661-4. Hybrid system
1-4.Hybrid system
■System components
The illustration is an example for explanation and may differ from the actual item.
Gasoline engine
Front electric motor (traction motor)
Rear electric motor (traction motor)
■When stopped/during start off
The gasoline engine stops
* when the
vehicle is stopped. During start off, the
electric motor (traction motor) drives
the vehicle. At slow speeds or when
traveling down a gentle slope, the
engine is stopped
* and the electric
motor (traction motor) is used. When the shift lever is in N, the hybrid
battery (traction battery) is not being
charged.
*: When the hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery) requires charging or the engine is
warming up, etc., the gasoline engine will
not automatically stop. ( P.67)
■During normal driving
The gasoline engine is predominantly
Hybrid system features
Your vehicle is a hybrid vehicle. It has characteristics different from conven-
tional vehicles. Be sure you are closely familiar with the characteristics of your
vehicle, and operate it with care.
The hybrid system combines the use of a gasoline engine and an electric motor
(traction motor) according to driving conditions, improving fuel efficiency and
reducing exhaust emissions.
System components
A
B
C
691-4. Hybrid system
1
For safety and security
The illustration is an example for explanation and may differ from the actual item.
Warning label
Hybrid battery (traction battery)
Rear electric motor (traction motor)
Service plug
High voltage cables (orange)
Front electric motor (traction motor)
Power control unit
Air conditioning compressor
■Running out of fuel
When the vehicle has run out of fuel and the
hybrid system cannot be started, refuel the
vehicle with at least enough gasoline to
make the low fuel level warning light
( P.421) go off. If there is only a small
amount of fuel, the hybrid system may not be able to start. (The
standard amount of
fuel is about 2.9 gal. [11.0 L, 2.4 Imp. gal.],
when the vehicle is on a level surface. This
value may vary when the vehicle is on a
slope. Add extra fuel when the vehicle is
inclined.)
Hybrid system precautions
Take care when handling the hybrid system, as it is a high voltage system (about
650 V at maximum) as well as contains parts that become extremely hot when
the hybrid system is operating. Obey th e warning labels attached to the vehi-
cle.
System components
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
711-4. Hybrid system
1
For safety and security
The air intake/discharge vents for the
hybrid battery (traction battery) are
located under the rear seats and in lug-
gage compartment respectively. If the
air intake vents are blocked, it could
lead to a reduction in hybrid battery
(traction battery) output.
WARNING
●If your vehicle needs to be towed, do
so with all four wheels raised. If the
wheels connected to the electric
motor (traction motor) are on the
ground when towing, the motor may
continue to generate electricity. This
may cause a fire. ( P.413)
●Carefully inspect the ground under the
vehicle. If you find that liquid has
leaked onto the ground, the fuel sys-
tem may have been damaged. Leave
the vehicle as soon as possible.
■Hybrid battery (traction battery)
●Never resell, hand over or modify the
hybrid battery. To prevent accidents,
hybrid batteries that have been
removed from a disposed vehicle are
collected through your Lexus dealer.
Do not dispose of the battery yourself.
Unless the battery is properly col-
lected, the following may occur, result-
ing in death or serious injury:
• The hybrid battery may be illegally dis- posed of or dumped, and it is hazard-
ous to the environment or someone
may touch a high voltage part, result-
ing in an electric shock.
• The hybrid battery is intended to be used exclusively with your hybrid vehi-
cle. If the hybrid battery is used outside
of your vehicle or modified in any way,
accidents such as electric shock, heat
generation, smoke generation, an
explosion and electrolyte leakage may
occur.
When reselling or handing over your
vehicle, the possibility of an accident is
extremely high because the person
receiving the vehicle may not be aware
of these dangers.
●If your vehicle is disposed of without
the hybrid battery having been
removed, there is a danger of serious
electric shock if hi gh voltage parts,
cables and their connectors are
touched. In the event that your vehicle
must be disposed of, the hybrid battery
must be disposed of by your Lexus
dealer or a qualified service shop. If
the hybrid battery is not disposed of
properly, it may cause electric shock
that can result in death or serious
injury.
