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876432
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RX450h_U_OM0E013U 56-1. Maintenance and care
Cleaning and protecting
the vehicle exterior ................ 458
Cleaning and protecting
the vehicle inte rior.................. 462
6-2. Maintenance
Maintenance
requirements ............................ 465
General maintenance...............467
Emission inspection and
maintenance (I/M)
programs .....................................470
6-3. Do-it-yourself
maintenance
Do-it-yourself service
precautions.................................. 471
Hood ................................................473
Positioning a floor jack.............. 474
Engine compartment ................475
12-volt battery ............................. 483
Tires.................................................. 487
Tire inflation pressure ............... 496
Wheels ........................................... 499
Air conditioning filter ................ 501
Windshield wiper inserts ........ 504
Electronic key battery.............. 506
Checking and replacing
fuses..............................................508
Headlight aim ................................. 511
Light bulbs ......................................513 7-1. Essential information
Emergency flashers .................. 528
If your vehicle has to be
stopped in an
emergency ................................ 529
7-2. Steps to take in an
emergency
If your vehicle needs to be
towed ........................................... 530
If you think something is
wrong........................................... 535
If a warning light turns
on or a warning buzzer
sounds ......................................... 536
If a warning message is
displayed .................................... 543
If you have a flat tire .................. 549
If the hybrid system will not
start ................................................. 561
If the shift lever cannot be
shifted from P ........................... 563
If the electronic key does
not operate properly ............. 564
If the 12-volt battery is
discharged ................................. 568
If your vehicle overheats .......... 574
If the vehicle becomes
stuck ............................................. 5786
Maintenance and care 7
When trouble arises
10
RX450h_U_OM0E013U Your Lexus is equipped with several sophis ticated computers that will record certain
data, such as:
• Engine speed
• Electric motor speed (traction motor speed)
• Accelerator status
•Brake status
• Vehicle speed
•Shift position
• Hybrid battery (traction battery) status
The recorded data varies according to the ve hicle grade level and op tions with which it is
equipped. Furthermore, these computers do not record conversations, sounds or pic-
tures. ●
Data usage
Lexus may use the data recorded in these computers to diagnose malfunctions, con-
duct research and development, and improve quality.
Lexus will not disclose the recorded data to a third party except:
• With the consent of the vehicle owner or with the consent of the lessee if the vehicle
is leased
• In response to an official request by the police, a court of law or a government
agency
• For use by Lexus in a law suit
• For research purposes where the data is not tied to a specific vehicle or vehicle
owner●
Usage of data collected through Safety Co nnect / Lexus Enform (U.S. mainland only)
If your Lexus has Safety Connect or Lexus Enform and if you have subscribed to those
services, please refer to the Safety Connect / Lexus Enform Telematics Subscription
Service Agreement for information on data collected and its usage.Vehicle data recordings
771-3. Hybrid system
1
For safety and security
RX450h_U_OM0E013U ◆ When stopped/during start off
The gasoline engine stops* when the vehi cle is stopped. During start off, the
electric motor (traction mo tor) drives the vehicle. At slow speeds or when
traveling down a gentle slope, the engine is stopped* and the electric motor
(traction motor) is used.
When the shift lever is in N, the hybrid battery (traction battery) is not being
charged.
* : When the hybrid battery (traction battery) requires charging or the engine is warm-
ing up, etc., the gasoline engine will not automatically stop. ( P. 7 8 )
◆ During normal driving
The gasoline engine is predominantly used. The electric motor (traction
motor) charges the hybrid battery (traction battery) as necessary.
◆ When accelerating sharply
When the accelerator pedal is depressed heavily, the power of the hybrid bat-
tery (traction battery) is added to that of the gasoline engine via the electric
motor (traction motor).
◆ When braking (regenerative braking)
The wheels operate the electric motor (traction motor) as a power generator,
and the hybrid battery (tr action battery) is charged.
When the gasoline engine is off while driving, a sound is produced to warn
pedestrians, people riding bicycles or ot her people and vehicles in the surround-
ing area that the vehicle is approaching. The pitch of the sound varies according
to the vehicle speed. When the vehicle speed becomes approximately 15 mph
(25 km/h) or more, the notification sound turns off.Vehicle proximity notification system
78 1-3. Hybrid system
RX450h_U_OM0E013U ■
Regenerative braking
In the following situations, kinetic energy is converted to electric energy and decelera-
tion force can be obtained in conjunction with the recharging of the hybrid battery (trac-
tion battery). ●
The accelerator pedal is released while driving with the shift lever in D or S.●
The brake pedal is depressed while driv ing with the shift lever in D or S.■
EV indicator
■
Conditions in which the ga soline engine may not stop
The gasoline engine starts and stops automatically. However, it may not stop automati-
cally in the following conditions: ●
During gasoline engine warm-up ●
During hybrid battery (traction battery) charging ●
When the temperature of the hybrid battery (traction battery) is high or low ●
When the heater is switched on ■
Charging the hybrid battery (traction 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 (traction battery) will slowly discharge. For this reason, be
sure to drive the vehicle at least once ever y few months for at least 30 minutes or 10
miles (16 km). If the hybrid battery (tractio n battery) becomes fully discharged and you
are unable to start the hybrid system, contact your Lexus dealer. ■
Charging the 12-volt battery
P. 5 7 0 ■
After the 12-volt battery has discharged or when the terminal has been removed and
installed during exchange, etc.
