steering LEXUS RX450h 2021 Repair Manual

4137-2. Steps to take in an emergency
7
When trouble arises
7-2.Steps to take in an emergency
If your vehicle needs to be
towed
If towing is necessary, we recom-
mend having your vehicle towed by
your Lexus dealer or commercial
towing service, using a wheel-lift
type truck or flatbed truck.
Use a safety chain system for all
towing, and abide by all state/pro-
vincial and local laws.
If towing your vehicle with a
wheel-lift type truck, use a towing
dolly. ( P.414, 413)
WARNING
Observe the following precautions.Fail-
ure to do so may result in death or seri-
ous injury.
■When towing the vehicle
Be sure to transport the vehicle with all
four wheels raised off the ground. If the
vehicle is towed with the tires contacting
the ground, the driv etrain or related
parts may be damaged, the vehicle may
fly off the truck, or electricity generated
by the operation of the motor may cause
a fire to occur depending on the nature
of the damage or malfunction.
■While towing
●When towing using cables or chains,
avoid sudden starts, etc. which place
excessive stress on the towing eyelets,
cables or chains. The towing eyelets,
cables or chains may become dam-
aged, broken debris may hit people,
and cause serious damage.
●Do not turn the power switch off.
There is a possibility that the steering
wheel is locked and cannot be oper-
ated.
■Installing towing eyelets to the vehi-
cle
Make sure that towing eyelets are
installed securely.If no t securely installed,
towing eyelets may come loose during
towing.

4147-2. Steps to take in an emergency
The following may indicate a problem
with your transmission. Contact your
Lexus dealer or commercial towing service before towing.

The hybrid system warning message
is shown on the multi-information
display and the vehicle does not
move.
 The vehicle makes an abnormal
sound.
From the front
Use a towing dolly under the rear
wheels.
From the rear
Use a towing dolly under the front
wheels.
NOTICE
■To prevent damage to the vehicle
when towing using a wheel-lift type
truck
●Do not tow the vehicle from the rear
when the power switch is off. The
steering lock mechanism is not strong
enough to hold the front wheels
straight.
●When raising the vehicle, ensure ade-
quate ground clearance for towing at
the opposite end of the raised vehicle.
Without adequate clearance, the vehi-
cle could be damaged while being
towed.
■To prevent damage to the vehicle
when towing with a sling-type truck
Do not tow with a sling-type truck, either
from the front or rear.
■To prevent damage to the vehicle
during emergency towing
Do not secure cables or chains to the
suspension components.
■Recreational towing (behind motor
home, etc.)
Never dinghy tow your vehicle to pre-
vent causing serious damage to the
Hybrid AWD system and transmission.
(  P.183)
Situations when it is necessary to
contact dealers before towing
Towing with a wheel-lift type
truck

4157-2. Steps to take in an emergency
7
When trouble arises
When using a flat-bed truck to trans-
port the vehicle, use tire strapping
belts. Refer to the owner's manual of
the flat-bed truck for the tire strapping
method.
In order to suppress vehicle movement
during transportation, set the parking
brake and turn the power switch off.
If a tow truck is not available in an
emergency, your vehicle may be tem-
porarily towed using cables or chains
secured to the emergency towing eye-
lets. This should only be attempted on
hard surfaced roads for short distances
at under 18 mph (30 km/h).
A driver must be in the vehicle to steer
and operate the brakes. The vehicle’s
wheels, drive train, axles, steering and
brakes must be in good condition. To have your vehicle towed by another
vehicle, the towing eyelet must be
installed to your vehicle. Install the tow-
ing eyelet using the following proce-
dure.
1
Take out the towing eyelet.
(P.433)
2 Remove the eyelet cover.
Except F SPORT models
F SPORT models
NOTICE
■Towing with a sling-type truck
Do not tow with a sling-type truck to pre-
vent body damage.
Using a flatbed truck
Emergency towing (vehicles
with towing eyelets)
Emergency towing procedure
(vehicles with towing eyelets)

