warning LEXUS NX300h 2018 Owners Manual

172 4-2. Driving procedures
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_OM78212U driven on a hill, driven at high speeds, etc.●
The temperature of the hybrid system is
low.
The vehicle has been left in temperatures
lower than about 32 °F (0 °C) for a long
period of time, etc.●
The gasoline engine is warming up.●
The hybrid battery (traction battery) is
low.
The remaining battery level indicated in
the “Energy Monitor” display is low.
( → P.95)●
Vehicle speed is high.●
The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly
or the vehicle is on a hill, etc.●
The windshield defogger is in use.■
Switching to EV drive mode when the
gasoline engine is cold
If the hybrid system is started while the gas-
oline engine is cold, the gasoline engine will
start automatically after a short period of
time in order to warm up. In this case, you
will become unable to switch to EV drive
mode.
After the hybrid system has started and the
“READY” indicator has illuminated, press
the EV drive mode switch before the gaso-
line engine starts to switch to EV drive
mode. ■
Automatic cancelation of EV drive
mode
When driving in EV drive mode, the gaso-
line engine may automatically restart in the
following situations. When EV drive mode
is canceled, a buzzer will sound, the EV
drive mode indicator w ill go off after flash-
ing, and a message is displayed on the
multi-information display.
●
The hybrid battery (traction battery)
becomes low.
The remaining battery level indicated in
the “Energy Monitor” display is low.
( → P.95)
●
Vehicle speed is high.
●
The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly
or the vehicle is on a hill, etc. ■
Possible driving distan ce when driving in
EV drive mode
EV drive mode’s possible driving distance
ranges from a few hundred meters to
approximately 0.6 mile (1 km). However,
depending on vehicle conditions, there are
situations when EV drive mode cannot be
used. (The distance that is possible depends
on the hybrid battery [traction battery] level
and driving conditions.) ■
Fuel economy
The hybrid system is designed to achieve
the best possible fuel economy during nor-
mal driving (using the gasoline engine and
electric motor [tractio n motor]). Driving in
EV drive mode more than necessary may
lower fuel economy.
WARNING■
Caution while driving
When driving in EV drive mode, pay spe-
cial attention to the area around the vehi-
cle. Because there is no engine noise,
pedestrians, people riding bicycles or
other people and vehicles in the area
may not be aware of the vehicle starting
off or approaching them, so take extra
care while driving.

1734-2. Driving procedures
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_OM78212U 4
Driving *1
: To improve fuel efficiency and reduce
noise, shift the shift lever to D for normal
driving.
You can choose gear range suitable for
your driving situation by operating the
paddle shift switches. *2
: By selecting shift ra nges using S mode,
you can control accelerating force and
engine braking force.
■
S mode●
When the shift range is 4 or lower, hold-
ing the shift lever towa rd “+” sets the shift
range to 6.
●
Automatically selects a higher shift range
before the engine speed becomes too
high.
■
When driving with dynamic radar cruise
control with full-speed range activated
Even when performing the following
actions with the intent of enabling engine
braking, engine braking will not activate
because dynamic radar cruise control with
full-speed range will not be canceled. ●
While driving in S mode, downshifting to
5 or 4. ( → P.176)●
When switching the driving mode to
sport mode while driving in D position.
( → P.249)■
Restraining sudden start (Drive-Start
Control)
When the following unusual operation is
performed, the hybrid system output may
be restrained. ●
When the shift lever is shifted from R to D,
D to R, N to R, P to D, or P to R (D
includes S) with the accelerator pedal
depressed, a warning message appears
on the multi-information display. If a
warning message is shown on the multi-
information display, read the message
and follow the instructions. ●
When the accelerator pedal is depressed
too while the vehicle is in reverse.Hybrid transmission Select the shift position depending
on your purpose and situation.
Shift position purpose and func-
tions Shift posi-
tion Objective or function
P Parking the vehicle/starting
the hybrid system
R Reversing
N Neutral
D Normal driving *1
S S mode driving *2
( → P.176)
WARNING■
When driving on slippery road sur-
faces
Be careful of downsh ifting and sudden
acceleration, as this could result in the
vehicle skidding to the side or spinning.
NOTICE■
Hybrid battery (t raction battery)
charge
If the shift lever is in N, the hybrid battery
(traction battery) will not be charging,
even when the engine is running. There-
fore, if the vehicle is left with the shift
lever in N for a long period of time, the
hybrid battery (traction battery) will dis-
charge, and this may re sult in the vehicle
not being able to start.

