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LEXUS NX 300 (2019 year). Instruction - part 9

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WARNING

■

When the vehicle is parked

●

Do not leave glasses, cigarette lighters,

spray cans, or soft drink cans in the

vehicle when it is in the sun.

Doing so may result in the following:

• Gas may leak from a cigarette lighter

or spray can, and may lead to a fire.

• The temperature inside the vehicle

may cause the plastic lenses and plas-

tic material of glasses to deform or

crack.

• Soft drink cans may fracture, causing

the contents to spray over the interior

of the vehicle, and may also cause a

short circuit in the vehicle’s electrical

components.

●

Do not leave cigarette lighters in the

vehicle. If a cigarette lighter is in a

place such as the glove box or on the

floor, it may be lit accidentally when

luggage is loaded or the seat is

adjusted, causing a fire.

●

Do not attach adhesive discs to the

windshield or windows. Do not place

containers such as air fresheners on

the instrument panel or dashboard.

Adhesive discs or containers may act

as lenses, causing a fire in the vehicle.

●

Do not leave a door or window open if

the curved glass is coated with a met-

allized film such as a silver-colored

one. Reflected sunlight may cause the

glass to act as a lens, causing a fire.

●

Always apply the parking brake, shift

the shift lever to P, stop the engine and

lock the vehicle.

Do not leave the vehicle unattended

while the engine is running.

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 engine is running or immediately

after turning the engine off.

Doing so may cause burns.

■

When taking a nap in the vehicle

Always turn the engine off. Otherwise, if

you accidentally move the shift lever or

depress the accelerator pedal, this could

cause an accident or fire due to engine

overheating. Additionally, if the vehicle is

parked in a poorly ventilated area,

exhaust gases may collect 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 brake booster device does not

operate, do not follow other vehicles

closely and avoid hills or sharp turns

that require braking.

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.

●

Do not pump the brake pedal if the

engine stalls.

Each push on the brake pedal uses up

the reserve for the power-assisted

brakes.

●

The brake system consists of 2 individ-

ual hydraulic systems; if one of the sys-

tems fails, the other 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 (AWD

models)

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.

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NOTICE

■

When driving the vehicle

●

Do not depress the accelerator and

brake pedals at the same time during

driving, as this may restrain the engine

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.

■

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 in the road,

drive as slowly as possible to avoid

damaging the wheels, underside of the

vehicle, etc.

●

Make sure to idle the engine immedi-

ately after high-speed driving or hill

climbing. Stop the engine only after

the turbocharger has cooled down.

Failure to do so may cause damage to

the turbocharger.

■

If you get a flat tire while driving

A flat or damaged tire may cause the fol-

lowing situations. Hold the steering

wheel firmly and gradually depress the

brake pedal to slow down the vehicle.

●

It may be difficult to control your vehi-

cle.

●

The vehicle will make abnormal

sounds or vibrations.

●

The vehicle will lean abnormally.

Information on what to do in case of a flat

tire (

P.361)

■

When encountering flooded roads

Do not drive on a road that has flooded

after heavy rain, etc. Doing so may cause

the following serious damage to the vehi-

cle:

●

Engine stalling

●

Short in electrical components

●

Engine damage caused by water

immersion

In the event that you drive on a flooded

road and the vehicle is flooded, be sure

to have your Lexus dealer check the fol-

lowing:

●

Brake function

●

Changes in quantity and quality of oil

and fluid used for the engine, transmis-

sion, transfer (AWD vehicles), rear dif-

ferential (AWD vehicles), etc.

●

Lubricant condition for the propeller

shaft (AWD models), bearings and

suspension joints (where possible),

and the function of all joints, bearings,

etc.

■

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.

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Cargo capacity depends on the total
weight of the occupants.
(Cargo capacity) = (Total load capac-

Cargo and luggage

Take notice of the following infor-
mation about storage precautions,
cargo capacity and load.

WARNING

■

Things that must not be carried in the

luggage compartment

The following things may cause a fire if

loaded in the luggage compartment:

●

Receptacles containing gasoline

●

Aerosol cans

■

Storage precautions

Observe the following precautions.