4167-2. Steps to take in an emergency
3Insert the towing eyelet into the
hole and tighten partially by hand.
4 Tighten down the towing eyelet
securely using a wheel nut wrench
or hard metal bar.
5 Securely attach cables or chains to
the towing eyelet.
Take care not to damage the vehicle body.
6Enter the vehicle being towed and
start the hybrid system.
If the hybrid system does not start, turn the
power switch to ON.
7Shift the shift lever to N and release
the parking brake.
Turn automatic mode off. ( P.196)
When the shift lever cannot be shifted:
 P.192
■While towing
If the hybrid system is off, the power assist
for the brakes and steering will not function,
making steering and braking more difficult.
■Wheel nut wrench
Wheel nut wrench is installed in luggage
compartment. ( P.433)

4217-2. Steps to take in an emergency
7
When trouble arises
■Electric power steering system warning light (warning buzzer)
■Low fuel level warning light
■Driver’s and front passenger’s seat belt reminder light (warning buzzer)*
*: Driver’s seat belt warning buzzer:
The driver’s seat belt warning buzzer sounds to al ert the driver that his or her seat belt is not
fastened. Once the power switch is turned to ON mode, the buzzer sounds. If the seat belt
is still unfastened, the buzzer sounds intermittently for a cert ain period of time after the
vehicle reaches a certain speed.
Front passenger’s seat belt warning buzzer:
The front passenger’s seat belt warning buzzer sounds to alert the front passenger that his
or her seat belt is not fastened. If the seat belt is unfastened, the buzzer sounds intermit-
tently for a certain period of time af ter the vehicle reaches a certain speed.
Warning lightDetails/Actions
(red)
or
(yellow)
Indicates a malfunction in the EPS (Electric Power Steering) system
Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
Warning lightDetails/Actions
Indicates that remaining fu el is approximately 2.9 gal. (11.0 L, 2.4 Imp.
gal.) or less
 Refuel the vehicle.
Warning lightDetails/Actions
Warns the driver and/or front pass enger to fasten their seat belts
 Fasten the seat belt.
If the front passenger’s seat is occupied, the front passenger’s seat
belt also needs to be fastened to make the warning light (warning
buzzer) turn off.

4257-2. Steps to take in an emergency
7
When trouble arises
■Brake hold operated indicator
■Master warning light
■Warning buzzer
In some cases, the bu zzer may not be heard
due to being in a noisy location or audio
sound.
■Front passenger detection sensor, seat
belt reminder and warning buzzer
●If luggage is placed on the front passen-
ger seat, the front passenger detection
sensor may cause th e warning light to
flash and the warning buzzer to sound
even if a passenger is not sitting in the
seat.
●If a cushion is placed on the seat, the sen-
sor may not detect a passenger, and the
warning light may not operate properly.
■SRS warning light
This warning light system monitors the air-
bag sensor assembly, fr ont impact sensors,
side impact sensors (front door), side
impact sensors (rear), driver’s seat position
sensor, driver’s seat be lt buckle switch, front
passenger occupant cl assification system
(ECU and sensors), “AIR BAG ON” indica-
tor light, “AIR BAG OFF” indicator light,
front passenger’s seat belt buckle switch,
driver’s seat belt pretensioner, front passen-
ger’s seat belt pretensioner and force lim-
iter, airbags, interconnecting wiring and
power sources. ( P.30)
■If the malfunction indicator lamp comes
on while driving
First check the following:
●Is the fuel tank empty?
If it is, fill the fuel tank immediately.
●Is the fuel tank cap loose?
If it is, tighten it securely.
The light will go off after several driving
trips.
If the light does not go off even after several
trips, contact your Lexus dealer as soon as
possible.
■Electric power steering system warning
light (warning buzzer)
When the 12-volt battery charge becomes
insufficient or the voltage temporarily
drops, the electric power steering system
warning light may come on and the warning
buzzer may sound.
■When the tire pressure warning light
comes on
Inspect the tires to check if a tire is punc-
tured.
If a tire is punctured:  P.432
If none of the tires are punctured:
Turn the power switch off then turn it to ON
mode. Check if the tire pressure warning
light comes on or blinks.
If the tire pressure warning light blinks for
1 minute then stays on
There may be a malfunction in the tire
pressure warning system. Have the vehicle
inspected by your Lexus dealer immedi-
ately.
Warning lightDetails/Actions
(flashes)
Indicates a malfunction in the brake hold system
 Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
Warning lightDetails/Actions
A buzzer sounds and the warning light comes on and flashes to indicate
that the master warning system has detected a malfunction.
P.428

