2018 LEXUS NX300h Owners Manual

1694-2. Driving procedures
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_OM78212U 4
Driving Check that the shift leve r is in P. Press the
power switch while turning the steering
wheel left and right.
●
To prevent the steering lock motor from
overheating, operation of the motor may
be suspended if the hybrid system is
turned on and off repeatedly in a short
period of time. In this case, refrain from
operating the hybrid system. After about
10 seconds, the stee ring lock motor will
resume functioning.■
If there is a malfun ction in the smart
access system with push-button start
If “Smart Access System Malfunction See
Owner’s Manual” is di splayed on the multi-
information display, the system may be mal-
functioning. Have the vehicle inspected by
your Lexus dealer 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 vehi-
cle, contact your Lexus dealer immediately. ■
If the hybrid system is malfunctioning
→ P.67
■
Electronic key battery
→ P.347
■
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. ■
Customizable functions
→ P.421
1 Stop the vehicle completely.
2 Set the parking brake ( → P.179),
and shift the shift lever to P
( → P.173).
3 Press the power switch. WARNING■
When starting the hybrid system
Always start the hybrid system while sit-
ting 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 result-
ing in death or serious injury. ■
Caution while driving
If hybrid system failure occurs while the
vehicle is moving, do not lock or open the
doors until the vehicle reaches a safe and
complete stop. The steering lock func-
tion will activate and this may lead to an
accident, resulting in death or serious
injury.
NOTICE■
When starting the hybrid system ●
If the hybrid system becomes difficult
to start, have your vehicle checked by
your Lexus dealer immediately.
NOTICE■
Symptoms indicating a malfunction
with the power switch
If the power switch seems to be operat-
ing somewhat differently than usual, such
as the switch sticking slightly, there may
be a malfunction. Contact your Lexus
dealer immediately.
Stopping the hybrid system

170 4-2. Driving procedures
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_OM78212U 4 Release the brake pedal and check
that the display on the instrument
cluster is off.
Modes can be changed by pressing
the power switch with brake pedal
released. (The mode changes each
time the switch is pressed.) 1 Off *
The emergency flashers can be used.
2 ACCESSORY mode Some electrical components such as the
audio system can be used.
“ACCESSORY” will be displayed on the
multi-information display.
3 ON mode All electrical components can be used.
“IGNITION ON” will be displayed on the
multi-information display. *
: If the shift lever is in a position other than
P when turning off the hybrid system, the
power switch will be turned to ACCES-
SORY mode, not to off.
■
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, this function cannot entirely pre-
vent 12-volt battery discharge. Do not leave
the vehicle with the power switch in
ACCESSORY or ON mode for long peri-WARNING■
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 more in succession. ( → P.358)
However, do not touch the power switch
while driving except in an emergency.
Turning the hybrid sy stem off while driv-
ing will not cause loss of steering or brak-
ing control, however, power assist to the
steering will be lost. This will make it
more difficult to st eer smoothly, so you
should pull over and stop the vehicle as
soon as it is safe to do so.
Changing power switch modes

1714-2. Driving procedures
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_OM78212U 4
Driving ods of time when the hybrid system is not
operating. ■
When stopping the hybrid system with
the shift lever in a po sition other than P
If the hybrid system is stopped with the shift
lever in a position ot her than P, the power
switch will not be turned off but instead be
turned to ACCESSORY mode. Perform
the following procedure to turn the switch
off:
1 Check that the parking brake is set.
2 Shift the shift lever to P.
3 Check that “Turn Off Vehicle” is dis-
played on the multi-information display
and then press the power switch once.
4 Check that “Turn Off Vehicle” on the
multi-information display is off.
Turns EV drive mode on/off When EV drive mode is turned on, the EV
drive mode indicator will come on.
Pressing the switch wh en in EV drive mode
will return the vehicle to normal driving
(using the gasoline engine and electric
motor [traction motor]).
■
Situations in which EV drive mode can-
not be turned on
It may not be possible to turn EV drive
mode on in the following situations. If it can-
not be turned on, a buzzer will sound and a
message will be shown on the multi-infor-
mation display.
●
The temperature of the hybrid system is
high.
The vehicle has been left in the sun, NOTICE■
To prevent 12-volt battery discharge●
Do not leave the power switch in
ACCESSORY or ON mode for long
periods of time without the hybrid sys-
tem on.●
If “ACCESSORY” or “IGNITION
ON” is displayed on the multi-informa-
tion display while the hybrid system is
not operating, the power switch is not
off. Exit the vehicle after turning the
power switch off.
●
Do not stop the hybrid system when
the shift lever is in a position other than
P. If the hybrid sy stem is stopped in
another shift lever position, the power
switch will not be turned off but instead
be turned to ACCESSORY mode. If
the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY
mode, 12-volt battery discharge may
occur. EV drive mode In EV drive mode, electric power is
supplied by the hybrid battery
(traction battery), and only the
electric motor (traction motor) is
used to drive the vehicle.
This mode allows you to drive in res-
idential areas early in the morning
and late at night, or in indoor park-
ing lots, etc., without concern for
noises and gas emissions.
Operating instructions