Failure to do so may prevent the pedals

from being depressed properly, may

block the driver’s vision, or may result in

items hitting the driver or passengers,

possibly causing an accident.

●

Stow cargo and luggage in the lug-

gage compartment whenever possi-

ble.

●

Do not stack cargo and luggage in the

luggage compartment higher than the

seatbacks.

●

When you fold down the rear seats,

long items should not be placed

directly behind the front seats.

●

Never allow anyone to ride in the lug-

gage compartment. It is not designed

for passengers. They should ride in

their seats with their seat belts prop-

erly fastened.

●

Do not place cargo or luggage in or on

the following locations.

• At the feet of the driver
• On the front passenger or rear seats

(when stacking items)

• On the luggage cover
• On the instrument panel
• On the dashboard

●

Secure all items in the occupant com-

partment.

■

When using a roof luggage carrier

(vehicles with roof rails)

Observe the following precautions:

●

Place the cargo so that its weight is dis-

tributed evenly between the front and

rear axles.

●

If loading long or wide cargo, never

exceed the vehicle overall length or

width. (

P.382)

●

Before driving, make sure the cargo is

securely fastened on the roof luggage

carrier.

●

Loading cargo on the roof luggage

carrier will make the center of gravity

of the vehicle higher. Avoid high

speeds, sudden starts, sharp turns,

sudden braking or abrupt maneuvers,

otherwise it may result in loss of con-

trol or vehicle rollover due to failure to

operate this vehicle correctly and

result in death or serious injury.

●

If driving for a long distance, on rough

roads, or at high speeds, stop the vehi-

cle now and then during the trip to

make sure the cargo remains in its

place.

●

Do not exceed 176.3 lb. (80 kg) cargo

weight on the roof luggage carrier.

NOTICE

■

When loading cargo (vehicles with

moon roof)

Do not set luggage on the moon roof.

Failure to observe so may lead to cause

damage.

Capacity and distribution

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Driving

ity) — (Total weight of occupants)
Steps for Determining Correct Load
Limit



(1) Locate the statement “The com-
bined weight of occupants and cargo
should never exceed XXX kg or XXX
lbs.” on your vehicle’s placard.
(2) Determine the combined weight of
the driver and passengers that will be
riding in your vehicle.
(3) Subtract the combined weight of
the driver and passengers from XXX
kg or XXX lbs.
(4) The resulting figure equals the
available amount of cargo and luggage
load capacity.
For example, if the “XXX” amount
equals 1400 lbs. and there will be five
150 lb passengers in your vehicle, the
amount of available cargo and luggage
load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400 — 750
(5 × 150) = 650 lbs.)
(5) Determine the combined weight of
luggage and cargo being loaded on
the vehicle. That weight may not safely
exceed the available cargo and lug-
gage load capacity calculated in Step
4.
(6) If your vehicle will be towing a
trailer, load from your trailer will be
transferred to your vehicle. Consult
this manual to determine how this
reduces the available cargo and lug-
gage load capacity of your vehicle.
(

P.144)

Vehicles without towing package: Lexus
does not recommend towing a trailer with
your vehicle. Your vehicle is not designed

for trailer towing.

Cargo capacity
Total load capacity (vehicle capac-
ity weight) (

P.382)

When 2 people with the combined
weight of A lb. (kg) are riding in your
vehicle, which has a total load capacity
(vehicle capacity weight) of B lb. (kg),
the available amount of cargo and lug-
gage load capacity will be C lb. (kg) as
follows:

lb. (kg) — A

lb. (kg) = C

lb. (kg)

: A = Weight of people

: B = Total load capacity

: C = Available cargo and luggage load

WARNING

■

Capacity and distribution

●

Do not exceed the maximum axle

weight rating or the total vehicle

weight rating.

●

Even if the total load of occupant’s

weight and the cargo load is less than

the total load capacity, do not apply the

load unevenly. Improper loading may

cause deterioration of steering or

braking control which may cause

death or serious injury.

