air conditioning LEXUS RX450h 2016 Owner's Manual

412 5-2. Using the air conditio ning system and defogger
RX450h_U_OM0E013U ■
Windshield fog detection function
When automatic mode is se t, the humidity sensor (  P. 413) detects fog on the wind-
shield and controls the air conditioning system to prevent fog. ■
Outside/recirculated air mode ●
When driving on dusty roads such as tunnels or in heavy traffic, set the outside/recircu-
lated air mode button to the recirculated ai r mode. This is effective in preventing out-
side air from entering the vehicle interi or. During cooling operation, setting the
recirculated air mode will also cool the vehicle interior effectively. ●
Outside/recirculated air mode may automa tically switch depending on the tempera-
ture setting or the inside temperature. ■
When the outside temperature is low
The dehumidification function may not operate even when “A/C” is selected. ■
Operation of the air conditioning system in Eco drive mode ●
In the Eco drive mode, the air conditioning sy stem is controlled as follows to prioritize
fuel efficiency
• Engine speed and compressor operation controlled to restrict heating/cooling
capacity
• Fan speed restricted when automatic mode is selected ●
To improve air conditioning performa nce, perform the following operations
• Adjust the fan speed
• Turn off Eco drive mode ■
Ventilation and air conditioning odors ●
To let fresh air in, set the air conditio ning system to the outside air mode.●
During use, various odors from inside and outside the vehicle may enter into and accu-
mulate in the air conditioning system. This may then cause odor to be emitted from the
vents. ●
To reduce potential odors from occurring:
• It is recommended that the air conditioning system be set to outside air mode prior
to turning the vehicle off.
• The start timing of the blower may be dela yed for a short period of time immediately
after the air conditioning system is started in automatic mode.■
Air conditioning filter
 P. 5 0 1 ■
Customization
Some functions can be customized (  P. 6 0 7 )

4135-2. Using the air conditio ning system and defogger
5
Interior features
RX450h_U_OM0E013U WA R N I N G ■
To prevent the windshield from fogging up ●
Do not use during cool air operation in extremely humid weather. The differ-
ence between the temperature of the outside air and that of the windshield can cause
the outer surface of the windshield to fog up, blocking your vision.
■
To prevent burns ●
Do not touch the rear view mirror surfaces when the outside rear view mirror defog-
gers are on. ●
Do not touch the glass at lower part of the wi ndshield or to the si de of the front pillars
when the windshield wiper de-icer is on. (if equipped)
NOTICE ■
Humidity sensor
■
To prevent 12-volt battery discharge
Do not leave the air conditioning system on longer than necessary when the hybrid sys-
tem is off. ●
Do not place anything on the instrument
panel which may cover th e air outlets. Other-
wise, air flow may be obstructed, preventing
the windshield defoggers from defogging.
In order to detect fog on the windshield, a sen-
sor which monitors the temperature of the
windshield, the surround humidity, etc. is
installed. (  P. 4 1 2 )
Follow these points to avoid damaging the sen-
sor: ●
Do not disassemble the sensor ●
Do not spray the glass cleaner on the sensor
or subject it to strong impacts ●
Do not stick anything on the sensor

457
6Maintenance and care
RX450h_U_OM0E013U 6-1. Maintenance and care
Cleaning and protecting
the vehicle exterior ................ 458
Cleaning and protecting
the vehicle interior .................. 462
6-2. Maintenance
Maintenance
requirements .............................465
General maintenance .............. 467
Emission inspection and
maintenance (I/M)
programs .................................... 470 6-3. Do-it-yourself
maintenance
Do-it-yourself service
precautions .................................. 471
Hood ................................................473
Positioning a floor jack .............. 474
Engine compartment ............... 475
12-volt battery..............................483
Tires .................................................. 487
Tire inflation pressure ............... 496
Wheels ........................................... 499
Air conditioning filter ................ 501
Windshield wiper inserts ........504
Electronic key battery ..............506
Checking and replacing
fuses ............................................. 508
Headlight aim ................................. 511
Light bulbs...................................... 513

472 6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
RX450h_U_OM0E013U * : Vehicles with sing le-beam headlightsWa s h e r f l u i d
(  P. 4 8 2 ) • Water or washer fluid containi ng antifreeze (for winter use)
• Funnel (used only for adding water or washer fluid)
WA R N I N G
The engine compartment contains many mechanisms and fluids that may move suddenly,
become hot, or become electrically energized. To avoid death or serious injury, observe
the following precautions. ■
When working on the engine compartment ●
Make sure that the indicator on the power switch and the “READY” indicator are
both off. ●
Keep hands, clothing and tools away from the moving fan and engine drive belt.●
Be careful not to touch the engine, power control unit, radiator, exhaust manifold, etc.
right after driving as they may be hot. Oil and other fluids may also be hot. ●
Do not leave anything that may burn easily, such as paper and rags, in the engine
compartment. ●
Do not smoke, cause sparks or expose an open flame to fuel. Fuel fumes are flamma-
ble. ■
When working near the electric cooling fans or radiator grille
Be sure the power switch is off.
With the power switch in ON mode, the electric cooling fans may automatically start to
run if the air conditioning is on and/or the coolant temperature is high. (  P. 4 8 0 )■
Safety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or fallin g material, fluid spray, etc. from getting in
your eyes.
NOTICE ■
If you remove the air cleaner filter
Driving with the air cleaner filter removed may cause excessive engine wear due to dirt
in the air. Items Pa r t s a n d t o o l s

