2021 LEXUS RX350 transmission

1814-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
■Shift ranges and their functions
A lower shift range will provide greater
engine braking forces than a higher shift
range.
■Automatic deactivation of shift range
selection in the D position
Shift range selection in the D position will
be deactivated in the following situations:
●When the vehicle comes to a stop
●If the accelerator pedal is depressed for
more than a certain period of time
●When the shift lever is shifted to a posi-
tion other than D
●The “+” paddle shift switch is held down
for a period of time
■Downshifting restriction warning
buzzer
To help ensure safety and driving perfor-
mance, downshifting operation may some-
times be restricted. In some circumstances,
downshifting may not be possible even
when the shift lever or paddle shift switch is
operated. (A buzzer will sound twice.)
To enter M mode, shift the shift lever to
M. Gears can then be selected by
operating the shift lever or paddle shift
switches, allowing you to drive in the
gear of your choosing. 1
Upshifting
2 Downshifting
The gear changes once every time the shift
lever or paddle shift switch is operated.
The selected gear, from M1 to M8, will be
fixed and displayed on the meters.
When in the M position, the gear will
not change unless the shift lever or
paddle shift switches are operated.
However, even when in the M position,
the gears will be automatically
changed in the following situation:
 When vehicle speed drops (down-
shift only).
 When the automatic transmission
fluid or engine coolant temperature
is low.
 When automatic transmission fluid
temperature is high (upshift only).
 When the needle of the tachometer
is in the red zone (the range which
exceeds the allowable revs of the
Meter dis-
playFunction
D2 - D8
A gear in the range between
1 and the selected gear is
automatically chosen
depending on vehicle speed
and driving conditions
D1Setting the gear at 1
Selecting gears in the M position

2704-5. Using the driving support systems
Except F SPORT models
1 Normal mode
Provides an optimal ba lance of fuel econ-
omy, quietness, and dynamic performance.
Suitable for city driving.
Press the switch to change the driving
mode to normal mode when Eco drive
mode or sport mode is selected.
2 Eco drive mode
Helps the driver accelerate in an
eco-friendly manner and improve fuel
economy through moderate throttle char-
acteristics and by controlling the operation
of the air conditioning system (heat-
ing/cooling).
When not in Eco drive mode, if the driving mode select switch is
turned to the left, the
Eco drive mode indicator will come on.
3 Sport mode
Controls the transmission and engine to
provide quick, powerful acceleration. This
mode also changes the steering feel, mak-
ing it suitable for when agile driving
response is desired, such as when driving
on roads with many curves.
When not in sport mode, if the driving
mode select switch is turned to the right,
the “Sport” indicator will comes on.
F SPORT models (vehicles with
Adaptive Variable Suspension Sys-
tem)
1 Normal mode/Custom mode
Normal mode and custom mode are
selected by pressing the driving mode
select switch. Each time the switch is
pressed, the driving mode changes
between normal mode and custom mode.
When custom mode is selected, the “Cus-
tom” indicator will be illuminated.
When Eco drive mode or sport mode is
Driving mode select switch
The driving modes can be selected
to suit driving conditions.
Selecting a drive mode

2714-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
selected, pressing the switch changes the
driving mode to normal mode.
•Normal mode
Provides an optimal ba lance of fuel econ-
omy, quietness, and dynamic performance.
Suitable for city driving.
•Custom mode
Allows you to drive with the following func-
tions set to your preferred settings. Cus-
tom mode settings can only be changed on
the drive mode customization display of
the Center Display. ( P.288)
2 Eco drive mode
Helps the driver accelerate in an
eco-friendly manner and improve fuel
economy through moderate throttle char-
acteristics and by controlling the operation
of the air conditioning system (heat-
ing/cooling).
When not in Eco drive mode, if the driving
mode select switch is turned to the left, the
Eco drive mode indicator will come on.
3Sport mode
•Sport S mode
Controls the transmission and engine to
provide quick, powerful acceleration. This
mode is suitable for when agile driving
response is desired, such as when driving
on roads with many curves.
When not in Sport S mode, if the driving mode select switch is turned to the right,
the “Sport S” indicator will come on.
•Sport S+ mode
Helps to ensure stee
ring performance and
driving stability by simultaneously con-
trolling the steering and suspension in
addition to the transmission and engine.
Suitable for sportier driving.
When in Sport S mode, if the driving mode
select switch is turned to the right, the
“Sport S+” indicator will come on.
F SPORT models (vehicles without
Adaptive Variable Suspension Sys-
tem)
1 Normal mode
Provides an optimal ba lance of fuel econ-
omy, quietness, and dynamic performance.
Suitable for city driving.
Press the switch to change the driving
mode to normal mode when Eco drive
mode or sport mode is selected.
2 Eco drive mode
Helps the driver ac celerate in an
eco-friendly manner and improve fuel
FunctionSetting
Powertrain
Normal
Power
Eco
ChassisNormal
Sport
Air conditioning sys-
temNormal
Eco

