power steering LEXUS NX300 2020 User Guide

1664-2. Driving procedures
LEXUS NX300 Owners Manual_USA_M78389_en
■If “Smart Access System Malfunction
See Owner’s Manual” is displayed on
the multi-information display
The system may be malfunctioning. Have
the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer
immediately.
■Electronic key battery
 P.356
■Operation of the engine switch
●If the switch is not pressed shortly and
firmly, the engine switch mode may not
change or the engine may not start.
●If attempting to restart the engine imme-
diately after turning the engine switch off,
the engine may not start in some cases.
After turning the engine switch off, please
wait a few seconds before restarting the
engine.
■If the smart access system with push-
button start has been deactivated by a
customized setting
 P.427
1Stop the vehicle completely.
2
Set the parking brake ( P.173),
and shift the shift lever to P
( P.168).
3
Press the engine switch.
4
Release the brake pedal and check
that the display on the instrument
cluster is off.
Modes can be changed by pressing
the engine switch with brake pedal
WARNING
■When starting the engine
Always start the engine while sitting in
the driver’s seat. Do not depress the
accelerator pedal while starting the
engine under any circumstances.
Doing so may cause an accident result-
ing in death or serious injury.
■Caution while driving
If engine failure occurs while the vehicle
is moving, do not lock or open the doors
until the vehicle reaches a safe and com-
plete stop. The steering lock function will
activate and this may lead to an accident,
resulting in death or serious injury.
NOTICE
■When starting the engine
●Do not race a cold engine.
●If the engine becomes difficult to start
or stalls frequently, have your vehicle
checked by your Lexus dealer immedi-
ately.
■Symptoms indicating a malfunction
with the engine switch
If the engine switch seems to be operat-
ing somewhat differently than usual, such
as the switch sticking slightly, there may
be a malfunction. Contact your Lexus
dealer immediately.
Stopping the engine
WARNING
■Stopping the engine in an emergency
If you want to stop th e engine in an emer-
gency while driving the vehicle, press
and hold the engine switch for more than
2 seconds, or press it briefly 3 times or
more in succession. ( P.366)
However, do not touch the engine switch
while driving except in an emergency.
Turning the engine off while driving will
not cause loss of steering or braking con-
trol, but the power assist to these systems
will be lost. This will make it more difficult
to steer and brake, so you should pull
over and stop the vehicle as soon as it is
safe to do so.
Changing engine switch modes

2594-5. Using the driving support systems
LEXUS NX300 Owners Manual_USA_M78389_en
4
Driving
selected to Eco mode or Sport mode.
Custom mode can be setup on the naviga-
tion system or multimedia system screen.
•Normal mode
Suitable when driving in the city, for good
fuel consumption efficiency, silence, and
drive-ability.
•Custom mode
Driving is possible by setting the desired
function for power train control, chassis
control or air conditioning operations.
2Eco mode
In contrast to Normal mode when stepping
on the accelerator pedal, torque genera-
tion becomes slower, air conditioning
operations (heating/cooling) are
restrained, and driving is suited for
improved fuel consumption.
When not in Eco mode and the driving
mode select switch is turned to the left,
“Eco” indicator will be shown on the multi-
information display.
3Sport mode
•Sport S mode
Assists acceleration response by con-
trolling the engine and transmission. Suit-
able for when powerful acceleration is
desirable.
When not in Sport S mode and the driving
mode select switch is turned to the right,
“Sport S” indicator will be shown on the
multi-information display.
•Sport S+ mode
Helps to ensure super ior vehicle stability
by simultaneously controlling the steering
and suspension in addition to the engine
and transmission. Suitable for sporty driv-
ing.
When in Sport S mode and the driving
mode select switch is turned to the right,
“Sport S+” indicator will be shown on the
multi-information display.
■Operation of the air conditioning sys-
tem in Eco mode
Eco mode controls the heating/cooling
operations and fan speed of the air condi-
tioning system to enhance fuel efficiency. To
improve air conditio ning performance,
adjust the fan speed or turn off Eco mode.
■When canceling Eco mode/Sport mode
●Select another driving mode. Also, Sport
mode will be canceled automatically
when the engine swit ch is turned off.
●Normal mode and Eco mode will not be
canceled automatically until another driv-
ing mode is selected, even if the engine
switch is turned off.
■Operating the ASC (Active Sound
Control)
If the ASC is ON, an electronic sound plays
when the Sport S+ mode is selected.

