2464-5. Using the driving support systems
LEXUS NX300 Owners Manual_USA_M78389_en
objects or waving objects
●Low objects
●Thin objects such as wires, fences, ropes
and signposts
●Objects that are extremely close to the
bumper
■Situations in which the Parking Support
Brake function (for static objects) may
not operate
When driving with the shift lever in N
■Situations when the system may operate
even though there is no possibility of a
collision
In the following situations, the system may
operate even though there is no possibility
of a collision.
●Environmental influence
• The vehicle is driven on a narrow road
• The vehicle is driven on a gravel road or in an area with tall grass
• The vehicle is driven toward a banner or flag, a low-hanging branch or a boom
barrier (such as those used at railroad
crossings, toll gates and parking lots).
• There is a static obje ct on the shoulder of
the road (when the vehicle is driven in a
narrow tunnel, on a narrow bridge or on a
narrow road)
• The vehicle is being parallel parked
• There is a rut or hole in the surface of the road • When the vehicle is driven on a metal
cover (grating), such as those used for
drainage ditches
• The vehicle is driven on a steep slope
• The sensor is covered by water on a flooded road
●Influence from the weather
• Ice, snow, dirt, etc., has adhered to the
sensor (if removed, the system returns to
normal)
• Heavy rain or water strikes the vehicle
• In severe weather such as fog, snow or a
sand storm
●Influence from other sonic waves
• An ultrasonic wave source is nearby, such as the horn or clearance sonar of another
vehicle, a vehicle detector, a motorcycle
engine or the air brake of a large vehicle
• Electronic components (such as a backlit
license plate (especially fluorescent
types), fog lights, a fe nder pole or a wire-
less antenna) are installed near the sen-
sors
●Changes in the vehicle
• The vehicle is tilted a large amount
• The height of the vehicle has drastically changed due to the carried load (the
nose tilts up or down)
• The direction of the sensor has deviated due to a collision or other impact
■Situations in which the system may not
operate normally
In the following situations, the system may
not operate normally.
●Environmental influence
• There is a static object that cannot be detected between the vehicle and
another static object that can be
detected
• A static object such as another vehicle, a motorcycle, a bicycle or a pedestrian cuts
in front of the vehicle or jumps out from
the side.
●Influence from the weather
• The area around the sensor is extremely hot or cold
2474-5. Using the driving support systems
LEXUS NX300 Owners Manual_USA_M78389_en
4
Driving
• The vehicle is driven on a gravel road or
in an area with tall grass
• Ice, snow, dirt, etc., has adhered to the sensor (if removed, the system returns to
normal)
• Heavy rain or water strikes the vehicle
• In severe weather such as fog, snow or a sand storm
●Influence from other sonic waves
• An ultrasonic wave source is nearby, such
as the horn or clearance sonar of another
vehicle, a vehicle detector, a motorcycle
engine or the air brake of a large vehicle
• Electronic components (such as a backlit license plate (especially fluorescent
types), fog lights, a fender pole or a wire-
less antenna) are installed near the sen-
sors
●Changes in the vehicle
• The vehicle is tilted a large amount
• The height of the vehicle has drastically changed due to the carried load (the
nose tilts up or down)
• The direction of the sensor has deviated
due to a collision or other impact
■When “Parking Support Brake Unavail-
able” is displayed on the multi-informa-
tion display and the PKSB OFF indicator
flashes
●Ice, snow, dirt, etc., may have adhered to
the sensor. If this occurs, remove the ice,
snow, dirt, etc., from the sensor to return
the system to normal. Also, a warning message may be dis-
played at low temperatures due to ice
forming on the sensor, and the sensor
may not detect static objects. Once the
ice melts, the system will return to normal.
●If this message is
shown even after
removing dirt from the sensor, or shown
when the sensor was not dirty to begin
with, have the vehicle inspected by your
Lexus dealer.
●System initialization may not have been
performed after remova l and installation
of the battery. Perform system initializa-
tion.
■When removing and installing the bat-
tery
The system needs to be initialized.
The system can be initialized by driving the
vehicle straight ahead for 5 seconds or
more at a speed of approximately 22 mph
(35 km/h) or higher.
■When “Parking Support Brake Mal-
function Visit Your Dealer” is displayed
on the multi-information display, the
PKSB OFF indicator flashes and the
buzzer sounds
The system may not be operating properly.
Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus
dealer.
WARNING
■In order for the system to operate
properly
Make sure to observe the following pre-
cautions regarding the sensors
( P.239). Failure to observe these pre-
cautions may cause the sensors not to
operate properly, and may result in an
unexpected accident.
