2017 LEXUS RC300H steering

1953-4. Adjusting the steering wheel and mirrors
3
Operation of each component
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
■Mirror angle can be adjusted when
The power switch is in ACCESSORY or ON mode.
■When disconnecting and reconnecting 12-volt battery terminals (vehicles with an automatic folding/extending mirror function)
The automatic folding/extending mirror function will return to off as default. To turn the function on, press the switch again to select on.
■When the mirrors are fogged up
The outside rear view mirrors can be clea red using the mirror defoggers. Turn on the rear window defogger to turn on the outside rear view mirror defoggers. ( P. 438)
■Automatic adjustment of the mirror angle (if equipped)
A desired mirror face angle can be entered to memory and recalled automatically by the driving position memory. ( P. 183)
■Auto anti-glare function (if equipped)
When the anti-glare inside rear view mirror is set to automatic mode, the outside rear view mirrors will activate in co njunction with the anti-glare inside rear view mirror to reduce reflected light. ( P. 191)
■Using automatic mode in cold weather (if equipped)
When automatic mode is used in cold weat her, the door mirror could freeze up and automatic stowing and return may not be possible. In this case, remove any ice and snow
from the door mirror, then either operate the mirror using manual mode or move the mir- ror by hand.
■Customization
The automatic mirror folding and extending operation can be changed. (Customizable features: P. 607)
WARNING
■Important points while driving
Observe the following precautions while driving.
Failure to do so may result in loss of control of the vehicle and cause an accident, result- ing in death or serious injury.
●Do not adjust the mirrors while driving.
●Do not drive with the mirrors folded.
●Both the driver and passenger side mirrors must be extended and properly adjustedbefore driving.
■When a mirror is moving
To avoid personal injury and mirror malfunction, be careful not to get your hand caught by the moving mirror.
■When the mirror defoggers are operating
Do not touch the rear view mirror surfaces, as they can become very hot and burn you.

2074-1. Before driving
4
Driving
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
■When starting off on an uphill
The hill-start assist co ntrol will activate. (P. 304)
■For fuel-efficient driving
Keep in mind that hybrid vehicles are similar to conventional vehicles, and it is necessary
to refrain from activities such as sudden acceleration. ( P. 334)
■Driving in the rain
●Drive carefully when it is raining, because visibility will be reduced, the windows may
become fogged-up, and the road will be slippery.
●Drive carefully when it starts to rain, because the road surface will be especially slip- pery.
●Refrain from high speeds when driving on an expressway in the rain, because there maybe a layer of water between the tires and the road surface, preventing the steering andbrakes from operating properly.
■Restraining the hybrid system output (brake override system)
●When the accelerator and brake pedals are de pressed at the same time, the hybrid sys- tem output may be restrained.
●A warning message is displayed on the multi-information display while the system is operating. ( P. 552)
■Breaking in your new Lexus
To extend the life of the vehicle, observing the following precautions is recommended:
●For the first 300 km (186 miles): Avoid sudden stops.
●For the first 1000 km (621 miles):
• Do not drive at extremely high speeds. • Avoid sudden acceleration.
• Do not drive continuously in low gears. • Do not drive at a constant speed for extended periods.
■Drum-in-disc type parking brake system
Your vehicle has a drum-in-disc type parkin g brake system. This type of brake system needs bedding-down of the brake shoes periodically or whenever the parking brakeshoes and/or drum are replaced. Have any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or
another duly qualified and equipped professional, perform the bedding down operation.
■Operating your vehicle in a foreign country
Comply with the relevant vehicle registration laws and confirm the availability of the cor-
rect fuel. ( P. 598)

2084-1. Before driving
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
WARNING
Observe the following precautions. Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.
■When starting the vehicle
Always keep your foot on the brake pedal while stopped with the “READY” indicator is illuminated. This prevents the vehicle from creeping.
■When driving the vehicle
●Do not drive if you are unfamiliar with the location of the brake and accelerator ped-als to avoid depressing the wrong pedal.
• Accidentally depressing the accelerator pedal instead of the brake pedal will
result in sudden acceleration that may lead to an accident. • When backing up, you may twist your body around, leading to a difficulty in oper- ating the pedals. Make sure to operate the pedals properly.
• Make sure to keep a correct driving posture even when moving the vehicle only slightly. This allows you to depress the brake and accelerator pedals properly.• Depress the brake pedal using your right foot. Depressing the brake pedal using
your left foot may delay response in an emergency, resulting in an accident.
●The driver should pay extra attention to pedestrians when the vehicle is powered only
by the electric motor (traction motor). As there is no engine noise, the pedestrians may misjudge the vehicle’s movement.
●Do not drive the vehicle over or stop the vehicle near flammable materials.
The exhaust system and exhaust gases can be extremely hot. These hot parts may cause a fire if there is any flammable material nearby.
●During normal driving, do not turn off the hybrid system. Turning the hybrid system off
while driving will not cause loss of steering or braking control, however, power assist to the steering will be lost. This will make it more difficult to steer smoothly, so you should pull over and stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
In the event of an emergency, such as if it becomes impossible to stop the vehicle in the normal way: P. 529
●Use engine braking (downshift) to maintain a safe speed when driving down a steep
hill. Using the brakes continuously may cause th e brakes to overheat and lose effective- ness. ( P. 222)
●Do not adjust the positions of the steering wheel, the seat, or the inside or outside rear view mirrors while driving.Doing so may result in a loss of vehicle control.
●Always check that all passengers’ arms, heads or other parts of their body are notoutside the vehicle.