2604-5. Using the driving support systems
LEXUS NX300 Owners Manual_USA_M78389_en
■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 brak-
ing 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 sudden ly or turning on
slippery road surfaces.
■Enhanced VSC (Enhanced Vehi-
cle Stability Control)
Provides cooperative control of the
ABS, TRAC, VSC and EPS.
Helps to maintain directional stability
when swerving on slippery road sur-
faces by controlling steering perfor-
mance.
■Trailer Sway Control
Helps the driver to control trailer sway
by selectively applying brake pressure
for individual wheels and reducing
driving torque when trailer sway is
detected.
■TRAC (Traction Control)
Helps to maintain drive power and pre-
vent the drive wheels from spinning
when starting the vehicle or accelerat-
ing on slippery roads
■Active Cornering Assist (ACA)
Helps to prevent the vehicle from drift-
ing to the outer side by performing
inner wheel brake control when
attempting to accele rate while turning
■Hill-start assist control
Helps to reduce the backward move-
ment of the vehicle when starting on an
uphill
■EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce
the amount of effort needed to turn the
steering wheel
■Dynamic Torque Control AWD
system (if equipped)
Automatically switches from front-
wheel drive to all-wheel drive (AWD)
according to the driving conditions,
helping to ensure reliable handling and
stability. Examples of conditions where
the system will switch to AWD are
when cornering, going uphill, starting
off or accelerating, and when the road
surface is slippery due to snow, rain,
etc.
Driving assist systems
To keep driving safety and perfor-
mance, the following systems oper-
ate automatically in response to
various driving situations. Be aware,
however, that these systems are
supplementary and should not be
relied upon too heavily when oper-
ating the vehicle.
Summary of the driving assist
systems

2644-5. Using the driving support systems
LEXUS NX300 Owners Manual_USA_M78389_en
Press the switch.
The torque of the engine is distributed to
the rear wheels to the maximum extent
possible in accordance with driving condi-
tions.
Pressing the switch again cancels all-wheel
drive lock mode and returns the Dynamic
Torque Control AWD system to normal
mode. ( P.260)
■All-wheel drive lock mode can be oper-
ated when
The engine switch is in IGNITION ON
mode.
■Automatic release for the all-wheel
drive lock mode
●All-wheel drive lock mode is canceled
when the brakes are applied to ensure
the ABS and VSC systems operate effec-
tively.
●All-wheel drive lock mode is canceled
WARNING
■Trailer Sway Control precaution
The Trailer Sway Control system is not
able to reduce trailer sway in all situa-
tions. Depending on many factors such
as the conditions of the vehicle, trailer,
road surface and driving environment,
the Trailer Sway Control system may not
be effective. Refer to your trailer owner’s
manual for information on how to tow
your trailer properly.
■If trailer sway occurs
Observe the following precautions.
Failing to do so may cause death or seri-
ous injury.
●Firmly grip the steering wheel. Steer
straight ahead. Do not try to control
trailer sway by turning the steering
wheel.
●Begin releasing the accelerator pedal
immediately but very gradually to
reduce speed. Do not increase speed.
Do not apply vehicle brakes.
If you make no extreme correction with
the steering or brakes, your vehicle and
trailer should stabilize. ( P.260)
All-wheel drive lock switch
(
AWD models)
All-wheel drive lock mode can be
used when a large amount of drive
power needs to be applied to all the
wheels, such as when the vehicle
gets stuck in mud and you need to
free it.
Using All-wheel drive lock mode

3677-1. Essential information
LEXUS NX300 Owners Manual_USA_M78389_en
7
When trouble arises
seconds or more, or press it briefly
3 times or more in succession.
5
Stop the vehicle in a safe place by
the road. 
Remove the seat belt first.
 If the door can be opened, open the
door and exit the vehicle.
 If the door can not be opened, open
the window using the power window
switch and exit the vehicle through
the window.
 If the window can not be opened
using the power window switch,
remain calm, wait until the water
level inside the vehicle rises to the
point that the water pressure inside
of the vehicle equals the water pres-
sure outside of the vehicle, and then
open the door and exit the vehicle.
WARNING
■If the engine has to be turned off while
driving
Power assist for the brakes and steering
wheel will be lost, making the brake
pedal harder to depress and the steering
wheel heavier to turn. Decelerate as
much as possible before turning off the
engine.
If the vehicle is trapped in
r
ising water
In the event the vehicle is sub-
merged in water, remain calm and
perform the following.
WARNING
■Using an emergency hammer* for
emergency escape
The front side wind ows and rear side
windows, as well as the rear window can
be shattered with an emergency ham-
mer
* used for emergency escape. How-
ever, an emergency hammer can not
shatter the windshield as it is laminated
glass.
*: Contact your Lexus dealer or after-
market accessory manufacturer for
further information about an emer-
gency hammer.

