engine LEXUS RC300H 2017 Owner's Manual

2234-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
*1: To improve fuel efficiency and reduce noise, shift the shift lever to D for normal driv-
ing.
*2: By selecting shift ranges using S mode, you can control accelerating force and engine
braking force.
■Sport mode/Eco drive mode
 P. 301
■Snow mode
Snow mode can be selected to suit the conditions when driving on slippery
road surfaces, such as snow.
Press the switch.
Press the switch again to return to
normal mode.
Shift position purpose
Shift positionObjective or function
PParking the vehicle/starting the hybrid system
RReversing
NNeutral (Condition in which the power is not transmitted)
DNormal driving*1
SS mode driving*2 ( P. 225)
Selecting the driving mode

2244-2. Driving procedures
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
To drive using temporary shift range selection, operate the “-” paddle shift switch.
Changing the shift range enables the level of engine braking force to be
selected. The shift range can then be selected by operating the “-” and “+” paddle
shift switches.
Upshifting
Downshifting
The selected shift range, from D1 to D6, will be displayed in the meter.
The initial shift rang e when the “-” pad- dle shift switch is operated is automati-cally set to D2, D3, D4 or D5 according
to the vehicle speed.
To return to normal D position driving, the “+” paddle shift switch must be held
down for a period of time.
■Shift ranges and their functions
●You can choose from 6 levels of engine braking force.
●A lower shift range will provide greater engine braking force than a higher
shift range, and the engine revolutions will also increase.
Selecting shift ranges in the D position
1
2

2254-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
To enter S mode, shift the shift lever to S. Shift ranges can be selected by operat-
ing the shift lever or paddle shift switches, allowing you to drive in the shift range
of your choice. The shift range can be sele cted by operating the shift lever or the
“-” and “+” paddle shift switches.
Upshifting
Downshifting
The selected shift range, from S1 to S6, will be displayed in the meter.
The initial shift range in S mode is auto- matically set to S2, S3, S4 or S5according to the vehicle speed.
■Shift ranges and their functions
●You can choose from 6 levels of accelerating force and engine braking
force.
●A lower shift range will provide greater accelerating force and engine
braking force than a higher shift range, and the engine revolutions will also
increase.
●If you accelerate while in ranges 1 to 4, the shift range may automatically
increase in accordance with the vehicle speed.
Selecting shift ranges in the S position
1
2

2264-2. Driving procedures
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
■When the “-” paddle shift switch is operated with the shift lever in the D position
The shift range is downshifted to a range that enables engine braking force that is suit- able to driving conditions.
■Automatic deactivation of shift range selection in the D position
Shift range selection in the D position will be deactivated in the following situations:
●When the vehicle comes to a stop
●If the accelerator pedal is depressed for more than a certain period of time
●When the shift lever is shifted to a position other than D
■Downshifting restriction warning buzzer
To help ensure safety and driving performa nce, downshifting operation may sometimes
be restricted. In some circumstances, down shifting may not be possible even when the shift lever or paddle shift switch is operated. (A buzzer will sound twice.)
■Snow mode automatic deactivation
Snow mode is automatically deactivated if the power switch is turned off after driving in snow mode.
■When driving with cruise control or dynamic radar cruise control activated
Even when performing the following actions with the intent of enabling engine braking, engine braking will not activate because crui se control or dynamic radar cruise control will not be canceled.
●While driving in the D or S position, downshifting to 5 or 4. ( P. 253, 257)
●When switching the driving mode to sport mode while driving in D position. (P. 301)
■Shift lock system
The shift lock system is a system to prevent accidental operation of the shift lever in start- ing.
The shift lever can be shifted from P only when the power switch is in IGNITION ON
mode and the brake pedal is being depressed.

2284-2. Driving procedures
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
NOTICE
■Hybrid battery (traction battery) charge
If the shift lever is in N, the hybrid batte ry (traction battery) will not be charged even when the engine is running. Therefore, if the vehicle is left with the shift lever in N for a
long period of time, the hybrid battery (traction battery) will discharge, and this may result in the vehicle not being able to start.

2314-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
Louder
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 turnedoff and the indicator will go off.
■The ASC system can be operated when
The driving mode select switch is in normal mode or sport mode. (P. 301)
■Temporary cancelation of the ASC system functions
The ASC system may be temporarily cancel ed depending on the driving conditions, such as when the tires slip due to sudden acceleration.
ASC (Active Sound Control)
: If equipped
The ASC system is an electronic soun d 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 opera-
tions are also conveyed in sound.
When sport mode is selected, the sound conveyed to the driver will be louder.
Controlling volume
1
2

