engine LEXUS RX450h 2015 Owner's Manual

1902-1. Driving procedures
Changing shift ranges in S mode
When the shift lever is in the S position, the shift lever can be operated as
follows:
Upshifting
Downshifting
The initial shift range in S mode is set automatically to “5” or “4” accord-
ing to vehicle speed.
■ Shift ranges and their functions
● You can choose from 6 levels of engine braking force.
● A lower shift range will provide gr eater engine braking force than a
higher shift range, and the engi ne speed will also increase.■
Operation of the air conditioning system in Eco drive mode
Eco drive mode controls the heating/cooling operations and fan speed of the air
conditioning system to enhance fuel efficiency. (  P. 342, 350) To improve air con-
ditioning performance, adjust the fa n speed or turn off Eco drive mode. ■
Automatic return to normal driving mode
If snow mode or sport mode is selected , the driving mode will automatically return
to normal mode when the hybrid system is turned off.
■
S mode
●
When the shift range is “5” or lower, holding the shift lever toward “+” sets the
shift range to “6”.
●
To prevent the engine from over-revving, upshifting may automatically occur.

1912-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving ■
AI-SHIFT
AI-SHIFT automatically selects the suitable gear according to driver performance
and driving conditions.
AI-SHIFT automatically operates when the sh ift lever is in the D position. (Shifting
the shift lever to the S posi tion cancels the function.)■
When driving with cruise control or radar cruise control activated
Even when performing the following acti ons with the intent of enabling engine
braking, engine braking will not activate because cruise control or radar cruise
control will not be canceled. ●
While driving in D or S mode, downshifting to 5 or 4. (  P. 232, 236)●
When switching the driving mode to sport mode while driving in D position.
(  P. 1 8 9 )■
If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P
 P. 7 7 9■
If S does not come on even after shifting the shift lever to S
This may indicate a malfunction in the hybr id transmission system. Have the vehicle
inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
(In this situation, the hybrid transmission will operate in the same as manner as when
the shift lever is in D.)■
Downshift restriction warning buzzer (S mode)
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 is operated. (The buzzer will sound twice.)

1922-1. Driving procedures
CAUTION■
When driving on slippery road surfaces
Do not accelerate or shift gears suddenly.
Sudden changes in engine braking may cause the vehicle to spin or skid, resulting in
an accident.
NOTICE■
Hybrid battery (traction battery) charge precaution
If the shift lever is in N, the hybrid battery (traction battery) wi ll not be charged even
when the engine is running. Therefore, if the vehicle is left with the shift lever in N for
a long period of time, the hybrid battery (traction battery) will discharge, and this
may result in the vehicle not being able to start.

1972
When driving 2-2. Instrument cluster
Gauges and meters
Hybrid System Indicator Displays hybrid system power output and regenerative charging level
ECO lamp and SPORT lamp Changes colors according to driving mode
Speedometer Displays the vehicle speed
Fuel gauge Displays the quantity of fuel remaining in the tank
Multi-information display Presents the driver with a variety of driving-related data (  P. 2 0 6 )
Odometer and trip meter
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 independently.
Shift position and shift range display
Displays the selected shift position or selected shift range (  P. 1 8 6 )
Engine coolant temperature gauge
Displays the engine coolant temperature

1992-2. Instrument cluster
2
When driving ■
Hybrid System Indicator
●
By keeping the indicator within Eco area, more Eco-friendly driving can be
achieved.●
Charge area indicates regeneration* st atus. Regenerated energy will be used
to charge the hybrid battery (traction battery).
*: When used in this manual, “regeneration” refers to the conversion of energy cre-
ated by the movement of the ve hicle into electrical energy.■
ECO lamp and SPORT lamp ●
When sport mode is selected, the SPORT lamp (red) will illuminate.●
When all of the following conditions are satisfied and the Eco-friendly driving,
the ECO lamp (blue) will illuminate:
• When driving with the shift lever in D
• When either normal mode or Eco mode are selected, and EV drive mode
and snow mode are not in use
• The vehicle speed is approximately 80 mph (130 km/h) or below.
■
Customization
Settings (e.g. on/off operation of the ECO lamp) can be changed.
(Customizable features  P. 8 2 5 ) Po w e r a r e a
Shows that an Eco-friendly driving range is
being exceeded (during full power driving
etc.)
Eco area
Shows that the vehicle is being driven in an
Eco-friendly manner.
Hybrid Eco area
Shows that gasoline engine power is not
being used very often.
The gasoline engine will automatically
stop and restart under various conditions.
Charge area
Shows that energy is being recovered via
regenerative braking.

