4TABLE OF CONTENTS
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
7-1. Essential information Emergency flashers..................... 402
If your vehicle has to be stopped in an emergency ............................. 402If the vehicle is submerged or water
on the road is rising .................. 403
7-2. Steps to take in an emergency If your vehicle needs to be towed.......................................................... 405
If you think something is wrong .......................................................... 409
If a warning light turns on or a warn- ing buzzer sounds...................... 410
If a warning messa ge is displayed
.......................................................... 420
If you have a flat tire ..................... 424
If the hybrid syst em will not start
.......................................................... 436
If you lose your keys.................... 438
If the fuel filler door cannot be opened .......................................... 438
If the electronic key does not oper- ate properly ................................. 439
If the 12-volt battery is discharged ............................................................ 441
If your vehicle overheats ........... 446
If the vehicle becomes stuck ... 449
8-1. Specifications Maintenance data (fuel, oil level, etc.) ................................................. 452
Fuel information............................. 461
Tire information ............................ 463
8-2. Customization Customizable features ............... 472
8-3. Initialization Items to initialize ........................... 485
6Maintenance and care
7When trouble arises
8Vehicle specifications
13Pictorial index
Precautions for winter season ..................................................................................... P.286
To prevent freezing (windshield wiper de-icer)
*.................................................P.305
Precautions for car wash ................................................................................................ P.351
Fuel filler door ........................................................................................................ P.209
Refueling method .............................................................................................................P. 209
Fuel type/fuel tank capacity ......................................................................................... P.454
Tires.......................................................................................................................... .. P.374
Tire size/inflation pressure ............................ ................................................... P.374, 458
Winter tires/tire chains .................................................................................................. P.286
Checking/rotation/tire pressure warning system.............................................. P.374
Coping with flat tires........................................................................................................ P .424
Hood ..........................................................................................................................P.363
Opening ........................................................................................................................ ....... P.363
Engine oil ..................................................................................................................... .........P.455
Coping with overheating ............................................................................................... P.446
Warning messages .......................................................................................................... P.420
Headlights/front turn signal lights/front side marker lights ............ P.192, 198
Side turn signal lights ............................................................................................. P.192
Parking lights/daytime running lights................ ...............................................P.198
Fog lights/cornering lights
*...................................................................... P.198, 204
Rear side marker lights .........................................................................................P.198
Stop/tail lights ..........................................................................................................P.198
Back-up lights/rear turn signal lights ............. ......................................... P.192, 198
Shifting the shift lever to R .............................................................................................. P.189
License plate lights .................................................................................................P.198
*:If equipped
Light bulbs of the exterior lights for driving
(Replacing method: P. 392, Watts: P.460)
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
1624-1. Before driving
4-1.Before driving
■Starting the hybrid system
P.182
■Driving
1 With the brake pedal depressed,
shift the shift lever to D. ( P.189)
2 Release the parking brake.
( P.193)
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.194)
3Gradually 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.193)
If the vehicle is to be stopped for an
extended period of time, shift the shift lever
to P or N. ( P.189)
■Parking the vehicle
1 With the shift lever in D, depress the
brake pedal.
2 Set the parking brake ( P.193),
and shift the shift lever to P
( P.189).
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 a steep uphill
1 With the brake pedal depressed,
shift the shift lever to D. ( P.189)
2 Pull the parking brake switch and
parking brake is set manually.
( P.193)
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.
■When starting off on a uphill
The hill-start assist control will activate.
( P.279)
■For fuel-efficient driving
Keep in mind that hybr id vehicles are similar
to conventional vehicles, and it is necessary
to refrain from activities such as sudden
acceleration. ( P.284)
■Driving in the rain
●Drive carefully when it is raining, because
visibility will be re duced, the windows
may become fogged-u p, 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 water between the tires
and the road surface, preventing the
steering and brakes from operating prop-
erly.