2844-5. Using the driving support systems
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
■If a message is displayed on the multi-information display
 P. 545
WARNING
■When using the Lexus parking assist-sensor
Observe the following precautions.
Failing to do so may result in the vehicle be ing unable to be driven safely and possibly cause an accident.
●Do not use the sensor at speeds in excess of 10 km/h (6 mph).
●The sensors’ detection areas and reaction times are limited. When moving forward or reversing, check the areas surrounding the vehicle (especially the sides of the vehi-cle) for safety, and drive slowly, using the brake to control the vehicle’s speed.
●Do not install accessories within the sensors’ detection areas.
■Limitations of the sensors
●The detection areas of the sensors are limited to the areas around the vehicle’s front
and rear bumpers.
●Certain vehicle conditions and surrounding environments, such as the following, may affect the ability of the sensors to correctly detect objects. Pay particular attention in
the following situations. Failure to do so may result in the vehicle being driven unsafely, possibly leading to an accident.
• When there is dirt, snow or ice on a sens or (Cleaning the sensor will resolve this
problem.) • When the sensor is frozen (Thawing the area will resolve this problem.)In especially cold weather, if a sensor is frozen the screen may show an abnormal
display, or objects may not be detected • When a sensor is covered in any way• When the vehicle is leaning considerably to one side
• When driving on an extremely bumpy road, incline, gravel, or grass • When 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
• When there is another vehicle equipped with parking assist sensor in the vicinity • When the sensor is coated with a sheet of spray or heavy rain• When the vehicle is equipped with a fender pole or wireless antenna
• When a towing eyelet is installed • When a bumper or sensor receives a strong impact• When the vehicle is approaching a tall or curved curb
• When driving in harsh sunlight or intense cold weather • When an object is directly under a bumper• When objects become too close to the sensors
• When a non-genuine Lexus suspension (l owered suspension, etc.) is installed In addition to the situations above, there are instances in which, because of theirshape, signs and other objects may be judged by the sensor to be closer than they
are.

3084-5. Using the driving support systems
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
■Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, TRC, VSC and hill-start assist control systems
Any of the following conditions may occur when the above systems are operating. None
of these indicates that a malfunction has occurred.
●Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.
●A motor sound may be heard after the vehicle comes to a stop.
■ECB operating sound
ECB operating sound may be heard in the follow ing cases, but it does not indicate that a malfunction has occurred.
●Operating sound heard from the engine compartment when the brake pedal is oper-ated.
●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 system.
■EPS operation sound
When the steering wheel is operated, a motor sound may be heard. This does not indi- cate a malfunction.
■Reactivation of the TRC/VSC systems
Even after the TRC/VSC systems have been turned off, turning the hybrid system off and then on again will automatically reactivate the TRC/VSC systems.
■Reactivation of the TRC system linked to vehicle speed
When only the TRC system is turned off, th e TRC system will turn on when vehicle speed increases. However, when both TRC and VSC systems are turned off, the systems will
not turn on even when vehicle speed increases.
■Reduced effectiveness of the EPS system
The effectiveness of the EPS system is redu ced to prevent the system from overheating when there is frequent steering input over an extended period of time. The steeringwheel may feel heavy as a result. Should this occur, refrain from excessive steering input
or stop the vehicle and turn the hybrid system off. The EPS system should return to nor- mal within 10 minutes.
■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/backward on an upward 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 moved to P or N.
●The accelerator pedal is depressed.
●The parking brake is engaged.
●Approximately 2 seconds elapse after the brake pedal is released.

334
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
4-6. Driving tips
◆Using Eco drive mode
When using Eco drive mode, the torque corresponding to the accelerator
pedal depression amount can be generate d more smoothly than it is in normal
conditions. In addition, the operation of the air conditioning system (heating/
cooling) will be minimized, improving the fuel economy. ( P. 301)
◆Use of Hybrid System Indicator
The Eco-friendly driving is possible by keeping the needle of Hybrid System
Indicator within Eco area. ( P. 119)
◆Shift lever operation
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 (traction battery) power is consumed.
◆Accelerator pedal/brake pedal operation
●Drive your vehicle smoothly. Avoid abrupt acceleration and deceleration.
Gradual acceleration and deceleration will make more effective use of the
electric motor (traction motor) without having to use gasoline engine
power.
●Avoid repeated acceleration. Repeated acceleration consumes hybrid bat-
tery (traction battery) power, resulting in poor fuel consumption. Battery
power can be restored by driving with the accelerator pedal slightly
released.
Hybrid vehicle driving tips
For economical and ecological driving, pay attention to the following points:

3354-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
◆When braking
Make sure to operate the brakes gently and in a timely manner. A greater
amount of electrical energy can be regenerated when slowing down.
◆Delays
Repeated acceleration and deceleration, 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 over-
use of the accelerator pedal. Doing so can help control excessive gasoline
consumption.
◆Highway driving
Control and maintain the vehicle at a constant speed. Before stopping at a toll
booth or similar, allow plenty of time to release the accelerator and gently
apply the brakes. A greater amount of electrical energy can be regenerated
when slowing down.
◆Air conditioning
Use the air conditioning only when necessary. Doing so can help reduce
excessive gasoline consumption.
In summer: When the ambient temperature is high, use the recirculated air
mode. Doing so will help to reduce the burden on the air conditioning system
and reduce fuel consumption as well.
In winter: Because the gasoline engine will not automatically cut out until it
and the interior of the vehicle are warm, it will consume fuel. Also, fuel con-
sumption can be improved by av oiding overuse of the heater.
◆Checking tire inflation pressure
Make sure to check the tire inflation pressure frequently. Improper tire infla-
tion pressure can cause poor fuel economy.
Also, as snow tires can cause large amounts of friction, their use on dry roads
can lead to poor fuel economy. Use ti res that are appropriate for the season.