3266-2. Maintenance
LEXUS NX300 Owners Manual_USA_M78389_en
6-2.Maintenance
■Repair and replacement
It is recommended that genuine Lexus parts
be used for repairs to ensure performance
of each system. If non-Lexus parts are used
in replacement or if a repair shop other than
a Lexus dealer perfor ms repairs, confirm
the warranty coverage.
■Allow inspection and repairs to be per-
formed by a Lexus dealer
●Lexus technicians are well-trained spe-
cialists and are kept up to date with the
latest service information. They are well
informed about the operation of all sys-
tems on your vehicle.
●Keep a copy of the repa ir order. It proves
that the maintenance that has been per-
formed is under warra nty coverage. If any
problem should arise while your vehicle is
under warranty, your Lexus dealer will
promptly take care of it.
General maintenance should be per-
formed on a daily basis. This can be
done by yourself or by a Lexus dealer.
Scheduled maintenance should be
performed at specified intervals
according to the maintenance sched-
ule.
For details about ma intenance items and
schedules, refer to the “Warranty and Ser-
vice Guide”, “Owner’s Manual Supple-
ment” or “Scheduled Maintenance”.
■Resetting the message indicating main-
tenance is required (U.S.A. only)
After the required maintenance is pre-
formed according to the maintenance
schedule, please reset the message.
To reset the message, follow the procedures
described below:
1
Press or of the meter control
switches and select .
Maintenance requirements
To ensure safe and economical driv-
ing, day-to-day care and regular
maintenance are essential. It is the
owner’s responsibility to perform
regular checks. Lexus recommends
the following maintenance:
WARNING
■If your vehicle is not properly main-
tained
Improper maintenanc e could result in
serious damage to the vehicle and possi-
ble death or serious injury.
■Handling of the battery
●Engine exhaust, some of its constitu-
ents, and a wide variety of automobile
components contain or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to
cause cancer and birth defects and
other reproductive harm. Work in a
well ventilated area.
●Oils, fuels and fluids contained in vehi-
cles as well as waste produced by
component wear contain or emit
chemicals known to the State of Cali-
fornia to cause cancer and birth
defects or other reproductive harm.
Avoid exposure and wash any affected
area immediately.
●Battery posts, terminals and related
accessories contain lead and lead
compounds which are known to cause
brain damage. Wash your hands after
handling. ( P.340)
General maintenance
Scheduled maintenance
3837-2. Steps to take in an emergency
LEXUS NX300 Owners Manual_USA_M78389_en
7
When trouble arises
●Avoid abrupt maneuvering and brak-
ing. If the vehicle tires deteriorate, you
could lose control of the steering
wheel or the brakes.
■If a blowout or sudden air leakage
should occur
The tire pressure warning system may
not activate immediately.
■Maintenance of the tires
Each tire, including the spare (if pro-
vided), should be checked monthly when
cold and inflated to the inflation pressure
recommended by the vehicle manufac-
turer on the vehicle placard or tire infla-
tion pressure label (tire and load
information label). (If your vehicle has
tires of a different size than the size indi-
cated on the vehicle placard or tire infla-
tion pressure label [tire and load
information label], yo u should determine
the proper tire infl ation pressure for
those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle
has been equipped with a tire pressure
monitoring system (TPMS-tire pressure
warning system) that illuminates a low
tire pressure telltale (tire pressure warn-
ing light) when one or more of your tires
is significantly under-inflated. Accord-
ingly, when the low tire pressure telltale
(tire pressure warnin g light) illuminates,
you should stop and check your tires as
soon as possible, and inflate them to the
proper pressure. Driving on a signifi-
cantly under-inflated tire causes the tire
to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Under-inflation also reduces fuel effi-
ciency and tire tread life, and may affect
the vehicle’s handling and stopping abil-
ity.
Please note that the TPMS (tire pressure
warning system) is not a substitute for
proper tire maintenance, and it is the
driver’s responsibility to maintain correct
tire pressure, even if under-inflation has
not reached the level to trigger illumina-
tion of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale
(tire pressure warning light).
Your vehicle has also been equipped with
a TPMS (tire pressure warning system)
malfunction indicator to indicate when
the system is not operating properly. The
TPMS (tire pressure warning system)
malfunction indicator is combined with
the low tire pressure telltale (tire pres-
sure warning light) . When the system
detects a malfunction, the telltale will
flash for approximately one minute and
then remain continuously illuminated.
