressing the wrong pedal. • Accidentally depressing the accelerator pedal instead of the brake pedal will result in sudden acceleration that may lead to an accident that could result in death or serious injury. • When backing up, you may twist your body around, leading to a difficulty in operating the pedals. Make sure to operate the pedals properly. • Make sure to keep a correct driving posture even when moving the vehicle only slightly. This allows you to depress the brake and accelerator pedals properly. • Depress the brake pedal using your right foot. Depressing the brake pedal using your left foot may delay response in an emergency, resulting in an accident. The driver should pay extra attention to pedestrians when the vehicle is powered only by the electric motor (traction motor). Because there is no engine noise, the pedestrians may misjudge the vehicle’s movement. Do not drive the vehicle over or stop the vehicle near flammable materials. The exhaust system and exhaust gases can be extremely hot. These hot parts may cause a fire if there is any flammable material nearby. Do not let the vehicle roll backward while the shift lever is in a driving position, or roll forward while the shift lever is in R. Doing so may result in an accident or damage to the vehicle. If the smell of exhaust is noticed inside the vehicle, open the windows and check that the back door is closed. Large amounts of exhaust in the vehicle can cause driver drowsiness and an accident, resulting in death or a serious health hazard. Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.

Do not under any circumstances shift the shift lever to P while the vehicle is moving. Doing so can cause significant damage to the driveline and may result in a loss of vehicle control. Do not under any circumstances shift the shift lever to R while the vehicle is moving forward. Doing so can cause significant damage to the driveline and may result in a loss of vehicle control. Do not shift the shift lever to N while the vehicle is moving. Doing so may cause insufficient engine braking, resulting in an accident. Do not turn the hybrid system off while driving. The power steering will not operate properly if the hybrid system is off. Use engine braking (downshift) to maintain a safe speed when driving down a steep hill. Using the brakes continuously may cause the brakes to overheat and lose effectiveness. When stopped on an incline, use the brake pedal and parking brake to prevent the vehicle from rolling backward or forward, causing an accident. Do not adjust the position of the steering wheel, the seat, or the inside or outside rear view mirrors while driving. Doing so may result in a loss of vehicle control that can cause accidents, resulting in death or serious injury. Always check that all passengers' arms, heads or other parts of their body are not outside the vehicle, as this may result in death or serious injury.

Do not drive in excess of the speed limit. Even if the legal speed limit permits it, do not drive over 140 km/h unless your vehicle has high-speed capability tires. Driving over 140 km/h may result in tire failure, loss of control and possible injury. Be sure to consult a tire dealer to determine whether the tires on your vehicle are high-speed capability tires or not before driving at such speeds. On vehicles with an electronically modulated air suspension, if you drive through water, such as when crossing shallow streams, first check the depth of the water and the firmness of the river bed. Put the vehicle in “HI” (high) mode with the height selector switch and then turn off the electronically modulated air suspension by pressing the height control off switch. Drive your vehicle at 30 km/h or lower. When driving on slippery road surfaces Sudden braking, acceleration and steering may cause tire slippage and reduce your ability to control the vehicle, resulting in an accident. Sudden changes in engine speed, such as engine braking caused by up-shifting and down-shifting, may cause the vehicle to skid, resulting in an accident. After driving through a puddle, lightly depress the brake pedal to make sure that the brakes are functioning properly. Wet brake pads may prevent the brakes from functioning properly. If the brakes on only one side are wet and not functioning properly, steering control may be affected, resulting in an accident. When shifting the shift lever Be careful not to shift the shift lever with the accelerator pedal depressed. This may lead to unexpected rapid acceleration of the vehicle that may cause an accident and result in death or serious injury. If you hear a squealing or scraping noise (brake pad wear limit indicators) Have your Lexus dealer check and replace the brake pads as soon as possible. The rotor damage can result if the pads are not replaced when needed. It is dangerous to drive the vehicle when the wear limits of the brake pads and/or those of the brake discs are exceeded.

