2018 LEXUS NX300h power steering

152 4-1. Before driving
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_OM78212U WARNING●
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 diffi-
cult 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 vehi-
cle in the normal way: → P.358●
Use engine braking (downshift) to
maintain a safe speed when driving
down a steep hill.
Using the brakes continuously may
cause the brakes to overheat and lose
effectiveness. ( → P.176)●
Do not adjust the positions of the
steering wheel, the seat, or the inside
or outside rear view mirrors while driv-
ing.
Doing so may result in a loss of vehicle
control.●
Always check that all passengers’
arms, heads or other parts of their
body are not outside the vehicle.●
Do not drive the vehicle off-road.
This is not an AWD vehicle designed
for off-road driving. Proceed with all
due caution if it becomes unavoidable
to drive off-road.
●
Do not drive across a river or through
other bodies of water.
This may cause electric/electronic
components to shor t circuit, damage
the hybrid system or cause other seri-
ous damage to the vehicle. ●
Do not drive in excess of the speed
limit. Even if the legal speed limit per-
mits it, do not drive over 85 mph (140
km/h) unless your vehicle has high-
speed capability tires.
Driving over 85 mph (140 km/h) may
result in tire failur e, loss of control and
possible injury. Be sure to consult a tire
dealer to determine whether the tires
on your vehicle are high-speed capa-
bility tires or not befo re driving at such
speeds. ■
When driving on slippery road sur-
faces ●
Sudden braking, acceleration and
steering may cause tire slippage and
reduce your ability to control the vehi-
cle. ●
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 prop-
erly. Wet brake pads may prevent the
brakes from functioning properly. If the
brakes on only one side are wet and
not functioning properly, steering con-
trol may be affected.
■
When shifting the shift lever ●
Do not let the vehicle roll backward
while the shift lever is in a driving posi-
tion, 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 shif t lever to P while
the vehicle is moving.
Doing so can damage the transmission
and may result in a loss of vehicle con-
trol.
●
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 con-
trol.

154 4-1. Before driving
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_OM78212U WARNING●
Always apply the parking brake, shift
the shift lever to P, stop the hybrid sys-
tem and lock the vehicle.
Do not leave the vehicle unattended
while the “READY” indicator is illumi-
nated.
If the vehicle is parked with the shift
lever in P but the parking brake is not
set, the vehicle may start to move, pos-
sibly leading to an accident.●
Do not touch the exhaust pipes while
the “READY” indicator is illuminated
or immediately after turning the hybrid
system off.
Doing so may cause burns.■
When taking a nap in the vehicle
Always turn the hybrid system off. Other-
wise, if you accidentally move the shift
lever or depress the accelerator pedal,
this could cause an accident or fire due
to hybrid system overheating. Addition-
ally, if the vehicle is parked in a poorly
ventilated area, exha ust gases may col-
lect and enter the ve hicle, leading to
death or a serious health hazard. ■
When braking●
When the brakes are wet, drive more
cautiously.
Braking distance increases when the
brakes are wet, and this may cause one
side of the vehicle to brake differently
than the other side. Also, the parking
brake may not securely hold the vehi-
cle.
●
If the electronically controlled brake
system does not operate, do not follow
other vehicles closely and avoid hills or
sharp turns that require braking.
In this case, braking is still possible, but
the brake pedal should be depressed
more firmly than usual. Also, the brak-
ing distance will increase. Have your
brakes fixed immediately. ●
The brake system consists of 2 or more
individual hydraulic systems; if one of
the systems fails, the other(s) will still
operate. In this case, the brake pedal
should be depressed more firmly than
usual and the braking distance will
increase. Have your brakes fixed
immediately. ■
If the vehicle becomes stuck
Do not spin the wheels excessively when
any of the tires is up in the air, or the vehi-
cle is stuck in sand, mud, etc. This may
damage the driveline components or
propel the vehicle forward or backward,
causing an accident.
NOTICE■
When driving the vehicle ●
Do not depress the accelerator and
brake pedals at the same time during
driving, as this may restrain the hybrid
system output. ●
Do not use the accelerator pedal or
depress the accelerator and brake
pedals at the same time to hold the
vehicle on a hill. ■
Avoiding damage to vehicle parts ●
Do not turn the steering wheel fully in
either direction and hold it there for an
extended period of time.
Doing so may damage the power
steering motor.
●
When driving over bumps in the road,
drive 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 fol-
lowing situations. Hold the steering
wheel firmly and gradually depress the
brake pedal to slow down the vehicle.
●
It may be difficult to control your vehi-
cle.

