1614-1. Before driving
LEXUS NX300 Owners Manual_USA_M78389_en
4
Driving
Weight carrying ball position:
42.1 in. (1069.9 mm)
Hitch receiver pin hole position:
33.7 in. (855.6 mm)
Please consult your dealer when
installing trailer lights, as incorrect
installation may cause damage to the
vehicle’s lights. Please take care to
comply with your state’s laws when
installing trailer lights. Your vehicle will handle differently
when towing a trailer. Help to avoid an
accident, death or serious injury, keep
the following in mind when towing:
Speed limits for towing a trailer vary
by state or province. Do not exceed
the posted towing speed limit.
Lexus recommends that the vehicle-
trailer speed limit is 65 mph (104
km/h) on a flat, straight, dry road.
Do not exceed this limit, the posted
towing speed limit or the speed limit
for your trailer as set forth in your
trailer owner’s manual, whichever is
lowest. Instability of the towing vehi-
cle-trailer combination (trailer
sway) increases as speed increases.
Exceeding speed limits may cause
loss of control.
Before starting out, check the trailer
lights, tires and the vehicle-trailer
connections. Recheck after driving
a short distance.
Practice turning, stopping and
reversing with the trailer attached in
an area away from traffic until you
become accustomed to the feel of
the vehicle-trailer combination.
Reversing with a trailer attached is
difficult and requires practice. Grip
the bottom of the steering wheel
and move your hand to the left to
move the trailer to the left. Move
your hand to the right to move the
trailer to right. (This is generally
opposite to reversing without a
trailer attached.) Avoid sharp or
WARNING
■Hitch
Trailer hitch assemb lies have different
weight capacities established by the hitch
manufacturer. Even though the vehicle
may be physically capable of towing a
higher weight, the operator must deter-
mine the maximum weight rating of the
particular hitch assembly and never
exceed the maximum weight rating
specified for the trailer-hitch. Exceeding
the maximum weight rating set by the
trailer-hitch manufacturer can cause an
accident resulting in death or serious
personal injuries.
Positions for towing hitch
receiver and hitch ball
Connecting trailer lights
A
B
Trailer towing tips
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
1744-2. Driving procedures
LEXUS NX300 Owners Manual_USA_M78389_en
the switch again. (P.379)
■Parking brake operation
●When the engine switch is not in IGNI-
TION ON mode, the parking brake can-
not be released using the parking brake
switch.
●When the engine switch is not in IGNI-
TION ON mode, automatic mode (auto-
matic brake setting and releasing) is not
available.
■If “Parking Brake Overheated Parking
Brake Unavailable” is displayed on the
multi-information display
If the parking brake is operated repeatedly
over a short period of time, the system may
restrict operation to prevent overheating. If
this happens, refrain from operating the
parking brake. Normal operation will return
after about 1 minute.
■Parking brake operation sound
When the parking brake operates, a motor
sound (whirring sound) may be heard. This
does not indicate a malfunction.
■Parking brake indicator light and park-
ing brake lamp
●Depending on the engine switch mode,
the parking brake indicator light and
parking brake lamp will turn on and stay
on as described below:
IGNITION ON mode: Comes on until
the parking brake is released.
Not in IGNITION ON mode: Stays on
for approximately 15 seconds.
●When the engine switch is turned off with
the parking brake set, the parking brake
indicator light and parking brake lamp
will stay on for about 15 seconds. This
does not indicate a malfunction.
■Changing the mode
When changing the automatic mode on/off,
the message will be shown on the multi-
information display and the buzzer sounds.
■Parking the vehicle
P.146
■Parking brake engaged warning buzzer
A buzzer will sound if the vehicle is driven with the parking brake engaged. “Release
Parking Brake” is displayed on the multi-
information display.
■Warning messages and buzzers
Warning messages and buzzers are used to
indicate a system malfunction or to inform
the driver of the need for caution. If a warn-
ing message is shown on the multi-informa-
tion display, read the message and follow
the instructions.
■If the brake system warning light comes
on
P.376
■Usage in winter time
P.267
WARNING
■When parking the vehicle
Do not leave a child in the vehicle alone.
The parking brake may be released unin-
tentionally and there is the danger of the
vehicle moving that may lead to an acci-
dent resulting in death or serious injury.
■Parking brake switch
Do not set any objects near the parking
brake switch. Objects may interfere with
the switch and may lead the parking
brake to unexpectedly operate.
NOTICE
■When parking the vehicle
Before you leave the vehicle, shift the
shift lever to P, set the parking brake and
make sure that the vehicle does not
move.
