ECO mode LEXUS RX450h 2016 Owner's Guide

2354-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
RX450h_U_OM0E013U ■
Steering lock
After turning the power switch off and opening and closing the doors, the steering wheel
will be locked due to the stee ring lock function. Operating the power switch again auto-
matically cancels the steering lock. ■
When the steering lock cannot be released
■
Steering lock motor overheating prevention
To prevent the steering lock motor from over heating, operation of the motor may be sus-
pended if the hybrid system is turned on and off repeatedly in a short period of time. In
this case, refrain from operating the hybrid system. After about 10 seconds, the steering
lock motor will resume functioning. ■
When “Access System with Elec. Key Malfunction See Owner’s Manual” is displayed
on the multi-information display
The system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer
immediately. ■
If the “READY” indicator does not come on
In the event that the “READY” indicator does not come on even after performing the
proper procedures for starting the vehicle, contact your Lexus dealer immediately. ■
If the hybrid system is malfunctioning
 P. 8 1 ■
If the electronic key battery is depleted
 P. 5 0 6 ■
Operation of the power switch ●
When operating the power switch, one short, firm press is enough. If the switch is
pressed improperly, the hybrid system may no t start or the power switch mode may not
change. It is not necessary to press and hold the switch. ●
If attempting to restart the hybrid system immediately after turning the power switch off,
the hybrid system may not start in some cases. After turning the power switch off,
please wait a few seconds before restarting the hybrid system.■
If the smart access system with push-butto n start has been deactivated by a customized
setting
 P. 5 6 4“Steering Wheel Lock Press Power Switch while
Turning Wheel” will be displayed on the multi-
information display.
Check that the shift lever is in P. Press the power
switch while turning the steering wheel left and
right.

236 4-2. Driving procedures
RX450h_U_OM0E013U WA R N I N G ■
When starting the hybrid system
Always start the hybrid system while sittin g in the driver’s seat. Do not depress the
accelerator pedal while starting the hy brid system under any circumstances.
Doing so may cause an accident resu lting in death or serious injury.■
Caution while driving
If hybrid system failure occurs while the vehicle is moving, do not lock or open the
doors until the vehicle reaches a safe and comp lete stop. Activation of the steering lock
in this circumstance may lead to an acci dent, resulting in death or serious injury.■
Stopping the hybrid system in an emergency
If you want to stop the hybrid system in an emergency while driving the vehicle, press
and hold the power switch for more than 2 se conds, or press it briefly 3 times or more
in succession. (  P. 5 2 9 )
However, do not touch the power switch whil e driving except in an emergency. Turning
the hybrid system off while driving will not cause loss of steering or braking control,
however, power assist to the steering will be lost. This will make it more difficult to steer
smoothly, so you should pull over and stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
NOTICE ■
To prevent 12-volt battery discharge ●
Do not leave the power switch in ACCESSORY or ON mode for long periods of
time without the hybrid system on. ●
If “ACCESSORY” or “IGNITION ON” is displayed on the meters while the hybrid
system is not operating, the power switch is not off. Exit the vehicle after turning the
power switch off. ●
Do not stop the hybrid system when the shift lever is in a position other than P. If the
hybrid system is stopped in another shift lever position, the power switch will not be
turned off but instead be turned to ACCESSORY mode. If the vehicle is left in
ACCESSORY mode, 12-volt battery discharge may occur. ■
When starting the hybrid system
If the hybrid system becomes difficult to start, have your vehicle checked by your Lexus
dealer immediately. ■
Symptoms indicating a malfunction with the power switch
If the power switch seems to be operating so mewhat differently than usual, such as the
switch sticking slightly, there may be a malf unction. Contact your Lexus dealer immedi-
ately.

238 4-2. Driving procedures
RX450h_U_OM0E013U ■
Switching to EV drive mode when the gasoline engine is cold
If the hybrid system is starte d while the gasoline engine is cold, the gasoline engine will
start automatically after a short period of time in order to warm up. In this case, you will
become unable to switch to EV drive mode.
After the hybrid system has started and the “READY” indicator has illuminated, press the
EV drive mode switch before the gasoline en gine starts to switch to EV drive mode.■
Automatic cancelation of EV drive mode
When driving in EV drive mode, the gasoline engine may automatically restart in the fol-
lowing situations. When EV drive mode is canceled, a buzzer will sound, the EV drive
mode indicator will go off after flashing, an d a message is displaye d on the multi-informa-
tion display. ●
The hybrid battery (traction battery) becomes low.
The remaining battery level indicated in the “Energy Monitor” display is low. (  P. 1 2 5 )●
Vehicle speed is high. ●
The accelerator pedal is depressed firm ly or the vehicle is on a hill, etc.■
Possible driving distance when driving in EV drive mode
EV drive mode’s possible driving distance ra nges from a few hundred meters to approxi-
mately 0.6 mile (1 km). However, dependin g on vehicle conditions, there are situations
when EV drive mode cannot be used. (The distance that is possible depends on the
hybrid battery [traction battery] level and driving conditions.)■
Fuel economy
The hybrid system is designed to achieve the best possible fuel economy during normal
driving (using the gasoline engine and electric motor [traction motor]). Driving in EV
drive mode more than necessary may lower fuel economy.
WA R N I N G ■
Caution while driving
When driving in EV drive mode no engine noise is made. As such, pedestrians, people
riding bicycles or other people and vehicles in the surrounding area may not be aware
of the vehicle starting off or approaching them. Therefore, take extra care while driving
even if the vehicle proximity notification system is active.

