steering LEXUS RX350 2021 Owner's Guide

1714-1. Before driving
4
Driving
the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer.
Your vehicle will handle differently
when towing a trailer. Help to avoid an
accident, death or serious injury, keep
the following in mind when towing:
Speed limits for towing a trailer vary
by state or province. Do not exceed
the posted towing speed limit.
 Lexus recommends that the vehi-
cle-trailer speed limit is 65 mph
(104 km/h) on a flat, straight, dry
road. Do not exceed this limit, the
posted towing speed limit or the
speed limit for your trailer as set
forth in your trailer owner’s manual,
whichever is lowest. Instability of the
towing vehicle-trailer combination
(trailer sway) increases as speed
increases. Exceed ing speed limits
may cause loss of control.
 Before starting out, check the trailer
lights, tires and the vehicle-trailer
connections. Recheck after driving
a short distance.
 Practice turning, stopping and
reversing with the trailer attached in
an area away from traffic until you
become accustomed to the feel of
the vehicle-trailer combination.
 Reversing with a tr ailer attached is
difficult and requires practice. Grip
the bottom of the steering wheel
and move your hand to the left to
move the trailer to the left. Move
your hand to the right to move the
trailer to right. (This is generally opposite to reversing without a
trailer attached.) Avoid sharp or
prolonged turning. Have someone
guide you when reversing to reduce
the risk of an accident.
 As stopping distance is increased
when towing a trailer, vehicle-to
vehicle distance should be
increased. For each 10 mph (16
km/h) of speed, allow at least one
vehicle and trailer length.
 Avoid sudden braking as you may
skid, resulting in the trailer jackknif-
ing and a loss of vehicle control. This
is especially true on wet or slippery
surfaces.
 Avoid jerky starts or sudden accel-
eration.
 Avoid jerky steering and sharp
turns, and slow down before making
turn.
 Note that when making a turn, the
trailer wheels will be closer than the
vehicle wheels to the inside of the
turn. Compensate by making a
wider than normal turning radius.
 Slow down before making a turn, in
cross winds, on wet or slippery sur-
faces, etc. Increasing vehicle speed
can destabilize the trailer.
 Take care when passing other vehi-
cles. Passing requires considerable
distance. After pass ing a vehicle, do
not forget the length of your trailer,
and be sure you have plenty of room
before changing lanes.
 To maintain engine braking effi-
ciency and charging system perfor-
Trailer towing tips

1744-2. Driving procedures
4-2.Driving procedures
1Check that the parking brake is set.
2 Check that the shift lever is in P.
3 Firmly depress the brake pedal.
and a message will be displayed on
the multi-information display.
If it is not displayed, the engine cannot be
started.
4 Press the engine switch shortly and
firmly.
When operating the engine switch, one
short, firm press is enough. It is not neces-
sary to press and hold the switch.
The engine will crank until it starts or for up
to 30 seconds, whichever is less.
Continue depressing the brake pedal until
the engine is completely started.
The engine can be started from any engine
switch mode.
■Engine switch illumination
According to the situation, the engine
switch illumination operates as follows.
●When a door is opened, or the engine
switch mode is changed from ACCES-
SORY or IGNITION ON mode to off,
the engine switch illumination slowly
blinks.
●When depressing the brake pedal with
carrying the electronic key on your per-
son, the engine switch illumination rapidly
blinks.
●When the engine sw itch is in ACCES-
SORY or IGNITION ON mode, the
engine switch illumination illuminates.
■If the engine does not start
●The engine immobilizer system may not
have been deactivated. ( P.66)
Contact your Lexus dealer.
●Check that the shift leve r is securely set in
P. The engine may not start if the shift
lever is displaced out of P. “To Start Vehi-
cle, Put Shift Lever into P” will be dis-
played on the multi-information display.
●If the door is unlock ed with the mechani-
cal key, the engine cannot be started
using the smart access system with
push-button start. Refer to P.432to start
the engine. However, if the electronic key
is carried inside the vehicle and the doors
are locked ( P.101), the engine can be
started.
■Electronic key battery depletion
 P.96
■Conditions affecting operation
 P.116
■Note for the entry function
 P.117
■Steering lock function
●After turning the engine switch off and
opening and closing the doors, the steer-
ing wheel will be lock ed due to the steer-
ing lock function. Operating the engine
switch again automatically cancels the
steering lock.
●When the steering lock cannot be
Engine (ignition) switch
Performing the following opera-
tions when carryin g the electronic
key on your person starts the
engine or changes engine switch
modes.
Starting the engine