This sequence will continue upon subse-
quent vehicle start-ups as long as the
malfunction exists. When the malfunction
indicator is illuminated, the system may
not be able to detect or signal low tire
pressure as intended.
TPMS (tire pressure warning system)
malfunctions may occur for a variety of
reasons, including the installation of
replacement or alternate tires or wheels
on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS
(tire pressure warning system) from func-
tioning properly. Always check the
TPMS (tire pressure warning system)
malfunction telltale after replacing one
or more tires or wheels on your vehicle to
ensure that the replacement or alternate
tires and wheels allow the TPMS (tire
pressure warning system) to continue to
function properly.
NOTICE
■To ensure the tire pressure warning
system operates properly
Do not install tires with different specifi-
cations or makers, as the tire pressure
warning system may not operate prop-
erly.
4027-2. Steps to take in an emergency
LEXUS NX300 Owners Manual_USA_M78389_en
■Starting the engine when the battery is
discharged
The engine cannot be started by push-start-
ing.
■To prevent battery discharge
●Turn off the headlights and the audio sys-
tem while the engine is off.
●Turn off any unnecessary electrical com-
ponents when the vehicle is running at a
low speed for an extended period, such
as in heavy traffic.
■Charging the battery
The electricity stored in the battery will dis-
charge gradually even when the vehicle is
not in use, due to natural discharge and the
draining effects of certain electrical appli-
ances. If the vehicle is left for a long time,
the battery may discharge, and the engine
may be unable to start. (The battery
recharges automatically during driving.)
■When the battery is removed or dis-
charged
●In some cases, it may not be possible to
unlock the doors using the smart access
system with push-button start when the
battery is discharged. Use the wireless
remote control or the mechanical key to
lock or unlock the doors.
●The engine may not start on the first
attempt after the battery has recharged
but will start normally after the second
attempt. This is not a malfunction.
●The engine switch mode is memorized by
the vehicle. When the battery is recon-
nected, the system will return to the
mode it was in before the battery was dis-
charged. Before di sconnecting the bat-
tery, turn the engine switch off.
If you are unsure what mode the engine
switch was in befo re the battery dis-
charged, be especially careful when
reconnecting the battery.
●Some systems may require initialization.
WARNING
■Avoiding battery fires or explosions
Observe the following precautions to
prevent accidentally igniting the flamma-
ble gas that may be emitted from the bat-
tery:
●Make sure each jumper cable is con-
nected to the correct terminal and that
it is not unintentiona lly in contact with
any other than the intended terminal.
●Do not allow the other end of the
jumper cable connected to the “+” ter-
minal to come into contact with any
other parts or metal surfaces in the
area, such as brackets or unpainted
metal.
●Do not allow the + and - clamps of the
jumper cables to come into contact
with each other.
●Do not smoke, use matches, cigarette
lighters or allow open flame near the
battery.
■Battery precautions
The battery contains poisonous and cor-
rosive acidic electrol yte, while related
parts contain lead and lead compounds.
Observe the following precautions when
handling the battery:
●When working with the battery, always
wear safety glasses and take care not
to allow any battery fluids (acid) to
come into contact with skin, clothing
or the vehicle body.
●Do not lean over the battery.
●In the event that battery fluid comes
into contact with the skin or eyes,
immediately wash the affected area
with water and seek medical attention.
Place a wet sponge or cloth over the
affected area until medical attention
can be received.
4057-2. Steps to take in an emergency
LEXUS NX300 Owners Manual_USA_M78389_en
7
When trouble arises
6Start the engine and turn the air
conditioning system on to check
that the radiator cooling fans oper-
ate and to check for coolant leaks
from the radiator or hoses.
The fans operate when the air conditioning
system is turned on immediately after a
cold start. Confirm that the fans are oper-
ating by checking the fan sound and air
flow. If it is difficult to check these, turn the
air conditioning system on and off repeat-
edly.
(The fans may not oper ate in freezing tem-
peratures.)
7If the fans are not operating:
Stop the engine immediately and
contact your Lexus dealer.
If the fans are operating:
Have the vehicle inspected at the
nearest Lexus dealer.
8
Check if “Engine Coolant Temp
High” is shown on the multi-infor-
mation display.
If the message does not disappear:
Stop the engine and contact your
Lexus dealer.
If the message is not displayed:
Have the vehicle inspected at the
nearest Lexus dealer.
WARNING
■To prevent an accident or injury when
inspecting under the hood of your
vehicle
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in serious
injury such as burns.
