engine LEXUS RX450h 2018 Owner's Guide

248 4-2. Driving procedures
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85UTo enter S mode, shift the shift lever to S. Shift ranges can be selected by operat-
ing the shift lever or paddle shift switches (if equipped), allowing you to drive in
the shift range of your choice. The shift range can be selected by operating the
shift lever or the “-” and “+” padd le shift switches (if equipped).
Upshifting
Downshifting The selected shift range, from S1 to S6,
will be displayed on the meters.
The initial shift range in S mode is auto-
matically set to S4 or S5 according to
the vehicle speed.
■
Shift ranges and their functions ●
You can choose from 6 levels of acce lerating force and engine braking
force. ●
A lower shift range will provide gr eater accelerating force and engine
braking force than a higher shift rang e, and the engine revolutions will also
increase. ●
If you accelerate while in ranges 1 to 4, the shift range may automatically
increase in accordance with the vehicle speed.Selecting shift ranges in the S position 1
2

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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.

3394-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85U●
Vehicles with a navigation system (12.3-inch display): If the intuit ive parking assist dis-
play is set to on, detected objects will also be displayed on the panoramic view monitor.
For details, refer to “NAVIGATION SYSTEM OWNER’S MANUAL”. ■
Sensor detectio n information●
The sensor’s detection areas are limited to the areas around the vehicle’s bumper. ●
Certain vehicle conditions and the surrounding environment may affect the ability of a
sensor to correctly detect an object. Particular instances where this may occur are
listed below.
• There is dirt, snow or ice on the sensor . (Wiping the sensors will resolve this prob-
lem.)
• The sensor is frozen. (Thawing th e area will resolve this problem.)
In especially cold weather, if a sensor is frozen the screen may show an abnormal
display, or obstacles may not be detected.
• The sensor is covered in any way.
• The vehicle is leaning considerably to one side.
• When a sensor or the area around a sensor is extremely hot or cold.
• On an extremely bumpy road, on an incline, on gravel, or on grass.
• The vicinity of the vehicle is noisy due to vehicle horns, motorcycle engines, air
brakes of large vehicles, or other loud noises producing ultrasonic waves.
• There is another vehicle equipped with parking assist sensors in the vicinity.
• The sensor is coated with a sheet of spray or heavy rain.
• The bumper or sensor re ceives a strong impact.
• If the vehicle is significantly tilted.
• The vehicle is approaching a tall or curved curb.
• In harsh sunlight or intense cold weather.
• The area directly under the bumpers is not detected.
• If objects draw too close to the sensor.
• People may not be detected if they are wearing certain types of clothing.
In addition to the examples above, there ar e instances in which, because of their shape,
signs and other objects may be judged by a sensor to be closer than they are. ●
The shape of the object may prevent a sensor from detecting it. Pay particular attention
to the following objects:
• Wires, fences, ropes, etc.
• Cotton, snow and other materi als that absorb sound waves
• Sharply-angled objects
• Low obstacles
• Tall obstacles with upper sections projecting outwards in the direction of your vehi-
cle ●
The following situations may occur during use.
• Depending on the shape of the object and other factors, the detection distance may
shorten, or detectio n may be impossible.
• Objects may not be detected if they are too close to the sensor.
• There will be a short dela y between object detection and display. Even at slow
speeds, there is a possibility that the obje ct will come within the sensor’s detection
areas before the display is shown and the buzzer sounds.
• Thin posts or objects lower than the sens or may not be detected when approached,
even if they have been detected once.
• It might be difficult to hear beeps due to th e volume of audio system or air flow noise
of the air conditioning system.

3514-5. Using the driving support systems
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Driving
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Situations in which the Intelligent Clearance Sonar function may operate even if there
is no possibility of a collision
In some situations such as the following, the Intelligent Clearanc e Sonar function may
operate even though there is no possibility of a collision. ●
Vehicle surroundings
• When driving toward a banner, flag, low- hanging branch or boom barrier (such as
those used at railroad crossing s, toll gates and parking lots).
• When driving on a narrow path surrounded by a structure, such as in a tunnel or on
an iron bridge
• When parallel parking
• When there is a rut or hole in the surface of the road
• When driving on a metal cover (grating), such as those used for drainage ditches
• When driving on a steep slope
• If a sensor is hit by a large amount of wa ter, such as when driving on a flooded road●
Weather
• If a sensor is covered with ice, snow, dirt, etc. (when cleared, the system will return to
normal)
• If heavy rain or water strikes a sensor
• When driving in inclemen t weather such as fog, snow or a sandstorm●
Other ultrasonic waves sources
• When vehicle horns, vehicle detectors, motorcycle engines, air brakes of large vehi-
cles, the clearance sonar of other vehicles or other devices which produce ultra-
sonic waves are near the vehicle
• If a sticker or an electronic component, su ch as a backlit license plate (especially flu-
orescent type), fog lights, a fender pole or wireless antenna is installed near a sensor●
Changes in the vehicle posture
• If the vehicle is significantly tilted
• If the front of the vehicle is raised or lowered due to the carried load
• If the orientation of a sens or has been changed due to a collision or other impact• When driving on a narrow road
• When driving on a gravel road or in an
area with tall grass

