brakes LEXUS NX300h 2015 User Guide

1974-1. Before driving
4
Driving
NX300h_U_OM78007U WA R N I N G ■
Trailer towing precautions
To tow a trailer safely, use extreme care and drive the vehicle in accordance with the
trailer’s characteristics and op erating conditions. Failure to do so could cause an acci-
dent resulting in death or serious injury. Vehicle stability and braking performance are
affected by trailer stability, brake setting and performance, and the hitch. Your vehicle
will handle differently when towing a trailer. ■
To avoid accident or injury ●
Do not exceed the TWR, unbrak ed TWR, GCWR, GVWR or GAWR.●
Adjust the tongue weight within the approp riate range. Place heavier loads as close
to the trailer axle as possible. ●
Do not exceed 65 mph (104 km/h), the posted towing speed limit or the speed limit
for your trailer as set forth in your trailer owner’s manual, whichever is lowest. Slow
down sufficiently before making a turn, in cr oss winds, on wet or slippery surface, etc.
to help avoid an accident. If you experience a vehicle-trailer instability from reducing
a certain speed, slow down and make sure you keep your vehicle speed under the
speed of which you expe rience the instability.●
Do not make jerky, abrupt or sharp turns. ●
Do not apply the brakes suddenly as you ma y skid, resulting in ja ckknifing and loss of
vehicle control. This is especially true on wet or slippery surfaces. ●
Do not exceed the trailer hitch assembly weight, gross vehicle weight, gross axle
weight and trailer tongue weight capacities. ●
Do not use the following systems when trailer towing.
• Cruise control (if equipped)
• Dynamic radar cruise control (if equipped)
• Dynamic cruise control with full-speed range (if equipped)●
Slow down and downshift before descending steep or long downhill grades. Do not
make sudden downshifts while descen ding steep or long downhill grades.●
Vehicle-trailer instability is more likely on steep long downhills. Before descending
steep or long downhill grades, slow down and downshift. Do not make sudden down-
shifts when descending stee p or long downhill grades. Avoid holding the brake pedal
down too long or applying the brakes too frequently. This could cause the brakes to
overheat and result in reduced braking efficiency. ●
Vehicles with a compact spare tire: Do no t tow a trailer when the compact spare tire
is installed on your vehicle. ■
Hitch
Trailer hitch assemblies have different weight capacities established by the hitch manu-
facturer. Even though the vehicle may be physically capable of towing a higher weight,
the operator must determine the maximum weig ht rating of the particular hitch assem-
bly and never exceed the maximum weight rating specified for the trailer-hitch.
Exceeding the maximum weight rating set by the trailer-hitch manufacturer can cause
an accident resulting in death or serious personal injuries.

198 4-1. Before driving
NX300h_U_OM78007U WA R N I N G ■
When towing a trailer
Lexus recommends trailers with brakes that conform to any applicable federal and
state/provincial regulations. ●
If the gross trailer weight exceeds unbraked TWR, trailer brakes are required. Lexus
recommends trailers with brakes that conform to all applicable federal and state/pro-
vincial regulations. ●
Never tap into your vehicle’s hydraulic system, as this will lower the vehicle’s braking
effectiveness. ●
Never tow a trailer without using a safety ch ain securely attached to both the trailer
and the vehicle. If damage occurs to the coupling unit or hitch ball, there is danger of
the trailer wandering into another lane.
NOTICE ■
When installing a trailer hitch
Use only the position recommended by your Lexus dealer. Do not install the trailer
hitch on the bumper; this may cause body damage. ■
Do not directly splice trailer lights
Do not directly splice trailer lights. Dire ctly splicing trailer lights may damage your
vehicle’s electrical system and cause a malfunction.

216 4-2. Driving procedures
NX300h_U_OM78007UBrake Hold Turns the brake hold system on The brake hold standby indicator
(green) comes on. While the system is
holding the brake, the brake hold oper-
ated indicator (yellow) comes on. ■
Brake hold system operating conditions
The brake hold system cannot be turn ed on in the following conditions:●
The back door or hood is not closed. ●
The driver’s door is not closed. ●
The driver is not wearing the seat belt.
If any of the conditions above are detected when the brake hold system is enabled, the
system will turn off and the brake hold standby in dicator light will go of f. In addition, if any
of the conditions are detected while the sy stem is holding the brake, a warning buzzer
will sound and a message will be shown on th e multi-information display. The parking
brake will then be set automatically. ■
Brake hold function ●
If the brake pedal is left released for a period of about 3 minutes after the system has
started holding the brake, the parking brake w ill be set automatically. In this case, a
warning buzzer sounds and a message is shown on the multi-information display.●
To turn the system off while the system is holding the brake, firmly depress the brake
pedal and press the button again. ●
The brake hold function may not hold the vehicle when the vehicle is on a steep incline.
In this situation, it may be necessary fo r the driver to apply the brakes. A warning
buzzer will sound and the multi-information di splay will inform the dr iver of this situa-
tion. If a warning message is shown on the multi-information displa y, re a d t h e m e s s a g e
and follow the instructions. ■
When the parking brake is set automatically while the system is holding the brakes
The parking brake will not be released automatically. With the brake pedal depressed,
release the parking brake by operating the parking brake switch, making sure that the
parking brake indicator light goes off. (  P. 2 1 3 )The brake hold system keeps the brake applied when the shift lever is in D, S or
N with the system on and the brake pedal has been depressed to stop the vehi-
cle. The system releases the brake when the accelerator pedal is depressed
with the shift lever in D or S to allow smooth start off.