●If steam is seen coming from under the
hood, do not open the hood until the
steam has subsided. The engine com-
partment may be very hot.
●Do not touch within the engine com-
partment or get close when the cool-
ing fan is operating. Body parts,
clothes, etc., may get caught and lead
to an accident, resulting in serious
injury. The cooling fan operates auto-
matically at times when the air condi-
tioner is operating and times when the
coolant temperatures are high. Also, it
may operate for several minutes even
after the engine switch is turned off.
●Keep hands and clothing (especially a
tie, a scarf or a muffler) away from the
fans and belts. Failure to do so may
cause the hands or clothing to be
caught, resulting in serious injury.
●Do not loosen the coolant reservoir
cap while the engine and radiator are
hot.
High temperature steam or coolant
could spray out.
NOTICE
■When adding engine coolant
Add coolant slowly after the engine has
cooled down sufficiently. Adding cool
coolant to a hot engine too quickly can
cause damage to the engine.
■To prevent damage to the cooling sys-
tem
Observe the following precautions:
●Avoid contaminating the coolant with
foreign matter (such as sand or dust,
etc.).
●Do not use any coolant additive.
4218-1. Specifications
LEXUS NX300 Owners Manual_USA_M78389_en
8
Vehicle specifications
Chafer
This information has been prepared in
accordance with regulations issued by
the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration of the U.S. Department
of Transportation.
It provides the purchasers and/or pro-
spective purchasers of Lexus vehicles
with information on uniform tire quality
grading.
Your Lexus dealer will help answer any
questions you may have as you read this
information.
■DOT quality grades
All passenger vehicle tires must con-
form to Federal Safety Requirements in
addition to these grades. Quality
grades can be found where applicable
on the tire sidewall between tread
shoulder and maximum section width.
For example: Treadwear 200 Traction AA
Temperature A
■Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative
rating based on the wear rate of the tire
when tested under controlled condi-
tions on a specified government test
course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would wear
one and a half (1 - 1/2) times as well on the
government course as a tire graded 100.
The relative performa nce of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart significantly from
the norm due to variatio ns in driving habits,
service practices and differences in road characteristics and climate.
■Traction AA, A, B, C
The traction grades, from highest to
lowest, are AA, A, B and C, and they
represent the tire’s ability to stop on
wet pavement as measured under con-
trolled conditions on specified govern-
ment test surfaces of asphalt and
concrete.
A tire marked C may have poor traction
performance.
Warning: The traction grade assigned to
this tire is based on braking (straight
ahead) traction tests and does not include
cornering (turning) traction.
■Temperature A, B, C
The temperature grades are A (the
highest), B, and C, representing the
tire’s resistance to the generation of
heat and its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled condi-
tions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate and
reduce tire life, and excessive temperature
can lead to sudd en tire failure.
Grade C corresponds to a level of perfor-
mance which all passenger car tires must
meet under the Fede ral Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109.
Grades B and A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory test wheel
than the minimum required by law.
Warning: The temperature grades for this
tire are established for a tire that is prop-
erly inflated and not overloaded.
Excessive speed, unde rinflation, or exces-
sive loading, either separately or in combi-
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
K
4238-1. Specifications
LEXUS NX300 Owners Manual_USA_M78389_en
8
Vehicle specifications
Rim type des-
ignationThe industry manufac-
turer’s designation for a
rim by style or code
Rim widthNominal distance between
rim flanges
Vehicle
capacity
weight
(Total load
capacity)The rated cargo and lug-
gage load plus 150 lb. (68
kg) times the vehicle’s des-
ignated seating capacity
Vehicle maxi-
mum load on
the tire
The load on an individual
tire that is determined by
distributing to each axle its
share of the maximum
loaded vehicle weight, and
dividing by two
Vehicle nor-
mal load on
the tire
The load on an individual
tire that is determined by
distributing to each axle its
share of curb weight,
accessory weight, and nor-
mal occupant weight (dis-
tributed in accordance
with Table 1
* below), and