Calculation formula for your
vehicle

A
B

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In this condition, if 3 more passengers
with the combined weight of D lb. (kg)
get on, the available cargo and lug-
gage load will be reduced E lb. (kg) as
follows:

C lb. (kg) — D

lb. (kg) = E

lb. (kg)

: D = Additional weight of people

: E = Available cargo and luggage load

As shown in the example above, if the
number of occupants increases, the
cargo and luggage load will be
reduced by an amount that equals the
increased weight due to the additional
occupants. In other words, if an
increase in the number of occupants
causes an excess of the total load
capacity (combined weight of occu-
pants plus cargo and luggage load),
you must reduce the cargo and lug-
gage on your vehicle.

■

Total load capacity (vehicle capac-
ity weight):
P.382

Total load capacity means the com-
bined weight of occupants, cargo and
luggage.

■

Seating capacity: 5 occupants
(Front 2, Rear 3)

Seating capacity means the maximum
number of occupants whose esti-
mated average weight is 150 lb. (68
kg) per person.

■

TWR (Trailer Weight Rating) (vehi-
cles with towing package):
P.149, 382

TWR means the maximum gross trailer
weight (trailer weight plus its cargo
weight) that your vehicle is able to tow.

■

TWR (Trailer Weight Rating) (vehi-
cles without towing package)

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.

Vehicle load limits

Vehicle load limits include total
load capacity, seating capacity,
towing capacity and cargo capac-
ity.

Description

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Driving

■

Total load capacity and seating capacity

These details are also described on the tire

and loading information label. (

P.328)

Contact your Lexus dealer for further
information about additional require-
ments such as a towing kit, etc.

■

Matching trailer ball height to trailer

coupler height

No matter which class of tow hitch applies,

for a more safe trailer hookup, the trailer

ball setup must be the proper height for the

coupler on the trailer.

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.

Trailer towing (vehicles with
towing package)

Your vehicle is designed primarily
as a passenger-and-load-carrying
vehicle. Towing a trailer can have an
adverse impact on handling, per-
formance, braking, durability, and
fuel consumption. For your safety
and the safety of others, you must
not overload your vehicle or trailer.
You must also ensure that you are
using appropriate towing equip-
ment, that the towing equipment
has been installed correctly and
used properly, and that you employ
the requisite driving habits.

Vehicle-trailer stability and braking
performance are affected by trailer
stability, brake performance and
setting, trailer brakes, the hitch and
hitch systems (if equipped).
To tow a trailer safely, use extreme
care and drive the vehicle in accor-
dance with your trailer’s character-
istics and operating conditions.
Lexus warranties do not apply to
damage or malfunction caused by
towing a trailer for commercial pur-
poses.

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Coupler

Trailer ball

■

Before towing

Check that the following conditions are

met:

●

Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are prop-

erly inflated. (

P.387)

●

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.

■

AVS (Adaptive Variable Suspension sys-

tem) (if equipped)

The suspension can be switched for

improvement in driveability. (

P.237)

■

Break-in schedule

If your vehicle is new or equipped with any

new power train components (such as an

engine, transmission, differential or wheel

bearing), Lexus 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 the 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.

●

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.

A
B

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Driving

• 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.

●

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 instability 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 trailer tongue weight

capacities.

●

Do not use the dynamic radar cruise

control system when trailer towing.

●

Slow down and downshift before

descending steep or long downhill

grades. Do not make sudden down-

shifts while descending steep or long

downhill grades.

●

Vehicle-trailer instability is more likely

on steep long downhills. Before

descending steep or long downhill

grades, slow down and downshift. Do

not make sudden downshifts when

descending steep or long downhill

grades. Avoid holding the brake pedal

down too long or applying the brakes

too frequently. This could cause the

brakes to overheat and result in

reduced braking efficiency.

●

Do not tow a trailer when the compact

spare tire is installed on your vehicle.

■

When towing a trailer

Lexus recommends trailers with brakes

that conform to any applicable federal

and state/provincial regulations.

●

If the gross trailer weight exceeds

unbraked TWR, trailer brakes are

required. Lexus recommends trailers

with brakes that conform to all applica-

ble federal and state/provincial regula-

tions.

●

Never tap into your vehicle’s hydraulic

system, as this will lower the vehicle’s

braking effectiveness.

