2018 LEXUS NX300h engine

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.

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

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

2294-5. Using the driving support systems
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_OM78212U 4
Driving ■
Muting the buzzer sound●
To mute the buzzer sound
The buzzer can be temporarily muted by
pressing of the meter control
switches while an obstacle detection dis-
play is shown on the multi-information
display.●
To cancel the mute
Mute will be automatically cancelled in
the following situations.
• When the shift position is changed
• When the vehicle speed has reached or
exceeded approximately 6 mph (10 km/
h) with the shift lever in D
• When the intuitive par king assist is turned
off once and turned on again
• When the power switch is turned off once
and turned to ON mode again
• When a sensor is malfunctioning ■
Certification 
For vehicles sold in the U.S.A.
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the fol-
lowing two conditions; (1) this device may
not cause harmful interference, and (2) this
device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation. 
For vehicles sold in Canada
This ISM device complies with Canadian
ICES-001.
Cet appareil ISM est conforme a la norme
NMB-001 du Canada. ■
Intuitive parking assist display
When an obstacle is detected while the
Lexus parking assist monitor is in use, the
warning indicator will appear in the upper
corner of the screen even if the display set-
ting has been set to off.
■
If “Clean Parking Assist Sensor” is dis-
played on the multi-information display
A sensor may be dirty or covered with snow
or ice. In such cases, if it is removed from
the sensor, the system should return to nor-
mal.
Also, due to the sensor being frozen at low
temperatures, a malfunction display may
appear or an obstacle may not be detected. If the sensor thaws out, the system should
return to normal. ■
If “Parking Assist Malfunction” is dis-
played on the multi-information display
Depending on the malf unction of the sen-
sor, the device may not be working nor-
mally. Have the vehicle inspected by your
Lexus dealer. ■
Sensor detection information ●
The sensor’s detectio n areas are limited
to the areas around the vehicle’s bumper. ●
Certain vehicle conditions and the sur-
rounding environment may affect the
ability of a sensor to correctly detect an
obstacle. Particular instances where this
may occur are listed below.
• There is dirt, snow or ice on the sensor.
(Wiping the sensors will resolve this
problem.)
• The sensor is frozen. (Thawing the area
will resolve this problem.)
In especially cold weather, if a sensor is
frozen the screen may show an abnormal
display, or obstacles may not be
detected.
• The sensor is covered in any way.
• The vehicle is leaning considerably to one
side.
• On an extremely bumpy road, on an
incline, on gravel, or on grass.
• The vicinity of the vehicle is noisy due to
vehicle horns, motorcycle engines, air
brakes of large vehicles, or other loud
noises producing ultrasonic waves.
• There is another vehicle equipped with
parking assist sensors in the vicinity.
• The sensor is coated with a sheet of spray
or heavy rain.
• The vehicle is equipped with a fender
pole or wireless antenna.
• Towing eyelets are installed.
• The bumper or sensor receives a strong
impact.
• A backlit license plate, license plate
holder, etc., are installed.
• The vehicle is approaching a tall or
curved curb.
• In harsh sunlight or intense cold weather.
• The area directly under the bumpers is
not detected.
• If obstacles draw too close to the sensor.
• A non-genuine Lexus suspension (low-