1754-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
released, “Steering Wheel Lock Press
Engine Switch while Turning Wheel” will
be displayed on the multi-information dis-
play.
Check that the shift lever is in P. Press the
engine switch shortly and firmly while
turning the steering wheel left and right.
●To prevent the steering lock motor from
overheating, operation of the motor may
be suspended if the engine is turned on
and off repeatedly in a short period of
time. In this case, refrain from operating
the engine switch. After about 10 sec-
onds, the steering lock motor will resume
functioning.
■When “Access System with Elec. Key
Malfunction See Owner’s Manual” is
displayed on the mu lti-information dis-
play
The system may be malfunctioning. Have
the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer
immediately.
■Electronic key battery
 P.379
■Operation of the engine switch
●If the switch is not pressed shortly and
firmly, the engine switch mode may not
change or the engine may not start.
●If attempting to restart the engine imme-
diately after turning the engine switch off,
the engine may not start in some cases.
After turning the engine switch off, please
wait a few seconds before restarting the
engine.
■Customization
If the smart access sy stem with push-button
start has been deactivated in a customized
setting, refer to P.431.
1 Stop the vehicle completely.
2 Set the parking brake ( P.183),
and shift the shift lever to P.
3 Press the engine switch.
4 Release the brake pedal and check
that the display on the meters is off.
■Automatic engine shut off feature
●The vehicle is equipped with a feature
WARNING
■When starting the engine
Always start the engine while sitting in
the driver’s seat. Do not depress the
accelerator pedal while starting the
engine under any circumstances.
Doing so may cause an accident result-
ing in death or serious injury.
■Caution while driving
If engine failure occurs while the vehicle
is moving, do not lock or open the doors
until the vehicle reaches a safe and com-
plete stop. Activation of the steering lock
in this circumstance may lead to an acci-
dent, resulting in death or serious injury.
NOTICE
■When starting the engine
●Do not race a cold engine.
●If the engine becomes difficult to start
or stalls frequently, have your vehicle
checked by your Lexus dealer immedi-
ately.
■Symptoms indicating a malfunction
with the engine switch
If the engine switch seems to be operat-
ing somewhat differently than usual, such
as the switch sticking slightly, there may
be a malfunction. Contact your Lexus
dealer immediately.
Stopping the engine

1764-2. Driving procedures
that automatically shuts off the engine
when the shift lever is in P with the engine
running for an extended period.
●The engine will automatically shut off
after approximately 1 hour if it has been
left running while the shift lever is in P.
●The timer for the automatic engine shut
off feature will reset if the brake pedal is
depressed or if the shif t lever is in a posi-
tion other than P.
●After the vehicle is parked, if the door is
locked with the door lock switch
(  P.101) from the inside or the mechani-
cal key from the outside, the automatic
engine shut off feature will be disabled.
The timer for the automatic engine shut
off feature will be re-enabled if the
driver’s door is opened.
■Locking the door from outside with the
engine running
1 With the driver’s door open, pull the
driver’s door handle and insert the
mechanical key.
2 Turn the mechanical key counterclock-
wise.
3 Pull out the mechanical key and close
the door.
Modes can be changed by pressing
WARNING
■Stopping the engine in an emergency
If you want to stop th e engine in an emer-
gency while driving the vehicle, press
and hold the engine switch for more than
2 seconds, or press it briefly 3 times or
more in succession. (
P.394)
However, do not touch the engine switch
while driving except in an emergency.
Turning the engine off while driving will
not cause loss of steering or braking con-
trol, but the power assist to these systems
will be lost. This will make it more difficult
to steer and brake, so you should pull
over and stop the vehicle as soon as it is
safe to do so.
■When parking
Exhaust gases include harmful carbon
monoxide (CO), which is colorless and
odorless. Observe the following precau-
tions.
Failure to do so may cause exhaust gases
to enter the vehicle and may lead to an
accident caused by light-headedness, or
may lead to death or a serious health
hazard.
●If the vehicle is in a poorly ventilated
area or a closed area, such as a
garage, stop the engine.
WARNING
●Do not leave the vehicle with the
engine running for a long time. If such
a situation cannot be avoided, park the
vehicle in an open space and ensure
that exhaust fumes do not enter the
vehicle interior.
●Do not leave the engine running in an
area with snow build-up, or where it is
snowing. If snowbanks build up around
the vehicle while the engine is running,
exhaust gases may collect and enter
the vehicle.
Changing engine switch modes

