4TABLE OF CONTENTS
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manual_USA_M78578_en
Luggage compartment features
........................................................... 308
5-5. Using the other interior features Other interior features ............... 312
Garage door opener.................. 322
Compass.......................................... 328
6-1. Maintenance and care Cleaning and protecting the vehi-cle exterior ................................... 332
Cleaning and protecting the vehi- cle interior .................................... 335
6-2. Maintenance Maintenance requirements ..... 339
General maintenance ................ 340
Emission inspection and mainte- nance (I/M) programs ............ 342
6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance Do-it-yourself service precautions........................................................... 344
Hood.................................................. 346
Positioning a floor jack............... 346
Engine compartment.................. 348
12-volt battery................................ 354
Tires ................................................... 357
Tire inflation pressure ................. 365
Wheels.............................................. 367
Air conditioning filter..................368
Electronic key battery ................ 369
Checking and replacing fuses . 371
Headlight aim................................. 373
Light bulbs ....................................... 3757-1. Essential information
Emergency flashers .................... 380
If your vehicle has to be stopped in an emergency ............................ 380
If the vehicle is trapped in rising water ............................................... 381
7-2. Steps to take in an emergency If your vehicle needs to be towed.......................................................... 383
If you think something is wrong .......................................................... 386
If a warning light turns on or a warn- ing buzzer sounds..................... 388
If a warning messa ge is displayed
.......................................................... 398
If you have a flat tire .................... 402
If the hybrid syst em will not start
.......................................................... 409
If you lose your keys....................... 411
If the fuel filler door cannot be opened ............................................. 411
If the electronic key does not oper- ate properly ................................... 412
If the 12-volt battery is discharged ............................................................ 414
If your vehicle overheats ............ 418
If the vehicle becomes stuck ..... 421
8-1. Specifications Maintenance data (fuel, oil level, etc.) .................................................. 424
Fuel information .
........................... 432
Tire information ............................ 434
6Maintenance and care
7When trouble arises
8Vehicle specifications
13Pictorial index
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manual_USA_M78578_en
Windshield wipers ........................................................................................ P.196, 201
Precautions against winter season ................... ......................................................... P.279
To prevent freezing (windshield wiper de-icer) .................................................. P.296
Precautions against car wash ...................................................................................... P.333
Fuel filler door ........................................................................................................ P.203
Refueling method .............................................................................................................P. 203
Fuel type/fuel tank capacity ...... ................................................................................... P.425
Tires.......................................................................................................................... ..P.357
Tire size/inflation pressure ...........................................................................................P.430
Winter tires/tire chain .................................................................................................... P.27 9
Checking/rotation/tire pressure warning system.............................................. P.357
Coping with flat tires........................................................................................................ P .402
Hood ..........................................................................................................................P.346
Opening ........................................................................................................................ ....... P.346
Engine compartment cover ......................................................................................... P.349
Engine oil ..................................................................................................................... ......... P.426
Coping with overheat ...................................................................................................... P.418
Warning messages ..........................................................................................................P.398
Headlights .................................................................................................................P.19 0
Parking lights/daytime running lights...............................................................P.190
Fog lights.................................................................................................................... P .196
Cornering lights
*.................................................................................................................P.192
Turn signal lights ......................................................................................................P.183
Tail lights .................................................................................................................... P.190
License plate lights .................................................................................................P.190
Back-up light
Shifting the shift lever to R .............................................................................................. P.18 0
Light bulbs of the exterior lights for driving
(Replacing method: P.375, Watts: P.431)
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
1564-1. Before driving
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manual_USA_M78578_en
4-1.Before driving
■Starting the hybrid system
P.174
■Driving
1 With the brake pedal depressed,
shift the shift lever to D. ( P.180)
2 Release the parking brake.
(P.185)
If the parking brake is in automatic mode,
the parking brake is released automatically
when shifting the shift lever to any position
other than P. ( P.184)
3 Gradually release the brake pedal
and gently depress the accelerator
pedal to accelerate the vehicle.
■Stopping
1 With the shift lever in D, depress the
brake pedal.
2 If necessary, set the parking brake.
(P.185)
If the vehicle is to be stopped for an
extended period of time, shift the shift lever
to P. ( P.180)
■Parking the vehicle
1 With the shift lever in D, depress the
brake pedal.
2 Set the parking brake ( P.185),
and shift the shift lever to P
( P.180).
