warning LEXUS RX450h 2021 Owners Manual

1864-2. Driving procedures
1Stop the vehicle completely.
2 Set the parking brake ( P.195),
and shift the shift lever to P.
3 Press the power switch.
4 Release the brake pedal and check
that the display on the meters is off.
■Automatic hybrid system shut off fea-
ture
●The vehicle is equipped with a feature
that automatically shuts off the hybrid sys-
tem when the shift lever is in P with the
hybrid system operating for an extended
period.
●The hybrid system will automatically shut
off after approximately 1 hour if it has
been left running while the shift lever is in
P.
●The timer for the automatic hybrid system
shut off feature will reset if the brake
pedal is depressed or if the shift lever is in
a position other than P.
●After the vehicle is parked, if the door is
locked with the door lock switch ( P.111)
from the inside or the mechanical key
from the outside, the automatic hybrid
system shut off feature will be disabled.
The timer for the automatic hybrid system
shut off feature will be re-enabled if the
driver’s door is opened.
■Locking the door from outside with the
hybrid system operating
1 With the driver’s door open, pull the
driver’s door hand le and insert the
mechanical key.
2 Turn the mechanical key counterclock-
wise.
3 Pull out the mechanical key and close
the door.NOTICE
■When starting the hybrid system
If the hybrid system becomes difficult to
start, have your vehicle checked by your
Lexus dealer immediately.
■Symptoms indicating a malfunction
with the power switch
If the power switch seems to be operat-
ing somewhat differently than usual, such
as the switch sticking slightly, there may
be a malfunction. Contact your Lexus
dealer immediately.
Stopping the hybrid system
WARNING
■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 seconds, or pr ess it briefly 3 times
or more in succession. ( P.410)
However, do not touch the power switch
while driving except in an emergency.
Turning the hybrid system off while driv-
ing will not cause loss of steering or brak-
ing 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.

1904-2. Driving procedures
■Possible driving distance when driving in
EV drive mode
EV drive mode’s possible driving distance
ranges from a few hundred meters to
approximately 0.6 mile (1 km). However,
depending 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
the best possible fuel economy during nor-
mal driving (using the gasoline engine and
electric motor [traction motor]). Driving in
EV drive mode more than necessary may
lower fuel economy.
■If “EV Mode Unavailable” is shown on
the multi-inform ation display
The EV drive mode is not available. The rea-
son the EV drive mode is not available (the
vehicle is idling, batter y charge is low, vehi-
cle speed is higher than the EV drive mode
operating speed range or accelerator pedal
is depressed too much) may be displayed.
Use the EV drive mode when it becomes
available.
■If “EV Mode Deactivated” is shown on
the multi-inform ation display
The EV drive mode has been automatically
canceled. The reason the EV drive mode is
not available (the battery charge is low,
vehicle speed is higher than the EV drive
mode operating speed range or accelera-
tor pedal is depressed too much) may be
displayed. Drive the vehicle for a while
before attempting to turn on the EV drive
mode again.
WARNING
■Caution while driving
When driving in EV drive mode no
engine noise is made. As such, pedestri-
ans, people riding bicycles or other peo-
ple and vehicles in the surrounding area
may not be aware of the vehicle starting
off or approaching them. Therefore, take
extra care while driving even if the
Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System is
active.