When the vehicle is stopped Do not depress the accelerator pedal unnecessarily. If the vehicle is in any gear other than P or N, the vehicle may accelerate suddenly and unexpectedly, causing an accident. Do not leave the vehicle with the hybrid system on for a long time. If such a situation cannot be avoided, park the vehicle in an open space and check that exhaust fumes do not enter the vehicle interior. Always keep a foot on the brake pedal while the hybrid system is operating to prevent an accident caused by the vehicle moving. When stopped on an incline, use the brake pedal and parking brake to prevent the vehicle from rolling backward or forward, causing an accident. When the vehicle is parked Do not leave glasses, cigarette lighters, spray cans, or soft drink cans in the vehicle when it is in the sun. Doing so may result in the following: • Gas may leak from a cigarette lighter or spray can, and may lead to a fire. • The temperature inside the vehicle may cause the plastic lenses and plastic material of glasses to deform or crack. • Soft drink cans may fracture, causing the contents to spray over the interior of the vehicle, and may also cause a short circuit in the vehicle's electrical components. Do not leave cigarette lighters in the vehicle. If a cigarette lighter is in a place such as the glove box or on the floor, it may be lit accidentally when luggage is loaded or the seat is adjusted, causing a fire. Do not attach adhesive discs to the windshield or windows. Do not place containers such as air fresheners on the instrument panel or dashboard. Adhesive discs or containers may act as lenses, causing a fire in the vehicle. Do not leave a door or window open if the curved glass is coated with a metallized film such as a silver-colored one. Reflected sunlight may cause the glass to act as a lens, causing a fire. Always apply the parking brake, shift the shift lever to P, stop the hybrid system and lock the vehicle. Do not leave the vehicle unattended while the hybrid system is operating.

Do not touch the exhaust pipes while the hybrid system is operating or immediately after turning the hybrid system off. Doing so may cause burns. Do not leave the hybrid system operating in an area with snow build-up, or where it is snowing. If snowbanks build up around the vehicle while the hybrid system is operating, exhaust gases may collect and enter the vehicle. This may lead to death or a serious health hazard. Exhaust gases Exhaust gases include harmful carbon monoxide (CO) that is colorless and odorless. Inhaling exhaust gases may lead to death or a serious health hazard. If the vehicle is in a poorly ventilated area, stop the hybrid system. In a closed area, such as a garage, exhaust gases may collect and enter the vehicle. This may lead to death or a serious health hazard. The exhaust system should be checked occasionally. If there is a hole or crack caused by corrosion, damage to a joint or abnormal exhaust noise, be sure to have the vehicle inspected and repaired by your Lexus dealer. Failure to do so may allow exhaust gases to enter the vehicle, resulting in death or a serious health hazard. When taking a nap in the vehicle Always turn the hybrid system off. Otherwise, if you accidentally move the shift lever or depress the accelerator pedal, this could cause an accident or fire due to hybrid system overheating. Additionally, if the vehicle is parked in a poorly ventilated area, exhaust gases may collect and enter the vehicle, leading to death or a serious health hazard. When braking the vehicle When the brakes are wet, drive more cautiously. Braking distance increases when the brakes are wet, and this may cause one side of the vehicle to brake differently than the other side. Also, the parking brake may not securely hold the vehicle. If the power brake assist function does not operate, do not follow other vehicles closely and avoid hills or sharp turns that require braking. In this case, braking is still possible, but the brake pedal should be depressed more firmly than usual. Also, the braking distance will increase.

The brake system consists of 3 individual hydraulic systems; if one of the systems fails, the others will still operate. In this case, the brake pedal should be depressed more firmly than usual and the braking distance will increase. If this happens, do not continue to drive the vehicle. If the brake system warning light (red indicator) comes on together with the buzzer sound while driving, immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact your Lexus dealer. If the vehicle becomes stuck Do not spin the wheels excessively when any of the tires is up in the air, or the vehicle is stuck in sand, mud, etc. This may damage the driveline components or propel the vehicle forward or backward, causing an accident.

NOTICE:
When driving the vehicle
Do not use the accelerator pedal or depress the accelerator and brake pedals at
the same time to hold the vehicle on a hill.
When parking the vehicle
Always shift the shift lever to P. Failure to do so may cause the vehicle to move or the
vehicle may accelerate suddenly if the accelerator pedal is accidentally depressed.
Avoiding damage to vehicle parts
Do not turn the steering wheel fully in either direction and hold it there for an
extended period of time.
Doing so may damage the power steering motor.
When driving over bumps in the road, drive as slowly as possible to avoid damaging
the wheels, underside of the vehicle, etc.
If you get a flat tire while driving
A flat or damaged tire may cause the following situations. Hold the steering wheel
firmly and gradually depress the brake pedal to slow down the vehicle.
It may be difficult to control your vehicle.
The vehicle will make abnormal sounds.
The vehicle will behave abnormally.
Replace a flat tire with a new one.

