warning LEXUS RX450h 2018 Owners Manual

236 4-1. Before driving
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85UWARNING ■
Hitch
Trailer hitch assemblies have different weight capacities established by the hitch manu-
facturer. Even though the vehicle may be phys ically capable of towing a higher weight,
the operator must determine the maximum weight rating of the particular hitch assem-
bly and never exceed the maximum weight rating specified for the trailer-hitch.
Exceeding the maximum weight rating set by the trailer-hitch manufacturer can cause
an accident resulting in death or serious personal injuries. ■
When towing a trailer
Lexus recommends trailers with brakes that conform to any applicable federal and
state/provincial regulations. ●
If the gross trailer weight exceeds unbraked TWR, trailer brakes are required. Lexus
recommends trailers with brakes that conform to all applicable federal and state/pro-
vincial regulations. ●
Never tap into your vehicle’s hydraulic system, as this will lower the vehicle’s braking
effectiveness. ●
Never tow a trailer without using a safety chain securely attached to both the trailer
and the vehicle. If damage occurs to the co upling unit or hitch ball, there is danger of
the trailer wandering into another lane.
NOTICE ■
When installing a trailer hitch
Use only the position recommended by your Lexus dealer. Do not install the trailer
hitch on the bumper; this may cause body damage. ■
Do not directly splice trailer lights
Do not directly splic e trailer lights. Directly splicin g trailer lights may damage your
vehicle’s electrical system and cause a malfunction.

2434-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85UWARNING ■
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 ve hicle is moving, do not lock or open the
doors until the vehicle reaches a safe and complete 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. 653)
However, do not touch the power switch while 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 swit ch in ACCESSORY or ON mode for long periods of
time without the hybrid system on. ●
If “ACCESSORY” or “IGNITION ON” is di splayed 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 ba ttery discharge may occur.■
When starting the hybrid system
If the hybrid system becomes difficult to star t, have your vehicle checked by your Lexus
dealer immediately. ■
Symptoms indicating a malfun ction with the power switch
If the power switch seems to be operating somewhat differen tly than usual, such as the
switch sticking slightly, ther e may be a malfunction. Contact your Lexus dealer immedi-
ately.

2454-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85U■
Switching to EV drive mode wh en the gasoline engine is cold
If the hybrid system is started 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 engine 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 afte r flashing, and a message is di splayed 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. 125)●
Vehicle speed is high. ●
The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly or the vehicle is on a hill, etc. ■
Possible driving distance when driving in EV drive mode
EV drive mode’s possible driving distance ranges 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 th e best possible fuel economy during normal
driving (using the gasoline engine and electr ic motor [traction motor]). Driving in EV
drive mode more than necess ary may lower fuel economy.
WARNING ■
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 th em. Therefore, take ex tra care while driving
even if the vehicle proximity notification system is active.

2494-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85U■
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 shif t range selection 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 fo r 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, holding the shift leve r 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 performance, downshifti ng operation may sometimes
be restricted. In some circum stances, downshifting may not be possible even when the
shift lever or paddle shift sw itch (if equipped) is operated . (A buzzer will sound twice.)■
When driving with 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 occur because 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. 306) ●
Vehicles with paddle shift sw itches: While driving in D or S mode, downshifting to 5 or
4. ( → P. 306)●
When switching the driving mode to spor t mode while driving in the D position
( → P. 379)■
Restraining sudden start (Drive-Start Control)
When the following unusual operation is performed, 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 shown on the multi- information display, read the
message and follow the instructions. ●
When the accelerator pedal is depressed too while the vehicle is in reverse. ■
Shift lock system
The shift lock system is a system to prevent ac cidental operation of the shift lever in start-
ing.
The shift lever can be shifted from P only wh en the power switch is in ON mode and the
brake pedal is being depressed.

2514-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85UWARNING ■
When driving on slippery road surfaces
Be careful of downshifting an d sudden acceleration, as this could result in the vehicle
skidding to the side or spinning. ■
To prevent an accident wh en releasing the shift lock
Before pressing the shift lock override butto n, make sure to set the parking brake and
depress the brake pedal.
If the accelerator pedal is accidentally depressed instead of the brake pedal when the
shift lock override button is pressed and the shift lever is shifted out of P, the vehicle
may suddenly start, possibly leading to an a ccident resulting in death or serious injury.
NOTICE ■
Hybrid battery (traction battery) charge
If the shift lever is in N, the hybrid battery (traction ba ttery) will not be charged even
when the engine is running. Therefore, if the vehicle is left with th e shift lever in N for a
long period of time, the hybrid battery (t raction battery) will disc harge, and this may
result in the vehicle not being able to start.