352 4-5. Using the driving support systems
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If the Intelligent Clearance Sonar function operates unnecessarily such as at a railroad
crossing
Even in the event that the Intelligent Cleara nce Sonar function operates unnecessarily,
such as at a railroad crossing, brake cont rol will be canceled afte r approximately 2 sec-
onds, allowing you to proceed forward and leave the area, Brake control can also be
canceled by depressing the brake pedal. Depressing the accelerator pedal again will
allow you to proceed forward and leave the area. ■
Situations in which the Intelligent Cleara nce Sonar Brake function may not operate
properly
In some situations such as the following , this function may not operate properly.●
Weather
• If a sensor is covered with ice, snow, dirt, etc. (when cleared, the system will return to
normal)
• If heavy rain or water strikes a sensor
• When driving in inclemen t weather such as fog, snow or a sandstorm●
Vehicle surroundings
• When an object that cannot be detected is between the vehicle and a detected
object
• If an object such as a vehicle, motorcycle, bicycle or pedestrian cuts in front of the
vehicle or runs out from the side of the vehicle. ●
Other ultrasonic waves sources
• When vehicle horns, vehicle detectors, motorcycle engines, air brakes of large vehi-
cles, the clearance sonar of other vehicles or other devices which produce ultra-
sonic waves are near the vehicle
• If a sticker or an electronic component, su ch as a backlit license plate (especially flu-
orescent type), fog lights, a fender pole or wireless antenna is installed near a sensor●
Changes in the vehicle posture
• If the vehicle is significantly tilted
• If the front of the vehicle is raised or lowered due to the carried load
• If the orientation of a sens or has been changed due to a collision or other impact• When a sensor or the area around a sen-
sor is extremely hot or cold
• When strong winds are blowing

3854-5. Using the driving support systems
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Driving
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85U■
Turning off both TRAC VSC and Trailer Sway Control systems
To turn the TRAC VSC and Trailer Sway Co ntrol systems off, press and hold for
more than 3 seconds whil e the vehicle is stopped.
The VSC OFF indicator light will come on an d the “Traction Control Turned Off” will be
shown on the multi-information display.
*Press again to turn the systems back on.
* : On vehicles with PCS (Pre-Collision Sy stem), pre-collision brake assist and pre-
collision braking will also be disabled. The PCS warning light will come on and a
message will be displa yed on the multi-info rmation display. ( → P. 296) ■
When the message is displayed on the mu lti-information displa y showing that TRAC
has been disabled even if has not been pressed
TRAC cannot be operated. Contact your Lexus dealer.■
Operating conditions of hill-start assist control
When the following four conditions are met, the hill-start assist control will operate:●
The shift lever is in a position other than P or N (when starting off forward/backward on
an upward incline). ●
The vehicle is stopped ●
The accelerator pedal is not depressed ●
The parking brake is not engaged ■
Automatic system cancelation of hill-start assist control
The hill-start assist control will turn off in any of the following situations: ●
The shift lever is shifted to P or N ●
The accelerator pedal is depressed ●
The parking brake is engaged ●
2 seconds at maximum elapsed after the brake pedal is released ■
Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, VSC, Trailer Sway Control,
TRAC and hill-start assist control systems ●
A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the brake pedal is
depressed repeatedly, when the hybrid system is started or just after the vehicle begins
to move. This sound does not indicate that a malfunction has occurred in any of these
systems. ●
Any of the following conditions may occur when the above systems are operating.
None of these indicates that a malfunction has occurred.
• Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.
• A motor sound may be heard also after the vehicle comes to a stop.

