stop start LEXUS RC300H 2017 Owner's Manual

215
4
Driving
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
4-2. Driving procedures
Check that the parking brake is set.
Check that the shift lever is in P.
Firmly depress the brake pedal.
and a message will be displayed on the multi-information display.
If it is not displayed, the hybrid system cannot be started.
Press the power switch shortly and
firmly.
When operating the power switch, one short, firm press is enough.
It is not necessary to press and hold the switch.
If the “READY” indicator turns on, the
hybrid system will operate normally.
Continue depressing the brake pedal until the “READY” indicator is illumi-
nated.
The hybrid system can be started from any power switch mode.
Check that the “READY” indicator is illuminated.
The vehicle will not move when the “READY” indicator is off.
Stop the vehicle completely.
Set the parking brake ( P. 230), and shift the shift lever to P.
Press the power switch.
Release the brake pedal and check that the display on the meters is off.
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
2
3
4
Stopping the hybrid system
5
1
2
3
4

2184-2. Driving procedures
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
■When “Check Entry & Start System” is displayed on the multi-information display
The system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qua lified and equipped professional immediately.
■If the “READY” indicator does not come on
In the event that the “READY” indicator does not come on even after performing the proper procedures for starting the vehicle, contact any authorized Lexus dealer or
repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional immediately.
■If the hybrid system is malfunctioning
 P. 543
■If the electronic key battery is depleted
 P. 511
■Operation of the power switch
●If the switch is not pressed shortly and firmly, the power switch mode may not change or the hybrid system may not start.
●If attempting to restart the hybrid system immediately after turning the power switch off,
the hybrid system may not start in some cases. After turning the power switch off, please wait a few seconds before restarting the hybrid system.
■If the smart entry & start system has been deactivated by a customized setting
 P. 578
WARNING
■When starting the hybrid system
Always start the hybrid system while sittin g 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 resu lting in death or serious injury.
■Caution while driving
If hybrid system failure occurs while the ve hicle is moving, do not lock or open the
doors until the vehicle reaches a safe and c omplete stop. Activation of the steering lock in this circumstance may lead to an accide nt, 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 2 seconds, or press it briefly 3 times or morein succession. ( P. 529)
However, do not touch the power switch while driving except in an emergency. Turning the hybrid system off while driving will not cause loss of steering or braking control, however, power assist to the steering will be lost. This will make it more difficult to steer
smoothly, so you should pull over and stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.

2194-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
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 “ACCESSORY” or “IGNITION ON” is displayed on the meters while the hybridsystem is not operating, the power switch is not off. Exit the vehicle after turning thepower switch off.
●Do not stop the hybrid system when the shift lever is in a position other than P. If thehybrid 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
If the hybrid system becomes difficult to start, have your vehicle checked by any autho-
rized Lexus dealer or repairer, or anothe r duly qualified and equipped professional immediately.
■Symptoms indicating a malfun ction with the power switch
If the power switch seems to be operating s omewhat differently than usual, such as the switch sticking slightly, th ere may be a malfunction. Contact any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualif ied and equipped professional immediately.

2264-2. Driving procedures
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
■When the “-” paddle shift switch is operated with the shift lever in the D position
The shift range is downshifted to a range that enables engine braking force that is suit- able to driving conditions.
■Automatic deactivation of shift range selection in the D position
Shift range selection in the D position will be deactivated in the following situations:
●When the vehicle comes to a stop
●If the accelerator pedal is depressed for more than a certain period of time
●When the shift lever is shifted to a position other than D
■Downshifting restriction warning buzzer
To help ensure safety and driving performa nce, downshifting operation may sometimes
be restricted. In some circumstances, down shifting may not be possible even when the shift lever or paddle shift switch is operated. (A buzzer will sound twice.)
■Snow mode automatic deactivation
Snow mode is automatically deactivated if the power switch is turned off after driving in snow mode.
■When driving with cruise control or dynamic radar cruise control activated
Even when performing the following actions with the intent of enabling engine braking, engine braking will not activate because crui se control or dynamic radar cruise control will not be canceled.
●While driving in the D or S position, downshifting to 5 or 4. ( P. 253, 257)
●When switching the driving mode to sport mode while driving in D position. (P. 301)
■Shift lock system
The shift lock system is a system to prevent accidental operation of the shift lever in start- ing.
The shift lever can be shifted from P only when the power switch is in IGNITION ON
mode and the brake pedal is being depressed.