174 4-2. Driving procedures
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_OM78212U While the power switch is in ON
mode, move the shift lever with the
brake pedal depressed. When shifting the shift lever between P
and D, make sure that the vehicle is com-
pletely stopped.
■
Shift lock system
The shift lock system is a system to prevent
accidental operation of the shift lever in
starting.
The shift lever can be shifted from P only
when the power switch is in ON mode and
the brake pedal is being depressed.
■
If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P
First, check whether the brake pedal is
being depressed.
If the shift lever cannot be shifted with your
foot on the brake pedal, there may be a
problem with the shift lock system. Have the
vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer
immediately.
The following steps may be used as an
emergency measure to ensure that the shift lever can be shifted.
Releasing the shift lock:
1 Set the parking brake.
2 Turn the power switch off.
3 Depress the brake pedal.
4 Pry the cover up with a flathead screw-
driver or equivalent tool.
To prevent damage to the cover, cover the
tip of the screwdriver with a rag.
5 Press the shift lock override button.
The shift lever can be shifted while the but-
ton is pressed
→ P.249Shifting the shift lever
WARNING■
To prevent an accident when releas-
ing the shift lock
Before pressing the shift lock override
button, make sure to set the parking
brake and depress the brake pedal.
If the accelerator pe dal is accidentally
depressed instead of the brake pedal
when the shift lock override button is
pressed and the shift lever is shifted out
of P, the vehicle may suddenly start, pos-
sibly leading to an accident resulting in
death or serious injury.
Selecting the driving mode

176 4-2. Driving procedures
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_OM78212U 2 DownshiftingThe selected shift range, from 1 to 6, will be
displayed.
The initial shift range in S mode is 4. ■
Shift ranges and their functions
 You can choose from 6 levels of
accelerating force and engine brak-
ing force.
 A lower shift range will provide
greater accelerating force and
engine braking force than a higher
shift range, and the engine revolu-
tions will also increase. ■
Downshifting restriction warning
buzzer
To help ensure safety and driving perfor-
mance, downshifting operation may some-
times be restricted. In some circumstances,
downshifting may not be possible even
when the shift lever or paddle shift switch is
operated. (A buzzer will sound twice.)
1 Right turn
2 Lane change to the right (move the
lever partway and release it)
The right hand signals will flash 3
times.
3 Lane change to the left (move the
lever partway and release it)
The left hand signals will flash 3
times.
4 Left turn ■
Turn signals can be operated when
The power switch is in ON mode.
■
If the indicator flashes faster than usual
Check that a light bulb in the front or rear
turn signal lights has not burned out.
■
Customization
→ P.425Turn signal lever
Operating instructions