2724-5. Using the driving support systems
economy through moderate throttle char-
acteristics and by controlling the operation
of the air conditioning system (heat-
ing/cooling).
When not in Eco drive mode, if the driving
mode select switch is turned to the left, the
Eco drive mode indicator will come on.
3Sport mode
Controls the transmission and engine to
provide quick, powerful acceleration. This
mode also changes the steering feel, mak-
ing it suitable for when agile driving
response is desired, such as when driving
on roads with many curves.
When not in sport mode, if the driving
mode select switch is turned to the right,
the “Sport” indicator will comes on.
■Operation of the air conditioning sys-
tem in Eco drive mode
Eco drive mode controls the heating/cool-
ing operations and fan speed of the air con-
ditioning system to enhance fuel efficiency.
To improve air condit ioning performance,
adjust the fan speed or turn off Eco drive
mode.
■Automatic deactivation of sport mode
and custom mode
If the engine switch is turned off after driv-
ing in sport mode or custom mode, the
drive mode will be changed to normal
mode.
■Driving mode pop-up display (12.3-inch
display only)
When the driving mode is changed, the
selected driving mode will be temporarily
displayed on the side display. ( P.288)
Press the switch.
The torque of the engine is distributed
to the rear wheels to the maximum
extent possible in accordance with
driving conditions.
Pressing the switch again cancels
all-wheel drive lock mode and returns
the Dynamic Torque Control AWD
system to normal mode. ( P.275)
■All-wheel drive lock mode can be oper-
ated when
The engine switch is in IGNITION ON
mode.
■Automatic release for the all-wheel
drive lock mode
●All-wheel drive lock mode is canceled
when the brakes are applied to ensure
the ABS and VSC systems operate effec-
tively.
All-wheel drive lock switch
(AWD models)
All-wheel drive lock mode can be
used when a large amount of drive
power needs to be applied to all the
wheels, such as when the vehicle
gets stuck in mud and you need to
free it.
Using All-wheel drive lock mode

2834-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
WARNING
●After driving through tall grass, mud,
rock, sand, rivers, etc., check that there
is no grass, bush, paper, rags, stone,
sand, etc. adhering or trapped on the
underbody. Clear off any such matter
from the underbody. If the vehicle is
used with these materials trapped or
adhering to the underbody, a break-
down or fire could occur.
●When driving off-road or in rugged
terrain, do not drive at excessive
speeds, jump, make sharp turns, strike
objects, etc. This may cause loss of
control or vehicle rollover causing
death or serious injury. You are also
risking expensive damage to your
vehicle’s suspension and chassis.
NOTICE
■To prevent water damage
Take all necessary sa fety measures to
ensure that water da mage to the engine
or other components does not occur.
●Water entering the engine air intake
will cause severe engine damage.
●Water entering the automatic trans-
mission will cause deterioration in shift
quality, locking up of your transmission
accompanied by vibration, and ulti-
mately damage.
●Water can wash the grease from wheel
bearings, causing rusting and prema-
ture failure, and may also enter the dif-
ferential, transmission and transfer
(AWD models only) case, reducing
the gear oil’s lubricating qualities.
■When you drive through water
If driving through water, such as when
crossing shallow stre ams, first check the
depth of the water and the bottom of the
riverbed for firmness. Drive slowly and
avoid deep water.
■Inspection after off-road driving
●Sand and mud that has accumulated
around brake discs may affect braking
efficiency and may damage brake sys-
tem components.
●Always perform a maintenance
inspection after each day of off-road
driving that has taken you through
rough terrain, sand, mud, or water. For
scheduled maintena nce information,
refer to the “Warranty and Services
Guide/Owner’s Manual Supple-
ment/Scheduled Maintenance”.