3727-2. Steps to take in an emergency
LEXUS NX300 Owners Manual_USA_M78389_en
and operate the brakes. The vehicle’s
wheels, drivetrain, axles, steering and
brakes must be in good condition.
To have your vehicle towed by another
vehicle, the towing eyelet must be
installed to your vehicle. Install the tow-
ing eyelet by following the specified
procedure.
1 Take out the towing eyelet.
(P.388)
2 Remove the eyelet cover using a
flathead screwdriver.
To protect the bodywork, place a rag
between the screwdriver and the vehicle
body as shown in the illustration.
Type A
Type B 3
Insert the towing eyelet into the
hole and tighten partially by hand.
4 Tighten down the towing eyelet
securely using a wheel nut wrench.
5 Securely attach cables or chains to
the towing eyelet.
Take care not to damage the vehicle body.
6Enter the vehicle being towed and
start the engine.
If the engine does not start, turn the engine
switch to IGNITION ON mode.
7Shift the shift lever to N and release
the parking brake.
When the shift lever cannot be shifted:
P.169
■While towing
If the engine is not running, the power assist
for the brakes and steering will not function,
marking steering and braking more difficult.
■Wheel nut wrench
Wheel nut wrench is installed in luggage
compartment. ( P.388)
To have your vehicle towed

3777-2. Steps to take in an emergency
LEXUS NX300 Owners Manual_USA_M78389_en
7
When trouble arises
■ABS warning light
■Electric power steering system warning light (warning buzzer)
■PCS warning light
Warning lightDetails/Actions
(U.S.A.)
(Canada)
Indicates a malfunction in:
 The ABS; or
 The brake assist system
 Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer
immediately.
Warning lightDetails/Actions
(Yellow)
(Red)
Indicates a malfunction in th e EPS (Electric Power Steer-
ing) system
 Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer
immediately.
Warning lightDetails/Actions
(Flashes or illuminates)
When a buzzer sounds simultaneously: Indicates a mal-
function has occurred in the PCS (Pre-Collision System).
Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer
immediately.
When a buzzer does not sound: The PCS (Pre-Collision
System) has become temporarily unavailable, corrective
action may be necessary.
 Follow the instructions disp layed on the multi-infor-
mation display. ( P.197, 384)
If the PCS (Pre-Collision System) or VSC (Vehicle Stabil-
ity Control) system is disabl ed, the PCS warning light will
illuminate.
 P.205

3817-2. Steps to take in an emergency
LEXUS NX300 Owners Manual_USA_M78389_en
7
When trouble arises
■Brake Override System/Drive-S tart Control warning light*(warning buzzer)
*: This light illuminates on the multi-information display.
■SRS warning light
This warning light system monitors the air-
bag sensor assembly, fr ont impact sensors,
side impact sensors (front door), side
impact sensors (rear), driver’s seat position
sensor, driver’s seat be lt buckle switch, front
passenger occupant cl assification system
(ECU and sensors), “AIR BAG ON” indi-
cator light, “AIR BAG OFF” indicator light,
front passenger’s seat belt buckle switch,
driver’s seat belt pretensioner, front passen-
ger’s seat belt pretensioner and force lim-
iter, airbags, interconnecting wiring and
power sources. ( P.32)
■Front passenger detection sensor, seat
belt reminder and warning buzzer
●If luggage is placed on the front passen-
ger seat, the front passenger detection
sensor may cause th e warning light to
flash and the warning buzzer to sound even if a passenger is not sitting in the
seat.
●If a cushion is placed on the seat, the sen-
sor may not detect a passenger, and the
warning light may not operate properly.
■Electric power steering system warning
light (warning buzzer)
When the battery charge becomes insuffi-
cient of the voltage temporarily drops, the
electric power steering system warning
light may come on and the warning buzzer
may sound.
■If the malfunction indicator lamp comes
on while driving
First check the following:
●Is the fuel tank empty?
If it is, fill the fuel tank immediately.
●Is the fuel tank cap loose?
If it is, tighten it securely.
Warning lightDetails/Actions
Brake Override System
Indicates that the accelerator and brake pedals are being
depressed simultaneously, and the Brake Override Sys-
tem is operating.
 Release the accelerator pe dal and depress the brake
pedal.
Indicates a malfunction in the Brake Override System
(with warning buzzer)
 Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer
immediately.
Drive-Start Control
Indicates that the shift position was changed and Drive-
Start Control was operated wh ile depressing the acceler-
ator pedal. (with warning buzzer)
 Momentarily release th e accelerator pedal.
Indicates a malfunction in the Drive-Start Control system
(with warning buzzer)
 Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer
immediately.

