2021 LEXUS NX300h power steering

2754-5. Using the driving support systems
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manual_USA_M78578_en
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Driving
■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 hybrid system 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 power 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 th at 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).
●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.

2794-6. Driving tips
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manual_USA_M78578_en
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Driving
Use fluids that are appropriate to
the prevailing outside temperatures.
•Engine oil
• Engine/power control unit coolant
•Washer fluid
Have a service technician inspect
the condition of the 12-volt battery.
 Have the vehicle fitted with four
snow tires or purchase a set of tire
chains for the front tires
*.
Ensure that all tires are the same size and
brand, and that chains match the size of the
tires.
*: Tire chains cannot be mounted on the
225/60R18 tires.
Perform the following according to the
driving conditions:
 Do not try to forcibly open a window
or move a wiper that is frozen. Pour
warm water over the frozen area to
Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary prepara-
tions and inspections before driving
the vehicle in winter. Always drive
the vehicle in a manner appropriate
to the prevailing weather condi-
tions.
Preparation for winter
WARNING
■Driving with snow tires
Observe the following precautions to
reduce the risk of accidents. Failure to do
so may result in a loss of vehicle control
and cause death or serious injury.
●Use tires of the specified size.
●Maintain the recommended level of air
pressure.
●Do not drive in excess of 75 mph (120
km/h), regardless of the type of snow
tires being used.
●Use snow tires on all, not just some
wheels.
■Driving with tire chains
Observe the following precautions to
reduce the risk of accidents. Failure to do
so may result in the vehicle being unable
to be driven safely, and may cause death
or serious injury.
●Do not drive in excess of the speed
limit specified for the tire chains being
used, or 30 mph (50 km/h), which-
ever is lower.
●Avoid driving on bumpy road surfaces
or over potholes.
●Avoid sudden acceleration, abrupt
steering, sudden br aking and shifting
operations that cause sudden engine
braking.
●Slow down sufficiently before entering
a curve to ensure that vehicle control is
maintained.
●Do not use LDA (Lane Departure
Alert with steering control) (if
equipped).
●Do not use LTA (Lane Tracing Assist)
(if equipped).
NOTICE
■Repairing or replacing snow tires
Request repairs or replacement of snow
tires from Lexus dealers or legitimate tire
retailers. This is be cause the removal and
attachment of snow tires affects the
operation of the tire pressure warning
valves and transmitters.
Before driving the vehicle

2985-2. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manual_USA_M78578_en
*:If equipped
Turns the heated steering wheel on/off
The indicator light comes on when the
heated steering wheel is operating.
■Operation condition
The power switch is in ON mode.
■Timer function
The heated steering wheel will automati-
cally turn off after about 30 minutes.
■Front
Vehicles without seat ventilators
Each time the switch is pressed, the
operation condition changes as fol-
lows.
Hi (3 segments lit)  Mid (2 segments
lit)  Lo (1 segment lit)  Off
The level indicator (amber) light up
during operation.
Heated steering wheel*/seat
heaters*/seat ventilators*
 Heated steering wheel
Warm up the grip of the steering wheel
Seat heaters
Warm up the seat upholstery
Seat ventilators
Maintain good airflo w on the seat uphol-
stery by blowing air from the seats
WARNING
■To prevent minor burn injuries
Care should be taken if anyone in the fol-
lowing categories comes in contact with
the steering wheel or seats when the
heater is on:
●Babies, small children, the elderly, the
sick and the phys ically challenged
●Persons with sensitive skin
●Persons who are fatigued
●Persons who have taken alcohol or
drugs that induce sleep (sleeping
drugs, cold remedies, etc.)
NOTICE
■To prevent damage to the seat heat-
ers and seat ventilators
Do not put heavy objects that have an
uneven surface on the seat and do not
stick sharp objects (needles, nails, etc.)
into the seat.
■To prevent battery discharge
Do not use the functions when the hybrid
system is off.
Heated steering wheel
Seat heaters
A

3817-1. Essential information
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manual_USA_M78578_en
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When trouble arises
press it briefly 3 times or more in
succession.
5 Stop the vehicle in a safe place by
the road. 
Remove the seat belt first.
 If the door can be opened, open the
door and exit the vehicle.
 If the door can not be opened, open
the window using the power window
switch and exit the vehicle through
the window.
 If the window can not be opened
using the power window switch,
remain calm, wait until the water
level inside the vehicle rises to the
point that the water pressure inside
of the vehicle equals the water pres-
sure outside of the vehicle, and then
open the door and exit the vehicle.
WARNING
■If the hybrid system has to be turned
off while driving
Power assist for the steering wheel will
be lost, making th e steering wheel
heavier to turn. Decelerate as much as
possible before turning off the hybrid sys-
tem.
If the vehicle is trapped in
rising water
In the event the vehicle is sub-
merged in water, remain calm and
perform the following.
WARNING
■Using an emergency hammer* for
emergency escape
The front side wind ows and rear side
windows, as well as the rear window can
be shattered with an emergency ham-
mer
* used for emergency escape. How-
ever, an emergency hammer can not
shatter the windshield as it is laminated
glass.
*: Contact your Lexus dealer or after-
market accessory manufacturer for
further information about an emer-
gency hammer.

