LEXUS RX350 2020 Owners Manual

1814-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
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.230)
●When switching the driving mode to
sport mode while driving in the D position
( P.274)
■Restraining sudden start (Drive-Start
Control)
 P.157
■AI-SHIFT
●The AI-SHIFT automatically selects the
suitable gear accordin g to driver perfor-
mance and driving conditions.
The AI-SHIFT automatically operates
when the shift lever is in D. (Shifting the
shift lever to the M position cancels the
function.)
●G AI-SHIFT automatically selects a suit-
able gear for sporty driving according to
driver’s input and driving conditions. G
AI-SHIFT operates automatically when
the shift lever is in D and sport mode is
selected for the driving mode. (Selecting
normal mode with the driving mode
select switch or shifti ng the shift lever to
the M position cancels this function.)
While the engine switch is in IGNI-
TION ON mode, move the shift lever
with the brake pedal depressed.
When shifting the shift lever between P
and D, make sure that the vehicle is com-
pletely stopped.
■Shift lock system
The shift lock system is a system to prevent
accidental operation of the shift lever in
starting.
The shift lever can be shifted from P only
when the engine swit ch is in IGNITION
ON mode and the brake pedal is being
depressed.
■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
problem with the shift lock system. Have the
vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer
immediately.
The following steps may be used as an
WARNING
■When driving on slippery road sur-
faces
Be careful of downshifting and sudden
acceleration, as this could result in the
vehicle skidding to th e side or spinning.
Shifting the shift lever

1824-2. Driving procedures
emergency measure to ensure that the shift
lever can be shifted.
Releasing the shift lock:
1Turn the engine switch to IGNITION
ON mode and check that the parking
brake is set. ( P.179, 185)
2 Turn the engine switch to off.
3 Depress the brake pedal.
4 Pry the cover up with a flathead screw-
driver or equivalent tool.
To prevent damage to the cover, cover the
tip of the screwd river with a rag.
5 Press the shift lock override button.
The shift lever can be shifted while the but-
ton is pressed.
 P.274
To drive using temporary shift range
selection, operate the “-” or “+” paddle
shift switch.
When the “-” paddle shift switch is
operated, the shift range will be down-
shifted to a range that enables engine
braking force that is suitable to driving
conditions. When the “+” paddle shift
switch is operated, the shift range will
be one gear higher than the gear in use
during normal D position driving.
Changing the shift range allows
restriction of the highest gear, prevent-
ing unnecessary upshifting and
enabling the level of engine braking
force to be selected.
1 Upshifting
2 Downshifting
The selected shift rang e, from D1 to D8,
will be displayed on the meters.
WARNING
■To prevent an accident when releas-
ing the shift lock
Before pressing the shift lock override
button, make sure to set the parking
brake and depress the brake pedal.
If the accelerator pe dal 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, pos-
sibly leading to an accident resulting in
death or serious injury.
Selecting the driving mode
Selecting shift ranges in the D
position

1834-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
■Shift ranges and their functions
A lower shift range will provide greater
engine braking forces than a higher shift
range.
■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 posi-
tion other than D
●The “+” paddle shift switch is held down
for a period of time
■Downshifting restriction warning
buzzer
To help ensure safety and driving perfor-
mance, downshifting operation may some-
times be restricted. In some circumstances,
downshifting may not be possible even
when the shift lever or paddle shift switch is
operated. (A buzzer will sound twice.)
To enter M mode, shift the shift lever to
M. Gears can then be selected by
operating the shift lever or paddle shift
switches, allowing you to drive in the
gear of your choosing. 1
Upshifting
2 Downshifting
The gear changes once every time the shift
lever or paddle shift switch is operated.
The selected gear, from M1 to M8, will be
fixed and displayed on the meters.
When in the M position, the gear will
not change unless the shift lever or
paddle shift switches are operated.
However, even when in the M position,
the gears will be automatically
changed in the following situation:
 When vehicle speed drops (down-
shift only).
 When the automatic transmission
fluid or engine coolant temperature
is low.
 When automatic transmission fluid
temperature is high (upshift only).
 When the needle of the tachometer
is in the red zone (the range which
exceeds the allowable revs of the
Meter dis-
playFunction
D2 - D8
A gear in the range between
1 and the selected gear is
automatically chosen
depending on vehicle speed
and driving conditions
D1Setting the gear at 1
Selecting gears in the M position

1844-2. Driving procedures
engine).
In the following situations, the gear will
not shift even if the shift lever or paddle
shift switches are operated.
 The vehicle speed is low (upshift
only).
■Downshifting restriction warning
buzzer
To help ensure safety and driving perfor-
mance, downshifting operation may some-
times be restricted. In some circumstances,
downshifting may not be possible even
when the paddle shift switch is operated. (A
buzzer will sound twice.)
1 Right turn
2 Lane change to the right (move the
lever partway and release it)
The right hand signals will flash 3 times.
3Lane change to the left (move the
lever partway and release it)
The left hand signals will flash 3 times.
4Left turn
■Turn signals can be operated when
The engine switch is in IGNITION ON
mode.
■If the indicator flashes faster than usual
Check that a light bulb in the front or rear
turn signal lights has not burned out.
■If the turn signals stop flashing before a
lane change has been performed
Operate the lever again.
Turn signal lever
Operating instructions

