suspension LEXUS RX450h 2018 Owners Manual

42 1-1. For safe use
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85U■
If the SRS airbags deploy (inflate) ●
Slight abrasions, burns, brui sing etc., may be sustained from SRS airbags, due to the
extremely high speed deployment (inflation) by hot gases. ●
A loud noise and white powder will be emitted. ●
Parts of the airbag module (steering wheel hub, airbag cover and inflator) as well as the
front seats, parts of the front and rear pillars, and roof side rails, may be hot for several
minutes. The airbag itself may also be hot. ●
The windshield may crack. ●
For Lexus Enform Safety Connect subscribers, if any of the following situations occur,
the system is designed to send an emerge ncy call to the response center, notifying
them of the vehicle’s location (without needing to push the “SOS” button) and an agent
will attempt to speak with the occupants to ascertain the level of emergency and assis-
tance required. If the occupants are unable to communicate, the agent automatically
treats the call as an emergency and helps to dispatch the necessary emergency ser-
vices. ( → P. 571)
• An SRS airbag is deployed.
• A seat belt pretensioner is activated.
• The vehicle is involved in a severe rear-end collision.WARNING ■
Modification and disposal of SRS airbag system components
Do not dispose of your vehicle or perform any of the following modifications without
consulting your Lexus dealer. The SRS airb ags may malfunction or deploy (inflate)
accidentally, causing death or serious injury. ●
Installation, removal, disassembly and repair of the SRS airbags ●
Repairs, modifications, removal or replacement of the steering wheel, instrument
panel, dashboard, seats or seat upholstery, front, side and rear pillars, roof side rails,
front door panels, front door trims, or front door speakers ●
Modifications to the front door panel (such as making a hole in it) ●
Repairs or modifications of the front fend er, front bumper, or side of the occupant
compartment ●
Installation of a grille guard (bull bars, ka ngaroo bar, etc.), snow plows, winches or
roof luggage carrier ●
Modifications to the vehicle’s suspension system ●
Installation of electronic devices such as mobile two-way radios and CD players●
Modifications to your vehicle for a person with a physical disability

116 2. Instrument cluster
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85UDisplays suggestions to the driver in the following situations. To select a response
to a displayed suggestion, use the meter control switches. The suggestion function can be turned on/off. (Customizable features: → P. 737)■
Suggestion to enable the power back door
If the power back door system is disabled (setting on set to off) and the
power back door switch on the instru ment panel is operated, a suggestion
message will be displayed asking if yo u wish to enable the power back door
system. To enable the power back door system, select “Yes”. After enabling the power back door syst em, press the power back door switch
again to open or close the power back door.■
Suggestion to turn off the headlights
If the headlights are left on for a certai n amount of time af ter the power switch
has been turned off, a su ggestion message will be displayed asking if you wish
to turn the headlights off. To turn the headlights off, select “Yes”.If a front door is opened after the power switch is turned off, this suggestion mes-
sage will not be displayed.■
Background color of the indicator/shift posi tion display area (except F SPORT models)
The background color of the indicator/shift po sition display area is changed according to
the driving mode as follows ( → P. 379):●
Eco drive mode: Blue ●
Sport mode: Red ■
G-force display (if equipped) ●
The G-force values may not be zero even when the vehicle is parked, such as when it is
parked on an incline. ●
Depending on the vehicle usage conditions, the brake fluid pressure display may not
reach its maximum reading even though the brake pedal is fully depressed. ●
If a 12-volt battery terminal is disconnect ed and reconnected, the steering amount dis-
play may be disabled temporarily. After driv ing the vehicle for a while, the display will
be enabled. ■
Suspension of the settings display ●
Some settings cannot be changed while driv ing. When changing settings, park the
vehicle in a safe place. ●
If a warning message is displa yed, operation of the settin gs display will be suspended.Suggestion function

