LEXUS RX300H 2017 Owners Manual

2114-1. Before driving
4
Driving
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
WARNING
Observe the following precautions. Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.
■When taking a nap in the vehicle
Always turn the hybrid system off. Otherwis e, if you accidentally move the shift lever or depress the accelerator pedal, this could cause an accident or fire due to hybrid systemoverheating. Additionally, if the vehicle is parked in a poorly ventilated area, exhaust
gases may collect and enter the vehicle, lead ing to death or a serious health hazard.
■When braking
●When the brakes are wet, drive more cautiously.
Braking distance increases when the brakes are wet, and this may cause one side of the vehicle to brake differently than the other side. Also, the parking brake may notsecurely hold the vehicle.
●If the electronically controlled brake system does not operate, do not follow othervehicles closely and avoid hills or sharp turns that require braking.In this case, braking is still possible, bu t the brake pedal should be depressed more
firmly than usual. Also, the braking distance will increase. Have your brakes fixed immediately.
●The brake system consists of 2 or more individual hydraulic systems; if one of the sys-
tems fails, the other(s) will still operate. In this case, the brake pedal should be depressed more firmly than usual and the braking distance will increase. Have your brakes fixed immediately.
■If the vehicle becomes stuck
Do not spin the wheels excessively when any of the tires is up in the air, or the vehicle is stuck in sand, mud, etc. This may damage th e driveline components or propel the vehi-
cle forward or backward, causing an accident.

2124-1. Before driving
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
NOTICE
■When driving the vehicle
●Do not depress the accelerator and brake pedals at the same time while driving, as this may restrain the hybrid system output.
●Do not use the accelerator pedal or depress the accelerator and brake pedals at thesame time to hold the vehicle on a hill.
■When parking the vehicle
Always set the parking brake, and shift the sh ift lever to P. Failure to do so may cause the vehicle to move or the vehicle may accelerate suddenly if the accelerator pedal isaccidentally depressed.
■Avoiding damage to vehicle parts
●Do not turn the steering wheel fully in either direction and hold it there for anextended period of time.
Doing so may damage the power steering motor.
●When driving over bumps in the road, driv e as slowly as possible to avoid damaging the wheels, underside of the vehicle, etc.
■If you get a flat tire while driving
A flat or damaged tire may cause the following situations. Hold the steering wheel firmly and gradually depress the brake pedal to slow down the vehicle.
●It may be difficult to control your vehicle.
●The vehicle will make abnormal sounds or vibrations.
●The vehicle will lean abnormally.
Information on what to do in case of a flat tire ( P. 563)
■When encountering flooded roads
Do not drive on a road that has flooded after heavy rain etc. Doing so may cause the
following serious damage to the vehicle:
●Engine stalling
●Short in electrical components
●Engine damage caused by water immersion
In the event that you drive on a flooded road and the vehicle is flooded, be sure to have any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped pro-
fessional check the following:
●Brake function
●Changes in quantity and quality of oil and fluid used for the engine, hybrid transmis-
sion, differentials, etc.
●Lubricant condition for the propeller shaft, bearings and suspension joints (where possible), and the function of all joints, bearings, etc.

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.

2144-1. Before driving
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
Trailer towing
Lexus does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle. Lexus also does
not recommend the installation of a tow hitch or the use of a tow hitch carrier
for a wheelchair, scooter, bicycle, etc. Your vehicle is not designed for trailer
towing or for the use of tow hitch mounted carriers.

215
4
Driving
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
4-2. Driving procedures
Check that the parking brake is set.
Check that the shift lever is in P.
Firmly depress the brake pedal.
and a message will be displayed on the multi-information display.
If it is not displayed, the hybrid system cannot be started.
Press the power switch shortly and
firmly.
When operating the power switch, one short, firm press is enough.
It is not necessary to press and hold the switch.
If the “READY” indicator turns on, the
hybrid system will operate normally.
Continue depressing the brake pedal until the “READY” indicator is illumi-
nated.
The hybrid system can be started from any power switch mode.
Check that the “READY” indicator is illuminated.
The vehicle will not move when the “READY” indicator is off.
Stop the vehicle completely.
Set the parking brake ( P. 230), and shift the shift lever to P.
Press the power switch.
Release the brake pedal and check that the display on the meters is off.
Power (ignition) switch
Performing the following operations when carrying the electronic key on your
person starts the hybrid system or changes power switch modes.
Starting the hybrid system
1
2
3
4
Stopping the hybrid system
5
1
2
3
4

