2008 LEXUS RX400H engine

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1-5. Opening and closing the windows and moon roof
RX400h_U
■The moon roof can be operated when
The engine switch must be in the ON position.
■Door lock linked moon roof operation
●The moon roof can be opened and closed using the key. (→P. 3 9 )
●The moon roof can be opened using the wireless remote control. ( →P. 3 6 )
■Operating the moon roof after turning the engine switch to the ACC or LOCK
position
The moon roof can be operated for approximately 45 seconds even after the
engine switch is turned to the ACC or LOCK position. It cannot, however, be oper-
ated once either front door is opened.
■Jam protection function
If an object is detected between the moon roof and the frame while closing or tilting
down, travel is stopped and the moon roof opens slightly.
■To reduce moon roof wind noise
Drive with the moon roof where it has stopped when opening automatically.
■Sunshade
The sunshade can be opened and closed manually. However, the sunshade will
open automatically when the moon roof is opened.
■Customization that can be configured at Lexus dealer
Settings (e.g. linked door lock operation) can be changed. (Customizable features
→P. 4 5 8 )

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1
Before driving
RX400h_U
1-7. Theft deterrent system
Hybrid vehicle immobilizer system
■System maintenance
The vehicle has a maintenance-free type of immobilizer system.
■Conditions that may cause the system to malfunction
●If the grip portion of the key is in contact with a metallic object
●If the key is in close proximity to or touching a key to the security system (key with
a built-in transponder chip) of another vehicle
The vehicle's keys have built-in transponder chips that prevent the hybrid
system from starting if the key has not been previously registered in the
vehicle's on-board computer.
Never leave the keys inside the vehicle when you leave the vehicle.
The indicator light flashes after
the key has been removed from
the engine switch to indicate
that the system is operating.

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1
1-7. Theft deterrent system
Before driving
RX400h_U
Alarm
The system sounds the alarm and flashes lights when forcible entry is
detected.
■Triggered of the alarm
The alarm is triggered in the following situations.
●A locked door is unlocked or opened in any way other than using
the key or wireless remote co ntrol with the alarm being set.
● The hood is opened with the alarm being set.
■ Setting the alarm system
Close the doors, hood, and lock
all doors using the key or wire-
less remote door lock function.
The system will be set automati-
cally after 30 seconds.
The indicator light changes from
being on to flashing when the
system is set.
■ Deactivating or stopping the alarm
Do one of the following to deactivate or stop the alarm.
●Unlock the doors using the key or wireless remote control.
● Turn the engine switch to the ON position. (The alarm will be
deactivated or stopped after a few seconds.)

When driving2
121
RX400h_U
2-1. Driving procedures ........ 122Driving the vehicle.................. 122
Engine (ignition) switch .......... 131
Transmission.............................. 135
Turn signal lever ....................... 136
Parking brake ........................... 137
2-2. Instrument cluster ......... 138 Gauges and meters ................ 138
Indicators and warning lights ......................................... 140
Multi-information display ..... 143
Trip information display (without navigation
system)..................................... 146
2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers........ 148
Headlight switch...................... 148
Fog light switch ......................... 151
Windshield wipers and washer ..................................... 152
Rear window wiper and washer ..................................... 155
Headlight cleaner switch...... 156 2-4. Using other driving
systems .......................... 157
Cruise control........................... 157
Dynamic laser cruise control ..................................... 160
Driving assist systems ............. 169
2-5. Driving information........ 173 Utility vehicle precautions ............................ 173
Cargo and luggage ................ 178
Vehicle load limits .................... 181
Winter driving tips .................. 182
Trailer towing ........................... 187
Dinghy towing.......................... 196