2334-1. Before driving
4
Driving
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85U■
Matching trailer ball height to trailer coupler height
■
Before towing
Check that the followin g conditions are met:●
Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated. ( → P. 717)●
Trailer tires are inflated a ccording to the trailer manufacturer’s recommendation.●
All trailer lights work as required by law. ●
All lights work each time you connect them.●
The trailer ball is set at the proper height for the coupler on the trailer. ●
The trailer is level when it is hitched.
Do not drive if the trailer is not level, and check for improper to ngue weight, overload-
ing, worn suspension, or other possible causes. ●
The trailer cargo is securely loaded. ●
The rear view mirrors conform to all applicable federal, state/provincial or local regula-
tions. If they do not, install rear view mirrors appropriate for towing purposes.■
AVS (adaptive variable suspension system) (if equipped)
The suspension can be switched fo r improvement in driveability. ( → P. 383)No matter which class of tow hitch
applies, for a more safe trailer hookup,
the trailer ball setup must be the proper
height for the coupler on the trailer.
Coupler
Trailer ball 1
2

2874-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85U◆ Pre-collision warning
When the system determines that
the possibility of a frontal collision is
high, a buzzer will sound and a warn-
ing message will be displayed on the
multi-information display to urge the
driver to take evasive action.
◆ Pre-collision brake assist
When the system determines that the po ssibility of a frontal collision is high,
the system applies greater braking force in relation to how strongly the brake
pedal is depressed.
◆ Pre-collision braking
When the system determines that the po ssibility of a frontal collision is high,
the system warns the driver. If the syst em determines that the possibility of a
frontal collision is extremely high, the br akes are automatically applied to help
avoid the collision or reduce the collision speed.
◆ Suspension control (if equipped)
When the system determines that the po ssibility of a frontal collision is high,
the Adaptive Variable Suspension System ( → P. 383) will control the damp-
ing force of the shock absorbers to help maintain an appropriate vehicle pos-
ture.

300 4-5. Using the driving support systems
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85UWARNING ■
Before using LKA system
Do not rely solely upon the LKA system. LKA is not a system which automatically
drives the vehicle or reduces the amount of attention that must be paid to the area in
front of the vehicle. The driver must always assume full responsibility for driving safely
by always paying careful attention to the surrounding conditions and operate the steer-
ing wheel to correct the path of the vehicle. Also, make sure to take adequate breaks
when fatigued, such as from driv ing for a long period of time.
Failure to perform appropriate driving operat ions and pay careful attention may lead to
an accident, resulting in death or serious injury. ■
To avoid operating LKA by mistake
When not using the LKA system, use the LKA switch to turn the system off. ■
Situations unsuitable for LKA
Do not use the LKA system in the following situations.
The system may not operate properly and lead to an accident, resulting in death or
serious injury. ●
A spare tire, tire chains, etc., are equipped. ●
When the tires have been excessively worn, or when the tire inflation pressure is low. ●
Tires which differ by structure, manufacturer, brand or tread pattern are used. ●
Objects or patterns that could be mistaken for white (yellow) lines are present on the
side of the road (guardrails, cu rbs, reflective poles, etc.).●
Vehicle is driven on a snow-covered road. ●
White (yellow) lines are difficult to see due to rain, snow, fog, dust, etc.●
Asphalt repair marks, white (y ellow) line marks, etc., are present due to road repair.●
Vehicle is driven in a temporary lane or restricted lane due to construction work.●
Vehicle is driven on a road surface which is slippery due to rainy weather, fallen snow,
freezing, etc. ●
Vehicle is driven in traffic lanes ot her than on highways and freeways.●
Vehicle is driven in a construction zone. ●
When your vehicle is towing a trailer or during emergency towing ■
Preventing LKA system malfunctions and operations perf ormed by mistake●
Do not modify the headlights or place stickers, etc., on the surface of the lights.●
Do not modify the suspension etc. If the suspension etc. needs to be replaced, con-
tact your Lexus dealer. ●
Do not install or place anything on the hood or grille. Also, do not install a grille guard
(bull bars, kangaroo bar, etc.). ●
If your windshield needs repair s, contact your Lexus dealer.

