2018 LEXUS NX300h steering

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.

2534-5. Using the driving support systems
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_OM78212U 4
Driving WARNING■
Stopping distance when the ABS is
operating may exceed that of normal
conditions
The ABS is not designed to shorten the
vehicle’s stopping di stance. Always main-
tain a safe distance from the vehicle in
front of you, especially in the following
situations: ●
When driving on dirt, gravel or snow-
covered roads●
When driving with tire chains●
When driving over bumps in the road●
When driving over roads with potholes
or uneven surfaces■
TRAC/VSC may not operate effec-
tively when
Directional control and power may not
be achievable while driving on slippery
road surfaces, even if the TRAC/VSC
system is operating.
Drive the vehicle carefully in conditions
where stability and power may be lost. ■
Hill-start assist control does not oper-
ate effectively when●
Do not overly rely on the hill-start
assist control. Hill-start assist control
may not operate effectively on steep
inclines and roads covered with ice.
●
Unlike the parking brake, hill-start
assist control is not intended to hold
the vehicle stationary for an extended
period of time. Do not attempt to use
hill-start assist control to hold the vehi-
cle on an incline, as doing so may lead
to an accident.
■
When the TRAC/ABS/VSC/Trailer
Sway Control is activated
The slip indicator light flashes. Always
drive carefully. Re ckless driving may
cause an accident. Exercise particular
care when the indicator light flashes. ■
When the TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway
Control systems are turned off
Be especially careful and drive at a speed
appropriate to the road conditions. As
these are the systems to help ensure
vehicle stability and driving force, do not
turn the TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Con-
trol systems off unless necessary.
Trailer Sway Control is part of the VSC
system and will not operate if VSC is
turned off or experiences a malfunction. ■
Replacing tires
Make sure that all ti res are of the speci-
fied size, brand, tread pattern and total
load capacity. In addition, make sure that
the tires are inflated to the recom-
mended tire inflation pressure level.
The ABS, TRAC, Trailer Sway Control
and VSC systems will not function cor-
rectly if different tire s are installed on the
vehicle.
Contact your Lexus dealer for further
information when replacing tires or
wheels. ■
Handling of tires and the suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or
modifying the suspensi on will affect the
driving assist systems, and may cause a
system to malfunction.
■
Trailer Sway Control precaution
The Trailer Sway Control system is not
able to reduce trailer sway in all situa-
tions. Depending on many factors such
as the conditions of the vehicle, trailer,
road surface and driving environment,
the Trailer Sway Control system may not
be effective. Refer to your trailer owner’s
manual for information on how to tow
your trailer properly.
■
If trailer sway occurs
Observe the following precautions.
Failing to do so may cause death or seri-
ous injury.
●
Firmly grip the steering wheel. Steer
straight ahead. Do not try to control
trailer sway by turning the steering
wheel.

254 4-5. Using the driving support systems
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_OM78212U WARNING●
Begin releasing the accelerator pedal
immediately but very gradually to
reduce speed.
Do not increase speed. Do not apply
vehicle brakes.
If you make no extreme correction with
the steering or brakes, your vehicle and
trailer should stabilize. ( → P.250)

2574-6. Driving tips
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_OM78212U 4
Driving  Use fluids that are appropriate to
the prevailing outside temperatures. •Engine oil
• Engine/power control unit coolant
•Washer fluid
 Have a service technician inspect
the condition of the 12-volt battery.
 Have the vehicle fitted with four
snow tires or purchase a set of tire
chains for the front tires *
.Ensure that all tires are the same size and
brand, and that chains match the size of the
tires. *
: Tire chains cannot be mounted on the
225/60R18 tires.
Perform the following according to the
driving conditions:
 Do not try to forcibly open a window
or move a wiper that is frozen. Pour
warm water over the frozen area to
melt the ice. Wipe away the water Winter driving tips Carry out the necessary prepara-
tions and inspections before driving
the vehicle in winter. Always drive
the vehicle in a manner appropriate
to the prevailing weather condi-
tions.
Preparation for winter
WARNING
■
Driving with snow tires
Observe the following precautions to
reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in a loss of
vehicle control and cause death or seri-
ous injury.
●
Use tires of the specified size.
●
Maintain the recommended level of air
pressure. ●
Do not drive in excess of 75 mph (120
km/h), regardless of the type of snow
tires being used. ●
Use snow tires on all, not just some
wheels. ■
Driving with tire chains
Observe the following precautions to
reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in the vehicle
being unable to be driven safely, and may
cause death or serious injury. ●
Do not drive in excess of the speed
limit specified for the tire chains being
used, or 30 mph (50 km/h), which-
ever is lower. ●
Avoid driving on bumpy road surfaces
or over potholes. ●
Avoid sudden acceleration, abrupt
steering, sudden br aking and shifting
operations that cause sudden engine
braking. ●
Slow down sufficiently before entering
a curve to ensure that vehicle control is
maintained.
NOTICE■
Repairing or replacing snow tires
Request repairs or replacement of snow
tires from Lexus dealers or legitimate tire
retailers.
This is because the removal and attach-
ment of snow tires affects the operation
of the tire pressure warning valves and
transmitters.
Before driving the vehicle