3 Press the power switch to stop the
hybrid system. 4
Lock the door, making sure that you
have the electronic key on your
person.
If parking on a hill, block the wheels as
needed.
■Starting off on an uphill
1 With the brake pedal depressed,
shift the shift lever to D. ( P.180)
2 Pull the parking brake switch and
parking brake is set manually.
(P.185)
3 Release the brake pedal and gently
depress the accelerator pedal to
accelerate the vehicle.
4 Press the parking brake switch and
parking brake is released manually.
(P.185)
■When starting off on an uphill
The hill-start assist control will activate.
( P.273)
■For fuel-efficient driving
Keep in mind that hybr id vehicles are similar
to conventional vehicles, and it is necessary
to refrain from activi ties such as sudden
acceleration. ( P.277)
■Driving in the rain
●Drive carefully when it is raining, because
visibility will be reduced, the windows
may become fogged-up, and the road
will be slippery.
●Drive carefully when it starts to rain,
because the road surface will be espe-
cially slippery.
●Refrain from high speeds when driving on
an expressway in the rain, because there
may be a layer of wa ter between the tires
and the road surface, preventing the
steering and brakes from operating prop-
erly.
Driving the vehicle
The specified procedures should be
observed to ensure safe driving:
Driving procedure
1584-1. Before driving
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manual_USA_M78578_en
WARNING
●The driver should pay extra attention
to pedestrians when the vehicle is
powered only by the electric motor
(traction motor). As there is no engine
noise, the pedestrians may misjudge
the vehicle’s movement. Even though
the vehicle is equipped with the acous-
tic vehicle alerting system, drive with
care as pedestrians in the vicinity may
still not notice the vehicle if the sur-
rounding area is noisy.
●Do not drive the vehicle over or stop
the vehicle near flammable materials.
The exhaust system and exhaust gases
can be extremely hot. These hot parts
may cause a fire if there is any flamma-
ble material nearby.
●During normal driving, do not turn off
the hybrid system. Turning the hybrid
system off while driving will not cause
loss of steering or braking control,
however, power assist to the steering
will be lost. This will make it more diffi-
cult to steer smoothly, so you should
pull over and stop the vehicle as soon
as it is safe to do so.
In the event of an emergency, such as if
it becomes impossible to stop the vehi-
cle in the normal way: P.380
●Use engine braking (downshift) to
maintain a safe speed when driving
down a steep hill.
Using the brakes continuously may
cause the brakes to overheat and lose
effectiveness. ( P.180)
●Do not adjust the positions of the
steering wheel, the seat, or the inside
or outside rear view mirrors while driv-
ing.
Doing so may result in a loss of vehicle
control.
●Always check that all passengers’
arms, heads or other parts of their
body are not outside the vehicle.
●Do not drive across a river or through
other bodies of water.
This may cause electric/electronic
components to short circuit, damage
the hybrid system or cause other seri-
ous damage to the vehicle.
●Do not drive in excess of the speed
limit. Even if the legal speed limit per-
mits it, do not drive over 85 mph (140
km/h) unless your vehicle has high-
speed capability tires.
Driving over 85 mph (140 km/h) may
result in tire failure, loss of control and
possible injury. Be sure to consult a tire
dealer to determine whether the tires
on your vehicle are high-speed capa-
bility tires or not befo re driving at such
speeds.
■When driving on slippery road sur-
faces
●Sudden braking, acceleration and
steering may cause tire slippage and
reduce your ability to control the vehi-
cle.
●Sudden acceleration, engine braking
due to shifting, or changes in engine
speed could cause the vehicle to skid.
●After driving through a puddle, lightly
depress the brake pedal to make sure
that the brakes are functioning prop-
erly. Wet brake pads may prevent the
brakes from functioning properly. If the
brakes on only one side are wet and
not functioning properly, steering con-
trol may be affected.
■When shifting the shift lever
●Do not let the vehicle roll backward
while the shift lever is in a driving posi-
tion, or roll forward while the shift lever
is in R.
Doing so may result in an accident or
damage to the vehicle.
●Do not shift the shif t lever to P while
the vehicle is moving.
Doing so can damage the transmission
and may result in a loss of vehicle con-
trol.
1604-1. Before driving
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manual_USA_M78578_en
WARNING
●Always apply the parking brake, shift
the shift lever to P, stop the hybrid sys-
tem and lock the vehicle.
Do not leave the vehicle unattended
while the “READY” indicator is illumi-
nated.