2094-1. Before driving
4
Driving
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
WARNING
Observe the following precautions. Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.
■When driving on slippery road surfaces
●Sudden braking, acceleration and steering may cause tire slippage and reduce your ability to control the vehicle.
●Sudden acceleration, engine braking due to shifting, or changes in engine speed
could cause the vehicle to skid.
●After driving through a puddle, lightly depress the brake pedal to make sure that the brakes are functioning properly. Wet brak e pads may prevent the brakes from func-
tioning properly. If the brakes on only one side are wet and not functioning properly, steering control may be affected.
■When shifting the shift lever
●Do not let the vehicle roll backward while the shift lever is in a driving position, or roll forward while the shift lever is in R.Doing so may result in an accident or damage to the vehicle.
●Do not shift the shift lever to P while the vehicle is moving. Doing so can damage the transmission and may result in a loss of vehicle control.
●Do not shift the shift lever to R while the vehicle is moving forward.
Doing so can damage the transmission and may result in a loss of vehicle control.
●Do not shift the shift lever to a driving position while the vehicle is moving backward. Doing so can damage the transmission and may result in a loss of vehicle control.
●Shifting the shift lever to N while the vehicle is moving will disengage the hybrid sys- tem. Engine braking is not available when N is selected.
●Be careful not to shift the shift lever with the accelerator pedal depressed. Shifting the
shift lever to any position other than P or N may lead to unexpected rapid accelera- tion of the vehicle that may cause an accident and result in death or serious injury.
■If you hear a squealing or scraping noise (brake pad wear indicators)
Have the brake pads checked and replaced by any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equi pped professional as soon as possible. Rotor damage may result if the pads are not replaced when needed.
Moderate levels of the brake pad and disc wear allow enhanced braking power. As a result, the discs may wear more quickly than conventional brake discs. Therefore, when replacing the brake pads, Lexus recommends that you also have the thickness of the
discs measured. It is dangerous to drive the vehicle when th e wear limits of the brake pads and/or those of the brake discs are exceeded.

2124-1. Before driving
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
NOTICE
■When driving the vehicle
●Do not depress the accelerator and brake pedals at the same time while driving, as this may restrain the hybrid system output.
●Do not use the accelerator pedal or depress the accelerator and brake pedals at thesame time to hold the vehicle on a hill.
■When parking the vehicle
Always set the parking brake, and shift the sh ift lever to P. Failure to do so may cause the vehicle to move or the vehicle may accelerate suddenly if the accelerator pedal isaccidentally depressed.
■Avoiding damage to vehicle parts
●Do not turn the steering wheel fully in either direction and hold it there for anextended period of time.
Doing so may damage the power steering motor.
●When driving over bumps in the road, driv e as slowly as possible to avoid damaging the wheels, underside of the vehicle, etc.
■If you get a flat tire while driving
A flat or damaged tire may cause the following situations. Hold the steering wheel firmly and gradually depress the brake pedal to slow down the vehicle.
●It may be difficult to control your vehicle.
●The vehicle will make abnormal sounds or vibrations.
●The vehicle will lean abnormally.
Information on what to do in case of a flat tire ( P. 563)
■When encountering flooded roads
Do not drive on a road that has flooded after heavy rain etc. Doing so may cause the
following serious damage to the vehicle:
●Engine stalling
●Short in electrical components
●Engine damage caused by water immersion
In the event that you drive on a flooded road and the vehicle is flooded, be sure to have any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped pro-
fessional check the following:
●Brake function
●Changes in quantity and quality of oil and fluid used for the engine, hybrid transmis-
sion, differentials, etc.
●Lubricant condition for the propeller shaft, bearings and suspension joints (where possible), and the function of all joints, bearings, etc.

