3126-1. Maintenance and care
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_M78287_en
6-1.Maintenance and care
Working from top to bottom, liber-
ally apply water to the vehicle body,
wheel wells and underside of the
vehicle to remove any dirt and dust.
Wash the vehicle body using a
sponge or soft cloth, such as a
chamois.
For hard-to-remove marks, use car
wash soap and rinse thoroughly with
water.
Wipe away any water.
Wax the vehicle when the water-
proof coating deteriorates.
If water does not bead on a clean surface,
apply wax when the vehicle body is cool.
■Self-restoring coat
The vehicle body has a self-restoring coat-
ing that is resistant to small surface
scratches caused in a car wash etc.
●The coating lasts for 5 to 8 years from
when the vehicle is delivered from the
plant.
●The restoration time differs depending on
the depth of the scratch and outside tem-
perature. The restoration time may
become shorter when the coating is
warmed by applying warm water.
●Deep scratches caused by keys, coins,
etc. cannot be restored.
●Do not use wax that contain abrasives.
■Automatic car washes
●Before washing the vehicle:
• Fold the mirrors
• Turn off the power back door (if equipped)
Start washing from the front of the vehicle.
Extend the mirrors before driving.
●Brushes used in automatic car washes
may scratch the vehicl e surface and harm
your vehicle’s paint.
●Rear spoiler may not be washable in
some automatic car washes. There may
also be an increased risk of damage to
vehicle.
■High pressure car washes
●Do not allow the nozzles of the car wash
to come within close proximity of the win-
dows.
●Before using the car wash, check that the
fuel filler door on your vehicle is closed
properly.
■Note for a smart access system with
push-button start
●If the door handle becomes wet while the
electronic key is within the effective
range, the door may lock and unlock
repeatedly. In that case, follow the follow-
ing correction procedures to wash the
vehicle:
• Place the electronic key in a location 6 ft.
(2 m) or more away from the vehicle.
(Take care to ensure that the key is not
stolen.)
• Set the electronic key to battery-saving mode to disable the smart access system
with push-button start. ( P.121)
■Aluminum wheels
●Remove any dirt immediately by using a
neutral detergent.
●Wash detergent off with water immedi-
ately after use.
●To protect the paint from damage, make
sure to observe the following precau-
tions.
• Do not use acidic, alkaline or abrasive detergent
• Do not use hard brushes
• Do not use detergent on the wheels when
Cleaning and protecting the
vehicle exterior
Perform cleaning in a manner
appropriate to each component
and its material.
Cleaning instructions
3256-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_M78287_en
6
Maintenance and care
Tire inflation
pressure
( P.345)• Tire pressure gauge
• Compressed air source
Washer fluid
( P.333)
• Water or washer fluid
containing antifreeze
(for winter use)
• Funnel (used only for adding water or washer
fluid)
WARNING
The engine compartment contains many
mechanisms and fluids that may move
suddenly, become hot, or become elec-
trically energized. To avoid death or seri-
ous injury, observe the following
precautions.
■When working on the engine com-
partment
●Make sure that the “IGNITION ON”
on the multi-information display and
the “READY” indicator are both off.
●Keep hands, clothi ng and tools away
from the moving fan and engine drive
belt.
●Be careful not to touch the engine,
power control unit, radiator, exhaust
manifold, etc. right after driving as they
may be hot. Oil and other fluids may
also be hot.
●Do not leave anything that may burn
easily, such as paper and rags, in the
engine compartment.
●Do not smoke, cause sparks or expose
an open flame to fuel. Fuel fumes are
flammable.
ItemsParts and tools■When working near the electric cool-
ing fans or radiator grille
Be sure the power switch is off.
With power switch in ON mode, the
electric cooling fans may automatically
start to run if the air conditioning is on
and/or the coolant temperature is high.
( P.332)
■Safety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or
falling material, fluid spray, etc. from get-
ting in your eyes.
NOTICE
■If you remove the air cleaner filter
Driving with the air cleaner filter
removed may cause excessive engine
wear due to dirt in the air.