NOTICE
■Hybrid battery (tra ction battery) air
intake/discharge vents
Do not carry large amounts of water
such as water cooler bottles in the vehi-
cle. If water spills onto the hybrid battery
(traction battery), the battery may be
damaged. Have the vehicle inspected by
your Lexus dealer.
Hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery) air intake/discharge vents
721-4. Hybrid system
Air intake vents
Air discharge vents (RX450h)
When a certain level of impact is
detected by the impact sensor, the
emergency shut off system blocks the
high voltage current and stops the fuel pump to minimize the risk of electrocu-
tion and fuel leakage. If the emergency
shut off system activates, your vehicle
will not restart. To restart the hybrid
system, contact your Lexus dealer.
A message is automatically displayed
when a malfunction occurs in the
hybrid system or an improper opera-
tion is attempted.
If a warning message is shown on the
multi-information display, read the
message and follow the instructions.
(
P.428)
■If a warning light comes on, a warning
message is displayed, or the 12-volt bat-
tery is disconnected
The hybrid system may not start. In this
case, try to start the system again. If the
“READY” indicator does not come on, con-
tact your Lexus dealer.
NOTICE
■Hybrid battery (traction battery) air
intake/discharge vents
●Do not place objects that will block the
air intake vents. The hybrid battery
(traction battery) may overheat and be
damaged.
●Clean the air intake/discharge vents
regularly to prevent the hybrid battery
(traction battery) from overheating.
●Do not get water or foreign materials
in either the air in take/discharge vents
as this may cause a short circuit and
damage the hybrid battery (traction
battery).
Emergency shut off system
A
B
Hybrid warning message
792-1. Instrument cluster
2
Vehicle status information and indicators
Warning lights inform the driver of mal-
functions in the indicated vehicle’s sys-
tems.
Warning lights
(U.S.A.)
Brake system warning light*1
( P.418)
(red)
(Canada)
Brake system warning light*1
( P.418)
(yellow)
Brake system warning light*1
( P.418)
High coolant temperature
warning light
*2 ( P.418)
Hybrid system overheat warn-
ing light
*2 ( P.419)
Charging system warning
light
*3 ( P.419)
Low engine oil pressure warn-
ing light
*2 ( P.419)
(U.S.A.)
Malfunction indicator lamp*1
( P.419)
(Canada)
Malfunction indicator lamp*1
( P.419)
SRS warning light
*1 ( P.420)
(U.S.A.)
ABS warning light*1 ( P.420)
(Canada)
ABS warning light*1 ( P.420)
Brake Override System warn-
ing light/Drive-Start Control
warning light
*2 ( P.420)
(red)
Electric power steering system
warning light
*1 ( P.421)
(yellow)
Electric power steering system
warning light
*1 ( P.421)
Low fuel level warning light
( P.421)
Driver’s and front passenger’s
seat belt reminder light
( P.421)
(RX450h)
Rear passengers’ seat
belt reminder light
*4
( P.422)
(RX450hL)
Rear passengers’ seat
belt reminder
light
*4( P.422)
Tire pressure warning light
*1
( P.422)
(orange)
LTA indicator ( P.422)
(flashes)
Intuitive parking assist OFF indi-
cator
*1 (if equipped) ( P.423)
(flashes)
RCTA OFF indicator*1 (if
equipped) ( P.423)
(flashes)
PKSB OFF indicator*1 (if
equipped) ( P.423)
(flashes or
illuminates)PCS warning light*1 ( P.424)
Slip indicator
*1 ( P.424)
(flashes)
(U.S.A.)
Parking brake indicator
( P.424)
832-1. Instrument cluster
2
Vehicle status information and indicators
■Locations of gauges and meters
Except F SPORT models
The units used on the meters may differ depending on the target region.
