2022 LEXUS RX450h warning

1834-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
with push-button start. Refer to P.440to
start the hybrid system. However, if the
electronic key is carried inside the vehicle
and the doors are locked ( P.111), the
hybrid system can be started.
■When the ambient temperature is low,
such as during winter driving conditions
When starting the hybrid system, the flash-
ing time of the “READY” indicator may be
long. Leave the vehicle as it is until the
“READY” indicator is steady on, as steady
means the vehicle is able to move.
■Sounds and vibrations specific to a
hybrid vehicle
P.67
■Electronic key battery depletion
P.106
■Conditions affe cting operation
P.126
■Note for the entry function
P.127
■Steering lock function
●After turning the power switch off and
opening and closing the doors, the steer-
ing wheel will be locked due to the steer-
ing lock function. Operating the power
switch again automatically cancels the
steering lock.
●When the steering lock cannot be
released, “Steering Wheel Lock Press
Power Switch while Turning Wheel” will
be displayed on the multi-information dis-
play.
Check that the shift lever is in P. Press the
power switch shortly and firmly while
turning the steering wheel left and right.
●To prevent the steering lock motor from
overheating, operation of the motor may
be suspended if the hybrid system is turned on and off re
peatedly in a short
period of time. In th is case, refrain from
operating the hybrid system. After about
10 seconds, the steeri ng lock motor will
resume functioning.
■When “Access System with Elec. Key
Malfunction See Owner’s Manual” is
displayed on the multi-information dis-
play
The system may be malfunctioning. Have
the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer
immediately.
■If the “READY” indica tor does not come
on
In the event that the “READY” indicator
does not come on even after performing
the proper procedures for starting the vehi-
cle, contact your Lexus dealer immediately.
■If the hybrid system is malfunctioning
P.72
■Electronic key battery
P.386
■Operation of the power switch
●If the switch is no t pressed shortly and
firmly, the power switch mode may not
change or the hybrid system may not
start.
●If attempting to restart the hybrid system
immediately after turning the power
switch off, the hybrid system may not start
in some cases. After turning the power
switch off, please wait a few seconds
before restarting the hybrid system.
■Customization
If the smart access system with push-button
start has been deactiva ted in a customized
setting, refer to P.439.
WARNING
■When starting the hybrid system
Always start the hybr id system while sit-
ting in the driver’s seat. Do not depress
the accelerator pedal while starting the
hybrid system under any circumstances.
Doing so may cause an accident result-
ing in death or serious injury.

1844-2. Driving procedures
1Stop the vehicle completely.
2 Set the parking brake ( P.193),
and shift the shift lever to P.
3 Press the power switch.
4 Release the brake pedal and check
that the display on the meters is off.
■Automatic hybrid system shut off fea-
ture
●The vehicle is equipped with a feature
that automatically shuts off the hybrid sys-
tem when the shift lever is in P with the
hybrid system operating for an extended
period.
●The hybrid system will automatically shut
off after approximately 1 hour if it has
been left running while the shift lever is in
P.
●The timer for the automatic hybrid system
shut off feature will reset if the brake
pedal is depressed or if the shift lever is in
a position other than P.
●After the vehicle is parked, if the door is
locked with the door lock switch ( P.111)
from the inside or the mechanical key
from the outside, the automatic hybrid
system shut off feature will be disabled.
The timer for the automatic hybrid system
shut off feature will be re-enabled if the
driver’s door is opened.
■Locking the door from outside with the
hybrid system operating
1 With the driver’s d oor open, pull the
driver’s door handle and insert the
mechanical key.
2 Turn the mechanical key
counterclockwise.
3 Pull out the mechanical key and close
the door.
WARNING
■Caution while driving
If hybrid system failure occurs while the
vehicle is moving, do not lock or open the
doors until the vehicle reaches a safe and
complete stop. Activati on of the steering
lock in this circumstance may lead to an
accident, resulting in death or serious
injury.
NOTICE
■When starting the hybrid system
If the hybrid system becomes difficult to
start, have your vehicle checked by your
Lexus dealer immediately.
■Symptoms indicating a malfunction
with the power switch
If the power switch seems to be operat-
ing somewhat differently than usual, such
as the switch sticking slightly, there may
be a malfunction. Contact your Lexus
dealer immediately.
Stopping the hybrid system

