1854-2. Driving procedures
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manual_USA_M78578_en
4
Driving
Automatic mode lamp
■Using the manual mode
The parking brake can be set and
released manually.
Parking brake indicator (U.S.A.)
Parking brake indicator (Canada)
Parking brake lamp
Automatic mode lamp
1 Sets the parking brake
The parking brake indicator light and park-
ing brake lamp will turn on.
Pull and hold the parking brake switch if an
emergency occurs and it is necessary to
operate the parking brake while driving.
2Releases the parking brake
Operate the parking brake switch while
depressing the brake pedal. Make sure
that the parking brake indicator light and
parking brake lamp turn off.
If the parking brake indicator light and
parking brake lamp flashes, operate the switch again. (
P.392)
■Parking brake operation
●When the power swit ch is not in ON
mode, the parking brake cannot be
released using the parking brake switch.
●When the power swit ch is not in ON
mode, automatic mode (automatic 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 power switch mode,
the parking brake indicator light and
parking brake lamp will turn on and stay
on as described below:
ON mode: Comes on until the parking
brake is released.
Not in ON mode: Stays on for approxi-
mately 15 seconds.
●When the power 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.156
■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-
D
A
B
C
D
1864-2. Driving procedures
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manual_USA_M78578_en
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.389
■Usage in winter time
P.280
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.
■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.
1874-2. Driving procedures
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manual_USA_M78578_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 conditions are detected
while the system is holding the brake, a
warning buzzer will sound and a message 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 mi
nutes 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 su re that the parking
brake indicator light goes off. ( P.184)
■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 ma lfunctioning. 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-
Brake Hold
The brake hold system keeps the
brake applied when the shift lever is
in D, S 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 S to allow
smooth start off.
Enabling the system
A
B
1884-2. Driving procedures
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manual_USA_M78578_en
tion display, read the message and follow
the instructions.
■If the brake hold operated indicator
flashes
P.392
*: If equipped
1 Louder
2 Lower
The indicator comes on when the ASC
system is on.
When the dial is turned to the lowest
volume, the ASC system will be turned
off and the indicator will go off.
■Operating conditions
When the driving mode select switch is not
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 power
switch off while the system is holding the
brake may release the brake, which
would cause the vehicle to move. When
operating the power switch, depress the
brake pedal, shift the shift lever to P and
set the parking brake.
ASC (Active Sound Con-
trol)*
The ASC system is an electronic
sound system that generates
engine sound, conveying the
kinetic situations of the vehicle’s
acceleration and deceleration to
the driver through the speakers
inside the instrument panel.
The vehicle’s response to the
driver’s acceleration behavior and
shift operations are also conveyed
in sound.
When Sport mode is selected, the
sound conveyed to the driver will be
louder.
Controlling volume
1914-3. Operating the lights and wipers
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manual_USA_M78578_en
4
Driving
■AUTO mode can be used when
The power switch is in 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 hybrid system is started
• The parking brake is released
• The headlight switch is in the 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
power 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 power
switch is turned to ACCESSORY mode
or turned off and the driver’s door is
opened.
To turn the lights on again, turn the power
switch to ON mode, or turn the light switch
off once and then back to or
.
■Light reminder buzzer
A buzzer sounds when the power 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.
■12-volt battery-saving function
In order to prevent the 12-volt battery of the
vehicle from discharging, if the headlights
and/or tail lights are on when the power
switch is turned off the 12-volt battery sav-
ing function will operate and automatically
turn off all the lights after approximately 20
minutes. When the power switch is turned
to ON mode, the 12-volt battery-saving
2114-5. Using the driving support systems
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manual_USA_M78578_en
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Driving
The system can detect the following:
Vehicles
Bicyclists
Pedestrians
■Pre-collision warning
When the system determines that the
possibility of a frontal collision is high, a
buzzer will sound and a warning mes-
sage will be displayed on the multi-
information display to urge the driver to take evasive action.
■Pre-collision brake assist
When the system determines that the
possibility of a frontal collision is high,
the system applies greater braking
force in relation to how strongly the
brake pedal is depressed.
■Pre-collision braking
If the system determines that the possi-
bility of a frontal collision is extremely
high, the brakes are automatically
applied to help avoid the collision or
reduce the impact of the collision.
■Suspension control (if equipped)
When the system determines that the
possibility of a frontal collision is high,
the Adaptive Variable Suspension Sys-
tem ( P.273) will control the damping
force of the shock absorbers to help
maintain an appropriate vehicle pos-
ture.
PCS (Pre-Collision System)
The pre-collision system uses a
radar sensor and front camera to
detect objects ( P.211) in front of
the vehicle. When the system
determines that the possibility of a
frontal collision with an object is
high, a warning operates to urge
the driver to take evasive action
and the potential brake pressure is
increased to help the driver avoid
the collision. If the system deter-
mines that the possibility of a frontal
collision with an object is extremely
high, the brakes are automatically
applied to help avoid the collision
or help reduce the impact of the
collision.
