
1183-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors
LEXUS NX300 Owners Manual_USA_M78389_en
tronic key from re
ceiving radio waves.
Press twice while pressing and
holding .
Confirm that the elec tronic key indicator
flashes 4 times. While the battery-saving
mode is set, the smar t access system with
push-button start cannot be used. To cancel
the function, press any of the electronic key
buttons.
■Conditions affe cting operation
The smart access system with push-button
start, wireless remote control and immobi-
lizer system use weak radio waves. In the
following situations, the communication
between the electronic key and the vehicle
may be affected, preventing the smart
access system with push -button start, wire-
less remote control and immobilizer system
from operating properly. (Ways of coping:
P.397)
●When the electronic key battery is
depleted
●Near a TV tower, electric power plant,
gas station, radio stat ion, large display,
airport or other faci lity that generates
strong radio waves or electrical noise
●When the electronic key is in contact
with, or is covered by the following metal-
lic objects
• Cards to which aluminum foil is attached
• Cigarette boxes that have aluminum foil
inside
• Metallic wallets or bags
•Coins
• Hand warmers made of metal
• Media such as CDs and DVDs
●When other wireless ke ys (that emit radio
waves) are being used nearby
●When carrying the electronic key together with the following devices that
emit radio waves
• Portable radio, cellular phone, cordless
phone or other wireless communication
devices
• Another vehicle’s electronic key or a
wireless key that emits radio waves
• Personal computers or personal digital assistants (PDAs)
• Digital audio players
• Portable game systems
●If window tint with a metallic content or
metallic objects are attached to the rear
window
●When the electronic key is placed near a
battery charger or electronic devices
■Note for the entry function
●Even when the electronic key is within the
effective range (detection areas), the sys-
tem may not operate properly in the fol-
lowing cases:
• The electronic key is too close to the win-
dow or outside door handle, near the
ground, or in a high place when the doors
are locked or unlocked.
• The electronic key is near the ground or in a high place, or too close to the rear
bumper center when the back door is
opened.
• The electronic key is on the instrument panel, luggage room, floor, or in the door
pockets or glove box when the engine is
started or engine switch modes are
changed.
●Do not leave the electronic key on top of
the instrument panel or near the door
pockets when exiting the vehicle.
Depending on the radio wave reception
conditions, it may be detected by the
antenna outside the cabin and the door
will become lockable from the outside,
possibly trapping the electronic key
inside the vehicle.
●As long as the electronic key is within the
effective range, the doors may be locked
or unlocked by anyone.
●Even if the electronic key is not inside the
vehicle, it may be po ssible to start the
engine if the electronic key is near the
window.
●The doors may unlock if a large amount

1193-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors
LEXUS NX300 Owners Manual_USA_M78389_en
3
Before driving
of water splashes on the door handle,
such as in the rain or in a car wash when
the electronic key is within the effective
range. (The door will automatically be
locked after approximately 60 seconds if
the doors are not opened and closed.)
●If the wireless remote control is used to
lock the doors when the electronic key is
near the vehicle, there is a possibility that
the door may not be unlocked by the
entry function. (Use the wireless remote
control to unlock the doors.)
●Touching the door lock sensor while
wearing gloves may delay or prevent lock
operation. Remove the gloves and touch
the lock sensor again.
●When the lock operation is performed
using the lock sensor, recognition signals
will be shown up to two consecutive
times. After this, no recognition signals
will be given.
●If the door handle becomes wet while the
electronic key is within the effective
range, the door may lock and unlock
repeatedly. In that ca se, 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.117)
●If the electronic key is inside the vehicle
and a door handle becomes wet during a
car wash, a message may be shown on
the multi-information display and a
buzzer will sound outside the vehicle. To
turn off the alarm, lock all the doors.
●The lock sensor may not work properly if
it comes into contact with ice, snow, mud,
etc. Clean the lock sensor and attempt to
operate it again.
●A sudden approach to the effective
range or door handle may prevent the
doors from being unlocked. In this case,
return the door handle to the original
position and check that the doors unlock
before pulling the door handle again.
●If there is another electronic key in the detection area, it may
take slightly longer
to unlock the doors after the door handle
is gripped.
■When the vehicle is not driven for
extended periods
●To prevent theft of the vehicle, do not
leave the electronic key within 6 ft. (2 m)
of the vehicle.
●The smart access system with push-but-
ton start can be deactivated in advance.
■To operate the system properly
Make sure to carry the electronic key when
operating the system. Do not get the elec-
tronic key too close to the vehicle when
operating the system from the outside of the
vehicle.
Depending on the position and holding
condition of the electronic key, the key may
not be detected correctly and the system
may not operate properly. (The alarm may
go off accidentally, or the door lock preven-
tion may not operate.)
■If the smart access system with push but-
ton start does not operate properly
●Locking and unlockin g the doors: Use
the mechanical key. ( P.398)
●Starting the engine: P.398
■Customization
Settings (e.g. smart access system with
push-button start) can be changed. (Cus-
tomizable features: P.427)
If the smart access system with push-button
start has been deactivated by a customized
setting, refer to the explanations for the fol-
lowing operations.
●Locking and unlo cking the doors:
Use the wireless remote control or
mechanical key. ( P.100, 398)
●Starting the engine and changing engine
switch modes: P.398
●Stopping the engine: P.166