386 4-5. Using the driving support systems
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ECB operating sound
ECB operating sound may be heard in the followi ng cases, but it does not indicate that a
malfunction has occurred. ●
Operating sound heard from the engine compartment when the brake pedal is oper-
ated. ●
Motor sound of the brake system heard from the front part of the vehicle when the
driver’s door is opened. ●
Operating sound heard from the engine compartment when one or two minutes
passed after the stop of the hybrid system. ■
EPS operation sound
When the steering wheel is operated, a motor sound (whirring sound) may be heard.
This does not indicate a malfunction. ■
Automatic reactivation of TRAC, Tr ailer Sway Control and VSC systems
After turning the TRAC, Trailer Sway Contro l and VSC systems off, the systems will be
automatically re-enabled in the following situations: ●
When the power switch is turned off ●
If only the TRAC system is turned off, the TRAC will turn on when vehicle speed
increases
If both the TRAC and VSC systems are turned off, au tomatic re-enabling will not
occur when vehicle speed increases. ■
Reduced effectiveness of the EPS system
The effectiveness of the EPS system is reduced to prevent the system from overheating
when there is frequent steering input over an extended period of time. The steering
wheel may feel heavy as a result . Should this occur, refrain from excessive steering input
or stop the vehicle and turn the hybrid system off. The EPS system should return to nor-
mal within 10 minutes.
WARNING ■
The ABS does not operate effectively when ●
The limits of tire gripping performance have been exceeded (such as excessively
worn tires on a snow covered road). ●
The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on wet or slick roads.■
Stopping distance when the ABS is operating may exceed that of normal conditions
The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehi cle’s stopping distance . Always maintain a
safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, especially in the following situations: ●
When driving on dirt, grav el or snow-covered roads●
When driving with tire chains ●
When driving over bumps on the road ●
When driving over roads with potholes or uneven surfaces■
TRAC/VSC may not operate effectively when
Directional control an d power may not be achievable wh ile driving on slippery road
surfaces, even if the TRAC/VSC system is op erating. Drive the vehi cle carefully in con-
ditions where stability and power may be lost.

388
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85U4-6. Driving tips
◆ Using Eco drive mode
When using Eco drive mode, the torque corresponding to the accelerator
pedal depression amount can be generate d more smoothly than it is in normal
conditions. In addition, the operation of the air conditioning system (heat-
ing/cooling) will be minimized, improving the fuel economy. ( → P. 379)
◆ Use of Hybrid System Indicator
The Eco-friendly driving is possible by keeping the indicator needle (except F
SPORT models) or bar display (F SPOR T models) of Hybrid System Indicator
within Eco area. ( → P. 99)
◆ Shift lever operation
Shift the shift lever to D when stopped at a traffic light, or driving in heavy traf-
fic, etc. Shift the shift lever to P when parking. When using the N, there is no
positive effect on fuel consumption. In the N, the gasoline engine operates but
electricity cannot be generated. Also, wh en using the air conditioning system,
etc., the hybrid battery (tractio n battery) power is consumed.
◆ Accelerator pedal/brake pedal operation ●
Drive your vehicle smoothly. Avoid ab rupt acceleration and deceleration.
Gradual acceleration and deceleration will make more effective use of the
electric motor (traction motor) without having to use gasoline engine
power. ●
Avoid repeated acceleration. Repeated acceleration consumes hybrid bat-
tery (traction battery) power, resulting in poor fuel consumption. Battery
power can be restored by driving with the accelerator pedal slightly
released.
◆ When braking
Make sure to operate the brakes gently and in a timely manner. A greater
amount of electrical energy can be regenerated when slowing down.Hybrid vehicle driving tips For economical and ecological driving, pay attention to the following points:

3894-6. Driving tips
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Driving
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85U◆ Delays
Repeated acceleration and deceleration, as well as long waits at traffic lights,
will lead to bad fuel economy. Check traffic reports before leaving and avoid
delays as much as possible. When drivin g in a traffic jam, gently release the
brake pedal to allow the vehicle to move forward slightly while avoiding over-
use of the accelerator pedal. Doing so can help control excessive gasoline
consumption.
◆ Highway driving
Control and maintain the vehicle at a co nstant speed. Before stopping at a toll
booth or similar, allow plenty of ti me to release the accelerator and gently
apply the brakes. A greater amount of electrical energy can be regenerated
when slowing down.
◆ Air conditioning
Use the air conditioning only when necessary. Doing so can help reduce
excessive gasoline consumption.
In summer: When the ambient temperature is high, use the recirculated air
mode. Doing so will help to reduce the burden on the air conditioning system
and reduce fuel consumption as well.
In winter: Because the gasoline engine will not automatically cut out until it
and the interior of the vehicle are warm , it will consume fuel. Also, fuel con-
sumption can be improved by av oiding overuse of the heater.
◆ Checking tire inflation pressure
Make sure to check the tire inflation pr essure frequently. Improper tire infla-
tion pressure can cause poor fuel economy.
Also, as snow tires can cause large amou nts of friction, their use on dry roads
can lead to poor fuel economy. Use ti res that are appropriate for the season.
◆ Luggage
Carrying heavy luggage will lead to poor fuel economy. Avoid carrying
unnecessary luggage. Installing a large roof rack will also cause poor fuel
economy.
◆ Warming up before driving
Since the gasoline engine starts up an d cuts out automatically when cold,
warming up the engine is unnecessary. Moreover, frequently driving short dis-
tances will cause the engine to repeated ly warm up, which can lead to excess
fuel consumption.