suspension LEXUS RX450H 2016 User Guide

3794-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
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Eco drive mode
Helps the driver accelerate in an eco-friendly manner and improve fuel econ-
omy through moderate throttle charact eristics and by controlling the opera-
tion of the air conditioning system (heating/cooling).
When not in Eco drive mode, if the driving mode select switch is turned to the left, the
Eco drive mode indicator will come on.
Sport mode
•SPORT S mode
Controls the hybrid system to provide quick, powerful acceleration. This
mode is suitable for when agile drivin g response is desired, such as when
driving on roads with many curves.
When not in SPORT S mode, if the driving mode select switch is turned to the
right, the “SPORT S” indicator will come on.
•SPORT S+ mode
Helps to ensure steering performanc e and driving stability by simultane-
ously controlling the steering and suspension in addition to the hybrid sys-
tem. Suitable for sportier driving.
When in SPORT S mode, if the driving mode select switch is turned to the right,
the “SPORT S+” indicator will come on.
FunctionSetting
Powertrain
Normal
Power
Eco
ChassisNormal
Sport
Air conditioning systemNormal
Eco
2
3

3824-5. Using the driving support systems
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◆E-Four (AWD models)
Electronic On-Demand AWD system. Automatically switches from front-
wheel drive to all-wheel drive (AWD) according to the driving conditions,
helping to ensure reliable handling and st ability. Examples of conditions where
the system will switch to AWD are when cornering, going uphill, starting off or
accelerating, and when the road surface is slippery due to snow, rain, etc.
◆Adaptive Variable Suspension System (if equipped)
Controls the damping force of the shock absorber of each wheel according to
the road and driving conditions, helpin g achieve a comfortable ride, excellent
driveability and a high level of stability.
If SPORT S+ mode is selected using the driving mode select switch, the
damping force will become more su itable for sporty driving. (P. 378)
◆VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management)
Provides integrated control of the ABS, brake assist, TRAC, VSC, hill-start
assist control, and EPS systems
Helps to maintain vehicle stability when swerving on slippery road surfaces by
controlling the brakes and hybrid system output
◆Trailer Sway Control
Helps the driver to control trailer sway by selectively applying brake pressure
for individual wheels and reducing dr iving torque when trailer sway is
detected.
Trailer Sway Control is part of the VSC system and will not operate if VSC
turned off or experiences a malfunction.

3864-5. Using the driving support systems
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WARNING
■Hill-start assist control does not operate effectively when
●Do not overly rely on the hill-start assist control. The hill-start assist control may not
operate effectively on steep inclines and roads covered with ice.
●Unlike the parking brake, hill-start assist control is not intended to hold the vehicle
stationary for an exte nded period of time. Do not atte mpt to use hill-start assist con-
trol to hold the vehicle on an incline, as doing so may lead to an accident.
■When the VSC/Trailer Sway Control is activated
The slip indicator light flashes. Always drive carefully. Reckless driving may cause an
accident. Exercise particular care when the indicator light flashes.
■When the TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Control systems are turned off
Be especially careful and drive at a speed appropriate to the road conditions. As these
are the systems to help ensure vehicle stability and driving force, do not turn the
TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Control systems off unless necessary.
■Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the specified size, brand, tread pattern and total load
capacity. In addition, make sure that the tire s are inflated to the recommended tire infla-
tion pressure level.
The ABS, TRAC, VSC and Trailer Sway Contro l systems will not function correctly if
different tires are installed on the vehicle.
Contact your Lexus dealer for further information when replacing tires or wheels.
■Handling of tires and the suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modi fying the suspension will affect the driving
assist systems, and may cause a system to malfunction.
■Trailer Sway Control precaution
The Trailer Sway Control system is not able to reduce trailer sway in all situations.
Depending on many factors such as the condit ions of the vehicle, trailer, road surface,
and driving environment, the Trailer Sway Control system may not be effective. Refer to
your trailer owner’s manual for information on how to tow your trailer properly.
■If trailer sway occurs
Observe the following precautions.
Failing to do so may cause death or serious injury.
●Firmly grip the steering wh eel. Steer straight ahead.
Do not try to control trailer sway ing by turning the steering wheel.
●Begin releasing the accelerator pedal immediately but very gradually to reduce
speed.
Do not increase speed. Do not apply vehicle brakes.
If you make no extreme correction with the steering or brakes, your vehicle and trailer
should stabilize. ( P. 227)

3964-6. Driving tips
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WARNING
■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 effectiveness 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 underbody, a breakdown or fire could occur.
●When driving off-road or in rugged terrain , do not drive at excessive speeds, jump,
make sharp turns, strike obje cts, 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 quality. 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 transmissi on case, reducing the gear oil’s lubricat-
ing qualities.
■When you drive through water
If driving through water, such as when cro ssing 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 afte r each day of off-road driving that has
taken you through rough terrain, sand, mud, or water. For scheduled maintenance
information, refer to the “Warranty and Services Guide/Owner’s Manual Supple-
ment/Scheduled Maintenance”.

