Page 301 of 640

3014-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
Vehicles without Adaptive Variable Suspension System
Normal mode
Provides an optimal balance of fuel ec onomy, 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 turned 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, making 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 select ed to suit driving condition.
1
2
3
Page 302 of 640

3024-5. Using the driving support systems
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
Vehicles with Adaptive Variable Suspension System
Normal mode
Provides an optimal balance of fuel ec onomy, 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 turned 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 driving response is desired, such as when
driving on roads with many curves.
When not in SPORT S mode, if the drivin g 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 simultane-
ously controlling the steering and suspen sion in addition to the hybrid sys-
tem. Suitable for sportier driving.
When in SPORT S mode, if th e driving mode select switch is turned to the right, the “SPORT S+” indicator will come on.
1
2
3
Page 304 of 640

3044-5. Using the driving support systems
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
◆ECB (Electronically Controlled Brake System)
The electronically controlled system generates braking force corresponding
to the brake operation
◆ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied suddenly, or if the
brakes are applied while driving on a slippery road surface
◆Brake assist
Generates an increased level of braking force after the brake pedal is
depressed when the system detects a panic stop situation
◆VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)
Helps the driver to control skidding when swerving suddenly or turning on
slippery road surfaces
◆VSC+ (Vehicle Stability Control+)
Provides cooperative control of the ABS, TRC, VSC and EPS.
Helps to maintain directional stability when swerving on slippery road sur-
faces by controlling steering performance.
◆TRC (Traction Control)
Helps to maintain drive power and prevent the drive wheels from spinning
when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads
◆Hill-start assist control
Helps to prevent the vehicle from rolling backward when starting on an incline
or slippery slope
◆EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed to turn the
steering wheel
Driving assist systems
To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following systems oper-
ate automatically in response to various driving situations. Be aware, however,
that these systems are suppl ementary and should not be relied upon too heav-
ily when operating the vehicle.
Page 350 of 640

3505-1. Basic Operations
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
Volume switch
• Increases/decreases volume
• Press and hold: Continuously
increases/decreases volume
Radio mode:
• Press (except manual mode):
Select a radio station
• Press (manual mode): Seek up/
down
• Press and hold (manual mode): Continuously seek up/down
CD, MP3/WMA/AAC disc, Bluetooth®, iPod or USB mode:
• Press: Select a track/file/song/video
• Press and hold: Select a folder/album (MP3/WMA/AAC disc or USB)
“MODE” switch
• Turns the power on, selects audio source
• Press and hold this switch to mute or pause the current operation. To can-
cel the mute or pause, press and hold.
Steering wheel audio switches
Some audio features can be controlled using the switches on the steering
wheel.
Operation may differ depending on the type of audio system or navigation
system. For details, refer to the manual provided with the audio system or nav-
igation system.
Operating the audio system us ing the steering wheel switches
1
2
WARNING
■To reduce the risk of an accident
Exercise care when operating the audio switches on the steering wheel.
3
Page 431 of 640

431
6Interior features
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
6-1. Using the air conditioning
system
Automatic air conditioning
system .......................................... 432
Heated steering wheel/
seat heaters/
seat ventilators ......................... 444
6-2. Using the interior lights
Interior lights list ......................... 446
• Interior lights .......................... 447
• Personal lights .......................448
6-3. Using the storage features
List of storage features ............ 449
• Glove box ...............................450
• Console box ..........................450
• Cup holders ............................ 451
Trunk features ............................. 452
6-4. Using the other interior
features
Other interior features ............ 455
• Sun visors ................................455
• Vanity mirrors .......................455
• Clock ........................................ 456
• Power outlet........................... 456
• Assist grips ............................. 457
• Coat hooks .............................458
Page 445 of 640

4456-1. Using the air conditioning system
6
Interior features
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
●The heated steering wheel can be used when the power switch is in ON mode.
●The heated steering wheel will automatically turn off after about 30 minutes.
Each time the switch is pressed, the
intensity of the seat heater changes and
the level indicator lights (amber) light
as follows:
Hi (3 segments lit) Mid (2 segments
lit) Lo (1 segment lit) Off
■The seat heaters can be used when
The power switch is in ON mode.
■Seat heater timer control
To enable seat heater timer control, press and hold the driver and front passenger seat heater switches at the same time when the vehicle is stopped until a buzzer sounds once.If a seat heater is turned on while seat heater timer control is enabled, the intensity of the
seat heater will automa tically change from HiMidLo.
The timing of the change in seat heater intensity differs depending on the temperature inside the cabin, etc. when the seat heater is operating.
To disable seat heater timer control, press and hold the driver and front passenger seat heater switches at the same time until a buzzer sounds twice.
Each time the switch is pressed, the
intensity of the seat ventilator changes
and the level indicator lights (green)
light as follows:
Hi (3 segments lit) Mid (2 segments
lit) Lo (1 segment lit) Off
■The seat ventilators can be used when
The power switch is in ON mode.
Seat heaters
Type A Type B
Seat ventilators
Page 529 of 640

5298-1. Essential information
8
When trouble arises
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
Steadily step on the brake pedal with both feet and firmly depress it.
Do not pump the brake pedal repeatedly as this will increase the effort required to slow the vehicle.
Shift the shift lever to N.
If the shift lever is shifted to N
After slowing down, stop the vehicle in a safe place by the road.
Stop the hybrid system.
If the shift lever cannot be shifted to N
Keep depressing the brake pedal with both feet to reduce vehicle speed as
much as possible.
To stop the hybrid system, press and
hold the power switch for 2 consec-
utive seconds or more, or press it
briefly 3 times or more in succes-
sion.
Stop the vehicle in a safe place by the road.
If your vehicle has to be stopped in an emergency
Only in an emergency, such as if it becomes impossible to stop the vehicle in
the normal way, stop the vehicle using the following procedure:
1
2
3
4
3
Press and hold for 2 seconds or more
or press briefly 3 times or more
4
WARNING
■If the hybrid system has to be turned off while driving
Power assist for the steering wheel will be lost, making the steering wheel heavier to turn. Decelerate as much as possible before turning off the hybrid system.
5
Page 534 of 640

5348-2. Steps to take in an emergency
RC300h_EE(OM24740E)
■While towing
If the hybrid system is off, the power assist for the brakes and steering will not function, making steering and braking more difficult.
■Wheel nut wrench
Wheel nut wrench is installed in trunk. ( P. 565)
WARNING
Observe the following precautions. Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.
■When towing the vehicle
■While towing
●When towing using cables or chains, avoid sudden starts, etc. which place excessivestress on the towing eyelets, cables or ch ains. The towing eyelets, cables or chains may become damaged, broken debris ma y hit people, and cause serious damage.
●Do not turn the power switch off. There is a possibility that the steering wheel is locked and cannot be operated.
■Installing towing eyelets to the vehicle
Make sure that towing eyelets are installed securely. If not securely installed, towing ey elets may come loose during towing.
Be sure to transport the vehicle with all four wheels raised off the ground. If the vehicle is
towed with the tires contacting the ground, the drivetrain and related parts may be damaged,an accident may occur due to a change in
direction of the vehicle or electricity generated by the operation of the motor may cause a fireto occur depending on the nature of the dam-
age or malfunction.