ESP LEXUS NX300 2020 Service Manual

2474-5. Using the driving support systems
LEXUS NX300 Owners Manual_USA_M78389_en
4
Driving
• The vehicle is driven on a gravel road or
in an area with tall grass
• Ice, snow, dirt, etc., has adhered to the sensor (if removed, the system returns to
normal)
• Heavy rain or water strikes the vehicle
• In severe weather such as fog, snow or a sand storm
●Influence from other sonic waves
• An ultrasonic wave source is nearby, such
as the horn or clearance sonar of another
vehicle, a vehicle detector, a motorcycle
engine or the air brake of a large vehicle
• Electronic components (such as a backlit license plate (especially fluorescent
types), fog lights, a fender pole or a wire-
less antenna) are installed near the sen-
sors
●Changes in the vehicle
• The vehicle is tilted a large amount
• The height of the vehicle has drastically changed due to the carried load (the
nose tilts up or down)
• The direction of the sensor has deviated
due to a collision or other impact
■When “Parking Support Brake Unavail-
able” is displayed on the multi-informa-
tion display and the PKSB OFF indicator
flashes
●Ice, snow, dirt, etc., may have adhered to
the sensor. If this occurs, remove the ice,
snow, dirt, etc., from the sensor to return
the system to normal. Also, a warning message may be dis-
played at low temperatures due to ice
forming on the sensor, and the sensor
may not detect static objects. Once the
ice melts, the system will return to normal.
●If this message is
shown even after
removing dirt from the sensor, or shown
when the sensor was not dirty to begin
with, have the vehicle inspected by your
Lexus dealer.
●System initialization may not have been
performed after remova l and installation
of the battery. Perform system initializa-
tion.
■When removing and installing the bat-
tery
The system needs to be initialized.
The system can be initialized by driving the
vehicle straight ahead for 5 seconds or
more at a speed of approximately 22 mph
(35 km/h) or higher.
■When “Parking Support Brake Mal-
function Visit Your Dealer” is displayed
on the multi-information display, the
PKSB OFF indicator flashes and the
buzzer sounds
The system may not be operating properly.
Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus
dealer.
WARNING
■In order for the system to operate
properly
Make sure to observe the following pre-
cautions regarding the sensors
(  P.239). Failure to observe these pre-
cautions may cause the sensors not to
operate properly, and may result in an
unexpected accident.
●Do not perform work such as modifi-
cation, disassembly or painting
●Only perform replacements using
genuine parts
●Do not subject the area around the
sensors to any impacts

2524-5. Using the driving support systems
LEXUS NX300 Owners Manual_USA_M78389_en
The Blind Spot Monitor function uses
radar sensors to detect vehicles that
are traveling in an adjacent lane in the
area that is not reflected in the outside
rear view mirror (the blind spot), and
advises the driver of the vehicles exis-
tence via the BSM outside rear view
mirror indicator.
■The Blind Spot Monitor function
detection areas
The areas that vehicles can be
detected in are outlined below.
WARNING
■Handling the radar sensor
One Blind Spot Monitor sensor is
installed inside the left and right side of
the vehicle rear bumper respectively.
Observe the following to ensure the
Blind Spot Monitor system can function
correctly.
●Keep the sensor an d its surrounding
area on the bumper clean at all times.
●Do not subject the sensor or surround-
ing area on the bumper to a strong
impact. If the sensor moves even
slightly off position, the system may
malfunction and vehicles that enter the
detection area may not be detected. If
the sensor or surrounding area is sub-
ject to a strong impact, always have the
area inspected by your Lexus dealer.
●Do not disassemb le the sensor.
●Do not attach accessories or stickers
to the sensor or surrounding area on
the bumper.
●Do not modify the sensor or surround-
ing area on the bumper.
●Do not paint the rear bumper any
color other than an official Lexus color.
●If the radar sensor needs to be
replaced, contact your Lexus dealer.
The Blind Spot Monitor function

