2018 LEXUS NX300h Owners Manual

1774-2. Driving procedures
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_OM78212U 4
Driving ■
Parking brake operation●
When the power switch is not in ON
mode, the parking brake cannot be
released using the parking brake switch.●
When the power switch is not in ON
mode, automatic mode (automatic brake
setting and releasing) is not available.■
If “Parking Brake Overheated Parking
Brake Unavailable” is displayed on the
multi-information display
If the parking brake is operated repeatedly
over a short period of time, the system may
restrict operation to prevent overheating. If
this happens, refrain from operating the
parking brake. Normal operation will return
after about 1 minute. ■
Parking brake operation sound
When the parking brake operates, a motor
sound (whirring sound) may be heard. This
does not indicate a malfunction.
■
Parking brake indicator light and park-
ing brake lamp
●
Depending on the power switch mode,
the parking brake in dicator light and
parking brake lamp will turn on and stay
on as described below:
ON mode: Comes on until the parking
brake is released.
Not in ON mode: Stays on for approxi-
mately 15 seconds.
●
When the power switch is turned off with
the parking brake set, the parking brake
indicator light and parking brake lamp
will stay on for about 15 seconds. This does not indicate a malfunction. ■
Changing the mode
When changing the automatic mode on/off,
the message will be shown on the multi-
information display and the buzzer sounds. ■
Parking brake engaged warning buzzer
A buzzer will sound if the vehicle is driven
with the parking brake engaged. “Release
Parking Brake” is displayed on the multi-
information display. ■
Warning messages and buzzers
Warning messages and buzzers are used to
indicate a system malfunction or to inform
the driver of the need for caution. If a warn-
ing message is shown on the multi-informa-
tion display, read the message and follow
the instructions. ■
If the brake system warning light comes
on
→ P.366 ■
Usage in winter time
→ P.258Parking brake The parking brake can be set or
released automatically or manually.
In automatic mode, the parking
brake can be set or released auto-
matically according to shift lever
operation. Also, even in automatic
mode, the parking brake can be set
or released manually.
WARNING■
When parking the vehicle
Do not leave a child in the vehicle alone.
The parking brake may be released unin-
tentionally and there is the danger of the
vehicle moving that may lead to an acci-
dent resulting in death or serious injury.
NOTICE
■
When parking the vehicle
Before you leave the vehicle, shift the
shift lever to P, set the parking brake and
make sure that the vehicle does not
move.
■
When the system malfunctions
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and
check the warning messages.

178 4-2. Driving procedures
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_OM78212U ■
Turns automatic mode on
While the vehicle is stopped, pull and
hold the parking brake switch until the
automatic mode lamp turns on
Parking brake indicator (U.S.A.)
Parking brake indicator (Canada)
Parking brake lamp
Automatic mode lamp
The parking brake is set or released
automatically according to shift lever operation.
 When the shift lever is moved out of
P, the parking brake will be released,
and the parking brake indicator light
and parking brake lamp turn off.
 When the shift lever is moved into P,
the parking brake will be set, and the
parking brake indicator light and
parking brake lamp turn on. Operate the shift lever with the brake
pedal depressed. ■
Turns automatic mode off
While the vehicle is stopped, press and
hold the parking brake switch until the
automatic mode lamp turns off
Parking brake indicator (U.S.A.)
Parking brake indicator (Canada)
Parking brake lamp
Automatic mode lampNOTICE■
When the parking brake cannot be
released due to a malfunction
Driving the vehicle with the parking
brake set will lead to brake components
overheating, which may affect braking
performance and increase brake wear.
Have the vehicle inspected by contact
your Lexus dealer immediately if this
occurs.
Operating instructions
A
B
C
D A
B
C
D

