warning LEXUS RC300H 2017 Manual PDF

2134-1. Before driving
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Driving
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
Cargo and luggage
Take notice of the following information about storage precautions, cargo
capacity and load:
WARNING
■Things that must not be carried in the trunk
The following things may cause a fire if loaded in the trunk:
●Receptacles containing gasoline
●Aerosol cans
■Storage precautions
Observe the following precautions. Failure to do so may prevent the pedals from being depressed properly, may block the driver’s vision, or may result in items hitting the driver or passengers, possibly causing
an accident.
●Stow cargo and luggage in the trunk whenever possible.
●To prevent cargo and luggage from sliding forward during braking, do not stack any-
thing in the enlarged trunk. Keep cargo and luggage low, as close to the floor as pos- sible.
●When you fold down the rear seats, long items should not be placed directly behind
the front seats.
●Never allow anyone to ride in the enlarged trunk. It is not designed for passengers. They should ride in their seats with their seat belts properly fastened.
●Do not place cargo or luggage in or on the following locations.
• At the feet of the driver • On the front passenger or rear seats (when stacking items)
• On the package tray • On the instrument panel• On the dashboard
• In front of the navigation or multimedia system screen (if equipped) or Lexus Dis- play Audio screen (if equipped)
●Secure all items in the occupant compartment.
■Load and distribution
●Do not overload your vehicle.
●Do not apply loads unevenly. Improper loading may cause deterioration of steering or braking control which may cause death or serious injury.

2184-2. Driving procedures
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
■When “Check Entry & Start System” is displayed on the multi-information display
The system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qua lified and equipped professional immediately.
■If the “READY” indicator does not come on
In the event that the “READY” indicator does not come on even after performing the proper procedures for starting the vehicle, contact any authorized Lexus dealer or
repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional immediately.
■If the hybrid system is malfunctioning
 P. 543
■If the electronic key battery is depleted
 P. 511
■Operation of the power switch
●If the switch is not pressed shortly and firmly, the power switch mode may not change or the hybrid system may not start.
●If attempting to restart the hybrid system immediately after turning the power switch off,
the hybrid system may not start in some cases. After turning the power switch off, please wait a few seconds before restarting the hybrid system.
■If the smart entry & start system has been deactivated by a customized setting
 P. 578
WARNING
■When starting the hybrid system
Always start the hybrid system while sittin g in the driver’s seat. Do not depress the accelerator pedal while starting the hybrid system under any circumstances.
Doing so may cause an accident resu lting in death or serious injury.
■Caution while driving
If hybrid system failure occurs while the ve hicle is moving, do not lock or open the
doors until the vehicle reaches a safe and c omplete stop. Activation of the steering lock in this circumstance may lead to an accide nt, resulting in death or serious injury.
■Stopping the hybrid system in an emergency
If you want to stop the hybrid system in an emergency while driving the vehicle, press and hold the power switch for more than 2 seconds, or press it briefly 3 times or morein succession. ( P. 529)
However, do not touch the power switch while driving except in an emergency. Turning the hybrid system off while driving will not cause loss of steering or braking control, however, power assist to the steering will be lost. This will make it more difficult to steer
smoothly, so you should pull over and stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.

2214-2. Driving procedures
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Driving
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
■Switching to EV drive mode when the gasoline engine is cold
If the hybrid system is started while the gaso line 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 gasoline en gine starts to switch to EV drive mode.
■Automatic cancelation of EV drive mode
When driving in EV drive mode, the gasoline engine may automatically restart in the fol- lowing situations. When EV drive mode is can celed, a buzzer will sound and the EV drive
mode indicator will flash and go off.
●The hybrid battery (traction battery) becomes low. The remaining battery level indicated in the “Energy monitor” display is low.
( P. 129)
●Vehicle speed is high.
●The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly or the vehicle is on a hill, etc.
■Possible driving distance when driving in EV drive mode
EV drive mode’s possible driving distance ranges from a few hundred meters to approxi- mately 2 km (1.2 mile). Howe ver, 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 normal driving (using the gasoline engine and elec tric motor [traction motor]). Driving in EV
drive mode more than necessary may lower fuel economy.
WARNING
■Caution while driving
When driving in EV drive mod e, pay special attention to the area around the vehicle. Because there is no engine noise, pedestrian s, 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 extr a care while driving.

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.

