air conditioning LEXUS RX450h 2018 Owner's Guide

5196-2. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85U 6
Interior features ■
When the outside temperature exceeds 75 ° F (24 ° C) and the air conditioning system
is on ●
In order to reduce the air co nditioning power consumption, the air conditioning system
may switch to recirculated air mode automatically.
This may also reduce fuel consumption. ●
Recirculated air mode is selected as a default mode when the power switch is turned to
ON mode. ●
It is possible to switch to outside air mode at any time by pressing the outside/recircu-
lated air mode button. ■
Automatic mode for air intake control
In automatic mode, the system detects exhaust gas and other pollutants and automati-
cally switches between outside air and recirculated air modes.
When the dehumidification function is off, and the fan is operating, turning automatic
mode on will activate the dehumidification function. ■
Fogging up of the windows ●
The windows will easily fog up when the humidity in the vehicle is high. Selecting “A/C”
will dehumidify the air from the outlets and defog the windshield effectively. ●
If you turn “A/C” off, the windows may fog up more easily. ●
The windows may fog up if the recirculated air mode is used. ■
Windshield fog detection function
When automatic mode is set, the humidity sensor ( → P. 521) detects fog on the wind-
shield and controls the air cond itioning system to prevent fog.■
Outside/recirculated air mode ●
When driving on dusty roads such as tunnels or in heavy traffic, set the outside/recircu-
lated air mode button to the recirculated air mode. This is effective in preventing out-
side air from enteri ng the vehicle interior. During cooling operation, setting the
recirculated air mode will also cool the vehicle interior effectively. ●
Outside/recirculated air mode may automa tically switch depending on the tempera-
ture setting or the inside temperature. ■
When the outside temperature is low
The dehumidification function may not operate even when “A/C” is selected. ■
Operation of the air conditioning system in Eco drive mode ●
In the Eco drive mode, the air conditioning sy stem is controlled as follows to prioritize
fuel efficiency
• Engine speed and compressor operation controlled to restrict heating/cooling
capacity
• Fan speed restricted when automatic mode is selected ●
To improve air conditioning performanc e, perform the following operations:
• Adjust the fan speed
• Turn off Eco drive mode

520 6-2. Using the air conditio ning system and defogger
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85U■
Ventilation and air conditioning odors ●
To let fresh air in, set the air conditioning system to the outside air mode. ●
During use, various odors from inside and outside the vehicle may enter into and accu-
mulate in the air conditioning system. This may then cause odor to be emitted from the
vents. ●
To reduce potential odors from occurring:
• It is recommended that the air conditioning system be set to outside air mode prior
to turning the vehicle off.
• The start timing of the blower may be dela yed for a short period of time immediately
after the air conditioning system is started in automatic mode.■
Air conditioning filter
→ P. 625 ■
Customization
Some functions can be customized ( → P. 736)
WARNING ■
To prevent the windshield from fogging up ●
Do not use during cool air operation in extremely humid weather. The differ-
ence between the temperature of the outside air and that of the windshield can cause
the outer surface of the windshield to fog up, blocking your vision.
■
To prevent burns ●
Do not touch the rear view mirror surfaces when the outside rear view mirror defog-
gers are on. ●
Do not touch the glass at lower part of the windshield or to the side of the front pillars
when the windshield wiper de-icer is on. (if equipped) ●
Do not place anything on the instrument
panel which may cover th e air outlets. Other-
wise, air flow may be obstructed, preventing
the windshield defoggers from defogging.

5216-2. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85U 6
Interior features NOTICE ■
Humidity sensor
■
To prevent 12-volt battery discharge
Do not leave the air conditioning system on longer than necessary when the hybrid sys-
tem is off.In order to detect fog on the windshield, a sen-
sor which monitors the temperature of the
windshield, the surround humidity, etc. is
installed. ( → P. 519)
Follow these points to avoid damaging the sen-
sor: ●
Do not disassemble the sensor ●
Do not spray the glass cleaner on the sensor
or subject it to strong impacts ●
Do not stick anything on the sensor

5236-2. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85U 6
Interior features ■
Change the airflow mode
To change the air outlets, press
.
The air outlets used are switched
each time the button is pressed.
Air flows to the upper body.
Air flows to the upper body and
feet.
Air flows to the feet. 1
2
3

524 6-2. Using the air conditio ning system and defogger
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85U■
Using the automatic mode
Press the “AUTO” button
Adjust the temperature setting.
To stop the operation, press the “OFF” button.■
Automatic mode indicator
If the fan speed setting or air flow modes are operated, the automatic mode
indicator goes off. However, automati c mode for functions other than that
operated is maintained. ■
Location of air outlets
The air outlets and air volume
changes according to the selected
air flow mode.
■
Adjusting the position of and opening and closing the air outlets
Adjusting the position of and open-
ing and closing the air outlets
Direct air flow to the left or right,
up or down
Turn the knob fully to the back of
the vehicle to close the ventAir conditioning controls
Air outlets 1
2
3
1
2
NOTICE ■
To prevent 12-volt battery discharge
Do not leave the air conditioning system on longer than necessary when the hybrid sys-
tem is off.