168 4-2. Driving procedures
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_OM78212U 4-2.Driving procedures
1 Check that the parking brake is set.
2 Check that the shift lever is in P.
3 Firmly depress the brake pedal. and a message will be displayed on the
multi-information display.
If it is not displayed, the hybrid system can-
not be started.
4 Press the power switch shortly and
firmly.When operating the power switch, one
short, firm press is enough.
It is not necessary to press and hold the
switch.
If the “READY” indicator turns on, the
hybrid system will operate normally.
Continue depressing the brake pedal until
the “READY” indicator is illuminated.
The hybrid system can be started from any
power switch mode. 5 Check that the “READY” indicator
is illuminated. The vehicle will not move when the
“READY” indicator is off. ■
If the hybrid system does not start ●
The immobilizer system may not have
been deactivated. ( → P.69)
Contact your Lexus dealer. ●
Check that the shift leve r is securely set in
P. The hybrid system may not start if the
shift lever is displaced out of P. “To Start
Vehicle, Put Shift Lever into P” will be dis-
played on the multi-information display. ●
The smart access system with push-but-
ton start may not be operating prop-
erly.( → P.388)■
When the ambient temperature is low,
such as during winter driving conditions
When starting the hybrid system, the flash-
ing time of the “READY” indicator may be
long. Leave the vehicle as it is until the
“READY” indicator is steady on, as steady
means the vehicle is able to move. ■
Sounds and vibrations specific to a
hybrid vehicle
→ P.63 ■
Electronic key battery depletion
→ P.102 ■
Conditions affecting operation
→ P.123 ■
Note for the entry function
→ P.124
■
Steering lock function
●
After turning the power switch off and
opening and closing the doors, the steer-
ing wheel will be lock ed due to the steer-
ing lock function. Operating the power
switch again automatically cancels the
steering lock.
●
When the steering lock cannot be
released, “Steering Wheel Lock Press
Power Switch while Turning Wheel” will
be displayed on the multi-information dis-
play.Power (ignition) switch Performing the following opera-
tions when carryin g the electronic
key on your person starts the hybrid
system or changes power switch
modes.
Starting the hybrid system

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

2494-5. Using the driving support systems
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_OM78212U 4
Driving
1 Normal mode
For normal driving.Press the switch to change the driving
mode to normal mode when selected to
Eco mode or sport mode.
2 Eco modeIn contrast to normal mode when stepping
on the accelerator pedal, torque genera-
tion becomes slower, air conditioning
operations (heating/cooling) are
restrained, and driving is suited for
improved fuel consumption.
When not in Eco mode and the driving
mode select switch is turned to the left,
“Eco” indicator will be shown on the multi-
information display.
3 Sport mode Assists acceleration response by con-
trolling the hybrid system and steering.
Suitable for when precise handling is desir-
able, for example when driving on moun-
tain roads.
When not in sport mode and the driving
mode select switch is turned to the right,
“Sport” indicator will be shown on the
multi-information display and the hybrid
system indicator changes to the tachome-
ter. ( → P.79)■
Operation of the air conditioning sys-
tem in Eco mode
Eco mode controls the heating/cooling
operations and fan speed of the air condi-
tioning system to enhance fuel efficiency. To
improve air conditio ning performance,
adjust the fan speed or turn off Eco mode. ■
Canceling driving modes ●
Select another driv e mode. Also, sport
mode will be canceled automatically
when the power switch is turned off. ●
Normal mode and Eco mode will not be
canceled automatically until another
drive mode is selected, even if the power
switch is turned off.Driving mode select switch The driving modes can be selected
to suit driving conditions.
Selecting a driving mode

