transmission LEXUS RX350 2019 User Guide

2434-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
RX350/RX350L_U ■
Automatic deactivation of shift range selection in the D position
Shift range selection in the D position will be deactivated in the following situations:●
The “+” paddle shift switch is held down for a period of time●
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 temperat ure 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 th e 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.)■
When driving with dynamic radar cruise control with full-speed range activated
Even when performing the following actions with the intent of enabling engine braking,
engine braking will not occur because dynamic radar cruise control with full-speed
range will not be canceled. ●
While driving in D position, downshifting to 7, 6, 5 or 4. (  P. 300)●
When switching the driving mode to spor t mode while driving in the D position
(  P. 373)■
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. If a wa rning message is shown on the multi-information display,
read the message and follow the instructions. ●
When the accelerator pedal is depressed too while the vehicle is in reverse. ■
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.

3734-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
RX350/RX350L_U 
Vehicles without Adaptive Variable Suspension System
Normal mode
Provides an optimal balance of fuel ec onomy, quietness, and dynamic perfor-
mance. Suitable for city driving. Press the switch to change the driving mode to normal mode when Eco drive mode or
sport mode is selected.
Eco drive mode
Helps the driver accelerate in an eco-fr iendly manner and improve fuel econ-
omy through moderate throttle charact eristics and by controlling the opera-
tion of the air conditioning system (heating/cooling). When not in Eco drive mode, if the driving mode select switch is tu rned to the left, the
Eco drive mode indicator will come on.
Sport mode
Controls the transmission and engine to provide quick, powerful acceleration.
This mode also changes the steering feel, making it suitable for when agile
driving response is desired, such as wh en driving on roads with many curves.When not in sport mode, if the driving mode select switch is turned to the right, the
“SPORT” indicator will comes on.Driving mode select switch The driving modes can be selected to suit driving conditions.
1
2
3

3754-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
RX350/RX350L_U Eco drive mode
Helps the driver accelerate in an eco-fr iendly manner and improve fuel econ-
omy through moderate throttle charact eristics and by controlling the opera-
tion of the air conditioning system (heating/cooling). When not in Eco drive mode, if the driving mode select switch is tu rned to the left, the
Eco drive mode indicator will come on.
Sport mode
•SPORT S mode
Controls the transmission and engine to provide quick, powerful accelera-
tion. This mode is suitable for when agile driving response is desired, such
as when driving on roads with many curves. When not in SPORT S mode, if the driving mode select switch is turned to the
right, the “SPORT S” indicator will come on.
•SPORT S+ mode
Helps to ensure steering performanc e and driving stability by simultane-
ously controlling the steeri ng and suspension in addition to the transmis-
sion and engine. Suitable for sportier driving. When in SPORT S mode, if the driving mode select switch is turned to the right,
the “SPORT S+” indicator will come on. Function Setting
Powertrain Normal
Power
Eco
Chassis Normal
Sport
Air conditioning system Normal
Eco2
3

390 4-6. Driving tips
RX350/RX350L_U WARNING ■
Off-road driving precautions
Always observe the following precautions to minimize the risk of death, serious injury
or damage to your vehicle: ●
Drive carefully when off the road. Do not ta ke unnecessary risks by driving in danger-
ous places. ●
Do not grip the steering wheel spokes when driving off-road. A bad bump could jerk
the wheel and injure your hands. Keep both hands and especially your thumbs on the
outside of the rim. ●
Always check your brakes for effectiveness immediately after driving in sand, mud,
water or snow. ●
After driving through tall grass, mud, rock , sand, rivers, etc., check that there is no
grass, bush, paper, rags, stone, sand, etc. adhering or trapped on the underbody.
Clear off any such matter from the underbody. If the vehicle is used with these materi-
als trapped or adhering to the underbody, a breakdown or fire could occur. ●
When driving off-road or in rugged terrain , do not drive at excessive speeds, jump,
make sharp turns, strike obje cts, etc. This may cause loss of control or vehicle rollover
causing death or serious injury. You are also risking expensive damage to your vehi-
cle’s suspension and chassis.
NOTICE ■
To prevent water damage
Take all necessary safety measures to ensure that water damage to the engine or other
components does not occur. ●
Water entering the engine air intake will cause severe engine damage.●
Water entering the automatic transmission will cause deterioration in shift quality,
locking up of your transmission accompan ied by vibration, and ultimately damage.●
Water can wash the grease from wheel be arings, causing rusting and premature fail-
ure, and may also enter the differential, transmission and transfer (AWD models only)
case, reducing the gear oi l’s lubricating qualities.■
When you drive through water
If driving through water, such as when cro ssing shallow streams, first check the depth of
the water and the bottom of the riverbed for firmness. Drive slowly and avoid deep
water. ■
Inspection after off-road driving ●
Sand and mud that has accumulated around brake discs may affect braking efficiency
and may damage brake system components. ●
Always perform a maintenance inspection afte r each day of off-road driving that has
taken you through rough terrain, sand, mud, or water. For scheduled maintenance
information, refer to the “Warranty and Services Guide/Owner’s Manual Supple-
ment/Scheduled Maintenance”.

