LEXUS NX 300H (2019 year). Instruction - part 10

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Cargo capacity depends on the total
weight of the occupants.

(Cargo capacity) = (Total load capac-
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.158)

Vehicles without towing package:
Lexus does not recommend towing a

WARNING

●

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.402)

●

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

trailer with your vehicle. Your vehicle is
not designed for trailer towing.

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

P.402)

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

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.

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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■

Total load capacity (vehicle capac-
ity weight):
P.402

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.163, 402

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.

■

Total load capacity and seating capacity

These details are also described on the tire

and loading information label. (

P.345)

Vehicle load limits

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

Description

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.

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Driving

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.

Coupler

Trailer ball

■

Before towing

Check that the following conditions are

met:

●

Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are prop-

erly inflated. (

P.408)

●

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.

■

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

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.

A
B

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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.

• 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.

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Driving

■

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

WARNING

●

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.

●

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

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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

■

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.163)

A
B

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Driving

 The gross trailer weight must never

exceed 1500 lb. (685 kg).

 The gross combination weight must

never exceed 6835 lb. (3100 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.

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

6835 lb. (3100 kg)

■

TWR

1500 lb. (685 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.

Weight limits

GCWR, TWR and Unbraked
TWR

Trailer Tongue Weight

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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.

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.

Hitch

A
B

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

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Driving

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

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,

Trailer towing tips

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do not put the transmission in D.
(

P.176)

 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.396)

 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.

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 hybrid system.

 When restarting after parking on a

slope:

With the transmission in P, start the
hybrid system. 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.178)

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

Have someone retrieve the blocks.

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Driving

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.

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 hybrid transmission and AWD

system

Never tow this vehicle with any of the

wheels on the ground. This may cause

serious damage to the hybrid transmis-

sion and AWD system.

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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 hybrid system can-

not be started.

Press the power switch shortly and
firmly.

When operating the power switch, one

short, firm press is enough.

It is not necessary to press and hold the

switch.
If the “READY” indicator turns on, the

hybrid system will operate normally.

Continue depressing the brake pedal until

the “READY” indicator is illuminated.

The hybrid system can be started from any

power switch mode.

Check that the “READY” indicator
is illuminated.

The vehicle will not move when the

“READY” indicator is off.

■

If the hybrid system does not start

●

The immobilizer system may not have

been deactivated. (

P.69)

Contact your Lexus dealer.

●

Check that the shift lever is securely set in

P. The hybrid system may not start if the

shift lever is displaced out of P. “To Start

Vehicle, 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 prop-

erly.(

P.390)

■

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.63

■

Electronic key battery depletion

P.100

■

Conditions affecting operation

P.121

■

Note for the entry function

P.122

■

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.

Power (ignition) switch

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

Starting the hybrid system

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Driving

Check that the shift lever is in P. Press the

power 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 hybrid system is

turned on and off repeatedly in a short

period of time. In this case, refrain from

operating the hybrid system. After about

10 seconds, the steering lock motor will

resume functioning.

■

If “Smart Access System Malfunction

See Owner’s Manual” is displayed on

the multi-information display

The system may be malfunctioning. Have

the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer

immediately.

■

If the “READY” indicator does not come

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.67

■

Electronic key battery

P.349

■

Operation of the power switch

●

If the switch is not 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.

■

Customizable functions

P.423

Stop the vehicle completely.

Set the parking brake (

P.178),

and shift the shift lever to P
(

P.173).

Press the power switch.

WARNING

■

When starting the hybrid system

Always start the hybrid 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.

■

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. The steering lock func-

tion will activate and this 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.

NOTICE

■

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

170

4-2. Driving procedures

LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-

al_USA_M78287_en

Release the brake pedal and check
that the display on the instrument
cluster is off.

Modes can be changed by pressing
the power switch with brake pedal
released. (The mode changes each
time the switch is pressed.)

Off

The emergency flashers can be used.

ACCESSORY mode

Some electrical components such as the
audio system can be used.
“ACCESSORY” will be displayed on the
multi-information display.

ON mode

All electrical components can be used.
“IGNITION ON” will be displayed on the
multi-information display.

: 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 (the

hybrid system is not operating) for more

than an hour with the shift lever in P, the

power switch will automatically turn off.

However, this function cannot entirely pre-

vent 12-volt battery discharge. Do not leave

the vehicle with the power switch in

ACCESSORY or ON mode for long peri-

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.360)

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 steer smoothly, so you

should pull over and stop the vehicle as

soon as it is safe to do so.

Changing power switch modes

171

4-2. Driving procedures

LEXUS NX300h Owners Manu-

al_USA_M78287_en

Driving

ods of time when the hybrid system is not

operating.

■

When stopping the hybrid system with

the shift lever in a position other than P

If the hybrid system is stopped with the shift

lever in a position other than P, the power

switch will not be turned off but instead be

turned to ACCESSORY mode. Perform

the following procedure to turn the switch

off:

Check that the parking brake is set.

Shift the shift lever to P.

Check that “Turn Off Vehicle” is dis-

played on the multi-information display

and then press the power switch once.

Check that “Turn Off Vehicle” on the

multi-information display is off.

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]).

■

Situations in which EV drive mode can-

not be turned on

It may not be possible to turn EV drive

mode on in the following situations. If it can-

not be turned on, a buzzer will sound and a

message will be shown on the multi-infor-

mation display.

●

The temperature of the hybrid system is

high.

The vehicle has been left in the sun,

NOTICE

■

To prevent 12-volt battery discharge

●

Do not leave the power switch in

ACCESSORY or ON mode for long

periods of time without the hybrid sys-

tem on.

●

If “ACCESSORY” or “IGNITION

ON” is displayed on the multi-informa-

tion display while the hybrid system is

not operating, the power switch is not

off. Exit the vehicle after turning the

power switch off.

●

Do not stop the hybrid system when

the shift lever is in a position other than

P. If the hybrid system is stopped in

another shift lever position, the power

switch will not be turned off but instead

be turned to ACCESSORY mode. If

the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY

mode, 12-volt battery discharge may

occur.

EV drive mode

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 res-
idential areas early in the morning
and late at night, or in indoor park-
ing lots, etc., without concern for
noises and gas emissions.

Operating instructions

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