1854-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
Modes can be changed by pressing
the power switch with brake pedal released. (The mode changes each
time the switch is pressed.)
1
Off
*
The emergency flashers can be used.
2ACCESSORY mode
Some electrical components such as the
audio system can be used.
“ACCESSORY” will be displayed on the
meters.
3ON mode
All electrical components can be used.
“IGNITION ON” will be displayed on the
meters.
*: If the shift lever is in a position other than
P when turning off the hybrid system, the
power switch will be turned to ACCES-
SORY mode, not to off.
■Auto power off function
If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY mode
for more than 20 minutes or ON mode
(with the hybrid system is not operating) for
more than an hour with the shift lever in P,
the power switch will automatically turn off.
WARNING
■Stopping the hybrid system in an
emergency
If you want to stop the hybrid system in an
emergency while driving the vehicle,
press and hold the power switch for more
than 2 seconds, or press it briefly 3 times
or more in succession. ( P.402)
However, do not touch the power switch
while driving except in an emergency.
Turning the hybrid system off while driv-
ing will not cause loss of steering or brak-
ing control, however, power assist to the
steering will be lost. This will make it
more difficult to st eer smoothly, so you
should pull over and stop the vehicle as
soon as it is safe to do so.
■When parking
Exhaust gases include harmful carbon
monoxide (CO), which is colorless and
odorless. Observe the following precau-
tions.
Failure to do so may cause exhaust gases
to enter the vehicle and may lead to an
accident caused by light-headedness, or
may lead to death or a serious health
hazard.
●If the vehicle is in a poorly ventilated
area or a closed area, such as a
garage, stop the hybrid system.
●Do not leave the vehicle with the
hybrid system operating for a long
time. If such a situation cannot be
avoided, park the vehicle in an open
space and ensure that exhaust fumes
do not enter the vehicle interior.
●Do not leave the hybrid system operat-
ing in an area with snow build-up, or
where it is snowing. If snowbanks build
up around the vehicle while the hybrid
system is operating, exhaust gases
may collect and enter the vehicle.
Changing power switch modes

1884-2. Driving procedures
■Possible driving distance when driving in
EV drive mode
EV drive mode’s possible driving distance
ranges from a few hundred meters to
approximately 0.6 mile (1 km). However,
depending on vehicle conditions, there are
situations when EV drive mode cannot be
used.
(The distance that is possible depends on
the hybrid battery [traction battery] level
and driving conditions.)
■Fuel economy
The hybrid system is designed to achieve
the best possible fuel economy during nor-
mal driving (using the gasoline engine and
electric motor [traction motor]). Driving in
EV drive mode more than necessary may
lower fuel economy.
■If “EV Mode Unavailable” is shown on
the multi-information display
The EV drive mode is not available. The rea-
son the EV drive mode is not available (the
vehicle is idling, batter y charge is low, vehi-
cle speed is higher than the EV drive mode
operating speed range or accelerator pedal
is depressed too much) may be displayed.
Use the EV drive mode when it becomes
available.
■If “EV Mode Deactivated” is shown on
the multi-information display
The EV drive mode has been automatically
canceled. The reason the EV drive mode is
not available (the battery charge is low,
vehicle speed is higher than the EV drive
mode operating speed range or accelera-
tor pedal is depressed too much) may be
displayed. Drive the vehicle for a while
before attempting to turn on the EV drive
mode again.
WARNING
■Caution while driving
When driving in EV drive mode no
engine noise is made. As such, pedestri-
ans, people riding bicycles or other peo-
ple and vehicles in the surrounding area
may not be aware of the vehicle starting
off or approaching them. Therefore, take
extra care while driving even if the
Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System is
active.

1894-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
*1: To improve fuel efficiency and reduce noise, shift the shift lever to D for normal
driving.
*2: By selecting shift ranges using S mode, you can control accelerating force and
engine braking force.
■When driving with dynamic radar cruise
control with full-speed range activated
Even when performing the following
actions with the intent of enabling engine
braking, engine braking will not occur
because dynamic radar cruise control with
full-speed range will not be canceled.
●While driving in D or S mode,
downshifting to 5 or 4. ( P.236)
●When switching the driving mode to
sport mode while driving in the D position
(P.276)
■Restraining sudden start (Drive-Start
Control)
P.163 While the power switch is in ON
mode, move the shift lever with the
brake pedal depressed.
When shifting the shift lever between P
Hybrid transmission
Select the shift position depending
on your purpose and situation.
Shift position purpose and func-
tions
Shift posi- tionObjective or function
PParking the vehicle/starting the hybrid system
RReversing
NNeutral
DNormal driving*1
SS mode driving*2 (P.191)
WARNING
■When driving on slippery road sur-
faces
Be careful of downsh ifting and sudden
acceleration, as this could result in the
vehicle skidding to the side or spinning.
NOTICE
■Hybrid battery (t raction battery)
charge
If the shift lever is in N, the hybrid battery
(traction battery) will not be charged
even when the engine is running. There-
fore, if the vehicle is left with the shift
lever in N for a long period of time, the
hybrid battery (traction battery) will dis-
charge, and this may re sult in the vehicle
not being able to start.
Shifting the shift lever