2414-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
NX300h_U_OM78007U This mode employs a radar sensor to detect the presence of vehicles up to
approximately 400 ft. (120 m) ahead, determines the current vehicle-to-vehicle
following distance, and operates to main tain a suitable following distance from
the vehicle ahead. Note that vehicle-to-vehicle distance will close in when traveling on long downhill
slopes.
Example of constant speed cruising
When there are no vehicles ahead The vehicle travels at the speed set by the driver. The desired vehicle-to-vehicle dis-
tance can also be set by operating the vehicle-to-vehicle distance control.
Example of deceleration cruising
When a preceding vehicle is driving slower than the set speed appearsWhen a vehicle is detected running ahead of you, the system automatically deceler-
ates your vehicle. When a greater reduction in vehicle speed is necessary, the system
applies the brakes (the stop lights will come on at this time). A warning tone warns you
when the system cannot decelera te sufficiently to prevent your vehicle from closing in
on the vehicle ahead.
Example of follow-up cruising
When following a preceding vehicle is driving slower than the set speedThe system continues follow-up cruising wh ile adjusting for chan ges in the speed of
the vehicle ahead in order to maintain the vehicle-to-vehicle distance set by the driver.
Example of acceleration
When there are no longer any preceding vehicles driving slower than the set
speed The system accelerates until the set speed is reached. The system then returns to con-
stant speed cruising.Driving in vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode
1
2
3
4

2494-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
NX300h_U_OM78007U WA R N I N G ■
Before using dynamic radar cruise control
Do not overly rely on vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode.
Be aware of the set speed. If automatic deceleration/acceleration is not appropriate,
adjust the vehicle speed, as well as the distance between your vehicle and vehicles
ahead by applying the brakes, etc. ■
Cautions regarding the driving assist systems
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury. ●
Assisting the driver to measure following distance
The dynamic radar cruise control is only in tended to help the dr iver in determining
the following distance between the driver’s own vehicle and a designated vehicle
traveling ahead. It is not a mechanism that al lows careless or inattentive driving, and it
is not a system that can assist the driver in low-visibility conditions. It is still necessary
for driver to pay close attention to the vehicle’s surroundings. ●
Assisting the driver to judge proper following distance
The dynamic radar cruise control determines whether the following distance
between the driver’s own vehicle and a designated vehicle traveling ahead is appro-
priate or not. It is not capable of making an y other type of judgement. Therefore, it is
absolutely necessary for the driver to remain vigilant and to determine whether or not
there is a possibility of danger in any given situation. ●
Assisting the driver to operate the vehicle
The dynamic radar cruise control has no capa bility to prevent or avoid a collision with
a vehicle traveling ahead. Therefore, if there is ever any danger, the driver must take
immediate and direct control of the vehicl e and act appropriately in order to ensure
the safety of all involved. ■
To avoid inadvertent dynamic radar cruise control activation
Switch the dynamic radar cruise control off using the “ON/OFF” button when not in
use.

254 4-5. Using the driving support systems
NX300h_U_OM78007U This mode employs a radar sensor to detect the presence of vehicles up to
approximately 400 ft. (120 m) ahead, determines the current vehicle-to-vehicle
following distance, and operates to main tain a suitable following distance from
the vehicle ahead. Note that vehicle-to-vehicle distance will close in when traveling on long downhill
slopes.
Example of constant speed cruising
When there are no vehicles ahead The vehicle travels at the speed set by the driver. The desired vehicle-to-vehicle dis-
tance can also be set by operating the vehicle-to-vehicle distance control.
Example of deceleration cruising and follow-up cruising
When a preceding vehicle is driving slower than the set speed appearsWhen a vehicle is detected running ahead of you, the system automatically deceler-
ates your vehicle. When a greater reduction in vehicle speed is necessary, the system
applies the brakes (the stop lights will come on at this time). The system will respond to
changes in the speed of the vehicle ahead in order to maintain the vehicle-to-vehicle
distance set by the driver. A warning tone warns you when the system cannot deceler-
ate sufficiently to prevent your vehicl e from closing in on the vehicle ahead.
When the vehicle ahead of you stops, your ve hicle will also stop (vehicle is stopped by
system control). After the vehicle ahead starts off, pushing the cruise control lever up
or depressing the accelerator peda l will resume follow-up cruising.
Example of acceleration
When there are no longer any preceding vehicles driving slower than the set
speed The system accelerates until the set speed is reached. The system then returns to con-
stant speed cruising.Driving in vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode
1
2
3