1854-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
■Customization
Some functions can be customized.
(  P.470)
■Using the manual mode
The parking brake can be set and
released manually.
U.S.A.
Canada
Parking brake light
1 Pull the parking brake switch to set
the parking brake
Parking brake
The parking brake can be set or
released automatically or manually.
In automatic mode, the parking
brake can be set or released auto-
matically according to the shift
lever operation. Also, even in auto-
matic mode, the parking brake can
be set or released manually.
Operating instructions
A
B
C

1864-2. Driving procedures
The parking brake indicator light and park-
ing brake light will turn on.
Pull and hold the parking brake switch if an
emergency occurs and it is necessary to
operate the parking brake while driving.
2Push the parking brake switch to
release the parking brake
Operate the parking brake switch while
depressing the brake pedal.
Make sure that the pa rking brake indicator
light and parking brake light turn off.
Parking brake automatic release function:
Slowly depress the accelerator pedal.
Make sure that the pa rking brake indicator
light and parking brake light turn off.
If the parking brake indicator light and
parking brake light flashes, operate the
switch again. ( P.419)
■Turns automatic mode on
While the vehicle is stopped, pull and
hold the parking brake switch until
“Automatic Mode On” will be dis-
played on the multi-information dis-
play.
When the automatic mode is turned
on, the parking brake operates as fol-
lows.
 When the shift lever is moved out of
P, the parking brake will be released,
and the parking brake indicator light
and parking brake light turn off. 
When the shift lever is moved into P,
the parking brake will be set, and the
parking brake indicator light and
parking brake light turn on.
Operate the shift lever with the brake
pedal depressed.
■Turns automatic mode off
While the vehicle is stopped, press and
hold the parking brake switch until
“Automatic Mode Off” will be dis-
played on the multi-information dis-
play.
■Parking brake operation
●When the engine switch is not in IGNI-
TION ON mode, the parking brake can-
not be released using the parking brake
switch.
●When the engine switch is not in IGNI-
TION ON mode, auto matic mode (auto-
matic brake setting an d releasing) is not
available.
■Parking brake automatic release func-
tion
The parking brake is automatically released
when slowly depress the accelerator pedal.
The parking brake will be released auto-
matically under the following conditions:
• The driver’s door is closed.
• The driver’s seatbelt is fastened.
• Shift the shift lever is in a forward or reverse position.
• The malfunction indicator lamp or brake

1874-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
system warning light is not illuminated.
If the automatic release function does not
operate, manually release the parking
brake.
■If “Parking Brake Overheated Parking
Brake Unavailable” is displayed on the
multi-information display
If the parking brake is operated repeatedly
over a short period of time, the system may
restrict operation to prevent overheating. If
this happens, refrain from operating the
parking brake. Normal operation will return
after about 1 minute.
■If “EPB Activation Stopped Incom-
pletely” or “Parking Brake Unavailable”
is displayed on th e multi-information
display
Operate the parking brake switch. If the
message does not disappear after operat-
ing the switch several times, the system may
be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle
inspected by your Lexus dealer immedi-
ately.
■Parking brake operation sound
When the parking brake operates, a motor
sound (whirring sound) may be heard. This
does not indicate a malfunction.
■Parking brake indicator light and park-
ing brake light
●Depending on the engine switch mode,
the parking brake in dicator light and
parking brake light will turn on and stay
on as described below:
IGNITION ON mode: Comes on until
the parking brake is released.
Not in IGNITION ON mode: Stays on
for approximately 15 seconds.
●When the engine switch is turned off with
the parking brake set, the parking brake
indicator light and parking brake light will
stay on for about 15 seconds. This does
not indicate a malfunction.
■Changing the mode
When changing the automatic mode on/off,
the message will be shown on the
multi-information display and the buzzer
sounds.
■Parking the vehicle
 P.156
■Parking brake engaged warning buzzer
A buzzer will sound if the vehicle is driven
with the parking brake engaged. “Release
Parking Brake” is displayed on the
multi-information display.
■Warning messages and buzzers
Warning messages and buzzers are used to
indicate a system malfunction or to inform
the driver of the need for caution. If a warn-
ing message is shown on the multi-informa-
tion display, read the message and follow
the instructions.
■If the brake system warning light comes
on
 P.413
■Usage in winter time
 P.285
WARNING
■When parking the vehicle
Do not leave a child in the vehicle alone.
The parking brake may be released unin-
tentionally and there is the danger of the
vehicle moving that may lead to an acci-
dent resulting in death or serious injury.
■Parking brake switch
Do not set any objects near the parking
brake switch. Objects may interfere with
the switch and may lead the parking
brake to unexpectedly operate.
NOTICE
■When parking the vehicle
Before you leave the vehicle, shift the
shift lever to P, set the parking brake and
make sure that the vehicle does not
move.
■When the system malfunctions
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and
check the warning messages.

