
3084-5. Using the driving support systems
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
■Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, TRC, VSC and hill-start assist control systems
Any of the following conditions may occur when the above systems are operating. None
of these indicates that a malfunction has occurred.
●Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.
●A motor sound may be heard after the vehicle comes to a stop.
■ECB operating sound
ECB operating sound may be heard in the follow ing cases, but it does not indicate that a malfunction has occurred.
●Operating sound heard from the engine compartment when the brake pedal is oper-ated.
●Motor sound of the brake system heard from the front part of the vehicle when the
driver’s door is opened.
●Operating sound heard from the engine compartment when one or two minutes passed after the stop of the hybrid system.
■EPS operation sound
When the steering wheel is operated, a motor sound may be heard. This does not indi- cate a malfunction.
■Reactivation of the TRC/VSC systems
Even after the TRC/VSC systems have been turned off, turning the hybrid system off and then on again will automatically reactivate the TRC/VSC systems.
■Reactivation of the TRC system linked to vehicle speed
When only the TRC system is turned off, th e TRC system will turn on when vehicle speed increases. However, when both TRC and VSC 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 redu ced to prevent the system from overheating when there is frequent steering input over an extended period of time. The steeringwheel 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.

334
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
4-6. Driving tips
◆Using Eco drive mode
When using Eco drive mode, the torque 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 (heating/
cooling) will be minimized, improving the fuel economy. ( P. 301)
◆Use of Hybrid System Indicator
The Eco-friendly driving is possible by keeping the needle of Hybrid System
Indicator within Eco area. ( P. 119)
◆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, when using the air conditioning system,
etc., the hybrid battery (traction battery) power is consumed.
◆Accelerator pedal/brake pedal operation
●Drive your vehicle smoothly. Avoid abrupt acceleration and deceleration.
Gradual acceleration and deceleration will make more effective use of the
electric motor (traction motor) without 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.
Hybrid vehicle driving tips
For economical and ecological driving, pay attention to the following points:

4416-1. Using the air conditioning system
6
Interior features
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
■Registering air conditioning settings to electronic keys (vehicles with driving position
memory)
●Unlocking the vehicle using an electronic key and turning the power switch to ON
mode will recall that key's registered air conditioning settings.
●When the power switch is turned off, the cu rrent air conditioning settings will automati-
cally be registered to the electronic key that was used to unlock the vehicle.
●The system may not operate correctly if more than one electronic key is in the vicinity or
if the smart entry & start system is used to unlock a passenger door.
●The doors that can recall the air conditioning setting* when unlocked using the smart
entry & start system can be changed. For details, contact any authorized Lexus dealer
or repairer, or another duly qu alified and equipped professional.
*: The doors that can recall the driving position memory are changed at the same time.
■Using automatic mode
Fan speed is adjusted automatically according to the temperature setting and the ambi-
ent conditions.
Therefore, the fan may stop for a while until wa rm or cool air is ready to flow immediately
after is pressed or “AUTO” is selected.
■Fogging up of the windows
The windows will easily fog up when the hu midity in the vehicle is high. Turning
(“A/C”) on will dehumidify the air from the ou tlets and defog the windshield effectively.
●If you turn (“A/C”) off, the windows may fog up more easily.
●The windows may fog up if the recirculated air mode is used.
■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 air mode. This is effective in preventing out-
side air from entering the vehicle interior . During cooling operation, setting the
recirculated air mode will also cool the vehicle interior effectively.
●Outside/recirculated air mode may automati cally switch depending on the tempera-
ture setting or the inside temperature.
■Automatic mode for air intake control
In automatic mode, the system detects exhaust gas and other pollutants and automati-
cally switches between outside air and recirculated air modes.
When the dehumidification function is off, and the fan is operating, turning automatic
mode on will activate the dehumidification function.
■Operation of the air conditioning system in Eco drive mode
In Eco drive mode, the air conditioning system is controlled as follows to prioritize fuel
efficiency:
●Engine speed and compressor operation controlled to restrict heating/cooling capac-
ity
●Fan speed restricted when automatic mode is selected
To improve air conditioning performanc e, perform the following operations:
●Adjust the fan speed
●Turn off Eco drive mode

4446-1. Using the air conditioning system
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
Turn the heated steering wheel on/off
The indicator light comes on when the heated steering wheel is operating.
Heated steering wheel/seat heaters/seat ventila-
tors
: If equipped
Heated steering wheel and seat heaters heat the side grips of the steering
wheel and seats, respectively. Seat ventilators maintain good airflow by blow-
ing air from the seats.
WARNING
●Care should be taken to prevent injury if anyone in the following categories comes in contact with the steering wheel and 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 (sleeping 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 sticksharp objects (needles, na ils, etc.) into the seat.
●To prevent 12-volt battery discharge, do not use the functions when the hybrid system is off.
Heated steering wheel

5878-2. Steps to take in an emergency
8
When trouble arises
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
●The hybrid system coolant temperature gauge (P. 115) is in the red zone or
a loss of hybrid system power is experi enced. (For example, the vehicle speed
does not increase.)
●“Engine Coolant High Temperature” or “Hybrid System Overheat Output
Power is limited” is shown on the multi-information display.
●Steam comes out from under the hood.
■If the needle of the engine coolant temperature gauge enters the red zone
or “Engine Coolant High Temperature” is shown on the multi-information
display
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and turn off the air conditioning system, and
then stop the hybrid system.
If you see steam:
Carefully lift the hood after the steam subsides.
If you do not see steam:
Carefully lift the hood.
After the hybrid system has
cooled down sufficiently, inspect
the hoses and radiator core (radi-
ator) for any leaks.
Radiator
Cooling fans
If a large amount of coolant leaks,
immediately contact any autho- rized Lexus dealer or repairer, oranother duly qualified and
equipped professional.
If your vehicle overheats
The following may indicate that your vehicle is overheating.
Correction procedures
1
2
3
1
2

