engine LEXUS RX450h 2018 Owners Manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS
6
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 mainte nance..............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 8-1. Essential information
Emergency flashers .................. 652
If your vehicle has
to be stopped in
an emergency .......................... 653
8-2. Steps to take in
an emergency
If your vehicle needs to be
towed ........................................... 654
If you think something is
wrong........................................... 659
If a warning light turns
on or a warning buzzer
sounds ......................................... 660
If a warning message is
displayed .................................... 667
If you have a flat tire .................. 673
If the hybrid system will
not start ....................................... 690
If the electronic key does
not operate properly ............. 692
If the 12-volt battery is
discharged................................. 695
If your vehicle overheats......... 702
If the vehicle becomes stuck .........7067
Maintenance and care 8
When trouble arises

10
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85UYour Lexus is equipped with several sophis ticated computers that will record certain
data, such as:
• Engine speed
• Electric motor speed (traction motor speed)
• Accelerator status
•Brake status
• Vehicle speed
•Shift position
• Hybrid battery (tract ion battery) status
The recorded data varies according to the ve hicle grade level and options with which it is
equipped. These computers do not record conversations or sounds, and only record
images outside of the vehicle in certain situations. ●
Data Transmission
Your vehicle may transmit the data recorded in these computers to Lexus without noti-
fication to you.●
Data usage
Lexus may use the data recorded in these computers to diagnose malfunctions, con-
duct research and development, and improve quality.
Lexus will not disclose the recorded data to a third party except:
• With the consent of the vehicle owner or with the consent of the lessee if the vehicle
is leased
• In response to an official request by the police, a court of law or a government
agency
• For use by Lexus in a lawsuit
• For research purposes where the data is not tied to a specific vehicle or vehicle
owner●
Usage of data collected through Lexus Enform (U.S. mainland only)
If your Lexus has Lexus Enform and if you have subscribed to those services, please
refer to the Lexus Enform Telematics Subs cription Service Agreement for information
on data collected and its usage.●
To learn more about the vehicl e data collected, used and shar ed by Lexus, please visit
www.lexus.com/privacyvts/ .Vehicle data recordings

17Pictorial index
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85UWindshield wipers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 267 Precautions against winter season . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 390
To prevent freezing (windshield wiper de-icer)
* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 516
Precautions against car wash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 582
Fuel filler door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P . 274Refueling method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 276
Fuel type/fuel tank capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 712
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 611Tire size/inflation pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 717
Winter tires/tire chain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 39 0
Checking/rotation/tire pressure warning system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 611
Coping with flat tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 673
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .P. 595Opening. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 595
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 713
Coping with overheat. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 702
Headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 258
Turn signal lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .P. 2 52
Parking lights/daytime running lights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 258
Front side marker lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 258
Fog lights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 266
Cornering lights
* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .P. 259
Stop/tail lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 258
License plate lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 258
Back-up lights Shifting the shift lever to R . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 246
Rear side marker lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 258 4
5
6
7
Light bulbs of the exte rior lights for driving
(Replacing method: P. 637, Watts: P. 719)
* : If equipped8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17

74
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85U1-3. Hybrid system
The illustration is an example for explan ation and may differ from the actual item.
Gasoline engine
Front electric motor (traction motor)
Rear electric motor (traction motor)Hybrid system features Your vehicle is a hybrid vehicle. It has characteristics different from conven-
tional vehicles. Be sure you are closely familiar with the ch aracteristics of your
vehicle, and operate it with care.
The hybrid system combines the use of a gasoline engine and an electric
motor (traction motor) according to driving conditions, improving fuel effi-
ciency and reducing exhaust emissions.
1
2
3

751-3. Hybrid system
1
For safety and security
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85U◆ When stopped/during start off
The gasoline engine stops* when the vehi cle is stopped. During start off, the
electric motor (traction mo tor) drives the vehicle. At slow speeds or when
traveling down a gentle slope, the engi ne is stopped* and the electric motor
(traction motor) is used.
When the shift lever is in N, the hybrid battery (traction battery) is not being
charged.
* : When the hybrid battery (traction battery) requires charging or the engine is warm-
ing up, etc., the gasoline engine will not automatically stop. ( → P. 76)
◆ During normal driving
The gasoline engine is predominantly used. The electric motor (traction
motor) charges the hybrid battery (traction battery) as necessary.
◆ When accelerating sharply
When the accelerator pedal is depressed heavily, the power of the hybrid bat-
tery (traction battery) is added to that of the gasoline engine via the electric
motor (traction motor).
◆ When braking (regenerative braking)
The wheels operate the electric motor (traction motor) as a power generator,
and the hybrid battery (traction battery) is charged.
When the gasoline engine is off while driving, a sound is produced to warn
pedestrians, people riding bicycles or other people and vehicles in the surround-
ing area that the vehicle is approaching. The pitch of the sound varies according
to the vehicle speed. When the vehicl e speed becomes approximately 15 mph
(25 km/h) or more, the notification sound turns off.Vehicle proximity notification system