122
RX400h_U
2-1. Driving procedures
Driving the vehicle
Starting on a steep uphillFirmly set the parking brake and shift the shift lever to D.
Gently depress the accelerator pedal.
Release the parking brake.
The following procedures should be observed to ensure safe driving.
■Starting the hybrid system
→ P. 1 3 1
■ Driving
With the brake pedal depressed, shift the shift lever to D. (→P. 135)
Release the parking brake. (→ P. 1 3 7 )
Gradually release the brake pedal and gently push the accel-
erator pedal to accelerate the vehicle.
■ Stopping
With the shift lever in D, push the brake pedal.
If necessary, set the parking brake.
When the vehicle is stopped for an extended period of time, shift the
shift lever to P. (
→P. 1 3 5 )
■Parking the vehicle
With the shift lever in D, push the brake pedal.
Set the parking brake. (→ P. 1 3 7 )
Shift the shift lever to P. (→ P. 135)
Turn the engine switch to stop the hybrid system.
Lock the door, making sure that you have the key on your per-
son.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
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STEP5
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2-1. Driving procedures
RX400h_U
■Operating your vehicle in a foreign country
Comply with the relevant vehicle registration laws and confirm the availability of the
correct fuel. (→P. 4 3 3 )
■For efficient use of the hybrid battery
●Put the shift lever into D when driving
In the N position, the gasoline engine operates but electricity cannot be gener-
ated. The hybrid battery (traction battery) will be discharged requiring unnec-
essary engine power to recharge.
●Drive your vehicle smoothly
Avoid abrupt acceleration and deceleration. Gradual acceleration and decel-
eration will make more effective use of the traction motor without having to use
gasoline engine power.
●Avoid repeated acceleration
Repeated acceleration consumes hybrid battery (traction battery) power,
resulting in poor acceleration. Battery power can be restored by driving with
the accelerator pedal slightly released.
●Put the shift lever into P when parking
In the N position, the hybrid battery (traction battery) does not recharge.
Leaving the shift lever in the N position for an extended period of the time may
discharge the hybrid battery. The vehicle cannot run if the hybrid battery is dis-
charged.
■Normal characteristics after turning off the hybrid system
Approximately five hours after the hybrid system is turned off, you may hear sound
coming from under the vehicle for several minutes. This is the sound of a fuel evapo-
ration leakage check and, it does not indicate a malfunction.
CAUTION
■When starting the vehicle
Always keep your foot on the brake pedal while stopped with the hybrid system
running. This prevents the vehicle from creeping.

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2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
RX400h_U
CAUTION
■When driving the vehicle
●Do not drive if you are unfamiliar with the location of the brake and accelerator
pedals to avoid depressing the wrong pedal.
• Accidentally depressing the accelerator pedal instead of the brake pedal willresult in sudden acceleration that may lead to an accident that could result in
death or serious injury.
• When backing up, you may twist your body around, leading to a difficulty in operating the pedals. Make sure to operate the pedals properly.
• Make sure to keep a correct driving posture even when moving the vehicle
only slightly, allowing you to depress the brake and accelerator pedals prop-
erly.
• Depress the brake pedal using your right foot. Depressing the brake pedal using your left foot may delay response in an emergency, resulting in an acci-
dent.
●The driver should pay attention to pedestrians when the vehicle is powered only
by the electric motor (traction motor). Because there is no engine noise, the
pedestrians may misjudge the vehicle’s movement.
●Do not drive the vehicle over or stop the vehicle near flammable materials.
●Do not let the vehicle roll backwards while th e shift lever is in a driving position, or
roll forward while the shift lever is in R.
Doing so may cause the hybrid system to stall or lead to poor brake and steering
performance, resulting in an accident or damage to the vehicle.
●If the smell of exhaust is noticed inside the vehicle, open the windows and check
that the back door is closed. Large amounts of exhaust in the vehicle can cause
driver drowsiness and an accident, resulting in death or a serious health hazard.
Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
●Do not under any circumstances shift the shift lever to P, R or N while the vehicle
is moving.
Doing so can cause significant damage to the transmission system and may result
in a loss of vehicle control.
●Do not shift the shift lever to N while the vehicle is moving.
Doing so may cause the engine brake to not operate properly and lead to an
accident.

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2-1. Driving procedures
RX400h_U
CAUTION
■When driving the vehicle
●Use engine braking to maintain a safe speed when driving down a steep hill.
Using the brakes continuously may cause the brakes to overheat and lose effec-
tiveness. (→P. 1 3 5 )
●When stopped on an inclined surface, use the brake pedal and parking brake to
prevent the vehicle from rolling backward or forward and causing an accident.
●Do not adjust the position of the steering wheel, the seat, or the inside or outside
rear view mirrors while driving.
Doing so may result in a loss of vehicle control that can cause accidents that may
result in death or serious injury.
●Always check that all passengers' arms, heads or other parts of their bodies are
not outside the vehicle, as this may result in death or serious injury.
●Do not drive in excess of the speed limit. Even if the legal speed limit permits it, do
not drive over 85 mph (140 km/h) unless your vehicle has high-speed capability
tires. Driving over 85 mph (140 km/h) may result in tire failure, loss of control and
possible injury. Be sure to consult a tire dealer to determine whether the tires on
your vehicle are high-speed capability tires or not before driving at such speeds.
■When driving on slippery road surfaces
●Sudden braking, acceleration and steering may cause tire slippage and reduce
your ability to control the vehicle, resulting in an accident.
●Sudden changes in engine speed, such as engine braking caused by up-shifting
or down-shifting, may cause the vehicle to skid, resulting in an accident.
●After driving through a puddle, lightly depress the brake pedal to make sure that
the brakes are functioning properly. Wet brake pads may prevent the brakes from
functioning properly. If the brakes on only one side are wet and not functioning
properly, steering control may be affected, resulting in an accident.
■When shifting the shift lever
Be careful not to shift the shift lever with the accelerator pedal depressed.
This may lead to unexpected rapid acceleration of the vehicle that may cause an
accident and result in death or serious injury.