●Do not perform work such as modifi-
cation, disassembly or painting
●Only perform replacements using
genuine parts
●Do not subject the area around the
sensors to any impacts
2504-5. Using the driving support systems
LEXUS NX300 Owners Manual_USA_M78389_en
*:If equipped
BSM main switch
Pressing the switch turns the system on or off. When the switch is set to on, the
switch’s indicator
illuminates and the
buzzer sounds. This swit ch is for both Blind
Spot Monitor function and Rear Cross
Traffic Alert function.
BSM outside rear view mirror indi-
cators
Blind Spot Monitor function:
When a vehicle is dete cted in a blind spot
of the outside rear view mirrors or
approaching rapidly from behind into a
blind spot, the outside rear view mirror
indicator on the detected side will illumi-
nate. If the turn signal lever is operated
toward the detected side, the outside rear
view mirror indicator will flash.
Rear Cross Traffic Alert function:
When a vehicle approaching from the right
or left at the rear of the vehicle is detected,
both outside rear view mirror indicators
will flash.
Rear Cross Traffic Alert buzzer
(Rear Cross Traffic Alert function
only)
When a vehicle approaching from the right
or left rear of the vehicle is detected, a
buzzer sounds from behind the right-hand
rear seat.
Navigation/multimedia system
screen (Rear Cross Traffic Alert
function only)
If a vehicle approaching from the right or
left at the rear of th e vehicle is detected,
the Rear Cross Traffic Alert icon
( P.255) for the detected side will be dis-
played.
■The BSM outside rear view mirror indi-
cators visibility
When under strong sunlight, the BSM out-
side rear view mirror indicator may be diffi-
cult to see.
BSM (Blind Spot Monitor)*
The Blind Spot Monitor uses the
sensors installed behind the rear
bumper. The system is intended to
assist the driver check areas that
are not easily vi sible. The system
has the following two functions:
The Blind Spot Monitor function
Assists the driver in making the decision
when changing lanes
The Rear Cross Traffic Alert func-
tion
Assists the driver when backing up
These functions use the same sen-
sors.
System components
A
B
C
D
2524-5. Using the driving support systems
LEXUS NX300 Owners Manual_USA_M78389_en
The Blind Spot Monitor function uses
radar sensors to detect vehicles that
are traveling in an adjacent lane in the
area that is not reflected in the outside
rear view mirror (the blind spot), and
advises the driver of the vehicles exis-
tence via the BSM outside rear view
mirror indicator.
■The Blind Spot Monitor function
detection areas
The areas that vehicles can be
detected in are outlined below.
WARNING
■Handling the radar sensor
One Blind Spot Monitor sensor is
installed inside the left and right side of
the vehicle rear bumper respectively.
Observe the following to ensure the
Blind Spot Monitor system can function
correctly.
●Keep the sensor an d its surrounding
area on the bumper clean at all times.
●Do not subject the sensor or surround-
ing area on the bumper to a strong
impact. If the sensor moves even
slightly off position, the system may
malfunction and vehicles that enter the
detection area may not be detected. If
the sensor or surrounding area is sub-
ject to a strong impact, always have the
area inspected by your Lexus dealer.
●Do not disassemb le the sensor.
●Do not attach accessories or stickers
to the sensor or surrounding area on
the bumper.
●Do not modify the sensor or surround-
ing area on the bumper.
●Do not paint the rear bumper any
color other than an official Lexus color.
●If the radar sensor needs to be
replaced, contact your Lexus dealer.
The Blind Spot Monitor function
2614-5. Using the driving support systems
LEXUS NX300 Owners Manual_USA_M78389_en
4
Driving
■AVS (Adaptive Variable Suspen-
sion System) (if equipped)
By independently controlling the
damping force of the shock absorbers
for each of the 4 wheels according to
the road and driving conditions, this
system helps riding comfort with supe-
rior vehicle stabilit y, and helps good
vehicle posture. If Sport S+ mode is
selected using the dr iving mode select
switch, the damping force will become
more suitable for sporty driving.
( P.258)
■PCS (Pre-Collision System)
P.199
■BSM (Blind Spot Monitor) (if
equipped)
P.250
■When the TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway
Control systems are operating
The slip indicator light will flash while the
TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Control systems
are operating.
■Disabling the TRAC system
If the vehicle gets stuck in mud, dirt or snow,
the TRAC system may reduce power from
the engine to the wheels. Pressing to
turn the system off may make it easier for
you to rock the vehicle in order to free it.
To turn the TRAC system off, quickly press
and release . The “Traction Co
ntrol Turned Off” will be
shown on the multi-information display.
Press again to turn the system back on.
■Turning off both TRAC, VSC and Trailer
Sway Control systems
To turn the TRAC, VSC and Trailer Sway
Control systems off, press and hold for
more than 3 seconds while the vehicle is
stopped. The VSC OFF indicator light will
come on and the “Traction Control Turned
Off” will be shown on the multi-information
display.
