parking brake LEXUS NX300h 2018 Service Manual

252 4-5. Using the driving support systems
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_OM78212U cate that a malfunction has occurred in
any of these systems.●
Any of the following conditions may
occur when the above systems are oper-
ating.
None of these indicates that a malfunc-
tion has occurred.
• Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle
body and steering.
• A motor sound may be heard also after
the vehicle comes to a stop.■
ECB operating sound
ECB operating sound may be heard in the
following cases, but it does not indicate that
a malfunction has occurred. ●
Operating sound heard from the engine
compartment when the brake pedal is
operated.●
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 sys-
tem.■
EPS operation sound
When the steering wheel is operated, a
motor sound (whirring sound) may be
heard. This does not indicate a malfunction. ■
Reduced effectiveness of the EPS sys-
tem
The effectiveness of the EPS system is
reduced to prevent the system from over-
heating when there is frequent steering
input over an extended period of time. The
steering wheel may feel heavy as a result.
Should this occur, re frain from excessive
steering input or stop the vehicle and turn
the hybrid system off. The EPS system
should return to normal within 10 minutes.
■
Automatic reactivation of TRAC, Trailer
Sway Control and VSC systems
After turning the TARC, Trailer Sway Con-
trol and VSC systems off, the systems will
be automatically re-enabled in the following
situations:
●
When the power switch is turned off
●
If only the TRAC system is turned off, the TRAC will turn on when vehicle speed
increases ●
If only the TRAC system is turned off, the
TRAC will turn on when vehicle speed
increases
If both the TRAC and VSC systems are
turned off, automatic re-enabling will not
occur when vehicle speed increases. ■
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/back-
ward on an up ward 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 shifted to P or N. ●
The accelerator pedal is depressed. ●
The parking brake is engaged. ●
2 seconds at maximum elapsed after the
brake pedal is released
WARNING
■
The ABS does not operate effectively
when ●
The limits of tire gripping performance
have been exceeded (such as exces-
sively worn tires on a snow covered
road).
●
The vehicle hydroplanes while driving
at high speed on wet or slick road.

2534-5. Using the driving support systems
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_OM78212U 4
Driving WARNING■
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. ■
Hill-start assist control does not oper-
ate effectively when●
Do not overly rely on the 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/ABS/VSC/Trailer
Sway Control is activated
The slip indicator light flashes. Always
drive carefully. Re ckless 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 cor-
rectly if different tire s 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.
■
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.

2554-6. Driving tips
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_OM78212U 4
Driving 4-6.Driving tips
When using Eco mode, the torque cor-
responding to the accelerator pedal
depression amount can be generated
more smoothly than it is in normal con-
ditions. In addition, the operation of the
air conditioning system (heating/cool-
ing) will be minimized, improving the
fuel economy. ( → P.249)
The Eco-friendly driving is possible by
keeping the indicator needle of Hybrid
System Indicator within Eco area.
( → P.82)
Shift the shift lever to D when stopped
at a traffic light, or driving in heavy traf-
fic, etc. Shift the shift lever to P when
parking. When using the N, there is no
positive effect on fuel consumption. In
the N, the gasoline engine operates
but electricity cannot be generated.
Also, when using the air conditioning
system, etc., the hybrid battery (trac-
tion battery) power is consumed.  Drive your vehicle smoothly. Avoid
abrupt acceleration and decelera-
tion. Gradual acceleration and
deceleration will make more effec-
tive use of the electric motor (trac-
tion motor) without having to use
gasoline engine power.
 Avoid repeated acceleration.
Repeated acceleration consumes
hybrid battery (traction battery)
power, resulting in poor fuel con-
sumption. Battery power can be
restored by driving with the acceler-
ator pedal slightly released.
Make sure to operate the brakes gently
and in a timely manner. A greater
amount of electrical energy can be
regenerated when slowing down.
Repeated acceleration and decelera-
tion, as well as long waits at traffic
lights, will lead to bad fuel economy.
Check traffic reports before leaving
and avoid delays as much as possible.
When driving in a traffic jam, gently
release the brake pedal to allow the
vehicle to move forward slightly while
avoiding overuse of the accelerator
pedal. Doing so can help control
excessive gasoline consumption.Hybrid vehicle driving tips For economical and ecological
driving, pay attention to the follow-
ing points:
Using Eco mode
Use of Hybrid System Indicator
Shift Changing the shift lever
operation Accelerator pedal/brake pedal
operation
When braking
Delays