■When the system malfunctions
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and
check the warning messages.
1754-2. Driving procedures
LEXUS NX300 Owners Manual_USA_M78389_en
4
Driving
Turns the brake hold system on
The brake hold standby indicator
(green) comes on. While the system is
holding the brake, the brake hold operated
indicator (yellow) comes on.
■Brake hold system operating conditions
The brake hold system cannot be turned on
in the following conditions:
●The driver’s door is not closed.
●The driver is not wearing the seat belt.
If any of the conditions above are detected
when the brake hold system is enabled, the
system will turn off and the brake hold
standby indicator light will go off. In addi-
tion, if any of the co nditions are detected
while the system is holding the brake, a
warning buzzer will sound and a message
NOTICE
■When the parking brake cannot be
released due to a malfunction
Driving the vehicle with the parking
brake set will lead to brake components
overheating, which may affect braking
performance and increase brake wear.
Have the vehicle inspected by contact
your Lexus dealer immediately if this
occurs.
Brake Hold
The brake hold system keeps the
brake applied when the shift lever is
in D, M or N with the system on and
the brake pedal has been
depressed to stop the vehicle. The
system releases the brake when the
accelerator pedal is depressed with
the shift lever in D or M to allow
smooth start off.
Enabling the system
A
B
1764-2. Driving procedures
LEXUS NX300 Owners Manual_USA_M78389_en
will be shown on the multi-information dis-
play. The parking brake will then be set
automatically.
■Brake hold function
●If the brake pedal is left released for a
period of about 3 minutes after the sys-
tem has started holding the brake, the
parking brake will be set automatically. In
this case, a warning buzzer sounds and a
message is shown on the multi-informa-
tion display.
●To turn the system off while the system is
holding the brake, firmly depress the
brake pedal and press the button again.
●The brake hold function may not hold the
vehicle when the vehicle is on a steep
incline. In this situation, it may be neces-
sary for the driver to apply the brakes. A
warning buzzer will sound and the multi-
information display will inform the driver
of this situation. If a warning message is
shown on the multi-information display,
read the message and follow the instruc-
tions.
■When the parking brake is set automati-
cally while the system is holding the
brakes
With the brake pedal depressed, release
the parking brake by operating the parking
brake switch, making sure that the parking
brake indicator light goes off. ( P.172)
■When an inspection at your Lexus
dealer is necessary
When the brake hold standby indicator
(green) does not illuminate even when the
brake hold switch is pressed with the brake
hold system operating conditions met, the
system may be malfun ctioning. Have the
vehicle inspected at your Lexus dealer.
■If “Brake Hold Fault Depress Brake to
Deactivate Visit Your Dealer” is dis-
played on the multi-information display
The system may be malfunctioning. Have
the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer.
■Warning messages and buzzers
Warning messages and buzzers are used to
indicate a system malfunction or to inform
the driver of the need for caution. If a warn-
ing message is shown on the multi-informa- tion display, read the message and follow
the instructions.
■If the brake hold operated indicator
flashes
P.379
WARNING
■When the vehicle is on a steep incline
When using the brake hold system on a
steep incline, exercise caution. The brake
hold function may not hold the vehicle in
such a situation.
■When stopped on a slippery road
The system cannot stop the vehicle when
the gripping ability of the tires has been
exceeded. Do not use the system when
stopped on a slippery road.
NOTICE
■When parking the vehicle
The brake hold system is not designed
for use when parking the vehicle for a
long period of time. Turning the engine
switch off while the system is holding the
brake may release the brake, which
would cause the vehicle to move. When
operating the engine switch, depress the
brake pedal, shift the shift lever to P and
set the parking brake.
1814-3. Operating the lights and wipers
LEXUS NX300 Owners Manual_USA_M78389_en
4
Driving
1Push the lever away from you with
the headlight switch in or
position.
2
Press the Automatic High Beam
switch.
The Automatic High Beam indicator will
come on when the headlights are turned
on automatically to indicate that the system is active.
■Operating conditions
The engine switch is in IGNITION ON
mode.
■High beam automatic turning on or off
conditions
When all of the following conditions are ful-
filled, high beam will be automatically
turned on:
●Vehicle speed is above approximately 21
mph (34 km/h).
●The area ahead of the vehicle is dark.
●There are no oncoming or preceding
vehicles with headlights or tail lights
turned on.
●There are few streetlights on the road
ahead.
If any of the following conditions are ful-
filled, high beam will be automatically
turned off:
●Vehicle speed drops below approxi-
mately 17 mph (27 km/h).
●The area ahead of the vehicle is not dark.