4616-1. Maintenance and care
6
Maintenance and care
RX450h_U_OM0E013U
NOTICE
■To prevent paint deterioration and corrosion on the body and components (aluminum
wheels etc.)
●Wash the vehicle immediately in the following cases:
• After driving near the sea coast
• After driving on salted roads
• If coal tar or tree sap is present on the paint surface
• If dead insects, insect droppings or bird droppings are present on the paint surface
• After driving in an area contaminated wi th soot, oily smoke, mine dust, iron pow-
der or chemical substances
• If the vehicle becomes heavily soiled with dust or mud
• If liquids such as benzene and gasoli ne are spilled on the paint surface
●If the paint is chipped or scratched, have it repaired immediately.
●To prevent the wheels from corroding, remove any dirt and store in a place with low
humidity when storing the wheels.
■Cleaning the exterior lights
●Wash carefully. Do not use organic subs tances or scrub with a hard brush.
This may damage the surfaces of the lights.
●Do not apply wax to the surfaces of the lights.
Wax may cause damage to the lenses.
■When using an automatic car wash
Set the wiper switch to the off position.
If the wiper switch is in “AUTO”, the wipers may operate and the wiper blades may be
damaged.
■When using a high pressure car wash
●When washing the vehicle, do not let water of the high pressure washer hit directly or
the vicinity of the camera. Due to the shock from the high pressure water, it is possible
the device may not operate as normal.
●Do not bring the nozzle tip close to boots (rubber or resin manufactured cover), con-
nectors or the following parts. The parts may be damaged if they come into contact
with high-pressure water.
• Traction related parts
• Steering parts
• Suspension parts
• Brake parts
●Do not point the nozzle of a high pressure
washer at the areas sh own in the illustration,
as high pressure water may damage the oil
cooler.

5347-2. Steps to take in an emergency
RX450h_U_OM0E013U
NOTICE
■To prevent damage to the vehicle when towing using a wheel-lift type truck
●Do not tow the vehicle from the rear when the power switch is off. The steering lock
mechanism is not strong enough to hold the front wheels straight.
●When raising the vehicle, ensure adequate ground cleara nce for towing at the oppo-
site end of the raised vehicle. Without ad equate clearance, the vehicle could be dam-
aged while being towed.
■To prevent damage to the vehicle when towing with a sling-type truck
Do not tow with a sling-type truck, either from the front or rear.
■To prevent damage to the vehicle during emergency towing
Do not secure cables or chains to the suspension components.
■Recreational towing (behind motor home, etc)
Never dinghy tow your vehicle to prevent caus-ing serious damage to the Hybrid AWD system
(AWD models) and transmission. ( P. 231)

5357-2. Steps to take in an emergency
7
When trouble arises
RX450h_U_OM0E013U
●Fluid leaks under the vehicle
(Water dripping from the air conditioning after use is normal.)
●Flat-looking tires or uneven tire wear
●Engine coolant temperature gauge needle continually points higher than nor-
mal
●Changes in exhaust sound
●Excessive tire squeal when cornering
●Strange noises related to the suspension system
●Pinging or other noises related to the hybrid system
●Engine missing, stumbling or running roughly
●Appreciable loss of power
●Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when braking
●Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when driving on a level road
●Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling, pedal almost touches the floor
If you think something is wrong
If you notice any of the following symptoms, your vehicle probably needs
adjustment or repair. Contact your Lexus dealer as soon as possible.
Visible symptoms
Audible symptoms
Operational symptoms