The pre-collision system can be dis-
abled/enabled and the warning tim-
ing can be changed. ( P.213)
Detectable objects
System functions
2124-5. Using the driving support systems
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manual_USA_M78578_en
WARNING
■Limitations of the pre-collision system
●The driver is solely responsible for safe
driving. Always drive safely, taking
care to observe your surroundings.
Do not use the pre-collision system
instead of normal braking operations
under any circumstances. This system
will not prevent collisions or lessen col-
lision damage or injury in every situa-
tion. Do not overly rely on this system.
Failure to do so may lead to an acci-
dent, resulting in death or serious
injury.
●Although this system is designed to
help avoid a collision or help reduce
the impact of the collision, its effective-
ness may change according to various
conditions, therefore the system may
not always be able to achieve the same
level of performance.
Read the following conditions care-
fully. Do not overly rely on this system
and always drive carefully.
• Conditions under which the system may operate even if there is no possi-
bility of a collision: P.215
• Conditions under which the system may not operate properly: P.216
●Do not attempt to test the operation of
the pre-collision system yourself.
Depending on the objects used for
testing (dummies, cardboard objects
imitating detectable objects, etc.), the
system may not operate properly, pos-
sibly leading to an accident.
■Pre-collision braking
●When the pre-collision braking func-
tion is operating, a large amount of
braking force will be applied.
●If the vehicle is stopped by the opera-
tion of the pre-collision braking func-
tion, the pre-collision braking function
operation will be canceled after
approximately 2 seco nds. Depress the
brake pedal as necessary.
●The pre-collision braking function may
not operate if certain operations are
performed by the driver. If the acceler-
ator pedal is being depressed strongly
or the steering wheel is being turned,
the system may determine that the
driver is taking evasive action and pos-
sibly prevent the pre-collision braking
function from operating.
●In some situations, while the pre-colli-
sion braking function is operating,
operation of the function may be can-
celed if the accelerator pedal is
depressed strongly or the steering
wheel is turned and the system deter-
mines that the driver is taking evasive
action.
●If the brake pedal is being depressed,
the system may determine that the
driver is taking evasive action and pos-
sibly delay the operat ion timing of the
pre-collision braking function.
■When to disable the pre-collision sys-
tem
In the following situations, disable the
system, as it may not operate properly,
possibly leading to an accident resulting
in death or serious injury:
●When the vehicle is being towed
●When your vehicle is towing another
vehicle
●When transporting the vehicle via
truck, boat, train or similar means of
transportation
●When the vehicle is raised on a lift with
the hybrid system on and the tires are
allowed to rotate freely
●When inspecting the vehicle using a
drum tester such as a chassis dyna-
mometer or speedometer tester, or
when using an on vehicle wheel bal-
ancer
●When a strong impact is applied to the
front bumper or front grille, due to an
accident or other reasons
2144-5. Using the driving support systems
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manual_USA_M78578_en
■Operational conditions
The pre-collision system is enabled and the system determines that the possibility of a frontal
collision with a detect ed object is high.
Each function is operational at the following speed
●Pre-collision warning
●Pre-collision brake assist
●Pre-collision braking
The system may not operate in the following situations:
●If a 12-volt battery terminal has been disco nnected and reconnected and then the vehicle
has not been driven for a certain amount of time
●If the shift lever is in R
●When the VSC OFF indicator is illuminated (only the pre-collision warning function will
be operational)
■Object detection function
The system detects ob jects based on their
size, profile, motion, etc. However, an object
may not be detected depending on the sur-
rounding brightness and the motion, pos-
ture, and angle of the detected object,
preventing the system from operating prop- erly. (
P.216) The illustration shows an
image of detectable objects.
Detectable objectsVehicle speedRelative speed between your
vehicle and object
VehiclesApprox. 7 to 110 mph (10 to 180 km/h)Approx. 7 to 110 mph (10 to 180 km/h)
Bicyclists and pedestriansApprox. 7 to 50 mph (10 to 80 km/h)Approx. 7 to 50 mph (10 to 80 km/h)
Detectable objectsVehicle speedRelative speed between your vehicle and object
VehiclesApprox. 20 to 110 mph (30 to 180 km/h)Approx. 20 to 110 mph (30 to 180 km/h)
Bicyclists and pedestriansApprox. 20 to 50 mph (30 to 80 km/h)Approx. 20 to 50 mph (30 to 80 km/h)
Detectable objectsVehicle speedRelative speed between your vehicle and object
VehiclesApprox. 7 to 110 mph (10 to 180 km/h)Approx. 7 to 110 mph (10 to 180 km/h)
Bicyclists and pedestriansApprox. 7 to 50 mph (10 to 80 km/h)Approx. 7 to 50 mph (10 to 80 km/h)