3346-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_M78287_en
The 12-volt battery is located in the left-
hand side of luggage compartment.
■Before recharging
When recharging, the 12-volt battery pro-
duces hydrogen gas which is flammable
and explosive. Therefore, observe the fol-
lowing precautions before recharging:
●If recharging with the 12-volt battery
installed on the vehicle, be sure to discon-
nect the ground cable.
●Make sure the power switch on the char-
ger is off when connecting and discon-
necting the charger cables to the 12-volt
battery.
■After recharging/reconnecting the 12-
volt battery
●The hybrid system may not start. Follow
the procedure below to initialize the sys-
tem.
1 Shift the shift lever to P.
2 Open and close any of the doors.
3 Restart the hybrid system.
●Unlocking the doors using the smart
access system with pu sh-button start may
not be possible immediately after recon-
necting the 12-volt battery. If this hap-
pens, use the wireless remote control or
the mechanical key to lock/unlock the
doors.
●Start the hybrid system with the power
switch in ACCESSORY mode. The
WARNING
■When adding washer fluid
Do not add washer fluid when the hybrid
system is hot or operating as washer fluid
contains alcohol and may catch fire if
spilled on the engine etc.
NOTICE
■Do not use any fluid other than
washer fluid
Do not use soapy water or engine anti-
freeze instead of washer fluid.
Doing so may cause streaking on the
vehicle’s painted surfaces, as well as
damaging the pump leading to problems
of the washer fluid not spraying.
■Diluting washer fluid
Dilute washer fluid with water as neces-
sary.
Refer to the freezing temperatures listed
on the label of the washer fluid bottle.
12-volt battery
Location
3356-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_M78287_en
6
Maintenance and care
hybrid system may not start with the
power switch turned off. However, the
hybrid system will operate normally from
the second attempt.
●The power switch mode is recorded by
the vehicle. If the 12-volt battery is recon-
nected, the vehicle will return the power
switch mode to the status it was in before
the 12-volt battery was disconnected.
Make sure to turn off the power before
disconnect the 12- volt battery. Take extra
care when connecting the 12-volt battery
if the power switch mode prior to dis-
charge is unknown.
If the system will not st art even after multiple
attempts at all methods above, contact your
Lexus dealer.
WARNING
■Chemicals in the 12-volt battery
The 12-volt battery contains poisonous
and corrosive sulfuric acid and may pro-
duce hydrogen gas which is flammable
and explosive. To reduce the risk of death
or serious injury, take the following pre-
cautions while working on or near the 12-
volt battery:
●Do not cause sparks by touching the
12-volt battery terminals with tools.
●Do not smoke or light a match near the
12-volt battery.
●Avoid contact with eyes, skin and
clothes.
●Never inhale or swallow electrolyte.
●Wear protective safety glasses when
working near the 12-volt battery.
●Keep children away from the 12-volt
battery.
■Where to safely charge the 12-volt
battery
Always charge the 12-volt battery in an
open area. Do not charge the 12-volt bat-
tery in a garage or closed room where
there is insufficient ventilation.
■Emergency measures regarding
electrolyte
●If electrolyte gets in your eyes
Flush your eyes with clean water for at
least 15 minutes and get immediate
medical attention. If possible, continue
to apply water with a sponge or cloth
while traveling to the nearest medical
facility.
●If electrolyte gets on your skin
Wash the affected area thoroughly. If
you feel pain or burning, get medical
attention immediately.
●If electrolyte gets on your clothes
It can soak through clothing on to your
skin. Immediately take off the clothing
and follow the procedure above if nec-
essary.
●If you accidentally swallow electrolyte
Drink a large quantity of water or milk.
Get emergency medical attention
immediately.
■When handling the 12-volt battery
P.395
■When disconnecting the 12-volt bat-
tery
Do not disconnect the negative (-) termi-
nal on the body side as shown. The dis-
connected negative (-) terminal may
touch the positive (+) terminal, which
may cause a short and result in death or
serious injury.