2544-5. Using the driving support systems
LEXUS NX300 Owners Manual_USA_M78389_en
consecutive curves, or uneven surfaces
• When vehicle lanes are wide, or when driving on the edge of a lane, and the
vehicle in an adjacent lane is far away
from your vehicle
• When towing a trailer (vehicles with tow-
ing package)
• When items such as a bicycle carrier are installed on the rear of the vehicle
• When there is a significant difference in height between your vehicle and the
vehicle that enters the detection area
• Immediately after the Blind Spot Monitor function is turned on
●Instances of the Blind Spot Monitor func-
tion unnecessarily detecting a vehicle
and/or object may increase in the follow-
ing situations:
• When the sensor is misaligned due to a strong impact to the sensor or its sur-
rounding area
• When the distance between your vehicle and a guardrail, wall, etc. that enters the
detection area is short
• When driving up an d 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 vehi-
cle traveling in a lane other than the adja- cent 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 acces- sory is installed to the rear of the vehicle
• When towing a trailer (vehicles with tow-
ing package)
The Rear Cross Traffic Alert function operates when your vehicle is in reverse. It
can detect other vehicles approaching from the right or left rear of the vehicle. It
uses radar sensors to alert the driver of the other vehicle’s existence through flash-
ing the BSM outside rear view mirror indicators and sounding a buzzer.
Approaching vehicles
WARNING
■Cautions regarding the use of the sys-
tem
The driver is solely responsible for safe
driving. Always drive safely, taking care
to observe your surroundings.
The Blind Spot Monitor function is a sup-
plementary function which alerts the
driver that a vehicle is present in the blind
spot. Do not overly rely on the Blind Spot
Monitor function. The function cannot
judge if it is safe to change lanes, there-
fore over reliance could cause an acci-
dent resulting in death or serious injury.
According to conditions, the system may
not function correctly. Therefore the
driver’s own visual confirmation of safety
is necessary.
The Rear Cross Traffic Alert function
A

2564-5. Using the driving support systems
LEXUS NX300 Owners Manual_USA_M78389_en
■The Rear Cross Traffic Alert function is
operational when
●The BSM main switch is set to on.
●The shift lever is in R.
●Vehicle speed is less than approximately
5 mph (8 km/h).
●Approaching vehicle speed is between
approximately 5 mph (8 km/h) and 18
mph (28 km/h).
■Conditions under which the Rear Cross
Traffic Alert function will not detect a
vehicle
The Rear Cross Traffic Alert function is not
designed to detect the following types of
vehicles and/or objects.
●Small motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians,
etc.*
●Vehicles approaching from directly
behind*
●Guardrails, walls, signs, parked vehicles
and similar stationary objects*
●Vehicles moving away from your vehicle
●Vehicles approaching from the parking
spaces next to your vehicle*
●Vehicles backing up in the parking space
next to your vehicle*
*
: Depending on conditions, detection of a vehicle and/or object may occur.
■Conditions under which the Rear Cross
Traffic Alert function may not function
correctly
The Rear Cross Traffic Alert function may
not detect vehicles correctly in the follow-
ing conditions:
●During bad weather su ch as heavy rain,
fog, snow, etc.
●When ice or mud, etc., is attached to the
rear bumper
●When multiple vehicl es approach contin-
uously
●Shallow angle parking
●When a vehicle is approaching at high
speed
●When backing up on a slope with a sharp
change in grade
●When backing out of a sharp angle park-
ing spot
●When parking on a steep incline, such as
hills, a dip in the road, etc.
●Directly after the BSM main switch is set
to on
●Directly after the engine is started with
the BSM main switch on
●Vehicles that the sensors cannot detect
because of obstacles
Approach-
ing vehicleSpeed
Approxi-
mate alert distance
Fast18 mph (28 km/h)65 ft. (20 m)
Slow5 mph (8 km/h)18 ft. (5.5 m)
A

2574-5. Using the driving support systems
LEXUS NX300 Owners Manual_USA_M78389_en
4
Driving
●Instances of the Rear Cross Traffic Alert
function unnecessary detecting a vehicle
and/ or object may increase in the follow-
ing situations:
• When a vehicle passes by the side of your vehicle
• When the parking space faces a street and vehicles are being driven on the
street
• When the distance between your vehicle and metal objects, such as a guardrail,
wall, sigh, or parked vehicle, which may
reflect electrical waves toward the rear of
the vehicle, is short
WARNING
■Cautions regarding the use of the sys-
tem
The driver is solely responsible for safe
driving. Always drive safely, taking care
to observe your surroundings.
The Rear Cross Traffic Alert function is
only an assist and is not a replacement for
careful driving. Driver must be careful
when backing up, even when using Rear
Cross Traffic Alert function. The driver’s
own visual confirmation of behind you
and your vehicle is necessary and be sure
there are no pedestrians, other vehicles,
etc., before backing up. Failure to do so
could cause death or serious injury.
According to conditions, the system may
not function correctly. Therefore the
driver’s own visual confirmation of safety
is necessary.