* Press again to turn the system
back on.
*: On vehicles with pre-collision system, pre-collision brake assist and pre-colli-
sion braking will also be disabled. The
PCS warning light will come on and the
message will be shown on the multi-infor-
mation display. ( P.205)
■When the message is displayed on the
multi-information display showing that
TRAC has been disabled even if has
not been pressed
TRAC is temporary deactivated. If the infor-
mation continues to show, contact your
Lexus dealer.
2624-5. Using the driving support systems
LEXUS NX300 Owners Manual_USA_M78389_en
■Sounds and vibrations caused by the
ABS, brake assist, VSC, Trailer Sway
Control, TRAC and hill-start assist con-
trol systems
●A sound may be heard from the engine
compartment when the brake pedal is
depressed repeatedly, when the engine is
started or just after the vehicle begins to
move. This sound does not indicate 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 mal-
function 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.
• The brake pedal may pulsate slightly after the ABS is activated.
• The brake pedal may move down slightly
after the ABS is activated.
■Active Cornering Assist operation
sounds and vibrations
When the Active Cornering Assist is oper-
ated, operation sounds and vibrations may
be generated from the brake system, but
this is not a malfunction.
■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 engine off. The EPS system should
return to normal within 10 minutes.
■Automatic reactivation of TRAC, Trailer
Sway Control and VSC systems
After turning the TRAC, Trailer Sway Con-
trol and VSC systems off, the systems will
be automatically re-enabled in the following
situations:
●When the engine switch is turned off
●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 Active Corner-
ing Assist
The system operates when the following
occurs.
●TRAC/VSC can operate
●The driver is attempting to accelerate
while turning
●The system detects that the vehicle is
drifting to the outer side
●The brake pedal is released
■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 upward 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).
2634-5. Using the driving support systems
LEXUS NX300 Owners Manual_USA_M78389_en
4
Driving
WARNING
●The vehicle hydroplanes while driving
at high speed on wet or slick roads.
■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.
■Active Cornering Assist does not
operate effectively when
●Do not overly rely on Active Corner-
ing Assist. Active Cornering Assist
may not operate effectively when
accelerating down slopes or driving on
slippery road surfaces.
●When Active Cornering Assist fre-
quently operates, Active Cornering
Assist may temporarily stop operating
to ensure proper operation of the
brakes, TRAC and VSC.
■Hill-start assist control does not oper-
ate effectively when
●Do not overly rely on 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/VSC/ Trailer Sway
Control is activated
The slip indicator light flashes. Always
drive carefully. Reckless 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 correctly if
different tires 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.
2674-6. Driving tips
LEXUS NX300 Owners Manual_USA_M78389_en
4
Driving
driving conditions:
Do not try to forcib ly 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
immediately to prevent it from
freezing.
To ensure proper operation of the
climate control system fan, remove
any snow that has accumulated on
the air inlet vents in front of the
windshield.
Check for and remove any excess
ice or snow that may have accumu-
lated on the exterior lights, vehicle’s
roof, chassis, around the tires or on
the brakes.
Remove any snow or mud from the
bottom of your shoes before getting
in the vehicle.
Accelerate the vehicle slowly, keep a
safe distance between you and the
vehicle ahead, and drive at a reduced
speed suitable to road conditions.
Park the vehicle and move the shift
lever to P without setting the park-
ing brake. The parking brake may
freeze up, preventing it from being
released. If the vehicle is parked
without setting the parking brake,
make sure to block the wheels.
Failure to do so may be dangerous
because it may cause the vehicle to move unexpectedly, possibly lead-
ing to an accident.
When the parking brake is in automatic
mode, release the parking brake after shift-
ing the shift lever to P. (
P.172)
If the vehicle is left parked with the
brakes damp in cold temperatures,
there is a possibility of the brakes
freezing.
If the vehicle is parked without set-
ting the parking brake, confirm that
the shift lever cannot be moved out
of P
*.
*: The shift lever will be locked if it is
attempted to be shifted from P to any
other position with out depressing the
brake pedal. If the shift lever can be
shifted from P, there may be a problem
with the shift lock system. Have the vehi-
cle inspected by your Lexus dealer
immediately.
Use the correct tire chain size when
mounting the tire chains. Chain size is
regulated for each tire size.
When driving the vehicle
When parking the vehicle
WARNING
■When parking the vehicle
When parking the vehicle without apply-
ing the parking brake, make sure to
chock the wheels. If you do not chock the
wheels, the vehicle may move unexpect-
edly, possibly result ing in an accident.
Selecting tire chains