LEXUS RC300, RC350 (2019 year). Instruction - part 8

123

4-1. Before driving

RC350AWD_RC350_RC300AWD_RC30

0_OM_(U)_1810

4

Driving

■

Total load capacity and seating capacity

These details are also described on the tire 

and loading information label. (

P.261)

WARNING

●

To prevent cargo and luggage from 

sliding forward during braking, do not 

stack anything in the enlarged trunk. 

Keep cargo and luggage low, as close 

to the floor as possible.

●

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 

enlarged trunk. It is not designed for 

passengers. They should ride in their 

seats with their seat belts properly fas-

tened.

●

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 package tray

• On the instrument panel

• On the dashboard

• In front of the Center Display

●

Secure all items in the occupant com-

partment.

■

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.

Vehicle load limits

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

 Total load capacity (vehicle 

capacity weight): 

P.316

Total load capacity means the com-
bined weight of occupants, cargo 
and luggage.
 Seating capacity: 4 occupants 

(Front 2, Rear 2)

Seating capacity means the maxi-
mum number of occupants whose 
estimated average weight is 150 lb. 
(68 kg) per person.
 Towing capacity
Lexus does not recommend towing 
a trailer with your vehicle.
 Cargo capacity
Cargo capacity may increase or 
decrease depending on the weight 
and the number of occupants.

WARNING

■

Overloading the vehicle

Do not overload the vehicle.

It may not only cause damage to the tires, 

but also degrade steering and braking 

ability, resulting in an accident.

124

4-1. Before driving

RC350AWD_RC350_RC300AWD_RC30

0_OM_(U)_1810

Trailer towing

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.

125

4-2. Driving procedures

RC350AWD_RC350_RC300AWD_RC30

0_OM_(U)_1810

4

Driving

4-2.Driving procedures

1

Check that the parking brake is set.

2

Check that the shift lever is in P.

3

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.

4

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.57) 

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.

■

Electronic key battery depletion

P.82

■

Conditions affecting operation

P.94

■

Notes for the entry function

P.95

■

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 operating 

the engine switch. After about 10 sec-

onds, the steering lock motor will resume 

functioning.

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

126

4-2. Driving procedures

RC350AWD_RC350_RC300AWD_RC30

0_OM_(U)_1810

■

When “Access System with Elec. Key 

Malfunction See Owner's Manual” is 

displayed on the multi-information dis-

play

The system may be malfunctioning. Have 

the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer 

immediately.

■

Electronic key battery

P.265

■

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 imme-

diately 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.

■

Customization

If the smart access system with push-button 

start has been deactivated in a customized 

setting, refer to P.304.

1

Stop the vehicle.

2

Set the parking brake (

P.134), 

and shift the shift lever to P.

3

Press the engine switch.

4

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

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

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 result-

ing 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 com-

plete stop. Activation of the steering lock 

in this circumstance may lead to an acci-

dent, resulting in death or serious injury.

NOTICE

■

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 immedi-

ately.

■

Symptoms indicating a malfunction 

with the engine switch

If the engine 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 engine

WARNING

■

Stopping the engine in an emergency

If you want to stop the engine in an emer-

gency while driving the vehicle, press 

and hold the engine switch for more than 

2 seconds, or press it briefly 3 times or 

more in succession. (

P.274)

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 con-

trol, 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.

Changing engine switch modes

127

4-2. Driving procedures

RC350AWD_RC350_RC300AWD_RC30

0_OM_(U)_1810

4

Driving

1

Off

*

The emergency flashers can be used.

2

ACCESSORY mode

Some electrical components such as the 
audio system can be used.
“ACCESSORY” will be displayed on the 
meters.

3

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.

■

Auto power off function

If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY mode 

for more than 20 minutes or IGNITION 

ON mode (with the engine 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 pre-

vent battery discharge. Do not leave the 

vehicle with the engine switch in ACCES-

SORY or IGNITION ON mode for long 

periods of time when the engine is not run-

ning.

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. Perform the following proce-
dure to turn the switch off:

1

Check that the parking brake is set.

2

Shift the shift lever to P.

3

Check that “Turn Off Vehicle” is 
displayed on the multi-information 
display and then press the engine 
switch once.