238 4-5. Using the driving support systems
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_OM78212U flooded road●
Influence from the weather
• Ice, snow, dirt, etc., has adhered to the
sensor (if removed, the system returns to
normal)
• Heavy rain or water strikes the vehicle
• In severe weather such as fog, snow or a
sand storm●
Influence from other sonic waves
• An ultrasonic wave source is nearby, such
as the horn or clearance sonar of another
vehicle, a vehicle detector, a motorcycle
engine or the air brake of a large vehicle
• Electronic components (such as a backlit
license plate (especially fluorescent
types), fog lights, a fender pole or a wire-
less antenna) are inst alled near the sen-
sors●
Changes in the vehicle
• The vehicle is tilted a large amount
• The height of the vehicle has drastically
changed due to the carried load (the
nose tilts up or down)
• The direction of the sensor has deviated
due to a collision or other impact■
Situations in which the system may not
operate normally
In the following situations, the system may
not operate normally. ●
Environmental influence
• There is an obstacle that cannot be
detected between the vehicle and
another obstacle that can be detected
• An obstacle such as another vehicle, a
motorcycle, a bicycle or a pedestrian cuts
in front of the vehicle or jumps out from
the side.●
Influence from the weather
• The area around the sensor is extremely
hot or cold
• The wind is strong • Ice, snow, dirt, etc., has adhered to the
sensor (if removed, the system returns to
normal)
• Heavy rain or water strikes the vehicle
• In severe weather such as fog, snow or a
sand storm ●
Influence from other sonic waves
• An ultrasonic wave source is nearby, such
as the horn or clearance sonar of another
vehicle, a vehicle detector, a motorcycle
engine or the air brake of a large vehicle
• Electronic components (such as a backlit
license plate (especially fluorescent
types), fog lights, a fe nder pole or a wire-
less antenna) are installed near the sen-
sors ●
Changes in the vehicle
• The vehicle is tilted a large amount
• The height of the vehicle has drastically
changed due to the carried load (the
nose tilts up or down)
• The direction of the sensor has deviated
due to a collision or other impact ■
When “Parking Support Brake Unavail-
able” is displayed on the multi-informa-
tion display and the PKSB OFF indicator
flashes ●
Ice, snow, dirt, etc., may have adhered to
the sensor. If this occurs, remove the ice,
snow, dirt, etc., from the sensor to return
the system to normal.
Also, a warning message may be dis-
played at low temperatures due to ice
forming on the sensor, and the sensor
may not detect obstacles. Once the ice
melts, the system wi ll return to normal.
●
If this message is shown even after
removing dirt from the sensor, or shown
when the sensor was not dirty to begin
with, have the vehicle inspected by your
Lexus dealer.
●
System initialization may not have been

2514-5. Using the driving support systems
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_OM78212U 4
Driving ■
PCS (Pre-Collision System)
→ P.203 ■
BSM (Blind Spot Monitor) (if
equipped)
→ P.241 ■
When the TRAC/VSC/ABS/Trailer
Sway Control systems are operating
The slip indicator light will flash while the
TRAC/VSC/ABS/Trailer Sway Control
systems are operating.
■
Disabling the TRAC system
If the vehicle gets stuck in mud, dirt or snow,
the TRAC system may reduce power from
the hybrid system to the wheels. Pressing
to turn the system off may make it eas-
ier for you to rock the vehicle in order to
free it.
To turn the TRAC system off, quickly press
and release .
The “Traction Control Turned Off” will be
shown on the multi-information display.
Press again to turn the system back on. ■
Turning off both TRAC, VSC and Trailer
Sway Control systems
To turn the TRAC, VSC and Trailer Sway
Control systems off, press and hold for
more than 3 seconds while the vehicle is
stopped.
The VSC off indicator will come on and the
“Traction Control Turned Off” will be shown
on the multi-info rmation display. *
Press again to turn the systems back on.*
: On vehicles with pre-collision system,
pre-collision brake assist and pre-colli-
sion braking will also be disabled. The
PCS warning light will come on and the
message will be shown on the multi-infor-
mation display. ( → P.210)
■
When the message is displayed on the
multi-information display showing that
TRAC has been disabled even if has
not been pressed
TRAC cannot be oper ated. Contact your
Lexus dealer.
■
Sounds and vibrations caused by the
ABS, brake assist, VSC, Trailer Sway
Control, TRAC and hill-start assist con-
trol systems
●
A sound may be heard from the engine
compartment when the brake pedal is
depressed repeatedly, when the hybrid
system is started or just after the vehicle
begins to move. This sound does not indi-