1904-2. Driving procedures
and D, make sure that the vehicle is com-
pletely stopped.
■Shift lock system
The shift lock system is a system to prevent
accidental operation of the shift lever in
starting.
The shift lever can be shifted from P only
when the power switch is in ON mode and
the brake pedal is being depressed.
■If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P
First, check whether the brake pedal is
being depressed.
If the shift lever cannot be shifted with your
foot on the brake pe dal, there may be a
problem with the shift lock system. Have the
vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer
immediately.
The following steps ma y be used as an
emergency measure to ensure that the shift
lever can be shifted.
Releasing the shift lock:
1 Turn the power switch to ON mode and
check that the parking brake is set.
(P.185, 193)
2 Turn the power switch to off.
3 Depress the brake pedal.
4 Pry the cover up with a flathead screw-
driver or equivalent tool.
To prevent damage to the cover, cover the
tip of the screwdriver with a rag.
5 Press the shift lock override button.
The shift lever can be shifted while the but- ton is pressed.

P.276
To drive using temporary shift range
selection, operate the “-” paddle shift
switch. Changing the shift range
enables the level of engine braking
force to be selected. The shift range
can then be selected by operating the
“-” and “+” paddle shift switches.
WARNING
■To prevent an accident when releas-
ing the shift lock
Before pressing the shift lock override
button, make sure to set the parking
brake and depress the brake pedal.
If the accelerator pe dal is accidentally
depressed instead of the brake pedal
when the shift lock override button is
pressed and the shift lever is shifted out
of P, the vehicle may suddenly start, pos-
sibly leading to an accident resulting in
death or serious injury.
Selecting the driving mode
Selecting shift ranges in the D
position

1914-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
1Upshifting
2 Downshifting
The selected shift rang e, from D1 to D6,
will be displayed on the meters.
The initial shift range when the “-” paddle
shift switch is operated is automatically set
to D4 or D5 according to the vehicle
speed.
To return to normal D position driving, the
“+” paddle shift switch must be held down
for a period of time.
■Shift ranges and their functions
 You can choose from 6 levels of
engine braking force.
 A lower shift range will provide
greater engine braking force than a
higher shift range, and the engine
revolutions will also increase.
■When the “-” paddle shift switch is oper-
ated with the shift lever in the D position
The shift range is downshifted to a range
that enables engine braking force that is
suitable to driving conditions.
■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
■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 paddle shift switch is operated. (A
buzzer will sound twice.)
To enter S mode, shift the shift lever to
S. Shift ranges can be selected by
operating the shift lever or paddle shift
switches, allowing you to drive in the
shift range of your choice. The shift
range can be selected by operating the
shift lever or the “-” and “+” paddle shift
switches.
1 Upshifting
2 Downshifting
The selected shift range, from S1 to S6, will
be displayed on the meters.
The initial shift range in S mode is automat-
Selecting shift ranges in the S
position

1944-2. Driving procedures
The parking brake indicator light and park-
ing brake light 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.
2 Push the parking brake switch to
release the parking brake
Operate the switch while depressing the
brake pedal or slowly depressing the
accelerator pedal.
Make sure that the parking brake indicator
light and parking brake light turn off.
If the parking brake indicator light and
parking brake light flashes, operate the
switch again. ( P.416)
■Turns automatic mode on
While the vehicle is stopped, pull and
hold the parking brake switch until
“Automatic Mode On” will be dis-
played on the multi-information dis-
play.
When the automatic mode is turned
on, the parking brake operates as fol-
lows.
 When the shift lever is moved out of
P, the parking brake will be released,
and the parking brake indicator light
and parking brake light turn off.
 When the shift lever is moved into P,
the parking brake will be set, and the parking brake indicator light and
parking brake light turn on.
Operate the shift lever with the brake
pedal depressed.
■Turns automatic mode off
While the vehicle is stopped, press and
hold the parking brake switch until
“Automatic Mode Off” will be dis-
played on the multi-information dis-
play.
■Parking brake operation
●When the power switch is not in ON
mode, the parking brake cannot be
released using the parking brake switch.
●When the power switch is not in ON
mode, automatic mode (automatic brake
setting and releasing) is not available.
■Parking brake automatic release func-
tion
The parking brake is automatically released
when slowly depress the accelerator pedal.
The parking brake will be released auto-
matically under the following conditions:
• The driver’s door is closed.
• The driver’s seat belt is fastened.
• Shift the shift lever is in a forward or reverse position.
• The malfunction indicator lamp or brake system warning light is not illuminated.
If the automatic release function does not
operate, manually release the parking
brake.