2274-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
■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 prob-
lem with the shift lock system. Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualifie d and equipped professional immediately. The following steps may be used as an emerge ncy measure to ensure that the shift lever
can be shifted.
Releasing the shift lock:
Set the parking brake.
Turn the power switch off.
Depress the brake pedal.
Pry the cover up with a flathead screwdriver or equivalent tool.
To prevent damage to the cover, cover the tip
of the screwdriver with a rag.
Press the shift lock override button.
The shift lever can be shifted while the button is pressed.
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WARNING
■When driving on slippery road surfaces
Be careful of downshifting and sudden acceler ation, as this could result in the vehicle skidding to the side or spinning.
■To prevent an accident wh en releasing the shift lock
Before pressing the shift lock override butt on, make sure to set the parking brake and depress the brake pedal.
If the accelerator pedal 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, possibly leading to an accident resulting in death or serious injury.

2304-2. Driving procedures
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
To set the parking brake, fully depress
the parking brake pedal with your left
foot while depressing the brake pedal
with your right foot.
(Depressing the pedal again releases
the parking brake.)
■Parking the vehicle
 P. 206
■Parking brake engaged warning buzzer
 P. 547
■Usage in winter time
 P. 338
Parking brake
Operating instructions
NOTICE
■Before driving
Fully release the parking brake. Driving the vehicle with the parking brake se t will lead to brake components overheat-
ing, which may affect braking performance and increase brake wear.

2384-3. Operating the lights and wipers
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
WARNING
■Limitations of the Automatic High Beam
Do not rely on the Automatic High Beam. Al ways drive safely, taking care to observe your surroundings and turning high beam on or off manually if necessary.
NOTICE
■Notes when using the Automatic High Beam system
Observe the following to ensure that the Automatic High Beam functions correctly.
●Do not place items on the da shboard. There is a possibility that the camera sensor will mistake items reflected in the windshield fo r streetlights, the headlights of other vehi- cles, etc.
●Do not install a parking tag or any other accessories near or around the camera sen-sor.
●Do not overload the vehicle.
●Do not modify the vehicle.
●If the windshield needs to be replaced, contact any authorized Lexus dealer orrepairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional.
●Do not touch the camera sensor.
●Do not subject the camera sensor to a strongimpact.
●Do not disassemble the camera sensor.
●Do not spill liquid onto the camera sensor.
●Do not apply window tinting or stickers to the
camera sensor or the area of windshield near the camera sensor.

2484-3. Operating the lights and wipers
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
WARNING
■Caution regarding the use of windshield wipers in AUTO mode
The windshield wipers may operate unexpectedly if the sensor is touched or the wind- shield is subject to vibration in AUTO mode. Take care that your fingers or anything
else do not become caught in the windshield 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 damage the windshield.
■When there is no washer fluid spray from the nozzle
Damage to the washer fluid pump may be caused if the lever is pulled toward you and held continually.
■When a nozzle becomes blocked
In this case, contact any authorized Lexus de aler or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional.
Do not try to clear it with a pin or other object. The nozzle will be damaged.

2504-4. Refueling
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
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 vehicle and before opening the fuel door, touch an unpainted metalsurface to discharge any static electricity. It is important to discharge static electricity before refueling because sparks resulting fr om 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 the filler neck and cause injury.
●Do not allow anyone that has not discharged 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 vehicle.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 electricity to build up, resulting 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 nozzle 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 tooperate abnormally or damaging fuel system components or the vehicle’s painted sur-
face.

2524-4. Refueling
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
After refueling, turn the fuel tank cap
until you hear a click. Once the cap
is released, it will turn slightly in the
opposite direction.
Close the fuel filler door, and press
the center of the rear edge of the
fuel filler door until you hear a click.
When you lock the doors, the fuel filler door will also lock.
■When closing the fuel filler door
Do not lock the doors before closing the fuel filler door, as the fuel filler door cannot be closed if the doors are locked. If the doors are locked and the fuel filler door cannot be closed, unlock the doors and then close the fuel filler door.
■Fuel filler door lock condition
The fuel filler door may not be locked even wh en the vehicle’s doors are locked in the fol- lowing situations:
●When operating the door lock button inside the vehicle
●When the automatic door locking system is operated (P. 147)
Closing the fuel tank cap
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WARNING
■When replacing the fuel tank cap
Do not use anything but a genuine Lexus fuel tank cap designed for your vehicle. Doing so may cause a fire or other incident which may result in death or serious injury.