dividing by two
Weather side
The surface area of the rim
not covered by the inflated
tire
Bead
The part of the tire that is
made of steel wires,
wrapped or reinforced by
ply cords and that is
shaped to fit the rim
Bead separa-
tionA breakdown of the bond
between components in
the bead
Tire related termMeaning
Bias ply tire
A pneumatic tire in which
the ply cords that extend to
the beads are laid at alter-
nate angles substantially
less than 90 degrees to the
centerline of the tread
Carcass
The tire structure, except
tread and sidewall rubber
which, when inflated, bears
the load
Chunking
The breaking away of
pieces of the tread or side-
wall
CordThe strands forming the
plies in the tire
Cord separa-
tionThe parting of cords from
adjacent rubber com-
pounds
Cracking
Any parting within the
tread, sidewall, or inner-
liner of the tire extending
to cord material
CT
A pneumatic tire with an
inverted flange tire and rim
system in which the rim is
designed with rim flanges
pointed radially inward and
the tire is designed to fit on
the underside of the rim in
a manner that encloses the
rim flanges inside the air
cavity of the tire
Extra load tire
A tire designed to operate
at higher loads and at
higher inflation pressures
than the corresponding
standard tire
Tire related termMeaning
4258-1. Specifications
LEXUS NX300 Owners Manual_USA_M78389_en
8
Vehicle specifications
*:Table 1 Occupant loading and distri-
bution for vehicle normal load for vari-
Pneumatic
tire
A mechanical device
made of rubber, chemicals,
fabric and steel or other
materials, that, when
mounted on an automotive
wheel, provides the trac-
tion and contains the gas
or fluid that sustains the
load
Radial ply tire
A pneumatic tire in which
the ply cords that extend to
the beads are laid at sub-
stantially 90 degrees to
the centerline of the tread
Reinforced
tire
A tire designed to operate
at higher loads and at
higher inflation pressures
than the corresponding
standard tire
Section width
The linear distance
between the exteriors of
the sidewalls of an inflated
tire, excluding elevations
due to labeling, decora-
tion, or protective bands
Sidewall
That portion of a tire
between the tread and
bead
Sidewall sep-
arationThe parting of the rubber
compound from the cord
material in the sidewall
Tire related termMeaning
Snow tire
A tire that attains a traction
index equal to or greater
than 110, compared to the
ASTM E-1136 Standard
Reference Test Tire, when
using the snow traction test
as described in ASTM F-
1805-00, Standard Test
Method for Single Wheel
Driving Traction in a
Straight Line on Snow-and
Ice-Covered Surfaces, and
which is marked with an
Alpine Symbol ( ) on at
least one sidewall
Test rim
The rim on which a tire is
fitted for testing, and may
be any rim listed as appro-
priate for use with that tire
Tread
That portion of a tire that
comes into contact with
the road
Tread rib
A tread section running
circumferentially around a
tire
Tread separa-
tionPulling away of the tread
from the tire carcass
Treadwear
indicators
(TWI)
The projections within the
principal grooves designed
to give a visual indication of
the degrees of wear of the
tread
Wheel-hold-
ing fixtureThe fixture used to hold the
wheel and tire assembly
securely during testing
Tire related termMeaning
4419-1. For owners
LEXUS NX300 Owners Manual_USA_M78389_en
9
For owners
■Soins à porter aux ceintures de
sécurité
Nettoyez avec un chiffon ou une
éponge humectée d’eau savonneuse
tiède. Par ailleurs, vérifiez régulière-
ment que les ceintures ne sont pas
effilochées, entaillées, ou ne paraissent
pas exagérément usées.
Entretien et soin
AVERTISSEMENT
Respectez les précautions suivantes afin
de réduire le risque de blessure en cas
de freinage brusque, d’embardée ou
d’accident.
À défaut, des blessures graves, voire
mortelles, pourraient s’ensuivre.
■Port de la ceinture de sécurité
●Ne pas passer la sangle diagonale
sous le bras.
●Faites toujours passer votre ceinture
de sécurité au plus bas sur vos
hanches et bien dans l’axe.
■État et usure des ceintures de sécu-
rité
Inspectez les ceintures de sécurité péri-
odiquement. Contrôle z qu’elles ne sont
pas entaillées, effilochées, et que leurs
ancrages ne sont pas desserrés. Ne pas
utiliser une ceinture de sécurité
défectueuse avant qu’elle ne soit rem-
placée. Une ceinture de sécurité
défectueuse n’apporte aucune garantie
de protection de l’occupant contre des
blessures graves, voire mortelles.
■Lorsque vous utilisez la ceinture de
sécurité du siège central arrière
Ne pas utiliser la ceinture de sécurité du
siège central arrière avec une de ses
deux boucles déverrouillée. Si une seule
des boucles est verrouillée, tout freinage
brusque ou collision peut entraîner des
blessures graves, voire mortelles.