1774-2. Driving procedures
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_OM78212U 4
Driving ■
Parking brake operation●
When the power switch is not in ON
mode, the parking brake cannot be
released using the parking brake switch.●
When the power switch is not in ON
mode, automatic mode (automatic brake
setting and releasing) is not available.■
If “Parking Brake Overheated Parking
Brake Unavailable” is displayed on the
multi-information display
If the parking brake is operated repeatedly
over a short period of time, the system may
restrict operation to prevent overheating. If
this happens, refrain from operating the
parking brake. Normal operation will return
after about 1 minute. ■
Parking brake operation sound
When the parking brake operates, a motor
sound (whirring sound) may be heard. This
does not indicate a malfunction.
■
Parking brake indicator light and park-
ing brake lamp
●
Depending on the power switch mode,
the parking brake in dicator light and
parking brake lamp will turn on and stay
on as described below:
ON mode: Comes on until the parking
brake is released.
Not in ON mode: Stays on for approxi-
mately 15 seconds.
●
When the power switch is turned off with
the parking brake set, the parking brake
indicator light and parking brake lamp
will stay on for about 15 seconds. This does not indicate a malfunction. ■
Changing the mode
When changing the automatic mode on/off,
the message will be shown on the multi-
information display and the buzzer sounds. ■
Parking brake engaged warning buzzer
A buzzer will sound if the vehicle is driven
with the parking brake engaged. “Release
Parking Brake” is displayed on the multi-
information display. ■
Warning messages and buzzers
Warning messages and buzzers are used to
indicate a system malfunction or to inform
the driver of the need for caution. If a warn-
ing message is shown on the multi-informa-
tion display, read the message and follow
the instructions. ■
If the brake system warning light comes
on
→ P.366 ■
Usage in winter time
→ P.258Parking brake The parking brake can be set or
released automatically or manually.
In automatic mode, the parking
brake can be set or released auto-
matically according to shift lever
operation. Also, even in automatic
mode, the parking brake can be set
or released manually.
WARNING■
When parking the vehicle
Do not leave a child in the vehicle alone.
The parking brake may be released unin-
tentionally and there is the danger of the
vehicle moving that may lead to an acci-
dent resulting in death or serious injury.
NOTICE
■
When parking the vehicle
Before you leave the vehicle, shift the
shift lever to P, set the parking brake and
make sure that the vehicle does not
move.
■
When the system malfunctions
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and
check the warning messages.

180 4-2. Driving procedures
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_OM78212U Turns the brake hold system on The brake hold standby indicator
(green) comes on. While the system is
holding the brake, the brake hold operated
indicator (yellow) comes on.
■
Brake hold system operating conditions
The brake hold system cannot be turned on
in the following conditions:
●
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 indicator light will go off. In addi-
tion, if any of the conditions are detected
while the system is holding the brake, a
warning buzzer will sound and a message
will be shown on the multi-information dis- play. The parking brake will then be set
automatically. ■
Brake hold function ●
If the brake pedal is left released for a
period of about 3 mi nutes after the sys-
tem has started holding the brake, the
parking brake will be set automatically. In
this case, a warning buzzer sounds and a
message is shown on the multi-informa-
tion 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 neces-
sary for the driver to apply the brakes. A
warning buzzer will sound and the multi-
information display will inform the driver
of this situation. If a warning message is
shown on the multi-information display,
read the message and follow the instruc-
tions. ■
When the parking brake is set automati-
cally while the system is holding the
brakes
With the brake pedal depressed, release
the parking brake by operating the parking
brake switch, making su re that the parking
brake indicator light goes off. ( → P.177)■
When an inspection at your Lexus
dealer is necessary
When the brake hold standby indicator
(green) does not illuminate even when the
brake hold switch is pressed with the brake
hold system operating conditions met, the
system may be malfun ctioning. Have the
vehicle inspected at your Lexus dealer.
■
If “Brake Hold Fault Depress Brake to
Deactivate Visit Your Dealer” is dis-
played on the multi-information display
The system may be ma lfunctioning. Have
the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer.
■
Warning messages and buzzers
Warning messages and buzzers are used to
indicate a system malfunction or to inform
the driver of the need for caution. If a warn-
ing message is shown on the multi-informa-
tion display, read the message and follow Brake Hold 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 vehicle. The
system releases the brake when the
accelerator pedal is depressed with
the shift lever in D or S to allow
smooth start off.
Enabling the system A
B

