LEXUS RC F (2019 year). Instruction - part 13

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4-1. Before driving

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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 vehicle
Do not tow your vehicle with the four wheels on the ground.

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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 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.

Stop the vehicle.
Set the parking brake (

P. 222), and shift the shift lever to P. 

Press the engine switch.
Release the brake pedal and check that the display on the meters is off.

Engine (ignition) switch

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

Starting the engine

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Stopping the engine

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2
3
4

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



RC350/RC300
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

meters.

IGNITION ON mode

All electrical components can be used.
“IGNITION ON” will be displayed on

the meters.

*

:  If the shift lever is in a position other than

P when turning off the engine, the
engine switch will be turned to ACCES-
SORY mode, not to off.

Changing engine switch modes

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2

3

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

RC F
Off

*

The emergency flashers can be used.
The analog speedometer and the

tachometer will not be illuminated. 

However, if the welcome illumination is

operating, the analog speedometer will

illuminate. 

(Welcome illumination: 

P. 101)

ACCESSORY mode

Some electrical components such as the

audio system can be used.
The analog speedometer is illuminated.

IGNITION ON mode

All electrical components can be used.
The analog speedometer and the

tachometer will be illuminated.

*

:  If the shift lever is in a position other than

P when turning off the engine, the
engine switch will be turned to ACCES-
SORY mode, not to off.

If the engine is stopped with the shift lever in a position other than P, the engine
switch will not be turned off but instead be turned to ACCESSORY mode. Per-
form 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 displayed on the multi-information display
and then press the engine switch once.
Check that “Turn Off Vehicle” on the multi-information display is off.

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2

3

When stopping the engine with the shift lever in a position other than P

1

2
3

4

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Auto power off function
If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY mode for more than 20 minutes or IGNITION ON

mode (the engine is not running) for more than an hour with the shift lever in P, the engine

switch will automatically turn off. However, this function cannot entirely prevent battery

discharge. Do not leave the vehicle with the engine switch in ACCESSORY or IGNI-

TION ON mode for long periods of time when the engine is not running.

■

Electronic key battery depletion
P. 143

■

Conditions affecting operation
P. 158

■

Notes for the entry function
P. 159

■

If the engine does not start

●

Check that the shift lever is securely set in P. The engine may not start if the shift lever is

displaced out of P.

●

The engine immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. (

P. 79) 

Contact your Lexus dealer.

■

Steering lock
After turning the engine switch off and opening and closing the doors, the steering wheel

will be locked due to the steering lock function. Operating the engine switch again auto-

matically cancels the steering lock.

■

When the steering lock cannot be released

■

Steering lock motor overheating prevention
To prevent the steering lock motor from overheating, operation of the motor may be sus-

pended if the engine is turned on and off repeatedly in a short period of time. In this case,

refrain from operating the engine switch. After about 10 seconds, the steering lock

motor will resume functioning.

■

When “Access System with Elec. Key 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 electronic key battery is depleted
P. 427

“Steering Wheel Lock Press Engine Switch

while Turning Wheel” will be displayed on the

multi-information display. 
Check that the shift lever is in P. Press the

engine switch while turning the steering wheel

left and right.

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Operation of the engine switch

●

If the switch is not pressed shortly and firmly, the engine switch mode may not change

or the engine may not start.

●

If attempting to restart the engine immediately after turning the engine switch off, the

engine may not start in some cases. After turning the engine switch off, please wait a

few seconds before restarting the engine.

■

If the smart access system with push-button start has been deactivated by a customized

setting
P. 518

WARNING

■

When starting the engine
Always start the engine while sitting in the driver’s seat. Do not depress the accelerator

pedal while starting the engine under any circumstances.

Doing so may cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.

■

Caution while driving
If engine failure occurs while the vehicle is moving, do not lock or open the doors until

the vehicle reaches a safe and complete stop. Activation of the steering lock in this cir-

cumstance may lead to an accident, resulting in death or serious injury.

■

Stopping the engine in an emergency
If you want to stop the engine in an emergency while driving the vehicle, press and hold

the engine switch for more than 2 seconds, or press it briefly 3 times or more in succes-

sion. (

P. 443)

However, do not touch the engine switch while driving except in an emergency. Turning

the engine off while driving will not cause loss of steering or braking control, but the

power assist to these systems will be lost. This will make it more difficult to steer and

brake, so you should pull over and stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.

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NOTICE

■

To prevent battery discharge

●

Do not leave the engine switch in ACCESSORY or IGNITION ON mode for long

periods of time without the engine running.

●

RC350/RC300: If “ACCESSORY” or “IGNITION ON” is displayed on the meters

while the engine is not running, the engine switch is not off. Exit the vehicle after turn-

ing the engine switch off.