5877-2. Maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
RX350/RX350L_U * : Vehicles with single-beam headlightsVehicle interior Items Check points
Accelerator pedal • The accelerator pedal sh ould move smoothly (with-
out uneven pedal effort or catching).
Automatic transmission
“Park” mechanism • When parked on a slope and the shift lever is in P, is
the vehicle securely stopped?
Brake pedal • Does the brake pedal move smoothly?
• Does the brake pedal have appropriate clearance
from the floor? (  P. 704)
• Does the brake pedal have the correct amount of
free play? (  P. 704)
Brakes • The vehicle should not pull to one side when the
brakes are applied.
• The brakes should work effectively.
• The brake pedal should not feel spongy.
• The brake pedal should no t get too close to the floor
when the brakes are applied.
Head restraints • Do the head restraints move smoothly and lock
securely?
Indicators/buzzers • Do the indicators and buzzers function properly?
Lights • Do all the lights come on?
• Are the headlights aimed correctly?
* (  P. 628)
Parking brake • Does the parking brake switch operate normally?
• When parked on a slope and the parking brake is on,
is the vehicle securely stopped?
Seat belts • Do the seat belts operate smoothly?
• The seat belts should not be damaged.
Seats • Do the seat controls operate properly?
Steering wheel • Does the steering wheel rotate smoothly?
• Does the steering wheel have the correct amount of
free play?
• There should not be any strange sounds coming
from the steering wheel.

646
RX350/RX350L_U 8-2. Steps to take in an emergency
The following may indicate a problem wi th your transmission. Contact your
Lexus dealer or commercial to wing service before towing.●
The engine is running but the vehicle dose not move. ●
The vehicle makes an abnormal sound.
Do not tow with a sling-type truck to
prevent body damage.If your vehicle needs to be towed If towing is necessary, we recommend having your vehicle towed by your
Lexus dealer or commercial towing se rvice, using a wheel-lift type truck or
flatbed truck.
Use a safety chain system for all towing, and abide by all state/provincial and
local laws.
2WD models: If towing your vehicle with a wheel-lift type truck from the front,
the vehicle’s rear wheels and axles must be in good conditions. (  P. 647, 650)
If they are damaged, use a towing dolly or flatbed truck.
AWD models: If towing your vehicle with a wheel-lift type truck, use a towing
dolly. (  P. 647, 650)
Situations when it is necessary to contact dealers before towing
Towing with a sling-type truck

6518-2. Steps to take in an emergency
8
When trouble arises
RX350/RX350L_U NOTICE ■
To prevent damage to the vehicle when towing using a wheel-lift type truck●
Do not tow the vehicle from the rear when the engine switch is off. The steering lock
mechanism is not strong enough to hold the front wheels straight. ●
When raising the vehicle, en sure adequate ground cleara nce for towing at the oppo-
site end of the raised vehicle. Without ad equate clearance, the vehicle could be dam-
aged while being towed. ■
To prevent damage to the vehicle wh en towing with a sling-type truck
Do not tow with a sling-type truck, either from the front or rear. ■
To prevent damage to the ve hicle during emergency towing
Do not secure cables or chains to the suspension components. ■
Recreational towing (behind motor home, etc)
Never dinghy tow your vehicle to prevent caus-
ing serious damage to the Dynamic Torque
Control AWD system (AWD models) and
transmission. (  P. 230)

