3014-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
NX300h_U_OM78007U WA R N I N G ■
When using the Lexus parking assist monitor system
The parking assist monitor is a supplemental device intended to assist the driver when
backing up. When backing up, be sure to chec k visually behind and all around the vehi-
cle before proceeding.
Observe the following precautions to avoid an accident that could result in death or
serious injuries. ●
Never depend on the parking assist monitor entirely when backing up. The image
and the position of the guide lines displaye d on the screen may differ from the actual
state.
Use caution, just as you would when backing up any vehicle. ●
Be sure to back up slowly, depressing the brake pedal to control vehicle speed. ●
If you seem likely to hit nearby vehicles, obstacles, people or mount the shoulder,
depress the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. ●
The instructions given are only guidelines.
When and how much to turn the steering wheel will vary according to traffic condi-
tions, road surface conditions, vehicle condit ion, etc. when parking. It is necessary to
be fully aware of this before using the parking assist system. ●
When parking, be sure to check that the par king space will accommodate your vehi-
cle before maneuvering into it. ●
Do not use the parking assist monitor in the following cases:
• On icy or slick road surfaces, or in snow
• When using tire chains or emergency tires
• When the back door is not closed completely
• On roads that are not flat or straight, such as curves or slopes. ●
In low temperatures, the screen may darken or the image may become faint. The
image could distort when the vehicle is moving, or you may become unable to see the
image on the screen. Be sure to check dire ct visually and with the mirrors all around
the vehicle before proceeding. ●
If the tire sizes are changed, the position of the guide lines displayed on the screen
may change. ●
The camera uses a special lens. The dist ances between objects and pedestrians that
appear in the image displayed on the screen will differ from the actual distances.
( P. 2 9 5 ) ●
Estimated course line display mode: If the st eering wheel is straight and the vehicle
width guide lines and the estimated course li nes are not in alignment, have the vehicle
inspected by your Lexus dealer.
3034-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
NX300h_U_OM78007UDriving mode select switch
Normal mode
For normal driving. Press the switch to change the driving mode to normal mode when selected to Eco
drive mode or sport mode.
Eco drive mode
Use Eco drive mode to help achieve low fuel consumption during trips that
involve frequent accelerating. When not in Eco drive mode and the driving mo de select switch is turned to the left,
“ECO” indicator will be shown on the multi-information display.
Sport mode
Assists acceleration response by cont rolling the hybrid system and steering.
Suitable for when precise handling is desirable, for example when driving on
mountain roads. When not in sport mode and the driving mode select switch is turned to the right,
“SPORT” indicator will be shown on the mult i-information display and the hybrid sys-
tem indicator changes to the tachometer. ( P. 9 7 )The driving modes can be selected to suit driving conditions.
1
2
3
3054-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
NX300h_U_OM78007UDriving assist systems ◆ ECB (Electronically Controlled Brake System)
The electronically controlled system generates braking force corresponding
to the brake operation
◆ ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied suddenly, or if the
brakes are applied while drivin g on a slippery road surface
◆ Brake assist
Generates an increased level of braking force after the brake pedal is
depressed when the system detects a panic stop situation
◆ VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)
Helps the driver to control skidding when swerving suddenly or turning on
slippery road surfaces
◆ Enhanced VSC (Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control)
Provides cooperative control of the ABS, TRAC, VSC and EPS.
Helps to maintain directional stability when swerving on slippery road sur-
faces by controlling steering performance.
◆ TRAC (Traction Control)
Helps to maintain drive power and prevent the drive wheels from spinning
when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads
◆ Hill-start assist control
Helps to prevent the vehicle from rolling backward when starting on an
incline.
◆ EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed to turn the
steering wheelTo help enhance driving safety and performance, the following systems oper-
ate automatically in response to various driving situations. Be aware, however,
that these systems are supplementary and should not be relied upon too
heavily when operating the vehicle.
3074-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
NX300h_U_OM78007U If the vehicle gets stuck in mud, dirt or snow, the TRAC system may reduce
power from the hybrid system to the wheels. Pressing to turn the system
off may make it easier for you to rock the vehicle in order to free it.
To turn the TRAC system off, quickly
press and release . The “Traction Control Turned Off”
will be shown on the multi-informa-
tion display. Press again to
turn the system back on.
