LEXUS RX 450HL (2019 year). Instruction - part 24

 

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LEXUS RX 450HL (2019 year). Instruction - part 24

 

 

384

4-5. Using the driving support systems

RX450h_RX450hL_U

The slip indicator light will flash while
the TRAC/VSC/ABS/Trailer Sway
Control systems are operating.

If the vehicle gets stuck in mud, dirt or snow, the TRAC system may reduce

power from the hybrid system to the wheels. Pressing 

 to turn the system

off may make it easier for you to rock the vehicle in order to free it.

To turn the TRAC system off, quickly

press and release 

.

The “Traction Control Turned Off”

will be shown on the multi-informa-

tion display. Press 

 again to

turn the system back on.

When the TRAC/VSC/ABS/Trailer Sway Control systems are operat-
ing

Disabling the TRAC system

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4-5. Using the driving support systems

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■

Turning off both TRAC VSC and Trailer Sway Control systems
To turn the TRAC VSC and Trailer Sway Control systems off, press and hold 

 for

more than 3 seconds while the vehicle is stopped.
The VSC OFF indicator light will come on and the “Traction Control Turned Off” will be
shown on the multi-information display.

*

Press 

 again to turn the systems back on.

*

: On vehicles with PCS (Pre-Collision System), pre-collision brake assist and pre-

collision braking will also be disabled. The PCS warning light will come on and a
message will be displayed on the multi-information display. (

P. 296) 

■

When the message is displayed on the multi-information display showing that TRAC

has been disabled even if 

 has not been pressed

TRAC cannot be operated. Contact your Lexus dealer.

■

Operating conditions of hill-start assist control
When the following four conditions are met, the hill-start assist control will operate:

●

The shift lever is in a position other than P or N (when starting off forward/backward on

an upward incline).

●

The vehicle is stopped

●

The accelerator pedal is not depressed

●

The parking brake is not engaged

■

Automatic system cancelation of hill-start assist control
The hill-start assist control will turn off in any of the following situations:

●

The shift lever is shifted to P or N

●

The accelerator pedal is depressed

●

The parking brake is engaged

●

2 seconds at maximum elapsed after the brake pedal is released

■

Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, VSC, Trailer Sway Control,

TRAC and hill-start assist control systems

●

A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the brake pedal is

depressed repeatedly, when the hybrid system is started or just after the vehicle begins

to move. This sound does not indicate that a malfunction has occurred in any of these

systems.

●

Any of the following conditions may occur when the above systems are operating.

None of these indicates that a malfunction has occurred. 
• Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.

• A motor sound may be heard also after the vehicle comes to a stop.

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4-5. Using the driving support systems

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■

ECB operating sound
ECB operating sound may be heard in the following cases, but it does not indicate that a

malfunction has occurred.

●

Operating sound heard from the engine compartment when the brake pedal is oper-

ated.

●

Motor sound of the brake system heard from the front part of the vehicle when the

driver’s door is opened.

●

Operating sound heard from the engine compartment when one or two minutes

passed after the stop of the hybrid system.

■

EPS operation sound
When the steering wheel is operated, a motor sound (whirring sound) may be heard.

This does not indicate a malfunction.

■

Automatic reactivation of TRAC, Trailer Sway Control and VSC systems
After turning the TRAC, Trailer Sway Control and VSC systems off, the systems will be

automatically re-enabled in the following situations:

●

When the power switch is turned off

●

If only the TRAC system is turned off, the TRAC will turn on when vehicle speed

increases
If both the TRAC and VSC systems are turned off, automatic re-enabling will not

occur when vehicle speed increases.

■

Reduced effectiveness of the EPS system
The effectiveness of the EPS system is reduced to prevent the system from overheating

when there is frequent steering input over an extended period of time. The steering

wheel may feel heavy as a result. Should this occur, refrain from excessive steering input

or stop the vehicle and turn the hybrid system off. The EPS system should return to nor-

mal within 10 minutes.

WARNING

■

The ABS does not operate effectively when

●

The limits of tire gripping performance have been exceeded (such as excessively

worn tires on a snow covered road).

●

The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on wet or slick roads.

