2016 LEXUS RX450H LEXUS RX450h 2016 Owners Manual

5297-1. Essential information
7
When trouble arises
RX450h_U_OM0E013U Steadily step on the brake pedal with both feet and firmly depress it.Do not pump the brake pedal repeatedly as this will increase the effort required to
slow the vehicle.
Shift the shift lever to N. 
If the shift lever is shifted to N
After slowing down, stop the vehicle in a safe place by the road.
Stop the hybrid system. 
If the shift lever cannot be shifted to N
Keep depressing the brake pedal with both feet to reduce vehicle speed as
much as possible.
To stop the hybrid system, press and
hold the power switch for 2 consec-
utive seconds or more, or press it
briefly 3 times or more in succes-
sion.
Stop the vehicle in a safe place by the road.If your vehicle has to be stopped in an emergency Only in an emergency, such as if it becomes impossible to stop the vehicle in
the normal way, stop the vehicl e using the following procedure:1
2
3
4
3
Press and hold for 2 seconds or more,
or press briefly 3 times or more4
WA R N I N G ■
If the hybrid system has to be turned off while driving
Power assist for the steering wheel will be lost, making the stee ring wheel heavier to
turn. Decelerate as much as possible before turning off the hybrid system.5

530
RX450h_U_OM0E013U 7-2. Steps to take in an emergency
The following may indicate a problem with your hybrid transmission. Contact
your Lexus dealer or commercial towing service before towing. ●
The hybrid warning message shows on and the vehicle does not move. ●
The vehicle makes an abnormal sound.
Do not tow with a sling-type truck to
prevent body damage.If your vehicle needs to be towed If towing is necessary, we recommend having your vehicle towed by your
Lexus dealer or commercial towing se rvice, using a wheel-lift type truck or
flatbed truck.
Use a safety chain system for all towing, and abide by all state/provincial and
local laws.
2WD models: If towing your vehicle with a wheel-lift type truck from the front,
the vehicle’s rear wheels and axles must be in good conditions. (  P. 531, 533)
If they are damaged, use a towing dolly or flatbed truck.
AWD models: If towing your vehicle with a wheel-lift type truck, use a towing
dolly. (  P. 531, 533)
Situations when it is necessary to contact dealers before towing
Towing with a sling-type truck

5317-2. Steps to take in an emergency
7
When trouble arises
RX450h_U_OM0E013U Towing with a wheel-lift type truck 
From the front (2WD models) 
From the front (AWD models)
Release the parking brake. Use a towing dolly under the rear
wheels.
From the rear
Use a towing dolly under the front
wheels.

532 7-2. Steps to take in an emergency
RX450h_U_OM0E013U If your vehicle is transported by a flat-
bed truck, it should be tied down at the
locations shown in the illustration.
If you use chains or cables to tie down
your vehicle, the angles shaded in black
must be 45  .
Do not overly tighten the tie downs or
the vehicle may be damaged.Using a flatbed truck Front

5337-2. Steps to take in an emergency
7
When trouble arises
RX450h_U_OM0E013U WA R N I N G
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury. ■
When towing the vehicle 
2WD models 
AW D m o d e l sBe sure to transport the vehicle with the front
wheels raised or with all four wheels raised off
the ground. If the vehicle is towed with the front
wheels contacting the ground, the drivetrain
and related parts may be damaged or electric-
ity generated by the operation of the motor
may cause a fire to occur depending on the
nature of the damage or malfunction.
Be sure to transport the vehicle with all four
wheels raised off the ground. If the vehicle is
towed with the tires contacting the ground, the
drivetrain or related parts may be damaged,
the vehicle may fly off the truck, or electricity
generated by the operation of the motor may
cause a fire to occur depending on the nature
of the damage or malfunction.

534 7-2. Steps to take in an emergency
RX450h_U_OM0E013U NOTICE ■
To prevent damage to the vehicle when towing using a wheel-lift type truck●
Do not tow the vehicle from the rear when the power switch is off. The steering lock
mechanism is not strong enough to hold the front wheels straight.●
When raising the vehicle, ensure adequate ground clearance for towing at the oppo-
site end of the raised vehicle. Without adequate clearance, the vehicle could be dam-
aged while being towed. ■
To prevent damage to the vehicle when towing with a sling-type truck
Do not tow with a sling-type truck, either from the front or rear. ■
To prevent damage to the vehicle during emergency towing
Do not secure cables or chains to the suspension components. ■
Recreational towing (behind motor home, etc)
Never dinghy tow your vehicle to prevent caus-
ing serious damage to the Hybrid AWD system
(AWD models) and transmission. (  P. 2 3 1 )

5357-2. Steps to take in an emergency
7
When trouble arises
RX450h_U_OM0E013U ●
Fluid leaks under the vehicle
(Water dripping from the air co nditioning after use is normal.)●
Flat-looking tires or uneven tire wear ●
Engine coolant temperature gauge needle continually points higher than nor-
mal ●
Changes in exhaust sound ●
Excessive tire squeal when cornering ●
Strange noises related to the suspension system ●
Pinging or other noises related to the hybrid system ●
Engine missing, stumbling or running roughly ●
Appreciable loss of power ●
Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when braking ●
Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when driving on a level road ●
Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy f eeling, pedal almost touches the floorIf you think something is wrong If you notice any of the following symptoms, your vehicle probably needs
adjustment or repair. Contact your Lexus dealer as soon as possible.
Visible symptoms
Audible symptoms
Operational symptoms

536 7-2. Steps to take in an emergency
RX450h_U_OM0E013UIf a warning light turns on or a warning buzzer
sounds Calmly perform the following actions if any of the warning lights comes on or
flashes. If a light comes on or flashes, bu t then goes off, this does not necessar-
ily indicate a malfunction in the system. However, if this continues to occur,
have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer.
Warning light and warning buzzer list Warning light Warning light/Details/Actions(U.S.A.)
(Canada)
Brake system warning light
Indicates that:
• The brake fluid level is low; or
• The brake system is malfunctioning
 Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact your
Lexus dealer. Continuing to drive the vehicle may be dangerous.
Brake system warning light
Indicates a malfunction in:
• The regenerative braking system;
• The electronically controlled brake system; or
• The electric parking brake
 Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately. (If equipped)
Charging system warning light
Indicates a malfunction in the vehicle’s charging system
 Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact your
Lexus dealer. Continuing to drive the vehicle may be dangerous. (U.S.A.)
(Canada)
Malfunction indicator lamp
Indicates a malfunction in:
• The hybrid system;
• The electronic engine control system; or
• The electronic throttle control system
 Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
SRS warning light
Indicates a malfunction in:
• The SRS airbag system;
• The front passenger occupant classification system; or
• The seat belt pretensioner system
 Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.