1794-2. Driving procedures
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_OM78212U 4
Driving ■
Using the manual mode
The parking brake can be set and
released manually.
Parking brake indicator (U.S.A.)
Parking brake indicator (Canada)
Parking brake lamp
Automatic mode lamp
1 Sets the parking brakeThe parking brake indicator light and park-
ing brake lamp will turn on.
Pull and hold the parking brake switch if an
emergency occurs and it is necessary to
operate the parking brake while driving.
2 Releases the parking brakeOperate the parking brake switch while
depressing the brake pedal. Make sure
that the parking brake indicator light and
parking brake lamp turn off.
If the parking brake indicator light and
parking brake lamp flashes, operate the
switch again. ( → P.369) ■
Changing the mode
When changing the automatic mode on/off,
the message will be shown on the multi-
information display and the buzzer sounds. ■
Parking the vehicle
→ P.150
A
B
C
D

180 4-2. Driving procedures
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_OM78212U Turns the brake hold system on The brake hold standby indicator
(green) comes on. While the system is
holding the brake, the brake hold operated
indicator (yellow) comes on.
■
Brake hold system operating conditions
The brake hold system cannot be turned on
in the following conditions:
●
The driver’s door is not closed.
●
The driver is not wearing the seat belt.
If any of the conditions above are detected
when the brake hold system is enabled, the
system will turn off and the brake hold
standby indicator light will go off. In addi-
tion, if any of the conditions are detected
while the system is holding the brake, a
warning buzzer will sound and a message
will be shown on the multi-information dis- play. The parking brake will then be set
automatically. ■
Brake hold function ●
If the brake pedal is left released for a
period of about 3 mi nutes after the sys-
tem has started holding the brake, the
parking brake will be set automatically. In
this case, a warning buzzer sounds and a
message is shown on the multi-informa-
tion display. ●
To turn the system off while the system is
holding the brake, firmly depress the
brake pedal and press the button again. ●
The brake hold function may not hold the
vehicle when the vehicle is on a steep
incline. In this situation, it may be neces-
sary for the driver to apply the brakes. A
warning buzzer will sound and the multi-
information display will inform the driver
of this situation. If a warning message is
shown on the multi-information display,
read the message and follow the instruc-
tions. ■
When the parking brake is set automati-
cally while the system is holding the
brakes
With the brake pedal depressed, release
the parking brake by operating the parking
brake switch, making su re that the parking
brake indicator light goes off. ( → P.177)■
When an inspection at your Lexus
dealer is necessary
When the brake hold standby indicator
(green) does not illuminate even when the
brake hold switch is pressed with the brake
hold system operating conditions met, the
system may be malfun ctioning. Have the
vehicle inspected at your Lexus dealer.
■
If “Brake Hold Fault Depress Brake to
Deactivate Visit Your Dealer” is dis-
played on the multi-information display
The system may be ma lfunctioning. Have
the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer.
■
Warning messages and buzzers
Warning messages and buzzers are used to
indicate a system malfunction or to inform
the driver of the need for caution. If a warn-
ing message is shown on the multi-informa-
tion display, read the message and follow Brake Hold The brake hold system keeps the
brake applied when the shift lever is
in D, S or N with the system on and
the brake pedal has been
depressed to stop the vehicle. The
system releases the brake when the
accelerator pedal is depressed with
the shift lever in D or S to allow
smooth start off.
Enabling the system A
B

1814-2. Driving procedures
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_OM78212U 4
Driving the instructions. ■
If the brake hold operated indicator
flashes
→ P.368 *
: If equipped
1 Louder
2 Lower
The indicator comes on when the ASC
system is on.
When the dial is turned to the lowest
volume, the ASC system will be turned
off and the indicator will go off.
■
Operating conditions
When the driving mode select switch is not WARNING■
When the vehicle is on a steep incline
When using the brake hold system on a
steep incline, exercise caution. The brake
hold function may not hold the vehicle in
such a situation. ■
When stopped on a slippery road
The system cannot stop the vehicle when
the gripping ability of the tires has been
exceeded. Do not use the system when
stopped on a slippery road.
NOTICE■
When parking the vehicle
The brake hold system is not designed
for use when parking the vehicle for a
long period of time. Turning the power
switch off while the system is holding the
brake may release the brake, which
would cause the vehicle to move. When
operating the power switch, depress the
brake pedal, shift the shift lever to P and
set the parking brake. ASC (Active Sound Con-
trol) *
The ASC system is an electronic
sound system that generates
engine sound, conveying the
kinetic situations of the vehicle’s
acceleration and deceleration to
the driver through the speakers
inside the instrument panel.
The vehicle’s response to the
driver’s acceleration behavior and
shift operations are also conveyed
in sound.
When sport mode is selected, the
sound conveyed to the driver will be
louder.
Controlling volume

182 4-2. Driving procedures
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_OM78212U in Eco mode or EV drive mode. ■
Temporary cancelation of the ASC sys-
tem functions
The ASC system may be temporarily can-
celed depending on the driving conditions,
such as when the tires slip due to sudden
acceleration.

