2018 LEXUS RC300 ignition

208 4-2. Driving procedures
RC350_RC300 AWD_RC3 00_RC F_U(OM24748U)Modes can be changed by pressing the en gine switch with brake pedal released.
(The mode changes each time the switch is pressed.) 
RC350/RC300
Off
* The emergency flashers can be used.
ACCESSORY mode Some electrical components such as the
audio system can be used.
“ACCESSORY” will be displayed on the
meters.
IGNITION ON mode All electrical components can be used.
“IGNITION ON” will be displayed on
the meters.
* : If the shift le ver is in a position other than
P when turning off the engine, the
engine switch will be turned to ACCES-
SORY mode, not to off.Changing engine switch modes 1
2
3

2094-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
RC350_RC300 AWD_RC3 00_RC F_U(OM24748U)
RC F
Off
* The emergency flashers can be used.
The analog speedometer and the
tachometer will not be illuminated.
However, if the welcome illumination is
operating, the analog speedometer will
illuminate.
(Welcome illumination:  P. 101)
ACCESSORY mode Some electrical components such as the
audio system can be used.
The analog speedometer is illuminated.
IGNITION ON mode All electrical components can be used.
The analog speedometer and the
tachometer will be illuminated.
* : If the shift le ver is in a position other than
P when turning off the engine, the
engine switch will be turned to ACCES-
SORY mode, not to off.
If the engine is stopped with the shift le ver in a position other than P, the engine
switch will not be turned off but inst ead be turned to ACCESSORY mode. Per-
form the following procedure to turn the switch off:
Check that the parking brake is set.
Shift the shift lever to P.
Check that “Turn Off Vehicle” is disp layed on the multi-information display
and then press the engine switch once.
Check that “Turn Off Vehicle” on th e multi-information display is off.1
2
3
When stopping the engine with the shift lever in a position other than P1
2
3
4

210 4-2. Driving procedures
RC350_RC300 AWD_RC3 00_RC F_U(OM24748U)■
Auto power off function
If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY mode for more than 20 minutes or IGNITION ON
mode (the engine is not running) for more than an hour with the shift lever in P, the engine
switch will automatically turn off. However, this function cannot entirely prevent battery
discharge. Do not leave the vehicle with the engine switch in ACCESSORY or IGNI-
TION ON mode for long periods of ti me when the engine is not running.■
Electronic key battery depletion
 P. 143 ■
Conditions affe cting operation
 P. 158 ■
Notes for the entry function
 P. 159 ■
If the engine does not start ●
Check that the shift lever is se curely set in P. The engine ma y not start if the shift lever is
displaced out of P. ●
The engine immobilizer system ma y not have been deactivated. (  P. 79)
Contact your Lexus dealer. ■
Steering lock
After turning the engine switch off and opening and closing the doors, the steering wheel
will be locked due to the steering lock func tion. Operating the engine switch again auto-
matically cancels the steering lock. ■
When the steering lock cannot be released
■
Steering lock motor overheating prevention
To prevent the steering lock motor from overheating, operation of the motor may be sus-
pended if the engine is turned on and off repeat edly in a short period of time. In this case,
refrain from operating the engine switch. After about 10 seconds, the steering lock
motor will resume functioning. ■
When “Access System with Elec. Key Malf unction See Owner’s Manual” is displayed
on the multi-information display
The system may be malfunctio ning. Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer
immediately. ■
If the electronic key battery is depleted
 P. 427“Steering Wheel Lock Press Engine Switch
while Turning Wheel” w ill be displayed on the
multi-information display.
Check that the shift leve r is in P. Press the
engine switch while turn ing the steering wheel
left and right.

212 4-2. Driving procedures
RC350_RC300 AWD_RC3 00_RC F_U(OM24748U)NOTICE ■
To prevent battery discharge ●
Do not leave the engine switch in AC CESSORY or IGNITION ON mode for long
periods of time without the engine running. ●
RC350/RC300: If “ACCESSORY” or “IGN ITION ON” is displayed on the meters
while the engine is not running, the engine switch is not off. Exit the vehicle after turn-
ing the engine switch off. ●
RC F: If the analog speedometer is illu minated and the engine is not running, the
engine switch is not off. Exit the vehicle after turning the engine switch off.
However, if the welcome illumination is operating, the analog speedometer will be
illuminated even though the engine sw itch is off. (Welcome illumination:  P. 101)●
Do not stop the engine when the shift lever is in a position other than P. If the engine is
stopped in another shift lever position, the engine switch will no t be turned off but
instead be turned to ACCESSORY mode. If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY
mode, battery discharge may occur. ■
When starting the engine ●
Do not race a cold engine. ●
If the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls frequently, have your vehicle checked
by your Lexus dealer immediately. ■
Symptoms indicating a malfun ction with the engine switch
If the engine switch seems to be operating somewhat differen tly than usual, such as the
switch sticking slightly, ther e may be a malfunction. Contact your Lexus dealer immedi-
ately.