1914-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
*1: To improve fuel efficiency and reduce noise, shift the shift lever to D for normal
driving.
*2: By selecting shift ra nges using S mode,
you can control accelerating force and
engine braking force.
■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.
●While driving in D or S mode, downshift-
ing to 5 or 4. ( P.238)
●When switching the driving mode to
sport mode while driving in the D position
( P.281)
■Restraining sudden start (Drive-Start
Control)
 P.165 While the power switch is in ON
mode, move the shift lever with the
brake pedal depressed.
When shifting the shift lever between P
Hybrid transmission
Select the shift position depending
on your purpose and situation.
Shift position purpose and func-
tions
Shift posi- tionObjective or function
PParking the vehicle/starting the hybrid system
RReversing
NNeutral
DNormal driving*1
SS mode driving*2 ( P.193)
WARNING
■When driving on slippery road sur-
faces
Be careful of downsh ifting and sudden
acceleration, as this could result in the
vehicle skidding to the side or spinning.
NOTICE
■Hybrid battery (t raction battery)
charge
If the shift lever is in N, the hybrid battery
(traction battery) will not be charged
even when the engine is running. There-
fore, if the vehicle is left with the shift
lever in N for a long period of time, the
hybrid battery (traction battery) will dis-
charge, and this may re sult in the vehicle
not being able to start.
Shifting the shift lever

1924-2. Driving procedures
and D, make sure that the vehicle is com-
pletely stopped.
■Shift lock system
The shift lock system is a system to prevent
accidental operation of the shift lever in
starting.
The shift lever can be shifted from P only
when the power switch is in ON mode and
the brake pedal is being depressed.
■If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P
First, check whether the brake pedal is
being depressed.
If the shift lever cannot be shifted with your
foot on the brake pedal, there may be a
problem with the shift lock system. Have the
vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer
immediately.
The following steps may be used as an
emergency measure to ensure that the shift
lever can be shifted.
Releasing the shift lock:
1 Turn the power switch to ON mode and
check that the parking brake is set.
( P.187, 195)
2 Turn the power switch to off.
3 Depress the brake pedal.
4 Pry the cover up with a flathead screw-
driver or equivalent tool.
To prevent damage to the cover, cover the
tip of the screwd river with a rag.
5 Press the shift lock override button.
The shift lever can be shifted while the but- ton is pressed.

P.281
To drive using temporary shift range
selection, operate the “-” paddle shift
switch. Changing the shift range
enables the level of engine braking
force to be selected. The shift range
can then be selected by operating the
“-” and “+” paddle shift switches.
WARNING
■To prevent an accident when releas-
ing the shift lock
Before pressing the shift lock override
button, make sure to set the parking
brake and depress the brake pedal.
If the accelerator pe dal 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, pos-
sibly leading to an accident resulting in
death or serious injury.
Selecting the driving mode
Selecting shift ranges in the D
position

1934-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
1Upshifting
2 Downshifting
The selected shift rang e, from D1 to D6,
will be displayed on the meters.
The initial shift range when the “-” paddle
shift switch is operated is automatically set
to D4 or D5 according to the vehicle
speed.
To return to normal D position driving, the
“+” paddle shift switch must be held down
for a period of time.
■Shift ranges and their functions
 You can choose from 6 levels of
engine braking force.
 A lower shift range will provide
greater engine braking force than a
higher shift range, and the engine
revolutions will also increase.
■When the “-” paddle shift switch is oper-
ated with the shift le ver in the D position
The shift range is do wnshifted to a range
that enables engine br aking force that is
suitable to driv ing conditions.
■Automatic deactivation of shift range
selection in the D position
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 for
more than a certain period of time
●When the shift lever is shifted to a posi-
tion other than D
■Downshifting restriction warning
buzzer
To help ensure safety and driving perfor-
mance, downshifting operation may some-
times be restricted. In some circumstances,
downshifting may not be possible even
when the shift lever or paddle shift switch is
operated. (A buzzer will sound twice.)
To enter S mode, shift the shift lever to
S. Shift ranges can be selected by
operating the shift lever or paddle shift
switches, 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 “+” paddle shift
switches.
1 Upshifting
2 Downshifting
The selected shift range, from S1 to S6, will
be displayed on the meters.
The initial shift range in S mode is automat-
Selecting shift ranges in the S
position