2164-2. Driving procedures
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
Modes can be changed by pressing the power switch with brake pedal released.
(The mode changes each time the switch is pressed.)
Off*
The emergency flashers can be used.
ACCESSORY mode
Some electrical components such as the
audio system can be used.
“ACCESSORY” will be displayed on the meters.
ON mode
All electrical components can be used.
“IGNITION ON” will be displayed on the meters.
*: If the shift lever is in a position other than
P when turning off the hybrid system,
the power switch will be turned to
ACCESSORY mode, not to off.
If the hybrid system is stopped with the sh ift lever in a position other than P, the
power switch will not be turned off but instead be turned to ACCESSORY
mode. Perform the following procedure to turn the switch off:
Check that the parking brake is set.
Shift the shift lever to P.
Check that “Turn Power OFF” is displayed on the multi-information display
and then press the power switch once.
Check that “Turn Power OFF” on the multi-information display is off.
Changing power switch modes
1
2
3
When stopping the hybrid system with the shift lever in a position other
than P
1
2
3
4

2174-2. Driving procedures
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Driving
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
■Auto power off function
If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY mode for more than 20 minutes or ON mode (the hybrid system is not operating) for more than an hour with the shift lever in P, the power switch will automatically turn off. However, th is function cannot entirely prevent 12-volt
battery discharge. Do not leave the vehicle with the power switch in ACCESSORY or ON mode for long periods of time when the hybrid system is not operating.
■Sounds and vibrations specific to a hybrid vehicle
 P. 88
■Electronic key battery depletion
 P. 141
■When the ambient temperature is low, such as during winter driving conditions
When starting the hybrid system, the flashing time of the “READY” indicator may be long. Leave the vehicle as it is until the “REA DY” indicator is steady on, as steady means
the vehicle is able to move.
■Conditions affecting operation
 P. 157
■Notes for the entry function
 P. 158
■If the hybrid system does not start
●Check that the shift lever is securely set in P. The hybrid system may not start if the shift lever is displaced out of P.
●The immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. ( P. 95)
Contact any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional.
■Steering lock
After turning the power switch off and openin g and closing the doors, the steering wheel will be locked due to the steering lock func tion. Operating the power switch again auto- matically cancels the steering lock.
■When the steering lock cannot be released
■Steering lock motor overheating prevention
To prevent the steering lock motor from over heating, operation of the motor may be sus- pended if the hybrid system is turned on an d off repeatedly in a short period of time. In
this case, refrain from operating the power switch. After about 10 seconds, the steering lock motor will resume functioning.
“Steering Lock active” will be displayed on the
multi-information display.
Check that the shift lever is in P. Press the power switch while turning the steering wheel left and
right.

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.

2194-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
NOTICE
■To prevent 12-volt battery discharge
●Do not leave the power switch in ACCESSORY or ON mode for long periods of time without the hybrid system on.
●If “ACCESSORY” or “IGNITION ON” is displayed on the meters while the hybridsystem is not operating, the power switch is not off. Exit the vehicle after turning thepower switch off.
●Do not stop the hybrid system when the shift lever is in a position other than P. If thehybrid system is stopped in another shift lever position, the power switch will not be turned off but instead be turned to ACCESSORY mode. If the vehicle is left in
ACCESSORY mode, 12-volt battery discharge may occur.
■When starting the hybrid system
If the hybrid system becomes difficult to start, have your vehicle checked by any autho-
rized Lexus dealer or repairer, or anothe r duly qualified and equipped professional immediately.
■Symptoms indicating a malfun ction with the power switch
If the power switch seems to be operating s omewhat differently than usual, such as the switch sticking slightly, th ere may be a malfunction. Contact any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualif ied and equipped professional immediately.

2204-2. Driving procedures
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
Turns EV drive mode on/off
When EV drive mode is turned on, “EV MODE” will be displayed on the multi-information display. Pressing the switch
when in EV drive mode will return the vehicle to normal driving (using the gas-oline engine and electric motor [traction
motor]).
■Situations in which EV drive mode cannot be turned on
It may not be possible to turn EV drive mode on in the following situations. If it cannot be turned on, a buzzer will sound and a message will be shown on the multi-information dis- play.
●The temperature of the hybrid system is high. The vehicle has been left in the sun, driv en on a hill, driven at high speeds, etc.
●The temperature of the hybrid system is low.
The vehicle has been left in temperatures lower than about 0 C (32F) for a long period of time etc.
●The gasoline engine is warming up.
●The hybrid battery (traction battery) is 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.
●The windshield defogger is in use.
EV drive mode
In EV drive mode, electric power is supplied by the hybrid battery (traction
battery), and only the electric motor (tra ction motor) is used to drive the vehi-
cle.
This mode allows you to drive in residential areas early in the morning and late
at night, or in indoor parking lots etc. without concern for noises and gas emis-
sions.