2016 LEXUS RX450H cooling

791-3. Hybrid system
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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 )

3774-5. Using the driving support systems
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Driving
RX450h_U_OM0E013U 
Vehicles without Adaptive Variable Suspension System
Normal mode
Provides an optimal balance of fuel economy, quietness, and dynamic perfor-
mance. Suitable for city driving. Press the switch to change the driving mode to normal mode when Eco drive mode or
sport mode is selected.
Eco drive mode
Helps the driver accelerate in an eco- friendly manner and improve fuel econ-
omy through moderate throttle characteristics and by controlling the opera-
tion of the air conditioning system (heating/cooling). When not in Eco drive mode, if the driving mode select switch is tu rned to the left, the
Eco drive mode indicator will come on.
Sport mode
Controls the hybrid system to provide quick, powerful acceleration. This
mode also changes the steering feel, maki ng it suitable for when agile driving
response is desired, such as when driving on roads with many curves.When not in sport mode, if the driving mode select switch is turned to the right, the
“SPORT” indicator will comes on.Driving mode select switch The driving modes can be selected to suit driving conditions.
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3794-5. Using the driving support systems
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Driving
RX450h_U_OM0E013U Eco drive mode
Helps the driver accelerate in an eco- friendly manner and improve fuel econ-
omy through moderate throttle characteristics and by controlling the opera-
tion of the air conditioning system (heating/cooling). When not in Eco drive mode, if the driving mode select switch is tu rned to the left, the
Eco drive mode indicator will come on.
Sport mode
•SPORT S mode
Controls the hybrid system to provide quick, powerful acceleration. This
mode is suitable for when agile drivin g response is desired, such as when
driving on roads with many curves. When not in SPORT S mode, if the driving mode select switch is turned to the
right, the “SPORT S” indicator will come on.
•SPORT S+ mode
Helps to ensure steering performanc e and driving stability by simulta-
neously controlling the steering and su spension in addition to the hybrid
system. Suitable for sportier driving. When in SPORT S mode, if the driving mode select switch is turned to the right,
the “SPORT S+” indicator will come on. Function Setting
Po w e r t r a i n Normal
Po w e r
Eco
Chassis Normal
Sport
Air conditioning system Normal
Eco2
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380 4-5. Using the driving support systems
RX450h_U_OM0E013U ■
Operation of the air conditioning system in Eco drive mode
Eco drive mode controls the heating/cooling operations and fan speed of the air condi-
tioning system to enhance fuel efficiency. To improve air conditioning performance,
adjust the fan speed or turn off Eco drive mode. ■
Automatic deactivation of sport mode and customized mode
If the power switch is turned off after driv ing in sport mode or customized mode, the
drive mode will be changed to normal mode. ■
Driving mode pop-up display (12.3-inch display only)
When the driving mode is changed, the selected driving mode will be temporarily dis-
played on the side display. (  P. 4 0 2 )

387
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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:

4075-2. Using the air conditio ning system and defogger
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Interior features
RX450h_U_OM0E013U Adjust the left-hand side temper-
ature setting
Adjust the fan speed setting
Select the air flow mode
Adjust the right-hand side tem-
perature setting
Display the option control screen
(  P. 4 0 7 )
Select to set automatic mode on/off
Select to set cooling and de humidification function on/off
Adjust the temperature for driver and passenger seats separately (“DUAL”
mode) (  P. 4 0 8 )
Select to set eco mode on/off (  P. 4 1 2 )■
Option control screen
Select on the air conditioning control screen to display the option
control screen. The functions can be switched on and off.
Prevent ice from building up on
the windshield and wiper blades
(if equipped) (  P. 4 0 9 )Control screen 1
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408 5-2. Using the air conditio ning system and defogger
RX450h_U_OM0E013U ■
Side display operation screen (Vehicles with 12.3-inch display)
Select the air flow mode
Adjust the left-hand side temper-
ature setting
Adjust the fan speed setting
Adjust the right-hand side tem-
perature setting
Select to set auto mode on/off
Select to set cooling and dehu-
midification function on/off
Adjust the temperature for driver and passenger seats separately (“DUAL”
mode) (  P. 4 0 8 )■
Using the automatic mode
Press the “AUTO” button or select “AUTO” on the air conditioning control
screen.
Press to switch to automatic air intake mode. (if equipped)
The air conditioning system automati cally switches between outside air
and recirculated air modes.
Adjust the temperature setting.
To stop the operation, press the “OFF” button.■
Automatic mode indicator
If the fan speed setting or air flow modes are operated, the automatic mode
indicator goes off. However, automati c mode for functions other than that
operated is maintained. ■
Adjusting the temperature for driver and passenger seats separately
(“DUAL” mode)
To turn on the “DUAL” mode, perform any of the following procedures: ●
Select “DUAL” on the air co nditioning control screen.●
Select “DUAL” on the side display operation screen. (Vehicles with 12.3-
inch display) ●
Adjust the temperature setting of the passenger side with the passenger
side temperature adjustment button. The indicator comes on when the “DUAL” mode is on. 1
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Air conditioning controls 7
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412 5-2. Using the air conditio ning system and defogger
RX450h_U_OM0E013U ■
Windshield fog detection function
When automatic mode is se t, the humidity sensor (  P. 413) detects fog on the wind-
shield and controls the air conditioning system to prevent fog. ■
Outside/recirculated air mode ●
When driving on dusty roads such as tunnels or in heavy traffic, set the outside/recircu-
lated air mode button to the recirculated ai r mode. This is effective in preventing out-
side air from entering the vehicle interi or. During cooling operation, setting the
recirculated air mode will also cool the vehicle interior effectively. ●
Outside/recirculated air mode may automa tically switch depending on the tempera-
ture setting or the inside temperature. ■
When the outside temperature is low
The dehumidification function may not operate even when “A/C” is selected. ■
Operation of the air conditioning system in Eco drive mode ●
In the Eco drive mode, the air conditioning sy stem is controlled as follows to prioritize
fuel efficiency
• Engine speed and compressor operation controlled to restrict heating/cooling
capacity
• Fan speed restricted when automatic mode is selected ●
To improve air conditioning performa nce, perform the following operations
• Adjust the fan speed
• Turn off Eco drive mode ■
Ventilation and air conditioning odors ●
To let fresh air in, set the air conditio ning system to the outside air mode.●
During use, various odors from inside and outside the vehicle may enter into and accu-
mulate in the air conditioning system. This may then cause odor to be emitted from the
vents. ●
To reduce potential odors from occurring:
• It is recommended that the air conditioning system be set to outside air mode prior
to turning the vehicle off.
• The start timing of the blower may be dela yed for a short period of time immediately
after the air conditioning system is started in automatic mode.■
Air conditioning filter
 P. 5 0 1 ■
Customization
Some functions can be customized (  P. 6 0 7 )