2016 LEXUS RX450H ESP

3854-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
RX450h_U_OM0E013U ■
Reactivation of the TRAC system linked to vehicle speed
When only the TRAC system is turned off, the TRAC system will turn on when vehicle
speed increases. However, when TRAC, VS C and Trailer Sway Control systems are
turned off, the systems will not turn on even when vehicle speed increases.■
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. ■
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.
WA R N I N G ■
The ABS does not operate effectively when ●
The limits of tire gripping performance have been exceeded (such as excessively
worn tires on a snow covered road). ●
The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on wet or slick roads. ■
Stopping distance when the ABS is operat ing may exceed that of normal conditions
The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehicle’s stopping distance. Always maintain a
safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, especially in the following situations:●
When driving on dirt, gravel or snow-covered roads ●
When driving with tire chains ●
When driving over bumps in the road ●
When driving over roads with potholes or uneven surfaces ■
TRAC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while drivin g on slippery road
surfaces, even if the TRAC system is operating.
Drive the vehicle carefully in conditions where stability and power may be lost.

386 4-5. Using the driving support systems
RX450h_U_OM0E013U WA R N I N G ■
Hill-start assist control does not operate effectively when ●
Do not overly rely on the hill-start assist control. The hill-start assist control may not
operate effectively on steep inclines and roads covered with ice. ●
Unlike the parking brake, hill-start assist control is not intended to hold the vehicle
stationary for an extended period of time. Do not attempt to use hill-start assist con-
trol to hold the vehicle on an incline, as doing so may lead to an accident. ■
When the VSC/Trailer Sway Control is activated
The slip indicator light flashes. Always drive carefully. Reckless driving may cause an
accident. Exercise particular care when the indicator light flashes. ■
When the TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Control systems are turned off
Be especially careful and drive at a speed ap propriate to the road conditions. As these
are the systems to help ensure vehicle st ability and driving force, do not turn the
TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Control systems off unless necessary. ■
Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the specified size, brand, tread pattern and total load
capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are inflated to the recommended tire infla-
tion pressure level.
The ABS, TRAC, VSC and Trailer Sway Control systems will not function correctly if
different tires are installed on the vehicle.
Contact your Lexus dealer for further information when replacing tires or wheels. ■
Handling of tires and the suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modi fying the suspension will affect the driving
assist systems, and may caus e a system to malfunction.■
Trailer Sway Control precaution
The Trailer Sway Control system is not able to reduce trailer sway in all situations.
Depending on many factors such as the condit ions of the vehicle, trailer, road surface,
and driving environment, the Trailer Sway Co ntrol system may not be effective. Refer to
your trailer owner’s manual for information on how to tow your trailer properly. ■
If trailer sway occurs
Observe the following precautions.
Failing to do so may caus e death or serious injury.●
Firmly grip the steering wh eel. Steer straight ahead.
Do not try to control trailer swaying by turning the steering wheel. ●
Begin releasing the accelerator pedal i mmediately but very gradually to reduce
speed.
Do not increase speed. Do not apply vehicle brakes.
If you make no extreme correction with the steering or brakes, your vehicle and trailer
should stabilize. (  P. 2 2 7 )

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:

3954-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
RX450h_U_OM0E013U Your vehicle is not designed to be driven off-road. However, in the event that
off-road driving cannot be avoided, please observe the following precautions to
help avoid the areas prohibited to vehicles. ●
Drive your vehicle only in areas where off-road vehicles are permitted to
travel. ●
Respect private property. Get owner’s permission before entering private
property. ●
Do not enter areas that are closed. Honor gates, barriers and signs that
restrict travel. ●
Stay on established roads. When co nditions are wet, driving techniques
should be changed or travel delayed to prevent damage to roads. ●
AWD models: Avoid driving on very steep, slippery roads and other surfaces,
such as sand, where the tires are liable to lose traction. Your vehicle may not
perform as well as conventional AWD on-road vehicles on these surfaces.■
Additional information for off-road driving 
For owners in U.S. mainland, Hawaii and Puerto Rico:
To obtain additional informat ion pertaining to driving your vehicle off-road, consult the
following organizations. ●
State and Local Parks and Recreation Departments ●
State Motor Vehicle Bureau ●
Recreational Vehicle Clubs ●
U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land ManagementOff-road driving

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”.

400 5-1. Basic operation of the Remote Touch screen
RX450h_U_OM0E013U ■
Screen display during low temperatures
When the ambient temperature is extremely low, screen response may be delayed even
if the Remote Touch is operated.
WA R N I N G ■
When using the Remote Touch ●
Do not allow fingers, fingernails or hair to become caught in the Remote Touch as this
may cause an injury. ●
Be careful when selecting the Remote To uch in extreme temperatures as it may
become very hot or cold due to the temperature inside the vehicle.
NOTICE ■
To prevent damage to the Remote Touch ●
Do not allow the Remote Touch to come into contact with food, liquid, stickers or lit
cigarettes as doing so may cause it to change color, emit a strange odor or stop func-
tioning. ●
Do not subject the Remote Touch to excessive pressure or strong impact as the knob
may bend or break off. ●
Do not allow coins, contact lenses or other such items to become caught in the
Remote Touch as this may cause it to stop functioning. ●
Items of clothing may rip if they beco me caught on the Remote Touch knob.●
If your hand or any object is on the Remote Touch knob when the power switch is in
ACCESSORY mode, the Remote Touch knob may not operate properly.

4035-1. Basic operation of the Remote Touch screen
5
Interior features
RX450h_U_OM0E013U ■
Selecting the operation screen
When selecting the main display, move the Remote Touch knob to the left.
When selecting the side display, move the Remote Touch knob to the right. ■
Main display
For details about the functions and operat ion of the main display, refer to the
respective section and “NAVIGATION SYSTEM OWNER’S MANUAL”. ■
Side display 
Basic screens
To change the screen displayed on the side display, use the screen buttons on
the right side of the display.
Navigation system
*Audio
* Phone
* Vehicle information (  P. 1 2 9 )
Air conditioning system
(  P. 4 0 8 ) 
Interruption screens
Each of the following screens is displayed automatically in accordance with
conditions.
• Intuitive parking assist (  P. 3 4 0 )
•Phone
*• Destination Assist
*•Driving mode (  P. 3 7 7 )
* : Refer to the “NAVIGATION SYSTEM OWNER’S MANUAL”.Split-screen display operation
1
2
3
4
5

414 5-2. Using the air conditio ning system and defogger
RX450h_U_OM0E013UHeated steering wheel 
/seat heaters/seat ventila-
tors
 : If equippedHeated steering wheel and seat heater s heat the side grips of the steering
wheel and seats, respectively. Seat ventilators maintain good airflow by blow-
ing air from the seats. WA R N I N G ●
Care should be taken to prevent injury if anyone in the following categories comes in
contact with the steering wheel an d seats when the heater is on:
• Babies, small children, the elderly, the sick and the physically challenged
• Persons with sensitive skin
• Persons who are fatigued
• Persons who have taken alcohol or drugs that induce sleep (s leeping drugs, cold
remedies, etc.) ●
Observe the following precautions to prevent minor burns or overheating:
• Do not cover the seat with a blanket or cushion when using the seat heater.
• Do not use seat heater more than necessary.
NOTICE ●
Do not put heavy objects that have an uneven surface on the seat and do not stick
sharp objects (needles, nails, etc.) into the seat. ●
To prevent 12-volt battery discharge, do not use the functions when the hybrid system
is off.