●

RC F: If the analog speedometer is illuminated and the engine is not running, the

engine switch is not off. Exit the vehicle after turning the engine switch off. 

However, if the welcome illumination is operating, the analog speedometer will be

illuminated even though the engine switch is off. (Welcome illumination: 

P. 101)

●

Do not stop the engine when the shift lever is in a position other than P. If the engine is

stopped in another shift lever position, the engine switch will not be turned off but

instead  be  turned  to  ACCESSORY  mode.  If  the  vehicle  is  left  in  ACCESSORY

mode, battery discharge may occur.

■

When starting the engine

●

Do not race a cold engine.

●

If the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls frequently, have your vehicle checked

by your Lexus dealer immediately.

■

Symptoms indicating a malfunction with the engine switch
If the engine switch seems to be operating somewhat differently than usual, such as the

switch sticking slightly, there may be a malfunction. Contact your Lexus dealer immedi-

ately.

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While the engine switch is in IGNITION ON mode, move the shift lever
with the brake pedal depressed.

When shifting the shift lever between P and D, make sure that the vehicle is com-

pletely stopped. 

Automatic transmission

Shifting the shift lever

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*

1

: To improve fuel efficiency and reduce noise, shift the shift lever to D for normal driv-

ing.

*

2

: Any gear range can be fixed when driving in M mode.

■

Sport mode/Eco drive mode
P. 301

■

Snow mode
Snow mode can be selected to suit the conditions when driving on slippery
road surfaces, such as snow.
Press the switch.

Press the switch again to return to

normal mode.

Shift position purpose

Shift position

Objective or function

P

Parking the vehicle/starting the engine

R

Reversing

N

Neutral

(Condition in which the power is not transmitted)

D

Normal driving

*

1

M

M mode driving

*

2

 (

P. 216)

Selecting the driving mode

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To drive using temporary shift range selection, operate the “-” or “+” paddle shift
switch. 
When the “-” paddle shift switch is operated, the shift range will be downshifted
to a range that enables engine braking force that is suitable to driving conditions.
When the “+” paddle shift switch is operated, the shift range will be one gear
higher than the gear in use during normal D position driving.
Changing the shift range allows restriction of the highest gear, preventing unnec-
essary upshifting and enabling the level of engine braking force to be selected.

Upshifting
Downshifting

8-speed models: The selected shift

range, from D1 to D8, will be displayed

in the meter. 
6-speed models: The selected shift

range, from D1 to D6, will be displayed

in the meter.
To return to normal D position driving,

the “+” paddle shift switch must be held

down for a period of time.

■

Shift ranges and their functions

A lower shift range will provide greater engine braking forces than a higher shift

range.

Selecting shift ranges in the D position

1

2

Meter display

Function

D2 - D8

(8-speed models)

A gear in the range between 1 and the selected gear is auto-

matically chosen depending on vehicle speed and driving 

conditions

D2 - D6

(6-speed models)

D1

Setting the gear at 1

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To enter M mode, shift the shift lever to M. Gears can then be selected by oper-
ating the shift lever or paddle shift switches, allowing you to drive in the gear of
your choosing.

Upshifting
Downshifting

The gear changes once every time the

shift lever or paddle shift switch is oper-

ated.
8-speed models: The selected gear,

from M1 to M8, will be fixed and dis-

played in the meter.
6-speed models: The selected gear,

from M1 to M6, will be fixed and dis-

played in the meter.

When in the M position, the gear will not change unless the shift lever or pad-
dle shift switches are operated.
However, even when in the M position, the gears will be automatically
changed in the following situation:

●

When vehicle speed drops (downshift only).

●

When a gear change is necessary to protect the engine or automatic trans-
mission when the engine coolant temperature or automatic transmission
fluid temperature is low, or other reasons.

In the following situations, the gear will not shift even if the shift lever or paddle
shift switches are operated.

●

“Slippery Road. Cannot Shift to Lower Gear.” is displayed on the multi-
information display.

●

The vehicle speed is low (upshift only).

Selecting gears in the M position

1

2

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The Gear Shift Indicator display is a guide to help the driver achieve improved
fuel economy and reduced exhaust emissions within limits of engine perfor-
mance.

When not in operation
Shift-up indicator

■

Gear Shift Indicator function

●

This function automatically operates during M mode.

●

By following the Shift-up indicator and shifting up accordingly, it is possible
to achieve improved fuel economy and reduced exhaust emissions.

●

The Gear Shift Indicator does not have a similar function for downshifting.

●

Depending on the driving conditions, the Gear Shift Indicator may not dis-
play the Shift-up indicator while driving in M mode.

