2008 LEXUS RX400H brake

TABLE OF CONTENTSIndex
RX400h_U
2
1-1. Hybrid system ............................... 24Hybrid system................................... 24
1-2. Key information ........................... 34 Keys ...................................................... 34
1-3. Opening, closing and locking the doors...................................... 36
Wireless remote control .............. 36
Side doors .......................................... 39
Back door ........................................... 44
1-4. Adjustable components (seats, mirrors,
steering wheel) .......................... 49
Front seats .......................................... 49
Rear seats ........................................... 52
Driving position memory ............. 55
Head restraints................................. 57
Seat belts ........................................... 58
Steering wheel (manually adjustable type) ....... 65
Steering wheel (power-adjustable type)............ 66
Anti-glare inside rear view mirror ................................................ 67
Outside rear view mirrors ........... 68
Roof luggage carrier ..................... 70 1-5. Opening and closing the
windows and moon roof .......... 72
Power windows................................ 72
Moon roof .......................................... 75
1-6. Refueling ........................................ 78 Opening the fuel tank cap........... 78
1-7. Theft deterrent system.............. 83 Hybrid vehicle immobilizer system ............................................... 83
Alarm................................................... 85
Theft prevention labels (U.S.A.) ............................................ 88
1-8. Safety information ...................... 89 Correct driving posture ............... 89
SRS airbags ........................................ 91
Front passenger occupant classification system .................. 103
Child restraint systems ............... 108
Installing child restraints ............... 112
2-1. Driving procedures................... 122 Driving the vehicle ........................ 122
Engine (ignition) switch ................ 131
Transmission ................................... 135
Turn signal lever............................. 136
Parking brake ................................. 137
1Before driving
2When driving

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Pictorial indexInstrument panel
Headlight switch Turn signal lever Fog light switch P. 148
P. 136
P. 151
Power back door main switch ∗ P. 45
Tilt steering lock release lever ∗ P. 65
Tilt and telescopic steering control switch ∗ P. 66
Parking brake pedal P. 137
Tire pressure warning reset switch P. 332
Hood release lever P. 313
Gauges and meters P. 138
Audio remote control switches P. 231
Glove box P. 265
Tire pressure warning select switch P. 335
Engine (ignition) switch P. 131

RX400h_U
18
For your information
Main Owner’s Manual
Please note that this manual applies to all models and explains all equipment, includ-
ing options. Therefore, you may find some explanations for equipment not installed
on your vehicle.
All specifications provided in this manual are current at the time of printing. How-
ever, because of the Lexus policy of continual product improvement, we reserve the
right to make changes at any time without notice.
Depending on specifications, the vehicle shown in the illustration may differ from
your vehicle in terms of color and equipment.
Accessories, spare parts and modification of your Lexus
A wide variety of non-genuine spare parts and accessories for Lexus vehicles are
currently available in the market. You should know that Toyota does not warrant
these products and is not responsible for their performance, repair, or replacement,
or for any damage they may cause to, or adverse effect they may have on, your
Lexus vehicle.
This vehicle should not be modified with non-genuine Lexus products. Modification
with non-genuine Lexus products could affect its performance, safety or durability,
and may even violate governmental regulations. In addition, damage or perfor-
mance problems resulting from the modification may not be covered under war-
ranty.
Installation of a mobile two-way radio system
As the installation of a mobile two-way radio system in your vehicle may affect elec-
tronic systems such as the hybrid system, multiport fuel injection system/sequential
multiport fuel injection system, cruise control system, vehicle dynamics integrated
management, anti-lock brake system, SRS airbag system and seat belt pretensioner
system, be sure to check with your Lexus dealer for precautionary measures or spe-
cial instructions regarding installation.
High voltage parts and cables on the hybrid vehicles emit approximately the same
amount of electromagnetic waves as the conventional gasoline powered vehicles or
home electronic appliances despite of their electromagnetic shielding.