260 4-6. Driving tips
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_OM78212U Your vehicle is not designed to be
driven off-road. However, in the event
that off-road driving cannot be
avoided, please observe the following
precautions to help avoid the areas
prohibited to vehicles.
 Drive your vehicle only in areas
where off-road vehicles are permit-
ted to travel.
 Respect private property. Get
owner’s permission before entering
private property.
 Do not enter areas that are closed. Honor gates, barriers and signs that
restrict travel.
 Stay on established roads. When
conditions are wet, driving tech-
niques should be changed or travel
delayed to prevent damage to
roads.
 Avoid driving on very steep, slippery
roads and other surfaces, such as
sand, where the tires are liable to
lose traction. Your vehicle may not
perform as well as conventional
AWD on-road vehicles on these
surfaces. ■
Additional informatio n for off-road driv-
ing 
For owners in U.S. mainland, Hawaii and
Puerto Rico:
To obtain additional information pertaining
to driving your vehicle off-road, consult the
following organizations. ●
State and Local Parks and Recreation
Departments ●
State Motor Vehicle Bureau ●
Recreational Vehicle Clubs ●
U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land
ManagementWARNING●
Avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneu-
vers, if at all possible.
Failure to operate this vehicle correctly
may result in loss of control or vehicle
rollover causing death or serious
injury.●
Loading cargo on the roof luggage
carrier (if equipped ) will make the cen-
ter of the vehicle gravity higher. Avoid
high speeds, sudden starts, sharp
turns, sudden braking or abrupt
maneuvers, otherwise it may result in
loss of control or vehicle rollover due
to failure to operate this vehicle cor-
rectly.●
Always slow down in gusty crosswinds.
Because of its profile and higher cen-
ter of gravity, your vehicle is more sen-
sitive to side winds than an ordinary
passenger car. Slowing down will allow
you to have better control.●
Do not drive horizontally across steep
slopes. Driving straig ht up or straight
down is preferred. Your vehicle (or any
similar off-road vehicle) can tip over
sideways much more easily than for-
ward or backward.
Off-road driving WARNING
■
Off-road driving precautions
Always observe the following precau-
tions to minimize the risk of death or seri-
ous injury or damage to your vehicle:
●
Drive carefully when off the road. Do
not take unnecessary risks by driving in
dangerous places.
●
Do not grip the steering wheel spokes
when driving off-road. A bad bump
could jerk the wheel and injure your
hands. Keep both hands and especially
your thumbs on the outside of the rim.

263
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_OM78212U 5 5
Interior features Interior features5-1. Remote Touch
Remote Touch ............................ 264
5-2. Using the air conditioning system
and defogger
Automatic air conditioning system
........................................................ 268
Heated steering wheel/seat heat-
ers/seat ventilators ................ 275
5-3. Using the interior lights
Interior lights list......................... 278
5-4. Using the storage features
List of storage features............. 281
Luggage compartment features
........................................................ 284
5-5. Using the other interior features
Other interior features ........... 288
Garage door opener............... 298
Compass....................................... 303
Lexus Enform Safety Connect
........................................................ 306
Lexus Enform Remote .............. 311
Lexus Enform Service Connect
......................................................... 312

2755-2. Using the air conditio ning system and defogger
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_OM78212U 5
Interior features 
Rear
1 Direct air flow to the left or right, up
or down
2 Turn the knob to open or close the
vent *
: If equipped
WARNING■
To not interrupt the windshield defog-
ger from operating
Do not place anything on the instrument
panel which may cover the air outlets.
Otherwise, air flow may be obstructed,
preventing the windshield defoggers
from defogging. Heated steering wheel *
/seat
heaters *
/seat ventilators *
 Heated steering wheel Warm up the grip of the steering wheel
 Seat heaters Warm up the seat upholstery
 Seat ventilators Maintain good airflow on the seat uphol-
stery by blowing air from the seats
WARNING■
To prevent minor burn injuries
Care should be taken if anyone in the fol-
lowing categories comes in contact with
the steering wheel or seats when the
heater is on: ●
Babies, small children, the elderly, the
sick and the physically challenged ●
Persons with sensitive skin ●
Persons who are fatigued ●
Persons who have taken alcohol or
drugs that induce sleep (sleeping
drugs, cold remedies, etc.)
NOTICE
■
To prevent damage to the seat heat-
ers and seat ventilators
Do not put heavy objects that have an
uneven surface on the seat and do not
stick sharp objects (n eedles, nails, etc.)
into the seat.
■
To prevent battery discharge
Do not use the functions when the hybrid
system is off.