1884-2. Driving procedures
Turns the brake hold system on
The brake hold standby indicator (green) comes on. While the system is holding
the brake, the brake hold operated indica-
tor (yellow) comes on.
■Brake hold system operating conditions
The brake hold system cannot be turned on
in the following conditions:
●The driver’s door is not closed.
●The driver is not wearing the seat belt.
If any of the conditions above are detected
when the brake hold system is enabled, the
system will turn off and the brake hold
standby indicator light will go off. In addi-
tion, if any of the conditions are detected
while the system is holding the brake, a
warning buzzer will sound and a message
will be shown on the multi-information dis-
NOTICE
■When the parking brake cannot be
released due to a malfunction
Driving the vehicle with the parking
brake set will lead to brake components
overheating, which may affect braking
performance and increase brake wear.
Have the vehicle inspected by your
Lexus dealer immediately if this occurs.
Brake Hold
The brake hold system keeps the
brake applied when the shift lever is
in D, M or N with the system on and
the brake pedal has been
depressed to stop the vehicle. The
system releases the brake when the
accelerator pedal is depressed with
the shift lever in D or M to allow
smooth start off.
Enabling the system
A
B

1894-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
play. The parking brake will then be set
automatically.
■Brake hold function
●If the brake pedal is left released for a
period of about 3 minutes after the sys-
tem has started holding the brake, the
parking brake will be set automatically. In
this case, a warning buzzer sounds and a
message is shown on the multi-informa-
tion display.
●To turn the system off while the system is
holding the brake, firmly depress the
brake pedal and press the button again.
●The brake hold function may not hold the
vehicle when the vehicle is on a steep
incline. In this situation, it may be neces-
sary for the driver to apply the brakes. A
warning buzzer will sound and the
multi-information display will inform the
driver of this situation. If a warning mes-
sage is shown on the multi-information
display, read the message and follow the
instructions.
■When the parking brake is set automati-
cally while the system is holding the
brakes
Perform any of the follo wing operations to
release the parking brake.
●Depress the accelerator pedal. (The
parking brake will not be released auto-
matically if the seat belt is not fastened.)
●Operate the parking brake switch with
the brake pedal depressed.
Make sure that the pa rking brake indicator
light goes off. ( P.185)
■When an inspection at your Lexus
dealer is necessary
When the brake hold standby indicator
(green) does not illuminate even when the
brake hold switch is pressed with the brake
hold system operating conditions met, the
system may be malfun ctioning. Have the
vehicle inspected at your Lexus dealer.
■If “Brake Hold Fault Depress Brake to
Deactivate Visit Your Dealer” or “Brake
Hold Malfunction Visit Your Dealer” is
displayed on the multi-information dis-
play
The system may be ma lfunctioning. Have
the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer.
■Warning messages and buzzers
Warning messages and buzzers are used to
indicate a system malfunction or to inform
the driver of the need for caution. If a warn-
ing message is shown on the multi-informa-
tion display, read the message and follow
the instructions.
■If the brake hold operated indicator
flashes
 P.419
WARNING
■When the vehicle is on a steep incline
When using the brake hold system on a
steep incline exercise caution. The brake
hold function may not hold the vehicle in
such a situation.
■When stopped on a slippery road
The system cannot stop the vehicle when
the gripping ability of the tires has been
exceeded. Do not use the system when
stopped on a slippery road.
NOTICE
■When parking the vehicle
The brake hold system is not designed
for use when parking the vehicle for a
long period of time. Turning the engine
switch off while the system is holding the
brake may release the brake, which
would cause the vehicle to move. When
operating the engine switch, depress the
brake pedal, shift the shift lever to P and
set the parking brake.

1904-3. Operating the lights and wipers
4-3.Operating the lights and wipers
Operating the switch turns on
the lights as follows:U.S.A.
Canada
1 The side marker, parking, tail,
license plate, instrument panel
lights, and daytime running lights
( P.190) turn on.
2 The headlights and all lights
listed above (except daytime run-
ning lights) turn on.
3 The headlights, daytime run-
ning lights ( P.190) and all the lights listed above turn on and off
automatically.
(When the engine switch is in
IGNITION ON mode.)
4 (U.S.A.) Off
(Canada) The daytime run-
ning lights turn on. ( P.190)
■Daytime running light system
●The daytime running lights illuminate
using the same lights as the parking lights
and illuminate brighter than the parking
lights.
●To make your vehicle more visible to
other drivers during daytime driving, the
daytime running lights turn on automati-
cally when all of the following conditions
are met. (The daytime running lights are
not designed for use at night.)
• The engine is running
• The parking brake is released
• The headlight switch is in the (Can-
ada only), or
* position
*: When the surroundings are bright
The daytime running lights remain on after
they illuminate, even if the parking brake is
set again.
●For the U.S.A.: Daytime running lights
can be turned off by operating the switch.
●Compared to turning on the headlights,
the daytime running light system offers
greater durability and consumes less
electricity, so it can help improve fuel
economy.
■Headlight control sensor
Headlight switch
The headlights can be operated
manually or automatically.
Operating instructions
A
B