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1-1. Hybrid system
1
Before driving
RX400h_U
■Regenerative braking
The motor generator converts kinetic energy to electric energy when:
●The accelerator pedal is released.
●The brake pedal is depressed with the shift lever in D.
■Conditions in which the gasoline engine may not stop
The gasoline engine starts and stops automatically. However, it may not stop auto-
matically in the following conditions:
●During gasoline engine warm-up
●During hybrid battery (traction battery) charging
●During low or high hybrid battery (traction battery) temperature
■Charging the battery
●As the gasoline engine charges the hybrid battery (traction battery), the battery
does not need to be charged from an outside source. However, if the vehicle is
left parked for a long time the hybrid battery will slowly discharge. For this rea-
son, be sure to drive the vehicle at least once every several months for at least
30 minutes or 10 miles (16 km). If the hybrid battery becomes fully discharged
and you are unable to jump-start the vehicle with the battery, contact your
Lexus dealer.
●If the shift lever is in N, the hybrid battery (traction battery) will not be charged.
When driving in heavy traffic, operate the vehicle with the shift lever in D to
avoid discharging the battery.
■During normal driving
The gasoline engine is predominantly used. The electric motor
(traction motor) charges the hybrid battery as necessary.
■ When accelerating sharply
The power of the hybrid battery (traction battery) is added via elec-
tric motor (traction motor) to that of the gasoline engine.
■ When braking (regenerative brake)
The electric motor (traction motor) charges the hybrid battery
(traction battery).

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1-1. Hybrid system
RX400h_U
■After the 12-volt battery has discharged or has been changed or removed
The gasoline engine may not stop even if the vehicle is running on the hybrid battery
(traction battery). If this continues for a few days, contact your Lexus dealer.
■Sounds and vibrations specific to a hybrid vehicle
There may be no engine sounds or vibration even though the vehicle is able to
move. Always put the shift lever in P when parked.
The following sounds or vibrations may occur when the hybrid system is operating,
and are not a malfunction.
●Motor sounds may be heard from the engine compartment.
●Sounds may be heard from the hybrid battery (traction battery) behind the rear
seat when the hybrid system starts or stops.
●Sounds may be heard from the transmission when the hybrid system starts or
stops, or while the vehicle is idling.
●Engine sounds may be heard when accelerating sharply.
●Sounds may be heard from the regenerative brake when you press the brake
pedal.
●Vibration may be felt when the gasoline engine starts or stops.
●You may hear cooling fan sounds coming from the air intake vents under the
rear seat.
■Maintenance, repair, recycling, and disposal
Contact your Lexus dealer regarding maintenance, repair, recycling and disposal.
Do not dispose of the vehicle yourself.

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1-1. Hybrid system
RX400h_U
CAUTION
■Road accident cautions
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of injury.
●Pull your vehicle off the road, put the shift lever in P, apply the parking brake, turn
the hybrid system off and remove the key.
●Do not touch the high voltage parts, cables and connectors.
●If electric wires are exposed inside or outside your vehicle, an electric shock may
occur. Never touch exposed electric wires.
●If a fluid leak occurs, do not touch it as it may be strong alkaline electrolyte from
the hybrid battery (traction battery). If it comes into contact with your skin or
eyes, wash it off immediately with a large amount of water or if possible, boric
acid solution. Seek immediate medical attention.
●If a fire occurs in the hybrid vehicle, leave the vehicle as soon as possible. Never
use a fire extinguisher that is not meant for electric fires. Using even a small
amount of water may be dangerous.
●If your vehicle needs to be towed, do so with the front wheels (for 2WD models)
or four wheels (for AWD models) raised. If the wheels with the electric motor
(traction motor) are on the ground when towing, the motor may continue to gen-
erate electricity. This may cause an electricity leakage leading to a fire.(
→P. 3 7 8 )
■Nickel-metal hydride battery
Your vehicle contains a sealed nickel-metal hydride battery. If disposed of improp-
erly, it is hazardous to the environment and there is a risk of severe burns and elec-
trical shock that may result in death or serious injury.
■If the system activates
●Carefully check to see if there are exposed high voltage parts or cables. Never
touch the parts or cables. (
→P. 2 7 )
●Carefully inspect the ground under the vehicle. If you find that liquid has leaked
onto the ground, the fuel system may have been damaged. Leave the vehicle as
soon as possible.

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.
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