3987-2. Steps to take in an emergency
The following may indicate a problem
with your transmission. Contact your
Lexus dealer or commercial towing
service before towing.
The engine is running but the vehi-
cle does not move.
 The vehicle makes an abnormal
sound.
From the front (2WD models)
Release the parking brake.
WARNING
●Do not turn the engine 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 no t 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 engine 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.
■Recreational towing (behind motor
home, etc.)
Never dinghy tow your vehicle to pre-
vent causing serious damage to the
Dynamic Torque Control AWD system
(AWD models) and transmission.
(  P.173)
Situations when it is necessary to
contact dealers before towing
Towing with a wheel-lift type
truck

4047-2. Steps to take in an emergency
■Charging system warning light*
*: Except F SPORT models: This light illuminates on the multi-information display.
F SPORT models: This light illuminates on the meter.
■Low engine oil pressure warning light* (warning buzzer)
*: This light illuminates on the multi-information display.
■Malfunction indicator lamp
■SRS warning light
Warning lightDetails/Actions
Indicates a malfunction in the vehicle’s charging system
Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact your Lexus
dealer. Continuing to drive the vehicle may be dangerous.
Warning lightDetails/Actions
Indicates that the engine oil pressure is too low
 Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact your Lexus
dealer.
Warning lightDetails/Actions
(U.S.A.)
or
(Canada)
Indicates a malfunction in:
 The electronic engine control system;
 The electronic throttle control system; or
 The electronic automatic transmission control system
 Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
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.

4157-2. Steps to take in an emergency
7
When trouble arises
■If “Radar Cruise Control Unavailable” is
displayed
The dynamic radar cruise control with
full-speed range system cannot be used
temporarily. Use the system when it
becomes available again.
■If a message that indicates the malfunc-
tion of front camera is displayed
The following systems may be suspended
until the problem shown in the message is
resolved. ( P.207, 408)
●PCS (Pre-Collision system)
●LTA (Lane Tracing Assist)
●Automatic High Beam
●RSA (Road Sign Assist) (if equipped)
●Dynamic radar cruise control with
full-speed range
■If “Check Fuel Cap” is displayed (if
equipped)
The fuel tank cap is no t properly installed.
Correctly install the fuel tank cap.
■If “Maintenance Required Soon” is dis-
played (U.S.A. only)
Indicates that all maintenance according to
the driven distance on the maintenance
schedule
* should be performed soon.
Comes on approximately 4500 miles
(7200 km) after the message has been
reset. If necessary, perform maintenance.
Please reset the message after the mainte-
nance is performed. ( P.350)
*: Refer to the separa te “Scheduled Main-
tenance” or “Owner’s Manual Supple-
ment” for the maintenance interval
applicable to your vehicle.
■If “Maintenance Required Visit Your
Dealer” is displayed (U.S.A. only)
Indicates that all maintenance is required to
correspond to the driven distance on the
maintenance schedule
*.
Comes on approximately 5000 miles
(8000 km) after the message has been
reset. (The indicator will not work properly
unless the message ha s been reset.) Per-
form the necessary maintenance. Please reset the message after the maintenance is
performed. (
P.350)
*: Refer to the separate “Scheduled Main-
tenance” or “Owner’s Manual Supple-
ment” for the main tenance interval
applicable to your vehicle.
■If “Oil Maintenance Required Soon” is
displayed
Indicates that the engine oil should be
scheduled to be changed.
Check the engine oil an d change it if neces-
sary. After changing th e engine oil, make
sure to reset the message. ( P.361)
■If “Oil Maintenance Required” is dis-
played
Indicates that the engine oil should be
changed.
Check and change the en gine oil, and oil fil-
ter by your Lexus dealer. After changing the
engine oil, make sure to reset the message.
(  P.361)
■If a message that indicates the need for
visiting your Lexus dealer is displayed
The system or part shown on the
multi-information display is malfunctioning.
Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus
dealer immediately.
■If a message that indicates the need for
referring to Owner’ s Manual is dis-
played
●“Engine Coolant Temp High” is shown on
the multi-information display, follow the
instructions. ( P.437)
●“Transmission Fluid Temp High” is shown
on the multi-informatio n display, the auto-
matic transmission fluid temperature may
be too high. Immediately stop the vehicle
in a safe place, shif t the shift lever to P
with the engine running and wait until the
message is cleared. If the message is not
cleared, contact your Lexus dealer.
●If the following mess age is shown on the
multi-information display, it may indicate
a malfunction. Have the vehicle inspected
by your Lexus dealer immediately.
• “Access System with Elec. Key Malfunc- tion”