transmission LEXUS RX450H 2016 Owners Manual

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3-5. Opening, closing the windows and
moon roof
Power windows ........................... 189
Moon roof .......................................193
Panoramic moon roof................ 197
4-1. Before driving Driving the vehicle .................... 204
Cargo and luggage .................... 212
Vehicle load limits .......................216
Trailer towing (vehicles with towing package) ....................... 217
Trailer towing (vehicles without towing
package)..................................... 230
Dinghy towing ...............................231
4-2. Driving procedures Power (ignition) switch............ 232
EV drive mode ............................ 237
Hybrid transmission.................. 239
Turn signal lever ......................... 244
Parking brake .............................. 245
Brake Hold ................................... 249
4-3. Operating the lights and wipers
Headlight switch ..........................251
Automatic High Beam............. 255
Fog light switch ........................... 259
Windshield wipers and washer ......................................... 260
Rear window wiper and washer ......................................... 265 4-4. Refueling
Opening the fuel tank cap .................................................267
4-5. Using the driving support systems
Lexus Safety System+ ................ 271
PCS (Pre-Collision System) ......... 279
LKA (Lane-Keeping Assist).......... 292
LDA (Lane Departure Alert with steering
control)........................................ 302
Dynamic radar cruise control with full-speed
range ............................................... 311
Dynamic radar cruise control ......................................... 323
Cruise control ............................. 335
Intuitive parking assist.............. 339
Lexus parking assist monitor........................................ 347
BSM (Blind Spot Monitor) ............. 363
• BSM function......................... 367
• RCTA function........................ 371
Driving mode select switch ............................................377
Driving assist systems ............... 381
4-6. Driving tips Hybrid vehicle driving tips ................................................. 387
Winter driving tips..................... 390
Utility vehicle precautions ..... 394
4Driving

791-3. Hybrid system
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For safety and security
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■Sounds and vibrations specific to a hybrid vehicle
There may be no engine sound or vibration even though the vehicle is able to move with
the “READY” indicator is illuminated. For safety, make sure to shift the shift lever to P and
apply the parking brake when parked.
The following sounds or vibrations may occu r when the hybrid system is operating and
are not a malfunction:
●Motor sounds may be heard from the engine compartment.
●Sounds may be heard from the hybrid battery (traction battery) behind the rear seats
when the hybrid system starts or stops.
●Relay operating sounds such as a snap or so ft clank will be emitted from the hybrid bat-
tery (traction battery), behind the rear se ats, when the hybrid system is started or
stopped.
●Sounds from the hybrid system may be heard when the back door is open.
●Sounds may be heard from the transmission wh en the gasoline engine starts or stops,
when driving at low spee ds, or during idling.
●Engine sounds may be heard when accelerating sharply.
●Sounds may be heard due to regenerative braking when the brake pedal is depressed
or as the accelerator pedal is released.
●Vibration may be felt when the ga soline engine starts or stops.
●Cooling fan sounds may be heard from th e air intake vents under the rear seats.
■Vehicle proximity notification system
In the following cases, the vehicle proximity notification system may be difficult for sur-
rounding people to hear.
●In very noisy areas
●In the wind or the rain
Also, as the vehicle proximity notification system is installed on the front of the vehicle, it
may be more difficult to hear from the re ar of the vehicle compared to the front.
■Maintenance, repair, recycling, and disposal
Contact your Lexus dealer regarding mainte nance, repair, recycling and disposal. Do
not dispose of the vehicle yourself.
■Customization
Some functions can be customized. ( P. 607)

