air conditioning LEXUS RC300 2017 Owner's Manual

4426-1. Using the air conditioning system
■Registering air conditioning settings to electronic keys (vehicles with driving position
memory)
●Unlocking the vehicle using an electronic ke y and turning the engine switch to IGNI-
TION ON mode will recall that key's re gistered air conditioning settings.
●When the engine switch is turned off, the current air conditioning settings will automat-
ically be registered to the electronic key that was used to unlock the vehicle.
●The system may not operate correctly if more th an one electronic key is in the vicinity or
if the smart access system with push-button start is used to unlock a passenger door.
●The doors that can recall the air conditioning setting* when unlocked using the smart
access system with push-button start can be changed. For details, contact your Lexus
dealer.
*: The doors that can recall the driving posi tion memory are changed at the same time.
■Using automatic mode
Fan speed is adjusted automatically according to the temperature setting and the ambi-
ent conditions.
Therefore, the fan may stop for a while until wa rm or cool air is ready to flow immediately
after is pressed or “AUTO” is selected.
■Using the voice command system (vehicles with a navigation system)
Air conditioning system can be operated using voice commands. For details, refer to the
“NAVIGATION SYSTEM OWNER’S MANUAL”.
■Fogging up of the windows
The windows will easily fog up when the hu midity in the vehicle is high. Turning
(“A/C”) on will dehumidify the air from the outlets and defog the windshield effectively.
●If you turn (“A/C”) off, the windows may fog up more easily.
●The windows may fog up if the recirculated air mode is used.
■Outside/recirculated air mode
●When driving on dusty roads such as tunnels or in heavy traffic, set the outside/recircu-
lated air mode button to the recirculated air mode. This is effective in preventing out-
side air from enteri ng the vehicle interior. During cooling operation, setting the
recirculated air mode will also cool the vehicle interior effectively.
●Outside/recirculated air mode may automa tically switch depending on the tempera-
ture setting or the inside temperature.
■When the outside temperature exceeds 75 °F (24 °C) and the air conditioning system
is on
●In order to reduce the air co nditioning power consumption, the air conditioning system
may switch to recirculated air mode automa tically. This may also reduce fuel consump-
tion.
●Recirculated air mode is selected as a defaul t mode when the engine switch is turned to
IGNITION ON mode.
●It is possible to switch to outside air mode at any time by pressing .

4436-1. Using the air conditioning system
6
Interior features
■Automatic mode for air intake control
In automatic mode, the system detects ex haust gas and other pollutants and auto-
matically switches between outside air and recirculated air modes.
When the dehumidification function is off, and the fan is operating, turning automatic
mode on will activate the dehumidification function.
■Operation of the air conditioning system in Eco drive mode
In Eco drive mode, the air conditioning system is controlled as follows to prioritize fuel
efficiency:
●Engine speed and compressor operation controlled to restrict heating/cooling capac-
ity
●Fan speed restricted when automatic mode is selected
To improve air conditioning performanc e, perform the following operations:
●Adjust the fan speed
●Turn off Eco drive mode
■When the outside temperature falls to nearly 32 °F (0 °C)
The dehumidification function may not oper ate even when is pressed or “A/C” is
selected.
■Ventilation and air conditioning odors
●To let fresh air in, set the air conditioning system to the outside air mode.
●During use, various odors from inside and outside the vehicle may enter into and accu-
mulate in the air conditioning system. This may then cause odor to be emitted from the
vents.
●To reduce potential odors from occurring:
• It is recommended that the air conditioning system be set to outside air mode prior
to turning the vehicle off.
• The start timing of the blower may be dela yed for a short period of time immediately
after the air conditioning system is started in automatic mode.
■Air conditioning filter
→P. 536
■Customization
Settings (e.g. A/C Auto switch operation) can be changed.
(Customizable features →P. 681)

4446-1. Using the air conditioning system
WARNING
■To prevent the windshield from fogging up
●Do not use during cool air operation in extremely humid weather. The differ-
ence between the temperature of the outside air and that of the windshield can cause
the outer surface of the windshield to fog up, blocking your vision.
■To prevent burns
●Do not touch the rear view mirror surfaces when the outside rear view mirror defog-
gers are on.
●Do not touch the glass at lower part of the windshield or to the side of the front pillars
when the windshield wiper de-icer is on.
NOTICE
■To prevent battery discharge
Do not leave the air conditioni ng system on longer than necessary when the engine is
stopped.
●Do not place anything on the instrument
panel which may cover th e air outlets. Other-
wise, air flow may be obstructed, preventing
the windshield defoggers from defogging.