242 4-2. Driving procedures
RX450h_U_OM0E013U ■
When the “-” paddle shift switch is operated with the shift lever in the D position (vehi-
cles with paddle shift switches)
The shift range is downshifted to a range that enables engine braking force that is suit-
able to driving conditions. ■
Automatic deactivation of shift range select ion in the D position (vehicles with paddle
shift switches)
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 position other than D ■
S mode ●
When the shift range is S4 or lower, holdin g the shift lever toward “+” sets the shift
range to S6. ●
Automatically selects a higher shift range before the engine speed becomes too high. ■
Downshifting restriction warning buzzer
To help ensure safety and driving performa nce, downshifting operation may sometimes
be restricted. In some circumstances, downshifting may not be possible even when the
shift lever or paddle shift switch (if equipped ) is operated. (A buzzer will sound twice.)■
When driving with cruise control, dynamic radar cruise control or dynamic radar
cruise control with full -speed range activated
Even when performing the following actions with the intent of enabling engine braking,
engine braking will not activate because cruise control, dynamic radar cruise control or
dynamic radar cruise control with full-speed range will not be canceled.●
Vehicles without paddle shift switches: While driving in S mode, downshifting to 5 or 4.
(  P. 311, 323, 335) ●
Vehicles with paddle shift switches: While dr iving in D or S mode, downshifting to 5 or
4. (  P. 311, 323, 335)●
When switching the driving mode to sp ort mode while driving in D position.
(  P. 377)■
Restraining sudden start (Drive-Start Control)
When the following unusual operation is pe rformed, the hybrid system output may be
restrained. ●
When the shift lever is shifted from R to D, D to R, N to R, P to D, or P to R (D includes S)
with the accelerator pedal depressed, a wa rning message appears on the multi-infor-
mation display. If a warning message is show n on the multi-information display, read the
message and follow the instructions.●
When the accelerator pedal is depresse d too while the vehicle is in reverse.■
If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P
 P. 5 6 3

2474-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
RX450h_U_OM0E013U ■
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 parking brake lamp ●
Depending on the power switch mode, the parking brake indicator light and parking
brake lamp will turn on and stay on as described below:
ON mode: Comes on until the parking brake is released.
Not in ON mode: Stays on for approximately 15 seconds. ●
When the power switch is turned off with th e parking brake set, the parking brake indi-
cator light and parking brake lamp will stay on for about 15 seconds. This does not indi-
cate 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 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-information
display, read the message and follow the instructions.■
If the brake system warning light comes on
 P. 5 3 6 ■
Usage in winter time
 P. 3 9 1

2534-3. Operating the lights and wipers
4
Driving
RX450h_U_OM0E013U ■
Daytime running light system ●
To make your vehicle more visible to other drivers during daytime driving, the daytime
running lights turn on automatically whenever the hybrid system is started and the park-
ing brake is released with the headligh t switch in (Canada only) or posi-
tion. (Illuminate brighter than the par king lights.) Daytime running lights are not
designed for use at night.
For the U.S.A.: Daytime running lights can be turned off by operating the headlight
switch to position. ●
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. ■
Cornering lights (if equipped)
When the cornering lights are on for more th an 30 minutes, they will turn off automati-
cally. ■
Headlight control sensor
■
Automatic light off system ●
When the headlights come on: The headlights and tail lights turn off 30 seconds after a
door is opened and closed if the power switch is turned to ACCESSORY mode or
turned off. (The lights turn off immediately if on the key is pressed after all the doors
are locked.) ●
When only the tail lights come on: The tail lights turn off automatically if the power
switch is turned to ACCESSORY mode or turned off and the driver’s door is opened.
To turn the lights on again, turn the power switch to ON mode, or turn the light switch off
once and then back to or . ■
Automatic headlight leveling system (if equipped)
The level of the headlights is automatically ad justed according to the number of passen-
gers and the loading condition of the vehicle to ensure that the headlights do not inter-
fere with other road users. ■
Light reminder buzzer
A buzzer sounds when the power switch is turned off or turned to ACCESSORY mode
and the driver’s door is opened while the lights are turned on. ■
We l c o m e l i g h t i n g
If the headlight switch is turned to and the surrounding area is dark, unlocking the
doors using the smart access system with pu sh-button start or wireless remote control
will turn the parking lights and tail lights on automatically.The sensor may not function properly if an
object is placed on the sensor, or anything that
blocks the sensor is affixed to the windshield.
Doing so interferes with the sensor detecting
the level of ambient light and may cause the
automatic headlight system to malfunction.