258 4-6. Driving tips
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_OM78212U immediately to prevent it from
freezing.
 To ensure proper operation of the
climate control system fan, remove
any snow that has accumulated on
the air inlet vents in front of the
windshield.
 Check for and remove any excess
ice or snow that may have accumu-
lated on the exterior lights, vehicle’s
roof, chassis, around the tires or on
the brakes.
 Remove any snow or mud from the
bottom of your shoes before getting
in the vehicle.
Accelerate the vehicle slowly, keep a
safe distance between you and the
vehicle ahead, and drive at a reduced
speed suitable to road conditions.
 Park the vehicle and move the shift
lever to P without setting the park-
ing brake. The parking brake may
freeze up, preventing it from being
released. If the vehicle is parked
without setting the parking brake,
make sure to block the wheels.
Failure to do so may be dangerous
because it may cause the vehicle to
move unexpectedly, possibly lead-
ing to an accident. When the parking brake is in automatic
mode, release the parking brake after shift-
ing the shift lever to P. ( → P.177)  If the vehicle is left parked with the
brakes damp in cold temperatures,
there is a possibility of the brakes
freezing.
 If the vehicle is parked without set-
ting the parking brake, confirm that
the shift lever cannot be moved out
of P *
. *
: The shift lever will be locked if it is
attempted to be shifted from P to any
other position with out depressing the
brake pedal. If the shift lever can be
shifted from P, there may be a problem
with the shift lock system. Have the vehi-
cle inspected by your Lexus dealer
immediately.
Use the correct tire chain size when
mounting the tire chains. Chain size is
regulated for each tire size. 
Vehicles with 225/65R17 tires
Side chain:When driving the vehicle
When parking the vehicle WARNING■
When parking the vehicle
When parking the vehicle without apply-
ing the parking brake, make sure to
chock the wheels. If you do not chock the
wheels, the vehicle may move unexpect-
edly, possibly result ing in an accident.
Selecting tire chains

3216-2. Maintenance
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_OM78212U 6
Maintenance and care Luggage compartment Items Check points
12-volt battery Check the connections.
( → P.333)
Vehicle interior Items Check points
Accelerator
pedal • The accelerator pedal
should move smoothly
(without uneven pedal
effort or catching).
Brake pedal • Does the brake pedal
move smoothly?
• Does the brake pedal
have appropriate clear-
ance from the floor?
• Does the brake pedal
have the correct amount
of free play?
Brakes •The vehicle should not
pull to one side when the
brakes are applied.
• The brakes should work
effectively.
• The brake pedal should
not feel spongy.
• The brake pedal should
not get too close to the
floor when the brakes
are applied.
Head
restraints • Do the head restraints
move smoothly and lock
securely?
Hybrid trans-
mission “Park”
mechanism • When parked on a slope
and the shift lever is in P,
is the vehicle securely
stopped? Indicators/
buzzers • Do the indicators and
buzzers function prop-
erly?
Lights • Do all the lights come
on?
Parking brake • Does the parking brake
switch operate nor-
mally?
• When parked on a slope
and the parking brake is
on, is the vehicle
securely stopped?
Seat belts • Do the seat belts oper-
ate smoothly?
• The seat belts should not
be damaged.
Seats • Do the seat controls
operate properly?
Steering
wheel • Does the steering wheel
rotate smoothly?
• Does the steering wheel
have the correct amount
of free play?
• There should not be any
strange sounds coming
from the steering wheel.
Vehicle exterior Items Check points
Doors • Do the doors operate
smoothly?
Engine hood • Does the engine hood
lock system work prop-
erly?Items Check points

3637-2. Steps to take in an emergency
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_OM78212U 7
When trouble arises 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.
6 Enter the vehicle being towed and
start the hybrid system.If the hybrid system does not start, turn the
power switch to ON mode.
7 Shift the shift lever to N and release
the parking brake.When the shift lever cannot be shifted:
→ P.174
■
While towing
If the hybrid system is off, 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.378)  Fluid leaks under the vehicle
(Water dripping from the air condi-
tioning after use is normal.)
 Flat-looking tires or uneven tire
wear
 Engine coolant temperature gauge
needle continually points higher
than normal
 Changes in exhaust sound
 Excessive tire squeal when corner-
ing
 Strange noises related to the sus-
pension system
 Pinging or other noises related to
the hybrid system
 Engine misfire or misses, stumbling
or running roughly
 Appreciable loss of power
 Vehicle pulls heavily to one side
when brakingIf you think something is
wrong If you notice any of the following
symptoms, your vehicle probably
needs adjustment or repair. Con-
tact your Lexus dealer as soon as
possible.
Visible symptoms
Audible symptoms
Operational symptoms

366 7-2. Steps to take in an emergency
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_OM78212U ■
High coolant temperature warning light (warning buzzer) *
*
: This light illuminates on the multi-information display. ■
Brake system warning light
■
Malfunction indicator lamp
■
SRS warning light Warning light Details/Actions
Indicates that the engine is overheating
→ Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place. Continu-
ing to drive the vehicle may be dangerous.
Handling method ( → P.394)
Warning light Details/Actions
(Yellow)
Indicates a malfunction in:
 The regenerative braking system;
 The electronically controlled brake system; or
 The electric parking brake
→ Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer
immediately.
Warning light Details/Actions
(U.S.A.)
(Canada) Indicates a malfunction in:
 The hybrid system;
 The electronic engine control system;
 The electronic throttle control system; or
 The emission control system
→ Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer
immediately.
Warning light Details/Actions
Indicates a malfunction in:
 The SRS airbag system;
 The front passenger occupant classification system; or
 The seat belt pretensioner system
→ Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer
immediately.