1814-2. Driving procedures
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_OM78212U 4
Driving the instructions. ■
If the brake hold operated indicator
flashes
→ P.368 *
: If equipped
1 Louder
2 Lower
The indicator comes on when the ASC
system is on.
When the dial is turned to the lowest
volume, the ASC system will be turned
off and the indicator will go off.
■
Operating conditions
When the driving mode select switch is not WARNING■
When the vehicle is on a steep incline
When using the brake hold system on a
steep incline, exercise caution. The brake
hold function may not hold the vehicle in
such a situation. ■
When stopped on a slippery road
The system cannot stop the vehicle when
the gripping ability of the tires has been
exceeded. Do not use the system when
stopped on a slippery road.
NOTICE■
When parking the vehicle
The brake hold system is not designed
for use when parking the vehicle for a
long period of time. Turning the power
switch off while the system is holding the
brake may release the brake, which
would cause the vehicle to move. When
operating the power switch, depress the
brake pedal, shift the shift lever to P and
set the parking brake. ASC (Active Sound Con-
trol) *
The ASC system is an electronic
sound system that generates
engine sound, conveying the
kinetic situations of the vehicle’s
acceleration and deceleration to
the driver through the speakers
inside the instrument panel.
The vehicle’s response to the
driver’s acceleration behavior and
shift operations are also conveyed
in sound.
When sport mode is selected, the
sound conveyed to the driver will be
louder.
Controlling volume

1874-3. Operating the lights and wipers
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_OM78212U 4
Driving and tail lights of oncoming and preceding
vehicles
• The movement and direction of oncom-
ing and preceding vehicles
• When a oncoming or preceding vehicle
only has operational lights on one side
• When a oncoming or preceding vehicle
is a two-wheeled vehicle
• The condition of the road (gradient,
curve, condition of th e road surface, etc.)
• The number of passengers and amount of
luggage●
High beam may be turned on or off when
unexpected by the driver.●
In the situations below, the system may
not be able to correctly detect the sur-
rounding brightness levels, and may flash
or expose nearby pedestrians to the high
beam. Therefore, you should consider
turning the high beams on or off manually
rather than relying on the Automatic
High Beam system.
• In bad weather (rain, snow, fog, sand-
storms, etc.)
• The windshield is obscured by fog, mist,
ice, dirt, etc.
• The windshield is cracked or damaged.
• The camera sensor is deformed or dirty.
• The camera sensor temperature is
extremely high.
• Surrounding brightness levels are equal
to those of headlights, tail lights or fog
lights.
• Vehicles ahead have headlights or tail
lights that are either switched off, dirty,
are changing color, or are not aimed
properly.
• When driving through an area of inter-
mittently changing brightness and dark-
ness.
• When frequently and repeatedly driving
ascending/descending roads, or roads
with rough, bumpy or uneven surfaces
(such as stone-paved roads, gravel
tracks, etc.).
• When frequently and repeatedly taking
curves or driving on a winding road.
• There is a highly re flective object ahead
of the vehicle, such as a sign or a mirror.
• The back of a vehicle ahead is highly
reflective, such as a container on a truck.
• The vehicle’s headlights are damaged or
dirty. • The vehicle is listing or titling, due to a flat
tire, a trailer being towed, etc.
• The driver believes that the high beam
may be causing problems or distress to
other drivers or pedestrians nearby.
WARNING■
Limitations of the Automatic High
Beam
Do not rely on the Automatic High
Beam. Always drive safely, taking care to
observe your surroundings and turning
high beam on or off manually if neces-
sary.
NOTICE■
Notes when using the Automatic
High Beam system
Observe the following to ensure that the
Automatic High Beam functions cor-
rectly. ●
Do not touch the camera sensor.
●
Do not subject the camera sensor to a
strong impact.
●
Do not disassemble the camera sen-
sor.
●
Do not spill liquids onto the camera
sensor.
●
Do not apply window tinting or stickers
to the camera sensor or the area of
windshield near the camera sensor.
●
Do not place items on the dashboard.
There is a possibility that the camera
sensor will mistake items reflected in
the windshield for streetlights, the
headlights of other vehicles, etc.