1964-2. Driving procedures
The parking brake indicator light and park-
ing brake light will turn on.
Pull and hold the parking brake switch if an
emergency occurs and it is necessary to
operate the parking brake while driving.
2Push the parking brake switch to
release the parking brake
Operate the switch while depressing the
brake pedal or slowly depressing the
accelerator pedal.
Make sure that the pa rking brake indicator
light and parking brake light turn off.
If the parking brake indicator light and
parking brake light flashes, operate the
switch again. ( P.424)
■Turns automatic mode on
While the vehicle is stopped, pull and
hold the parking brake switch until
“Automatic Mode On” will be dis-
played on the multi-information dis-
play.
When the automatic mode is turned
on, the parking brake operates as fol-
lows.
 When the shift lever is moved out of
P, the parking brake will be released,
and the parking brake indicator light
and parking brake light turn off.
 When the shift lever is moved into P,
the parking brake will be set, and the parking brake indicator light and
parking brake light turn on.
Operate the shift lever with the brake
pedal depressed.
■Turns automatic mode off
While the vehicle is stopped, press and
hold the parking brake switch until
“Automatic Mode Off” will be dis-
played on the multi-information dis-
play.
■Parking brake operation
●When the power swit ch is not in ON
mode, the parking brake cannot be
released using the parking brake switch.
●When the power swit ch is not in ON
mode, automatic mode (automatic brake
setting and releasing) is not available.
■Parking brake automatic release func-
tion
The parking brake is automatically released
when slowly depress the accelerator pedal.
The parking brake will be released auto-
matically under the following conditions:
• The driver’s door is closed.
• The driver’s seatbelt is fastened.
• Shift the shift lever is in a forward or reverse position.
• The malfunction indicator lamp or brake system warning light is not illuminated.
If the automatic release function does not
operate, manually release the parking
brake.

1974-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
■If “Parking Brake Overheated Parking
Brake Unavailable” is displayed on the
multi-information display
If the parking brake is operated repeatedly
over a short period of time, the system may
restrict operation to prevent overheating. If
this happens, refrain from operating the
parking brake. Normal operation will return
after about 1 minute.
■If “EPB Activation Stopped Incom-
pletely” or “Parking Brake Unavailable”
is displayed on th e multi-information
display
Operate the parking brake switch. If the
message does not disappear after operat-
ing the switch several times, the system may
be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle
inspected by your Lexus dealer immedi-
ately.
■Parking brake operation sound
When the parking brake operates, a motor
sound (whirring sound) may be heard. This
does not indicate a malfunction.
■Parking brake indicator light and park-
ing brake light
●Depending on the power switch mode,
the parking brake in dicator 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 for approxi-
mately 15 seconds.
●When the power switch is turned off with
the parking brake set, the parking brake
indicator light and parking brake light will
stay on for about 15 seconds. This does
not indicate 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 the vehicle
 P.164
■Parking brake engaged warning buzzer
A buzzer will sound if the vehicle is driven
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-informa-
tion display, read the message and follow
the instructions.
■If the brake system warning light comes
on
 P.418
■Usage in winter time
 P.293
WARNING
■When parking the vehicle
Do not leave a child in the vehicle alone.
The parking brake may be released unin-
tentionally and there is the danger of the
vehicle moving that may lead to an acci-
dent resulting in death or serious injury.
■Parking brake switch
Do not set any objects near the parking
brake 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
shift 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.

1984-2. Driving procedures
Turns the brake hold system on
The brake hold standby indicator (green) comes on. While the system is holding
the brake, the brake hold operated indica-
tor (yellow) comes on.
■Brake hold system operating conditions
The brake hold system cannot be turned on
in the following conditions:
●The driver’s door is not closed.
●The driver is not wearing the seat belt.
If any of the conditions above are detected
when the brake hold system is enabled, the
system will turn off and the brake hold
standby indicator light will go off. In addi-
tion, if any of the conditions are detected
while the system is holding the brake, a
warning buzzer will sound and a message
will be shown on the multi-information dis-
NOTICE
■When the parking brake cannot be
released due to a malfunction
Driving the vehicle with the parking
brake set will lead to brake components
overheating, which may affect braking
performance and increase brake wear.
Have the vehicle inspected by your
Lexus dealer immediately if this occurs.
Brake Hold
The brake hold system keeps the
brake applied when the shift lever is
in D, S or N with the system on and
the brake pedal has been
depressed to stop the vehicle. The
system releases the brake when the
accelerator pedal is depressed with
the shift lever in D or S to allow
smooth start off.
Enabling the system
A
B

