battery LEXUS RX450h 2016 Owner's Guide

2374-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
RX450h_U_OM0E013U Turns EV drive mode on/off When EV drive mode is turned on, the
EV drive mode indicator will come on.
Pressing the switch when in EV drive
mode will return the vehicle to normal
driving (using the gasoline engine and
electric motor [traction motor]). ■
Situations in which EV drive mode cannot be turned on
It may not be possible to turn EV drive mode on in the following situations. If it cannot be
turned on, a buzzer will sound and a message will be shown on the multi-information dis-
play. ●
The temperature of the hybrid system is high.
The vehicle has been left in the sun, driven on a hill, driven at high speeds, etc. ●
The temperature of the hybrid system is low.
The vehicle has been left in temperatures lower than about 32  F (0  C) for a long
period of time, etc. ●
The gasoline engine is warming up. ●
The hybrid battery (traction battery) is 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.●
The windshield defogger is in use.EV drive mode In EV drive mode, electric power is su pplied by the hybrid battery (traction
battery), and only the electric motor (tra ction motor) is used to drive the vehi-
cle.
This mode allows you to drive in residential areas early in the morning and late
at night, or in indoor parking lots, etc., without concern for noises and gas
emissions.
However, when the vehicle proximity noti fication system is active, the vehicle
may produce sound.

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.

2434-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
RX450h_U_OM0E013U WA R N I N G ■
When driving on slippery road surfaces
Be careful of downshifting and sudden accele ration, as this could result in the vehicle
skidding to the side or spinning.
NOTICE ■
Hybrid battery (traction battery) charge
If the shift lever is in N, the hybrid batter y (traction battery) will not be charged even
when the engine is running. Therefore, if the ve hicle is left with the shift lever in N for a
long period of time, the hybrid battery (tr action battery) will discharge, and this may
result in the vehicle not being able to start.

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.

284 4-5. Using the driving support systems
RX450h_U_OM0E013U ■
Operational conditions
Availability of the pedestrian detection function and pre-collision braking function
depend on the region in which the vehicle was sold.
Read the following for details: 
Region A
(The pedestrian detection fu nction and pre-collision braking function are available)
The pre-collision system is enabled and the sy stem determines that the possibility of a
frontal collision with a vehicle or pedestrian is high.
Each function is operationa l at the following speeds:●
Pre-collision warning:
• Vehicle speed is approximately 7 mph (1 0 km/h) or more. (For detecting a pedes-
trian, vehicle speed is between approxim ately 7 and 50 mph [10 and 80 km/h].)
• The relative speed between your vehicl e and the vehicle or pedestrian ahead is
approximately 7 mph (10 km/h) or more. ●
Pre-collision brake assist:
• Vehicle speed is approximately 19 mph (3 0 km/h) or more. (For detecting a pedes-
trian, vehicle speed is between approxim ately 19 and 50 mph [30 and 80 km/h].)
• The relative speed between your vehicl e and the vehicle or pedestrian ahead is
approximately 19 mph (30 km/h) or more. ●
Pre-collision braking:
• Vehicle speed is approximately 7 mph (1 0 km/h) or more. (For detecting a pedes-
trian, vehicle speed is between approxim ately 7 and 50 mph [10 and 80 km/h].)
• The relative speed between your vehicl e and the vehicle or pedestrian ahead is
approximately 7 mph (10 km/h) or more.
The system may not operate in the following situations: ●
If a 12-volt battery terminal has been disconnected and reconnected and then the vehi-
cle has not been driven for a certain amount of time ●
If the shift lever is in R ●
If VSC is disabled (only the pre-collision warning function will be operational) ●
If the PCS warning light is flashing or illuminated Regions Function availability
Region A The pedestrian detection function and pre-collision braking
function are available
Region B The pedestrian detection function is not available and the pre-
collision braking function is available
Region C The pedestrian detection function and pre-collision braking
function are not available

2854-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
RX450h_U_OM0E013U 
Region B
(The pedestrian detection fu nction is not available and the pre-collision braking func-
tion is available)
The pre-collision system is enabled and the sy stem determines that the possibility of a
frontal collision with a vehicle is high.
Each function is operationa l at the following speeds:●
Pre-collision warning:
• Vehicle speed is approximately 10 mph (15 km/h) or more.
• The relative speed between your vehicl e and the vehicle or pedestrian ahead is
approximately 7 mph (10 km/h) or more. ●
Pre-collision brake assist:
• Vehicle speed is approximately 19 mph (30 km/h) or more.
• The relative speed between your vehicl e and the vehicle or pedestrian ahead is
approximately 19 mph (30 km/h) or more. ●
Pre-collision braking:
• Vehicle speed is approximately 10 mph (15 km/h) or more.
• The relative speed between your vehicl e and the vehicle or pedestrian ahead is
approximately 7 mph (10 km/h) or more.
The system may not operate in the following situations: ●
If a 12-volt battery terminal has been disconnected and reconnected and then the vehi-
cle has not been driven for a certain amount of time ●
If the shift lever is in R ●
If VSC is disabled (only the pre-collision warning function will be operational) ●
If the PCS warning light is flashing or illuminated 
Region C
(The pedestrian detection function and pr e-collision braking function are not avail-
able)
The pre-collision system is enabled and the sy stem determines that the possibility of a
frontal collision with a vehicle is high.
Each function is operationa l at the following speeds:●
Pre-collision warning:
• Vehicle speed is approximately 10 mph (15 km/h) or more.
• The relative speed between your vehicl e and the vehicle or pedestrian ahead is
approximately 7 mph (10 km/h) or more. ●
Pre-collision brake assist:
• Vehicle speed is approximately 19 mph (30 km/h) or more.
• The relative speed between your vehicl e and the vehicle or pedestrian ahead is
approximately 19 mph (30 km/h) or more.
The system may not operate in the following situations: ●
If a 12-volt battery terminal has been disconnected and reconnected and then the vehi-
cle has not been driven for a certain amount of time ●
If the shift lever is in R ●
If VSC is disabled (only the pre-collision warning function will be operational) ●
If the PCS warning light is flashing or illuminated