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■

GCWR (Gross Combination
Weight Rating)

The maximum allowable gross combi-
nation weight. The gross combination
weight is the sum of the total vehicle
weight (including the occupants, cargo
and any optional equipment installed
on the vehicle) and the weight of the
trailer being towed (including the
cargo in the trailer).

■

GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating)

The maximum allowable gross vehicle
weight. The gross vehicle weight is the
total weight of the vehicle. When tow-
ing a trailer, it is the sum of the vehicle
weight (including the occupants, cargo
and any optional equipment installed
on the vehicle) and the tongue weight.

■

GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rat-
ing)

The maximum allowable gross axle
weight. The gross axle weight is the
load placed on each axle (front and
rear).

Front GAWR
Rear GAWR

WARNING

●

Never tow a trailer without using a

safety chain securely attached to both

the trailer and the vehicle. If damage

occurs to the coupling unit or hitch

ball, there is danger of the trailer wan-

dering into another lane.

NOTICE

■

When installing a trailer hitch

Use only the position recommended by

your Lexus dealer. Do not install the

trailer hitch on the bumper; this may

cause body damage.

■

Do not directly splice trailer lights

Do not directly splice trailer lights.

Directly splicing trailer lights may dam-

age your vehicle’s electrical system and

cause a malfunction.

Towing related terms

A
B

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Driving

■

TWR (Trailer Weight Rating)

The maximum allowable gross trailer
weight. The gross trailer weight is the
sum of the trailer weight and the weight
of the cargo in the trailer.
TWR is calculated assuming base vehi-
cle with one driver, one front passen-
ger, towing package (if available), hitch
and hitch systems (if required).

Additional optional equipment, passengers
and cargo in the vehicle will reduce the
trailer weight rating so as not to exceed
GCWR, GVWR and GAWR.

With brakes

■

Unbraked TWR (Unbraked Trailer
Weight Rating)

The trailer weight rating for towing a
trailer without a trailer service brake
system.

Without brakes

■

Tongue Weight

The load placed on the trailer hitch ball.
(

P.150)

 The gross trailer weight must never

exceed 2000 lb. (910 kg).

 The gross combination weight must

never exceed the following:
2WD models: 6306 lb. (2860 kg)
AWD models: 6416 lb. (2910 kg)

 The gross vehicle weight must never

exceed the GVWR indicated on the
Certification Label.

 The gross axle weight on each axle

must never exceed the GAWR indi-
cated on the Certification Label.

 If the gross trailer weight is over the

unbraked TWR, trailer service
brakes are required.

Weight limits

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Confirm that the gross trailer weight,
gross combination weight, gross vehi-
cle weight, gross axle weight and
tongue weight are all within the limits.

■

GCWR

2WD models: 6306 lb. (2860 kg)
AWD models: 6416 lb. (2910 kg)

■

TWR

2000 lb. (910 kg)

■

Unbraked TWR

1000 lb. (450 kg)

: These models meet the tow-vehicle trail-

ering requirement of SAE International
per SAE J2807.

 A recommended tongue weight

varies in accordance with the types
of trailers or towing as described
below.

 To ensure the recommended values

shown below, the trailer must be
loaded by referring to the following
instructions.

• Tongue Weight
The gross trailer weight should be distrib-
uted so that the tongue weight is 9% to
11%.
(Tongue weight /Gross trailer weight x 100
= 9% to 11%)
The gross trailer weight, gross axle weight
and tongue weight can be measured with
platform scales found at a highway weigh-
ing station, building supply company,

trucking company, junk yard, etc.

Gross trailer weight
Tongue weight

Trailer hitch assemblies have different
weight capacities. Lexus recommends
the use of Lexus hitch/bracket for your
vehicle. For details, contact your Lexus
dealer.
 If you wish to install a trailer hitch,

contact your Lexus dealer.

 Use only a hitch that conforms to

the gross trailer weight requirement
of your vehicle.

 Follow the directions supplied by the

hitch manufacturer.

 Lubricate the hitch ball with a light

coating of grease.