340 4-5. Using the driving support systems
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85U■
If “Clean Parking Assist Sensor” is di splayed on the multi- information display
A sensor may be dirty or covered with snow or ic e. In such cases, if it is removed from the
sensor, the system should return to normal.
Also, due to the sensor being frozen at low temperatures, a malfunction display may
appear or an object may not be detected. If the sensor thaws out, the system should
return to normal. ■
If “Parking Assist Malfunction” is di splayed on the multi- information display
Depending on the malfunction of the sensor, the device may not be working normally.
Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer. ■
Certification 
For vehicles sold in Canada
This ISM device complies with Canadian ICES-001.
Cet appareil ISM est conforme a la norme NMB-001 du Canada. ■
Customization
Some functions can be customized. ( → P. 338, 736)
WARNING ■
When using the intuitive parking assist
Observe the following precautions.
Failing to do so may result in the vehicle be ing unable to be driv en safely and possibly
cause an accident. ●
Do not use the sensor at speeds in excess of 6 mph (10 km/h). ●
The sensors’ detection areas and reaction ti mes are limited. When moving forward or
reversing, check the areas surrounding the vehicle (especially th e sides of the vehi-
cle) for safety, and drive slowly, using the brake to control the vehicle’s speed. ●
Do not install accessories within the sensors’ detection areas.●
The vehicle is equipped with a fender pole or wireless antenna. ●
The front or rear bumper or a se nsor receives a strong impact.●
A non-genuine Lexus suspension (lower ed suspension, etc.) is installed.●
Towing eyelets are installed. ●
A backlit licence plate is installed. ■
When using intuitive parking assist
In the following situations, the system may not function correctly due to a sensor mal-
function, etc. Have the vehicle checked by your Lexus dealer. ●
The intuitive parking assist operation disp lay flashes, and a buzzer sounds when no
obstacles are detected. ●
If the area around a sensor co llides with something, or is subjected to strong impact.●
If the bumper collides with something. ●
If the display shows continuously withou t beeping, except when the buzzer mute
switch has been turned on. ●
If a display error occurs , first check the sensor.
If the error occurs even if there is no ice, sn ow or mud on the sensor, it is likely that the
sensor is malfunctioning.

354 4-5. Using the driving support systems
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85UWARNING ■
Limitations of the Intelligent Clearance Sonar system
Do not overly rely on the system, as doing so may lead to an accident.●
The driver is solely responsi ble for safe driving. Always drive carefully, taking care to
observe your surroundings. The Intelligent Clearance Sonar system is designed to
provide support to lessen the severity of collisions. However, it may not operate in
some situations. ●
The Intelligent Clearance Sonar system is not designed to stop the vehicle com-
pletely. Additionally, even if the system has stopped the vehicle, it is necessary to
depress the brake pedal immediately as brak e control will be canc eled after approxi-
mately 2 seconds. ■
To ensure the Intelligent Clearance Sonar system can operate properly
Observe the following precauti ons regarding the sensors ( → P. 345). Failure to do so
may cause a sensor to not operate pr operly, and may cause an accident.●
Do not modify, disassemble or paint the sensors. ●
Do not replace a sensor with a part other than a genuine part. ●
Do not subject a sensor or its surro unding area to a strong impact.●
Do not damage the sensors, and always keep them clean.
Observe the following precaution s regarding the radar sensors ( → P. 322). Failure to
do so may cause a radar sensor to not op erate properly, and may cause an accident.●
Do not modify, disassemble or paint the sensors. ●
Do not replace a radar sensor with a part other than a genuine part.●
Do not subject a radar sensor or its surrounding area to a strong impact.●
Do not damage the radar sensors, and alwa ys keep the radar sensors and their sur-
rounding area on the bumper clean. ■
Handling the suspension
Do not modify the suspension, as changes to the height or inclinat ion of the vehicle may
prevent the sensors from detecting objects co rrectly or cause the system to not oper-
ate or operate unnecessarily.

