
1283-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors
detection area, it may take slightly longer
to unlock the doors af ter the door handle
is gripped.
●Fingernails may scrape against the door
during operation of the door handle. Be
careful not to injure fingernails or dam-
age the surface of the door.
■When the vehicle is not driven for
extended periods
●To prevent theft of the vehicle, do not
leave the electronic key within 6 ft. (2 m)
of the vehicle.
●The smart access syst em with push-but-
ton start can be deactivated in advance.
●Setting the electronic key to battery-sav-
ing mode helps to reduce key battery
depletion. ( P.126)
■To operate the system properly
Make sure to carry the electronic key when
operating the system. Do not get the elec-
tronic key too close to the vehicle when
operating the system from the outside of the
vehicle.
Depending on the position and holding
condition of the electronic key, the key may
not be detected correctly and the system
may not operate properly. (The alarm may
go off accidentally, or the door lock preven-
tion may not operate.)
■If the smart access system with
push-button start does not operate
properly
●If the doors cannot be locked or unlocked
and the back door cannot be opened,
perform the following.
• Bring the electronic key close to the door handle and perform a lock or unlock
operation.
• Bring the electronic key close to the but- ton on the back door ( P.114) and press
the button.
• Use the wireless remote control.
If the doors cannot be locked or unlocked
by perform the above, use the mechanical
key. ( P.439) However, if the mechanical
key is used while the alarm system is set, the
warning will sound. ( P.74)
●If the hybrid system cannot be started,
refer to P.440
■Customization
Some functions can be customized.
( P.472)
■If the smart access system with
push-button start has been deactivated
in a customized setting
●Locking and unlocking the doors: Use
the wireless remote control or mechani-
cal key. ( P.109, 114, 439)
●Starting the hybrid system and changing
power switch modes: P.440
●Stopping the hybrid system: P.184
WARNING
■Caution regarding interference with
electronic devices
●People with implantable cardiac pace-
makers, cardiac resynchronization
therapy-pacemakers or implantable
cardioverter defibrillators should keep
away from the smart access system
with push-button start antennas.
(P.125)
The radio waves may affect the opera-
tion of such device s. If necessary, the
entry function can be disabled. Ask
your Lexus dealer for details, such as
the frequency of radio waves and tim-
ing of the emitted radio waves. Then,
consult your doctor to see if you
should disable the entry function.
●Users of any electrical medical device
other than implantable cardiac pace-
makers, cardiac resynchronization
therapy-pacemakers or implantable
cardioverter defibril lators should con-
sult the manufacturer of the device for
information about it s operation under
the influence of radio waves.
Radio waves could have unexpected
effects on the operation of such medi-
cal devices.
Ask your Lexus dealer for details on
disabling the entry function.

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.

1994-3. Operating the lights and wipers
4
Driving
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 are on: The head-
lights and tail lights turn off 30 seconds
after the driver’s 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
closed.)
●When only the tail lights are 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.
■Automatic headlight leveling system (if
equipped)
The level of the headlights is automatically
adjusted according to the number of pas-
sengers and the loading condition of the
vehicle to ensure that the headlights do not
interfere with other road users.
■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.
■Welcome lighting
If the headlight switch is turned to and
the surrounding area is dark, unlocking the
doors using the smart access system with
push-button start or wireless remote con-
trol will turn the parking lights and tail lights
on automatically.
■Windshield wiper linked headlight illu-
mination
When driving during daytime with the
headlight switch turned to , if the wind-
shield wipers are used, the headlights will
turn on automatically after several seconds
to help enhance the visibility of your vehicle.
■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
function will be disabled.
When any of the following are performed,
the 12-volt battery-saving function is
canceled once and then reactivated. All the
lights will turn off automatically 20 minutes
after the 12-volt battery-saving function has
been reactivated:
●When the headlight switch is operated
●When a door is opened or closed
■Customization
Some functions can be customized.
( P.472)
1 With the headlights on, push the
lever away from you to turn on the
high beams.
Pull the lever toward you to the center
position to turn the high beams off.
2Pull the lever toward you and
release it to flash the high beams
NOTICE
■To prevent 12-volt battery discharge
Do not leave the lights on longer than
necessary when the hy brid system is off.
Turning on the high beam head-
lights

