engine LEXUS RX300H 2017 Owners Manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS6
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
8-1. Essential information
Emergency flashers ................. 528
If your vehicle has
to be stopped
in an emergency ......................529
8-2. Steps to take
in an emergency
If your vehicle needs
to be towed............................... 530
If you think something
is wrong .......................................536
If a warning light turns
on or a warning buzzer
sounds.......................................... 537
If a warning message
is displayed.................................542
If you have a flat tire...................563
If the hybrid system will
not start........................................ 576
If the electronic key does
not operate properly .............578
If the 12-volt battery
is discharged ............................ 582
If your vehicle overheats .........587
If the vehicle becomes
stuck..............................................592
7Maintenance and care8When trouble arises

15Pictorial index
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
Windshield wipers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 241
Precautions against winter season . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 337
To prevent freezing (windshield wiper de-icer)*1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 439 Precautions against car wash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 462
Fuel filler door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P . 249
Refueling method. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 249 Fuel type/fuel tank capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 598
Tires. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .P. 484
Tire size/inflation pressure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 604 Winter tires/tire chain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 33 7
Checking/rotation/tire pressure warning system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 484 Coping with flat tires. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 563
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .P. 471
Opening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 471 Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 599 Coping with overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 587
Warning messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 544
Headlights/front position lights/daytime running lights/
turn signal lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .P. 229, 232
Front fog lights*1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .P. 239
Rear fog light*3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 239
Back up light*2
Shifting the shift lever to R . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 222
Tail lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .P. 232
Stop lights
Emergency brake signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 305
License plate lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .P. 232
Rear fog light*2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 239
Back up light*3
Shifting the shift lever to R . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 222
4
5
6
7
Light bulbs of the exterior lights for driving
(Replacing method: P. 518, Watts: P. 605)
*1: If equipped
*2: Left-hand drive vehicles
*3: Right-hand drive vehicles
8
9
10
11
12
13

561-1. For safe use
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
When the sensors located at the back of the front bumper detect an impact with
a body, such as a pedestrian, which meet s or exceeds the threshold level while
the vehicle is being driven within the operational speed range, the system
becomes operational and raises the rear portion of the hood.
Sensors
Hood
Lifters
Pop Up Hood
In the event of a frontal collision with a body, such as a pedestrian, the Pop Up
Hood system raises the rear portion of the hood to reduce the possibility of a
serious impact to the pedestrian’s he ad area by adding clearance to the
engine compartment.
Pop Up Hood mechanism
1
2
3

85
1
For safety and security
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
1-2. Hybrid system
The illustration is an example for explanation and may differ from the actual item.
Hybrid system features
Your vehicle is a hybrid vehicle. It has characteristics different from conven-
tional vehicles. Be sure you are closely familiar with the characteristics of your
vehicle, and operate it with care.
The hybrid system combines the use of a gasoline engine and an electric
motor (traction motor) according to dr iving conditions, improving fuel effi-
ciency and reducing exhaust emissions.
Gasoline engine Electric motor (Traction motor)12

861-2. Hybrid system
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
◆When stopped/during start off
The gasoline engine stops* when the vehicle is stopped. During start off, the
electric motor (traction motor) drives the vehicle. At slow speeds or when
traveling down a gentle slope, the engine is stopped* and the electric motor
(traction motor) is used.
When the shift lever is in N, the hybrid battery (traction battery) is not being
charged.
*: When the hybrid battery (traction battery) requires charging or the engine is warm-
ing up, etc., the gaso line engine will not automatically stop.
( P. 87)
◆During normal driving
The gasoline engine is predominantly used. The electric motor (traction
motor) charges the hybrid battery as necessary.
◆When accelerating sharply
When the accelerator pedal is depressed heavily, the power of the hybrid bat-
tery (traction battery) is added to that of the gasoline engine via the electric
motor (traction motor).
◆When braking (regenerative braking)
The wheels operate the electric motor (traction motor) as a power generator,
and the hybrid battery (traction battery) is charged.
■Regenerative braking
In the following situations, kinetic energy is converted to electric energy and decelera-
tion force can be obtained in conjunction with the recharging of the hybrid battery (trac- tion battery).
●The accelerator pedal is released with the shift lever in D or S.
●The brake pedal is depressed with the shift lever in D or S.

871-2. Hybrid system
1
For safety and security
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
■EV indicator
■Conditions in which the gasoline engine may not stop
The gasoline engine starts and stops automatically. However, it may not stop automati- cally in the following conditions:
●During gasoline engine warm-up
●During hybrid battery (traction battery) charging
●When the temperature of the hybrid battery (traction battery) is high or low
●When the heater is switched on
■Charging the hybrid battery (traction battery)
As the gasoline engine charges the hybrid battery (traction battery), the battery does not
need to be charged from an outside source. However, if the vehicle is left parked for a long time the hybrid battery (traction battery ) will slowly discharge. For this reason, be sure to drive the vehicle at least once every few months for at least 30 minutes or 16 km
(10 miles). If the hybrid battery (traction battery) becomes fully discharged and you are unable to start the hybrid system, contact any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, oranother duly qualified and equipped professional.
■Charging the 12-volt battery
 P. 584
The EV indicator comes on when the vehicle is
driven using only the electric motor (traction motor) or the gasoline engine is stopped.