5256-2. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85U 6
Interior features
Heated steering wheel ∗
/seat heaters ∗
/seat ventila-
tors ∗
∗ : If equippedHeated steering wheel and seat heaters heat the side grips of the steering
wheel and seats, respectively. Seat ventilators maintain good airflow by blow-
ing air from the seats. WARNING ●
Care should be taken to prevent injury if anyone in the following categories comes in
contact with the steering wheel and seats when the heater is on:
• Babies, small children, the elderly, the sick and the ph ysically challenged
• Persons with sensitive skin
• Persons who are fatigued
• Persons who have taken alcohol or drugs that induce sleep (sleeping drugs, cold
remedies, etc.) ●
Observe the following precautions to prevent minor burns or overheating:
• Do not cover the seat with a blanket or cushion when using the seat heater.
• Do not use seat heater more than necessary.
NOTICE ●
Do not put heavy objects that have an unev en surface on the seat and do not stick
sharp objects (needles, nails, etc.) into the seat. ●
To prevent 12-volt battery discharge, do not use the functions when the hybrid system
is off.

526 6-2. Using the air conditio ning system and defogger
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85UTurns the heated steering wheel on/off The indicator light comes on when the
heated steering wheel is operating. ■
Operation condition
The heated steering wheel can be used when the power switch is in ON mode.■
Timer
The heated steering wheel will automati cally turn off after about 30 minutes.
When any switch is pressed, the system is set to automatic mode and the
“AUTO” indicator (green) lights up.
Each time the switch is pressed, the
operation cond ition changes as follows.
Hi (3 segments lit) → Mid (2 segments
lit) → Lo (1 segment lit) → OffThe level indicator (amber) lights up
during operation.
■
Operation condition
The front seat heaters can be used when the power switch is in ON mode. ■
When the air conditioning system is operating in S-FLOW mode
If a passenger is not detected in the front pa ssenger seat, the seat he ater of the front pas-
senger’s seat will be turned off if on. ( → P. 514)■
Customization
Some functions can be customized. ( → P. 736)Heated steering wheel
Front seat heaters
Level
indicator“AUTO”
indicator

5276-2. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85U 6
Interior features Each time the switch is pressed, the
operation condition changes as follows.
Hi (3 segments lit) → Mid (2 segments
lit) → Lo (1 segment lit) → OffThe level indicator (amber) lights up
during operation. ■
Operation condition
The rear seat heaters can be used wh en the power switch is in ON mode.
When any switch is pressed, the system
is set to automatic mode and the
“AUTO” indicator (green) lights up.
Each time the switch is pressed, the
operation cond ition changes as follows.
Hi (3 segments lit) → Mid (2 segments
lit) → Lo (1 segment lit) → OffThe level indicator (green) lights up
during operation. ■
Operation condition
The seat ventilators can be used when the power switch is in ON mode.■
When the air conditioning system is operating in S-FLOW mode
If a passenger is not detected in the front pa ssenger seat, the seat he ater of the front pas-
senger’s seat will be turned off if on. ( → P. 514)■
Customization
Some functions can be customized. ( → P. 736)Rear seat heaters Level indicator
Seat ventilators Level
indicator“AUTO”
indicator

579
7Maintenance and care
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85U7-1. Maintenance and care
Cleaning and protecting
the vehicle exterior................ 580
Cleaning and protecting
the vehicle interior ................. 584
7-2. Maintenance
Maintenance
requirements.............................587
General maintenance ............. 589
Emission inspection and
maintenance (I/M)
programs ....................................592 7-3. Do-it-yourself
maintenance
Do-it-yourself service
precautions................................593
Hood ...............................................595
Positioning a floor jack ............ 596
Engine compartment ............... 597
12-volt battery .............................605
Tires .................................................... 611
Tire inflation pressure............... 620
Wheels ........................................... 623
Air conditioning filter ............... 625
Windshield wiper inserts ........ 628
Electronic key battery ..............630
Checking and replacing
fuses .............................................. 632
Headlight aim .............................. 635
Light bulbs..................................... 637

594 7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85U* : Vehicles with sing le-beam headlightsWasher fluid
( → P. 604) • Water or washer fluid containing antifreeze (for winter use)
• Funnel (used only for adding water or washer fluid)
WARNING
The engine compartment contains many mechan isms and fluids that may move suddenly,
become hot, or become electrically energize d. To avoid death or serious injury, observe
the following precautions. ■
When working on the engine compartment ●
Make sure that the “ACCESSORY” or “I GNITION ON” on the multi-information
display and the “READY” indicator are both off. ●
Keep hands, clothing and tools away from the moving fan and engine drive belt.●
Be careful not to touch the engine, power co ntrol unit, radiator, exhaust manifold, etc.
right after driving as they may be hot. Oil and other fluids may also be hot.●
Do not leave anything that may burn easily, such as paper and rags, in the engine
compartment. ●
Do not smoke, cause sparks or expose an open flame to fuel. Fuel fumes are flamma-
ble. ■
When working near the electric cooling fans or radiator grille
Be sure the power switch is off.
With the power switch in ON mode, the electric cooling fans may automatically start to
run if the air conditioning is on and/ or the coolant temperature is high. ( → P. 602)■
Safety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or falling material, flui d spray, etc. from getting in
your eyes.
NOTICE ■
If you remove the air cleaner filter
Driving with the air cleaner f ilter removed may cause excessive engine wear due to dirt
in the air. Items Parts and tools