2554-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85U■
Parking brake indicator light and parking brake light ●
Depending on the power switch mode, the parking brake indicator light and parking
brake light 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 fo r 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 light 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 driv en 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. 660 ■
Usage in winter time
→ P. 391
WARNING ■
When parking the vehicle
Do not leave a child in the vehicle alone. The parking brake may be released uninten-
tionally and there is the danger of the ve hicle moving that may lead to an accident
resulting in death or serious injury. ■
Parking brake switch
Do not set any objects near the parking br ake switch. Objects may interfere with the
switch and may lead the parking brake to unexpectedly operate.
NOTICE ■
When parking the vehicle
Before you leave the vehicle, shift the shif t lever to P, set the parking brake and make
sure that the vehicle does not move. ■
When the system malfunctions
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and check the warning messages.■
When the parking brake cannot be released due to a malfunction
Driving the vehicle with the parking brake se t will lead to brake components overheat-
ing, which may affect bra king performance and increase brake wear. Contact your
Lexus dealer immediately if this occurs.

256 4-2. Driving procedures
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85UTurns the brake hold system on The brake hold standby indicator
(green) comes on. Wh ile the system is
holding the brakes, the brake hold oper-
ated indicator (yellow) will illuminate. ■
Brake hold system operating conditions
The brake hold system cannot be turn ed on in the following conditions:●
The driver’s door is not closed. ●
The driver’s seat seat belt is not buckled.
If either of the conditions above are detected when the brake hold system is enabled, the
system will turn off and the brake hold standby in dicator light will go off. In addition, if any
of the conditions are detected while the sy stem is holding the brakes, a warning buzzer
will sound and a message will be shown on th e multi-information di splay. The parking
brake will then be set automatically. ■
Brake hold function ●
If the brake pedal is left released for a pe riod of about 3 minutes after the system has
started holding the brakes, the parking brake will be set automatically. In this case, a
warning buzzer sounds and a message is shown on the multi- informatio n display.●
To turn the system off while the system is holding the brakes, firmly depress the brake
pedal and press the switch again. ●
The brake hold function may not hold the vehicle when the vehicle is on a steep incline.
In this situation, it may be necessary for the driver to apply the brakes. A warning
buzzer will sound and the mult i-information display will info rm the driver of this situa-
tion. If a warning message is shown on the multi-information display, read the message
and follow the instructions.Brake Hold The brake hold system keeps the brake appl ied when the shift lever is in D, S or
N with the system on and the brake peda l has been depressed to stop the vehi-
cle. The system releases the brake wh en the accelerator pedal is depressed
with the shift lever in D or S to allow smooth start off.

2574-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85U■
When the parking brake is set automatically while the system is holding the brakes
Perform any of the following operat ions to release the parking brake.●
Depress the accelerator pedal. (The parking brake will not be released automatically if
the seat belt is not fastened.) ●
Operate the parking brake switch with the brake pedal depressed.
Make sure that the parking brake indicator light goes off. ( → P. 253) ■
When an inspection at your Lexus dealer is necessary
When the brake hold standby indicator (green) does not illu minate even when the brake
hold switch is pressed with the brake hold system operating conditions met, the system
may be malfunctioning. Ha ve the vehicle inspected at your Lexus dealer. ■
If “Brake Hold Fault Depress Brake to Deacti vate Visit Your Dealer” is displayed on the
multi-information display
The system may be malfunctioning. Have th e vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer.■
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 hold operated indicator flashes
→ P. 660
WARNING ■
When the vehicle is on a steep incline
When using the brake hold system on a steep incline exercise caution. The brake hold
function may not hold the vehicle in such a situation. ■
When stopped on a slippery road
The system cannot stop the vehicle when the gripping ability of the tires has been
exceeded. Do not use the system when stopped on a slippery road.
NOTICE ■
When parking the vehicle
The brake hold system is not designed for use when parking the vehicle for a long
period of time. Turning the power switch off while the system is holding the brakes may
release the brakes, which would cause the vehicle to move. When operating the power
switch, depress the brake pedal, shift the shift lever to P and set the parking brake.

262 4-3. Operating the lights and wipers
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85UPush the lever away from you with
the headlight switch in the or
position.
Press the Automatic High Beam
switch. The Automatic High Beam indicator will
come on when the system is operating.Automatic High Beam The Automatic High Beam uses a came ra sensor located behind the upper
portion of the windshield to assess the brightness of the lights of vehicles
ahead, streetlights, etc., and automatica lly turns the high beams on or off as
necessary. WARNING ■
Limitations of the Automatic High Beam
Do not overly rely on the Automatic High Beam. Always drive safely, taking care to
observe your surroundings and turning the hi gh beams on or off ma nually if necessary.■
To prevent incorrect operation of the Automatic High Beam system
Do not overload the vehicle.
Activating the Automatic High Beam 1
2

2694-3. Operating the lights and wipers
4
Driving
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85U■
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 wipers 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 the front door is closed, wiper
operation will resume. ■
Customization
Some functions can be customized. ( → P. 736)
WARNING ■
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 fl uid 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 nozz le will be damaged.