1834-3. Operating the lights and wipers
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_OM78212U 4
Driving 4-3.Operating the lights and wipers
Turning the end of the lever turns on
the lights as follows: 
Type A
1 The side marker, parking, tail,
license plate, instrument panel
lights, and daytime running lights
( → P.184) turn on.
2 The headlights and all the
lights listed above (except daytime
running lights) turn on.
3 The headlights, daytime run-
ning lights ( → P.184) and all the
lights listed above turn on and off automatically.
4 The daytime running lights
turn off. 
Type B
1 The side marker, parking, tail,
license plate, instrument panel
lights, and daytime running lights
( → P.184) turn on.
2 The headlights and all the
lights listed above (except daytime
running lights) turn on.
3 The headlights, daytime run-
ning lights ( → P.184) and all the
lights listed above turn on and off
automatically (when the power
switch is in ON mode).
4 The daytime running lights
turn on. ( → P.184)Headlight switch The headlights can be operated
manually or automatically.
Turning on the headlights

184 4-3. Operating the lights and wipers
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_OM78212U ■
AUTO mode can be used when
The power switch is in ON mode. ■
Daytime running light system●
The daytime running lights illuminate
using the same lights as the parking lights
and illuminate brighter than the parking
lights.●
To make your vehicle more visible to
other drivers during daytime driving, the
daytime running lights turn on automati-
cally when all of the following conditions
are met. (The daytime running lights are
not designed for use at night.)
• The hybrid system is started
• The parking brake is released
• The headlight switch is in the (type
B), or “AUTO” *
position*
: When the surroundings are bright
The daytime running lights remain on after
they illuminate, even if the parking brake is
set again. ●
For the U.S.A.: Dayt ime running lights
can be turned off by operating the switch.●
Compared to turning on the headlights,
the daytime running light system offers
greater durability and consumes less
electricity, so it can help improve fuel●
If a turn signal light is in use, the daytime
running light, on the same side, is turned
off. For emergency flashers, both are
turned off.■
Headlight control sensor
The sensor may not function properly if an
object is placed on th e sensor, or anything
that blocks the sensor is affixed to the wind-
shield.
Doing so interferes with the sensor detect-
ing the level of ambient light and may cause
the automatic headlight system to malfunc-
tion. ■
Automatic light off system ●
When the headlights come on: The head-
lights and tail lights turn off 30 seconds
after a door is opened and closed if the
power switch is turned to ACCESSORY
mode or turned off. (The lights turn off
immediately if on the key is
pressed after all the doors are locked.) ●
When only the tail lights come on: The tail
lights turn off automatically if the power
switch is turned to ACCESSORY mode
or turned off and the driver’s door is
opened.
To turn the lights on again, turn the power
switch to ON mode, or turn the light switch
off once and then back to or
.■
Light reminder buzzer
A buzzer sounds when the power switch is
turned off or turned to ACCESSORY
mode and the driver’s door is opened while
the lights are turned on. ■
Automatic headlight leveling system (if
equipped)
The level of the headlights is automatically
adjusted according to the number of pas-
sengers and the loadin g condition of the
vehicle to ensure that the headlights do not
interfere with other road users.
■
12-volt battery-saving function
In order to prevent the 12-volt battery of the
vehicle from discharging, if the headlights
and/or tail lights are on when the power
switch is turned off the 12-volt battery sav-
ing function will operate and automatically
turn off all the lights after approximately 20
minutes. When the power switch is turned
to ON mode, the 12-volt battery-saving
function will be disabled.