If the vehicle is parked with the shift
lever in P but the parking brake is not
set, the vehicle may start to move, pos-
sibly leading to an accident.
●Do not touch the exhaust pipes while
the “READY” indicator is illuminated
or immediately after turning the hybrid
system off.
Doing so may cause burns.
■When taking a nap in the vehicle
Always turn the hybrid system off. Other-
wise, if you accidentally move the shift
lever or depress the accelerator pedal,
this could cause an accident or fire due
to hybrid system overheating. Addition-
ally, if the vehicle is parked in a poorly
ventilated area, exhaust gases may col-
lect and enter the ve hicle, leading to
death or a serious health hazard.
■When braking
●When the brakes are wet, drive more
cautiously.
Braking distance increases when the
brakes are wet, and this may cause one
side of the vehicle to brake differently
than the other side. Also, the parking
brake may not securely hold the vehi-
cle.
●If the electronically controlled brake
system does not operate, do not follow
other vehicles closely and avoid hills or
sharp turns that require braking.
In this case, braking is still possible, but
the brake pedal should be depressed
more firmly than usual. Also, the brak-
ing distance will increase. Have your
brakes fixed immediately.
●The brake system consists of 2 or more
individual hydraulic systems; if one of
the systems fails, the other(s) will still
operate. In this case, the brake pedal
should be depressed more firmly than
usual and the braking distance will
increase. Have your brakes fixed
immediately.
■If the vehicle becomes stuck
Do not spin the wheels excessively when
any of the tires is up in the air, or the vehi-
cle is stuck in sand, mud, etc. This may
damage the driveline components or
propel the vehicle forward or backward,
causing an accident.
NOTICE
■When driving the vehicle
●Do not depress the accelerator and
brake pedals at the same time during
driving, as this may restrain the hybrid
system output.
●Do not use the accelerator pedal or
depress the accelerator and brake
pedals at the same time to hold the
vehicle on a hill.
■Avoiding damage to vehicle parts
●Do not turn the steering wheel fully in
either direction and hold it there for an
extended period of time.
Doing so may damage the power
steering motor.
●When driving over bumps in the road,
drive as slowly as possible to avoid
damaging the wheels, underside of the
vehicle, etc.
■If you get a flat tire while driving
A flat or damaged tire may cause the fol-
lowing situations. Hold the steering
wheel firmly and gradually depress the
brake pedal to slow down the vehicle.
●It may be difficult to control your vehi-
cle.
1644-1. Before driving
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manual_USA_M78578_en
■Total load capacity (vehicle capac-
ity weight):
P.424
Total load capacity means the com-
bined weight of occupants, cargo and
luggage.
■Seating capacity:
P.424
Seating capacity means the maximum
number of occupants whose esti-
mated average weight is 150 lb. (68
kg) per person.
■TWR (Trailer Weight Rating) (vehi-
cles with towing package):
P.169, 424
TWR means the maximum gross trailer
weight (trailer weight plus its cargo
weight) that your vehicle is able to tow.
■TWR (Trailer Weight Rating) (vehi-
cles without towing package)
Lexus does not recommend towing a
trailer with your vehicle.
■Cargo capacity
Cargo capacity may increase or
decrease depending on the weight and
the number of occupants.
■Total load capacity and seating capacity
These details are also described on the tire
and loading information label. ( P.365)Vehicle load limits
Vehicle load limits include total
load capacity, seating capacity,
towing capacity and cargo capac-
ity.
Description
WARNING
■Overloading the vehicle
Do not overload the vehicle.
It may not only cause damage to the tires,
but also degrade steering and braking
ability, resulting in an accident.
1654-1. Before driving
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manual_USA_M78578_en
4
Driving
Contact your Lexus dealer for further
information about additional require-
ments such as a towing kit, etc.
■Matching trailer ball height to trailer
coupler height
No matter which class of tow hitch applies,
for a more safe trailer hookup, the trailer
ball setup must be the proper height for the
coupler on the trailer. Coupler
Trailer ball
■Before towing
Check that the following conditions are
met:
●Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are prop-
erly inflated. ( P.430)
●Trailer tires are inflated according to the
trailer manufacturer’s recommendation.
●All trailer lights work as required by law.
●All lights work each time you connect
them.
●The trailer ball is set at the proper height
for the coupler on the trailer.
●The trailer is level when it is hitched.