 Remove the trailer hitch whenever

you are not towing a trailer. After
removing the hitch, seal any mount-
ing hole in the vehicle body to pre-
vent entry of any substances into the
vehicle.

GCWR, TWR and Unbraked
TWR

Trailer Tongue Weight

Hitch

A
B

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Driving

Weight carrying ball position:
42.1 in. (1069.9 mm)
Hitch receiver pin hole position:
33.7 in. (855.6 mm)

Please consult your dealer when
installing trailer lights, as incorrect
installation may cause damage to the
vehicle’s lights. Please take care to
comply with your state’s laws when
installing trailer lights.

Your vehicle will handle differently
when towing a trailer. Help to avoid an
accident, death or serious injury, keep
the following in mind when towing:
 Speed limits for towing a trailer vary

by state or province. Do not exceed
the posted towing speed limit.

 Lexus recommends that the vehicle-

trailer speed limit is 65 mph (104
km/h) on a flat, straight, dry road.
Do not exceed this limit, the posted
towing speed limit or the speed limit
for your trailer as set forth in your
trailer owner’s manual, whichever is
lowest. Instability of the towing vehi-
cle-trailer combination (trailer
sway) increases as speed increases.
Exceeding speed limits may cause
loss of control.

 Before starting out, check the trailer

lights, tires and the vehicle-trailer
connections. Recheck after driving
a short distance.

 Practice turning, stopping and

reversing with the trailer attached in
an area away from traffic until you
become accustomed to the feel of
the vehicle-trailer combination.

 Reversing with a trailer attached is

difficult and requires practice. Grip
the bottom of the steering wheel
and move your hand to the left to
move the trailer to the left. Move
your hand to the right to move the
trailer to right. (This is generally
opposite to reversing without a
trailer attached.) Avoid sharp or

WARNING

■

Hitch

Trailer hitch assemblies have different

weight capacities established by the hitch

manufacturer. Even though the vehicle

may be physically capable of towing a

higher weight, the operator must deter-

mine the maximum weight rating of the

particular hitch assembly and never

exceed the maximum weight rating

specified for the trailer-hitch. Exceeding

the maximum weight rating set by the

trailer-hitch manufacturer can cause an

accident resulting in death or serious

personal injuries.

Positions for towing hitch
receiver and hitch ball

Connecting trailer lights

Trailer towing tips

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prolonged turning. Have someone
guide you when reversing to reduce
the risk of an accident.

 As stopping distance is increased

when towing a trailer, vehicle-to
vehicle distance should be
increased. For each 10 mph (16 km/
h) of speed, allow at least one vehi-
cle and trailer length.

 Avoid sudden braking as you may

skid, resulting in the trailer jackknif-
ing and a loss of vehicle control. This
is especially true on wet or slippery
surfaces.

 Avoid jerky starts or sudden accel-

eration.

 Avoid jerky steering and sharp

turns, and slow down before making
turn.

 Note that when making a turn, the

trailer wheels will be closer than the
vehicle wheels to the inside of the
turn. Compensate by making a
wider than normal turning radius.

 Slow down before making a turn, in

cross winds, on wet or slippery sur-
faces, etc.
Increasing vehicle speed can desta-
bilize the trailer.

 Take care when passing other vehi-

cles. Passing requires considerable
distance. After passing a vehicle, do
not forget the length of your trailer,
and be sure you have plenty of room
before changing lanes.

 To maintain engine braking effi-

ciency and charging system perfor-
mance when using engine braking,

do not put the transmission in D. If in
the M mode, the transmission shift
range position must be in 4 or lower.
(

P.158)

 Instability happens more frequently

when descending steep or long
downhill grades. Before descend-
ing, slow down and downshift. Do
not make sudden downshifts while
descending steep or long downhill
grades.

 Avoid holding the brake pedal down

too long or applying the brakes too
frequently. This could cause the
brakes to overheat and result in
reduced braking efficiency.

