ECU LEXUS RX400H 2008 User Guide

111
1-8. Safety information
1
Before driving
RX400h_U
CAUTION
■Child restraint lock function belt precaution
Do not allow children to play with the child restraint lock function belt. If the belt
becomes twisted around a child’s neck, it will not be possible to pull the belt out
leading to choking or other serious injuries that could result in death. If this occurs
and the buckle cannot be unfastened, scissors should be used to cut the belt.
■When the child restraint system is not in use
●Keep the child restraint system properly secured on the seat even if it is not in use.
Do not store the restraint unsecured in the passenger compartment.
●If it is necessary to detach the child restraint system, remove it from the vehicle or
store it securely in the luggage compartment. This will prevent it from injuring
passengers in the event of a sudden stop or accident.

112
1-8. Safety information
RX400h_U
Installing child restraints
Follow the child restraint system manufacturer's instructions. Firmly
secure child restraints to the rear seats using a seat belt or a child restraint
lower anchorage. Attach the top strap when installing a child restraint.
Seat belts equipped with a
child restraint locking mecha-
nism (ALR/ELR belts except
driver’s seat belt) (→P. 58)
Child restraint lower anchor-
ages
Lower anchorages are pro-
vided for the outside rear seats.
(Buttons displaying the location
of the anchorages are attached
to the seats.)
Anchor bracket
(for top strap)
Anchor brackets are provided
for all rear seats.

114
1-8. Safety information
RX400h_UWhile pushing the child restraint
system down into the rear seat,
allow the shoulder belt to retract
until the child restraint system is
securely in place.
After the shoulder belt has
retracted to a point where there is
no slack in the belt, pull the belt to
check that it cannot be extended.
■
Forward facing  Convertible seat
Place the child restraint system on
the seat facing the front of the vehi-
cle.
Run the seat belt through the child
restraint system and insert the
plate into the buckle. Make sure
that the belt is not twisted.
Fully extend the shoulder belt and
then allow it to retract slightly into
the ALR lock mode.
Lock mode allows the seat belt to
retract only.
STEP4
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3

115
1-8. Safety information
1
Before driving
RX400h_UWhile pushing the child restraint
system into the rear seat, allow the
shoulder belt to retract until the
child restraint system is securely in
place.
After the shoulder belt has
retracted to a point where there is
no slack in the belt, pull the belt to
check that it cannot be extended.
■
Booster seat
Place the child restraint system on
the seat facing the front of the vehi-
cle.
Sit the child in the child restraint
system. Fit the seat belt to the child
restraint system according to the
manufacturer's instructions and
insert the plate into the buckle.
Make sure that the belt is not
twisted.
Check that the shoulder belt is cor-
rectly positioned over the child's
shoulder, and that the lap belt is as
low as possible. (→
P. 5 8)
STEP4
STEP1
STEP2

118
1-8. Safety information
RX400h_UFor owners in Canada:
The symbol on a child restraint system indicates the presence of a lower
connector system.
Child restraint systems with a top strap
Secure the child restraint using a
seat belt or a lower anchorage,
and remove the head restraint.
Open the anchor bracket cover,
latch the hook onto the anchor
bracket and tighten the top strap.
Replace the head restraint and lift
it up to the uppermost lock posi-
tion.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3

119
1-8. Safety information
1
Before driving
RX400h_U
■Laws and regulations pertaining to anchorages
Anchorages conform to FMVSS225 or CMVSS210.2.
Child restraint systems conforming to FMVSS213 or CMVSS213 specifications
can be used.
This vehicle is designed to confirm to the SAE J1819.
CAUTION
■When installing a booster seat
Do not fully extend the shoulder belt to prevent the belt from going to ALR lock
mode: ( →P. 6 1 )
ALR mode causes the belt to tighten only which could cause injury or discomfort to
the child.
■When installing a child restraint system
Follow the directions given in the child restraint system installation manual and fix
the child restraint system securely in place.
If the child restraint system is not correctly fixed in place, the child or other passen-
gers may be injured or even killed in the event of sudden braking or an accident.
●If the driver’s seat interferes with the child
restraint system and prevents it from being
attached correctly, attach the child restraint
system to the right-hand rear seat.
●Only put a forward facing or booster child
seat on the front seat when unavoidable.
When installing a forward facing or
booster seat on the front passenger seat,
move the seat as far back as possible even
if AIR BAG OFF indicator light is illumi-
nated. Failing to do so may result in death
or serious injury if the airbags deploy
(inflate).