5016-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
RX450h_U_OM0E013U Turn the power switch off.
Open the glove box. Slide off the
damper.
Push in the glove box on the vehi-
cle's outer side to disconnect the
claws. Then pull out the glove box
and disconnect the lower claws.
Remove the cover.Air conditioning filter The air conditioning filter must be changed regularly to maintain air condi-
tioning efficiency.
Removal method 1
2
3
4

502 6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
RX450h_U_OM0E013U Remove the filter cover.
Unlock the filter cover.
Move the filter cover in the direc-
tion of the arrow, and then pull it
out of the claws.
Remove the filter case. There may be foreign objects on top of
the air conditioning filter.
Remove the air conditioning filter
from the filter case and replace it
with a new one. The “  UP” marks shown on the filter
and the filter case should be pointing up.
■
Checking interval
Inspect and replace the air conditioning filt er according to the ma intenance schedule. In
dusty areas or areas with heavy traffic flow, early replacement may be required. (For
scheduled maintenance informat ion, please refer to the “Owner’s Manual Supplement”
or “Scheduled Maintenance”.) ■
If air flow from the vents decreases dramatically
The filter may be clogged. Check the filter and replace if necessary. ■
Air conditioning filter with deodorizing function
When fragrances are placed in your vehicle, the deodorizing effect may become signifi-
cantly weakened in a short period.
When an air conditioning odor comes out cont inuously, replace the air conditioning filter.5
1
2
6
7

5036-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
RX450h_U_OM0E013U NOTICE ■
When using the air conditioning system
Make sure that a filter is always installed.
Using the air conditioning system without a filter may cause damage to the system.■
To prevent damage to the filter cover
When moving the filter cover in the direction of
arrow to release the fitting, pay attention not to
apply excessive force to the claws. Otherwise,
the claws may be damaged.

574 7-2. Steps to take in an emergency
RX450h_U_OM0E013U ■
“Engine Coolant Temp High Stop in a Safe Place See Owner’s Manual” is
shown on the multi-information display
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and tu rn off the air conditioning system, and
then stop the hybrid system.
If you see steam: Carefully lift the hood after the steam subsides.
If you do not see steam: Carefully lift the hood.
After the hybrid system has
cooled down sufficiently, inspect
the hoses and radiator core (radi-
ator) for any leaks.
Radiator
Cooling fans If a large amount of coolant leaks,
immediately contact your Lexus
dealer.
The coolant level is satisfactory if
it is between the “FULL” and
“LOW” lines on the reservoir.
Reservoir
“FULL” line
“LOW” line
Radiator capIf your vehicle overheats The following may indicate that your vehicle is overheating. ●
The needle of the engine coolant temperature gauge (  P. 97) enters the
red zone, or a loss of hybrid system po wer is experienced. (For example, the
vehicle speed does not increase.) ●
“Engine Coolant Temp High Stop in a Safe Place See Owner’s Manual” or
“Hybrid System Overheated Reduced Output Power” is shown on the
multi-information display. ●
Steam comes out from under the hood.
Correction procedures 1
2
3
1
2
4
1
2
3
4

5757-2. Steps to take in an emergency
7
When trouble arises
RX450h_U_OM0E013U Add coolant if necessary. Water can be used in an emergency
if coolant is unavailable.
Start the hybrid system and turn the air conditioning system on to check
that the radiator cooling fans operate and to check for coolant leaks from
the radiator or hoses. The fans operate when the air conditioning system is turned on immediately after a
cold start. Confirm that the fans are op erating by checking the fan sound and air
flow. If it is difficult to check these, tu rn the air conditioning system on and off
repeatedly. (The fans may not operate in freezing temperatures.)
If the fans are not operating:
Stop the hybrid system immediatel y and contact your Lexus dealer.
If the fans are operating:
Have the vehicle inspected at the nearest Lexus dealer.
Check if “Engine Coolant Temp High Stop in a Safe Place See Owner’s
Manual” is shown on the multi-information display.
If the message does not disappear:
Stop the hybrid system and contact your Lexus dealer.
If the message is not displayed:
Have the vehicle inspected at the nearest Lexus dealer. 5
6
7
8

616 8-2. Customization
RX450h_U_OM0E013U ■
Driving mode select switch (  P. 377)
* :If equipped ■
Automatic air conditioning system (  P. 4 0 5 )
■
Seat heaters/seat ventilators (  P. 415, 416)Function Default setting Customized setting
Powertrain control in customized
mode
* Normal Po w e r
O —
Eco
Chassis control in customized
mode
* Normal Sport O —
Air conditioning operation in
customized mode
* Normal Eco O — 1 2
Function Default setting Customized setting
A/C auto switch operation On Off O O
Exhaust gas sensor sensitivity Standard -3 to 3 O O 1 2
Function Default setting Customized setting
Driver’s seat temperature prefer-
ence in automatic mode Standard -2 (cooler) to 2
(warmer) O O
Front passenger’s seat tempera-
ture preference in automatic
mode Standard -2 (cooler) to 2
(warmer) O O 1 2