3386-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_M78287_entires, be sure to replace all four tires.
●All season tires
All season tires are designed to provide
better traction in snow and to be ade-
quate for driving in most winter condi-
tions as well as for use year-round. All
season tires, however, do not have ade-
quate traction performance compared
with snow tires in heavy or loose snow.
Also, all season tires fall short in accelera-
tion and handling performance com-
pared with summer tires in highway
driving.
●Snow tires
For driving on snow-covered roads or icy
roads, we recommend using snow tires. If
you need snow tires,
select tires of the
same size, construction and load capacity
as the originally insta lled tires. Since your
vehicle has radial tires as original equip-
ment, make sure your snow tires also
have radial construction. Do not install
studded tires without first checking local
regulations for possible restrictions.
Snow tires should be installed on all
wheels. ( P.256)
■If the tread on snow tires wears down
below 0.16 in. (4 mm)
The effectiveness of the tires as snow tires is
lost.
Rotate the tires in the order shown.
To equalize tire wear and extend tire life,
Lexus recommends that tire rotation is car-
ried out at the same in terval as tire inspec-
tion.
Do not fail to initialize the tire pressure
warning system after tire rotation.
WARNING
■When inspecting or replacing tires
Observe the following precautions to
prevent accidents.
Failure to do so may cause damage to
parts of the drive train as well as danger-
ous handling characteristics, which may
lead to an accident resulting in death or
serious injury.
●Do not mix tires of different makes,
models or tread patterns.
Also, do not mix tires of remarkably
different treadwear.
●Do not use tire sizes other than those
recommended by Lexus.
●Do not mix differently constructed
tires (radial, bias-belted or bias-ply
tires).
●Do not mix summer, all season and
snow tires.
●Do not use tires that have been used
on another vehicle.
Do not use tires if you do not know
how they were used previously.
●Do not tow if your vehicle has a com-
pact spare tire installed.
NOTICE
■Driving on rough roads
Take particular care when driving on
roads with loose surfaces or potholes.
These conditions may cause losses in tire
inflation pressure, reducing the cushion-
ing ability of the tires. In addition, driving
on rough roads may cause damage to
the tires themselves, as well as the vehi-
cle’s wheels and body.
■If tire inflation pressure of each tire
becomes low while driving
Do not continue driving, or your tires
and/or wheels may be ruined.
Tire rotation
3717-2. Steps to take in an emergency
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_M78287_en
7
When trouble arises
■Parking brake indicator
■Low fuel level warning light
■Driver’s and front passenger’s seat belt reminder light (warning buzzer*)
*: Driver’s and front passenger’s seat belt warning buzzer:
The driver’s seat belt warning buzzer sounds to alert the driver that his or her seat belt is
not fastened. Once the power switch is turned to IGNITION ON mode, the buzzer
sounds for 6 seconds. If the vehicle reaches a speed of 12 mph (20 km/h), the buzzer
sounds once. If the seat belt is still unfast ened after 24 seconds, the buzzer will sound
intermittently for 6 seconds. Th en, if the seat belt is still unfastened, the buzzer will sound
in a different tone for 90 more seconds.
The front passenger’s seat belt warning buzzer sounds to alert the front passenger that
his or her seat belt is not fastened. The buzzer sounds once if the vehicle reaches a speed
of 12 mph (20 km/h). If the se at belt is still unfastened after 24 seco nds, the buzzer will
sound intermittently for 6 seconds. Then, if the seat belt is still unfastened, the buzzer will
sound in a different tone for 90 more seconds.
Warning lightDetails/Actions
(Flashes) (U.S.A.)
(Flashes)
(Canada)
It is possible that the parking brake is not fully engaged or
released
Operate the parking brake switch once again.
This light comes on when the parking brake is not released.
If the light turns off after the parking brake is fully released,
the system is operating normally.
Warning lightDetails/Actions
Indicates that remain ing fuel is approximately 2.2 gal. (8.4
L, 1.8 Imp.gal.) or less
Refuel the vehicle.