Engine coolant temperature gauge
Displays the engine coolant temperature
Hybrid System Indicator
Displays hybrid system output or regeneration level (P.85)
This display changes to a tachometer depending on the drive mode, and can be set to show
the tachometer in any drive mode on the settings display. ( P.92, 281)
Outside temperature
Displays the outside temperature within the range of -40°F (-40°C) to 122°F (50°C). Low
outside temperature indicator comes on when the ambient temperature is 37°F (3°C) or
lower.
Multi-information display
Presents the driver with a variety of vehicle data ( P.88)
Displays warning messages in case of a malfunction (P.428)
Clock
Time displayed is linked to the analog clock on the instrument panel. (P.343)
Speedometer
Fuel gauge
Displays the quantity of fuel remaining in the tank
Gauges and meters
Meter display
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
842-1. Instrument cluster
Shift position display (P.191)
Odometer and trip meter display ( P.87)
F SPORT models
The units used on the meters may differ depending on the target region.
Outside temperature
Displays the outside temperature within the range of -40°F (-40°C) to 122°F (50°C). Low
outside temperature indicator comes on when the ambient temperature is 37°F (3°C) or
lower.
Multi-information display
Presents the driver with a variety of vehicle data ( P.88)
Displays warning messages in case of a malfunction (P.428)
Hybrid System Indicator
Displays hybrid system outp ut or regeneration level (P.85)
This display changes to a tachometer depending on the drive mode, and can be set to show
the tachometer in any drive mode on the settings display. ( P.92, 281)
Speedometer
Engine coolant temperature gauge
Displays the engine coolant temperature
Fuel gauge
Displays the quantity of fuel remaining in the tank
Shift position display ( P.191)
Odometer and trip meter display ( P.87)
Clock
Time displayed is linked to the analog clock on the instrument panel. (P.343)
H
I
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
862-1. Instrument cluster
being used very often.
The gasoline engine will automatically stop
and restart under various conditions.Eco area
Shows that the vehicle is being driven in an
Eco-friendly manner.
Power area
Shows that an Eco-friendly driving range is
being exceeded (durin g full power driving
etc.)
●Depending on the selected driving mode,
the Hybrid System Indicator or tachome-
ter will be displayed. The Hybrid System
Indicator or tachometer can be set to
always be displayed on of the
multi-information display. ( P.92)
●The Hybrid System Indicator is displayed
in the following situations:
• When the tachometer setting is set to
change according to the driving mode
and a driving mode other than sport
mode is selected
• When the tachometer setting is set to always display the Hybrid System Indica-
tor
●By keeping the indicator needle (except
F SPORT models) or bar display (F
SPORT models) within the Eco area,
more Eco-friendly driving can be
achieved.
●Charge area indicates regeneration* sta-
tus. Regenerated energy will be used to
charge the hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery).
*: When used in this manual, regeneration
refers to the conversion of energy cre-
ated by the movement of the vehicle into
electrical energy.
■Tachometer
Hybrid System Indicator switches to the
tachometer when driving mode is in sport
mode.
The settings of the tachometer display can
be changed on the multi-information dis-
play.
■Engine speed
On hybrid vehicles, engine speed is pre-
cisely controlled in order to help improve
fuel efficiency and reduce exhaust emis-
sions etc.
There are times when the engine speed that
is displayed may differ even when vehicle
operation and driving conditions are the
same.
■Outside temperature display
●In the following situations, the correct
outside temperature may not be dis-
played, or the display may take longer
than normal to change:
• When stopped, or driving at low speeds (less than 12 mph [20 km/h])
• When the outside temperature has
changed suddenly (at the entrance/exit of
a garage, tunnel, etc.)
●When “--” or “E” is displayed, the system
may be malfunctioning. Take your vehicle
to your Lexus dealer.
■Liquid crystal display
Small spots or light sp ots may appear on the
display. This phenomenon is characteristic
of liquid crystal disp lays, and there is no
problem continuing to use the display.
■Customization
The gauges and meters can be customized
on of the multi-information display.
( P.92)
C
D
WARNING
■The information display at low tem-
peratures
Allow the interior of the vehicle to warm
up before using the liquid crystal infor-
mation display. At extremely low tem-
peratures, the information display
monitor may respond slowly, and display
changes may be delayed.