■

Stopping distance when the ABS is operating may exceed that of normal conditions
The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehicle’s stopping distance. Always maintain a

safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, especially in the following situations:

●

When driving on dirt, gravel or snow-covered roads

●

When driving with tire chains

●

When driving over bumps on the road

●

When driving over roads with potholes or uneven surfaces

■

TRAC/VSC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slippery road

surfaces, even if the TRAC/VSC system is operating. Drive the vehicle carefully in con-

ditions where stability and power may be lost.

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WARNING

■

Hill-start assist control does not operate effectively when

●

Do not overly rely on hill-start assist control. Hill-start assist control may not operate

effectively on steep inclines and roads covered with ice.

●

Unlike the parking brake, hill-start assist control is not intended to hold the vehicle

stationary for an extended period of time. Do not attempt to use hill-start assist con-

trol to hold the vehicle on an incline, as doing so may lead to an accident. 

■

When the TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Control is activated
The slip indicator light flashes. Always drive carefully. Reckless driving may cause an

accident. Exercise particular care when the indicator light flashes.

■

When the TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Control systems are turned off
Be especially careful and drive at a speed appropriate to the road conditions. As these

are the systems to help ensure vehicle stability and driving force, do not turn the

TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Control systems off unless necessary.
Trailer Sway Control is part of the VSC system and will not operate if VSC is turned off

or experiences a malfunction.

■

Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the specified size, brand, tread pattern and total load

capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are inflated to the recommended tire infla-

tion pressure level.
The ABS, TRAC, Trailer Sway Control and VSC systems will not function correctly if

different tires are installed on the vehicle.

Contact your Lexus dealer for further information when replacing tires or wheels.

■

Handling of tires and the suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modifying the suspension will affect the driving

assist systems, and may cause a system to malfunction.

■

Trailer Sway Control precaution
The Trailer Sway Control system is not able to reduce trailer sway in all situations.

Depending on many factors such as the conditions of the vehicle, trailer, road surface,

and driving environment, the Trailer Sway Control system may not be effective. Refer to

your trailer owner’s manual for information on how to tow your trailer properly.

■

If trailer sway occurs
Observe the following precautions. 

Failing to do so may cause death or serious injury.

●

Firmly grip the steering wheel. Steer straight ahead. 

Do not try to control trailer sway 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. (

P. 234)

388

RX450h_RX450hL_U

4-6. Driving tips

◆

Using Eco drive mode

When using Eco drive mode, the torque corresponding to the accelerator
pedal depression amount can be generated more smoothly than it is in normal
conditions. In addition, the operation of the air conditioning system (heat-
ing/cooling) will be minimized, improving the fuel economy. (

P. 379)

◆

Use of Hybrid System Indicator

The Eco-friendly driving is possible by keeping the indicator needle (except F
SPORT models) or bar display (F SPORT models) of Hybrid System Indicator
within Eco area. (

P. 99)

◆

Shift lever operation

Shift the shift lever to D when stopped at a traffic light, or driving in heavy traf-
fic, etc. Shift the shift lever to P when parking. When using the N, there is no
positive effect on fuel consumption. In the N, the gasoline engine operates but
electricity cannot be generated. Also, when using the air conditioning system,
etc., the hybrid battery (traction battery) power is consumed.

◆

Accelerator pedal/brake pedal operation

●

Drive your vehicle smoothly. Avoid abrupt acceleration and deceleration.
Gradual acceleration and deceleration will make more effective use of the
electric motor (traction motor) without having to use gasoline engine
power.

●

Avoid repeated acceleration. Repeated acceleration consumes hybrid bat-
tery (traction battery) power, resulting in poor fuel consumption. Battery
power can be restored by driving with the accelerator pedal slightly
released.

◆

When braking

Make sure to operate the brakes gently and in a timely manner. A greater
amount of electrical energy can be regenerated when slowing down.

Hybrid vehicle driving tips

For economical and ecological driving, pay attention to the following points:

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4-6. Driving tips

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◆

Delays

Repeated acceleration and deceleration, as well as long waits at traffic lights,
will lead to bad fuel economy. Check traffic reports before leaving and avoid
delays as much as possible. When driving in a traffic jam, gently release the
brake pedal to allow the vehicle to move forward slightly while avoiding over-
use of the accelerator pedal. Doing so can help control excessive gasoline
consumption.