4456-1. Using the air conditioning system
6
Interior features
Turn the heated steering wheel on/off
The indicator light comes on when the
heated steering wheel is operating.
Heated steering wheel∗/seat heaters∗/seat ventila-
tors
∗
∗
: If equipped
Heated steering wheel and seat heaters heat the side grips of the steering
wheel and seats, respectively. Seat ventilators maintain good airflow by blow-
ing air from the seats.
WARNING
●Care should be taken to prevent injury if anyone in the following categories comes in
contact with the steering wheel or seats when the heater is on:
• Babies, small children, the elderly, the sick and the physically challenged
• Persons with sensitive skin
• Persons who are fatigued
• Persons who have taken alcohol or drugs that induce sleep (sleeping drugs, cold
remedies, etc.)
●Observe the following precautions to prevent the minor burns or overheating
• Do not cover the seat with a blanket or cushion when using the seat heater.
• Do not use seat heater more than necessary.
NOTICE
●Do not put heavy objects that have an unev en surface on the seat and do not stick
sharp objects (needles, nails, etc.) into the seat.
●To prevent battery discharge, do not use the functions when the engine is off.
Heated steering wheel

4466-1. Using the air conditioning system
●The heated steering wheel can be used when the engine switch is in IGNITION ON
mode.
●The heated steering wheel will automatically turn off after about 30 minutes.
Each time the switch is pressed, the
intensity of the seat heater changes and
the level indicator lights (amber) light
as follows:
Hi (3 segments lit) → Mid (2 segments
lit) → Lo (1 segment lit) → Off
■The seat heaters can be used when
The engine switch is in IGNITION ON mode.
■Seat heater timer control
To enable seat heater timer control, press and hold the driver and front passenger seat
heater switches at the same time when the vehicle is stopped until a buzzer sounds once.
If a seat heater is turned on while seat heater timer control is enabled, the intensity of the
seat heater will automa tically change from Hi→Mid →Lo.
The timing of the change in seat heater in tensity differs depending on the temperature
inside the cabin, etc. when the seat heater is operating.
To disable seat heater timer control, press and hold the driver and front passenger seat
heater switches at the same time until a buzzer sounds twice.
Seat heaters
Type A Type B

4476-1. Using the air conditioning system
6
Interior features
Each time the switch is pressed, the
intensity of the seat ventilator changes
and the level indicator lights (green)
light as follows:
Hi (3 segments lit) → Mid (2 segments
lit) → Lo (1 segment lit) → Off
■The seat ventilators can be used when
The engine switch is in IGNITION ON mode.
Seat ventilators

479
Maintenance and care7
7-1. Maintenance and careCleaning and protecting the vehicle exterior ............... 480
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle interior..................485
7-2. Maintenance Maintenance requirements ........................... 488
General maintenance............... 491
Emission inspection and maintenance (I/M)
programs .................................... 494
7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance Do-it-yourself service precautions................................ 495
Hood ............................................... 497
Positioning a floor jack ............498
Engine compartment ................ 501
Tires ...................................................517
Tire inflation pressure................ 531
Wheels ........................................... 534
Air conditioning filter ............... 536
Electronic key battery ..............538
Checking and replacing fuses ..............................................540
Light bulbs..................................... 543

4967-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
WARNING
The engine compartment contains many mechanisms and fluids that may move suddenly,
become hot, or become electrically energize d. To avoid death or serious injury, observe
the following precautions.
■When working on the engine compartment
●Keep hands, clothing and tools away from the moving fan and engine drive belt.
●Be careful not to touch the engine, radiator, exhaust manifold, etc. right after driving
as they may be hot. Oil and other fluids may also be hot.
●Do not leave anything that may burn easily, such as paper and rags, in the engine
compartment.
●Do not smoke, cause sparks or expose an open flame to fuel or the battery. Fuel and
battery fumes are flammable.
●Be extremely cautious when working on the battery. It contains poisonous and corro-
sive sulfuric acid.
■When working near the electric cooling fans or radiator grille
Be sure the engine switch is off.
With the engine switch in IGNITION ON mode, the electric cooling fans may auto-
matically start to run if the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant temperature is high.
( → P. 511)
■Safety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc. from getting in
your eyes.
NOTICE
■If you remove the air cleaner filter
Driving with the air cleaner f ilter removed may cause excessive engine wear due to dirt
in the air.

5367-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Turn the engine switch off.
Open the glove box. Lift up the side
with the stay, disconnect the stay
tabs and remove the partition by
pulling horizontally.
Press the tabs and remove the filter
cover.
Press the tabs and remove the filter
case.
Air conditioning filter
The air conditioning filter must be changed regularly to maintain air condi-
tioning efficiency.
Removal method
1
2
3
4

5377-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
Remove the air conditioning filter
from the filter case and replace it
with a new one.
The “\bUP” marks shown on the filter
and the filter case sh ould be pointing up.
■Checking interval
Inspect and replace the air cond itioning filter according to the maintenance schedule. In
dusty areas or areas with heavy traffic fl ow, early replacement may be required. (For
scheduled maintenance informat ion, please refer to the “Owner’s Manual Supplement”
or “Scheduled Maintenance”.)
■If air flow from the vents decreases dramatically
The filter may be clogged. Check the filter and replace if necessary.
5
NOTICE
■When using the air conditioning system
Make sure that a filter is always installed.
Using the air conditioning system without a filter may cause damage to the system.