stop start LEXUS RC350 2018 Owner's Manual

2184-2. Driving procedures
RC350_RC300 AWD_RC3 00_RC F_U(OM24748U)
■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 fo r more than a certain period of time
●When the shift lever is shifted to a position other than D
■To protect the automatic transmission
If the automatic transmission fluid temperature is high, “Transmission Fluid Temp High
See Owner’s Manual” will be displayed on the multi-information display and the vehicle
will go into transmission protection mode automatically. Have the vehicle inspected by
your Lexus dealer.
■Downshifting restriction warning buzzer
To help ensure safety and driving performance, downshifti ng operation may sometimes
be restricted. In some circum stances, downshifting may not be possible even when the
shift lever or paddle shif t switch is operated. (A buzzer will sound twice.)
■Snow mode automatic deactivation
Snow mode is automatically deactivated if the engine switch is turn ed off after driving in
snow mode.
■When driving with dynamic radar cruise control activated
Even when performing the following actions with the intent of enabling engine braking,
engine braking will not activate because dy namic radar cruise control will not be can-
celed.
●8-speed models: While driving in the D posi tion, downshifting to 7, 6, 5 or 4.
(  P. 268)
●6-speed models: While driving in the D position, downshifting to 5 or 4.
( P. 268)
●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 ac cidental operation of the shift lever in start-
ing.
The shift lever can be shifted from P only when the engine switch is in IGNITION ON
mode and the brake pedal is being depressed.
■Restraining sudden start (Drive-Start Control)
●When the following unusual operation is performed, the engine output may be
restrained.
• When the shift lever is shifted from R to D, D to R, N to R, P to D, or P to R (D includes M) with the accelerator pedal depressed, a warning message appears on
the multi-information display. ( P. 465)
• When the accelerator pedal is depressed t oo much while the vehicle is in reverse.

2964-5. Using the driving support systems
RC350_RC300 AWD_RC3 00_RC F_U(OM24748U)
■Conditions under which the BSM function may not function correctly
●The BSM function may not detect vehicles correctly in the following situations:
• When the sensor is misaligned due to a stro ng impact to the sensor or its surround-
ing area
• When mud, snow, ice, a sticke r, etc. is covering the sensor or surrounding area on
the rear bumper
• When driving on a road surf ace that is wet with standing water during bad weather,
such as heavy rain, snow, or fog
• When multiple vehicles are approaching wi th only a small gap between each vehicle
• When the distance between your vehicle and a following vehicle is short
• When there is a significant difference in speed between your vehicle and the vehicle that enters the detection area
• When the difference in speed between your vehicle and another vehicle is changing
• When a vehicle enters a detection area traveling at about the same speed as your vehicle
• As your vehicle starts from a stop, a vehicle remains in the detection area
• When driving up and down cons ecutive steep inclines, such as hills, dips in the road,
etc.
• When driving on roads with sharp bends, consecutive curves, or uneven surfaces
• When vehicle lanes are wide, or when driving on the edge of a lane, and the vehicle in an adjacent lane is far away from your vehicle
• When a bicycle carrier or other accessory is installed to the rear of the vehicle
• When there is a significant difference in height between your vehicle and the vehicle that enters the detection area
• Immediately after the BSM main switch is turned on
●Instances of the BSM function unnecessarily detecting a vehicle and/or object may
increase in the following situations:
• When the sensor is misaligned due to a stro ng impact to the sensor or its surround-
ing area
• When the distance between your vehicle and a guardrail, wall, etc. that enters the detection area is short
• When driving up and down cons ecutive steep inclines, such as hills, dips in the road,
etc.
• When vehicle lanes are narrow, or when driv ing on the edge of a lane, and a vehicle
traveling in a lane other than the ad jacent lanes enters the detection area
• When driving on roads with sharp bends, consecutive curves, or uneven surfaces
• When the tires are slipping or spinning
• When the distance between your vehicle and a following vehicle is short
• When a bicycle carrier or other accessory is installed to the rear of the vehicle

