2018 LEXUS RC350 stop start

1984-1. Before driving
RC350_RC300 AWD_RC3 00_RC F_U(OM24748U)
WARNING
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.
■When the vehicle is parked
●Do not leave glasses, cigarette lighters, sp ray cans, or soft drink cans in the vehicle
when it is in the sun.
Doing so may result in the following:
• Gas may leak from a cigarette lighter or spray can, and may lead to a fire.
• The temperature inside the vehicle may cau se the plastic lenses and plastic mate-
rial of glasses to deform or crack.
• Soft drink cans may fracture, causing the contents to spray over the interior of the vehicle, and may also cause a short circui t in the vehicle’s electrical components.
●Do not leave cigarette lighters in the vehicle. If a cigarette lighter is in a place such as
the glove box or on the floor, it may be lit accidentally when luggage is loaded or the
seat is adjusted, causing a fire.
●Do not attach adhesive discs to the windsh ield or windows. Do not place containers
such as air fresheners on th e instrument panel or dashboard. Adhesive discs or con-
tainers may act as lenses, ca using a fire in the vehicle.
●Do not leave a door or window open if th e curved glass is coated with a metallized
film such as a silver-colored one. Reflecte d sunlight may cause the glass to act as a
lens, causing a fire.
●Always apply the parking brake, shift the shift lever to P, stop the engine and lock the
vehicle.
Do not leave the vehicle unattend ed while the engine is running.
If the vehicle is parked with the shift leve r in P but the parking brake is not set, the
vehicle may start to move, possibly leading to an accident.
●Do not touch the exhaust pipes while the engine is running or immediately after turn-
ing the engine off.
Doing so may cause burns.
■When taking a nap in the vehicle
Always turn the engine off. Otherwise, if you accidentally move the shift lever or
depress the accelerator pedal, this could cause an accident or fire due to engine over-
heating. Additionally, if the ve hicle is parked in a poorly ventilated area, exhaust gases
may collect and enter the vehicle, leading to death or a serious health hazard.

207
4
Driving
RC350_RC300 AWD_RC300_RC F_U(OM24748U)4-2. Driving procedures
Check that the parking brake is set.
Check that the shift lever is in P.
Firmly depress the brake pedal.
and a message will be displayed on
the multi-information display.
If it is not displayed, th e engine cannot be started.
Press the engine switch shortly and
firmly.
When operating the engine switch, one
short, firm press is enough.
It is not necessary to press and hold the
switch.
The engine will crank until it starts or for
up to 30 seconds, whichever is less.
Continue depressing the brake pedal
until the engine is completely started.
The engine can be started from any
engine switch mode.
Stop the vehicle.
Set the parking brake ( P. 222), and shift the shift lever to P.
Press the engine switch.
Release the brake pedal and check that the display on the meters is off.
Engine (ignition) switch
Performing the following operations wh en carrying the electronic key on your
person starts the engine or changes engine switch modes.
Starting the engine
1
2
3
4
Stopping the engine
1
2
3
4

2114-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
RC350_RC300 AWD_RC300_RC F_U(OM24748U)
■Operation of the engine switch
●If the switch is not pressed shortly and firmly, the engine switch mode may not change
or the engine may not start.
●If attempting to restart the engine immediately after turning the engine switch off, the
engine may not start in some cases. After turning the engine switch off, please wait a
few seconds before restarting the engine.
■If the smart access system wi th push-button start has been deactivated by a customized
setting
 P. 518
WARNING
■When starting the engine
Always start the engine while sitting in the driver’s seat. Do not depress the accelerator
pedal while starting the engine under any circumstances.
Doing so may cause an accident resu lting in death or serious injury.
■Caution while driving
If engine failure occurs while the vehicle is moving, do not lock or open the doors until
the vehicle reaches a safe and complete stop. Activation of the steering lock in this cir-
cumstance may lead to an accident, re sulting in death or serious injury.
■Stopping the engine in an emergency
If you want to stop the engine in an emergency while driving the vehicle, press and hold
the engine switch for more than 2 seconds, or press it briefly 3 times or more in succes-
sion. ( P. 443)
However, do not touch the engi ne switch while driving except in an emergency. Turning
the engine off while driving will not cause lo ss of steering or braking control, but the
power assist to these systems will be lost. Th is will make it more difficult to steer and
brake, so you should pull over and stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.

2124-2. 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 illuminated 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 not 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.

2184-2. 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 temperature 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 the 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.

