LEXUS RX 450HL (2019 year). Instruction - part 15

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4-2. Driving procedures

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Stop the vehicle completely.
Set the parking brake (

P. 253), and shift the shift lever to P.

Press the power switch.
Release the brake pedal and check that the display on the meters 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

meters.

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 hybrid system,
the power switch will be turned to
ACCESSORY mode, not to off.

Stopping the hybrid system

Changing power switch modes

2
3
4

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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 displayed on the multi-information display
and then press the power switch once.
Check that “Turn Off Vehicle” on the multi-information display is 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 prevent 12-volt

battery discharge. Do not leave the vehicle with the power switch in ACCESSORY or

ON mode for long periods of time when the hybrid system is not operating.

■

Sounds and vibrations specific to a hybrid vehicle
P. 77

■

Electronic key battery depletion
P. 134

■

When the ambient temperature is low, such as during winter driving conditions
When starting the hybrid system, the flashing 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.

■

Conditions affecting operation
P. 160

■

Note for the entry function
P. 161

■

If the hybrid system does not start

●

The immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. (

P. 83)

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 displayed on

the multi-information display.

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

2
3

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■

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

will be locked due to the steering lock function. Operating the power 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 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.

■

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 “READY” indicator does not come on
In the event that the “READY” indicator does not come on even after performing the

proper procedures for starting the vehicle, contact your Lexus dealer immediately.

■

If the hybrid system is malfunctioning
P. 79

■

If the electronic key battery is depleted
P. 630

■

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.

■

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

setting
P. 692

“Steering Wheel Lock Press Power Switch while

Turning Wheel” will be displayed on the multi-

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

switch shortly and firmly while turning the steer-

ing wheel left and right.

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WARNING

■

When starting the hybrid system
Always start the hybrid system while sitting 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 resulting 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. Activation of the steering lock

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

■

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. 653)

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

the hybrid system off while driving will not cause loss of steering or braking 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.

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 system on.

●

If “ACCESSORY” or “IGNITION ON” is displayed on the meters 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.

■

When starting the hybrid system
If the hybrid system becomes difficult to start, have your vehicle checked by your Lexus

dealer immediately.

■

Symptoms indicating a malfunction with the power switch
If the power 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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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 cannot be turned on
It may not be possible to turn EV drive mode on in the following situations. If it cannot be

turned on, a buzzer will sound and a message will be shown on the multi-information dis-

play.

●

The temperature of the hybrid system is high.

The vehicle has been left in the sun, driven on a hill, driven at high speeds, etc.

●

The temperature of the hybrid system is low.

The vehicle has been left in temperatures lower than about 32

F (0 C) for a long

period of time, etc.

●

The gasoline engine is warming up.

●

The hybrid battery (traction battery) is low.

The remaining battery level indicated in the “Energy Monitor” display is low. (

P. 125)

●

Vehicle speed is high.

●

The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly or the vehicle is on a hill, etc.

●

The windshield defogger is in use.

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 vehi-
cle.
This mode allows you to drive in residential areas early in the morning and late
at night, or in indoor parking lots, etc., without concern for noises and gas
emissions.
However, when the vehicle proximity notification system is active, the vehicle
may produce sound.

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■

Switching to EV drive mode when the gasoline engine is cold
If the hybrid system is started while the gasoline engine is cold, the gasoline engine will

start automatically after a short period of time in order to warm up. In this case, you will

become unable to switch to EV drive mode.

After the hybrid system has started and the “READY” indicator has illuminated, press the

EV drive mode switch before the gasoline engine starts to switch to EV drive mode.

■

Automatic cancelation of EV drive mode
When driving in EV drive mode, the gasoline engine may automatically restart in the fol-

lowing situations. When EV drive mode is canceled, a buzzer will sound, the EV drive

mode indicator will go off after flashing, and a message is displayed on the multi-informa-

tion display.

●

The hybrid battery (traction battery) becomes low.

The remaining battery level indicated in the “Energy Monitor” display is low. (

P. 125)

●

Vehicle speed is high.

●

The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly or the vehicle is on a hill, etc.

