tow LEXUS RX450h 2016 Owner's Guide

230 4-1. Before driving
RX450h_U_OM0E013UTrailer towing (vehicles without towing package) Lexus does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle. Lexus also does
not recommend the installation of a tow hitch or the use of a tow hitch carrier
for a wheelchair, scooter, bicycle, etc. Your vehicle is not designed for trailer
towing or for the use of tow hitch mounted carriers.

2314-1. Before driving
4
Driving
RX450h_U_OM0E013UDinghy towing Your vehicle is not designed to be ding hy towed (with 4 wheels on the ground)
behind a motor home.
NOTICE ■
To avoid serious damage to your vehicle
Do not tow your vehicle with the four wheels on the ground. ■
To prevent causing serious damage to the hybrid transmission and Hybrid AWD sys-
tem (AWD models)
2WD models: Never tow this vehicle from the
rear with the front wheels on the ground.
This may cause serious damage to the hybrid
transmission.
AWD models: Never tow this vehicle with any
of the wheels on the ground. This may cause
serious damage to the hybrid transmission and
AWD system.

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

252 4-3. Operating the lights and wipers
RX450h_U_OM0E013U With the headlights on, push the
lever away from you to turn on the
high beams. Pull the lever toward you to the center
position to turn the high beams off.
Pull the lever toward you and release
it to flash the high beams once. You can flash the high beams with the
headlights on or off.
AFS (Adaptive Front-lighting System) secure s excellent visibility at intersections
and on curves by automatically adjusting the direction of the light axis of the
headlights according to vehicle speed and the degree of the tire’s angle as con-
trolled by steering input. AFS operates at speeds of 6 mph (10 km/h) or higher.
●
When the steering wheel or turn signal lever is operated while the headlights
are on (low beam), a cornering light w ill turn on and light up the direction of
movement of the vehicle. The cornerin g lights are designed to ensure excel-
lent visibility when making a turn at an intersection.However, when vehicle speed is approximately 22 mph (35 km/h) or higher, the cor-
nering lights will not turn on.●
When the shift lever is in R while the headlights are on (low beam), both cor-
nering lights will turn on. This is desi gned to enhance visibility when parking.Turning on the high beam headlights 1
2
AFS (Adaptive Front-lighting System) (if equipped)
Cornering lights (if equipped)

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

2614-3. Operating the lights and wipers
4
Driving
RX450h_U_OM0E013U Washer/wiper dual operation The wipers will automatically operate a
couple of times after the washer squirts.
Vehicles with headlight cleaners:
When the power switch is in ON mode
and the headlights are on, if the lever is
pulled, the headlight cleaners will oper-
ate once. After this, the headlight clean-
ers will operate every 5th time the lever
is pulled. ■
The windshield wipers and washer can be operated when
The power switch is in ON mode. ■
Dripping prevention wiper sweep
After washing and wiping operation several times, the wipers operate one more time
after a short delay to prevent dripping. Howeve r, this function will not operate while driv-
ing. ■
Effects of vehicle speed on wiper operation
Vehicle speed affects the Intermittent wiper interval. ■
Raindrop sensor
●
If the wiper switch is turned to the “AUTO” position while the power switch is in ON
mode, the wipers will operate once to show that AUTO mode is activated.●
When the sensor sensitivity ri ng is turned toward high wh ile in “AUTO” position, the
wipers will operate once to indicate th at the sensor sensit ivity is enhanced.●
If the temperature of the raindrop sensor is 194  F (90  C) or higher, or 5  F (-15  C) or
lower, automatic operation may not occur. In this case, operate the wipers in any mode
other than AUTO mode. ■
If no windshield washer fluid sprays
Check that the washer nozzles are not blocked if there is washer fluid in the washer fluid
tank. 8
●
The raindrop sensor judges the amount of
raindrops.
An optical sensor is ad opted. It may not oper-
ate properly when sunlight from the rising or
setting of the sun intermittently strikes the
windshield, or if bugs, etc. are present on the
windshield.

282 4-5. Using the driving support systems
RX450h_U_OM0E013U WA R N I N G ■
When to disable the pre-collision system
In the following situations, disable the syst em, as it may not operate properly, possibly
leading to an accident resultin g in death or serious injury:●
When the vehicle is being towed ●
When your vehicle is towing another vehicle ●
When transporting the vehicle via truck, boat, train or similar means of transportation ●
When the vehicle is raised on a lift with the hybrid system on and the tires are allowed
to rotate freely ●
When inspecting the vehicle using a drum tester such as a chassis dynamometer or
speedometer tester, or when using an on vehicle wheel balancer ●
When a strong impact is app lied to the front bumper or front grille, due to an accident
or other reasons ●
If the vehicle cannot be driven in a stable manner, such as when the vehicle has been
in an accident or is malfunctioning ●
When the vehicle is driven in a sporty manner or off-road ●
When the tires are not properly inflated ●
When the tires are very worn ●
When tires of a size other than specified are installed●
When tire chains are installed ●
When a compact spare tire or an emergency tire puncture repair kit is used ●
If the suspensi on is modified●
If the front of the vehicle is raised or lowered, such as when loaded with heavy lug-
gage