●Oncoming or preceding vehicles have
headlights or tail lights turned on.
●There are many streetlights on the road
ahead.
■Camera sensor detection information
●High beam may not be automatically
turned off in the following situations:
• When oncoming vehicles suddenly
appear from a curve
• When the vehicle is cut in front of by another
• When oncoming or preceding vehicles
Automatic High Beam
The Automatic High Beam uses an
in-vehicle camera sensor to assess
the brightness of streetlights, the
lights of oncoming and preceding
vehicles, etc., and automatically
turns high beam on or off as neces-
sary.
WARNING
■Limitations of the Automatic High
Beam
Do not rely on the Automatic High
Beam. Always drive sa fely, taking care to
observe your surroundings and turning
high beam on or off manually if neces-
sary.
Activating the Automatic High
Beam system
1894-3. Operating the lights and wipers
LEXUS NX300 Owners Manual_USA_M78389_en
4
Driving
Operating the switch operates
the rear wiper as follows:
Type A
1
Off
2
Intermittent operation
3
Normal operation
WARNING
■Caution regarding the use of wind-
shield wipers in AUTO mode (vehi-
cles with rain-sen sing windshield
wipers)
The windshield wipers may operate
unexpectedly if the sensor is touched or
the windshield is subject to vibration in
AUTO mode. Take care that your fingers,
etc. do not become caught in the wind-
shield wipers.
■Caution regarding the use of washer
fluid
When it is cold, do not use the washer
fluid until the windshield becomes warm.
The fluid may freeze on the windshield
and cause low visibility. This may lead to
an accident, resulting in death or serious
injury.
NOTICE
■When the washer fluid tank is empty
Do not operate the switch continually as
the washer fluid pump may overheat.
■When a nozzle becomes blocked
In this case, contact your Lexus dealer.
Do not try to clear it with a pin or other
object. The nozzle will be damaged.
■To prevent battery discharge
Do not leave the wipers on longer than
necessary when the engine is off.
Rear window wiper and
w
asher
NOTICE
■When the rear window is dry
Do not use the wiper, as it may damage
the rear window.
Operating the wiper lever
1914-4. Refueling
LEXUS NX300 Owners Manual_USA_M78389_en
4
Driving
4-4.Refueling
Turn the engine switch off and
ensure that all the doors and win-
dows are closed.
Confirm the type of fuel.
■Fuel types
P.416
■Fuel tank opening for unleaded gasoline
To help prevent incorrect fueling, your vehi-
cle has a fuel tank opening that only accom-
modates the special nozzle on unleaded
fuel pumps.
■If the malfunction indicator lamp illumi-
nates
The malfunction indicator lamp may illumi-
nate erroneously if refueling is performed
repeatedly when the fuel tank is nearly full.
1With all doors unlocked, press the
center of the rear edge of the fuel
filler door.
Push inward and take your hand away to
slightly open the fuel filler door. Then open
Opening the fuel tank cap
Before refueling the vehicle
WARNING
■When refueling the vehicle
Observe the following precautions while
refueling the vehicle. Failure to do so may
result in death or serious injury.
●After exiting the vehicle and before
opening the fuel door, touch an
unpainted metal surface to discharge
any static electricity. It is important to
discharge static electricity before refu-
eling because sparks resulting from
static electricity can cause fuel vapors
to ignite while refueling.
●Always hold the grips on the fuel tank
cap and turn it slowly to remove it.
A whooshing sound may be heard
when the fuel tank cap is loosened.
Wait until the sound cannot be heard
before fully removing the cap. In hot
weather, pressurized fuel may spray
out of the filler neck and cause injury.
●Do not allow anyone that has not dis-
charged static electricity from their
body to come close to an open fuel
tank.
●Do not inhale vaporized fuel.
Fuel contains substances that are
harmful if inhaled.
●Do not smoke while refueling the vehi-
cle.
Doing so may cause the fuel to ignite
and cause a fire.
●Do not return to the vehicle or touch
any person or object that is statically
charged. This may cause static elec-
tricity to build up, re sulting in a possible
ignition hazard.
■When refueling
Observe the following precautions to
prevent fuel overflowing from the fuel
tank:
●Securely insert the fuel nozzle into the
fuel filler neck.
●Stop filling the tank after the fuel noz-
zle automatically clicks off.
●Do not top off the fuel tank.
NOTICE
■Refueling
Do not spill fuel during refueling.
Doing so may damage the vehicle, such
as causing the emission control system to
operate abnormally, damaging fuel sys-
tem components or the vehicle’s painted
surface.
Opening the fuel tank cap