◆

Highway driving

Control and maintain the vehicle at a constant speed. Before stopping at a toll
booth or similar, allow plenty of time to release the accelerator and gently
apply the brakes. A greater amount of electrical energy can be regenerated
when slowing down.

◆

Air conditioning

Use the air conditioning only when necessary. Doing so can help reduce
excessive gasoline consumption.
In summer: When the ambient temperature is high, use the recirculated air
mode. Doing so will help to reduce the burden on the air conditioning system
and reduce fuel consumption as well.
In winter: Because the gasoline engine will not automatically cut out until it
and the interior of the vehicle are warm, it will consume fuel. Also, fuel con-
sumption can be improved by avoiding overuse of the heater.

◆

Checking tire inflation pressure

Make sure to check the tire inflation pressure frequently. Improper tire infla-
tion pressure can cause poor fuel economy. 
Also, as snow tires can cause large amounts of friction, their use on dry roads
can lead to poor fuel economy. Use tires that are appropriate for the season.

◆

Luggage

Carrying heavy luggage will lead to poor fuel economy. Avoid carrying
unnecessary luggage. Installing a large roof rack will also cause poor fuel
economy.

◆

Warming up before driving

Since the gasoline engine starts up and cuts out automatically when cold,
warming up the engine is unnecessary. Moreover, frequently driving short dis-
tances will cause the engine to repeatedly warm up, which can lead to excess
fuel consumption.

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4-6. Driving tips

RX450h_RX450hL_U

●

Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside temperatures. 

• Engine  oil
• Engine/power control unit coolant
• Washer fluid

●

Have a service technician inspect the condition of the 12-volt battery.

●

Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set of tire chains for
the front tires. 

Ensure that all tires are of the specified size and the same brand, and that chains

match the size of the tires.

Perform the following according to the driving conditions:

●

Do not try to forcibly open a window or move a wiper that is frozen. Pour
warm water over the frozen area to melt the ice. Wipe away the water imme-
diately to prevent it from freezing. 

●

To ensure proper operation of the climate control system fan, remove any
snow that has accumulated on the air inlet vents in front of the windshield. 

●

Check for and remove any excess ice or snow that may have accumulated on
the exterior lights, vehicle’s roof, chassis, around the tires or on the brakes.

●

Remove any snow or mud from the bottom of your shoes before getting in the
vehicle.

Winter driving tips

Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving the vehi-
cle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropriate to the prevail-
ing weather conditions. 

Pre-winter preparations

Before driving the vehicle

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Accelerate the vehicle slowly, keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle
ahead, and drive at a reduced speed suitable to road conditions.

●

Park the vehicle and move the shift lever to P without setting the parking
brake. The parking brake may freeze up, preventing it from being released. If
the vehicle is parked without setting the parking brake, make sure to block the
wheels.
Failure to do so may be dangerous because it may cause the vehicle to move
unexpectedly, possibly leading to an accident.

When the parking brake is in automatic mode, release the parking brake after shifting

the shift lever to P. (

P. 253)

●

If the vehicle is parked without setting the parking brake, confirm that the shift
lever cannot be moved out of P

*

.

*

: The shift lever will be locked if it is attempted to be shifted from P to any other posi-

tion without depressing the brake pedal. If the shift lever can be shifted from P, there
may be a problem with the shift lock system. Have the vehicle inspected by your
Lexus dealer immediately.

Use the correct tire chain size when mounting the tire chains. Chain size is regu-
lated for each tire size.
Side chain:

0.12 in. (3 mm) in diameter
0.43 in. (10.8 mm) in width
0.98 in. (25 mm) in length

Cross chain:

0.15 in. (3.9 mm) in diameter
0.54 in. (13.8 mm) in width
1.00 in. (25.3 mm) in length

Regulations regarding the use of tire chains vary depending on location and type
of road. Always check local regulations before installing chains.

When driving the vehicle

When parking the vehicle

Selecting tire chains

1

2
3

4
5
6

Regulations on the use of tire chains

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4-6. Driving tips

RX450h_RX450hL_U

To enable the windshield wipers to be lifted when heavy snow or icy conditions
are expected, change the rest position of the windshield wipers from the
retracted position below the hood to the service position using the wiper lever.
(

P. 270)

■

Tire chain installation
Observe the following precautions when installing and removing chains:

●

Install and remove tire chains in a safe location. 