368 7-2. Steps to take in an emergency
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_OM78212U ■
LDA indicator
■
PKSB OFF indicator
■
Slip indicator light
■
Brake hold operated indicator Warning light Details/Actions
(Orange)
Indicates a malfunction in the LDA (Lane Departure Alert
with steering control)
→ When “Lane Departure Alert Unavailable” is dis-
played on the multi-information display, turn the LDA
system off, drive the vehicle for a short time, and then
turn the LDA system back on. ( → P.210)
When a message other than above is displayed, follow
the instructions displayed in the message.
Warning light Details/Actions
(Flashes) When a buzzer sounds: Indicates a malfunction in the PKSB
(Parking Support Brake) system
→ Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer
immediately.
When a buzzer does not sound:
Indicates that the system is temporarily unavailable, pos-
sibly due to a sensor being di rty or covered with ice, etc.
→ Clear the dirt, etc.
Warning light Details/Actions
Indicates a malfunction in:
 The VSC system;
 The TRAC system; or
 The hill-start assist control system
The light will flash when the ABS, VSC or TRAC system is
operating.
→ Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer
immediately.
Warning light Details/Actions
(Flashes) Indicates a malfunction in the brake hold system
→ Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer
immediately.

3697-2. Steps to take in an emergency
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_OM78212U 7
When trouble arises ■
Parking brake indicator
■
Low fuel level warning light
■
Driver’s and front passenger’s seat belt reminder light (warning buzzer) *
*
: Driver’s and front passenger’s seat belt warning buzzer:
The driver’s seat belt warning buzzer sounds to alert the driver that hi s or her seat belt is
not fastened. Once the power switch is turned to IGNITION ON mode, the buzzer
sounds for 6 seconds. If the vehicle reaches a speed of 12 mph (20 km/h), the buzzer
sounds once. If the seat belt is still unfast ened after 24 seconds, the buzzer will sound
intermittently for 6 seconds. Th en, if the seat belt is still unfastened, the buzzer will sound
in a different tone for 90 more seconds.
The front passenger’s seat belt warning buzzer sounds to alert the front passenger that
his or her seat belt is not fastened. The buzzer sounds once if the vehicle reaches a speed
of 12 mph (20 km/h). If the se at belt is still unfastened after 24 seco nds, the buzzer will
sound intermittently for 6 seconds. Then, if the seat belt is still unfa stened, the buzzer will
sound in a different tone for 90 more seconds. Warning light Details/Actions(Flashes)
(U.S.A.)
(Flashes)
(Canada) It is possible that the parking brake is not fully engaged or
released
→ Operate the parking brake switch once again.
This light comes on when the parking brake is not released.
If the light turns off after the parking brake is fully released,
the system is operating normally.
Warning light Details/Actions
Indicates that remain ing fuel is approximately 2.2 gal. (8.4
L, 1.8 Imp.gal.) or less
→ Refuel the vehicle.
Warning light Details/Actions
Warns the driver and/or front pa ssenger to fasten their seat
belts
→ Fasten the seat belt.
If the front passenger’s seat is occupied, the front pas-
senger’s seat belt also need s to be fastened to make
the warning light (warning buzzer) turn off.

3777-2. Steps to take in an emergency
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_OM78212U 7
When trouble arises • “Charging System Malfunction” ■
Warning buzzer
→ P.372
 Stop the vehicle in a safe place on a
hard, flat surface.
 Set the parking brake.
 Shift the shift lever to P.
 Stop the hybrid system.
 Turn on the emergency flashers.
( → P.358)NOTICE■
“High Power Consumption Partial
Limit On AC/Heater Operation” is
frequently shown
There is a possible malfunction relating
to the charging system or the 12-volt bat-
tery may be deteriorating. Have the vehi-
cle inspected by your Lexus dealer. ■
“Aux Battery Low” is frequently
shown
The 12-volt battery may have deterio-
rated. As the battery may discharge in
this state when left unattended, have the
battery inspected by your Lexus dealer. If you have a flat tire Your vehicle is equipped with a
spare tire. The flat tire can be
replaced with the spare tire.
For details about tires: → P.336WARNING■
If you have a flat tire
Do not continue driving with a flat tire.
Driving even a short distance with a flat
tire can damage the tire and the wheel
beyond repair, which could result in an
accident.
Before jacking up the vehicle