Gear Shift Indicator (RC F)

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2

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Automatic deactivation of shift range selection in the D position
Shift range selection in the D position will be deactivated in the following situations:

●

When the vehicle comes to a stop

●

If the accelerator pedal is depressed for more than a certain period of time

●

When the shift lever is shifted to a position other than D

■

To protect the automatic transmission
If the automatic transmission fluid temperature is high, “Transmission Fluid Temp High

See Owner’s Manual” will be displayed on the multi-information display and the vehicle

will go into transmission protection mode automatically. Have the vehicle inspected by

your Lexus dealer.

■

Downshifting restriction warning buzzer
To help ensure safety and driving performance, downshifting operation may sometimes

be restricted. In some circumstances, downshifting may not be possible even when the

shift lever or paddle shift switch is operated. (A buzzer will sound twice.)

■

Snow mode automatic deactivation
Snow mode is automatically deactivated if the engine switch is turned off after driving in

snow mode.

■

When driving with dynamic radar cruise control activated
Even when performing the following actions with the intent of enabling engine braking,

engine braking will not activate because dynamic radar cruise control will not be can-

celed.

●

8-speed models: While driving in the D position, downshifting to 7, 6, 5 or 4. 

(

P. 268) 

●

6-speed models: While driving in the D position, downshifting to 5 or 4. 

(

P. 268)

●

When switching the driving mode to sport mode while driving in D position. 

(

P. 301)

■

Shift lock system
The shift lock system is a system to prevent accidental operation of the shift lever in start-

ing.

The shift lever can be shifted from P only when the engine switch is in IGNITION ON

mode and the brake pedal is being depressed.

■

Restraining sudden start (Drive-Start Control)

●

When the following unusual operation is performed, the engine output may be

restrained.
• When the shift lever is shifted from R to D, D to R, N to R, P to D, or P to R (D

includes M) with the accelerator pedal depressed, a warning message appears on

the multi-information display. (

P. 465)

• When the accelerator pedal is depressed too much while the vehicle is in reverse.

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If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P
First, check whether the brake pedal is being depressed.

If the shift lever cannot be shifted with your foot on the brake pedal, there may be a prob-

lem with the shift lock system. Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immedi-

ately.

The following steps may be used as an emergency measure to ensure that the shift lever

can be shifted.
Releasing the shift lock:

Set the parking brake.
Turn the engine switch to off.
Depress the brake pedal.

■

AI-SHIFT

●

The AI-SHIFT automatically selects the suitable gear according to driver performance

and driving conditions.

The AI-SHIFT automatically operates when the shift lever is in D. (Shifting the shift lever

to the M position cancels the function.)

●

8-speed models: G AI-SHIFT automatically selects a suitable gear for sporty driving

according to driver’s input and driving conditions. G AI-SHIFT operates automatically

when the shift lever is in D and sport mode is selected for the driving mode. (Selecting

normal mode with the driving mode select switch or shifting the shift lever to the M

position cancels this function.)

1

2
3

Pry the cover up with a flathead screwdriver

or equivalent tool.
To prevent damage to the cover, cover the tip

of the screwdriver with a rag.

Press the shift lock override button.
The shift lever can be shifted while the button

is pressed.

4

5

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WARNING

■

When driving on slippery road surfaces
Be careful of downshifting and sudden acceleration, as this could result in the vehicle

skidding to the side or spinning.

■

To prevent an accident when releasing the shift lock
Before pressing the shift lock override button, make sure to set the parking brake and

depress the brake pedal.

If the accelerator pedal is accidentally depressed instead of the brake pedal when the

shift lock override button is pressed and the shift lever is shifted out of P, the vehicle

may suddenly start, possibly leading to an accident resulting in death or serious injury.

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The lever will return to its original position immediately after operation.

Right turn
Lane change to the right (move the
lever partway and release it)

The right hand signals will flash 3 times.

Lane  change  to  the  left  (move  the
lever partway and release it)

The left hand signals will flash 3 times.

Left turn

■

If the turn signals do not stop flashing after turning left or right, or if you want
to stop them flashing
Operate the lever in the opposite direction to either position 

 or 

. If you

move the lever to either position 

 or 

, the selected turn signals will flash.

■

Turn signals can be operated when
The engine switch is in IGNITION ON mode.

■

If the indicator flashes faster than usual
Check that a light bulb in the front or rear turn signal lights has not burned out.

■

If the turn signals stop flashing before a lane change has been performed
Operate the lever again.

■

Customization
The number of times the turn signals flash during a lane change can be changed. 

(Customizable feature 

P. 569)

Turn signal lever

Operating instructions

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4

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3

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