4

Check that “Turn Off Vehicle” on 
the multi-information display is off.

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.

●

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 

turning the engine switch off.

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

128

4-2. Driving procedures

RC350AWD_RC350_RC300AWD_RC30

0_OM_(U)_1810

*1

: To improve fuel efficiency and reduce 

noise, shift the shift lever to D for normal 
driving.

*2

: Any gear range can be fixed when driv-

ing in M mode.

■

To protect the automatic transmission

If the automatic transmission fluid tempera-

ture is high, “Transmission Fluid Temp High 

See Owner's Manual” will be displayed on 

the multi-information display and the vehi-

cle will go into transmission protection 

mode automatically. Have the vehicle 

inspected by your Lexus dealer.

■

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 occur 

because dynamic radar cruise control will 

not be canceled.

●

6-speed models: While driving in the D 

NOTICE

■

To prevent battery discharge

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 dis-

charge may occur.

Automatic transmission

Select the shift position depending 
on your purpose and situation.

Shift position purpose and func-
tions

Shift posi-

tion

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.131)

129

4-2. Driving procedures

RC350AWD_RC350_RC300AWD_RC30

0_OM_(U)_1810

4

Driving

position, downshifting to 5 or 4. 

(

P.130)

●

8-speed models: While driving in the D 

position, downshifting to 7, 6, 5 or 4. 

(

P.130)

●

When switching the driving mode to 

sport mode while driving in the D posi-

tion. (

P.190)

■

Restraining sudden start (Drive-Start 

Control)

P.117

■

AI-SHIFT

●

The AI-SHIFT automatically selects the 

suitable gear according to driver perfor-

mance 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 automati-

cally 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.)

 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.

■

Shift lock system

The shift lock system is a system to prevent 

accidental operation of the shift lever in 

starting.

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.

■

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 

problem with the shift lock system. Have the 

vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer 

immediately.

The following steps may be used as an 

WARNING

■

When driving on slippery road sur-

faces

Be careful of downshifting and sudden 

acceleration, as this could result in the 

vehicle skidding to the side or spinning.

Shifting the shift lever

130

4-2. Driving procedures

RC350AWD_RC350_RC300AWD_RC30

0_OM_(U)_1810

emergency measure to ensure that the shift 

lever can be shifted.
Releasing the shift lock:

1

Set the parking brake.

2

Turn the engine switch to off.

3

Depress the brake pedal.

4

Pry the cover up with a flathead screw-

driver or equivalent tool.

To prevent damage to the cover, cover the 

tip of the screwdriver with a rag.

5

Press the shift lock override button.

The shift lever can be shifted while the but-

ton is pressed.

■

Sport mode/Eco drive mode

P.190

■

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.

■

Snow mode automatic deactivation

Snow mode is automatically deactivated if 

the engine switch is turned off after driving 

in snow mode.

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 down-
shifted 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.

WARNING

■

To prevent an accident when releas-

ing 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, pos-

sibly leading to an accident resulting in 

death or serious injury.

Selecting the driving mode

Selecting shift ranges in the D 
position

131

4-2. Driving procedures

RC350AWD_RC350_RC300AWD_RC30

0_OM_(U)_1810

4

Driving

Changing the shift range allows 
restriction of the highest gear, prevent-
ing unnecessary upshifting and 
enabling the level of engine braking 
force to be selected.

1

Upshifting

2

Downshifting

8-speed models: The selected shift range, 
from D1 to D8, will be displayed on the 
meter.
6-speed models: The selected shift range, 
from D1 to D6, will be displayed on the 
meter.
To return to normal D position driving, the 
“+” paddle shift switch must be held down 
for a period of time.

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

■

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 posi-

tion other than D

■

Downshifting restriction warning 

buzzer

To help ensure safety and driving perfor-

mance, downshifting operation may some-

times be restricted. In some circumstances, 

downshifting may not be possible even 

when the paddle shift switch is operated. (A 

buzzer will sound twice.)

