12
RX500h/RX350h_QG_U
Hybrid System
This illustration is for explanation only and
may differ depending on the specifications
of the vehicle.
Charge area
Shows regeneration
* status.
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 (during full
power driving etc.)
Hybrid Eco area
Shows that gasoline engine power is
not being used very often.
The gasoline engine will automatically
stop and restart under various condi-
tions.
• By keeping the indicator needle within Eco area, more Eco-fr iendly 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.
Hybrid System
Your vehicle is a hybrid electric vehicle. It has characteristics different from conventional
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 gaso line engine and an electric motor (traction
motor) according to driving conditions, impr oving fuel efficiency and reducing exhaust
emissions.
For details, refer to the “Owner’s Manual”.
Hybrid System Indicator
A
B
C
D
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RX500h/RX350h_QG_U
When driving with the gasoline engine stopped, a sound, which changes in accordance with
the driving speed, will be played in order to warn people nearby of the vehicle’s approach.
This sound may be heard inside the vehicle. The sound will stop when the vehicle speed
exceeds approximately 22 mph (35 km/h).
If the shift position is in N, the hybrid battery (traction battery) will not be charged. To help
prevent the battery from discharging, avoid leaving the N position selected for a certain
amount of time.
In the following situations, kinetic energy is converted to electric energy and deceleration
force can be obtained in conjunction with the recharging of the hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery).
• RX350h: The accelerator pedal is released while driving with the shift position in D or S.
• RX500h: The accelerator pedal is released while driving with the shift position in D or M.
• RX350h: The brake pedal is depressed while driving with the shift position in D or S.
• RX500h: The brake pedal is depressed while driving with the shift position in D or M.
Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System
Hybrid battery (traction battery) charge (RX350h)
Regenerative braking
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RX500h/RX350h_QG_U
Because there is no engine sound or vibration, it is easy to mistake the hybrid electric vehi-
cle for being off when it is actu ally still running, as indicated by the “READY” indicator being
illuminated. For safety, make sure to always shift the shift position to P and apply the parking
brake when parked.
The following sounds or vibrations may occur when the hybrid system is operating and are
not a malfunction:
• Motor sounds may be heard from the engine compartment.
• Sounds may be heard from the hybrid battery (traction battery) behind the rear seats when the hybrid syst em starts or stops.
• Relay operating sounds such as a snap or soft clank will be emitted from the hybrid battery
(traction battery), under the rear seats, when the hybrid sy stem is started or stopped.
• Sounds from the hybrid system may be heard when the back door is open.
• Sounds may be heard from the transmission when the gasoline engine starts or stops,
when driving at low speeds, or during idling.
• Engine sounds may be heard when accelerating sharply.
• Sounds may be heard due to regenerative braking when the brake pedal is depressed or as the accelerator pedal is released.
• Vibration may be felt when the gasoline engi ne starts or stops.
• Cooling fan sounds may be heard from th e air intake vents under the rear seats.
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 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 2.6 gal. [9.8 L, 2.2 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.)
Sounds and vibrations specific to a hybrid electric vehicle
Running out of fuel
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RX500h/RX350h_QG_U
To take out the mechanical key, push the
release button and take the key out.
The mechanical key can only be inserted in
one direction, as the key only has grooves
on one side. If the key cannot be inserted in
a lock cylinder, turn it over and re-attempt
to insert it.
After using the mechanic al key, store it in
the electronic key. Carry the mechanical
key together with the electronic key. If the
electronic key battery is depleted or the
entry function does not operate properly,
you will need the mechanical key.
Mechanical key
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RX500h/RX350h_QG_U
Turns EV drive mode on/off
When EV drive mode is turned on, the EV
drive mode indicator will come on. Pressing
the switch when in EV drive mode will
return the vehicle to normal driving (using
the gasoline engine and electric motor
[traction motor]).
EV drive mode (RX350h)
In EV drive mode, electric power is supplied by the hybrid battery (traction battery), and
only the electric motor (traction motor) is used to drive the vehicle.
This mode allows you to drive in residential areas early in the morning and late at night, or
in indoor parking lots, etc., without concern for noises and gas emissions.
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RX500h/RX350h_QG_U
The energy monitor and EV driving ratio can be displayed on the multi-information display.
The energy monitor screen can be displayed on the center display.
■Displaying Energy monitor screen on the center display
1
Select on the main menu.
2Select “Energy flow”.
■Energy monitor
The energy monitor can be used to check the vehicle drive status, hybrid system operation
status and energy regeneration status.
The arrows will appear in accordance with the energy flow. When there is no energy flow,
arrows will not be displayed.
The color of the arrows will change as follows.
● Blue: When the hybrid battery (traction battery) is regenerated or charged.
● Orange: When the hybrid battery (traction battery) is in use.
● Red: When the gasoline engine is in use.
The image shows all the arrows as an exampl e. The actual display will vary depending on
conditions.
Multi-information display
Gasoline engine
Tires
Hybrid battery (traction battery)
This illustration is for explanation only
and may differ depending on the speci-
fications of the vehicle.
Center display
Gasoline engine
Front electric motor (traction motor)
Hybrid battery (traction battery)
Rear electric motor (traction motor) (if
equipped)
Rear tires
Front tires
Energy monitor/EV driving ratio (If equipped)
A
B
C
A
B
C
D
E
F
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RX500h/RX350h_QG_U
Vehicles with Digital Rearview Mirror
HomeLink
® logo
Appears while HomeLink
® is operat-
ing. When the menu button is pressed,
the logo disappears even while the
HomeLink
® is operating.
Garage door operation indicators
HomeLink
® indicator light
Illuminates above each button
selected.
Buttons
■Before programming HomeLink®
● During programming, it is possible that gara ge doors, gates, or other devices may oper-
ate. For this reason, make su re that people and objects ar e clear of the garage door or
other devices to prevent injury or other potential harm.
● It is recommended that a new battery be placed in the remote control transmitter for
more accurate programming.
● Garage door opener motors manufactured after 1995 may be equipped with rolling
code protection. If this is the case, you may need a stepladder or other sturdy, safe device
to reach the “Learn” or “Smart” button on the garage door opener motor.
A
B
C
D
Programming the HomeLink®
What to do if...
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RX500h/RX350h_QG_U
1Ensure that the shift position is in P and
depress the brake pedal.
2Touch the Lexus emblem side of the
electronic key to the power switch.
When the electronic key is detected, a
buzzer will sound and the power switch
mode will change to ON.
When the smart access system with
push-button start is deactivated in
customization setting, the power
switch will turn to ACC.
3Firmly depress the brake pedal and check th at is shown on the multi-information
display.
4Press the power switch shortly and firmly.
In the event that the hybrid system still cannot be started, contact your Lexus dealer.
Starting the hybrid system
If the electronic key battery becomes deplet ed, a warning message will be shown on the
multi-information display. Replac e the battery with a new one. For instructions on replacing
the battery, refer to the “OWNER’S MANUAL”.
If you need further assistance , contact your Lexus dealer.