3124-5. Using the driving support systems
RC350_RC300 AWD_RC3 00_RC F_U(OM24748U)
◆ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the br akes are applied suddenly, or if the
brakes are applied while drivin g on a slippery road surface
◆Brake assist
Generates an increased level of br aking force after the brake pedal is
depressed when the system detects a panic stop situation
◆VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)
Helps the driver to contro l skidding when swerving suddenly or turning on
slippery road surfaces
◆Enhanced VSC (Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control)
Provides cooperative control of the ABS, TRAC, VSC and EPS.
Helps to maintain directional stability when swerving on slippery road sur-
faces by controlling steering performance.
◆TRAC (Traction Control)
Helps to maintain drive power and pr event the drive wheels from spinning
when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads
◆Hill-start assist control
Helps to prevent the vehicle from rolling backward when starting on an incline
◆VGRS (Variable Gear Ratio Steering) (if equipped)
Adjusts the front wheel turning angle in accordance with the vehicle speed
and steering wheel movement
◆DRS (Dynamic Rear Steering) (if equipped)
Contributes to the turning characteristi cs and responsiveness of the vehicle
by adjusting the rear wheel angle of the vehicle in accordance with steering
wheel movement.
Driving assist systems
To help enhance driving safety and perf ormance, the following systems oper-
ate automatically in response to variou s driving situations. Be aware, however,
that these systems are supplementary and should not be relied upon too heav-
ily when operating the vehicle.

3164-5. Using the driving support systems
RC350_RC300 AWD_RC3 00_RC F_U(OM24748U)
■Expert mode (RC F)
When expert mode is selected, it is possible to drive in a more sp orty manner than other
drive modes. Expert mode disables the TRAC and VSC systems but the engine and
brakes may be controlled depending on the vehicle behavior.
■When the message is displayed on the mu lti-information display showing that TRAC
has been disabled even if has not been pressed (RC350/RC300)
TRAC cannot be operated. Contact your Lexus dealer.
■When the “TRAC OFF” indicator light comes on even if ( ) has not been
pressed (RC F)
TRAC cannot be operated. Contact your Lexus dealer.
■VGRS is disabled when
VGRS may stop operating in the following situations.
In this event, the steering wheel may move from its straight forward position, but it will
return when the system restarts.
●When the steering wheel is operated for an extended period of time while the vehicle is
stopped or is moving very slowly
(on vehicles with LDH, DRS is disabled together with VGRS)
●When the steering wheel has been held fully to the left or right
The center position of the steering wheel may change when VGRS is disabled. However,
the position will return to normal after VGRS is reactivated.
■When the battery is disconnected (vehicles with VGRS)
The steering wheel may move from its straight forward position, but this will be corrected
automatically when driving. To select expert mode, press
()
when in SPORT S+ mode.
The “EXPERT” indicator will come on together
with the TRAC OFF and VSC OFF indicators.
To cancel expert mode, press
() or
use the driving mode sele ct switch to select a
driving mode other than SPORT S+ mode.

3174-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
RC350_RC300 AWD_RC300_RC F_U(OM24748U)
■Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, VSC, TRAC, hill-start assist
control and VGRS systems
●A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the brake pedal is
depressed repeatedly, when the engine is started or just after the vehicle begins to
move. This sound does not indicate that a malfunction has occurred in any of these sys-
tems.
●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 afte r the vehicle comes to a stop.
• The brake pedal may pulsate slig htly after the ABS is activated.
• The brake pedal may move down s lightly after the ABS is activated.
■EPS, VGRS and DRS operation sound
When the steering wheel is operated, a motor sound (whirring sound) may be heard.
This does not indicate a malfunction.
■Reactivation of the TRAC/VSC systems
Even after the TRAC/VSC systems have been turned off, turning the engine off and then
on again will automatically reactivate the TRAC/VSC systems.
■Reactivation of the TRAC system linked to vehicle speed
When only the TRAC system is turned off, the TRAC system will turn on when vehicle
speed increases. However, wh en both TRAC/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 reduced to prevent the system from overheating
when there is frequent steering input over an extended period of time. The steering
wheel may feel heavy as a result . Should this occur, refrain from excessive steering input
or stop the vehicle and turn the engine off. The EPS system should return to normal
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 af ter the brake pedal is released.