1654-2. Driving procedures
LEXUS NX300 Owners Manual_USA_M78389_en
4
Driving
4-2.Driving procedures
1Check that the parking brake is set.
2 Check that the shift lever is in P.
3 Firmly depress the brake pedal.
and a message will be displayed on the
multi-information display.
If it is not displayed, the engine cannot be
started.
4 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.
■If the engine does not start
●The engine immobilizer system may not
have been deactivated. ( P.68) Contact your Lexus dealer.
●Check that the shift leve
r is securely set in
P. The engine may not start if the shift
lever is displaced out of P. “To Start Vehi-
cle, Put Shift Lever into P” will be dis-
played on the multi-information display.
●The smart access system with push-but-
ton start may not be operating properly.
( P.398)
■Electronic key battery depletion
P.96
■Conditions affecting operation
P.118
■Note for the entry function
P.118
■Steering lock function
●After turning the engine switch off and
opening and closing the doors, the steer-
ing wheel will be lock ed due to the steer-
ing lock function. Operating the engine
switch again automatically cancels the
steering lock.
●When the steering lock cannot be
released, “Steering Wheel Lock Press
Engine Switch while Turning Wheel” will
be displayed on the multi-information dis-
play.
Check that the shift lever is in P. Press the
engine switch while turning the steering
wheel left and right.
●To prevent the steering lock motor from
overheating, operation of the motor may
be suspended if the engine is turned on
and off repeatedly in a short period of
time. In this case, refrain from running the
engine. After about 10 seconds, the
steering lock motor will resume function-
ing.
Engine (ignition) switch
Performing the following opera-
tions when carryin g the electronic
key on your person starts the
engine or changes engine switch
modes.
Starting the engine

1664-2. Driving procedures
LEXUS NX300 Owners Manual_USA_M78389_en
■If “Smart Access System Malfunction
See Owner’s Manual” is displayed on
the multi-information display
The system may be malfunctioning. Have
the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer
immediately.
■Electronic key battery
P.356
■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 imme-
diately 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 with push-
button start has been deactivated by a
customized setting
P.427
1Stop the vehicle completely.
2
Set the parking brake ( P.173),
and shift the shift lever to P
( P.168).
3
Press the engine switch.
4
Release the brake pedal and check
that the display on the instrument
cluster is off.
Modes can be changed by pressing
the engine switch with brake pedal
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 result-
ing 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 com-
plete stop. The steering lock function will
activate and this may lead to an accident,
resulting in death or serious injury.
NOTICE
■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 immedi-
ately.
■Symptoms indicating a malfunction
with the engine switch
If the engine switch seems to be operat-
ing somewhat differently than usual, such
as the switch sticking slightly, there may
be a malfunction. Contact your Lexus
dealer immediately.
Stopping the engine
WARNING
■Stopping the engine in an emergency
If you want to stop th e engine in an emer-
gency while driving the vehicle, press
and hold the engine switch for more than
2 seconds, or press it briefly 3 times or
more in succession. ( P.366)
However, do not touch the engine switch
while driving except in an emergency.
Turning the engine off while driving will
not cause loss of steering or braking con-
trol, but the power assist to these systems
will be lost. This 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.
Changing engine switch modes