1934-3. Operating the lights and wipers
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_OM78212U 4
Driving strikes the windshield, or if bugs, etc. are
present on the windshield.
●
If the wiper switch is turned to the
“AUTO” position while the power switch
is in ON mode, the wipers will operate
once to show that AUTO mode is acti-
vated.●
If the temperature of the raindrop sensor
is 194°F (90°C) or higher, or 5°F (-15°C)
or lower, automatic operation may not
occur. In this case, operate the wipers in
any mode other than AUTO mode.■
If no windshield washer fluid sprays
Check that the washer nozzles are not
blocked, if there is washer fluid in the
washer fluid tank.
WARNING■
Caution regarding the use of wind-
shield wipers in AUTO mode (vehi-
cles with rain-sen sing windshield
wipers)
The windshield wipers may operate
unexpectedly if the sensor is touched or
the windshield is subject to vibration in
AUTO mode. Take care that your fingers,
etc. do not become caught in the wind-
shield wipers.
■
Caution regarding the use of washer
fluid
When it is cold, do not use the washer
fluid until the windshield becomes warm.
The fluid may freeze on the windshield
and cause low visibility. This may lead to
an accident, resulting in death or serious
injury. NOTICE■
When the windshield is dry
Do not use the wipers, as they may dam-
age the windshield. ■
When the washer fluid tank is empty
Do not operate the switch continually as
the washer fluid pump may overheat. ■
When a nozzle becomes blocked
In this case, contact your Lexus dealer.
Do not try to clear it with a pin or other
object. The nozzle will be damaged. ■
To prevent 12-volt battery discharge
Do not leave the wipers on longer than
necessary when the hy brid system is off.

196 4-4. Refueling
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_OM78212U 4-4.Refueling
 Turn the power switch off and
ensure that all the doors and win-
dows are closed.
 Confirm the type of fuel. ■
Fuel types
→ P.408■
Fuel tank opening for unleaded gasoline
To help prevent incorrect fueling, your vehi-
cle has a fuel tank opening that only accom-
modates the special nozzle on unleaded
fuel pumps.
1 With the doors unlocked, press the
center of the rear edge of the fuel
filler door. Push inward and take your hand away to
slightly open the fuel filler door. Then open Opening the fuel tank cap
Before refueling the vehicle
WARNING■
When refueling the vehicle
Observe the following precautions while
refueling the vehicle. Failure to do so may
result in death or serious injury. ●
After exiting the ve hicle and before
opening the fuel door, touch an
unpainted metal surface to discharge
any static electricity. It is important to
discharge static electricity before refu-
eling because sparks resulting from
static electricity can cause fuel vapors
to ignite while refueling.
●
Always hold the grips on the fuel tank
cap and turn it slowly to remove it.
A whooshing sound may be heard
when the fuel tank cap is loosened.
Wait until the sound cannot be heard
before fully removing the cap. In hot
weather, pressurized fuel may spray
out of the filler neck and cause injury.
●
Do not allow anyone that has not dis-
charged static electricity from their
body to come close to an open fuel
tank. ●
Do not inhale vaporized fuel.
Fuel contains substances that are
harmful if inhaled. ●
Do not smoke while refueling the vehi-
cle.
Doing so may cause the fuel to ignite
and cause a fire. ●
Do not return to the vehicle or touch
any person or object that is statically
charged. This may cause static elec-
tricity to build up, re sulting in a possible
ignition hazard. ■
When refueling
Observe the following precautions to
prevent fuel overflowing from the fuel
tank: ●
Securely insert the fuel nozzle into the
fuel filler neck. ●
Stop filling the tank after the fuel noz-
zle automatically clicks off. ●
Do not top off the fuel tank.
NOTICE■
Refueling
Do not spill fuel during refueling.
Doing so may damage the vehicle, such
as causing the emission control system to
operate abnormally, damaging fuel sys-
tem components or the vehicle’s painted
surface.
Opening the fuel tank cap