3184-5. Using the driving support systems
RC350_RC300 AWD_RC3 00_RC F_U(OM24748U)
WARNING
■The ABS does not operate effectively when
●The limits of tire gripping performance have been exceeded (such as excessively
worn tires on a snow covered road).
●The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on wet or slick roads.
■Stopping distance when the ABS is operating may exceed that of normal conditions
The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehi cle’s stopping distance. Always maintain a
safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, especially in the following situations:
●When driving on dirt, grav el 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 may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable wh ile driving on slippery road
surfaces, even if the TRAC system is operating.
Drive the vehicle carefully in conditions where stability and power may be lost.
■Hill- start assist control does not operate effectively when
●Do not overly rely on 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 co ntrol is not intended to hold the vehicle
stationary for an exte nded period of time. Do not atte mpt to use hill-start assist con-
trol to hold the vehicle on an incline, as doing so may lead to an accident.
■When the VSC is activated
The slip indicator light flashes. Always drive carefully. Reckless driving may cause an
accident. Exercise particular care when the indicator light flashes.

3415-1. Using the air conditioning system
5
Interior features
RC350_RC300 AWD_RC300_RC F_U(OM24748U)
■Registering air conditioning settings to elec tronic 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
Air conditioning system can be operated using voice commands. For details, refer to the
“NAVIGATION AND MULTIMEDIA 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 .

3635-4. Using the other interior features
RC350_RC300 AWD_RC3 00_RC F_U(OM24748U)
5
Interior features
■Enabling 2-way communication with a garage door (only available for com-
patible devices)
When enabled, 2-way communication allo ws you to check the status of the
opening and closing of a garage door through indicators in your vehicle.
2-way communication is only available if the garage door opener motor used
is a compatible device. (To check devi ce compatibility, refer to www.Home-
Link.com.)
Within 5 seconds after programming the garage door opener has been
completed, if the garage door op ener motor is trained to HomeLink
®,
both garage door operation indicator s will flash rapidly (green) and the
light on the garage door opener moto r will blink twice, indicating that 2-
way communication is enabled.
If the indicators do not flash, perform
and within the first 10 presses of
the HomeLink® button after programming has been completed.
Press a programmed HomeLink
® button to operate a garage door.
Within 1 minute of pressing the HomeLink
® button, after the garage door
operation has stopped, press the “Learn” or “Smart” button on the garage
door opener motor. Within 5 seconds of the establishment of 2-way com-
munication with the garage door opener, both garage door operation indi-
cators in the vehicle will flash rapidly (green) and the light on the garage
door opener motor will blink twice, indicating that 2-way communication is
enabled.
■Reprogramming a single HomeLink® button
When the following procedure is performed, buttons which already have
devices registered to them can be overwritten: With one hand, press and hold the desired HomeLink
® button.
When the HomeLink
® indicator starts flashing (orange), continue to hold
the HomeLink® button and perform “Programming HomeLink®” (it
takes 20 seconds for the HomeLink® indicator to start flashing).
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441
When trouble arises7
RC350_RC300 AWD_RC300_RC F_U(OM24748U)
7-1. Essential information
Emergency flashers .................. 442
If your vehicle has to be stopped in
an emergency .......................... 443
7-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If your vehicle needs to be towed ........................................... 444
If you think something is wrong ............................................ 451
Fuel pump shut off system ...... 452
If a warning light turns on or a warning buzzer
sounds.......................................... 453
If a warning message is displayed.....................................460
If you have a flat tire (vehicles with a
spare tire) ...................................489
If you have a flat tire (vehicles with
an emergency
tire puncture repair kit) ........502
If the engine will not start ......... 516
If the electronic key does not operate properly .............. 518
If the vehicle battery is discharged ................................. 522
If your vehicle overheats ......... 526
If the vehicle becomes stuck ............................................. 532

4527-2. Steps to take in an emergency
RC350_RC300 AWD_RC300_RC F_U(OM24748U)
Follow the procedure below to restart the engine after the system is activated.
Turn the engine switch to ACCESSORY mode or turn it off.
Restart the engine.
Fuel pump shut off system
To minimize the risk of fuel leakage when the engine stalls or when an airbag
inflates upon collision, the fuel pump shut off system stops the supply of fuel to
the engine.
NOTICE
■Before starting the engine
Inspect the ground under the vehicle.
If you find that fuel has leaked onto the ground, the fuel system has been damaged and
is in need of repair. Do not restart the engine.
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