76 1-3. Hybrid system
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85U■
Regenerative braking
In the following situations, ki netic energy is converted to electric energy and decelera-
tion force can be obtained in conjunction with the recharging of the hybrid battery (trac-
tion battery). ●
The accelerator pedal is released while driving with the shift lever in D or S.●
The brake pedal is depressed while driv ing with the shift lever in D or S.■
EV indicator
■
Conditions in which the ga soline engine may not stop
The gasoline engine starts and stops automati cally. However, it may not stop automati-
cally in the following conditions: ●
During gasoline engine warm-up ●
During hybrid battery (traction battery) charging ●
When the temperature of the hybrid battery (traction battery) is high or low ●
When the heater is switched on ■
Charging the hybrid battery (traction battery)
As the gasoline engine charges the hybrid battery (traction battery), the battery does not
need to be charged from an ou tside source. However, if the vehicle is left parked for a
long time the hybrid battery (traction batter y) will slowly discharge. For this reason, be
sure to drive the vehicle at least once every few months for at least 30 minutes or 10
miles (16 km). If the hybrid battery (traction battery) beco mes fully discharged and you
are unable to start the hybrid sy stem, contact your Lexus dealer. ■
Charging the 12-volt battery
→ P. 698 ■
After the 12-volt battery has discharged or when the terminal has been removed and
installed during exchange, etc.
The gasoline engine may not stop even if the vehicle is being driven by the hybrid battery
(traction battery). If this continues fo r a few days, contact your Lexus dealer.The EV indicator comes on when the vehicle is
driven using only the el ectric motor (traction
motor) or the gasoline engine is stopped.

771-3. Hybrid system
1
For safety and security
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85U■
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 illuminate d. 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) be hind 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 fr ont of the vehicle, it
may be more difficult to hear from the re ar of the vehicle compared to the front.■
Maintenance, repair, re cycling, 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. 736)

972. Instrument cluster
2
Instrument cluster
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85UEngine coolant temperature gauge Displays the engine coolant temperature
Hybrid System Indicator Displays hybrid system power ou tput or regeneration level ( → P. 99)
This display changes to a tachometer depending on the drive mode, and can be set
to show the tachometer in any driv e mode on the settings display. ( → P. 108)
Outside temperature Displays the outside temperature within the range of -40°F (-40°C) to 122°F
(50°C). Low outside temperature indicator comes on when the ambient tempera-
ture is 37°F (3°C) or lower.
Multi-information display Presents the driver with a variety of vehicle data ( → P. 101)
Displays warning messages in case of a malfunction ( → P. 667)
Clock Vehicles with a navigation system:
Time displayed is linked to the analog clock on the instrument panel. ( → P. 548)
Vehicles with a Lexus Display Audio system:
Time displayed on the clock can be adju sted on of the mu lti-information dis-
play. ( → P. 108)
Speedometer
Fuel gauge
Shift position display ( → P. 246)
Odometer and trip meter ( → P. 115)1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

98 2. Instrument cluster
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85U■
Rev indicator (F SPORT models)
When the engine speed reaches a
set speed, a ring-shaped indicator
will be displayed on the tachometer. The desired engine speed at which
the Rev indicator will begin to be dis-
played can be set on of the multi-
information display. ( → P. 108)
■
Rev peak (F SPORT models)
The engine speed reaches or
exceeds 4000 rpm, an afterimage
of the tachometer will be displayed
at the highest engine speed for
approximately 1 second.
The brightness of the instrument panel lights can be adjusted.
Darker
Brighter • The brightness of the instrument
panel lights can be adjusted individu-
ally for day mode and night mode
* .
• If the brightness is adjusted when the
surroundings are bright and the tail
lights are on (day mode brightness
adjustment), the brightness level of
night mode will be adjusted at the
same time.
* : Day mode and night mode: → P. 100Instrument panel light control 1
2

992. Instrument cluster
2
Instrument cluster
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85U■
The meters and display illuminate when
The power switch is in ON mode. ■
Hybrid System Indicator
Charge area
Shows regenerative charging.
Hybrid Eco area
Shows that gasoline en gine power is not being used very often.
The gasoline engine will automatically st op and restart under various conditions.
Eco area
Shows that the vehicle is being dr iven in an Eco-friendly manner.
Power area
Shows that an Eco-friendly driving range is being exceeded (dur ing full power driving
etc.) ●
Depending on the selected driving mode, th e Hybrid System Indicator or tachometer
will be displayed. The Hybrid System Indica tor or tachometer can be set to always be
displayed on of the mult i-information display. ( → P. 108)●
The Hybrid System Indicator is disp layed in the following situations:
• When the tachometer setting is set to ch ange according to the driving mode and a
driving mode other than sport mode is selected
• When the tachometer setting is set to al ways display the Hybrid System Indicator●
By keeping the indica tor needle (except F SPORT models) or bar display (F SPORT
models) within the Eco area, more Eco-friendly driving can be achieved.●
Charge area indicates “regeneration”
* status. Regene rated energy will be used to
charge the hybrid battery (traction battery).
* : When used in this manual, re generation refers to the conv ersion of energy created by
the movement of the vehicle into electrical energy. 
Except F SPORT models 
F SPORT models1
2
3
4