Do not drive if the trailer is not level, and
check for improper tongue weight, over-
loading, worn suspension, or other possi-
ble causes.
●The trailer cargo is securely loaded.
●The rear view mirrors conform to all
applicable federal, state/provincial or
local regulations. If they do not, install
rear view mirrors appropriate for towing
purposes.
■AVS (Adaptive Variable Suspension
System) (if equipped)
The suspension can be switched for
improvement in driveability. ( P.273)
Trailer towing (vehicles with
towing package)
Your vehicle is de signed primarily
as a passenger-and-load-carrying
vehicle. Towing a trailer can have an
adverse impact on handling, per-
formance, braking, durability, and
fuel consumption. For your safety
and the safety of others, you must
not overload your vehicle or trailer.
You must also ensure that you are
using appropriate towing equip-
ment, that the towing equipment
has been installed correctly and
used properly, and that you employ
the requisite driving habits.
Vehicle-trailer stability and braking
performance are affected by trailer
stability, brake performance and
setting, trailer brakes, the hitch and
hitch systems (if equipped).
To tow a trailer safely, use extreme
care and drive the vehicle in accor-
dance with your trailer’s character-
istics and operating conditions.
Lexus warranties do not apply to
damage or malfunction caused by
towing a trailer for commercial pur-
poses.
A
B
1664-1. Before driving
LEXUS NX300h Owners Manual_USA_M78578_en
■Break-in schedule
If your vehicle is new or equipped with any
new power train components (such as an
engine, transmission, differential or wheel
bearing), Lexus recommends that you do
not tow a trailer until the vehicle has been
driven for over 500 miles (800 km).
After the vehicle has been driven for over
500 miles (800 km), you can start towing.
However, for the next 500 miles (800 km),
drive the vehicle at a speed of less than 50
mph (80 km/h) when towing a trailer, and
avoid full throttle acceleration.
■Maintenance
●If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will
require more frequent maintenance due
to the additional load. (See “Warranty
and Services Guide”, “Owner’s Manual
Supplement” or “Scheduled Mainte-
nance”.)
●Retighten the fixing bolts of the towing
ball and bracket after approximately 600
miles (1000 km) of trailer towing.
■If trailer sway occurs
One or more factors (crosswinds, passing
vehicles, rough roads, etc.) can adversely
affect handling of your vehicle and trailer,
causing instability.
●If trailer swaying occurs:
• Firmly grip the steering wheel. Steer
straight ahead.
Do not try to control trailer swaying by
turning the steering wheel.
• Begin releasing the accelerator pedal immediately but very gradually to reduce
speed.
Do not increase sp eed. Do not apply
vehicle brakes.
If you make no extreme correction with the
steering or brakes, your vehicle and trailer
should stabilize.
●After the trailer swaying has stopped:
• Stop in a safe place. Get all occupants out of the vehicle.
• Check the tires of the vehicle and the trailer.
• Check the load in the trailer.
Make sure the load has not shifted.
Make sure the tongue weight is appropri-
ate, if possible. • Check the load in the vehicle.
Make sure the vehicle is not overloaded
after occupants get in.
If you cannot find any problems, the speed
at which trailer swayin g occurred is beyond
the limit of your part icular vehicle-trailer
combination. Drive at a lower speed to pre-
vent instability. Reme mber that swaying of
the towing vehicle-trailer increases as
speed increases.
WARNING
■Trailer towing precautions
To tow a trailer safely, use extreme care
and drive the vehicle in accordance with
the trailer’s characteristics and operating
conditions. Failure to do so could cause
an accident resulting in death or serious
injury. Vehicle stability and braking per-
formance are affected by trailer stability,
brake setting and performance, and the
hitch. Your vehicle will handle differently
when towing a trailer.
■To avoid accident or injury
●Do not exceed the TWR, unbraked
TWR, GCWR, GVWR or GAWR.
●Adjust the tongue weight within the
appropriate range. Place heavier loads
as close to the trailer axle as possible.
●Do not exceed 65 mph (104 km/h),
the posted towing speed limit or the
speed limit for your trailer as set forth
in your trailer owner’s manual, which-
ever is lowest. Slow down sufficiently
before making a turn, in cross winds,
on wet or slippery surface, etc. to help
avoid an accident. If you experience a
vehicle-trailer instability from reduc-
ing a certain speed, slow down and
make sure you keep your vehicle
speed under the speed of which you
experience the instability.
●Do not make jerky, abrupt or sharp
turns.