2964-5. Using the driving support systems
RC350_RC300 AWD_RC3 00_RC F_U(OM24748U)
■Conditions under which the BSM function may not function correctly
●The BSM function may not detect vehicles correctly in the following situations:
• When the sensor is misaligned due to a stro ng impact to the sensor or its surround-
ing area
• When mud, snow, ice, a sticke r, etc. is covering the sensor or surrounding area on
the rear bumper
• When driving on a road surf ace that is wet with standing water during bad weather,
such as heavy rain, snow, or fog
• When multiple vehicles are approaching wi th only a small gap between each vehicle
• When the distance between your vehicle and a following vehicle is short
• When there is a significant difference in speed between your vehicle and the vehicle that enters the detection area
• When the difference in speed between your vehicle and another vehicle is changing
• When a vehicle enters a detection area traveling at about the same speed as your vehicle
• As your vehicle starts from a stop, a vehicle remains in the detection area
• When driving up and down cons ecutive steep inclines, such as hills, dips in the road,
etc.
• When driving on roads with sharp bends, consecutive curves, or uneven surfaces
• When vehicle lanes are wide, or when driving on the edge of a lane, and the vehicle in an adjacent lane is far away from your vehicle
• When a bicycle carrier or other accessory is installed to the rear of the vehicle
• When there is a significant difference in height between your vehicle and the vehicle that enters the detection area
• Immediately after the BSM main switch is turned on
●Instances of the BSM function unnecessarily detecting a vehicle and/or object may
increase in the following situations:
• When the sensor is misaligned due to a stro ng impact to the sensor or its surround-
ing area
• When the distance between your vehicle and a guardrail, wall, etc. that enters the detection area is short
• When driving up and down cons ecutive steep inclines, such as hills, dips in the road,
etc.
• When vehicle lanes are narrow, or when driv ing on the edge of a lane, and a vehicle
traveling in a lane other than the ad jacent lanes enters the detection area
• When driving on roads with sharp bends, consecutive curves, or uneven surfaces
• When the tires are slipping or spinning
• When the distance between your vehicle and a following vehicle is short
• When a bicycle carrier or other accessory is installed to the rear of the vehicle

3124-5. Using the driving support systems
RC350_RC300 AWD_RC3 00_RC F_U(OM24748U)
◆ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the br akes are applied suddenly, or if the
brakes are applied while drivin g on a slippery road surface
◆Brake assist
Generates an increased level of br aking force after the brake pedal is
depressed when the system detects a panic stop situation
◆VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)
Helps the driver to contro l skidding when swerving suddenly or turning on
slippery road surfaces
◆Enhanced VSC (Enhanced Vehicle 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 performance.
◆TRAC (Traction Control)
Helps to maintain drive power and pr event the drive wheels from spinning
when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads
◆Hill-start assist control
Helps to prevent the vehicle from rolling backward when starting on an incline
◆VGRS (Variable Gear Ratio Steering) (if equipped)
Adjusts the front wheel turning angle in accordance with the vehicle speed
and steering wheel movement
◆DRS (Dynamic Rear Steering) (if equipped)
Contributes to the turning characteristi cs and responsiveness of the vehicle
by adjusting the rear wheel angle of the vehicle in accordance with steering
wheel movement.
Driving assist systems
To help enhance driving safety and perf ormance, the following systems oper-
ate automatically in response to variou s driving situations. Be aware, however,
that these systems are supplementary and should not be relied upon too heav-
ily when operating the vehicle.

3164-5. Using the driving support systems
RC350_RC300 AWD_RC3 00_RC F_U(OM24748U)
■Expert mode (RC F)
When expert mode is selected, it is possible to drive in a more sp orty manner than other
drive modes. Expert mode disables the TRAC and VSC systems but the engine and
brakes may be controlled depending on the vehicle behavior.
■When the message is displayed on the mu lti-information display showing that TRAC
has been disabled even if has not been pressed (RC350/RC300)
TRAC cannot be operated. Contact your Lexus dealer.
■When the “TRAC OFF” indicator light comes on even if ( ) has not been
pressed (RC F)
TRAC cannot be operated. Contact your Lexus dealer.
■VGRS is disabled when
VGRS may stop operating in the following situations.
In this event, the steering wheel may move from its straight forward position, but it will
return when the system restarts.
●When the steering wheel is operated for an extended period of time while the vehicle is
stopped or is moving very slowly
(on vehicles with LDH, DRS is disabled together with VGRS)
●When the steering wheel has been held fully to the left or right
The center position of the steering wheel may change when VGRS is disabled. However,
the position will return to normal after VGRS is reactivated.
■When the battery is disconnected (vehicles with VGRS)
The steering wheel may move from its straight forward position, but this will be corrected
automatically when driving. To select expert mode, press
()
when in SPORT S+ mode.
The “EXPERT” indicator will come on together
with the TRAC OFF and VSC OFF indicators.
To cancel expert mode, press
() or
use the driving mode sele ct switch to select a
driving mode other than SPORT S+ mode.