2084-1. Before driving
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WARNING
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.
■When driving on slippery road surfaces
●Sudden braking, acceleration and steering may cause tire slippage and reduce your
ability to control the vehicle.
●Sudden acceleration, engine braking due to shifting, or changes in engine speed
could cause the vehicle to skid.
●After driving through a puddle, lightly depress the brake pe dal to make sure that the
brakes are functioning properly. Wet brake pads may prevent the brakes from func-
tioning properly. If the brakes on only on e side are wet and not functioning properly,
steering control may be affected.
■When shifting the shift lever
●Do not let the vehicle roll backward while the shift lever is in a driving position, or roll
forward while the shift lever is in R.
Doing so may result in an acci dent or damage to the vehicle.
●Do not shift the shift lever to P while the vehicle is moving.
Doing so can damage the transmission and may result in a loss of vehicle control.
●Do not shift the shift lever to R while the vehicle is moving forward.
Doing so can damage the transmission and may result in a loss of vehicle control.
●Do not shift the shift lever to a driving position while the vehicle is moving backward.
Doing so can damage the transmission and may result in a loss of vehicle control.
●Shifting the shift lever to N while the vehicle is moving will disengage the hybrid sys-
tem. Engine braking is not av ailable when N is selected.
●Be careful not to shift the shift lever with the accelerator pedal depressed.
Shifting the shift lever to any position other than P or N may lead to unexpected rapid
acceleration of the vehicle that may cause an accident and result in death or serious
injury.

2254-1. Before driving
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Driving
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●To maintain engine braking efficiency and charging system performance
when using engine braking, do no t put the transmission in D. (P. 239)
●Instability happens more fr equently when descending steep or long downhill
grades. Before descending, slow down and downshift. Do not make sudden
downshifts while descending st eep or long downhill grades.
●Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long or applying the brakes too fre-
quently. This could cause the brakes to overheat and result in reduced braking
efficiency.
●Due to the added load of the trailer, yo ur vehicle’s engine may overheat on hot
days (at temperatures over 85 F [30 C]) when driving up a long or steep
grade. If the engine coolant temperat ure gauge indicates overheating, imme-
diately turn off the air conditioning (if in use), pull your vehicle off the road and
stop in a safe spot. ( P. 574)
●Always place wheel blocks under both the vehicle’s and the trailer’s wheels
when parking. Put the transmission in P and apply the parking brake. Avoid
parking on a slope, but if unavoidable, do so only after performing the follow-
ing:
Apply the brakes and keep them applied.
Have someone place wheel blocks under both the vehicle’s and trailer’s
wheels.
When the wheel blocks are in place, release the brakes slowly until the
blocks absorb the load.
Shift into P and apply the parking brake.
Turn off the hybrid system.
●When restarting afte r parking on a slope:
With the transmission in P, start the hybrid system. Be sure to keep the
brake pedal depressed.
Shift into a forward gear. If reversing, shift into R.
If the parking brake is in manual mode, release the parking brake.
( P. 246)
Release the brake pedal, and slowly pull or back away from the wheel
blocks. Stop and apply the brakes.
Have someone retrieve the blocks.
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2274-1. Before driving
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Driving
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■Break-in schedule
If your vehicle is new or equipped with any new power train components (such as an
engine, hybrid transmission, rear differential (AWD models) or wheel bearing), Lexus
recommends that you do not tow a trailer unt il the vehicle has been driven for over 500
miles (800 km).
After the vehicle has been driven for over 500 miles (800 km), you can start towing.
However, for the next 500 miles (800 km), drive the vehicle at a speed of less than
50 mph (80 km/h) when towing a trailer, and avoid full throttle acceleration.
■Maintenance
●If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will require more frequent maintenance due to the addi-
tional load. (See “Warranty and Services Guide”, “Owner’s Manual Supplement” or
“Scheduled Maintenance”.)
●Retighten the fixing bolts of the towing ba ll and bracket after approximately 600 miles
(1000 km) of trailer towing.
■If trailer sway occurs
One or more factors (crosswinds, passing ve hicles, rough roads, etc.) can adversely
affect handling of your vehicle and trailer, causing instability.
●If trailer swaying occurs:
• 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 im mediately but very gradually to reduce
speed.
Do not increase speed. Do not apply vehicle brakes.
If you make no extreme correction with the st eering or brakes, your vehicle and trailer
should stabilize. (if enabled, Trailer Sway Control can also he lp to stabilize the vehicle and
trailer.)
●After the trailer sw aying has stopped:
• Stop in a safe place. Get all occupants out of the vehicle.
• Check the tires of the vehicle and the trailer.
• Check the load in the trailer. Make sure the load has not shifted.
Make sure the tongue weight is appropriate, if possible.
• Check the load in the vehicle.
Make sure the vehicle is not ov erloaded after occupants get in.
If you cannot find any problems, the speed at which trailer swaying occurred is beyond
the limit of your particular vehicle-trailer combination.
Drive at a lower speed to prevent instability. Remember that swaying of the towing vehi-
cle-trailer increases as speed increases.

