2016 LEXUS RX450H battery

2434-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
RX450h_U_OM0E013U WA R N I N G ■
When driving on slippery road surfaces
Be careful of downshifting and sudden accele ration, as this could result in the vehicle
skidding to the side or spinning.
NOTICE ■
Hybrid battery (traction battery) charge
If the shift lever is in N, the hybrid batter y (traction battery) will not be charged even
when the engine is running. Therefore, if the ve hicle is left with the shift lever in N for a
long period of time, the hybrid battery (tr action battery) will discharge, and this may
result in the vehicle not being able to start.

254 4-3. Operating the lights and wipers
RX450h_U_OM0E013U ■
Windshield wiper linked headlight illumination
When driving during daytime with the headlight switch tu rned to , if the windshield
wipers are used, the headlight s will turn on automatically after several seconds to help
enhance the visibility of your vehicle. ■
12-volt battery-saving function
In order to prevent the 12-volt battery of the vehicle from discharging, if the headlights
and/or tail lights are on when the power swit ch is turned off the 12-volt battery saving
function will operate and automatically turn off all the lights after approximately 20 min-
utes. When the power switch is turned to ON mode, the 12-volt battery-saving function
will be disabled.
When any of the following are performed, the 12-volt battery-saving function is canceled
once and then reactivated. All the lights w ill turn off automatically 20 minutes after the
12-volt battery-saving function has been reactivated: ●
When the headlight switch is operated ●
When a door is opened or closed ■
Customization
Some functions can be customized. (  P. 6 0 7 )
NOTICE ■
To prevent 12-volt battery discharge
Do not leave the lights on longer than necessary when the hybrid system is off.

284 4-5. Using the driving support systems
RX450h_U_OM0E013U ■
Operational conditions
Availability of the pedestrian detection function and pre-collision braking function
depend on the region in which the vehicle was sold.
Read the following for details: 
Region A
(The pedestrian detection fu nction and pre-collision braking function are available)
The pre-collision system is enabled and the sy stem determines that the possibility of a
frontal collision with a vehicle or pedestrian is high.
Each function is operationa l at the following speeds:●
Pre-collision warning:
• Vehicle speed is approximately 7 mph (1 0 km/h) or more. (For detecting a pedes-
trian, vehicle speed is between approxim ately 7 and 50 mph [10 and 80 km/h].)
• The relative speed between your vehicl e and the vehicle or pedestrian ahead is
approximately 7 mph (10 km/h) or more. ●
Pre-collision brake assist:
• Vehicle speed is approximately 19 mph (3 0 km/h) or more. (For detecting a pedes-
trian, vehicle speed is between approxim ately 19 and 50 mph [30 and 80 km/h].)
• The relative speed between your vehicl e and the vehicle or pedestrian ahead is
approximately 19 mph (30 km/h) or more. ●
Pre-collision braking:
• Vehicle speed is approximately 7 mph (1 0 km/h) or more. (For detecting a pedes-
trian, vehicle speed is between approxim ately 7 and 50 mph [10 and 80 km/h].)
• The relative speed between your vehicl e and the vehicle or pedestrian ahead is
approximately 7 mph (10 km/h) or more.
The system may not operate in the following situations: ●
If a 12-volt battery terminal has been disconnected and reconnected and then the vehi-
cle has not been driven for a certain amount of time ●
If the shift lever is in R ●
If VSC is disabled (only the pre-collision warning function will be operational) ●
If the PCS warning light is flashing or illuminated Regions Function availability
Region A The pedestrian detection function and pre-collision braking
function are available
Region B The pedestrian detection function is not available and the pre-
collision braking function is available
Region C The pedestrian detection function and pre-collision braking
function are not available

2854-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
RX450h_U_OM0E013U 
Region B
(The pedestrian detection fu nction is not available and the pre-collision braking func-
tion is available)
The pre-collision system is enabled and the sy stem determines that the possibility of a
frontal collision with a vehicle is high.
Each function is operationa l at the following speeds:●
Pre-collision warning:
• Vehicle speed is approximately 10 mph (15 km/h) or more.
• The relative speed between your vehicl e and the vehicle or pedestrian ahead is
approximately 7 mph (10 km/h) or more. ●
Pre-collision brake assist:
• Vehicle speed is approximately 19 mph (30 km/h) or more.
• The relative speed between your vehicl e and the vehicle or pedestrian ahead is
approximately 19 mph (30 km/h) or more. ●
Pre-collision braking:
• Vehicle speed is approximately 10 mph (15 km/h) or more.
• The relative speed between your vehicl e and the vehicle or pedestrian ahead is
approximately 7 mph (10 km/h) or more.
The system may not operate in the following situations: ●
If a 12-volt battery terminal has been disconnected and reconnected and then the vehi-
cle has not been driven for a certain amount of time ●
If the shift lever is in R ●
If VSC is disabled (only the pre-collision warning function will be operational) ●
If the PCS warning light is flashing or illuminated 
Region C
(The pedestrian detection function and pr e-collision braking function are not avail-
able)
The pre-collision system is enabled and the sy stem determines that the possibility of a
frontal collision with a vehicle is high.
Each function is operationa l at the following speeds:●
Pre-collision warning:
• Vehicle speed is approximately 10 mph (15 km/h) or more.
• The relative speed between your vehicl e and the vehicle or pedestrian ahead is
approximately 7 mph (10 km/h) or more. ●
Pre-collision brake assist:
• Vehicle speed is approximately 19 mph (30 km/h) or more.
• The relative speed between your vehicl e and the vehicle or pedestrian ahead is
approximately 19 mph (30 km/h) or more.
The system may not operate in the following situations: ●
If a 12-volt battery terminal has been disconnected and reconnected and then the vehi-
cle has not been driven for a certain amount of time ●
If the shift lever is in R ●
If VSC is disabled (only the pre-collision warning function will be operational) ●
If the PCS warning light is flashing or illuminated