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

Meter dis-

play

Function

D2 - D8

(8-speed 

models)

A gear in the range between 
1 and the selected gear is 
automatically chosen 
depending on vehicle speed 
and driving conditions

D2 - D6

(6-speed 

models)

D1

Setting the gear at 1

Selecting gears in the M position

132

4-2. Driving procedures

RC350AWD_RC350_RC300AWD_RC30

0_OM_(U)_1810

1

Upshifting

2

Downshifting

The gear changes once every time the shift 
lever or paddle shift switch is operated.
8-speed models: The selected gear, from 
M1 to M8, will be fixed and displayed on 
the meter.
6-speed models: The selected gear, from 
M1 to M6, will be fixed and displayed on 
the meter.

When in the M position, the gear will 
not change unless the shift lever or 
paddle 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 (down-

shift only).

 When a gear change is necessary to 

protect the engine or automatic 
transmission when the engine cool-
ant temperature or automatic trans-
mission 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).

■

Downshifting restriction warning 

buzzer

To help ensure safety and driving perfor-

mance, downshifting operation may some-

times 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.)

133

4-2. Driving procedures

RC350AWD_RC350_RC300AWD_RC30

0_OM_(U)_1810

4

Driving

The lever will return to its original posi-
tion immediately after operation.

1

Right turn

2

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

The right hand signals will flash 3 times.

3

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

The left hand signals will flash 3 times.

4

Left turn

■

If the turn signals do not stop flash-
ing after turning left or right, or if 
you want to stop them flashing

Operate the lever in the opposite 
direction to either position 

2

 or 

3

. If 

you move the lever to either position 

1

 

or 

4

, 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

Some functions can be customized. 

(

P.339)

Turn signal lever

Operating instructions

134

4-2. Driving procedures

RC350AWD_RC350_RC300AWD_RC30

0_OM_(U)_1810

To set the parking brake, fully depress 
the parking brake pedal with your left 
foot while depressing the brake pedal 
with your right foot. 
(Depressing the pedal again releases 
the parking brake.)

■

Parking the vehicle

P.116

■

Parking brake engaged warning buzzer

A buzzer will sound if the vehicle is driven 

with the parking brake engaged. “Release 

Parking Brake” is displayed on the 

multi-information display.

■

Usage in winter time

P.197

*

: If equipped

1

Louder

2

Lower

The indicator comes on when the ASC 
system is on.
When the dial is turned to the lowest 
volume, the ASC system will be turned 
off and the indicator will go off.

Parking brake

Operating instructions

NOTICE

■

Before driving

Fully release the parking brake.

Driving the vehicle with the parking 

brake set will lead to brake components 

overheating, which may affect braking 

performance and increase brake wear.

ASC (Active Sound Con-
trol)

*

The ASC system is an electronic 
sound system that generates 
engine sound, conveying the 
kinetic situations of the vehicle’s 
acceleration and deceleration to 
the driver through the speakers 
inside the instrument panel.

The vehicle’s response to the 
driver’s acceleration behavior and 
shift operations are also conveyed 
in sound.

When sport mode is selected, the 
sound conveyed to the driver will be 
louder.

Controlling volume

135

4-2. Driving procedures

RC350AWD_RC350_RC300AWD_RC30

0_OM_(U)_1810

4

Driving

■

The ASC system can be operated when

The driving mode select switch is in normal 

mode or sport mode. (

P.190)

■

Temporary cancelation of the ASC sys-

tem functions

The ASC system may be temporarily can-

celed depending on the driving conditions, 

such as when the tires slip due to sudden 

acceleration.

136

4-3. Operating the lights and wipers

RC350AWD_RC350_RC300AWD_RC30

0_OM_(U)_1810

4-3.Operating the lights and wipers

Operating the 

 switch turns on 

the lights as follows:

U.S.A.
Canada

1

 The side marker, parking, tail, 

license plate, instrument panel 
lights, and daytime running lights 
(

P.136) turn on.

2

 The headlights and all lights 

listed above (except daytime run-
ning lights) turn on.

3

 The headlights, daytime run-

ning lights (

P.136) and all the 

lights listed above turn on and off 
automatically. (When the engine 
switch is in IGNITION ON mode.)

4

 (U.S.A.) Off /

 (Canada) 

The daytime running lights turn on. 
(

P.136)

■

Daytime running light system

●

The daytime running lights illuminate 

using the same lights as the parking lights 

and illuminate brighter than the parking 

lights.