2314-1. Before driving
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Driving
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Dinghy towing
Your vehicle is not designed to be dinghy 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.

2394-2. Driving procedures
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Driving
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While the power switch is in ON mode, move the shift lever with the brake
pedal depressed.
When shifting the shift lever between P and D, make sure that the vehicle is com-
pletely stopped.
*1: To improve fuel efficiency and reduce noise, shift the shift lever to D for normal driv-
ing.
*2: By selecting shift ra nges using S mode, you can control accelerating force and engine
braking force.
Hybrid transmission
Shifting the shift lever
Shift position purpose
Shift positionObjective or function
PParking the vehicle/starting the hybrid system
RReversing
NNeutral
DNormal driving*1
SS mode driving*2 (  P. 241)

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”.

4686-2. Maintenance
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*: Vehicles with sing le-beam headlights
Vehicle interior
ItemsCheck points
Accelerator pedal• The accelerator pedal sh ould move smoothly (with-
out uneven pedal effort or catching).
Brake pedal
• Does the brake pedal move smoothly?
• Does the brake pedal have appropriate clearance from the floor? ( P. 588)
• Does the brake pedal have the correct amount of free play? ( P. 588)
Brakes
• The vehicle should not pull to one side when the
brakes are applied.
• The brakes should work effectively.
• The brake pedal should not feel spongy.
• The brake pedal should no t get too close to the floor
when the brakes are applied.
Head restraints• Do the head restraints move smoothly and lock securely?
Hybrid transmission “Park”
mechanism• When parked on a slope and the shift lever is in P, is
the vehicle securely stopped?
Indicators/buzzers• Do the indicators and buzzers function properly?
Lights• Do all the lights come on?
• Are the headlights aimed correctly?
* ( P. 511)
Parking brake• Does the parking brake switch operate normally?
• When parked on a slope and the parking brake is on,
is the vehicle securely stopped?
Seat belts• Do the seat belts operate smoothly?
• The seat belts should not be damaged.
Seats• Do the seat controls operate properly?
Steering wheel
• Does the steering wheel rotate smoothly?
• Does the steering wheel have the correct amount offree play?
• There should not be any strange sounds coming from the steering wheel.

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RX450h_U_OM0E013U7-2. Steps to take in an emergency
The following may indicate a problem wi
th your hybrid transmission. Contact
your Lexus dealer or commercial towing service before towing.
●The hybrid warning message shows on and the vehicle does not move.
●The vehicle makes an abnormal sound.
Do not tow with a sling-type truck to
prevent body damage.
If your vehicle needs to be towed
If towing is necessary, we recommend having your vehicle towed by your
Lexus dealer or commercial towing se rvice, using a wheel-lift type truck or
flatbed truck.
Use a safety chain system for all towing, and abide by all state/provincial and
local laws.
2WD models: If towing your vehicle with a wheel-lift type truck from the front,
the vehicle’s rear wheels and axles must be in good conditions. ( P. 531, 533)
If they are damaged, use a towing dolly or flatbed truck.
AWD models: If towing your vehicle with a wheel-lift type truck, use a towing
dolly. ( P. 531, 533)
Situations when it is necessary to contact dealers before towing
Towing with a sling-type truck