NOTICE:
When encountering flooded roads
Do not drive on a road that has flooded after heavy rain etc. Doing so may cause the
following serious damage to the vehicle:
Engine stalling.
Short in electrical components.
Engine damage caused by water immersion.
In the event that you drive on a flooded road and the vehicle is flooded, be sure to
have your Lexus dealer check the following:
Brake function.
Changes in quantity and quality of oil and fluid used for the engine, hybrid transmission,
etc., and, for AWD models, the rear electric motor (traction motor).
Lubricant condition for the bearings and suspension joints (where possible) and
the function of all joints, bearings, etc.

Power (ignition) switch

Performing the following operations when carrying the electronic key on
your person starts the hybrid system or changes “POWER” switch modes.

Starting the hybrid system

1. Check that the parking brake is set.
2. Check that the shift lever is set in P.
3. Firmly depress the brake pedal.
The “POWER” switch indicator will turn green. If the indicator does
not turn green, the hybrid system cannot be started.

Press the “POWER” switch.
After a while, the “READY” indicator
comes on with a beep
sound.
The vehicle can move when the
“READY” indicator is on even if
the engine is stopped.
Continue depressing the brake
pedal until the hybrid system is
completely started.
The hybrid system can be
started from any mode.

Stopping the hybrid system

1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Shift the shift lever to P.
3. Set the parking brake.
4. Press the “POWER” switch.
5. Release the brake pedal and check that the indicator on the
“POWER” switch is off.

Changing “POWER” switch modes

Modes can be changed by pressing the “POWER” switch with the
brake pedal released. (The mode changes each time the switch is
pressed.)

1. Off*.
The emergency flashers can be
used.
2. ACCESSORY mode.
Some electrical components
such as the audio system can be
used.
The “POWER” switch indicator
turns amber.
3. ON mode.
All electrical components can
be used.
The “POWER” switch indicator
turns amber.
*: If the shift lever is in a position
other than “P” when turning off
the hybrid system, the
“POWER” switch will be turned
to ACCESSORY mode, not to
off.

When stopping the hybrid system with the shift lever in a position other than P

If the hybrid system is stopped with the shift lever in a position other than
P, the “POWER” switch will not be turned off but instead be turned to
ACCESSORY mode. Perform the following procedure to turn the switch
off:
1. Check that the parking brake is set.
2. Shift the shift lever to P.
3. Check that the indicator on the “POWER” switch is illuminated in
amber and then press the “POWER” switch once.
4. Check that the indicator on the “POWER” switch is off.

Auto power off function

If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY or ON mode (the hybrid system is not operating)
for more than an hour with the shift lever in P, the “POWER” switch will automatically
turn off. However, this function cannot entirely prevent 12-volt battery
discharge. Do not leave the vehicle with the “POWER” switch in ACCESSORY or
ON mode for long periods of time when the hybrid system is not operating.

Operation of the “POWER” switch

When operating the “POWER” switch, one short, firm press is enough. If the switch
is pressed improperly, the hybrid system may not start or the “POWER” switch
mode may not change. It is not necessary to press and hold the switch.

When the ambient temperature is low, such as during winter driving conditions

It may take time until the “READY” indicator comes on.

If the hybrid system does not start

The immobilizer system may not have been deactivated.

Steering lock

After turning the “POWER” switch off and opening and closing the doors, the
steering wheel will be locked due to the steering lock function. Operating the
“POWER” switch again automatically cancels the steering lock.

When the steering lock cannot be released

The green indicator light on the “POWER”
switch will flash and a message will be shown
on the multi-information display. Press the
“POWER” switch again while turning the
steering wheel left and right.

Steering lock motor overheating prevention

To prevent the steering lock motor from overheating, the motor may be suspended
if the hybrid system is turned on and off repeatedly in a short period of time. In this
case, refrain from operating the hybrid system. After about 2 seconds, the steering
lock motor will resume functioning.