●

To make your vehicle more visible to 

other drivers during daytime driving, the 

daytime running lights turn on automati-

cally when all of the following conditions 

are met. (The daytime running lights are 

not designed for use at night.)

• The engine is running

• The parking brake is released
• The headlight switch is in the 

 (Can-

ada only), 

 or 

*

 position

*

: When the surroundings are bright

The daytime running lights remain on after 

they illuminate, even if the parking brake is 

set again.

●

For the U.S.A.: Daytime running lights 

can be turned off by operating the switch.

●

Compared to turning on the headlights, 

the daytime running light system offers 

greater durability and consumes less 

electricity, so it can help improve fuel 

economy.

■

Headlight control sensor

The sensor may not function properly if an 

object is placed on the sensor, or anything 

Headlight switch

The headlights can be operated 
manually or automatically.

Operating instructions

A
B

137

4-3. Operating the lights and wipers

RC350AWD_RC350_RC300AWD_RC30

0_OM_(U)_1810

4

Driving

that blocks the sensor is affixed to the wind-

shield.

Doing so interferes with the sensor detect-

ing the level of ambient light and may cause 

the automatic headlight system to malfunc-

tion.

■

Automatic light off system

When the light switch is in 

, 

 or 

: The headlights and tail lights turn off 

30 seconds after the engine switch is 

turned to ACCESSORY mode or turned 

off and a door is opened and all of the doors 

and trunk are closed. (The lights turn off 
immediately if 

 on the key is pressed 

twice after both side doors are closed.)
To turn the lights on again, turn the engine 

switch to IGNITION ON mode, or turn the 
light switch off once and then back to 

 

or .
If any of the doors or trunk lid is left open, 

the lights automatically turn off after 20 

minutes.

■

Light reminder buzzer

A buzzer sounds when the engine switch is 

turned off or turned to ACCESSORY 

mode and the driver’s door is opened while 

the lights are turned on.

■

Automatic headlight leveling system

The level of the headlights is automatically 

adjusted according to the number of pas-

sengers and the loading condition of the 

vehicle to ensure that the headlights do not 

interfere with other road users.

■

Customization

Some functions can be customized. 

(

P.339)

1

With the headlights on, push the 
lever away from you to turn on the 
high beams.

Pull the lever toward you to the center 
position to turn the high beams off.

2

Pull the lever toward you and 
release it to flash the high beams 
once.

You can flash the high beams with the 
headlights on or off.

 When the steering wheel or turn 

signal lever is operated while the 
headlights are on (low beam) and 
the vehicle speed is 19 mph (30 
km/h) or lower, a cornering light will 
turn on and light up the direction of 
movement of the vehicle. The cor-
nering lights are designed to ensure 
excellent visibility when making a 
turn at an intersection.

 When the shift position is in R while 

the headlights are on (low beam), 
both cornering lights will turn on. 
This is designed to enhance visibility 
when parking.

NOTICE

■

To prevent battery discharge

Do not leave the lights on longer than 

necessary when the engine is not run-

ning.

Turning on the high beam head-
lights

Cornering lights

138

4-3. Operating the lights and wipers

RC350AWD_RC350_RC300AWD_RC30

0_OM_(U)_1810

■

Cornering lights

When the cornering lights are on for more 

than 30 minutes, they will turn off automati-

cally.

1

Push the lever away from you with 

the headlight switch in the 

 or 

 position.

2

Press the Automatic High Beam 
switch.

The Automatic High Beam indicator will 

Automatic High Beam

The Automatic High Beam uses a 
camera sensor located behind the 
upper portion of the windshield to 
assess the brightness of the lights of 
vehicles ahead, streetlights, etc., 
and automatically turns the high 
beams on or off as necessary.

WARNING

■

Limitations of the Automatic High 

Beam

Do not overly rely on the Automatic High 

Beam. Always drive safely, taking care to 

observe your surroundings and turning 

the high beams on or off manually if nec-

essary.

■

To prevent incorrect operation of the 

Automatic High Beam system

Do not overload the vehicle.

Activating the Automatic High 
Beam