2017 LEXUS RC300H check engine

TABLE OF CONTENTS6
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
7-1. Maintenance and care
Cleaning and protecting
the vehicle exterior.................460
Cleaning and protecting
the vehicle interior ..................464
7-2. Maintenance
Maintenance
requirements............................. 467
7-3. Do-it-yourself
maintenance
Do-it-yourself service
precautions ................................469
Hood ................................................ 471
Positioning a floor jack............. 472
Engine compartment................ 473
12-volt battery............................... 481
Tires .................................................484
Replacing the tire .......................499
Tire inflation pressure.............. 505
Wheels............................................507
Air conditioning filter............... 509
Electronic key battery .................511
Checking and replacing
fuses ............................................... 514
Light bulbs ...................................... 518
8-1. Essential information
Emergency flashers ................. 528
If your vehicle has
to be stopped
in an emergency ......................529
8-2. Steps to take
in an emergency
If your vehicle needs
to be towed............................... 530
If you think something
is wrong .......................................536
If a warning light turns
on or a warning buzzer
sounds.......................................... 537
If a warning message
is displayed.................................542
If you have a flat tire...................563
If the hybrid system will
not start........................................ 576
If the electronic key does
not operate properly .............578
If the 12-volt battery
is discharged ............................ 582
If your vehicle overheats .........587
If the vehicle becomes
stuck..............................................592
7Maintenance and care8When trouble arises

15Pictorial index
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
Windshield wipers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 241
Precautions against winter season . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 337
To prevent freezing (windshield wiper de-icer)*1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 439 Precautions against car wash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 462
Fuel filler door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P . 249
Refueling method. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 249 Fuel type/fuel tank capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 598
Tires. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .P. 484
Tire size/inflation pressure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 604 Winter tires/tire chain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 33 7
Checking/rotation/tire pressure warning system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 484 Coping with flat tires. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 563
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .P. 471
Opening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 471 Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 599 Coping with overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 587
Warning messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 544
Headlights/front position lights/daytime running lights/
turn signal lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .P. 229, 232
Front fog lights*1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .P. 239
Rear fog light*3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 239
Back up light*2
Shifting the shift lever to R . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 222
Tail lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .P. 232
Stop lights
Emergency brake signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 305
License plate lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .P. 232
Rear fog light*2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 239
Back up light*3
Shifting the shift lever to R . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 222
4
5
6
7
Light bulbs of the exterior lights for driving
(Replacing method: P. 518, Watts: P. 605)
*1: If equipped
*2: Left-hand drive vehicles
*3: Right-hand drive vehicles
8
9
10
11
12
13

1202. Instrument cluster
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
■Pop-up display
●In some situations, such as when a switch operation is performed, a pop-up display will be temporarily displayed on the multi-information display or the odometer/trip meter
screen (F SPORT models only).
●Some pop-up displays can be set on/off. ( P. 126)
■Liquid crystal display
Small spots or light spots may appear on th e display. This phenomenon is characteristic of liquid crystal displays, and there is no problem continuing to use the display.
■Customization
The meter display can be customized on the multi-information display. (P. 121)
NOTICE
■To prevent damage to the engine and its components
●Do not let the indicator of the tachometer enter the red zone, as it represents the engine speed range which exceeds the maximum safe engine speed.
●If the engine coolant temperature gauge is in the red zone (H), the engine may beoverheating. In this case, immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place, and check theengine after it has cooled completely. ( P. 587)

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.

2844-5. Using the driving support systems
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
■If a message is displayed on the multi-information display
 P. 545
WARNING
■When using the Lexus parking assist-sensor
Observe the following precautions.
Failing to do so may result in the vehicle be ing unable to be driven safely and possibly cause an accident.
●Do not use the sensor at speeds in excess of 10 km/h (6 mph).
●The sensors’ detection areas and reaction times are limited. When moving forward or reversing, check the areas surrounding the vehicle (especially the sides of the vehi-cle) for safety, and drive slowly, using the brake to control the vehicle’s speed.
●Do not install accessories within the sensors’ detection areas.
■Limitations of the sensors
●The detection areas of the sensors are limited to the areas around the vehicle’s front
and rear bumpers.
●Certain vehicle conditions and surrounding environments, such as the following, may affect the ability of the sensors to correctly detect objects. Pay particular attention in
the following situations. Failure to do so may result in the vehicle being driven unsafely, possibly leading to an accident.
• When there is dirt, snow or ice on a sens or (Cleaning the sensor will resolve this
problem.) • When the sensor is frozen (Thawing the area will resolve this problem.)In especially cold weather, if a sensor is frozen the screen may show an abnormal
display, or objects may not be detected • When a sensor is covered in any way• When the vehicle is leaning considerably to one side
• When driving on an extremely bumpy road, incline, gravel, or grass • When the vicinity of the vehicle is noisy due to vehicle horns, motorcycle engines,air brakes of large vehicles, or other loud noises producing ultrasonic waves
• When there is another vehicle equipped with parking assist sensor in the vicinity • When the sensor is coated with a sheet of spray or heavy rain• When the vehicle is equipped with a fender pole or wireless antenna
• When a towing eyelet is installed • When a bumper or sensor receives a strong impact• When the vehicle is approaching a tall or curved curb
• When driving in harsh sunlight or intense cold weather • When an object is directly under a bumper• When objects become too close to the sensors
• When a non-genuine Lexus suspension (l owered suspension, etc.) is installed In addition to the situations above, there are instances in which, because of theirshape, signs and other objects may be judged by the sensor to be closer than they
are.

3354-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
◆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.
◆Delays
Repeated acceleration and deceleration, as well as long waits at traffic lights,
will lead to bad fuel economy. Check traffic reports before leaving and avoid
delays as much as possible. When driving in a traffic jam, gently release the
brake pedal to allow the vehicle to move forward slightly while avoiding over-
use of the accelerator pedal. Doing so can help control excessive gasoline
consumption.
◆Highway driving
Control and maintain the vehicle at a constant speed. Before stopping at a toll
booth or similar, allow plenty of time to release the accelerator and gently
apply the brakes. A greater amount of electrical energy can be regenerated
when slowing down.
◆Air conditioning
Use the air conditioning only when necessary. Doing so can help reduce
excessive gasoline consumption.
In summer: When the ambient temperature is high, use the recirculated air
mode. Doing so will help to reduce the burden on the air conditioning system
and reduce fuel consumption as well.
In winter: Because the gasoline engine will not automatically cut out until it
and the interior of the vehicle are warm, it will consume fuel. Also, fuel con-
sumption can be improved by av oiding overuse of the heater.
◆Checking tire inflation pressure
Make sure to check the tire inflation pressure frequently. Improper tire infla-
tion pressure can cause poor fuel economy.
Also, as snow tires can cause large amounts of friction, their use on dry roads
can lead to poor fuel economy. Use ti res that are appropriate for the season.