1904-3. Operating the lights and wipers
Pull the lever toward you to the center
position to turn the high beams off.
2Pull the lever toward you and
release it to flash the high beams
once.
You can flash the high beams with the
headlights on or off.
AFS (Adaptive Front-lighting System)
secures excellent visibility at intersec-
tions and on curves by automatically
adjusting the direction of the light axis
of the headlights according to vehicle
speed and the degree of the tire’s angle
as controlled by steering input.
AFS operates at sp eeds of 6 mph (10
km/h) or higher.
■Customization
Some functions can be customized.
(  P.461)
 When the steering wheel or turn
signal lever is operated while the
headlights are on (low beam), a cor-
nering light will turn on and light up
the direction of movement of the
vehicle. The cornering lights are
designed to ensure excellent visibil-
ity when making a turn at an inter-
section.
However, when vehicle speed is approxi-
mately 22 mph (35 km/h) or higher, the
cornering lights will not turn on.
 When the shift lever is in R while the headlights are on (low beam), both
cornering lights will turn on. This is
designed to enhance visibility when
parking.
■Cornering lights (if equipped)
When the cornering lights are on for more
than 30 minutes, they will turn off automati-
cally.
AFS (Adaptive Front-lighting
System) (if equipped)
Cornering lights (if equipped)

2104-5. Using the driving support systems
WARNING
■Limitations of the pre-collision system
●The driver is solely responsible for safe
driving. Always drive safely, taking
care to observe your surroundings.
Do not use the pre-collision system
instead of normal braking operations
under any circumstances. This system
will not prevent collisions or lessen col-
lision damage or injury in every situa-
tion. Do not overly rely on this system.
Failure to do so may lead to an acci-
dent, resulting in death or serious
injury.
●Although this system is designed to
help avoid a collision or help reduce
the impact of the collision, its effective-
ness may change according to various
conditions, therefore the system may
not always be able to achieve the same
level of performance.
Read the following conditions care-
fully. Do not overly rely on this system
and always drive carefully.
• Conditions under which the system may operate even if there is no possi-
bility of a collision:
P.213
• Conditions under which the system may not operate properly:
P.214
●Do not attempt to test the operation of
the pre-collision system yourself.
Depending on the objects used for
testing (dummies, cardboard objects
imitating detectable objects, etc.), the
system may not operate properly, pos-
sibly leading to an accident.
■Pre-collision braking
●When the pre-collision braking func-
tion is operating, a large amount of
braking force will be applied.
●If the vehicle is stopped by the opera-
tion of the pre-collision braking func-
tion, the pre-collision braking function
operation will be canceled after
approximately 2 seco nds. Depress the
brake pedal as necessary.
●The pre-collision braking function may
not operate if certain operations are
performed by the driver. If the acceler-
ator pedal is being depressed strongly
or the steering wheel is being turned,
the system may determine that the
driver is taking evasive action and pos-
sibly prevent the pre-collision braking
function from operating.
●In some situations, while the pre-colli-
sion braking function is operating,
operation of the function may be can-
celed if the accelerator pedal is
depressed strongly or the steering
wheel is turned and the system deter-
mines that the driver is taking evasive
action.
●If the brake pedal is being depressed,
the system may determine that the
driver is taking evasive action and pos-
sibly delay the operat ion timing of the
pre-collision braking function.
■When to disable the pre-collision sys-
tem
In the following situations, disable the
system, as it may not operate properly,
possibly leading to an accident resulting
in death or serious injury:
●When the vehicle is being towed
●When your vehicle is towing another
vehicle
●When transporting the vehicle via
truck, boat, train or similar means of
transportation
●When the vehicle is raised on a lift with
the engine running and the tires are
allowed to rotate freely
●When inspecting the vehicle using a
drum tester such as a chassis dyna-
mometer or speedometer tester, or
when using an on vehicle wheel bal-
ancer
●When a strong impact is applied to the
front bumper or front grille, due to an
accident or other reasons