3554-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85UNOTICE ■
To prevent the system from malfunctioning ●
If the area around a sensor is subjected to an impact, the system may not operate
properly due to the sensor being misaligned. Have the vehicle inspected by your
Lexus dealer. ●
When using a high pressure washer to wa sh the vehicle, do not spray the sensors
directly, as doing so may cause a sensor to malfunction. ●
When using steam to clean the vehicle, do not direct steam too close to the sensors
as doing so may cause a sensor to malfunction. ■
To prevent a radar sensor from malfunctioning ●
If the area around a radar sensor is subjected to an impact, the system may not oper-
ate properly due to a sensor malfunction. Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus
dealer. ●
Observe the radar sensor handling precautions. ( → P. 322)■
To prevent unnecessary operation of the Intelligent Clearance Sonar system
In the following situations, disable the Inte lligent Clearance Sonar system as the system
may operate even though there is no possibility of a collision.●
When inspecting the vehicle using a chassi s roller, chassis dynamo or free roller●
When loading the vehicle onto a boat, truck or other transport vessel ●
If the suspension has been modified or tires of a size other than specified are installed●
If the front of the vehicle is raised or lowered due to the carried load ●
If towing eyelets are installed

3614-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85U■
Situations in which the Rear Cross Traffic Auto Brake function may not operate prop-
erly
In some situations such as the following , this function may not operate properly.●
Objects and vehicles which the radar sensors are not designed to detect
• Stationary objects
• Vehicles which are moving away from your vehicle
• Pedestrians, motorcycles, bicycles, etc.*
• Objects which are extremely close to a radar sensor
• Vehicles which are approaching from the right or left at the rear of the vehicle at a
traveling speed of less than approximately 5 mph (8 km/h)
• Vehicles which are approaching from the right or left at the rear of the vehicle at a
traveling speed of more than approximately 15 mph (24 km/h)
* : Depending on conditions, detection of a vehicle and/or object may occur.●
Situations in which the radar sensors may not be able to detect an object
• When a sensor or the area around a sensor is extremely hot or cold
• If the rear bumper is covere d with ice, snow, dirt, etc.
• If heavy rain or water strikes the vehicle
• When the detection area of a radar sensor is obstructed by an adjacent vehicle
• If the vehicle is significantly tilted
• If towing eyelets are installed
• If the suspension has been modified or tires of a size othe r than specified are
installed
• If the front of the vehicle is raised or lowered due to the carried load
• 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 radar
sensor
• If the orientation of a rada r sensor has been changed due to a collision or other
impact or removal and installation
• When multiple vehicles are approaching wi th only a small gap between each vehicle
• When a vehicle is approaching at high speed ●
Situations in which the radar sensor may not detect a vehicle
• When a vehicle approaches from the right
or left at the rear of the vehicle while you
are turning while backing up
• When turning while backing up
• When backing out of a shallow angle park-
ing spot

3794-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85U 
Vehicles without Adaptive Variable Suspension System
Normal mode
Provides an optimal balance of fuel ec onomy, quietness, and dynamic perfor-
mance. Suitable for city driving. Press the switch to change the driving mode to normal mode when Eco drive mode or
sport mode is selected.
Eco drive mode
Helps the driver accelerate in an eco-fr iendly manner and improve fuel econ-
omy through moderate throttle charact eristics and by controlling the opera-
tion of the air conditioning system (heating/cooling). When not in Eco drive mode, if the driving mode select switch is tu rned to the left, the
Eco drive mode indicator will come on.
Sport mode
Controls the hybrid system to prov ide quick, powerful acceleration. This
mode also changes the steering feel, maki ng it suitable for when agile driving
response is desired, such as when driving on roads with many curves. When not in sport mode, if the driving mode select switch is turned to the right, the
“SPORT” indicator will comes on.Driving mode select switch The driving modes can be selected to suit driving conditions.
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