4267-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If the tire pressure warning light comes
on
1 After the temperature of the tires has
lowered sufficiently, check the inflation
pressure of each tire and adjust them to
the specified level.
2 If the warning light does not turn off
even after several minutes have
elapsed, check that the inflation pres-
sure of each tire is at the specified level
and perform initialization. ( P.385)
If the warning light does not turn off several
minutes after the initia lization has been per-
formed, have the vehicle inspected by your
Lexus dealer immediately.
■The tire pressure warning light may
come on due to natural causes
The tire pressure wa rning light may come
on due to natural causes such as natural air
leaks and tire inflation pressure changes
caused by temperature. In this case, adjust-
ing the tire inflation pressure will turn off the
warning light (after a few minutes).
■When a tire is replaced with a spare tire
The compact spare tire is not equipped with
a tire pressure warning valve and transmit-
ter. If a tire goes flat, the tire pressure warn-
ing light will not turn off even though the flat
tire has been replaced with the spare tire.
Replace the spare tire with the repaired tire
and adjust the tire inflation pressure. The
tire pressure warning lig ht will go off after a
few minutes.
■Conditions that the tire pressure warn-
ing system may not function properly
 P.383
■Customization
Some functions can be customized.
(  P.480)
WARNING
■If both the ABS and the brake system
warning lights remain on
Stop your vehicle in a safe place immedi-
ately and contact your Lexus dealer.
The vehicle will become extremely
unstable during br aking, and the ABS
system may fail, which could cause an
accident resulting in death or serious
injury.
■When the electric power steering
system warning light comes on
When the light comes on yellow, the
assist to the power st eering is restricted.
When the light comes on red, the assist
to the power steering is lost and handling
operations of the steering wheel become
extremely heavy.
When steering wheel operations are
heavier than usual, grip the steering
wheel firmly and operate it using more
force than usual.
■If the tire pressure warning light
comes on
Be sure to observe the following precau-
tions.
Failure to do so could cause a loss of
vehicle control and result in death or
serious injury.
●Stop your vehicle in a safe place as
soon as possible. Adjust the tire infla-
tion pressure immediately.
●If the tire pressure warning light comes
on even after tire inflation pressure
adjustment, it is prob able that you have
a flat tire. Check the tire s. If a tire is flat,
change it with the spare tire and have
the flat tire repaired by the nearest
Lexus dealer.
●Avoid abrupt maneuvering and brak-
ing.
If the vehicle tires deteriorate, you
could lose control of the steering
wheel or the brakes.

