2018 LEXUS NX300h ECO mode

1634-1. Before driving
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_OM78212U 4
Driving  The gross trailer weight must never
exceed 1500 lb. (685 kg).
 The gross combinat ion weight must
never exceed 6835 lb. (3100 kg).
 The gross vehicle weight must never
exceed the GVWR indicated on the
Certification Label.
 The gross axle weight on each axle
must never exceed the GAWR indi-
cated on the Certification Label.
 If the gross trailer weight is over the
unbraked TWR, trailer service
brakes are required.
Confirm that the gross trailer weight,
gross combination weight, gross vehi- cle weight, gross axle weight and
tongue weight are all within the limits. ■
GCWR *
6835 lb. (3100 kg) ■
TWR *
1500 lb. (685 kg). ■
Unbraked TWR *
1000 lb. (450 kg) *
: These models meet the tow-vehicle trail-
ering requirement of SAE International
per SAE J2807.
 A recommended tongue weight
varies in accordance with the types
of trailers or towing as described
below.
 To ensure the recommended values
shown below, the trailer must be
loaded by referring to the following
instructions. •Tongue Weight
The gross trailer weight should be distrib-
uted so that the tongue weight is 9% to
11%.
(Tongue weight /Gross trailer weight x 100
= 9% to 11%)
The gross trailer weight , gross axle weight
and tongue weight can be measured with
platform scales found at a highway weigh-
ing station, building supply company,
trucking company, junk yard, etc.Weight limits
GCWR, TWR and Unbraked
TWR Trailer Tongue Weight

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

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.

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.

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.

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.