●

Install tire chains on the front tires only. Do not install tire chains on the rear tires.

●

Install tire chains on front tires as tightly as possible. Retighten chains after driving

1/4 - 1/2 mile (0.5 - 1.0 km).

●

Install tire chains following the instructions provided with the tire chains. 

Windshield wipers

WARNING

■

Driving with snow tires
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents. 

Failure to do so may result in a loss of vehicle control and cause death or serious injury.

●

Use tires of the specified size.

●

Maintain the recommended level of air pressure.

●

Do not drive in excess of 75 mph (120 km/h), regardless of the type of snow tires

being used.

●

Use snow tires on all, not just some wheels.

■

Driving with tire chains
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents. 

Failure to do so may result in the vehicle being unable to be driven safely, and may

cause death or serious injury.

●

Do not drive in excess of the speed limit specified for the tire chains being used, or

30 mph (50 km/h), whichever is lower.

●

Avoid driving on bumpy road surfaces or over potholes.

●

Avoid sudden acceleration, abrupt steering, sudden braking and shifting operations

that cause sudden engine braking.

●

Slow down sufficiently before entering a curve to ensure that vehicle control is main-

tained.

●

Do not use the LKA (Lane-Keeping Assist) system. 

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NOTICE

■

Repairing or replacing snow tires
Request repairs or replacement of snow tires from Lexus dealers or legitimate tire

retailers.

This is because the removal and attachment of snow tires affects the operation of the

tire pressure warning valves and transmitters.

■

Fitting tire chains
The tire pressure warning valves and transmitters may not function correctly when tire

chains are fitted.

394

4-6. Driving tips

RX450h_RX450hL_U

●

Specific design characteristics give it a higher center of gravity than ordinary
passenger cars. This vehicle design feature causes this type of vehicle to be
more likely to rollover. And, utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover
rate than other types of vehicles.

●

An advantage of the higher ground clearance is a better view of the road
allowing you to anticipate problems.

●

It is not designed for cornering at the same speeds as ordinary passenger cars
any more than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform satisfactorily
under off-road conditions. Therefore, sharp turns at excessive speeds may
cause the vehicle to rollover.

Utility vehicle precautions

This vehicle belongs to the utility vehicle class, which has higher ground clear-
ance and narrower tread in relation to the height of its center of gravity.

Utility vehicle feature

WARNING

■

Utility vehicle precautions
Always observe the following precautions to minimize the risk of death, serious injury

or damage to your vehicle:

●

In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely to die than a person

wearing a seat belt. Therefore, the driver and all passengers should always fasten

their seat belts.

●

Avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers, if at all possible.

Failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result in loss of control or vehicle rollover

causing death or serious injury.

●

Loading cargo on the roof luggage carrier will make the center of the vehicle gravity

higher. Avoid high speeds, sudden starts, sharp turns, sudden braking or abrupt

maneuvers, otherwise it may result in loss of control or vehicle rollover due to failure

to operate this vehicle correctly.

●

Always slow down in gusty crosswinds. Because of its profile and higher center of

gravity, your vehicle is more sensitive to side winds than an ordinary passenger car.

Slowing down will allow you to have better control.

●

Do not drive horizontally across steep slopes. Driving straight up or straight down is

preferred. Your vehicle (or any similar off-road vehicle) can tip over sideways much

more easily than forward or backward.

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Your vehicle is not designed to be driven off-road. However, in the event that
off-road driving cannot be avoided, please observe the following precautions to
help avoid the areas prohibited to vehicles.

●

Drive your vehicle only in areas where off-road vehicles are permitted to
travel.

●

Respect private property. Get owner’s permission before entering private
property.

●

Do not enter areas that are closed. Honor gates, barriers and signs that
restrict travel.

●

Stay on established roads. When conditions are wet, driving techniques
should be changed or travel delayed to prevent damage to roads.

●

Avoid driving on very steep, slippery roads and other surfaces, such as sand,
where the tires are liable to lose traction. Your vehicle may not perform as well
as conventional AWD on-road vehicles on these surfaces.