1994-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
play. The parking brake will then be set
automatically.
■Brake hold function
●If the brake pedal is left released for a
period of about 3 minutes after the sys-
tem has started holding the brake, the
parking brake will be set automatically. In
this case, a warning buzzer sounds and a
message is shown on the multi-informa-
tion display.
●To turn the system off while the system is
holding the brake, firmly depress the
brake pedal and press the button again.
●The brake hold function may not hold the
vehicle when the vehicle is on a steep
incline. In this situation, it may be neces-
sary for the driver to apply the brakes. A
warning buzzer will sound and the
multi-information display will inform the
driver of this situation. If a warning mes-
sage is shown on the multi-information
display, read the message and follow the
instructions.
■When the parking brake is set automati-
cally while the system is holding the
brakes
Perform any of the follo wing operations to
release the parking brake.
●Depress the accelerator pedal. (The
parking brake will not be released auto-
matically if the seat belt is not fastened.)
●Operate the parking brake switch with
the brake pedal depressed.
Make sure that the pa rking brake indicator
light goes off. ( P.195)
■When an inspection at your Lexus
dealer is necessary
When the brake hold standby indicator
(green) does not illuminate even when the
brake hold switch is pressed with the brake
hold system operating conditions met, the
system may be malfun ctioning. Have the
vehicle inspected at your Lexus dealer.
■If “Brake Hold Fault Depress Brake to
Deactivate Visit Your Dealer” or “Brake
Hold Malfunction Visit Your Dealer” is
displayed on the multi-information dis-
play
The system may be ma lfunctioning. Have
the 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-informa-
tion display, read the message and follow
the instructions.
■If the brake hold operated indicator
flashes
 P.425
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
brake may release the brake, 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.

2034-3. Operating the lights and wipers
4
Driving
1Press the Automatic High Beam
switch.
2 Turn the headlight switch to the
or position.
The Automatic High Beam indicator will come on when the system is operating.
■Conditions to turn the high beams on/off
automatically
●When all of the follo
wing conditions are
met, the high beams will be turned on
automatically (after approximately 1 sec-
ond):
• The vehicle speed is approximately 21 mph (34 km/h) or more.
• The area ahead of the vehicle is dark.
• There are no vehicles ahead with head- lights or tail lights turned on.
• There are few streetlights on the road ahead.
●If any of the following conditions is met,
the high beams will turn off automatically:
• The vehicle speed is below approxi-
mately 17 mph (27 km/h).
• The area ahead of the vehicle is not dark.
• Vehicles ahead have their headlights or
tail lights turned on.
• There are many streetlights on the road ahead.
■Camera sensor dete ction information
●The high beams may not be automatically
turned off in the following situations:
• When a vehicle suddenly appears from around a curve
• When the vehicle is cut in front of by
another vehicle
• When vehicles ahead cannot be detected due to repeated curves, road
dividers or roadside trees
• When vehicles ahead appear in a far- away lane on a wide road
• When the lights of vehicles ahead are not
on
●The high beams may be turned off if a
vehicle ahead that is using fog lights with-
AHB (Automatic High
Beam)
The Automatic High Beam uses a
camera sensor located behind the
upper portion of the windshield to
assess the brightness of the lights of
vehicles ahead, streetlights, etc.,
and automatically 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 sa fely, taking care to
observe your surroundings and turning
the high beams on or off manually if nec-
essary.
■To prevent incorrect operation of the
Automatic High Beam system
Do not overload the vehicle.
Activating the Automatic High
Beam