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207
4
Driving
RC350_RC300 AWD_RC3 00_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
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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2154-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
RC350_RC300 AWD_RC3 00_RC F_U(OM24748U)To drive using temporary shift range selection, operate the “-” or “+” paddle shift
switch.
When the “-” paddle shift switch is oper ated, the shift range will be downshifted
to a range that enables engine braking forc e that is suitable to driving conditions.
When the “+” paddle shift switch is operated, the shift range will be one gear
higher than the gear in use during normal D position driving.
Changing the shift range allows restrictio n of the highest gear, preventing unnec-
essary upshifting and enabling the level of engine braking force to be selected.
Upshifting
Downshifting 8-speed models: Th e selected shift
range, from D1 to D8, will be displayed
in the meter.
6-speed models: The selected shift
range, from D1 to D6, will be displayed
in the meter.
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
A lower shift range will provide greater engi ne braking forces than a higher shift
range.Selecting shift ranges in the D position 1
2
Meter display Function
D2 - D8
(8-speed models) A gear in the range between 1 and the selected gear is auto-
matically chosen depending on vehicle speed and driving
conditionsD2 - D6
(6-speed models)
D1 Setting the gear at 1
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216 4-2. Driving procedures
RC350_RC300 AWD_RC3 00_RC F_U(OM24748U)To enter M mode, shift the shift lever to M. Gears can then be selected by oper-
ating the shift lever or paddle shift switch es, allowing you to drive in the gear of
your choosing.
Upshifting
Downshifting The gear changes once every time the
shift lever or paddle shift switch is oper-
ated.
8-speed models: Th e selected gear,
from M1 to M8, will be fixed and dis-
played in the meter.
6-speed models: The selected gear,
from M1 to M6, will be fixed and dis-
played in the meter.
When in the M position, the gear will not change unless the shift lever or pad-
dle shift switches are operated.
However, even when in the M positi on, the gears will be automatically
changed in the following situation: ●
When vehicle speed drops (downshift only). ●
When a gear change is necessary to protect the engine or automatic trans-
mission when the engine coolant te mperature or automatic transmission
fluid temperature is low, or other reasons.
In the following situations, the gear will no t shift even if the shift lever or paddle
shift switches are operated. ●
“Slippery Road. Cannot Shift to Lowe r Gear.” is displayed on the multi-
information display. ●
The vehicle speed is low (upshift only).Selecting gears in the M position 1
2
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2174-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
RC350_RC300 AWD_RC3 00_RC F_U(OM24748U)The Gear Shift Indicator display is a gu ide to help the driver achieve improved
fuel economy and reduced exhaust emissions within limits of engine perfor-
mance.
When not in operation
Shift-up indicator
■
Gear Shift Indicator function ●
This function automatically operates during M mode. ●
By following the Shift-up indicator and sh ifting up accordingly, it is possible
to achieve improved fuel economy and reduced exhaust emissions. ●
The Gear Shift Indicator does not have a similar function for downshifting. ●
Depending on the driving conditions, the Gear Shift Indicator may not dis-
play the Shift-up indicator while driving in M mode.Gear Shift Indicator (RC F) 1
2