3044-5. Using the driving support systems
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
◆ECB (Electronically Controlled Brake System)
The electronically controlled system generates braking force corresponding
to the brake operation
◆ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied suddenly, or if the
brakes are applied while driving on a slippery road surface
◆Brake assist
Generates an increased level of braking force after the brake pedal is
depressed when the system detects a panic stop situation
◆VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)
Helps the driver to control skidding when swerving suddenly or turning on
slippery road surfaces
◆VSC+ (Vehicle Stability Control+)
Provides cooperative control of the ABS, TRC, VSC and EPS.
Helps to maintain directional stability when swerving on slippery road sur-
faces by controlling steering performance.
◆TRC (Traction Control)
Helps to maintain drive power and prevent the drive wheels from spinning
when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads
◆Hill-start assist control
Helps to prevent the vehicle from rolling backward when starting on an incline
or slippery slope
◆EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed to turn the
steering wheel
Driving assist systems
To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following systems oper-
ate automatically in response to various driving situations. Be aware, however,
that these systems are suppl ementary and should not be relied upon too heav-
ily when operating the vehicle.

3054-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
◆Adaptive Variable Suspension System (if equipped)
By independently controlling the damp ing force of the shock absorbers for
each of the 4 wheels according to the road and driving conditions, this system
helps riding comfort with superior stee ring stability, and helps good vehicle
posture ( P. 302)
◆VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management)
Provides integrated control of the ABS, brake assist, TRC, VSC, hill-start
assist control and EPS systems
Helps to maintain vehicle stability when swerving on slippery road surfaces by
controlling the brakes, hybrid system output
◆PCS (Pre-Crash Safety system) (if equipped)
 P. 311
◆Emergency brake signal
When the brakes are applie d suddenly, the stop lights automatically flash to
alert the vehicle behind
◆BSM (Blind Spot Monitor) (if equipped)
 P. 319
The slip indicator light will flash while
the TRC/VSC systems are operating.
When the TRC/VSC systems are operating

3074-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
■Turning off both TRC and VSC systems
To turn the TRC and VSC systems off, press and hold for more than 3 seconds
while the vehicle is stopped.
The VSC OFF indicator light will come on and the “TRC OFF” will be shown on the
multi-information display.
*
Press again to turn the systems back on.
*: On vehicles with PCS (Pre-Crash Safety system), pre-crash brake assist and pre-
crash braking will also be disabled. The pr e-crash safety system warning light will
come on and a message will be displaye d on the multi-information display. (P. 554)
■When the message is displayed on the mult i-information display showing that TRC has
been disabled even if has not been pressed
TRC and hill-start assist control cannot be operated. Contact any authorized Lexus
dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional.

3084-5. Using the driving support systems
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
■Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, TRC, VSC and hill-start assist control systems
Any of the following conditions may occur when the above systems are operating. None
of these indicates that a malfunction has occurred.
●Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.
●A motor sound may be heard after the vehicle comes to a stop.
■ECB operating sound
ECB operating sound may be heard in the follow ing cases, but it does not indicate that a malfunction has occurred.
●Operating sound heard from the engine compartment when the brake pedal is oper-ated.
●Motor sound of the brake system heard from the front part of the vehicle when the
driver’s door is opened.
●Operating sound heard from the engine compartment when one or two minutes passed after the stop of the hybrid system.
■EPS operation sound
When the steering wheel is operated, a motor sound may be heard. This does not indi- cate a malfunction.
■Reactivation of the TRC/VSC systems
Even after the TRC/VSC systems have been turned off, turning the hybrid system off and then on again will automatically reactivate the TRC/VSC systems.
■Reactivation of the TRC system linked to vehicle speed
When only the TRC system is turned off, th e TRC system will turn on when vehicle speed increases. However, when both TRC and VSC systems are turned off, the systems will
not turn on even when vehicle speed increases.
■Reduced effectiveness of the EPS system
The effectiveness of the EPS system is redu ced to prevent the system from overheating when there is frequent steering input over an extended period of time. The steeringwheel may feel heavy as a result. Should this occur, refrain from excessive steering input
or stop the vehicle and turn the hybrid system off. The EPS system should return to nor- mal within 10 minutes.
■Operating conditions of hill-start assist control
When the following four conditions are met, the hill-start assist control will operate:
●The shift lever is in a position other than P or N (when starting off forward/backward on an upward incline).
●The vehicle is stopped.
●The accelerator pedal is not depressed.
●The parking brake is not engaged.
■Automatic system cancelation of hill-start assist control
The hill-start assist control will turn off in any of the following situations:
●The shift lever is moved to P or N.
●The accelerator pedal is depressed.
●The parking brake is engaged.
●Approximately 2 seconds elapse after the brake pedal is released.