626Alphabetical index
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
Seat heater precautions ................. 444
Trunk precautions ............................. 153
Cleaning ....................................... 460, 464
Aluminum wheels ................................461
Exterior................................................... 460
Interior ..................................................... 464
Seat belts................................................465
Clock ......................................................... 456
Coat hooks ..............................................458
Condenser ............................................ 480
Console box ...........................................450
Cooling system ...................................... 478
Engine overheating ..........................587
Hybrid system overheating ..........587
Cruise control
Cruise control ..................................... 253
Dynamic radar cruise control ..... 257
Cup holders ............................................. 451
Current fuel consumption.................. 124
Curtain shield airbags ........................... 43
Customizable features ...................... 608
DAB (Digital Audio Broadcast) ..... 369
Daytime running light system ......... 233
Defogger
Outside rear view mirrors ............ 438
Rear window........................................ 438
Windshield ........................................... 438
Differential............................................... 603
Digital Audio Broadcast (DAB) ..... 369
Dimensions ............................................. 596
Display
Drive information................................. 124
Dynamic radar cruise control ......257
LDA (Lane Departure Alert) ....... 274
Multi-information display................... 121
Warning message ............................ 542
Distance ..................................................... 124
Do-it-yourself maintenance ............. 469
Door courtesy lights
Location ................................................. 446
Door lock
Doors......................................................... 144
Smart entry & start system ............. 155
Wireless remote control ................. 138
Doors...........................................................144
Automatic door locking and
unlocking system ............................. 147
Door lock ................................................ 144
Open door warning buzzer .......... 145
Open door warning light .............. 539
Outside rear view mirrors .............. 193
Side windows ........................................ 196
Drive info 1/Drive info 2 ......................126
Drive information ................................... 124
Resetting .................................................. 124
D

628Alphabetical index
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
If your vehicle has to be
stopped in an emergency..........529
If your vehicle needs to
be towed............................................ 530
If your vehicle overheats ................587
Energy monitor....................................... 129
Engine....................................................... 598
ACCESSORY mode .......................216
Compartment...................................... 473
Engine switch.........................................215
Hood .......................................................... 471
How to start the hybrid system.....215
Identification number ....................... 597
If the hybrid system will not
start ........................................................ 576
Ignition switch (power switch) ......215
Overheating .........................................587
Power switch .........................................215
Engine coolant ....................................... 478
Capacity .................................................. 601
Checking ............................................ 478
Preparing and checking
before winter .................................... 337
Engine coolant temperature
gauge.........................................................115
Engine oil.................................................. 474
Capacity ................................................ 599
Checking ............................................... 474
Preparing and checking
before winter .................................... 337
Engine oil maintenance data............ 476
Engine switch .......................................... 215
EPS (Electric Power Steering)........304
Warning light ...................................... 538
EV drive mode ....................................... 220
EV indicator ............................................. 126
First-aid kit storage belt ..................... 452
Flat tire
Vehicles with emergency
tire puncture repair kit ................. 563
Floor mats ................................................... 34
Fluid
Brake ....................................................... 603
Hybrid transmission ......................... 602
Washer...................................................480
Fog lights .................................................. 239
Replacing light bulbs ....................... 525
Switch ...................................................... 239
Follow me home system .................... 233
Footwell light .......................................... 446
Wattage .................................................605
Front fog lights ....................................... 239
Replacing light bulbs ....................... 525
Switch ...................................................... 239
Front personal lights............................ 448
Front position lights ............................. 232
Light switch............................................232
Replacing light bulbs ....................... 525
Front seats .................................................178
Adjustment ............................................. 178
Cleaning ................................................ 464
Correct driving posture.................... 36
Driving position memory ................ 183
Head restraints .....................................186
Jam protection function ................... 179
Seat heaters.......................................... 445
Seat position memory .......................183
Seat ventilators ................................... 445
Front turn signal lights ........................ 229
Replacing light bulbs ...........520, 525
Turn signal lever..................................229
F

630Alphabetical index
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
Energy monitor/
consumption screen.......................129
EV drive mode ................................... 220
High voltage components ...............89
Hybrid System Indicator ................... 119
Hybrid system precautions..............89
Hybrid vehicle driving tips ............ 334
If the hybrid system
will not start ....................................... 576
Overheating .........................................587
Power (ignition) switch .....................215
Starting the hybrid system...............215
Hybrid System Indicator .......................119
Hybrid transmission ............................. 222
If the shift lever cannot be
shifted from P ....................................227
Paddle shift switches ............ 224, 225
S mode .................................................... 225
Identification
Engine ..................................................... 597
Vehicle.................................................... 597
Ignition switch (power switch) ..........215
Illuminated entry system .....................447
Immobilizer system ................................. 95
Indicators .................................................... 112
Initialization
Maintenance ........................................ 476
Meter ......................................................... 126
Moon roof ............................................... 201
Multi-information display................. 126
Power windows ................................... 197
Tire pressure warning
system.................................................. 487
Initiators (tire pressure warning
system)................................................... 497
Inside rear view mirror .......................... 191
Instrument panel light control ............ 118
Interior lights............................................447
Intrusion sensor and tilt sensor ........ 105
ISOFIX rigid anchors .............................75
I