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2-1. Driving procedures
RX400h_U
CAUTION
■When starting the hybrid system
Always start the hybrid system while sitting in the driver’s seat. Do not press the
accelerator pedal while starting the hybrid system under any circumstances.
Doing so may cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
■Caution when driving
Do not turn the engine switch to the LOCK position while driving. If, in an emer-
gency, you must turn the hybrid system off while the vehicle is moving, turn the
engine switch only to the ACC position.
NOTICE
■To prevent 12-volt battery discharge
Do not leave the engine switch in the ACC or ON position for long periods without
the hybrid system on.
■When starting the hybrid system
●If any service reminder indicator light comes on or warning message appears on
the multi-information display or the 12-volt battery is disconnected, the hybrid
system may not start. In that case, turn the ignition on again. If the READY light
does not come on, contact your Lexus dealer.
●Do not race the hybrid system.
●If the hybrid system becomes difficult to start or stalls frequently, have the hybrid
system checked immediately.
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2-2. Instrument cluster
RX400h_U
Indicators and warning lights
The indicator and warning lights on the instrument cluster and center
panel inform the driver of the status of the vehicle’s various systems.
Instrument cluster
The units used on the speedometer and the power meter gauge display may
differ depending on the model/type.
Center panel
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2-2. Instrument cluster
RX400h_U
CAUTION
■If a safety system warning light does not come on
Should a safety system light such as ABS and the SRS airbag warning light not
come on when you start the hybrid system, this could mean that these systems are
not available to help protect you in an accident, which could result in death or seri-
ous injury. Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately if this
occurs.
■Warning lights
Warning lights inform the driver of malfunctions in any of the vehi-
cle's systems.
*: These lights turn on when the engine switch is turned to the ON position
to indicate that a system check is being performed. They will turn off
after the hybrid system is started, or after a few seconds. There may be a
malfunction in a system if a light does not come on, or if the lights do not
turn off. Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer.
(U.S.A.)(Canada)(U.S.A.)(Canada)(U.S.A.)(Canada)
********
*****
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2-2. Instrument cluster
2
When driving
RX400h_U
Multi-information display
The multi-information display presents the driver with a variety of driving
related data, including the status of the hybrid system.
●Odometer and trip meter
display
Odometer displays the total
distance the vehicle has been
driven.
Trip meter displays the dis-
tance the vehicle has been
driven since the meter was
last reset. Trip meters A and B
can be used to record and
display different distances
independently.
● Energy monitor (
→P. 2 8 )
Displays the status of the
hybrid system.
● Dynamic laser cruise control
display (if equipped)
(
→P. 1 6 0 )
Automatically displayed
when using dynamic laser
cruise control.
● Warning messages
(
→P. 398)
Automatically displayed
when a malfunction occurs in
one of the vehicle's systems.
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2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
RX400h_U
Driving in vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode
This mode employs a laser radar sensor to detect the presence of vehi-
cles within 400 ft. (120 m) ahead and to judge the distance between your
vehicle and those vehicles.
Note that vehicle-to-vehicle distance will close when traveling on long
downhill slopes.
Example of constant speed cruising (when there are no vehicles
ahead):
When set to 62 mph (100 km/h)
The vehicle travels at the speed set by the driver. The desired vehicle-to-vehi-
cle distance can also be set by operating the vehicle-to-vehicle distance
switch.
Example of deceleration cruising (when the vehicle ahead is driving
slower than the set speed):
When fixed speed cruising is set at 62 mph (100 km/h) and the vehicle
ahead is driving at 50 mph (80 km/h)
When a vehicle is detected running ahead of you, in the same lane, the sys-
tem automatically decelerates your vehicle. When a greater reduction in
vehicle speed is necessary, the system applies the brakes. A warning tone
warns you when the system cannot decelerate sufficiently to prevent your
vehicle from closing on the vehicle ahead.
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2-4. Using other driving systems
RX400h_UExample of follow-up cruising (when following a vehicle driving slower
than the set speed):
When the speed is set to 62 mph (100 km/h) and the vehicle ahead is
driving at 50 mph (80 km/h)
The system continues follow-up cruising while adjusting for changes in the
speed of the vehicle ahead in order to maintain the vehicle-to-vehicle dis-
tance set by the driver.
Example of acceleration (when there are no longer vehicles driving
slower than the set speed in the lane ahead):
When the speed is set to 62 mph (100 km/h) and the vehicle ahead
driving at 50 mph (80 km/h) is out of the lane
When the vehicle ahead of you executes a lane change, the system slowly
accelerates until the set vehicle speed is reached. The system then returns to
fixed speed cruising.
■Fine adjustment of the set speed
Adjustment of the set speed by the following speed can be made by lightly pressing
the lever up or down and releasing it.
In the constant speed control mode: Approximately 1.0 mph (1.6 km/h)
In the vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode: U.S.A.: Approximately 5 mph (8 km/h)
Canada: Approximately 3 mph (5 km/h)
■Dynamic laser cruise control warning lights, display and buzzers
Warning lights, display and buzzers are used to indicate a system malfunction or to
alert you to the need for caution while driving. ( →P. 3 9 8 )
■The dynamic laser cruise can be set when
●The shift lever is in D.
●Vehicle speed is between approximately 27 mph (45 km/h) and 85 mph (135
km/h).
■Accelerating
The vehicle can be accelerated normally.
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2-4. Using other driving systems
RX400h_U
CAUTION
■When the slip indicator flashes and a warning buzzer sounds
This situation occurs immediately while VSC is activated. Always drive carefully.
Reckless driving may cause an accident. Exercise particular care when the indica-
tor light flashes and a buzzer sounds.
■Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the same size, brand, tread pattern and total load
capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are inflated to the recommended tire
pressure level.
The ABS and VSC systems will not function correctly if different tires are fitted on
the vehicle.
Contact your Lexus dealer for further information when replacing tires or wheels.
■Handling of tires and suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modifying the suspension will affect the
VDIM, and may cause the system to malfunction.
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3-2. Using the front audio system
RX400h_U
■Using cellular phones
Interference may be heard through the audio system’s speakers if a cellular phone is
being used inside or close to the vehicle while the audio system is operating.
CAUTION
■For vehicles sold in U.S.A. and Canada
●Pa r t 1 5 o f t h e F CC R u l e s
FCC Warning:
Any unauthorized changes or modifications to this equipment will void the user’s
authority to operate this device.
●Laser products
• Do not take this unit apart or attempt to make any changes yourself. This is an intricate unit that uses a laser pickup to retrieve information from the
surface of compact discs. The laser is carefully shielded so that its rays remain
inside the cabinet. Therefore, never try to disassemble the player or alter any of
its parts since you may be exposed to laser rays and dangerous voltages.
• This product utilizes a laser. Use of controls or adjustments or perf ormance of procedures other than those
specified herein may result in hazardous radiation exposure.
NOTICE
■To prevent 12-volt battery discharge
Do not leave the audio system on longer than necessary with the hybrid system off.
■To avoid damaging the audio system
Take care not to spill drinks or other fluids over the audio system.