Warning lightDetails/Actions
Warns the driver and/or front pa ssenger to fasten their seat
belts
Fasten the seat belt.
If the front passenger’s seat is occupied, the front pas-
senger’s seat belt also need s to be fastened to make
the warning light (warning buzzer) turn off.
3747-2. Steps to take in an emergency
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_M78287_enThe light will go off after several driving
trips.
If the light does not go off even after several
trips, contact your Lexus dealer as soon as
possible.
■When the tire pressure warning light
comes on
Inspect the appearance of the tire to check
that the tire is not punctured.
If the tire is punctured: P.379
If the tire is not punctured:
Carry out the following procedure after the
tire temperature has lowered sufficiently.
●Check the tire inflation pressure and
adjust to the appropriate level.
●If the warning light does not go out even
after several minutes, check that the tire
inflation pressure is at the specified level
and carry out initialization. ( P.343)
The warning light may come on again if the
above operations are conducted without
first allowing the tire temperature to lower
sufficiently.
■The tire pressure warning light may
come on due to natural causes
The tire pressure wa rning light may come
on due to natural causes such as natural air
leaks and tire inflation pressure changes
caused by temperature. In this case, adjust-
ing the tire inflation pressure will turn off the
warning light (after a few minutes).
■When a tire is replaced with a spare tire
The compact spare tire is not equipped with
a tire pressure warning valve and transmit-
ter. If a tire goes flat, the tire pressure warn-
ing light will not turn off even though the flat
tire has been replaced with the spare tire.
Replace the spare tire with the repaired tire
and adjust the tire inflation pressure. The
tire pressure warning lig ht will go off after a
few minutes.
■Conditions that the tire pressure warn-
ing system may not function properly
P.339
■If the tire pressure warning light fre-
quently comes on after blinking for 1
minute
If the tire pressure wa rning light frequently comes on after blinking
for 1 minute when
the power switch is turned to ON mode,
have it checked by your Lexus dealer.
■Warning buzzer
In some cases, the buzzer may not be heard
due to being in a noisy location or audio
sound.
WARNING
■If both the ABS and the brake system
warning lights remain on
Stop your vehicle in a safe place immedi-
ately and contact your Lexus dealer. The
vehicle will become extremely unstable
during braking, and the ABS system may
fail, which could cause an accident
resulting in death or serious injury.
■When the electric power steering
system warning light comes on
When the light comes on yellow, the
assist to the power st eering is restricted.
When the light comes on red, the assist
to the power steering is lost and handling
operations of the steering wheel become
extremely heavy. When steering wheel
operations are heavier than usual, grip
the steering wheel firmly and operate it
using more force than usual.
■If the tire pressure warning light
comes on
Be sure to observe the following precau-
tions. Failure to do so could cause a loss
of vehicle control and result in death or
serious injury.
●Stop your vehicle in a safe place as
soon as possible. Adjust the tire infla-
tion pressure immediately.
WARNING
●If the tire pressure warning light comes
on even after tire inflation pressure
adjustment, it is prob able that you have
a flat tire. Check the tire s. If a tire is flat,
change it with the spare tire and have
the flat tire repaired by the nearest
Lexus dealer.
3887-2. Steps to take in an emergency
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-
al_USA_M78287_en
1Set the parking brake.
2 Shift the shift lever to P.
3 Turn the power switch to ACCES-
SORY mode.
4 Press and hold the power switch for
about 15 seconds while depressing
the brake pedal firmly.
Even if the hybrid system can be
started using the above steps, the sys-
tem may be malfunctioning. Have the
vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer.If you lose your keys
New genuine mechanical keys can
be made by your Lexus dealer using
another mechanical key and the
key number stamped on your key
number plate. Keep the plate in a
safe place such as your wallet, not in
the vehicle.
NOTICE
■When an electronic key is lost
If the electronic key remains lost, the risk
of vehicle theft incr eases significantly.
Visit your Lexus deal er immediately with
all remaining electronic keys and the
card key that were provided with your
vehicle.