■

Possible driving distance when driving in EV drive mode
EV drive mode’s possible driving distance ranges from a few hundred meters to approxi-

mately 0.6 mile (1 km). However, depending on vehicle conditions, there are situations

when EV drive mode cannot be used. (The distance that is possible depends on the

hybrid battery [traction battery] level and driving conditions.)

■

Fuel economy
The hybrid system is designed to achieve the best possible fuel economy during normal

driving (using the gasoline engine and electric motor [traction motor]). Driving in EV

drive mode more than necessary may lower fuel economy.

WARNING

■

Caution while driving
When driving in EV drive mode no engine noise is made. As such, pedestrians, people

riding bicycles or other people and vehicles in the surrounding area may not be aware

of the vehicle starting off or approaching them. Therefore, take extra care while driving

even if the vehicle proximity notification system is active.

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While the power switch is in 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.

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

ing.

: By selecting shift ranges using S mode, you can control accelerating force and engine

braking force.

Hybrid transmission

Shifting the shift lever

Shift position purpose

Shift position

Objective or function

Parking the vehicle/starting the hybrid system

Reversing

Neutral

Normal driving

S mode driving

(

P. 248)

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P. 379

To drive using temporary shift range selection, operate the “-” paddle shift switch.
Changing the shift range enables the level of engine braking force to be
selected. The shift range can then be selected by operating the “-” and “+” paddle
shift switches.

Upshifting
Downshifting

The selected shift range, from D1 to D6,

will be displayed on the meters.
The initial shift range when the “-” pad-

dle shift switch is operated is automati-

cally set to D4 or D5 according to the

vehicle speed.
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

●

You can choose from 6 levels of engine braking force.

●

A lower shift range will provide greater engine braking force than a higher
shift range, and the engine revolutions will also increase.

Selecting the driving mode

Selecting shift ranges in the D position
(vehicles with paddle shift switches)

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To enter S mode, shift the shift lever to S. Shift ranges can be selected by operat-
ing the shift lever or paddle shift switches (if equipped), allowing you to drive in
the shift range of your choice. The shift range can be selected by operating the
shift lever or the “-” and “+” paddle shift switches (if equipped).

Upshifting
Downshifting

The selected shift range, from S1 to S6,

will be displayed on the meters.
The initial shift range in S mode is auto-

matically set to S4 or S5 according to

the vehicle speed.

■

Shift ranges and their functions

●

You can choose from 6 levels of accelerating force and engine braking
force.

●

A lower shift range will provide greater accelerating force and engine
braking force than a higher shift range, and the engine revolutions will also
increase.

●

If you accelerate while in ranges 1 to 4, the shift range may automatically
increase in accordance with the vehicle speed.

Selecting shift ranges in the S position

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■

When the “-” paddle shift switch is operated with the shift lever in the D position (vehi-

cles with paddle shift switches)
The shift range is downshifted to a range that enables engine braking force that is suit-

able to driving conditions.

■

Automatic deactivation of shift range selection in the D position (vehicles with paddle

shift switches)
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

■

S mode

●

When the shift range is S4 or lower, holding the shift lever toward “+” sets the shift

range to S6.

●

Automatically selects a higher shift range before the engine speed becomes too high.

■

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 (if equipped) is operated. (A buzzer will sound twice.)

■

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

engine braking will not occur because dynamic radar cruise control with full-speed

range will not be canceled.

●

Vehicles without paddle shift switches: While driving in S mode, downshifting to 5 or 4.

(

P. 306)

●

Vehicles with paddle shift switches: While driving in D or S mode, downshifting to 5 or

4. (

P. 306)

●

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

(

P. 379)

■

Restraining sudden start (Drive-Start Control)
When the following unusual operation is performed, the hybrid system 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 S)

with the accelerator pedal depressed, a warning message appears on the multi-infor-

mation display. If a warning message is shown on the multi-information display, read the

message and follow the instructions.

●

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

■

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 power switch is in ON mode and the

brake pedal is being depressed.

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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:

Turn the power switch to ON mode and check that the parking brake is set.

(

P. 240, 253)

Turn the power switch to off.
Depress the brake pedal.

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

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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.