■
Turning off both TRAC and VSC systems
To turn the TRAC and VSC systems off, press and hold for more than 3 seconds
while the vehicle is stopped.
The VSC OFF indicator will come on and th e “Traction Control Turned Off” will be
shown on the multi- information display.
*Press again to turn the systems back on.
* : On vehicles with pre-collision system, pre-collision brake assist and pre-collision
braking will also be disabled. The PCS warn ing light will come on and the message will
be shown on the multi-information display. ( P. 313) ■
When the message is displayed on the mu lti-information display showing that TRAC
has been disabled even if the has not been pressed
TRAC cannot be operated. Contact your Lexus dealer. ■
Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, TRAC, VSC and hill-start assist
control systems
Any of the following conditions may occur when the above systems are operating. None
of these indicates that a malfunction has occurred. ●
Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.●
A motor sound may be heard after the vehicle comes to a stop. ●
The brake pedal may pulsate slight ly after the ABS is activated.●
The brake pedal may move down slig htly after the ABS is activated.Disabling the TRAC system
308 4-5. Using the driving support systems
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ECB operating sound
ECB operating sound may be hear d in the following cases, but it does not indicate that a
malfunction has occurred. ●
Operating sound heard from the engine compartment when the brake pedal is oper-
ated. ●
Motor sound of the brake system heard from the front part of the vehicle when the
driver’s door is opened. ●
Operating sound heard from the engine compartment when 1 or 2 minutes passed
after the stop of the hybrid system. ■
EPS operation sound
When the steering wheel is operated, a motor sound (whirring sound) may be heard.
This does not indicate a malfunction. ■
Reduced effectiveness of the EPS system
The effectiveness of the EPS system is reduced to prevent the system from overheating
when there is frequent steering input over an extended period of time. The steering
wheel may feel heavy as a result. Should this occur, refrain from excessive steering input
or stop the vehicle and turn the hybrid system off. The EPS system should return to nor-
mal within 10 minutes. ■
Automatic reactivation of TRAC and VSC systems
After turning the TRAC and VSC systems off, the systems will be automatically
re-enabled in the following situations: ●
When the power switch is turned off ●
If only the TRAC system is turned off, the TRAC will turn on when vehicle speed
increases
If both the TRAC and VSC systems are turn ed off, automatic re-enabling will not
occur when vehicl e speed increases.■
Operating conditions of hill-start assist control
When the following four conditions are met, the hill-start assist control will operate:●
The shift lever is in a position other than P or N (when starting off forward/backward on
an upward incline). ●
The vehicle is stopped. ●
The accelerator pedal is not depressed. ●
The parking brake is not engaged. ■
Automatic system cancelation of hill-start assist control
The hill-start assist control will turn off in any of the following situations: ●
The shift lever is moved to P or N. ●
The accelerator pedal is depressed. ●
The parking brake is engaged. ●
Approximately 2 seconds elapse after the brake pedal is released.
314 4-5. Using the driving support systems
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Limitations of the pre-collision system
It is the driver’s responsibility to drive safely. The driver should be aware of the sur-
roundings and strive for safe driving.
Do not rely on the pre-collision system inst ead of normal braking operations. This sys-
tem does not avoid or reduce collisions in every situation.
Overly relying on the system and entrusting it with safety may cause an unexpected
accident which could lead to death or serious injury.
Although the system is designed for the pu rpose to support in evading collisions or
reducing the damage of a collision, the effect changes according to various conditions.
( P. 312) Therefore, it does not always provide the same performance. Also, the pre-
collision braking does not work depending on the operating conditions of the driver.
When the driver has stepped on the brake pedal and is operating the steering wheel,
the system judges that the driver is takin g evasive action and the automatic braking
may not operate. ■
Handling the radar sensor
Observe the following to ensure the pre-collision system can function effectively.
Otherwise, the system may not function correctly and could result in an accident. ●
Keep the sensor and front grille cover clean at all times.
Clean the sensor and front grille cover with a soft cloth so you do not mark or dam-
age them. ●
Do not subject the sensor or surr ounding area to a strong impact.