2134-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
■Cancelation of the pre-collision braking
If either of the following occur while the
pre-collision braking function is operating, it
will be canceled:
●The accelerator pedal is depressed
strongly.
●The steering wheel is turned sharply or
abruptly.
■Conditions under which the system may
operate even if there is no possibility of a
collision
●In some situations such as the following,
the system may determine that there is a
possibility of a frontal collision and oper-
ate.
• When passing a detectable object, etc.
• When changing lane s while overtaking a
detectable object, etc.
• When approaching a detectable object in an adjacent lane or on the roadside,
such as when changing the course of
travel or driving on a winding road
• When rapidly closing on a detectable object, etc.
• When approaching objects on the road- side, such as detectable objects, guard-
rails, utility poles, trees, or walls
• When there is a detectable object or other object by the roadside at the
entrance of a curve
• When there are patterns or paint in front of your vehicle that may be mistaken for a
detectable object • When the front of your vehicle is hit by
water, snow, dust, etc.
• When overtaking a de tectable object
that is changing lanes or making a
right/left turn
• When passing a detectable object in an oncoming lane that is stopped to make a
right/left turn
• When a detectable object approaches very close and then stops before entering
the path of your vehicle
• If the front of your vehicle is raised or low- ered, such as when on an uneven or
undulating road surface
• When driving on a road surrounded by a structure, such as in a tunnel or on an iron
bridge
• When there is a metal object (manhole cover, steel plate, etc.), steps, or a protru-
sion in front of your vehicle
• When passing under an object (road sign, billboard, etc.)
• When approaching an electric toll gate barrier, parking area barrier, or other
barrier that opens and closes

2164-5. Using the driving support systems
LTA (Lane Tracing Assist)
When driving on highways and
freeways with white (yellow) lane
lines, this function alerts the driver
when the vehicle might depart from
its lane or course
* and provides
assistance by operating the steer-
ing wheel to keep the vehicle in its
lane or course
*. Furthermore, the
system provides steering assistance
when dynamic radar cruise control
with full-speed range is operating
to keep the vehicle in its lane.
The LTA system recognizes white
(yellow) lane lines or a course
*
using the front camera. Addition-
ally, it detects preceding vehicles
using the front camera and radar.
*: Boundary between asphalt and the side of the road, such as grass, soil, or
a curb
WARNING
■Before using LTA system
●Do not rely solely upon the LTA sys-
tem. The LTA system does not auto-
matically drive the vehicle or reduce
the amount of attention that must be
paid to the area in front of the vehicle.
The driver must always assume full
responsibility for driving safely by pay-
ing careful attention to the surround-
ing conditions and operating the
steering wheel to correct the path of
the vehicle. Also, the driver must take
adequate breaks when fatigued, such
as from driving for a long period of
time.
●Failure to perform appropriate driving
operations and pay careful attention
may lead to an accident, resulting in
death or serious injury.
●When not using the LTA system, use
the LTA switch to turn the system off.
■Situations unsuitable for LTA system
In the following situations, use the LTA
switch to turn the system off. Failure to do
so may lead to an accident, resulting in
death or serious injury.
●Vehicle is driven on a road surface
which is slippery due to rainy weather,
fallen snow, freezing, etc.
●Vehicle is driven on a snow-covered
road.
●White (yellow) lines are difficult to see
due to rain, snow, fog, dust, etc.
●Vehicle is driven in a temporary lane or
restricted lane due to construction
work.
●Vehicle is driven in a construction
zone.
●A spare tire, tire chains, etc. are
equipped.
●When the tires have been excessively
worn, or when the tire inflation pres-
sure is low.