172 4-2. Driving procedures
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_OM78212U driven on a hill, driven at high speeds, etc.●
The temperature of the hybrid system is
low.
The vehicle has been left in temperatures
lower than about 32 °F (0 °C) for a long
period of time, etc.●
The gasoline engine is warming up.●
The hybrid battery (traction battery) is
low.
The remaining battery level indicated in
the “Energy Monitor” display is low.
( → P.95)●
Vehicle speed is high.●
The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly
or the vehicle is on a hill, etc.●
The windshield defogger is in use.■
Switching to EV drive mode when the
gasoline engine is cold
If the hybrid system is started while the gas-
oline engine is cold, the gasoline engine will
start automatically after a short period of
time in order to warm up. In this case, you
will become unable to switch to EV drive
mode.
After the hybrid system has started and the
“READY” indicator has illuminated, press
the EV drive mode switch before the gaso-
line engine starts to switch to EV drive
mode. ■
Automatic cancelation of EV drive
mode
When driving in EV drive mode, the gaso-
line engine may automatically restart in the
following situations. When EV drive mode
is canceled, a buzzer will sound, the EV
drive mode indicator w ill go off after flash-
ing, and a message is displayed on the
multi-information display.
●
The hybrid battery (traction battery)
becomes low.
The remaining battery level indicated in
the “Energy Monitor” display is low.
( → P.95)
●
Vehicle speed is high.
●
The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly
or the vehicle is on a hill, etc. ■
Possible driving distan ce when driving in
EV drive mode
EV drive mode’s possible driving distance
ranges from a few hundred meters to
approximately 0.6 mile (1 km). However,
depending on vehicle conditions, there are
situations when EV drive mode cannot be
used. (The distance that is possible depends
on the hybrid battery [traction battery] level
and driving conditions.) ■
Fuel economy
The hybrid system is designed to achieve
the best possible fuel economy during nor-
mal driving (using the gasoline engine and
electric motor [tractio n motor]). Driving in
EV drive mode more than necessary may
lower fuel economy.
WARNING■
Caution while driving
When driving in EV drive mode, pay spe-
cial attention to the area around the vehi-
cle. Because there is no engine noise,
pedestrians, people riding bicycles or
other people and vehicles in the area
may not be aware of the vehicle starting
off or approaching them, so take extra
care while driving.

1734-2. Driving procedures
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_OM78212U 4
Driving *1
: To improve fuel efficiency and reduce
noise, shift the shift lever to D for normal
driving.
You can choose gear range suitable for
your driving situation by operating the
paddle shift switches. *2
: By selecting shift ra nges using S mode,
you can control accelerating force and
engine braking force.
■
S mode●
When the shift range is 4 or lower, hold-
ing the shift lever towa rd “+” sets the shift
range to 6.
●
Automatically selects a higher shift range
before the engine speed becomes too
high.
■
When driving with dynamic radar cruise
control with full-speed range activated
Even when performing the following
actions with the intent of enabling engine
braking, engine braking will not activate
because dynamic radar cruise control with
full-speed range will not be canceled. ●
While driving in S mode, downshifting to
5 or 4. ( → P.176)●
When switching the driving mode to
sport mode while driving in D position.
( → P.249)■
Restraining sudden start (Drive-Start
Control)
When the following unusual operation is
performed, the hybrid system output may
be restrained. ●
When the shift lever is shifted from R to D,
D to R, N to R, P to D, or P to R (D
includes S) with the accelerator pedal
depressed, a warning message appears
on the multi-information display. If a
warning message is shown on the multi-
information display, read the message
and follow the instructions. ●
When the accelerator pedal is depressed
too while the vehicle is in reverse.Hybrid transmission Select the shift position depending
on your purpose and situation.
Shift position purpose and func-
tions Shift posi-
tion Objective or function
P Parking the vehicle/starting
the hybrid system
R Reversing
N Neutral
D Normal driving *1
S S mode driving *2
( → P.176)
WARNING■
When driving on slippery road sur-
faces
Be careful of downsh ifting and sudden
acceleration, as this could result in the
vehicle skidding to the side or spinning.
NOTICE■
Hybrid battery (t raction battery)
charge
If the shift lever is in N, the hybrid battery
(traction battery) will not be charging,
even when the engine is running. There-
fore, if the vehicle is left with the shift
lever in N for a long period of time, the
hybrid battery (traction battery) will dis-
charge, and this may re sult in the vehicle
not being able to start.