360 4-5. Using the driving support systems
RX450h_U_OM0E013U  The estimated course lines move even though the steering wheel is straight
There is a malfunction in the signals being
output by the steering sensor. Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus
dealer.
 Guide lines are not displayed
The back door is open. Close the back door.
If this does not resolve the symptom, have
the vehicle inspected by your Lexus
dealer.
 The estimated course lines are not displayed
• The steering wheel has been moved
while the 12-volt battery was being
reinstalled.
• 12-volt battery power is low.
• The steering sensor has been rein-
stalled.
• There is a malfunction in the signals
being output by the steering sensor. Stop the vehicle, and turn the steering
wheel as far as it will go to the left and
right.
If this does not resolve the symptom, have
the vehicle inspected by your Lexus
dealer.Likely cause Solution

387
4
Driving
RX450h_U_OM0E013U 4-6. Driving tips
◆ Using Eco drive mode
When using Eco drive mode, the torq ue corresponding to the accelerator
pedal depression amount can be generate d more smoothly than it is in normal
conditions. In addition, the operation of the air conditioning system (heat-
ing/cooling) will be minimized, improving the fuel economy. (  P. 3 7 7 )
◆ Use of Hybrid System Indicator
The Eco-friendly driving is possible by keeping the indicator needle (except F
SPORT models) or bar display (F SPOR T models) of Hybrid System Indicator
within Eco area. (  P. 100)
◆ Shift lever operation
Shift the shift lever to D when stopped at a traffic light, or driving in heavy traf-
fic, etc. Shift the shift lever to P when parking. When using the N, there is no
positive effect on fuel consumption. In the N, the gasoline engine operates but
electricity cannot be generated. Also, wh en using the air conditioning system,
etc., the hybrid battery (traction battery) power is consumed.
◆ Accelerator pedal/brake pedal operation ●
Drive your vehicle smoothly. Avoid ab rupt acceleration and deceleration.
Gradual acceleration and deceleration will make more effective use of the
electric motor (traction motor) wi thout having to use gasoline engine
power. ●
Avoid repeated acceleration. Repeated acceleration consumes hybrid bat-
tery (traction battery) power, resulting in poor fuel consumption. Battery
power can be restored by driving with the accelerator pedal slightly
released.
◆ When braking
Make sure to operate the brakes gently and in a timely manner. A greater
amount of electrical energy can be regenerated when slowing down.Hybrid vehicle driving tips For economical and ecological driving, pay attention to the following points:

390 4-6. Driving tips
RX450h_U_OM0E013U ●
Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside temperatures.
•Engine oil
• Engine/power control unit coolant
• Washer fluid ●
Have a service technician inspect the condition of the 12-volt battery. ●
Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set of tire chains for
the front tires. Ensure that all tires are of the specified size and the same brand, and that chains
match the size of the tires.
Perform the following according to the driving conditions: ●
Do not try to forcibly open a window or move a wiper that is frozen. Pour
warm water over the frozen area to melt the ice. Wipe away the water imme-
diately to prevent it from freezing. ●
To ensure proper operation of the climate control system fan, remove any
snow that has accumulated on the air inlet vents in front of the windshield. ●
Check for and remove any excess ice or snow that may have accumulated on
the exterior lights, vehicle’s roof, chassis, around the tires or on the brakes. ●
Remove any snow or mud from the bottom of your shoes before getting in the
vehicle.Winter driving tips Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving the vehi-
cle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropriate to the prevail-
ing weather conditions.
Pre-winter preparations
Before driving the vehicle

396 4-6. Driving tips
RX450h_U_OM0E013U WA R N I N G ■
Off-road driving precautions
Always observe the following precautions to minimize the risk of death, 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, rivers, etc., check that there is no
grass, bush, paper, rags, stone, sand, etc. adhering or trapped on 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 (traction battery)
stowed under the rear seats to short circuit. ●
Water entering the hybrid transmission and rear electric motor (traction motor)
(AWD models only) will cause deterioration in transmission qua lity. 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”.