If the sensor moves even slightly off position, the system may not normally or malfunc-
tion. If the sensor or surrounding area is subject to a strong impact, always have the
area inspected and adjusted by your Lexus dealer. ●
Do not disassemble the sensor. ●
Do not attach accessories or stickers to the sensor, grille cover or surrounding area.●
Do not modify or paint the sensor and grille cover. ●
If the radar sensor needs to be re placed, contact your Lexus dealer.
328 4-6. Driving tips
NX300h_U_OM78007U ■
Tire chain installation
Observe the following precautions wh en installing and removing chains:●
Install and remove tire chains in a safe location. ●
Install tire chains on the front tires only. Do not install tire chains on the rear tires. ●
Install tire chains on front tires as tightl y as possible. Retighten chains after driving
1/4 -1/2 mile (0.5 - 1.0 km). ●
Install tire chains following the instru ctions provided with the tire chains.
WA R N I N G ■
Driving with snow tires
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in a loss of ve hicle control and cause death or serious injury.●
Use tires of the specified size. ●
Maintain the recommended level of air pressure. ●
Do not drive in excess of 75 mph (120 km/h), regardless of the type of snow tires
being used. ●
Use snow tires on all, not just some wheels.■
Driving with tire chains
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in the vehicle being unable to be driven safely, and may
cause death or serious injury. ●
Do not drive in excess of the speed limit specified for the tire chains being used, or
30 mph (50 km/h), whichever is lower. ●
Avoid driving on bumpy road surfaces or over potholes. ●
Avoid sudden acceleration, ab rupt steering, sudden bra king and shifting operations
that cause sudden engine braking. ●
Slow down sufficiently before entering a cu rve to ensure that vehicle control is main-
tained. ●
Do not use LDA (Lane Departure Alert with steering control) (if equipped). ■
When parking the vehicle
When parking the vehicle without applying the parking brake, make sure to chock the
wheels. If you do not chock the wheels, the vehicle may move unexpectedly, possibly
resulting in an accident.
332 4-6. Driving tips
NX300h_U_OM78007U WA R N I N G ■
Off-road driving precautions
Always observe the following precautions to minimize the risk of death or serious
injury or damage to your vehicle: ●
Drive carefully when off the road. Do not ta ke unnecessary risks by driving in danger-
ous places. ●
Do not grip the steering wheel spokes when driving off-road. A bad bump could jerk
the wheel and injure your hands. Keep both hands and especially your thumbs on the
outside of the rim. ●
Always check your brakes for effectivenes s immediately after driving in sand, mud,
water or snow. ●
After driving through tall grass, mud, rock, sand, water, etc., check that there is no
grass, bush, paper, rags, stone, sand, et c. adhering or trap ped to the underbody.
Clear off any such matter from the underbody. If the vehicle is used with these materi-
als trapped or adhering to the underb ody, a breakdown or fire could occur.●
When driving off-road or in rugged terrai n, do not drive at excessive speeds, jump,
make sharp turns, strike objects, etc. This may cause loss of control or vehicle rollover
causing death or serious injury. You are also risking expensive damage to your vehi-
cle’s suspension and chassis.
NOTICE ■
To prevent water damage
Take all necessary safety measures to ensure that water damage to the hybrid battery
(traction battery), hybrid system or other components does not occur. ●
Water entering the engine compartment may cause severe damage to the hybrid
system. Water entering the interior may cause the hybrid battery stowed under the
rear seats to short circuit. ●
Water entering the hybrid transmission and rear electric motor (traction motor) will
cause deterioration in transmission qualit y. The malfunction indicator may come on,
and the vehicle may not be drivable. ●
Water can wash the grease from wheel be arings, causing rusting and premature fail-
ure, and may also enter the hybrid transmission case, reducing the gear oil’s lubricat-
ing qualities. ■
When you drive through water
If driving through water, such as when crossing shallow streams, first check the depth of
the water and the bottom of the riverbed for firmness. Drive slowly and avoid deep
water. ■
Inspection after off-road driving ●
Sand and mud that has accumulated around brake discs may affect braking efficiency
and may damage brake system components. ●
Always perform a maintenance inspection after each day of off-road driving that has
taken you through rough terr ain, sand, mud, or water. For scheduled maintenance
information, refer to the “Warranty and Services Guide/Owner’s Manual Supple-
ment/Scheduled Maintenance”.