174 4-2. Driving procedures
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_OM78212U While the power switch is in ON
mode, move the shift lever with the
brake pedal depressed. When shifting the shift lever between P
and D, make sure that the vehicle is com-
pletely stopped.
■
Shift lock system
The shift lock system is a system to prevent
accidental operation of the shift lever in
starting.
The shift lever can be shifted from P only
when the power switch is in ON mode and
the brake pedal is being depressed.
■
If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P
First, check whether the brake pedal is
being depressed.
If the shift lever cannot be shifted with your
foot on the brake pedal, there may be a
problem with the shift lock system. Have the
vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer
immediately.
The following steps may be used as an
emergency measure to ensure that the shift lever can be shifted.
Releasing the shift lock:
1 Set the parking brake.
2 Turn the power switch off.
3 Depress the brake pedal.
4 Pry the cover up with a flathead screw-
driver or equivalent tool.
To prevent damage to the cover, cover the
tip of the screwdriver with a rag.
5 Press the shift lock override button.
The shift lever can be shifted while the but-
ton is pressed
→ P.249Shifting the shift lever
WARNING■
To prevent an accident when releas-
ing the shift lock
Before pressing the shift lock override
button, make sure to set the parking
brake and depress the brake pedal.
If the accelerator pe dal is accidentally
depressed instead of the brake pedal
when the shift lock override button is
pressed and the shift lever is shifted out
of P, the vehicle may suddenly start, pos-
sibly leading to an accident resulting in
death or serious injury.
Selecting the driving mode

1754-2. Driving procedures
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_OM78212U 4
Driving To drive using temporary shift range
selection, operate the “-” paddle shift
switch while the shift lever in D. Chang-
ing the shift range enables the level of
engine braking force to be selected.
The shift range can then be selected by
operating the “-” and “+” paddle shift
switches.
1 Upshifting
2 DownshiftingThe selected shift range, from 1 to 6, will be
displayed on the multi-information display.
The initial shift range is 4 when the “-” pad-
dle shift switch is operated.
To return to normal D position driving, the
“+” paddle shift switch must be held down
for a period of time.
■
Shift ranges and their functions
 You can choose from 6 levels of
engine braking force.
 A lower shift range will provide
greater engine braking force than a
higher shift range, and the engine
revolutions will also increase. ■
When the “-” paddle shift switch is oper-
ated with the shift le ver in the D position
A shift range will be au tomatically selected. The highest gear of the first shift range will
be one gear lower than the gear in use
during normal D position driving. ■
Automatic deactivation of shift range
selection in the D position
Shift range selection in the D position will
be deactivated in the following situations: ●
When the vehicle comes to a stop ●
If the accelerator pe dal is depressed for
more than a certai n period of time●
When the shift lever is shifted to a posi-
tion other than D
To enter S mode, shift the shift lever to
S. Shift ranges can be selected by
operating the shift lever or paddle shift
switches, allowing you to drive in the
shift range of your choice. The shift
range can be selected by operating the
shift lever or the “-” and “+” paddle shift
switches.
1 UpshiftingSelecting shift ranges in the D
position
Selecting shift ranges in the S
position

176 4-2. Driving procedures
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_OM78212U 2 DownshiftingThe selected shift range, from 1 to 6, will be
displayed.
The initial shift range in S mode is 4. ■
Shift ranges and their functions
 You can choose from 6 levels of
accelerating force and engine brak-
ing force.
 A lower shift range will provide
greater accelerating force and
engine braking force than a higher
shift range, and the engine revolu-
tions will also increase. ■
Downshifting restriction warning
buzzer
To help ensure safety and driving perfor-
mance, downshifting operation may some-
times be restricted. In some circumstances,
downshifting may not be possible even
when the shift lever or paddle shift switch is
operated. (A buzzer will sound twice.)
1 Right turn
2 Lane change to the right (move the
lever partway and release it)
The right hand signals will flash 3
times.
3 Lane change to the left (move the
lever partway and release it)
The left hand signals will flash 3
times.
4 Left turn ■
Turn signals can be operated when
The power switch is in ON mode.
■
If the indicator flashes faster than usual
Check that a light bulb in the front or rear
turn signal lights has not burned out.
■
Customization
→ P.425Turn signal lever
Operating instructions