254 4-3. Operating the lights and wipers
RX450h_U_OM0E013U ■
Windshield wiper linked headlight illumination
When driving during daytime with the headlight switch tu rned to , if the windshield
wipers are used, the headlight s will turn on automatically after several seconds to help
enhance the visibility of your vehicle. ■
12-volt battery-saving function
In order to prevent the 12-volt battery of the vehicle from discharging, if the headlights
and/or tail lights are on when the power swit ch is turned off the 12-volt battery saving
function will operate and automatically turn off all the lights after approximately 20 min-
utes. When the power switch is turned to ON mode, the 12-volt battery-saving function
will be disabled.
When any of the following are performed, the 12-volt battery-saving function is canceled
once and then reactivated. All the lights w ill turn off automatically 20 minutes after the
12-volt battery-saving function has been reactivated: ●
When the headlight switch is operated ●
When a door is opened or closed ■
Customization
Some functions can be customized. (  P. 6 0 7 )
NOTICE ■
To prevent 12-volt battery discharge
Do not leave the lights on longer than necessary when the hybrid system is off.

258 4-3. Operating the lights and wipers
RX450h_U_OM0E013U ●
In the following situations the system may not be able to correctly detect the surround-
ing brightness level. This may cause the lo w beams to remain on or the high beams to
flash or dazzle pedestrians or vehicles ahead. In such a case, it is necessary to manually
switch between the high and low beams.
• When driving in inclement weather (hea vy rain, snow, fog, sandstorms, etc.)
• When the windshield is obscured by fog, mist, ice, dirt, etc.
• When the windshield is cracked or damaged
• When the camera sensor is deformed or dirty
• When the temperature of the camera sensor is extremely high
• When the surrounding brightness level is equa l to that of headlights, tail lights or fog
lights
• When headlights or tail lights of vehicles ah ead are turned off, dirty, changing color,
or not aimed properly
• When the vehicle is hit by water, snow, dust, etc. from a preceding vehicle
• When driving through an area of intermit tently changing brightness and darkness
• When frequently and repeatedly driving ascending/descending roads, or roads with
rough, bumpy or uneven surfaces (such as stone-paved roads, gravel roads, etc.)
•When frequently and repe atedly taking curves or driving on a winding road
• When there is a highly reflective object ahead of the vehicle, such as a sign or mirror
• When the back of a preceding vehicle is hi ghly reflective, such as a container on a
truck
• When the vehicle’s headlights are damaged or dirty, or are not aimed properly
• When the vehicle is listing or titling due to a flat tire, a trailer being towed, etc.
• When the headlights are changed between the high beams and low beams repeat-
edly in an abnormal manner
• When the driver believes that the high beams may be flashing or dazzling pedestri-
ans or other drivers■
Temporarily lowering sensor sensitivity
The sensitivity of the sensor can be temporarily lowered.
Turn the power switch off while the following conditions are met.
• The headlight switch is in or .
• The headlight switch lever is in high beam position.
• Automatic High Beam switch is on.
Turn the power switch to ON mode.
Within 30 seconds after , re peat pulling the headlight sw itch lever to the original
position then pushing it to the high beam po sition quickly 10 times, then leave the lever
in high beam position.
If the sensitivity is changed, the Automatic High Beam indicator is turn on and off 3
times.
Automatic High Beam (headlights) may turn on even the vehicle is stopped.1
2
3 2
4

262 4-3. Operating the lights and wipers
RX450h_U_OM0E013U ■
Front door opening linked windshield wiper stop function
When “AUTO” is selected and the windshield wipers are operating, if a front door is
opened, the operation of the windshield wipe rs will be stopped to prevent anyone near
the vehicle from being sprayed by water from the wipers, provided the vehicle is stopped
with the parking brake applied or the shift lever in P. When th e front door is closed, wiper
operation will resume. ■
Customization
Some functions can be customized. (  P. 6 0 7 )
WA R N I N G ■
Caution regarding the use of windshield wipers in AUTO mode
The windshield wipers may operate unexpectedly if the sensor is touched or the wind-
shield is subject to vibration in AUTO mode. Take care that your fingers, etc. do not
become caught in the windshield wipers. ■
Caution regarding the use of washer fluid
When it is cold, do not use the washer fluid until the windshield becomes warm. The
fluid may freeze on the windshield and cause lo w visibility. This may lead to an accident,
resulting in death or serious injury.
NOTICE ■
When the windshield is dry
Do not use the wipers, as they may damage the windshield. ■
When the washer fluid tank is empty
Do not operate the switch continually as the washer fluid pump may overheat. ■
When a nozzle becomes blocked
In this case, contact your Lexus dealer.
Do not try to clear it with a pin or other object. The nozzle will be damaged.

266 4-3. Operating the lights and wipers
RX450h_U_OM0E013U ■
The rear window wiper and washer can be operated when
The power switch is in ON mode. ■
If no washer fluid sprays
Check that the washer nozzle is not blocked if there is washer fluid in the washer fluid
tank.
NOTICE ■
When the rear window is dry
Do not use the wiper, as it may damage the rear window. ■
When the washer fluid tank is empty
Do not operate the switch continually as the washer fluid pump may overheat. ■
When a nozzle becomes blocked
In this case, contact your Lexus dealer.
Do not try to clear it with a pin or other object. The nozzle will be damaged.