2134-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
RC350_RC300 AWD_RC3 00_RC F_U(OM24748U)While the engine switch is in IGNITION ON mode, move the shift lever
with the brake pedal depressed. When shifting the shift lever between P and D, make sure that the vehicle is com-
pletely stopped. Automatic transmission Shifting the shift lever

218 4-2. Driving procedures
RC350_RC300 AWD_RC3 00_RC F_U(OM24748U)■
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 pedal is depressed fo r more than a certain period of time●
When the shift lever is shifted to a position other than D ■
To protect the automatic transmission
If the automatic transmission fluid temperat ure is high, “Transmission Fluid Temp High
See Owner’s Manual” will be displayed on the multi-information display and the vehicle
will go into transmission protection mode automatically. Have th e vehicle inspected by
your Lexus dealer. ■
Downshifting restriction warning buzzer
To help ensure safety and driving performance, downshifti ng operation may sometimes
be restricted. In some circum stances, downshifting may not be possible even when the
shift lever or paddle shif t switch is operated. (A buzzer will sound twice.)■
Snow mode automatic deactivation
Snow mode is automatically deactivated if the engine switch is turn ed off after driving in
snow mode. ■
When driving with dynamic radar cruise control activated
Even when performing the following actions with the intent of enabling engine braking,
engine braking will not activate because dy namic radar cruise control will not be can-
celed. ●
8-speed models: While driving in the D posi tion, downshifting to 7, 6, 5 or 4.
(  P. 268) ●
6-speed models: While driving in the D position, downshifting to 5 or 4.
(  P. 268) ●
When switching the driving mode to sport mode while driving in D position.
(  P. 301)■
Shift lock system
The shift lock system is a system to prevent ac cidental operation of the shift lever in start-
ing.
The shift lever can be shifted from P only when the engine switch is in IGNITION ON
mode and the brake pedal is being depressed. ■
Restraining sudden start (Drive-Start Control)●
When the following unusual operation is performed, the engine 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 M) with the accelerator pedal depressed, a warning message appears on
the multi-information display. (  P. 465)
• When the accelerator pedal is depressed t oo much while the vehicle is in reverse.

2214-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
RC350_RC300 AWD_RC3 00_RC F_U(OM24748U)The lever will return to its original position immediately after operation.
Right turn
Lane change to the right (move the
lever partway and release it) The right hand signals will flash 3 times.
Lane change to the left (move the
lever partway and release it) The left hand signals will flash 3 times.
Left turn
■
If the turn signals do not stop flashing af ter turning left or right, or if you want
to stop them flashing
Operate the lever in the opposite direct ion to either position or . If you
move the lever to either position or , the selected turn signals will flash. ■
Turn signals can be operated when
The engine switch is in IGNITION 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.■
If the turn signals stop flashing befo re a lane change has been performed
Operate the lever again. ■
Customization
The number of times the turn signals flas h during a lane change can be changed.
(Customizable feature  P. 569)Turn signal lever Operating instructions 1
2
3
4
2 3
1 4

225
4
Driving
RC350_RC300 AWD_RC3 00_RC F_U(OM24748U) 4-3. Operating the lights and wipers
Turning the end of the lever turns on the lights as follows:
Headlight switch The headlights can be operated manually or automatically.
Operating instructions U.S.A. Canada
The side marker, parking, tail,
license plate, instrument panel
lights, and daytime running
lights (  P. 226) turn on.
The headlights and all lights
listed above (except daytime
running lights) turn on.
The headlights, daytime run-
ning lights (  P. 226) and all
the lights listed above turn on
and off automatically.
(When the engine switch is in
IGNITION ON mode.)
Off
The daytime running lights
turn on. (  P. 226) 1
2
3
4 (U.S.A.)
(Canada)