120
1-8. Safety information
RX400h_U
CAUTION
■When installing a child restraint system
●When installing a child restraint system in the rear center position, adjust both
seat cushions to the same position and align both seatbacks at the same angle.
Otherwise, the child restraint system cannot be securely restrained and this may
cause death or serious injuries in a collision.
●When using the lower anchorages for a child restraint system, ensure that the
seat is moved to the rear-most position, with the seatback close to the child
restraint system.
●When a booster seat is installed, always ensure that the shoulder belt is posi-
tioned across the center of the child's shoulder. The belt should be kept away
from the child's neck, but not so that it could fall off the child's shoulder.
Failing to do so may result in death or serious injury in the event of an accident or
sudden braking.
●Ensure that the belt and tab are securely locked and the seat belt is not twisted.
●Push and pull the child seat in different directions to be sure it is secure.
●Follow all installation instructions provided by the child restraint system manufac-
turer.
■Do not use a seat belt extender
If a seat belt extender is used when installing a child restraint system, the seat belt
will not securely hold the child restraint system, which could cause death or serious
injury to the child or other passengers in the event of a collision.
■To correctly attach a child restraint system to the anchorages
When using the lower anchorages, be sure that there are no foreign objects around
the anchorages and that the seat belt is not caught behind the child restraint. Make
sure the child restraint system is securely attached, or it may cause death or serious
injury to the child or other passengers in the event of a sudden stop or accident.

128
2-1. Driving procedures
RX400h_U
CAUTION
■Exhaust gases
Exhaust gases include harmful carbon monoxide (CO) that is colorless and odor-
less. Inhaling exhaust gases may lead to death or a serious health hazard.
●If the vehicle is in a poorly ventilated area, stop the hybrid system. In a closed
area, such as a garage, exhaust gases may collect and enter the vehicle. This may
lead to death or a serious health hazard.
●The exhaust should be checked occasionally. If there is a hole or crack caused by
corrosion, damage to a joint or abnormal exhaust noise, be sure to have the vehi-
cle inspected and repaired by your Lexus dealer. Failure to do so may allow
exhaust gases to enter the vehicle, resulting in death or a serious health hazard.
■When taking a nap in the vehicle
Always turn the hybrid system off. Otherwise, you may accidentally move the shift
lever or depress the accelerator pedal, which could cause an accident or fire due to
hybrid system overheating. Additionally, if the vehicle is parked in a poorly venti-
lated area, exhaust gases may collect and enter the vehicle, leading to death or a
serious health hazard.
■When braking the vehicle
●When the brakes are wet, drive more cautiously.
Braking distance increases when the brakes are wet, and may cause one side of
the vehicle to brake differently than the other side. Also the parking brake may
not securely hold the vehicle.
●If the power brake assist function does not operate, do not follow other vehicles
closely and avoid downhills or sharp turns that require braking.
In this case, braking is still possible, but it will require more force on the pedal than
usual. Braking distance may also increase.
●The brake system consists of 3 individual hydraulic systems: if one of the systems
fails, the other will still operate. In this case, the brake pedal should be depressed
more firmly than usual and braking distance becomes longer.
Do not drive your vehicle with only a single brake system. Have your brakes fixed
immediately.
■If the vehicle becomes stuck or bogged (AWD models)
Do not spin the wheels recklessly when any of the tires is up in the air, or stuck in
sand or mud, etc. This may damage the drive system components or propel the
vehicle forward (or in another direction) and cause an accident.

164
2-4. Using other driving systems
RX400h_UExample of follow-up cruising (when following a vehicle driving slower
than the set speed):
When the speed is set to 62 mph (100 km/h) and the vehicle ahead is
driving at 50 mph (80 km/h)
The system continues follow-up cruising while adjusting for changes in the
speed of the vehicle ahead in order to maintain the vehicle-to-vehicle dis-
tance set by the driver.
Example of acceleration (when there are no longer vehicles driving
slower than the set speed in the lane ahead):
When the speed is set to 62 mph (100 km/h) and the vehicle ahead
driving at 50 mph (80 km/h) is out of the lane
When the vehicle ahead of you executes a lane change, the system slowly
accelerates until the set vehicle speed is reached. The system then returns to
fixed speed cruising.
■Fine adjustment of the set speed
Adjustment of the set speed by the following speed can be made by lightly pressing
the lever up or down and releasing it.
In the constant speed control mode: Approximately 1.0 mph (1.6 km/h)
In the vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode: U.S.A.: Approximately 5 mph (8 km/h)
Canada: Approximately 3 mph (5 km/h)
■Dynamic laser cruise control warning lights, display and buzzers
Warning lights, display and buzzers are used to indicate a system malfunction or to
alert you to the need for caution while driving. ( →P. 3 9 8 )
■The dynamic laser cruise can be set when
●The shift lever is in D.
●Vehicle speed is between approximately 27 mph (45 km/h) and 85 mph (135
km/h).
■Accelerating
The vehicle can be accelerated normally.

178
2-5. Driving information
RX400h_U
Cargo and luggage
Capacity and distributionCargo capacity depends on the total weight of the occupants.
(Cargo capacity) = (Total load cap acity) — (Total weight of occupants)
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit 
(1) Locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your vehicle’s placard.
(2) Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.
(3)Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kg or XXX lbs.
(4) The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will be
five 150 lb passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo
and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400 − 750 (5 × 150) = 650
lbs.)
(5)Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo
and luggage load capacity calculated in Step 4.
Take notice of the following information about storage precautions, cargo
capacity and load.
●Stow cargo and luggage in the luggage compartment whenever
possible. Be sure all items are secured in place.
● Be careful to keep the vehicle level. Placing the weight as far for-
ward as possible helps maintain vehicle balance.
● For better fuel economy, do not carry unnecessary weight.