engine LEXUS RC300H 2017 Owner's Guide

3364-6. Driving tips
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
◆Luggage
Carrying heavy luggage will lead to poor fuel economy. Avoid carrying
unnecessary luggage. Installing a large roof rack will also cause poor fuel
economy.
◆Warming up before driving
Since the gasoline engine starts up and cuts out automatically when cold,
warming up the engine is unnecessary. Moreover, frequently driving short dis-
tances will cause the engine to repeatedly warm up, which can lead to excess
fuel consumption.

3374-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
●Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside temperatures.
•Engine oil
• Engine coolant
• Washer fluid
●Have a service technician inspect the condition of the 12-volt battery.
●Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set of tire chains for
the rear tires.*
Ensure that all tires are the specified size and brand, and that chains match the size of the tires.
*: Tire chains cannot be mounted on vehicles with 19-inch tires.
Perform the following according to the driving conditions:
●Do not try to forcibly open a window or move a wiper that is frozen. Pour
warm water over the frozen area to melt the ice. Wipe away the water imme-
diately 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 accumulated on
the exterior lights, vehicle’s roof, chassi s, around the tires or on the brakes.
●Remove any snow or mud from the bottom of your shoes before getting in the
vehicle.
Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving the vehi-
cle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropriate to the prevail-
ing weather conditions.
Preparation for winter
Before driving the vehicle

3394-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
Regulations regarding the use of tire chains vary depending on location and type
of road. Always check local regulations before installing chains.
■Tire chain installation
Observe the following precautions wh en installing and removing chains:
●Install and remove tire chains in a safe location.
●Install tire chains on the rear tires. Do not install tire chains on the front tires.
●Install tire chains on rear tires as tightly as possible. Retighten chains after driving 0.5
 1.0 km (1/4  1/2 mile).
●Install tire chains following the instructions provided with the tire chains.
Regulations on the use of tire chains
WARNING
■Driving with snow tires
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in a loss of vehicle control and cause death or serious injury.
●Use tires of the specified size.
●Maintain the recommended level of air pressure.
●Do not drive at speeds in excess of the speed limit or the speed limit specified for the snow tires being used.
●Use snow tires on all, not just some wheels.
■Driving with tire chains
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents. Failure to do so may result in the vehicle being unable to be driven safely, and may
cause death or serious injury.
●Do not drive in excess of the speed limit spec ified for the tire chains being used, or 50 km/h (30 mph), whichever is lower.
●Avoid driving on bumpy road surfaces or over potholes.
●Avoid sudden acceleration, abrupt steering, sudden braking and shifting operations that cause sudden engine braking.
●Slow down sufficiently before entering a curve to ensure that vehicle control is main-tained.
●Vehicles with LDA (Lane Departure Alert): Do not use the LDA system.

4416-1. Using the air conditioning system
6
Interior features
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
■Registering air conditioning settings to electronic keys (vehicles with driving position
memory)
●Unlocking the vehicle using an electronic key and turning the power switch to ON
mode will recall that key's registered air conditioning settings.
●When the power switch is turned off, the cu rrent air conditioning settings will automati-
cally be registered to the electronic key that was used to unlock the vehicle.
●The system may not operate correctly if more than one electronic key is in the vicinity or
if the smart entry & start system is used to unlock a passenger door.
●The doors that can recall the air conditioning setting* when unlocked using the smart
entry & start system can be changed. For details, contact any authorized Lexus dealer
or repairer, or another duly qu alified and equipped professional.
*: The doors that can recall the driving position 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.
■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 ou tlets 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 entering the vehicle interior . During cooling operation, setting the
recirculated air mode will also cool the vehicle interior effectively.
●Outside/recirculated air mode may automati cally switch depending on the tempera-
ture setting or the inside temperature.
■Automatic mode for air intake control
In automatic mode, the system detects exhaust gas and other pollutants and automati-
cally 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

459
7Maintenance and care
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
7-1. Maintenance and care
Cleaning and protecting
the vehicle exterior ................460
Cleaning and protecting
the vehicle interior.................. 464
7-2. Maintenance
Maintenance
requirements ............................ 467
7-3. Do-it-yourself
maintenance
Do-it-yourself service
precautions................................ 469
Hood ................................................. 471
Positioning a floor jack ............ 472
Engine compartment ............... 473
12-volt battery .............................. 481
Tires .................................................484
Replacing the tire....................... 499
Tire inflation pressure ..............505
Wheels ........................................... 507
Air conditioning filter ...............509
Electronic key battery................. 511
Checking and replacing
fuses............................................... 514
Light bulbs...................................... 518

4627-1. Maintenance and care
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
WARNING
■When washing the vehicle
Do not apply water to the inside of the engine compartment. Doing so may cause the electrical components etc. to catch fire.
■When cleaning the windshield (vehicles with rain-sensing windshield wipers)
●When the upper part of the windshield where the raindrop sensor is located is touched by hand
●When a wet rag or similar is held close to the raindrop sensor
●If something bumps against the windshield
●If you directly touch the raindrop sensor body or if something bumps into the raindrop
sensor
■Precautions regarding the exhaust pipes
As exhaust gases cause the exhaust pipes to become quite hot, do not touch the
exhaust pipes while the hybrid system is op erating or immediately after the engine is turned off.
When washing the vehicle, be careful not to touch the exhaust pipes until they have
cooled sufficiently, as touching hot exhaust pipes can cause burns.
■Precaution regarding the rear bumper with Blind Spot Monitor (if equipped)
If the paint of the rear bumper is chipped or scratched, the system may malfunction. If
this occurs, consult any authorized Lexus deal er or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional.
Set the wipers to the intermittent windshield
wipers. ( P. 244) If AUTO mode is selected, the wipers mayoperate unexpectedly in the following situa-
tions, and may result in hands being caught or other serious injuries and cause damage to thewiper blades.