3827-2. Steps to take in an emergency
LEXUS NX300 Owners Manual_USA_M78389_en
The light will go off after several driving
trips.
If the light does not go off even after several
trips, contact your Lexus dealer as soon as
possible.
■When the tire pressure warning light
comes on
Inspect the appearance of the tire to check
that the tire is not punctured.
If the tire is punctured: P.387
If the tire is not punctured:
Carry out the following procedure after the
tire temperature has lowered sufficiently.
●Check the tire inflation pressure and
adjust to the appropriate level.
●If the warning light does not go out even
after several minutes, check that the tire
inflation pressure is at the specified level
and carry out initialization. ( P.349)
The warning light may come on again if the
above operations are conducted without
first allowing the tire temperature to lower
sufficiently.
■The tire pressure warning light may
come on due to natural causes
The tire pressure warning light may come
on due to natural causes such as natural air
leaks and tire inflation pressure changes
caused by temperature. In this case, adjust-
ing the tire inflation pressure will turn off the
warning light (after a few minutes).
■When a tire is replaced with a spare tire
The compact spare tire is not equipped with
a tire pressure warning valve and transmit-
ter. If a tire goes flat, the tire pressure warn-
ing light will not turn off even though the flat
tire has been replaced with the spare tire.
Replace the spare tire with the repaired tire
and adjust the tire inflation pressure. The
tire pressure warning lig ht will go off after a
few minutes.
■Conditions that the tire pressure warn-
ing system may not function properly
 P.345
■If the tire pressure warning light fre-
quently comes on after blinking for 1
minute
If the tire pressure wa rning light frequently comes on after blinking
for 1 minute when
the engine switch is turned to IGNITION
ON mode, have it checked by your Lexus
dealer.
■Warning buzzer
In some cases, the buzzer may not be heard
due to being in a noisy location or audio
sound.
WARNING
■If both the ABS and the brake system
warning lights remain on
Stop your vehicle in a safe place immedi-
ately and contact your Lexus dealer. The
vehicle will become extremely unstable
during braking, and the ABS system may
fail, which could cause an accident
resulting in death or serious injury.
■When the electric power steering
system warning light comes on
When the light comes on yellow, the
assist to the power st eering is restricted.
When the light comes on red, the assist
to the power steering is lost and handling
operations of the steering wheel become
extremely heavy. When steering wheel
operations are heavier than usual, grip
the steering wheel firmly and operate it
using more force than usual.
■If the tire pressure warning light
comes on
Be sure to observe the following precau-
tions. Failure to do so could cause a loss
of vehicle control and result in death or
serious injury.
●Stop your vehicle in a safe place as
soon as possible. Adjust the tire infla-
tion pressure immediately.
WARNING
●If the tire pressure warning light comes
on even after tire inflation pressure
adjustment, it is prob able that you have
a flat tire. Check the tire s. If a tire is flat,
change it with the spare tire and have
the flat tire repaired by the nearest
Lexus dealer.

4228-1. Specifications
LEXUS NX300 Owners Manual_USA_M78389_en
nation, can cause heat buildup and
possible tire failure.
Glossary of tire terminology
Tire related
termMeaning
Cold tire infla-
tion pressure
Tire pressure when the
vehicle has been parked
for three hours or more, or
has not been driven more
than 1 mile or 1.5 km under
that condition
Maximum
inflation pres-
sureThe maximum cold inflated
pressure to which a tire
may be inflated, shown on
the sidewall of the tire
Recom-
mended infla-
tion pressureCold tire inflation pressure
recommended by a manu-
facturer
Accessory
weight
The combined weight (in
excess of thos e standard
items which may be
replaced) of transmission,
power steering, power
brakes, power windows,
power seats, radio and
heater, to the extent that
these items are available as
factory-installed equip-
ment (whether installed or
not)
Curb weight
The weight of a motor
vehicle with standard
equipment, including the
maximum capacity of fuel,
oil and coolant, and if so
equipped, air conditioning
and additional weight
optional engine
Maximum
loaded vehi-
cle weight
The sum of:
(a) Curb weight
(b) Accessory weight
(c) Vehicle capacity weight
(d) Production options
weight
Normal occu-
pant weight
150 lb. (68 kg) times the
number of occupants
specified in the second
column of Table 1
* that fol-
lows
Occupant
distribution
Distribution of occupants
in a vehicle as specified in
the third column of Table 1
*
below
Production
options
weight
The combined weight of
installed regu lar produc-
tion options weighing over
5 lb. (2.3 kg) in excess of
the standard items which
they replace, not previ-
ously considered in curb
weight or accessory
weight, including heavy
duty brakes, ride levelers,
roof rack, heavy duty bat-
tery, and special trim
Rim
A metal support for a tire
or a tire and tube assembly
upon which the tire beads
are seated
Rim diameter
(Wheel diam-
eter)Nominal diameter of the
bead seat
Rim size des-
ignationRim diameter and width
Tire related termMeaning