360 4-5. Using the driving support systems
RX450h_U_OM0E013U  The estimated course lines move even though the steering wheel is straight
There is a malfunction in the signals being
output by the steering sensor. Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus
dealer.
 Guide lines are not displayed
The back door is open. Close the back door.
If this does not resolve the symptom, have
the vehicle inspected by your Lexus
dealer.
 The estimated course lines are not displayed
• The steering wheel has been moved
while the 12-volt battery was being
reinstalled.
• 12-volt battery power is low.
• The steering sensor has been rein-
stalled.
• There is a malfunction in the signals
being output by the steering sensor. Stop the vehicle, and turn the steering
wheel as far as it will go to the left and
right.
If this does not resolve the symptom, have
the vehicle inspected by your Lexus
dealer.Likely cause Solution

387
4
Driving
RX450h_U_OM0E013U 4-6. Driving tips
◆ Using Eco drive mode
When using Eco drive mode, the torq ue corresponding to the accelerator
pedal depression amount can be generate d more smoothly than it is in normal
conditions. In addition, the operation of the air conditioning system (heat-
ing/cooling) will be minimized, improving the fuel economy. (  P. 3 7 7 )
◆ Use of Hybrid System Indicator
The Eco-friendly driving is possible by keeping the indicator needle (except F
SPORT models) or bar display (F SPOR T models) of Hybrid System Indicator
within Eco area. (  P. 100)
◆ Shift lever operation
Shift the shift lever to D when stopped at a traffic light, or driving in heavy traf-
fic, etc. Shift the shift lever to P when parking. When using the N, there is no
positive effect on fuel consumption. In the N, the gasoline engine operates but
electricity cannot be generated. Also, wh en using the air conditioning system,
etc., the hybrid battery (traction battery) power is consumed.
◆ Accelerator pedal/brake pedal operation ●
Drive your vehicle smoothly. Avoid ab rupt acceleration and deceleration.
Gradual acceleration and deceleration will make more effective use of the
electric motor (traction motor) wi thout having to use gasoline engine
power. ●
Avoid repeated acceleration. Repeated acceleration consumes hybrid bat-
tery (traction battery) power, resulting in poor fuel consumption. Battery
power can be restored by driving with the accelerator pedal slightly
released.
◆ When braking
Make sure to operate the brakes gently and in a timely manner. A greater
amount of electrical energy can be regenerated when slowing down.Hybrid vehicle driving tips For economical and ecological driving, pay attention to the following points:

390 4-6. Driving tips
RX450h_U_OM0E013U ●
Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside temperatures.
•Engine oil
• Engine/power control unit coolant
• Washer fluid ●
Have a service technician inspect the condition of the 12-volt battery. ●
Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set of tire chains for
the front tires. Ensure that all tires are of the specified size and the same brand, and that chains
match the size of the tires.
Perform the following according to the driving conditions: ●
Do not try to forcibly open a window or move a wiper that is frozen. Pour
warm water over the frozen area to melt the ice. Wipe away the water imme-
diately to prevent it from freezing. ●
To ensure proper operation of the climate control system fan, remove any
snow that has accumulated on the air inlet vents in front of the windshield. ●
Check for and remove any excess 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.Winter driving tips Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving the vehi-
cle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropriate to the prevail-
ing weather conditions.
Pre-winter preparations
Before driving the vehicle

396 4-6. Driving tips
RX450h_U_OM0E013U WA R N I N G ■
Off-road driving precautions
Always observe the following precautions to minimize the risk of death, serious injury
or damage to your vehicle: ●
Drive carefully when off the road. Do not ta ke unnecessary risks by driving in danger-
ous places. ●
Do not grip the steering wheel spokes when driving off-road. A bad bump could jerk
the wheel and injure your hands. Keep both hands and especially your thumbs on the
outside of the rim. ●
Always check your brakes for effectivenes s immediately after driving in sand, mud,
water or snow. ●
After driving through tall grass, mud, rock, sand, rivers, etc., check that there is no
grass, bush, paper, rags, stone, sand, etc. adhering or trapped on the underbody.
Clear off any such matter from the underbody. If the vehicle is used with these materi-
als trapped or adhering to the underb ody, a breakdown or fire could occur.●
When driving off-road or in rugged terrai n, do not drive at excessive speeds, jump,
make sharp turns, strike objects, etc. This may cause loss of control or vehicle rollover
causing death or serious injury. You are also risking expensive damage to your vehi-
cle’s suspension and chassis.
NOTICE ■
To prevent water damage
Take all necessary safety measures to ensure that water damage to the hybrid battery
(traction battery), 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 (traction battery)
stowed under the rear seats to short circuit. ●
Water entering the hybrid transmission and rear electric motor (traction motor)
(AWD models only) will cause deterioration in transmission qua lity. The malfunction
indicator may come on, and the vehicle may not be drivable. ●
Water can wash the grease from wheel be arings, causing rusting and premature fail-
ure, and may also enter the hybrid transmission case, reducing the gear oil’s lubricat-
ing 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 efficiency
and may damage brake system components. ●
Always perform a maintenance inspection after each day of off-road driving that has
taken you through rough terr ain, sand, mud, or water. For scheduled maintenance
information, refer to the “Warranty and Services Guide/Owner’s Manual Supple-
ment/Scheduled Maintenance”.