1794-3. Operating the lights and wipers
LEXUS NX300 Owners Manual_USA_M78389_en
4
Driving
turn on. (P.179)
■AUTO mode can be used when
The engine switch is in IGNITION ON
mode.
■Daytime running light system
●The daytime running lights illuminate
using the same lights as the parking lights
and illuminate brighter than the parking
lights.
●To make your vehicle more visible to
other drivers during daytime driving, the
daytime running lights turn on automati-
cally when all of the following conditions
are met. (The daytime running lights are
not designed for use at night.)
• The engine is running
• The parking brake is released
• The headlight switch is in the
(type B), or
* position
*: When the surroundings are bright
The daytime running lights remain on after
they illuminate, even if the parking brake is
set again.
●For the U.S.A.: Dayt ime running lights
can be turned off by operating the switch.
●Compared to turning on the headlights,
the daytime running light system offers
greater durability and consumes less
electricity, so it can help improve fuel
●If a turn signal light is in use, the daytime
running light, on the same side, is turned
off. For emergency flashers, both are
turned off.
■Headlight control sensor
The sensor may not function properly if an
object is placed on th e sensor, or anything
that blocks the sensor is affixed to the wind-
shield.
Doing so interferes with the sensor detect-
ing the level of ambient light and may cause
the automatic headlight system to malfunc-
tion.
■Automatic light off system
●When the headlights come on: The head-
lights and tail lights turn off 30 seconds
after a door is opened and closed if the
engine switch is turned to ACCESSORY
mode or turned off. (The lights turn off
immediately if on the key is
pressed after all the doors are locked.)
●When only the tail lights come on: The tail
lights turn off automatically if the engine
switch is turned to ACCESSORY mode
or turned off and the driver’s door is
opened.
To turn the lights on again, turn the engine
switch to IGNITION ON mode, or turn the
light switch off once and then back to or .
■Light reminder buzzer
A buzzer sounds when the engine switch is
turned off or turned to ACCESSORY
mode and the driver’s door is opened while
the lights are turned on.
■Automatic headlight leveling system (if
equipped)
The level of the headlights is automatically
adjusted according to the number of pas-
sengers and the loadin g condition of the
vehicle to ensure that the headlights do not
interfere with other road users.
■Battery-saving function
In order to prevent the battery of the vehicle
from discharging, if the headlights and/or
tail lights are on when the engine switch is
turned off the battery saving function will
operate and automatically turn off all the
lights after approximately 20 minutes.
When the engine switch is turned to IGNI-
TION ON mode, the battery-saving func-

319
LEXUS NX300 Owners Manual_USA_M78389_en
6
6
Maintenance and care
Maintenance and care
6-1. Maintenance and care
Cleaning and protecting the vehi-cle exterior ................................ 320
Cleaning and protecting the vehi- cle interior ................................. 323
6-2. Maintenance Maintenance requirements .. 326
General maintenance ............. 327
Emission inspection and mainte- nance (I/M) programs ......... 330
6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance Do-it-yourself service precautions......................................................... 331
Hood............................................... 333
Positioning a floor jack............ 333
Engine compartment............... 335
Tires ................................................ 343
Tire inflation pressure ............... 351
Wheels........................................... 353
Air conditioning filter...............355
Electronic key battery ............. 356
Checking and replacing fuses ........................................................ 358
Headlight aim.............................. 360
Light bulbs ..................................... 361

3206-1. Maintenance and care
LEXUS NX300 Owners Manual_USA_M78389_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
As water may enter the cabin, do not bring
the nozzle tip near the gaps around the
doors or perimeter of the windows, or spray
these areas continuously.
■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.117)
■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
they are hot, such as after driving or park-
ing in hot weather
Cleaning and protecting the
vehicle exterior
Perform cleaning in a manner
appropriate to each component
and its material.
Cleaning instructions

3416-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
LEXUS NX300 Owners Manual_USA_M78389_en
6
Maintenance and care
■Before recharging
When recharging, the battery produces
hydrogen gas which is flammable and
explosive. Therefore, observe the following
precautions before recharging:
●If recharging with the battery installed on
the vehicle, be sure to disconnect the
ground cable.
●Make sure the power switch on the char-
ger is off when connecting and discon-
necting the charger cables to the battery.
■After recharging/reconnecting the bat-
tery
●The engine may not start. Follow the pro-
cedure below to initialize the system.
1
Shift the shift lever to P.
2
Open and close any of the doors.
3
Restart the engine.
●Unlocking the doors using the smart
access system with pu sh-button start may
not be possible immediately after recon-
necting the battery. If this happens, use
the wireless remote control or the
mechanical key to lock/unlock the doors.
●Start the engine with the engine switch in
ACCESSORY mode. The engine may
not start with the engine switch turned off.
However, the engine will operate nor-
mally from the second attempt.
●The engine switch mode is recorded by
the vehicle. If the battery is reconnected,
the vehicle will return the engine switch
mode to the status it was in before the
battery was disconnected. Make sure to
turn off the power before disconnect the
battery. Take extra care when connecting
the battery if the engine switch mode
prior to discharge 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 battery
Battery contains poisonous and corro-
sive sulfuric acid and may produce
hydrogen gas which is flammable and
explosive. To reduce the risk of death or
serious injury, take the following precau-
tions while working on or near the bat-
tery:
●Do not cause sparks by touching the
battery terminals with tools.
●Do not smoke or light a match near the
battery.
●Avoid contact with eyes, skin and
clothes.
●Never inhale or swallow electrolyte.
●Wear protective sa fety glasses when
working near the battery.
●Keep children away from the battery.
■Where to safely charge the battery
Always charge the battery in an open
area. Do not charge the battery 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.