2584-5. Using the driving support systems
LEXUS NX300 Owners Manual_USA_M78389_en
Vehicles without Adaptive Variable
Suspension System
1 Normal mode
For normal driving.
Press the switch to change the driving
mode to Normal mode when selected to
Eco mode or Sport mode.
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.
3
Sport mode
Assists acceleration response by con-
trolling the engine, transmission and steer-
ing. Suitable for when precise handling is
desirable, for example when driving on
mountain roads.
When not in Sport mode and the driving
mode select switch is turned to the right,
“Sport” indicator will be shown on the
multi-information display.
Vehicles with Adaptive Variable
Suspension System
1 Normal/Custom mode
Press the switch and select Normal mode
or Custom mode. Each time the switch is
pressed, the system changes between
Normal mode and Custom mode. When
Custom mode is selected, the “Custom”
indicator comes on.
When in Eco mode or Sport mode, when
the switch is pressed, the system returns to
Normal mode. Press th e switch to change
the driving mode to Normal mode when
Driving mode select switch
The driving modes can be selected
to suit driving condition.
Selecting a driving mode

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

2634-5. Using the driving support systems
LEXUS NX300 Owners Manual_USA_M78389_en
4
Driving
WARNING
●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 di stance. Always main-
tain 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
■TRAC/VSC may not operate effec-
tively when
Directional control and power may not
be achievable while driving on slippery
road surfaces, even if the TRAC/VSC
system is operating. Drive the vehicle
carefully in conditions where stability and
power may be lost.
■Active Cornering Assist does not
operate effectively when
●Do not overly rely on Active Corner-
ing Assist. Active Cornering Assist
may not operate effectively when
accelerating down slopes or driving on
slippery road surfaces.
●When Active Cornering Assist fre-
quently operates, Active Cornering
Assist may temporarily stop operating
to ensure proper operation of the
brakes, TRAC and VSC.
■Hill-start assist control does not oper-
ate 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 control is not intended to hold
the vehicle stationary for an extended
period of time. Do not attempt to use
hill-start assist control to hold the vehi-
cle on an incline, as doing so may lead
to an accident.
■When the TRAC/VSC/ Trailer Sway
Control 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 TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway
Control 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 TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Con-
trol systems off unless necessary. Trailer
Sway Control is part of the VSC system
and will not operate if VSC is turned off
or experiences a malfunction.
■Replacing tires
Make sure that all ti res are of the speci-
fied size, brand, tread pattern and total
load capacity. In addition, make sure that
the tires are inflated to the recom-
mended tire inflation pressure level. The
ABS, TRAC, Trailer Sway Control and
VSC systems will not function correctly if
different tires are installed on the vehicle.
Contact your Lexus dealer for further
information when replacing tires or
wheels.
■Handling of tires and the suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or
modifying the suspensi on will affect the
driving assist systems, and may cause a
system to malfunction.

2694-6. Driving tips
LEXUS NX300 Owners Manual_USA_M78389_en
4
Driving
Specific design characteristics give
it a higher center of gravity than
ordinary passenger cars. This vehi-
cle design feature causes this type
of vehicle to be more likely to roll-
over. Utility vehicles have a signifi-
cantly higher rollover rate than
other types of vehicles.
 An advantage of the higher ground
clearance is a better view of the
road allowing you to anticipate
problems.
 It is not designed for cornering at
the same speeds as ordinary pas-
senger cars anymore than low-slung
sports cars designed to perform sat-
isfactorily under of f-road conditions.
Therefore, sharp turns at excessive
speeds may cause rollover. Your vehicle is not designed to be
driven off-road. However, in the event
that off-road driving cannot be
avoided, please observe the following
precautions to help avoid the areas
prohibited to vehicles.

Drive your vehicle only in areas
where off-road vehicles are permit-
ted to travel.
 Respect private property. Get
owner’s permission before entering
private property.
 Do not enter areas that are closed.
Honor gates, barriers and signs that
Utility vehicle precautions
This vehicle belongs to the utility
vehicle class, which has higher
ground clearance and narrower
tread in relation to the height of its
center of gravity.
Utility vehicle feature
WARNING
■Utility vehicle precautions
Always observe the following precau-
tions to minimize the risk of death or seri-
ous injury or damage to your vehicle:
●In a rollover crash, an unbelted person
is significantly more likely to die than a
person wearing a seat belt. Therefore,
the driver and all passengers should
always fasten th eir seat belts.
●Avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneu-
vers, if at all possible.
Failure to operate this vehicle correctly
may result in loss of control or vehicle
rollover causing death or serious
injury.
●Loading cargo on the roof luggage
carrier (if equipped) will make the cen-
ter of the vehicle gravity higher. Avoid
high speeds, sudd en starts, sharp
turns, sudden braking or abrupt
maneuvers, otherwise it may result in
loss of control or vehicle rollover due
to failure to operate this vehicle cor-
rectly.
●Always slow down in gusty crosswinds.
Because of its profile and higher cen-
ter of gravity, your vehicle is more sen-
sitive to side winds than an ordinary
passenger car. Slowing down will allow
you to have better control.
●Do not drive horizontally across steep
slopes. Driving straight up or straight
down is preferred. Your vehicle (or any
similar off-road vehicle) can tip over
sideways much more easily than for-
ward or backward.
Off-road driving