When the “POWER” switch indicator flashes in amber

The system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus
dealer immediately.

If the “READY” indicator does not come on

If the “READY” indicator does not come on when you press the “POWER” switch
with the shift lever in P and the brake pedal depressed, contact your Lexus dealer
immediately.

Caution

When starting the hybrid system Always start the hybrid system while sitting in the driver’s seat. Do not depress the accelerator pedal while starting the hybrid system under any circumstances. Doing so may cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury. Caution while driving If a hybrid system failure occurs while the vehicle is moving, do not lock or open the doors until the vehicle reaches a safe and complete stop. Activation of the steering lock in this circumstance may lead to an accident, resulting in death or serious injury. Stopping the hybrid system in an emergency If you want to stop the hybrid system in an emergency while driving the vehicle, press and hold the “POWER” switch for more than 3 seconds. However, do not touch the “POWER” switch while driving unless in an emergency. If the hybrid system stops while driving, this could lead to an accident.

NOTICE:
To prevent 12-volt battery discharge
Do not leave the “POWER” switch in ACCESSORY or ON mode for long periods
of time without the hybrid system on.
If the indicator on the “POWER” switch is illuminated, the “POWER” switch is not
off. When exiting the vehicle, always check that the “POWER” switch is off.
Do not stop the hybrid system when the shift lever is in a position other than P. If
the hybrid system is stopped in another shift lever position, the “POWER” switch
will not be turned off but instead be turned to ACCESSORY mode. If the vehicle
is left in ACCESSORY mode, 12-volt battery discharge may occur.
When starting the hybrid system
Do not depress the accelerator pedal unnecessarily.
Symptoms indicating a malfunction with the “POWER” switch
If the “POWER” switch seems to be operating somewhat differently than usual,
such as the switch sticking slightly, there may be a malfunction. Contact your Lexus
dealer immediately.

Hybrid transmission

Select a shift position appropriate for the driving conditions.

Shifting the shift lever

While the “POWER” switch is in ON mode, depress the brake
pedal and move the shift lever.
When shifting the shift lever between P and D, make sure that the
vehicle is completely stopped.

Shift position purpose

*1: Shifting to the D position allows the system to select a gear suitable for the
driving conditions. Setting the shift lever to the D position is recommended
for normal driving.
*2: Selecting shift ranges using S mode controls engine braking forces.

Selecting eco mode

When the vehicle is driven in eco mode, vehicle driving force and
operation of the air conditioning system is controlled to improve fuel
efficiency.

1. Press the menu switch.
The multi-information display
will change modes to electronic
features control mode.
2. Press the “ENTER” switch
upwards or downwards until
“ECO MODE” appears.
Press the “ENTER” switch to
change to “ON”.
The “ECO MODE” indicator
will be displayed.
Each pressing of the switch
turns eco mode on and off.
Press the menu switch to
change to the normal display.

Selecting snow mode

Use snow mode for accelerating and driving on slippery road surfaces
such as snow.

1. Press the menu switch.
The multi-information display
will change modes to electronic
features control mode.
2. Press the “ENTER” switch
upwards or downwards until
“HYBRID SNOW” appears.

Press the “ENTER” switch to
change to “ON”.
The “Hybrid SNOW” indicator
will be displayed.
Each pressing of the switch
turns snow mode on and off.
Press the menu switch to
change to the normal display.

Selecting EV drive mode

In EV drive mode, the electric motor (traction motor), powered by
the hybrid battery (traction battery), is used to drive the vehicle.
This mode allows you to drive in residential areas late at night or in
indoor parking lots etc. without concern for noises and exhaust gas
emissions.

1. Press the menu switch.
The multi-information display
will change modes to electronic
features control mode.
When the menu switch is
pressed within 10 seconds of the
hybrid system being started,
“EV” will be the first mode displayed.
2. Press the “ENTER” switch
upwards or downwards until
“EV” appears.

Press the “ENTER” switch to
change to “ON”.
The EV drive mode indicator
will be displayed.
Each pressing of the switch
turns EV drive mode on and off.
Press the menu switch to
change to the normal display.