■

Additional information for off-road driving

For owners in U.S. mainland, Hawaii and Puerto Rico:

To obtain additional information pertaining to driving your vehicle off-road, consult the

following organizations.

●

State and Local Parks and Recreation Departments

●

State Motor Vehicle Bureau

●

Recreational Vehicle Clubs

●

U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management

Off-road driving

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4-6. Driving tips

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[

WARNING

■

Off-road driving precautions
Always observe the following precautions to minimize the risk of death, serious injury

or damage to your vehicle:

●

Drive carefully when off the road. Do not take unnecessary risks by driving in danger-

ous places.

●

Do not grip the steering wheel spokes when driving off-road. A bad bump could jerk

the wheel and injure your hands. Keep both hands and especially your thumbs on the

outside of the rim.

●

Always check your brakes for effectiveness immediately after driving in sand, mud,

water or snow.

●

After driving through tall grass, mud, rock, sand, rivers, etc., check that there is no

grass, bush, paper, rags, stone, sand, etc. adhering or trapped on the underbody.

Clear off any such matter from the underbody. If the vehicle is used with these materi-

als trapped or adhering to the underbody, a breakdown or fire could occur.

●

When driving off-road or in rugged terrain, do not drive at excessive speeds, jump,

make sharp turns, strike objects, etc. This may cause loss of control or vehicle rollover

causing death or serious injury. You are also risking expensive damage to your vehi-

cle’s suspension and chassis.

NOTICE

■

To prevent water damage
Take all necessary safety measures to ensure that water damage to the hybrid battery

(traction battery), hybrid system or other components does not occur.

●

Water entering the engine compartment may cause severe damage to the hybrid

system. Water entering the interior may cause the hybrid battery (traction battery)

stowed under the rear seats to short circuit.

●

Water entering the hybrid transmission and rear electric motor (traction motor) will

cause deterioration in transmission quality. The malfunction indicator may come on,

and the vehicle may not be drivable.

●

Water can wash the grease from wheel bearings, causing rusting and premature fail-

ure, and may also enter the hybrid transmission case, reducing the gear oil’s lubricat-

ing qualities.

■

When you drive through water
If driving through water, such as when crossing shallow streams, first check the depth of

the water and the bottom of the riverbed for firmness. Drive slowly and avoid deep

water.

■

Inspection after off-road driving

●

Sand and mud that has accumulated around brake discs may affect braking efficiency

and may damage brake system components.

●

Always perform a maintenance inspection after each day of off-road driving that has

taken you through rough terrain, sand, mud, or water. For scheduled maintenance

information, refer to the “Warranty and Services Guide/Owner’s Manual Supple-

ment/Scheduled Maintenance”.

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399

5

Lexus Display

Audio system

RX450h_RX450hL_U

5-6.  Using an external device

Listening to an iPod.................. 440
Using USB memory 

device...........................................444

Using the AUX port ................ 448

5-7. Connecting Bluetooth

®

Steps for using Bluetooth

®

 

devices.........................................449

Registering a Bluetooth

®

 

device............................................451

Selecting a Bluetooth

®

 

device...........................................452

Connecting a Bluetooth

®

 

audio player...............................453

Connecting a Bluetooth

®

 

phone ...........................................454

Displaying a Bluetooth

®

 

device details ........................... 455

Detailed Bluetooth

®

 

settings.........................................456

5-8. Bluetooth

®

 Audio

Listening to Bluetooth

®

 

Audio............................................459

5-9. Bluetooth

®

 Phone

Using a Bluetooth

®

 

Phone............................................ 461

Making a call................................463
Receiving a call...........................466
Speaking on the phone............ 467
Using a Bluetooth

®

 phone 

message......................................469

Using the steering wheel 

switches.........................................471

Bluetooth

®

 phone 

settings ........................................ 472

5-10. Phonebook

Contact settings ......................... 474
Messaging setting...................... 477

5-11. Bluetooth

®

What to do if... 

(Troubleshooting)...................478

Bluetooth

®

...................................482

5-12. Other function

“Information” screen................ 488
USB photo ....................................490
Weather information................492
Voice command system .........493

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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