2002-2. Instrument cluster
NOTICE■
To prevent damage to the engine and its components
The engine may be overheating if the engi ne coolant temperature gauge is in the
red zone (H). In this case, immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place, and check
the engine after it has cooled completely. (  P. 7 8 8 )

2562-4. Using other driving systems
■
Sensor detection information ●
Certain vehicle conditions and the su rrounding environment may affect the
ability of a sensor to correctly detect an obstacle. Particular instances where this
may occur are listed below.
• There is dirt, snow or ice on a sensor.
• A sensor is frozen.
• A sensor is covered in any way.
• The vehicle is leaning considerably to one side.
• On an extremely bumpy road, on an incline, on gravel, or on grass
• The vicinity of the vehicle is noisy due to vehicle horns, motorcycle engines,
air brakes of large vehicles, or other loud noises producing ultrasonic waves.
• There is another vehicle equipped with parking assist sensor s in the vicinity.
• A sensor is coated with a sheet of spray or heavy rain.
• The vehicle is equipped with a fender pole or radio antenna.
• Towing eyelets are installed.
• A bumper or sensor receives a strong impact.
• The vehicle is approaching a tall or right-angled curb.
• In harsh sunlight or intense cold weather.
• A non-genuine Lexus suspension (low ered suspension, etc.) is installed.
In addition to the examples above, there are instances in which, because of their
shapes, signs and other objects may be judg ed by a sensor to be closer than they
are. ●
The shape of the obstacle may prevent a sensor from detecting it. Pay particular
attention to the following obstacles:
• Wires, fences, ropes, etc.
• Cotton, snow and other materi als that absorb sound waves
• Sharply-angled objects
•Low obstacles
• Tall obstacles with upper sections projec ting outwards in the direction of your
vehicle
■
If a message is displayed
 P. 74 3

2732-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving ■ Turning off both TRAC and VSC systems
To turn the TRAC and VSC sys-
tems off, press and hold the switch
for 3 seconds or more while the
vehicle is stopped. A message will be shown on the
multi-information display and VSC
off indicator light will come on.
Press the switch again to turn the
systems back on.■
When the message is displayed on the multi-information display showing that
TRAC has been disabled even if the VSC off switch has not been pressed
TRAC and hill-start assist control cannot be operated. Contact your Lexus dealer.■
Sounds and vibrations caused by th e ABS, VSC, TRAC and brake assist ●
A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the hybrid system is
started or just after the vehicle begins to move. This sound does not indicate that
a malfunction has occurred in any of these systems. ●
Any of the following conditions may occur when the above systems are operat-
ing. None of these indicates that a malfunction has occurred.
• Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.
• A motor sound may be heard after the vehicle comes to a stop.
• The brake pedal may pulsate slightly after the ABS is activated.
• The brake pedal may move down s lightly after the ABS is activated.■
EPS operation sound
When the steering wheel is operated, a motor sound (whirring sound) may be
heard. This does not indicate a malfunction.
■
Reactivation of the TRAC /VSC systems
Turning off the hybrid system after turning off the TRAC/VSC systems will automat-
ically reactivate them.

2952-5. Driving information
2
When driving NOTICE■
To prevent water damage
Take all necessary safety measures to ensure that water damage to the hybrid bat-
tery, hybrid system or other components does not occur. ●
Water entering the engine compartment may cause severe damage to the hybrid
system. Water entering the interior may cause the hybrid battery stowed under
the rear seats to short circuit.●
Water entering the hybrid transmission will cause deterioration in transmission
quality. The malfunction indicator may come on, and the vehicle may not be driv-
able.●
Water can wash the grease from wheel bearings, causing rusting and premature
failure, and may also enter the hybrid transmission case, reducing the gear oil’s
lubricating qualities.■
When you drive through water
If driving through water, such as when crossing 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 effi-
ciency and may damage brake system components.●
Always perform a maintenance inspection after each day of off-road driving that
has taken you through rough terrain, sand, mud, or water. For scheduled mainte-
nance information, refer to the “Warra nty and Services Guide/Owner’s Manual
Supplement/Schedul ed Maintenance”.

3022-5. Driving information
Winter driving tips Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving the
vehicle in winter. Always drive the ve hicle in a manner appropriate to the
prevailing weather conditions.
■ Pre-winter preparations
● Use fluids that are appropria te to the prevailing outside tempera-
tures.
• Engine oil
• Engine coolant
• Power control unit coolant
• Washer fluid
● Have a service technician inspect the condition of the 12-volt bat-
tery.
● Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set of
tire chains for the front tires. Ensure that all tires are the same size and brand, and that chains match
the size of the tires.
■ Before driving the vehicle
Perform the following accord ing to the driving conditions:
● Do not try to forcibly open a w indow or move a wiper that is fro-
zen. Pour warm water over the frozen area to melt the ice. Wipe
away the water immediately to prevent it from freezing.
● To ensure proper operation of the climate control system fan,
remove any snow that has accumu lated on the air inlet vents in
front of the windshield.
● Check for and remove any exce ss ice or snow that may have
accumulated on the exterior lights, vehicle's roof, chassis, around
the tires or on the brakes.
● Remove any snow or mud from the bottom of your shoes before
getting in the vehicle.