3094-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
■Operating conditions of emergency brake signal
When the following three conditions are me t, the emergency brake signal will operate:
●The emergency flashers are off.
●Actual vehicle speed is over 55 km/h (35 mph).
●The brake pedal is depressed in a manner that cause the system to judge from the vehi- cle deceleration that this is a sudden braking operation.
■Automatic system cancelation of emergency brake signal
The emergency brake signal will turn of f in any of the following situations:
●The emergency flashers are turned on.
●The brake pedal is released.
●The system judges from the vehicle deceleration that is not a sudden braking operation.
WARNING
■The ABS does not operate effectively when
●The limits of tire gripping performance have been exceeded (such as excessively
worn tires on a snow covered road).
●The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on wet or slick roads.
■Stopping distance when the ABS is operating may exceed that of normal conditions
The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehicle’s stopping distance. Always maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, especially in the following situations:
●When driving on dirt, gravel or snow-covered roads
●When driving with tire chains
●When driving over bumps in the road
●When driving over roads with potholes or uneven surfaces
■TRC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slippery road surfaces, even if the TRC system is operating.
Drive the vehicle carefully in conditions where stability and power may be lost.
■Hill- start assist control does not operate effectively when
●Do not overly rely on hill-start assist control. Hill-start assist control may not operate
effectively on steep inclines and roads covered with ice.
●Unlike the parking brake, hill-start assist co ntrol is not intended to hold the vehicle stationary for an extended period of time. Do not attempt to use hill-start assist con-
trol to hold the vehicle on an incline, as doing so may lead to an accident.
■When the VSC is activated
The slip indicator light flashes. Always drive carefully. Reckless driving may cause an
accident. Exercise particular care when the indicator light flashes.
■When the TRC/VSC systems are turned off
Be especially careful and drive at a speed appropriate to the road conditions. As these
are the systems to help ensure vehicle stability and driving force, do not turn the TRC/ VSC systems off unless necessary.

3284-5. Using the driving support systems
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
■Conditions under which the BSM function may not function correctly
●The BSM function may not detect vehicles correctly in the following situations:
• When the sensor is misaligned due to a strong impact to the sensor or its surround-
ing area • When mud, snow, ice, a sticker, etc. is covering the sensor or surrounding area onthe rear bumper
• When driving on a road surface that is wet with standing water during bad weather, such as heavy rain, snow, or fog• When multiple vehicles are approaching wi th only a small gap between each vehicle
• When the distance between your vehicle and a following vehicle is short • When there is a significant difference in speed between your vehicle and the vehiclethat enters the detection area
• When the difference in speed between your vehicle and another vehicle is changing • When a vehicle enters a detection area traveling at about the same speed as yourvehicle
• As your vehicle starts from a stop, a vehicle remains in the detection area • When driving up and down consecutive steep inclines, such as hills, dips in the road, etc.
• When driving on roads with sharp bends, consecutive curves, or uneven surfaces • When vehicle lanes are wide, or when driving on the edge of a lane, and the vehiclein an adjacent lane is far away from your vehicle
• When a bicycle carrier or other accessory is installed to the rear of the vehicle • When there is a significant difference in height between your vehicle and the vehiclethat enters the detection area
• Immediately after the BSM main switch is turned on
●Instances of the BSM function unnecessarily detecting a vehicle and/or object may
increase in the following situations:
• When the sensor is misaligned due to a strong impact to the sensor or its surround-
ing area • When the distance between your vehicle and a guardrail, wall, etc. that enters thedetection area is short
• When driving up and down consecutive steep inclines, such as hills, dips in the road, etc.• When vehicle lanes are narrow, or when driving on the edge of a lane, and a vehicle
traveling in a lane other than the adjacent lanes enters the detection area • When driving on roads with sharp bends, consecutive curves, or uneven surfaces• When the tires are slipping or spinning
• When the distance between your vehicle and a following vehicle is short • When a bicycle carrier or other accessory is installed to the rear of the vehicle