 Due to the added load of the trailer,

your vehicle’s engine may overheat
on hot days (at temperatures over
85°F [30°C]) when driving up a
long or steep grade. If the engine
coolant temperature gauge indi-
cates overheating, immediately turn
off the air conditioning (if in use),
pull your vehicle off the road and
stop in a safe spot. (

P.377)

 Always place wheel blocks under

both the vehicle’s and the trailer’s
wheels when parking. Put the trans-
mission in P and apply the parking
brake. Avoid parking on a slope, but
if unavoidable, do so only after per-
forming the following:

Apply the brakes and keep them
applied.

Have someone place wheel blocks
under both the vehicle’s and trailer’s
wheels.

153

4-1. Before driving

LEXUS NX300 Owners Manu-

al_USA_M78285_en

Driving

When the wheel blocks are in
place, release the brakes slowly
until the blocks absorb the load.

Shift into P and apply the parking
brake.

Turn off the engine.

 When restarting after parking on a

slope:

With the transmission in P, start the
engine. Be sure to keep the brake
pedal depressed.

Shift into a forward gear. If revers-
ing, shift into R.

If the parking brake is in manual
mode, release the parking brake.
(

P.163)

Release the brake pedal, and slowly
pull or back away from the wheel
blocks. Stop and apply the brakes.

Have someone retrieve the blocks.

Trailer towing (vehicles with-
out towing package)

Lexus does not recommend towing
a trailer with your vehicle. Lexus
also does not recommend the
installation of a tow hitch or the use
of a tow hitch carrier for a wheel-
chair, scooter, bicycle, etc. Your
vehicle is not designed for trailer
towing or for the use of tow hitch
mounted carriers.

154

4-1. Before driving

LEXUS NX300 Owners Manu-

al_USA_M78285_en

Dinghy towing

Your vehicle is not designed to be
dinghy towed (with 4 wheels on the
ground) behind a motor home.

NOTICE

■

To avoid serious damage to your vehi-

cle

Do not tow your vehicle with the four

wheels on the ground.

■

To prevent causing serious damage to

the transmission and Dynamic Torque

Control AWD system (AWD models)

2WD models: Never tow this vehicle

from the rear with the front wheels on the

ground.

This may cause serious damage to the

transmission.

AWD models: Never tow this vehicle

with any of the wheels on the ground.

This may cause serious damage to the

transmission and Dynamic Torque Con-

trol AWD system.

155

4-2. Driving procedures

LEXUS NX300 Owners Manu-

al_USA_M78285_en

Driving

4-2.Driving procedures

Check that the parking brake is set.

Check that the shift lever is in P.

Firmly depress the brake pedal.

and a message will be displayed on the

multi-information display.

If it is not displayed, the engine cannot be

started.

Press the engine switch shortly and
firmly.

When operating the engine switch, one

short, firm press is enough.

It is not necessary to press and hold the

switch.
The engine will crank until it starts or for up

to 30 seconds, whichever is less.

Continue depressing the brake pedal until

the engine is completely started.

The engine can be started from any engine

switch mode.

■

If the engine does not start

●

The engine immobilizer system may not

have been deactivated. (

P.58)

Contact your Lexus dealer.

●

Check that the shift lever is securely set in

P. The engine may not start if the shift

lever is displaced out of P. “To Start Vehi-

cle, Put Shift Lever into P” will be dis-

played on the multi-information display.

●

The smart access system with push-but-

ton start may not be operating properly.

(

P.372)

■

Electronic key battery depletion

P.86

■

Conditions affecting operation

P.107

■

Note for the entry function

P.108

■

Steering lock function

●

After turning the engine switch off and

opening and closing the doors, the steer-

ing wheel will be locked due to the steer-

ing lock function. Operating the engine

switch again automatically cancels the

steering lock.

●

When the steering lock cannot be

released, “Steering Wheel Lock Press

Engine Switch while Turning Wheel” will

be displayed on the multi-information dis-

play.

Check that the shift lever is in P. Press the

engine switch 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 engine is turned on

and off repeatedly in a short period of

time. In this case, refrain from running the

engine. After about 10 seconds, the

steering lock motor will resume function-

ing.

Engine (ignition) switch

Performing the following opera-
tions when carrying the electronic
key on your person starts the
engine or changes engine switch
modes.

Starting the engine

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