3165-4. Using the interior lights
Turns the door position on/off
On
Off
■Rear interior light
The rear interior light turns on/off
together with the front interior light.
■Front personal lights
Turns the lights on/off (touch the lights)
■Rear personal lights
Turns the lights on/off
■Illuminated entry system
The lights automatically turn on/off accord-
ing to the power switch mode, the presence
of the electronic key, whether the doors are
locked/unlocked, and whether the doors
are opened/closed.
■To prevent the 12-volt battery from
being discharged
If the interior lights remain on when the
power switch is turned off, the lights will go
off automatically after 20 minutes.
■When front interior light or front per-
sonal lights do not respond as normal
In the following cases, the interior lights and
front personal lights may not respond as
normal.
●When water, dirt, etc., have adhered to
the lens surface
●When operated with a wet hand
●When wearing gloves, etc.
■The interior lights may turn on automati-
cally when
If any of the SRS airbag s deploy (inflate) or
in the event of a strong rear impact, the inte-
rior lights will turn on automatically.
The interior lights will turn off automatically
after approximately 20minutes.
The interior lights can be turned off manu-
ally. However, in order to help prevent fur-
ther collisions, it is recommended that they
be left on until sa fety can be ensured.
(The interior lights may not turn on auto-
matically depending on the force of the
Operating the personal lights
A
B

349
6
6
Maintenance and care
Maintenance and care
.6-1. Maintenance and careCleaning and protecting the vehi-cle exterior ................................ 350
Cleaning and protecting the vehi- cle interior ................................. 353
6-2. Maintenance Maintenance requirements........................................................ 356
General maintenance ............. 357
Emission inspection and mainte- nance (I/M) programs ......... 360
6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance Do-it-yourself service precautions......................................................... 361
Hood............................................... 363
Positioning a floor jack............ 363
Engine compartment............... 365
12-volt battery............................. 370
Tires ................................................ 374
Tire inflation pressure.............. 380
Wheels........................................... 382
Air conditioning filter...............383
Windshield wiper inserts........ 385
Electronic key battery ............. 386
Checking and replacing fuses ........................................................ 388
Headlight aim.............................. 390
Light bulbs .................................... 392

3506-1. Maintenance and care
6-1.Maintenance and care
Working from top to bottom, liber-
ally apply water to the vehicle body,
wheel wells and underside of the
vehicle to remove any dirt and dust.
Wash the vehicle body using a
sponge or soft cloth, such as a
chamois.
For hard-to-remove marks, use car
wash soap and rinse thoroughly with
water.
Wipe away any water.
Wax the vehicle when the water-
proof coating deteriorates.
If water does not bead on a clean surface,
apply wax when the vehicle body is cool.
■Self-restoring coat
The vehicle body has a self-restoring coat-
ing that is resistant to small surface
scratches caused in a car wash etc.
●The coating lasts for 5 to 8 years from
when the vehicle is delivered from the
plant.
●The restoration time differs depending on
the depth of the scratch and outside tem-
perature.
The restoration ti me may become
shorter when the coating is warmed by
applying warm water.
●Deep scratches caused by keys, coins,
etc. cannot be restored.
●Do not use wax that contains abrasives.
■Automatic car washes
●Before washing the vehicle:
• Fold the mirrors
• Turn off the power back door
Start washing from the front of the vehicle.
Extend the mirrors before driving.
●Brushes used in automatic car washes
may scratch the vehicle surface, parts
(wheel, etc.) and harm your vehicle’s
paint.
●Rear spoiler may not be washable in
some automatic car washes. There may
also be an increased risk of damage to
vehicle.
■High pressure car washes
As water may enter the cabin, do not bring
the nozzle tip near the gaps around the
doors or perimeter of the windows, or spray
these areas continuously.
■When using a car wash
If the door handle becomes wet while the
electronic key is within the effective range,
the door may lock and unlock repeatedly. In
that case, follow the following correction
procedures to wash the vehicle:
●Place the key in a position 6 ft. (2 m) or
more separate from the vehicle while the
vehicle is being washed. (Take care to
ensure that the key is not stolen.)
●Set the electronic key to battery-saving
mode to disable the smart access system
with push-button start. ( P.126)
■Wheels and wheel ornaments
●Remove any dirt immediately by using a
neutral detergent.
●Wash detergent off with water immedi-
ately after use.
●To protect the paint from damage, make
sure to observe the following precau-
tions.
•Do not use acidic, al kaline or abrasive
detergent
• Do not use hard brushes
• Do not use detergent on the wheels when they are hot, such as after driving or park-
ing in hot weather
Cleaning and protecting the
vehicle exterior
Perform cleaning in a manner
appropriate to each component
and its material.
Cleaning instructions