3837-2. Steps to take in an emergency
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manual_USA_M78578_en
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When trouble arises
7-2.Steps to take in an emergency
If your vehicle needs to be
towed
If towing is necessary, we recom-
mend having your vehicle towed by
your Lexus dealer or commercial
towing service, using a wheel-lift
type truck or flatbed truck.
Use a safety chain system for all
towing, and abide by all state/pro-
vincial and local laws.
If towing your vehicle with a wheel-
lift type truck, use a towing dolly.
(  P.383, 384)
WARNING
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or
serious injury.
■When towing the vehicle
Be sure to transport the vehicle with all
four wheels raised off the ground. If the
vehicle is towed with the tires contacting
the ground, the drivetrain or related
parts may be damaged, the vehicle may
fly off the truck, or electricity generated
by the operation of the motor may cause
a fire to occur depending on the nature
of the damage or malfunction.
■While towing
●When towing using cables or chains,
avoid sudden starts, etc., which place
excessive stress on the towing eyelets,
cables or chains. The towing eyelets,
cables or chains may become dam-
aged, broken debris may hit people,
and cause serious damage.
●Do not turn the power switch off.
There is a possibility that the steering
wheel is locked and cannot be oper-
ated.
■Installing towing eyelets to the vehi-
cle
Make sure that towing eyelets are
installed securely.
If not securely installed, towing eyelets
may come loose during towing.
NOTICE
■To prevent damage to the vehicle
when towing using a wheel-lift type
truck
●Do not tow the vehicle from the rear
when the power switch is off. The
steering lock mechanism is not strong
enough to hold the front wheels
straight.
●When raising the vehicle, ensure ade-
quate ground clearance for towing at
the opposite end of the raised vehicle.
Without adequate clearance, the vehi-
cle could be damaged while being
towed.
■To prevent damage to the vehicle
when towing with a sling-type truck
Do not tow with a sling-type truck, either
from the front or rear.
■To prevent damage to the vehicle
during emergency towing
Do not secure cables or chains to the
suspension components.

3857-2. Steps to take in an emergency
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manual_USA_M78578_en
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When trouble arises
In order to suppress vehicle movement
during transportation, set the parking
brake and turn the power switch off.
If a tow truck is not available in an
emergency, your vehicle may be tem-
porarily towed using cables or chains
secured to the emergency towing eye-
lets. This should only be attempted on
hard surfaced roads for short distance
at under 18 mph (30 km/h).
A driver must be in the vehicle to steer
and operate the brakes. The vehicle’s
wheels, drivetrain, ax les, steering and
brakes must be in good condition.
To have your vehicle towed by another
vehicle, the towing eyelet must be
installed to your vehicle. Install the tow-
ing eyelet by following the specified
procedure.
1 Take out the wheel nut wrench, flat-
head screwdriver and towing eye-
let. ( P.402)
2 Remove the eyelet cover using a
flathead screwdriver.
To protect the bodywork, place a rag
between the screwdriver and the vehicle
body as shown in the illustration.
Type A
Type B
3 Insert the towing eyelet into the
hole and tighten partially by hand.
Emergency towing
To have your vehicle towed

3867-2. Steps to take in an emergency
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manual_USA_M78578_en
4Tighten down the towing eyelet
securely using a wheel nut wrench
or hard metal bar.
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.
Turn automatic mode off. ( P.184)
When the shift lever cannot be shifted:
 P.181
■While towing
If the hybrid system is off, the power assist
for the brakes and steering will not function,
making steering and braking more difficult.
■Wheel nut wrench
Wheel nut wrench is installed in luggage
compartment. ( P.402)
 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

3907-2. Steps to take in an emergency
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manual_USA_M78578_en
■SRS warning light
■ABS warning light
■Electric power steering system warning light (warning buzzer)
Warning lightDetails/Actions
Indicates a malfunction in:
The SRS airbag system;
 The front passenger occupant classification system; or
 The seat belt pretensioner system
 Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer
immediately.
Warning lightDetails/Actions
(U.S.A.)
(Canada)
Indicates a malfunction in:
 The ABS; or
 The brake assist system
 Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer
immediately.
Warning lightDetails/Actions
(Yellow)
(Red)
Indicates a malfunction in the EPS (Electric Power Steer-
ing) system
 Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer
immediately.