654 8-2. Steps to take in an emergency
RX350/RX350L_UIf a warning light turns on or a warning buzzer
sounds Calmly perform the following actions if any of the warning lights comes on or
flashes. If a light comes on or flashes, but then goes off, this does not necessar-
ily indicate a malfunction in the system . However, if this continues to occur,
have the vehicle inspecte d by your Lexus dealer.
Warning light and warning buzzer list Warning light Warning light/Details/Actions(U.S.A.)
(Canada)
Brake system warning light
Indicates that:
• The brake fluid level is low; or
• The brake system is malfunctioning
 Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact your
Lexus dealer. Continuing to drive the vehicle may be dangerous.
Brake system warning light
Indicates a malfunction in the electric parking brake
 Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately. (If equipped)
Charging system warning light
Indicates a malfunction in the vehicle’s charging system
 Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact your
Lexus dealer. Continuing to drive the vehicle may be dangerous. (U.S.A.)
(Canada)
Malfunction indicator lamp
Indicates a malfunction in:
• The electronic engine control system;
• The electronic throttle control system; or
• The electronic automatic transmission control system
 Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
SRS warning light
Indicates a malfunction in:
• The SRS airbag system;
• The front passenger occupant classification system; or
• The seat belt pretensioner system
 Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately. (U.S.A.)
(Canada)
ABS warning light
Indicates a malfunction in:
• The ABS; or
• The brake assist system
 Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.

662 8-2. Steps to take in an emergency
RX350/RX350L_U * : A buzzer sounds the first time a message is shown on the multi-information display.
●
If the following messages are shown, there may be a malfunction.
Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact your Lexus dealer.
Continuing to drive the vehicle may be dangerous.
• “Braking Power Low Stop in a Safe Place See Owner’s Manual”
• “Oil Pressure Low Stop in a Safe Place See Owner’s Manual”
• “Charging System Malfun ction See Owner's Manual”●
If the following message is shown, there may be a malfunction.
Immediately have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer.
• “Access System with Elec. Key Malfunction See Owner’s Manual” ●
If “Engine Coolant Temp High Stop in a Safe Place See Owner’s Manual” is
displayed, following the instructions, accordingly. (  P. 692)●
If “Transmission Fluid Temp High See Owner’s Manual” is shown, the auto-
matic transmission fluid temperature may be too high.
Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place, shift the shift lever to P with the
engine running and wait until the message is cleared.
If the message is not cleared, contact your Lexus dealer.Flashes  Sounds Indicates a situation, such as when
damage to the vehicle or danger may
result
Comes
on  Does not sound Indicates a condition, such as malfunc-
tion of electrical components, their
condition, or indicates the need for
maintenance
Flashes  Does not sound Indicates a situation, such as when an
operation has been performed incor-
rectly, or indicates how to perform an
operation correctly
If a message instructing to refer to the Owner’s Manual is displayed System
warning
light Warning buzzer
* Warning

696 8-2. Steps to take in an emergency
RX350/RX350L_U WARNING ■
When attempting to free a stuck vehicle
If you choose to push the vehicle back and forth to free it, make sure the surrounding
area is clear to avoid striking other vehicl es, objects or people. The vehicle may also
lunge forward or lunge back suddenly as it becomes free. Use extreme caution. ■
When shifting the shift lever
Be careful not to shift the shift lever with the accelerator pedal depressed.
This may lead to unexpected rapid acceleration of the vehicle that may cause an acci-
dent resulting in deat h or serious injury.
NOTICE ■
To avoid damage to the tran smission and other components●
Avoid spinning the front wheels and depre ssing the accelerator pedal more than nec-
essary. ●
If the vehicle remains stuck even after th ese procedures are performed, the vehicle
may require towing to be freed. ●
When a warning message for the automatic transmission fluid temperature is dis-
played while attempting to free a stuck vehicle, immediately remove your foot from
the accelerator pedal and wait until the warning message disappears. Otherwise, the
transmission may become damaged. (  P. 662)