5597-2. Steps to take in an emergency
7
When trouble arises
RX450h_U_OM0E013U
WARNING
■When using the compact spare tire
●Remember that the compact spare tire provided is specifically designed for use with
your vehicle. Do not use your compact spare tire on another vehicle.
●Do not use more than one compact spare tire simultaneously.
●Replace the compact spare tire with a standard tire as soon as possible.
●Avoid sudden acceleration, abrupt steering, sudden braking and shifting operations
that cause sudden engine braking.
■When the compact spare tire is attached
The vehicle speed may not be correctly detected, and the following systems may not
operate correctly:
Also, not only can the following system not be utilized fully, but it may even negatively
affect the drive-train components:
• E-Four (AWD models)
■Speed limit when using the compact spare tire
Do not drive at speeds in excess of 50 mph (80 km/h) when a compact spare tire is
installed on the vehicle.
The compact spare tire is not designed for driving at high speeds. Failure to observe
this precaution may lead to an accident causing death or serious injury.
■After using the tools and jack
Before driving, make sure all the tools and jack are securely in place in their storage
location to reduce the possibility of personal injury during a collision or sudden brak-
ing.
• ABS & Brake assist
• VSC
• TRAC
• EPS
• Trailer Sway Control
• VDIM
• Adaptive Variable Suspension System (if equipped)
• Cruise control (if equipped)
• Dynamic radar cruise control (if equipped)
• Dynamic radar cruise control with full- speed range (if equipped)
• PCS (Pre-Collision System) (if equipped)
• LDA (Lane Departure Alert with
steering control) (if equippedF
• LKA (Lane-Keeping Assist) (if
equipped)
• Automatic High Beam (if equipped)
• AFS (Adaptive Front-lighting System) (if equipped)
• Tire pressure warning system
• Intuitive parking assist
• Lexus parking assist monitor (if equipped)
• Panoramic view monitor (if equipped)
• BSM (Blind Spot Monitor)
• Navigation system

631
9
For owners
RX450h_U_OM0E013U
AVERTISSEMENT
■Précautions relatives aux coussins gonflables SRS
●Si vous avez des difficultés à respirer après le déploiement des coussins gonflables
SRS, ouvrez une porte ou une vitre pour faire entrer de l'air frais, ou bien descendez
du véhicule si cela ne présente pas de danger. Essuyez tout résidu dès que possible
afin d'éviter d'éventuelles irritations de la peau.
●Si les parties renferma nt les coussins gonflables SRS, comme les garnitures du volant
et des montants avant et arrière, sont endommagées ou craquelées, faites-les rem-
placer par votre concessionnaire Lexus.
●Ne placez rien sur le siège du passager avant, comme un coussin par exemple. Cela
a pour conséquence de répartir le poids du passager sur toute la surface du siège, ce
qui empêche le capteur de détecter correctement le poids du passager. En consé-
quence, les coussins gonflables frontaux SR S du passager avant risquent de ne pas se
déployer en cas de collision.
■Modification et mise au rebut des compos ants du système de coussins gonflables
SRS
Ne mettez pas votre véhicule au rebut et ne procédez à aucune des modifications sui-
vantes sans consulter votre concessionna ire Lexus. Les coussins gonflables SRS
peuvent ne pas fonctionner correctement ou se déployer (se gonfler) accidentelle-
ment, provoquant la mort ou de graves blessures.
●Installation, dépose, démontage et réparation des coussins gonflables SRS
●Réparations, modifications, démontage ou remplacement du volant, du tableau de
bord, des sièges ou de leur garnissage, des montants avant, latéraux et arrière, des
rails latéraux de toit, des pa nneaux de porte avant, de la garniture de porte avant ou
des haut-parleurs de porte avant
●Modifications du panneau de porte avant (p ar exemple, perçage d'un trou dans le
panneau)
●Réparations ou modifications des ailes avan t, du pare-chocs avant ou des flancs de
l'habitacle
●Installation d'un protège-calandre (pare- buffle, pare-kangourou, etc.), de chasse-
neige, de treuils ou d'un porte-bagages de toit
●Modifications du système de suspension du véhicule
●Installation d'appareils él ectroniques tels que les ém etteurs/récepteurs radios
mobiles et les lecteurs CD
●Modifications de votre véhicule pour une personne atteinte d'un handicap physique

640
RX450h_U_OM0E013UAlphabetical index
Alphabetical index
A/C ............................................................ 405
Air conditioning filter......................... 501
Automatic air conditioning system ................................................. 405
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)........ 381 Warning light .......................................537
Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) ...................................................... 252
Adaptive Variable Suspension System ................................................... 382
AFS (Adaptive Front-lighting System) .................................................. 252
Air conditioning filter ........................... 501
Air conditioning system ..................... 405 Air conditioning filter......................... 501
Automatic air conditioning system ................................................. 405
S-FLOW mode ................................. 406 Airbags ........................................................ 38
Airbag operating conditions .......... 46
Airbag precautions for your child............................................................ 41
Airbag warning light ........................536
Correct driving posture .................... 30
Curtain shield airbag operating conditions ....................... 46
Curtain shield airbag precautions .......................................... 44
Front passenger occupant classification system........................... 51
General airbag precautions ............. 41
Locations of airbags............................ 38
Modification and disposal of airbags .................................................... 45
Seat cushion airbag ............................. 38
Side airbag operating conditions ............................................. 46
Side airbag precautions ...................... 41
Side and curtain shield airbags operating conditions ....................... 46
Side and curtain shield airbags precautions ............................................ 41
SRS airbag instructions for Canadian owners ................... 624
SRS airbags ............................................. 38
Alarm ............................................................87
A