250 4-5. Using the driving support systems
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_OM78212U ■
ECB (Electronically Controlled
Brake System)
The electronically controlled system
generates braking force correspond-
ing 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 brak-
ing 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 sudden ly or turning on
slippery road surfaces ■
Enhanced VSC (Enhanced Vehi-
cle Stability Control)
Provides cooperative control of the
ABS, TRAC, VSC and EPS. Helps to maintain directional stability
when swerving on slippery road sur-
faces by controlling steering perfor-
mance. ■
Trailer Sway Control
Helps the driver to control trailer sway
by selectively applying brake pressure
for individual wheels and reducing
driving torque when trailer sway is
detected. ■
TRAC (Traction Control)
Helps to maintain drive power and pre-
vent the drive wheels from spinning
when starting the vehicle or accelerat-
ing on slippery roads ■
Hill-start assist control
Helps to reduce the backward move-
ment of the vehicle when starting on an
uphill ■
EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce
the amount of effort needed to turn the
steering wheel ■
E-Four
Electronic On-Demand AWD system.
Automatically switches from front-
wheel drive to all-wheel drive (AWD)
according to the driving conditions,
helping to ensure reliable handling and
stability. Examples of conditions where
the system will switch to AWD are
when cornering, going uphill, starting
off or accelerating, and when the road
surface is slippery due to snow, rain,
etc.Driving assist systems To keep driving safety and perfor-
mance, the following systems oper-
ate automatically in response to
various driving situations. Be aware,
however, that these systems are
supplementary and should not be
relied upon too heavily when oper-
ating the vehicle.
Summary of the driving assist
systems

252 4-5. Using the driving support systems
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_OM78212U cate that a malfunction has occurred in
any of these systems.●
Any of the following conditions may
occur when the above systems are oper-
ating.
None of these indicates that a malfunc-
tion has occurred.
• Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle
body and steering.
• A motor sound may be heard also after
the vehicle comes to a stop.■
ECB operating sound
ECB operating sound may be heard in the
following cases, but it does not indicate that
a malfunction has occurred. ●
Operating sound heard from the engine
compartment when the brake pedal is
operated.●
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 sys-
tem.■
EPS operation sound
When the steering wheel is operated, a
motor sound (whirring sound) may be
heard. This does not indicate a malfunction. ■
Reduced effectiveness of the EPS sys-
tem
The effectiveness of the EPS system is
reduced to prevent the system from over-
heating when there is frequent steering
input over an extended period of time. The
steering wheel may feel heavy as a result.
Should this occur, re frain from excessive
steering input or stop the vehicle and turn
the hybrid system off. The EPS system
should return to normal within 10 minutes.
■
Automatic reactivation of TRAC, Trailer
Sway Control and VSC systems
After turning the TARC, Trailer Sway Con-
trol and VSC systems off, the systems will
be automatically re-enabled in the following
situations:
●
When the power switch is turned off
●
If only the TRAC system is turned off, the TRAC will turn on when vehicle speed
increases ●
If only the TRAC system is turned off, the
TRAC will turn on when vehicle speed
increases
If both the TRAC and VSC systems are
turned off, automatic re-enabling will not
occur when vehicle speed increases. ■
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/back-
ward on an up ward 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 shifted to P or N. ●
The accelerator pedal is depressed. ●
The parking brake is engaged. ●
2 seconds at maximum elapsed after the
brake pedal is released
WARNING
■
The ABS does not operate effectively
when ●
The limits of tire gripping performance
have been exceeded (such as exces-
sively worn tires on a snow covered
road).
●
The vehicle hydroplanes while driving
at high speed on wet or slick road.