288 4-5. Using the driving support systems
RX450h_U_OM0E013U • When rapidly closing on an electric toll gate barrier, parking area barrier, or other
barrier that opens and closes
• When using an automatic car wash
• When the vehicle is hit by water, snow, dust, etc. from a vehicle ahead
• When driving through steam or smoke
• When there are patterns or paint on the road or a wall that may be mistaken for a
vehicle or pedestrian
* 4
• When driving near an object that reflects radio waves, such as a large truck or
guardrail
• When driving near a TV tower, broadcasting station, electric power plant, or other
location where strong radio waves or electrical noise may be present
* 4
: Depending on the region in which the ve hicle was sold, the pedestrian detection
function may not be available.• When passing under an object (billboard,
etc.) at the top of an uphill road
• When driving through or under objects
that may contact the vehicle, such as thick
grass, tree branches, or a banner

2954-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
RX450h_U_OM0E013U WA R N I N G ■
Before using LKA system
Do not rely solely upon the LKA system. LKA is not a system which automatically
drives the vehicle or reduces the amount of attention that must be paid to the area in
front of the vehicle. The driver must always assume full responsibility for driving safely
by always paying careful attention to the surrounding conditions and operate the steer-
ing wheel to correct the path of the vehicle. Also, make sure to take adequate breaks
when fatigued, such as from driv ing for a long period of time.
Failure to perform appropriate driving operat ions and pay careful attention may lead to
an accident, resulting in death or serious injury. ■
To avoid operating LKA by mistake
When not using the LKA system, use the LKA switch to turn the system off. ■
Situations unsuitable for LKA
Do not use the LKA system in the following situations.
The system may not operate properly and le ad to an accident, resulting in death or
serious injury. ●
A spare tire, tire chains, etc., are equipped. ●
When the tires have been excessively worn, or when the tire inflation pressure is low. ●
Tires which differ by structure, manufa cturer, brand or tread pattern are used.●
Objects or patterns that could be mistaken for white (yellow) lines are present on the
side of the road (guardrails, curbs, reflective poles, etc.).●
Vehicle is driven on a snow-covered road. ●
White (yellow) lines are difficult to see due to rain, snow, fog, dust, etc. ●
Asphalt repair marks, white (y ellow) line marks, etc., are present due to road repair.●
Vehicle is driven in a temporary lane or restricted lane due to construction work. ●
Vehicle is driven on a road surface which is slippery due to rainy weather, fallen snow,
freezing, etc. ●
Vehicle is driven in traffic lanes other than on highways and freeways. ●
Vehicle is driven in a construction zone. ●
When your vehicle is towing a trailer or during emergency towing ■
Preventing LKA system malfunctions and operations performed by mistake●
Do not modify the headlights or place stickers, etc., on the surface of the lights. ●
Do not modify the suspension etc. If the suspension etc. needs to be replaced, con-
tact your Lexus dealer. ●
Do not install or place anything on the hood or grille. Also, do not install a grille guard
(bull bars, kangaroo bar, etc.). ●
If your windshield needs repair s, contact your Lexus dealer.

304 4-5. Using the driving support systems
RX450h_U_OM0E013U WA R N I N G ■
Before using LDA system
Do not rely solely upon the LDA system. LDA is not a system which automatically
drives the vehicle or reduces the amount of attention that must be paid to the area in
front of the vehicle. The driver must always assume full responsibility for driving safely
by always paying careful attention to the surrounding conditions and operate the steer-
ing wheel to correct the path of the vehicle. Also, make sure to take adequate breaks
when fatigued, such as from driv ing for a long period of time.
Failure to perform appropriate driving operat ions and pay careful attention may lead to
an accident, resulting in death or serious injury. ■
To avoid operating LDA by mistake
When not using the LDA system, use the LDA switch to turn the system off. ■
Situations unsuitable for LDA
Do not use the LDA system in the following situations.
The system may not operate properly and le ad to an accident, resulting in death or
serious injury. ●
A spare tire, tire chains, etc., are equipped. ●
When the tires have been excessively worn, or when the tire inflation pressure is low. ●
Tires which differ by structure, manufa cturer, brand or tread pattern are used.●
Objects or patterns that could be mistaken for white (yellow) lines are present on the
side of the road (guardrails, curbs, reflective poles, etc.).●
Vehicle is driven on a snow-covered road. ●
White (yellow) lines are difficult to see due to rain, snow, fog, dust, etc. ●
Asphalt repair marks, white (y ellow) line marks, etc., are present due to road repair.●
Vehicle is driven in a temporary lane or restricted lane due to construction work. ●
Vehicle is driven on a road surface which is slippery due to rainy weather, fallen snow,
freezing, etc. ●
Vehicle is driven in traffic lanes other than on highways and freeways. ●
Vehicle is driven in a construction zone. ●
When your vehicle is towing a trailer or during emergency towing ■
Preventing LDA system malfunctions and operations performed by mistake●
Do not modify the headlights or place stickers, etc., on the surface of the lights. ●
Do not modify the suspension etc. If the suspension etc. needs to be replaced, con-
tact your Lexus dealer. ●
Do not install or place anything on the hood or grille. Also, do not install a grille guard
(bull bars, kangaroo bar, etc.). ●
If your windshield needs repair s, contact your Lexus dealer.