4687-2. Maintenance
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
■Where to go for maintenance service?
In order to maintain your vehicle in the best possible condition, Lexus recommends that maintenance service operations as well as ot her inspections and repairs be carried out by authorized Lexus dealers or repairers or other duly qualified and equipped profes-
sionals. For repairs and services covered by your warranty, please visit an authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, who will use genuine Lexus parts in repairing any difficulties youmay encounter. There can also be advantages in utilizing authorized Lexus dealers or
repairers for non-warranty repa irs and services, as members of the Lexus network will be able to expertly assist you with any difficulties you may encounter.
Your Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional will
perform all of the scheduled maintenance on your vehicle reliably and economically due to their experience with Lexus vehicles.
■Does your vehicle need repairs?
Be on the alert for changes in performance and sounds, and visual tip-offs that indicate service is needed. Some important clues are:
●Engine missing, stumbling or pinging
●Appreciable loss of power
●Strange engine noises
●A fluid leak under the vehicle (However, water dripping from the air conditioning sys-
tem after use is normal.)
●Change in exhaust sound (This may indicate a dangerous carbon monoxide leak. Drive with the windows open and have the exhaust system checked immediately.)
●Flat-looking tires, excessive tire squeal when cornering, uneven tire wear
●Vehicle pulls to one side when driven straight on a level road
●Strange noises related to suspension movement
●Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling brake pedal, pedal almost touches the floor,vehicle pulls to one side when braking
●Engine coolant temperature continually higher than normal ( P. 115)
If you notice any of these clues, take your vehicle to any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipp ed professional as soon as possible. Your vehicle may need adjustment or repair.
WARNING
■If your vehicle is not properly maintained
Improper maintenance could result in serious damage to the vehicle and possible death or serious injury.
■Handling of the 12-volt battery
12-volt battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead com- pounds which are known to cause brain damage. Wash your hands after handling.( P. 481)

469
7
Maintenance and care
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself service precautions
If you perform maintenance by yourself, be sure to follow the correct proce-
dure as given in these sections.
ItemsParts and tools
12-volt battery con-
dition ( P. 481)
•Grease
• Conventional wrench (for terminal clamp bolts)
Engine/power con- trol unit coolant level
( P. 478)
• “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or a similar high quality ethylene glycol-based non-silicate, non-amine, non-nitriteand non-borate coolant with long-life hybrid organic acid
technology “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is pre-mixed with 50%coolant and 50% deionized water.
• Funnel (used only for adding coolant)
Engine oil level ( P. 474)
• “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equivalent
•Rag or paper towel
• Funnel (used only for adding engine oil)
Fuses
( P. 514)• Fuse with same amperage rating as original
Light bulbs ( P. 518)
• Bulb with same number and wattage rating as original
• Phillips-head screwdriver• Flathead screwdriver
•Wrench
Radiator and condenser ( P. 480)
Tire inflation
pressure ( P. 505)• Tire pressure gauge• Compressed air source
Washer fluid ( P. 480)
• Water or washer fluid containing antifreeze (for winter use)
• Funnel (used only for adding water or washer fluid)

4707-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
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
●Make sure that the “ACCESSORY” or “IGNITION ON” on the multi-informationdisplay and the “READY” indicator are both off.
●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 drivingas 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 enginecompartment.
●Do not smoke, cause sparks or expose an open flame to fuel. Fuel fumes are flamma-
ble.
●Be extremely cautious when working on the 12-volt battery. It contains poisonous and corrosive sulfuric acid.
●Take care because brake fluid can harm your hands or eyes and damage painted sur- faces. If fluid gets on your hands or in your eyes, flush the affected area with cleanwater immediately.
If you still experience discomfort, consult a doctor.
■When working near the electric cooling fans or radiator grille
Be sure the power switch is off.
With the power switch in ON mode, the electric cooling fans may automatically start to run if the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant temperature is high. ( P. 480)
■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 filter removed may cause excessive engine wear due to dirt
in the air.
■If the fluid level is low or high
It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as the brake pads wear or when
the fluid level in the accumulator is high. If the reservoir needs frequent refillin g, it may indicate a serious problem.

4737-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
■12-volt battery
 P. 481
Engine compartment
Power control unit coolant
reservoir ( P. 478)
Engine oil level dipstick
( P. 474)
Engine coolant reservoir
( P. 478)
Engine oil filler cap
( P. 475)
Fuse box ( P. 514)
Washer fluid tank ( P. 480)
Electric cooling fans
Condenser ( P. 480)
Power control unit coolant
radiator ( P. 480)
Engine coolant radiator
( P. 480)
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