NOTICE

■

Hybrid battery (traction battery) charge
If the shift lever is in N, the hybrid battery (traction battery) will not be charged even

when the engine is running. Therefore, if the vehicle is left with the shift lever in N for a

long period of time, the hybrid battery (traction battery) will discharge, and this may

result in the vehicle not being able to start.

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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

■

Turn signals can be operated when
The power switch is in 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. 736)

Turn signal lever

Operating instructions

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The parking brake is set or released automatically according to the shift lever
operation.
Even when in automatic mode, the parking brake can be set and released manu-
ally. (

P. 254)

Turns automatic mode on (while the
vehicle is stopped, pull and hold the
parking brake switch until the auto-
matic mode lamp turns on)

• When the shift lever is moved out of

P, the parking brake will be released,

and the parking brake indicator light

and parking brake light turn off.

• When the shift lever is moved into P,

the parking brake will be set, and the

parking brake indicator light and

parking brake light turn on.

Operate the shift lever with the brake

pedal depressed.

Turns automatic mode off (while the
vehicle is stopped, press and hold
the parking brake switch until the
automatic mode lamp turns off)

Parking brake

A mode can be selected from the following modes.

Automatic mode

Automatic

mode lamp

U.S.A. Canada

Parking

brake light

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The parking brake can be set and released manually.

Sets the parking brake

The parking brake indicator light and

parking brake light will turn on.
Pull and hold the parking brake switch if

an emergency occurs and it is necessary

to operate the parking brake while driv-

ing.

Releases the parking brake

Operate the parking brake switch while

depressing the brake pedal. Make sure

that the parking brake indicator light

and parking brake light turn off.

If the parking brake indicator light and
parking brake lamp flashes, operate the
switch again. (

P. 660)

■

Parking the vehicle
P. 212

■

Parking brake operation

●

When the power switch is not in ON mode, the parking brake cannot be released using

the parking brake switch.

●

When the power switch is not in ON mode, automatic mode (automatic brake setting

and releasing) is not available.

■

If “Parking Brake Overheated Parking Brake Unavailable” is displayed on the multi-

information display
If the parking brake is operated repeatedly over a short period of time, the system may

restrict operation to prevent overheating. If this happens, refrain from operating the

parking brake. Normal operation will return after about 1 minute.

■

If “EPB Activation Stopped Incompletely” or “Parking Brake Unavailable” is displayed

on the multi-information display
Operate the parking brake switch. If the message does not disappear after operating the

switch several times, the system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by

your Lexus dealer immediately.

■

Parking brake operation sound
When the parking brake operates, a motor sound (whirring sound) may be heard. This

does not indicate a malfunction.

Manual mode

U.S.A. Canada

Parking

brake light

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■

Parking brake indicator light and parking brake light

●

Depending on the power switch mode, the parking brake indicator light and parking

brake light will turn on and stay on as described below:
ON mode: Comes on until the parking brake is released.

Not in ON mode: Stays on for approximately 15 seconds.

●

When the power switch is turned off with the parking brake set, the parking brake indi-

cator light and parking brake light will stay on for about 15 seconds. This does not indi-

cate a malfunction.

■

Changing the mode
When changing the automatic mode on/off, the message will be shown on the multi-

information display and the buzzer sounds.

■

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.

■

Warning messages and buzzers
Warning messages and buzzers are used to indicate a system malfunction or to inform

the driver of the need for caution. If a warning message is shown on the multi-information

display, read the message and follow the instructions.

■

If the brake system warning light comes on
P. 660

■

Usage in winter time
P. 391

WARNING

■

When parking the vehicle
Do not leave a child in the vehicle alone. The parking brake may be released uninten-

tionally and there is the danger of the vehicle moving that may lead to an accident

resulting in death or serious injury.

■

Parking brake switch
Do not set any objects near the parking brake switch. Objects may interfere with the

switch and may lead the parking brake to unexpectedly operate.

NOTICE

■

When parking the vehicle
Before you leave the vehicle, shift the shift lever to P, set the parking brake and make

sure that the vehicle does not move.

■

When the system malfunctions
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and check the warning messages.

■

When the parking brake cannot be released due to a malfunction
Driving the vehicle with the parking brake set will lead to brake components overheat-

ing, which may affect braking performance and increase brake wear. Contact your

Lexus dealer immediately if this occurs.

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