2634-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
NX300h_U_OM78007U WA R N I N G ■
Before using dynamic radar cruise control with full-speed range
Do not overly rely on vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode.
Be aware of the set speed. If automatic deceleration/acceleration is not appropriate,
adjust the vehicle speed, as well as the distance between your vehicle and vehicles
ahead by applying the brakes, etc. ■
Cautions regarding the driving assist systems
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury. ●
Assisting the driver to measure following distance
The dynamic radar cruise control with full-sp eed range is only intended to help the
driver in determining the following distan ce between the driver’s own vehicle and a
designated vehicle traveling ahead. It is no t a mechanism that allows careless or inat-
tentive driving, and it is not a system that can assist the driver in low-visibility condi-
tions. It is still necessary for driver to pay close attention to the vehicle’s surroundings. ●
Assisting the driver to judge proper following distance
The dynamic radar cruise control with full-speed range determines whether the fol-
lowing distance between the driver’s own vehicle and a designated vehicle traveling
ahead is appropriate or not. It is not ca pable of making any othe r type of judgement.
Therefore, it is absolutely necessary for the driver to remain vigilant and to determine
whether or not there is a possibilit y of danger in any given situation.●
Assisting the driver to operate the vehicle
The dynamic radar cruise control with full -speed range has no capability to prevent or
avoid a collision with a vehicle traveling ahea d. Therefore, if there is ever any danger,
the driver must take immediate and direct control of the vehicle and act appropriately
in order to ensure the safety of all involved. ■
To avoid inadvertent dynamic radar cruise control with full-speed range activation
Switch the dynamic radar cruise control wi th full-speed range off using the “ON/OFF”
button when not in use.

284 4-5. Using the driving support systems
NX300h_U_OM78007U ■
The intuitive parking assist can be operated when ●
Front corner sensors:
• The power switch is in ON mode.
• The shift lever is in other than P.
• The vehicle speed is less than about 6 mph (10 km/h).
(At any speed when the shift lever is in R) ●
Front center sensors:
• The power switch is in ON mode.
• The shift lever is in other than P or R.
• The vehicle speed is less than about 6 mph (10 km/h). ●
Rear corner and rear center sensors:
• The power switch is in ON mode.
• The shift lever is in R. ■
Intuitive parking assist display
When an obstacle is detected while the Lexus parking assist monitor is in use, the warn-
ing indicator will appear in the upper corner of the screen ev en if the display setting has
been set to off. ■
Sensor detectio n information●
The sensor’s detection areas are limited to the areas around the vehicle’s bumper. ●
Certain vehicle conditions and the surround ing environment may affect the ability of a
sensor to correctly detect an obstacle. Particular instances where this may occur are
listed below.
• There is dirt, snow or ice on the sensor . (Wiping the sensors will resolve this prob-
lem.)
• The sensor is frozen. (Thawing th e area will resolve this problem.)
In especially cold weather, if a sensor is frozen the screen may show an abnormal
display, or obstacles may not be detected.
• The sensor is covered in any way.
• The vehicle is leaning co nsiderably to one side.
• On an extremely bumpy road, on an incline, on gravel, or on grass.
• The vicinity of the vehicle is noisy due to vehicle horns, motorcycle engines, air
brakes of large vehicles, or other loud noises producing ultrasonic waves.
• There is another vehicle equipped with parking assist sensors in the vicinity.
• The sensor is coated with a sheet of spray or heavy rain.
• The vehicle is equipped with a fender pole or wireless antenna.
• Towing eyelets are installed.
• The bumper or sensor receives a strong impact.
• The vehicle is approaching a tall or curved curb.
• In harsh sunlight or intense cold weather.
• The area directly under the bumpers is not detected.
• If obstacles draw too close to the sensor.
• A non-genuine Lexus suspension (low ered suspension etc.) is installed.
• People may not be detected if they are wearing certain types of clothing.
In addition to the examples above, there are instances in which, because of their shape,
signs and other objects may be judged by a sensor to be closer than they are.

3054-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
NX300h_U_OM78007UDriving assist systems ◆ 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 drivin g 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
◆ Enhanced VSC (Enhanced Vehicle 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 performance.
◆ TRAC (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.
◆ EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed to turn the
steering wheelTo 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 supplementary and should not be relied upon too
heavily when operating the vehicle.

310 4-5. Using the driving support systems
NX300h_U_OM78007UPCS (Pre-Collision System) 
◆ Pre-collision warning
When a high possibility of a frontal
collision is detected, a buzzer
sounds and a message is shown on
the multi-information display to urge
the driver to take evasive action.
◆ Pre-collision brake assist
When there is a high possibility of a frontal collision, the system applies
greater braking force in relation to ho w strongly the brake pedal is depressed.
◆ Pre-collision braking
When there is a high possibility of a frontal collision, the system warns the
driver using warning display and buzzer. If the system determines that a colli-
sion is unavoidable, the brakes are automatically applied to reduce the colli-
sion speed.
 : If equippedWhen the radar sensor detects possibilit y of a frontal collision, brakes are
automatically engaged to lessen im pact as well as vehicle damage.
The alert timing for the pre-collision system can be changed or turned ON/
OFF, as necessary, by operating the switch. (  P. 311)