2134-1. Before driving
4
Driving
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
Cargo and luggage
Take notice of the following information about storage precautions, cargo
capacity and load:
WARNING
■Things that must not be carried in the trunk
The following things may cause a fire if loaded in the trunk:
●Receptacles containing gasoline
●Aerosol cans
■Storage precautions
Observe the following precautions. Failure to do so may prevent the pedals from being depressed properly, may block the driver’s vision, or may result in items hitting the driver or passengers, possibly causing
an accident.
●Stow cargo and luggage in the trunk whenever possible.
●To prevent cargo and luggage from sliding forward during braking, do not stack any-
thing in the enlarged trunk. Keep cargo and luggage low, as close to the floor as pos- sible.
●When you fold down the rear seats, long items should not be placed directly behind
the front seats.
●Never allow anyone to ride in the enlarged trunk. It is not designed for passengers. They should ride in their seats with their seat belts properly fastened.
●Do not place cargo or luggage in or on the following locations.
• At the feet of the driver • On the front passenger or rear seats (when stacking items)
• On the package tray • On the instrument panel• On the dashboard
• In front of the navigation or multimedia system screen (if equipped) or Lexus Dis- play Audio screen (if equipped)
●Secure all items in the occupant compartment.
■Load and distribution
●Do not overload your vehicle.
●Do not apply loads unevenly. Improper loading may cause deterioration of steering or braking control which may cause death or serious injury.

2174-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
■Auto power off function
If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY mode for more than 20 minutes or ON mode (the hybrid system is not operating) for more than an hour with the shift lever in P, the power switch will automatically turn off. However, th is function cannot entirely prevent 12-volt
battery discharge. Do not leave the vehicle with the power switch in ACCESSORY or ON mode for long periods of time when the hybrid system is not operating.
■Sounds and vibrations specific to a hybrid vehicle
 P. 88
■Electronic key battery depletion
 P. 141
■When the ambient temperature is low, such as during winter driving conditions
When starting the hybrid system, the flashing time of the “READY” indicator may be long. Leave the vehicle as it is until the “REA DY” indicator is steady on, as steady means
the vehicle is able to move.
■Conditions affecting operation
 P. 157
■Notes for the entry function
 P. 158
■If the hybrid system does not start
●Check that the shift lever is securely set in P. The hybrid system may not start if the shift lever is displaced out of P.
●The immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. ( P. 95)
Contact any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional.
■Steering lock
After turning the power switch off and openin g and closing the doors, the steering wheel will be locked due to the steering lock func tion. Operating the power switch again auto- matically cancels the steering lock.
■When the steering lock cannot be released
■Steering lock motor overheating prevention
To prevent the steering lock motor from over heating, operation of the motor may be sus- pended if the hybrid system is turned on an d off repeatedly in a short period of time. In
this case, refrain from operating the power switch. After about 10 seconds, the steering lock motor will resume functioning.
“Steering Lock active” will be displayed on the
multi-information display.
Check that the shift lever is in P. Press the power switch while turning the steering wheel left and
right.

2184-2. Driving procedures
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
■When “Check Entry & Start System” is displayed on the multi-information display
The system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qua lified and equipped professional immediately.
■If the “READY” indicator does not come on
In the event that the “READY” indicator does not come on even after performing the proper procedures for starting the vehicle, contact any authorized Lexus dealer or
repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional immediately.
■If the hybrid system is malfunctioning
 P. 543
■If the electronic key battery is depleted
 P. 511
■Operation of the power switch
●If the switch is not pressed shortly and firmly, the power switch mode may not change or the hybrid system may not start.
●If attempting to restart the hybrid system immediately after turning the power switch off,
the hybrid system may not start in some cases. After turning the power switch off, please wait a few seconds before restarting the hybrid system.
■If the smart entry & start system has been deactivated by a customized setting
 P. 578
WARNING
■When starting the hybrid system
Always start the hybrid system while sittin g in the driver’s seat. Do not depress the accelerator pedal while starting the hybrid system under any circumstances.
Doing so may cause an accident resu lting in death or serious injury.
■Caution while driving
If hybrid system failure occurs while the ve hicle is moving, do not lock or open the
doors until the vehicle reaches a safe and c omplete stop. Activation of the steering lock in this circumstance may lead to an accide nt, resulting in death or serious injury.
■Stopping the hybrid system in an emergency
If you want to stop the hybrid system in an emergency while driving the vehicle, press and hold the power switch for more than 2 seconds, or press it briefly 3 times or morein succession. ( P. 529)
However, do not touch the power switch while driving except in an emergency. Turning the hybrid system off while driving will not cause loss of steering or braking control, however, power assist to the steering will be lost. This will make it more difficult to steer
smoothly, so you should pull over and stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.