The gasoline engine may not stop even if the ve hicle is being driven by the hybrid battery
(traction battery). If this continues for a few days, contact your Lexus dealer.The EV indicator comes on when the vehicle is
driven using only the electric motor (traction
motor) or the gasoline engine is stopped.
791-3. Hybrid system
1
For safety and security
RX450h_U_OM0E013U ■
Sounds and vibrations spec ific to a hybrid vehicle
There may be no engine sound or vibration even though the vehicle is able to move with
the “READY” indicator is illuminated. For safety, make sure to shift the shift lever to P and
apply the parking brake when parked.
The following sounds or vibrat ions 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 seats
when the hybrid system starts or stops. ●
Relay operating sounds such as a snap or soft clank will be emitted from the hybrid bat-
tery (traction battery), behind the rear seats, when the hybrid system is started or
stopped. ●
Sounds from the hybrid system may be heard when the back door is open. ●
Sounds may be heard from the transmission wh en the gasoline engine starts or stops,
when driving at low speeds, or during idling. ●
Engine sounds may be heard when accelerating sharply. ●
Sounds may be heard due to regenerative braking when the brake pedal is depressed
or as the accelerator pedal is released. ●
Vibration may be felt when the gasoline engine starts or stops. ●
Cooling fan sounds may be heard from the air intake vents under the rear seats. ■
Vehicle proximity notification system
In the following cases, the ve hicle proximity notification system may be difficult for sur-
rounding people to hear. ●
In very noisy areas ●
In the wind or the rain
Also, as the vehicle proximity notification system is installed on the front of the vehicle, it
may be more difficult to hear from the re ar of the vehicle compared to the front.■
Maintenance, repair, re cycling, and disposal
Contact your Lexus dealer regarding maintenance, repair, recycling and disposal. Do
not dispose of the vehicle yourself. ■
Customization
Some functions can be customized. ( P. 6 0 7 )
80 1-3. Hybrid system
RX450h_U_OM0E013U The illustration is an example for explanation and may differ from the actual item.
* : AWD models onlyHybrid system precautions Take care when handling the hybrid system, as it is a high voltage system
(about 650 V at maximum) as well as contains parts that become extremely
hot when the hybrid system is operating. Obey the warning labels attached to
the vehicle.
Warning label
Hybrid battery (traction battery)
Rear electric motor (traction
motor)
*Service plug High voltage cables (orange)
Front electric motor (traction
motor)
Power control unit
Air conditioning compressor1
2
3
4 5
6
7
8
811-3. Hybrid system
1
For safety and security
RX450h_U_OM0E013U The air intake/discharge vents for the
hybrid battery (traction battery) are
located under the rear seats and in lug-
gage compartment respectively. If the
air intake vents are blocked, it could
lead to a reduction in hybrid battery
(traction battery) output.
When a certain level of impact is detected by the impact sensor, the emergency
shut off system blocks the high voltage current and stops the fuel pump to mini-
mize the risk of electrocution and fuel leakage. If the emergency shut off system
activates, your vehicle will not restart. To restart the hybrid system, contact your
Lexus dealer.
A message is automatically displayed when a malfunction occurs in the hybrid
system or an improper operation is attempted.
If a warning message is shown on the
multi-information display, read the
message and follow the instructions.
( P. 5 4 3 )Hybrid battery (traction battery) air intake/discharge vents Air intake vents
Air discharge vents
Emergency shut off system
Hybrid warning message
82 1-3. Hybrid system
RX450h_U_OM0E013U ■
If a warning light comes on, a warning message is displayed, or the 12-volt battery is dis-
connected
The hybrid system may not start. In this case, try to start the system again. If the “READY”
indicator does not come on, contact your Lexus dealer. ■
Running out of fuel
When the vehicle has run out of fuel and the hybrid system cannot be started, refuel the
vehicle with at least enough gasoline to make the low fuel level warning light ( P. 5 3 8 )
go off. If there is only a small amount of fu el, the hybrid system may not be able to start.
(The standard amount of fuel is about 2.9 gal. [11.0 L, 2.4 Imp.gal.], when the vehicle is on
a level surface. This value may vary when the vehicle is on a slope. Add extra fuel when
the vehicle is inclined.) ■
Electromagnetic waves ●
High voltage parts and cables on hybrid ve hicles incorporate electromagnetic shield-
ing, and therefore emit approximately the same amount of electromagnetic waves as
conventional gasoline powered vehicl es or home electronic appliances.●
Your vehicle may cause sound interference in some third party-produced radio parts.■
Hybrid battery (traction battery)
The hybrid battery (traction battery) has a limited service life. The lifespan of the hybrid
battery (traction battery) can change in accordance with driving style and driving condi-
tions.
WA R N I N G ■
High voltage precautions
This vehicle has high voltage DC and AC systems as well as a 12-volt system. DC and
AC high voltage is very dangerous and can cause severe burns and electric shock that
may result in death or serious injury. ●
Never touch, disassemble, remove or replace the high voltage parts, cables or their
connectors. ●
The hybrid system will become hot after star ting as the system uses high voltage. Be
careful of both the high voltage and the hi gh temperature, and always obey the warn-
ing labels attached to the vehicle. ●
Never try to open the service plug access
hole located under the rear seat. The service
plug is used only when the vehicle is serviced
and is subject to high voltage.