2754-6. Driving tips
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manual_USA_M78530_en
4
Driving
4-6.Driving tips
When using Eco mode, the torque cor-
responding to the accelerator pedal
depression amount can be generated
more smoothly than it is in normal con-
ditions. In addition, the operation of the
air conditioning system (heating/cool-
ing) will be minimized, improving the
fuel economy. ( P.269)
The Eco-friendly driving is possible by
keeping the indicator needle of Hybrid
System Indicator within Eco area.
( P.87)
Shift the shift lever to D when stopped
at a traffic light, or driving in heavy traf-
fic, etc. Shift the shift lever to P when
parking. When using the N, there is no
positive effect on fuel consumption. In
the N, the gasoline engine operates
but electricity cannot be generated.
Also, when using the air conditioning
system, etc., the hybrid battery (trac-
tion battery) power is consumed.
Drive your vehicle smoothly. Avoid
abrupt acceleration and decelera-
tion. Gradual acceleration and
deceleration will make more effec-
tive use of the electric motor (trac-
tion motor) without having to use
gasoline engine power.
Avoid repeated acceleration.
Repeated acceleration consumes
hybrid battery (traction battery)
power, resulting in poor fuel con-
sumption. Battery power can be
restored by driving with the acceler-
ator pedal slightly released.
Make sure to operate the brakes gently
and in a timely manner. A greater
amount of electrical energy can be
regenerated when slowing down.
Repeated acceleration and decelera-
tion, as well as long waits at traffic
lights, will lead to bad fuel economy.
Check traffic reports before leaving
and avoid delays as much as possible.
When driving in a traffic jam, gently
release the brake pedal to allow the
vehicle to move forward slightly while
avoiding overuse of the accelerator
pedal. Doing so can help control
excessive gasoline consumption.
Hybrid vehicle driving tips
For economical and ecological
driving, pay attention to the follow-
ing points:
Using Eco mode
Use of Hybrid System Indicator
Shift lever operation
Accelerator pedal/brake pedal
operation
When braking
Delays
2784-6. Driving tips
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manual_USA_M78530_en
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.183)
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.
Vehicles with 225/65R17 tires
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
3396-2. Maintenance
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manual_USA_M78530_en
6
Maintenance and care
Luggage compartment
ItemsCheck points
12-volt batteryCheck the connections.
( P.352)
Vehicle interior
ItemsCheck points
Accelerator
pedal
The accelerator pedal
should move smoothly
(without uneven pedal
effort or catching).
Brake pedal
• Does the brake pedal
move smoothly?
• Does the brake pedal have appropriate clear-
ance from the floor?
• Does the brake pedal have the correct amount
of free play?
Brakes
•The vehicle should not pull to one side when the
brakes are applied.
• The brakes should work effectively.
• The brake pedal should not feel spongy.
• The brake pedal should not get too close to the
floor when the brakes
are applied.
Head
restraintsDo the head restraints
move smoothly and lock
securely?
Hybrid trans-
mission “Park”
mechanismWhen parked on a slope
and the shift lever is in P, is
the vehicle securely
stopped?
Indica-
tors/buzzersDo the indicators and
buzzers function properly?
LightsDo all the lights come on?
Parking brake
• Does the parking brake switch operate nor-
mally?
• When parked on a slope and the parking brake is
on, is the vehicle
securely stopped?
Seat belts
• Do the seat belts oper-ate smoothly?
• The seat belts should not be damaged.
SeatsDo the seat controls oper-
ate properly?
Steering
wheel
• Does the steering wheel rotate smoothly?
• Does the steering wheel have the correct amount
of free play?
• There should not be any strange sounds coming
from the steering wheel.
Vehicle exterior
ItemsCheck points
DoorsDo the doors operate
smoothly?
Engine hoodDoes the engine hood lock
system work properly?
Fluid leaks
There should not be any
signs of fluid leakage after
the vehicle has been
parked.
ItemsCheck points
3847-2. Steps to take in an emergency
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manual_USA_M78530_en
4Tighten down the towing eyelet
securely using a wheel nut wrench.
5 Securely attach cables or chains to
the towing eyelet.
Take care not to damage the vehicle body.
6Enter the vehicle being towed and
start the hybrid system.
If the hybrid system does not start, turn the
power switch to ON mode.
7Shift the shift lever to N and release
the parking brake.
When the shift lever cannot be shifted:
P.180
■While towing
If the hybrid system is off, the power assist
for the brakes and steering will not function,
marking steering and braking more difficult.
■Wheel nut wrench
Wheel nut wrench is installed in luggage
compartment. ( P.400)
Fluid leaks under the vehicle
(Water dripping from the air condi-
tioning after use is normal.)
Flat-looking tires or uneven tire
wear
Engine coolant temperature gauge
needle continually points higher
than normal
Changes in exhaust sound
Excessive tire squeal when corner-
ing
Strange noises related to the sus-
pension system
Pinging or other noises related to
the hybrid system
Engine misfire or misses, stumbling
or running roughly
Appreciable loss of power
Vehicle pulls heavily to one side
when braking
If you think something is
wrong
If you notice any of the following
symptoms, your vehicle probably
needs adjustment or repair. Con-
tact your Lexus dealer as soon as
possible.