4427-2. Steps to take in an emergency
7Confirm it is not loose after tighten-
ing:
1 Push and pull the tire
2 Try rotating
Visually check to ensure tire is not hung on
surrounding parts.
If looseness or misassembly exists, repeat
steps 2 to 7.
8 Repeat step 7, any time the tire is
lowered or disturbed.
9 Stow the jack and all tools.
■The compact spare tire
●The compact spare tire is identified by the
label “TEMPORARY USE ONLY” on
the tire sidewall. Use the compact spare
tire temporarily, and only in an emer-
gency.
●Make sure to check the tire inflation pres-
sure of the compact spare tire. ( P.466)
■When using the compact spare tire
As the compact spare tire is not equipped
with a tire pressure warning valve and trans-
mitter, low inflation pressure of the spare
tire will not be indicated by the tire pressure
warning system. Also, if you replace the
compact spare tire after the tire pressure
warning light comes on, the light remains
on.
■When the compact spare tire is
equipped
When driving with the compact spare tire
installed, the vehicle he ight will be different
than when driving with standard tires.
■If you have a flat front tire on a road cov-
ered with snow or ice
Install the compact spare tire on one of the
rear wheels of the vehicle. Perform the fol-
lowing steps and fit tire chains to the front
tires:
1 Replace a rear tire with the compact
spare tire.
2 Replace the flat front tire with the tire
removed from the rear of the vehicle.
3 Fit tire chains to the front tires.
WARNING
■When using the compact spare tire
●Remember that the compact spare tire
provided is specific ally designed for
use with your vehicle. Do not use your
compact spare tire on another vehicle.
●Do not use more than one compact
spare tire simultaneously.
●Replace the compact spare tire with a
standard tire as soon as possible.
●Avoid sudden acceleration, abrupt
steering, sudden br aking and shifting
operations that cause sudden engine
braking.
■When the compact spare tire is
attached
The vehicle speed may not be correctly
detected, and the following systems may
not operate correctly:
• ABS & Brake assist
•VSC
•TRAC
• Trailer Sway Control
•EPS
•VDIM
• Adaptive Variable Suspension System (if equipped)
• Dynamic radar cruise control with full-speed range

4447-2. Steps to take in an emergency
One of the following may be the cause
of the problem:
The electronic key may not be func-
tioning properly. ( P.447)
 There may not be sufficient fuel in
the vehicle’s tank.
Refuel the vehicle.
 There may be a malfunction in the
immobilizer system. ( P.73)
 There may be a malfunction in the
steering lock system.
 The hybrid system may be malfunc-
tioning due to an electrical problem
such as electronic key battery
depletion or a blown fuse. However,
depending on the type of malfunc-
tion, an interim measure is available
to start the hybrid system. ( P.445)
One of the following may be the cause
NOTICE
■Proper storage of the spare tire
(RX450hL)
●If the hoist assembly is slanted when
stowing a tire, the hoist assembly may
become stuck in the wheel opening
and the tire may not be raised properly,
causing damage to the wheel or the
wire cable.
●If the spare tire clamp bolt is turned
without a tire on the hoist assembly, the
wire cable may not be able to be low-
ered. If the wire cable cannot be low-
ered, contact your Lexus dealer.
If the hybrid system will not
start
Reasons for the hybrid system not
starting vary depending on the situ-
ation. Check the following and per-
form the appropriate procedure:
The hybrid system will not start
even though the correct starting
procedure is being followed.
(  P.184)
The interior lights and head-
lights are dim, or the horn does
not sound or sounds at a low vol-
ume.

4668-1. Specifications
*: Minimum pedal clearance when depressed with a force of 110 lbf (490 N, 50 kgf) while
the hybrid system is operating.
Type A
Brake pad wear limit0.04 in. (1.0 mm)
Fluid typeFMVSS No. 116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703
FMVSS No. 116 DOT 4 or SAE J1704
Steering
Free playLess than 1.2 in. (30 mm)
Tires and wheels
Tire size235/65R18 106V, T165/90D18 107M (spare)
Tire inflation pressure
(Recommended cold tire
inflation pressure)
Front tire
33 psi (230 kPa, 2.3 kgf/cm
2 or bar)
Rear tire
33 psi (230 kPa, 2.3 kgf/cm
2 or bar)
Spare tire
60 psi (420 kPa, 4.2 kgf/cm
2 or bar)
Driving at high speeds (above 100 mph [160 km/h]) (in
countries where such speeds are permitted by law)
Add 5 psi (30 kPa, 0.3 kgf/cm
2 or bar) to the front and rear
tires. Never exceed the maximum cold tire inflation pres-
sure indicated on the tire sidewall.
Wheel size18  8J, 18  4T (spare)
Wheel nut torque76 ft•lbf (103 N•m, 10.5 kgf•m)