2174-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
WARNING
●When your vehicle is towing a trailer
(vehicles with towing package) or
during emergency towing.
■Preventing LTA system malfunctions
and operations performed by mistake
●Do not modify the headlights or place
stickers, etc. on the surface of the
lights.
●Do not modify the suspension etc. If
the suspension etc. needs to be
replaced, contact your Lexus dealer.
●Do not install or place anything on the
hood or grille. Also, do not install a
grille guard (bull bars, kangaroo bar,
etc.).
●If your windshield needs repairs, con-
tact your Lexus dealer.
■Conditions in which functions may
not operate properly
In the following situations, the functions
may not operate properly and the vehicle
may depart from its lane. Drive safely by
always paying careful attention to your
surroundings and operate the steering
wheel to correct the path of the vehicle
without relying solely on the functions.
●When the follow-up cruising display is
displayed (
P.221) and the preced-
ing vehicle changes lanes. (Your vehi-
cle may follow the preceding vehicle
and also change lanes.)
●When the follow-up cruising display is
displayed (
P.221) and the preced-
ing vehicle is swaying. (Your vehicle
may sway accordingly and depart from
the lane.)
●When the follow-up cruising display is
displayed (P.221) and the preced-
ing vehicle departs from its lane. (Your
vehicle may follow the preceding vehi-
cle and depart from the lane.)
●When the follow-up cruising display is
displayed (
P.221) and the preced-
ing vehicle is being driven extremely
close to the left/right lane line. (Your
vehicle may follow the preceding vehi-
cle and depart from the lane.)
●Vehicle is being driven around a sharp
curve.
●Objects or patterns that could be mis-
taken for white (yellow) lines are pres-
ent on the side of the road (guardrails,
reflective poles, etc.).
●Vehicle is driven where the road
diverges, merges, etc.

2194-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
■Lane departure alert function
When the system determines that the
vehicle might depart from its lane or
course
*, a warning is displayed on the
multi-information display, and either a
warning buzzer will sound or the steer-
ing wheel will vibrate to alert the driver.
When the warning buzzer sounds or the
steering wheel vibrates, check the area
around your vehicle and carefully operate
the steering wheel to move the vehicle
back to the center of the lane.
Vehicle with BSM: When the system deter-
mines that the vehicle might depart from its
lane and that the possibility of a collision
with an overtaking vehicle in the adjacent
lane is high, the lane departure alert will
operate even if the turn signals are operat-
ing.
*: Boundary between asphalt and the side of the road, such as grass, soil, or a curb
■Steering assist function
When the system determines that the
vehicle might depart from its lane or
course
*, the system provides assis-
tance as necessary by operating the
steering wheel in small amounts for a
short period of time to keep the vehicle
in its lane.
If the system detects that the steering
wheel has not been operated for a fixed
amount of time or the steering wheel is not
being firmly gripped, a warning is displayed
on the multi-informat ion display and the
function is temporarily canceled.
Vehicle with BSM: When the system deter-
mines that the vehicle might depart from its
lane and that the po ssibility of a collision
with an overtaking vehicle in the adjacent
lane is high, the steering assist function will
operate even if the turn signals are operat-
ing.
*: Boundary between asphalt and the side of the road, such as grass, soil, or a curb
Functions included in LTA system