Visible symptoms
Audible symptoms
Operational symptoms
3877-2. Steps to take in an emergency
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manual_USA_M78530_en
7
When trouble arises
■Low engine oil pressure warning light* (warning buzzer)
*: This light illuminates on the multi-information display.
■High coolant temperature warning light* (warning buzzer)
*: This light illuminates on the multi-information display.
■Brake system warning light
■Malfunction indicator lamp
Warning lightDetails/Actions
Indicates that the engine oil pressure is too low
Immediately stop the vehicl e in a safe place and con-
tact your Lexus dealer. Continuing to drive the vehicle
may be dangerous.
Warning lightDetails/Actions
Indicates that the engine is overheating
Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place. Continu-
ing to drive the vehicle may be dangerous.
Handling method ( P.416)
Warning lightDetails/Actions
(Yellow)
Indicates a malfunction in:
The regenerative braking system;
The electronically controlled brake system; or
The electric parking brake
Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer
immediately.
Warning lightDetails/Actions
(U.S.A.)
(Canada)
Indicates a malfunction in:
The hybrid system;
The electronic engine control system;
The electronic throttle control system; or
The emission control system
Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer
immediately.
3907-2. Steps to take in an emergency
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manual_USA_M78530_en
■PKSB OFF indicator (warning buzzer)
■Slip indicator light
■Brake hold operated indicator
■Parking brake indicator
Warning lightDetails/Actions
(Flashes)
When a buzzer sounds: Indicates a malfunction in the PKSB
(Parking Support Brake) system
Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer
immediately.
When a buzzer does not sound:
Indicates that the system is temporarily unavailable, possi-
bly due to a sensor being dirty or covered with ice, etc.
Clear the dirt, etc.
Warning lightDetails/Actions
Indicates a malfunction in:
The VSC system;
The TRAC system; or
The hill-start assist control system
The light will flash when the ABS, VSC or TRAC system is
operating.
Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer
immediately.
Warning lightDetails/Actions
(Flashes)
Indicates a malfunction in the brake hold system
Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer
immediately.
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.
4007-2. Steps to take in an emergency
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manual_USA_M78530_en
Stop the vehicle in a safe place on a
hard, flat surface.
Set the parking brake.
Shift the shift lever to P.
Stop the hybrid system.
Turn on the emergency flashers.
( P.378)
Jack handle
Wheel nut wrench
Towing eyelet
Spare tire
Jack
If you have a flat tire
Your vehicle is equipped with a
spare tire. The flat tire can be
replaced with the spare tire.
For details about tires: P.355
WARNING
■If you have a flat tire
Do not continue driving with a flat tire.
Driving even a short distance with a flat
tire can damage the tire and the wheel
beyond repair, which could result in an
accident.
Before jacking up the vehicle
Location of the spare tire, jack and tools
A
B
C
D
E
4067-2. Steps to take in an emergency
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manual_USA_M78530_enwarning system. Also, if you replace the
compact spare tire after the tire pressure
warning light comes on, the light remains
on.
■When the compact spare tire is
equipped
The vehicle becomes lower when driving
with the compact spar e tire compared to
when driving with standard tires.
■If you have a flat fron t tire on a road cov-
ered with snow or ice
Install the compact spare tire on one of the
rear wheels of the vehicle. Perform the fol-
lowing steps and fit tire chains to the front
tires:
1 Replace a rear tire with the compact
spare tire.
2 Replace the flat front tire with the tire
removed from the rear of the vehicle.
3 Fit tire chains to the front tires.
WARNING
■When using the compact spare tire
●Remember that the spare tire provided
is specifically desi gned for use with
your vehicle. Do not use your spare
tire on another vehicle.
●Do not use more than one spare tire
simultaneously.
●Replace the spare tire with a standard
tire as soon as possible.
●Avoid sudden acceleration, abrupt
steering, sudden braking and shifting
operations that cause sudden engine
braking.
■When the compact spare tire is
attached
The vehicle speed may not be correctly
detected, and the following systems may
not operate correctly:
• ABS & Brake assist
•VSC
•TRAC
• Dynamic radar cruise control with full- speed range
• PCS (Pre-Collision System)
•EPS
• LTA (Lane Tracing Assist) (if equipped)
• LDA (Lane Departure Alert with steering control) (if equipped)
• Panoramic view monitor (if equipped)
• Lexus parking assist monitor (if equipped)
• Intuitive parking assist (if equipped)
• Navigation system (if equipped)
• BSM (Blind spot monitor) (if equipped)
• Automatic high Beam (if equipped)
Also, not only can the following system
not be utilized fully, bu t it may even nega-
tively affect the drive-train components:
•E-Four
■Speed limit when using the compact
spare tire
Do not drive at speeds in excess of 50
mph (80 km/h) when a compact spare
tire is installed on the vehicle.
The compact spare tire is not designed
for driving at high speeds. Failure to
observe this precaution may lead to an
accident causing death or serious injury.
■After using the tools and jack
Before driving, make sure all the tools
and jack are securely in place in their
storage location to reduce the possibility
of personal injury during a collision or
sudden braking.