881-2. Hybrid system
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
■After the 12-volt battery has discharged or when the terminal has been removed and installed during exchange, etc.
The gasoline engine may not stop even if the vehicle is being driven by the hybrid battery
(traction battery). If this continues for a few days, contact any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qua lified and equipped professional.
■Sounds and vibrations specific to a hybrid vehicle
There may be no engine sound or vibration ev en though the vehicle is able to move with the “READY” indicator is illuminated. For sa fety, apply the parking brake and make sure to shift the shift lever to P when parked.
The following sounds or vibrations may occu r when the hybrid system is operating and are not a malfunction:
●Motor sounds may be heard from the engine compartment.
●Sounds may be heard from the hybrid batter y (traction battery) under the rear seats when the hybrid system starts or stops.
●Relay operating sounds such as a snap or so ft clank will be emitted from the hybrid bat-
tery (traction battery), under the rear seat s, when the hybrid system is started or stopped.
●Sounds from the hybrid system may be heard when the trunk lid is open.
●Sounds may be heard from the transmission when the gasoline engine starts or stops, when driving at low speeds, or during idling.
●Engine sounds may be heard when accelerating sharply.
●Sounds may be heard due to regenerative braking when the brake pedal is depressed or as the accelerator pedal is released.
●Vibration may be felt when the gasoline engine starts or stops.
●Cooling fan sounds may be heard from the air intake vent on the side of the rear seat back.
■Maintenance, repair, recycling, and disposal
Contact any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional regarding maintenance, repair, re cycling and disposal. Do not dispose of the
vehicle yourself.
■Customization
Settings (e.g. on/off operation of the EV indicator) can be changed.
(Customizable features P. 607)

1162. Instrument cluster
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
Main meter moved to the right
Engine coolant temperature gauge
Displays the engine coolant temperature
Hybrid System Indicator
Displays hybrid system output or regeneration level ( P. 119)
This display changes to a tachometer depending on the drive mode, and can be set
to show the tachometer in any drive mode on the settings display. ( P. 126)
Outside temperature
Displays the outside temperature within the range of -40°C (-40°F) to 50°C (122°F). Low outside temperature indicator comes on when the ambient tempera-ture is 3°C (37°F) or lower.
Shift position and gear position ( P. 222)
Speedometer
Fuel gauge
Multi-information display
Presents the driver with a variety of vehicle data ( P. 121)
Displays warning messages in case of a malfunction ( P. 542)
Odometer and trip meter display
Odometer: Displays the total distance the vehicle has been driven
Trip meter: Displays the distance the vehicle has been driven since the meter was last reset. Trip meters “A” and “B” can be used to record and display different distances inde-
pendently.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

1192. Instrument cluster
2
Instrument cluster
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
■Hybrid System Indicator
Charge area
Shows regenerative charging.
Hybrid Eco area
Shows that gasoline engine power is not being used very often.
The gasoline engine will aut omatically stop and restart under various conditions.
Eco area
Shows that the vehicle is being dr iven in an Eco-friendly manner.
Power area
Shows that an Eco-friendly dr iving range is being exceeded (during full power driving etc.)
●Hybrid System Indicator is displayed when the driving mode is other than sport mode with the tachometer setting other than “Tachometer (Always)”.
●By keeping the indicator needle (except F SPORT models) or bar display (F SPORT
models) within the Eco area, more Eco- friendly driving can be achieved.
●Charge area indicates regeneration* status. Regenerated energy will be used to charge the hybrid battery (traction battery).
*: When used in this manual, re generation refers to the conversion of energy created by
the movement of the vehicle into electrical energy.
■Outside temperature display
●In the following situations, the correct outside temperature may not be displayed, or the display may take longer than normal to change.
• When stopped, or driving at low speeds (less than 20 km/h [12 mph]) • When the outside temperature has changed suddenly (at the entrance/exit of agarage, tunnel, etc.)
●When “ ” or “E” is displayed, the system may be malfunctioning. Take your vehicle to any authorized Lexus de aler or repairer, or another duly qualified
and equipped professional.
Except F SPORT modelsF SPORT models
1
2
3
4

1202. Instrument cluster
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
■Pop-up display
●In some situations, such as when a switch operation is performed, a pop-up display will be temporarily displayed on the multi-information display or the odometer/trip meter
screen (F SPORT models only).
●Some pop-up displays can be set on/off. ( P. 126)
■Liquid crystal display
Small spots or light spots may appear on th e display. This phenomenon is characteristic of liquid crystal displays, and there is no problem continuing to use the display.
■Customization
The meter display can be customized on the multi-information display. (P. 121)
NOTICE
■To prevent damage to the engine and its components
●Do not let the indicator of the tachometer enter the red zone, as it represents the engine speed range which exceeds the maximum safe engine speed.
●If the engine coolant temperature gauge is in the red zone (H), the engine may beoverheating. In this case, immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place, and check theengine after it has cooled completely. ( P. 587)