3716-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
2Remove the cover after removing
the clips.
1 Press
2 Pull out
RX450hL
1 Remove the deck board and side
auxiliary box cover. ( P.327)
2 Remove the 12-volt battery cover.
3 Remove the deck side trim cover.
■Before recharging
When recharging, the 12-volt battery pro-
duces hydrogen gas which is flammable
and explosive. Therefore, observe the fol- lowing precautions before recharging:
●If recharging with the 12-volt battery
installed on the vehicle, be sure to discon-
nect the ground cable.
●Make sure the power switch on the char-
ger is off when connecting and discon-
necting the charger cables to the 12-volt
battery.
■After recharging/reconnecting the
12-volt battery
●The hybrid system may not start. Follow
the procedure below to initialize the sys-
tem.
1 Shift the shift lever to P.
2 Open and close any of the doors.
3 Restart the hybrid system.
●Unlocking the doors using the smart
access system with push-button start may
not be possible immediately after recon-
necting the 12-volt battery. If this hap-
pens, use the wireless remote control or
the mechanical key to lock/unlock the
doors.
●Start the hybrid system with the power
switch in ACCESSORY mode. The
hybrid system may not start with the
power switch turned off. However, the
hybrid system will operate normally from
the second attempt.
●The power switch mode is recorded by
the vehicle. If the 12-volt battery is recon-
nected, the vehicle will return the power
switch mode to the stat us it was in before
the 12-volt battery was disconnected.
Make sure to turn off the power before
disconnect the 12-volt battery. Take extra
care when connecting the 12-volt battery
if the power switch mode prior to dis-
charge is unknown.
If the system will not start even after multiple
attempts at all the methods above, contact
your Lexus dealer.

3866-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
■Replacing the rear wiper insert
Have the rear wiper insert replaced by your
Lexus dealer.
■Handling of the wind shield wiper blades
and inserts
Improper handling of the windshield wiper
blades and inserts may cause them to be
damaged. If it is difficult to follow the wiper
blade and insert replacement procedure
precisely, contact your Lexus dealer.
■If the electronic key battery is depleted
The following symptoms may occur:
●The smart access system with push-but-
ton start and wireless remote control will
not function properly.
●The operational rang e will be reduced.
Flathead screwdriver
Lithium battery CR2032
■Use a CR2032 lithium battery
●Batteries can be purc hased at your Lexus
dealer, local electrical appliance shops or
camera stores.
●Replace only with the same or equivalent
type recommended by the manufacturer.
●Dispose of used batteries according to
the local laws.
1 Take out the mechanical key.
2 Remove the cover.
To prevent damage to the key, cover the tip
Electronic key battery
Replace the battery with a new one
if it is depleted.
You will need the following items:
Replacing the battery