■Restraining the hybrid system output
(Brake Override System)
●When the accelerato r and brake pedals
are depressed at the same time, the
Driving the vehicle
The following procedures should be
observed to ensure safe driving:
Driving procedure
1644-1. Before driving
WARNING
●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.402
●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.189)
●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 the vehicle off-road.
This is not an AWD vehicle designed
for off-road driving. Proceed with all
due caution if it becomes unavoidable
to drive off-road.
●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 capability tires
or not before drivin g 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 a forward driv ing position is
selected, 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 shift lever to P while
the vehicle is moving.
Doing so can damage the transmission
and may result in a loss of vehicle con-
trol.
●Do not shift the shift lever to R while
the vehicle is moving forward.
Doing so can damage the transmission
and may result in a loss of vehicle con-
trol.
1664-1. Before driving
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 vehicle, 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
function does not operate, do not fol-
low other vehicles closely and avoid
hills or sharp turns that require brak-
ing.
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.
■When parking the vehicle
Always set the parking brake and shift
the shift lever to P. Failure to do so may
cause the vehicle to move or the vehicle
may accelerate suddenly if the accelera-
tor pedal is accidentally depressed.
■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 on the road,
drive as slowly as possible to avoid
damaging the wheels, underside of the
vehicle, etc.
1704-1. Before driving
■Total load capacity and seating capacity
These details are also described on the tire
and loading information label. ( P.380)
Vehicle load limits
Vehicle load limits include total
load capacity, seating capacity,
trailer weight rating and cargo
capacity.
Total load capacity (vehicle
capacity weight): P.452
Total load capacity means the com-
bined weight of occupants, cargo
and luggage.
Seating capacity
(RX450h): P.452
Seating capacity means the maxi-
mum number of occupants whose
estimated average weight is 150 lb.
(68 kg) per person.
Seating capacity
(RX450hL): P.452
Seating capacity means the maxi-
mum number of occupants whose
estimated average weight is 150 lb.
(68 kg) per person.
TWR (Trailer Weight Rating)
(vehicles with towing package):
P.176, 452
TWR means the maximum gross
trailer weight (trailer weight plus its
cargo weight) that your vehicle is
able to tow.
TWR (Trailer Weight Rating)
(vehicles without towing pack-
age)
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.
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.
1724-1. Before driving
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.458)
●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.
■Adaptive Variable Suspension System
(if equipped)
The suspension can be switched for
improvement in driveability. ( P.279)
■Break-in schedule
If your vehicle is new or equipped with any
new power train components (such as an
engine, hybrid transmission, rear differential
or wheel bearing), Le xus 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 th e accelerator pedal
immediately but very gradually to reduce
speed.
Do not increase speed. Do not apply
vehicle brakes.
If you make no extreme correction with the
steering or brakes, your vehicle and trailer
should stabilize. (if enabled, Trailer Sway
Control can also help to stabilize the vehicle
A
B
1734-1. Before driving
4
Driving
and trailer.)
●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 swaying occurred is beyond
the limit of your particular vehicle-trailer
combination. Drive at a lower speed to pre-
vent instability. Remember 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.
●If the gross trailer weight is over 2000
lb. (907 kg), a sway control device with
sufficient capacity is required.
●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 inst ability 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.
●Do not apply the brakes suddenly as
you may skid, resulting in jackknifing
and loss of vehicle control. This is
especially true on wet or slippery sur-
faces.
●Do not exceed the trailer hitch assem-
bly weight, gross vehicle weight, gross
axle weight and tra iler tongue weight
capacities.
●Do not use the following systems when
trailer towing.
• Dynamic radar cruise control with full-speed range
• LTA (Lane Tracing Assist)
• PCS (Pre-Collision System)
• BSM (Blind Spot Monitor) (if equipped)
●Slow down and downshift before
descending steep or long downhill
grades. Do not make sudden down-
shifts while descending steep or long
downhill grades.