Changing shift ranges in S mode

When the shift lever is in the S position, the shift lever can be operated as
follows:

1. For upshifting.
2. For downshifting.

The initial shift range in S mode is set automatically to “5” or “4” according
to vehicle speed.

Shift ranges and their functions

l You can choose from 6 levels of engine braking force.
A lower shift range will provide greater engine braking force than a
higher shift range, and the engine speed will also increase.

Automatic return to normal driving mode

If snow mode or EV drive mode is selected, the driving mode will automatically
return to normal mode when the hybrid system is turned off.

S mode

l When the shift range is “5” or lower, holding the shift lever toward “+” sets the
shift range to “6”.
To prevent the engine from over-revving, upshifting may automatically occur.

AI-SHIFT

AI-SHIFT automatically selects the optimal gear according to driver performance
and driving conditions.
AI-SHIFT automatically operates when the shift lever is in the D position. (Shifting
the shift lever to the S position cancels the function.)

When driving with the cruise control or dynamic radar cruise control

Engine braking will not occur in S mode, even when downshifting to “5” or “4”.

If S does not come on even after shifting the shift lever to S

This may indicate a malfunction in the hybrid transmission system. Have the vehicle
inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
(In this situation, the hybrid transmission will operate in the same as manner as when
the shift lever is in D.)

Downshift restriction warning buzzer (S mode)

To help ensure safety and driving performance, downshifting operation may sometimes
be restricted. In some circumstances, downshifting may not be possible even
when the shift lever is operated. (The buzzer will sound twice.)

Situations in which EV drive mode cannot be turned on

It may not be possible to turn EV drive mode on in the following situations. If it cannot
be turned on, a buzzer will sound and a message will be shown on the multiinformation
display.
The temperature of the hybrid system is high.
The vehicle has been left in the sun, driven on a hill, driven at high speeds, etc.
The temperature of the hybrid system is low.
The vehicle has been left in extremely low temperatures for a long period of
time etc.
The gasoline engine is warming up.
The hybrid battery (traction battery) is low.
Vehicle speed is about 40 km/h or more.
The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly or the vehicle is on a hill etc.
The windshield defogger is in use.

Automatic cancelation of EV drive mode

When driving in EV drive mode, the gasoline engine may automatically restart in
the following situations. When EV drive mode is canceled, a buzzer will sound and
the EV drive mode indicator will flash and go off.
The hybrid battery (traction battery) becomes low.
Vehicle speed becomes more than about 40 km/h.
The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly or the vehicle is on a hill etc.

Possible driving distance when driving in EV drive mode

In EV drive mode, it is possible to drive up about 0.5 mile (1 km) if driving at a speed of
about 40 km/h or less. (The distance that is possible depends on the hybrid
battery [traction battery] level and driving conditions.)

Fuel economy

RX450h is designed to achieve the best possible fuel economy during normal driving
(using the gasoline engine and electric motor [traction motor]). Driving in EV
drive mode more than necessary may lower fuel economy.

NOTICE:
Hybrid battery (traction battery) charge precaution
If the shift lever is in N, the hybrid battery (traction battery) will not be charged even
when the engine is running. Therefore, if the vehicle is left with the shift lever in N for
a long period of time, the hybrid battery (traction battery) will discharge, and this
may result in the vehicle not being able to start.

Turn signal lever

The turn signal lever can be used to show the following intention of the
driver:

1. Right turn.
2. Left turn.
3. Lane change to the right
(push and hold the lever partway).
The right hand signals will flash
until you release the lever.
4. Lane change to the left (push
and hold the lever partway).
The left hand signals will flash
until you release the lever.

Turn signals can be operated when

The “POWER” switch is in ON mode.

If the indicators flash faster than usual

Check that a light bulb in the front or rear turn signal lights has not burned out.

Parking brake

To set the parking brake, fully
depress the parking brake pedal
with your left foot while
depressing the brake pedal with
your right foot.
(Depressing the pedal again
releases the parking brake.)

Usage in winter time

See “Winter driving tips” for parking brake usage in winter time.

NOTICE:
Before driving
Fully release the parking brake.
Driving the vehicle with the parking brake set will lead to brake components overheating,
which may affect braking performance and increase brake wear.

Horn

To sound the horn, press on or
close to the Instrument cluster mark.