LEXUS RX 450HL (2019 year). Instruction - part 41

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8-2. Steps to take in an emergency

RX450h_RX450hL_U

Take out the towing eyelet. (

P. 674)

Remove the eyelet cover. 

Insert the towing eyelet into the hole
and tighten partially by hand.

Tighten down the towing eyelet
securely using a wheel nut wrench
or hard metal bar.

Securely attach cables or chains to the towing eyelet. 
Take care not to damage the vehicle body.
Enter the vehicle being towed and start the hybrid system. 
If the hybrid system does not start, turn the power switch to ON mode.
Shift the shift lever to N and release the parking brake. 
When the shift lever cannot be shifted: 

P. 250

Emergency towing procedure (vehicles with a towing eyelet)

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■

While towing
If the engine is not running, the power assist for the brakes and steering will not function,

marking steering and braking more difficult.

■

Wheel nut wrench
Wheel nut wrench is installed in luggage compartment. (

P. 674)

WARNING

Observe the following precautions.

Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.

■

When towing the vehicle

■

While towing

●

When towing using cables or chains, avoid sudden starts, etc. which place excessive

stress on the towing eyelets, cables or chains. The towing eyelets, cables or chains

may become damaged, broken debris may hit people, and cause serious damage.

●

Do not turn the power switch off. 

There is a possibility that the steering wheel is locked and cannot be operated.

■

Installing towing eyelets to the vehicle
Make sure that towing eyelets are installed securely.

If not securely installed, towing eyelets may come loose during towing.

Be sure to transport the vehicle with all four

wheels raised off the ground. If the vehicle is

towed with the tires contacting the ground, the

drivetrain or related parts may be damaged,

the vehicle may fly off the truck, or electricity

generated by the operation of the motor may

cause a fire to occur depending on the nature

of the damage or malfunction.

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NOTICE

■

To prevent damage to the vehicle when towing using a wheel-lift type truck

●

Do not tow the vehicle from the rear when the power switch is off. The steering lock

mechanism is not strong enough to hold the front wheels straight.

●

When raising the vehicle, ensure adequate ground clearance for towing at the oppo-

site end of the raised vehicle. Without adequate clearance, the vehicle could be dam-

aged while being towed.

■

To prevent damage to the vehicle when towing with a sling-type truck
Do not tow with a sling-type truck, either from the front or rear.

■

To prevent damage to the vehicle during emergency towing
Do not secure cables or chains to the suspension components.

■

Recreational towing (behind motor home, etc)
Never dinghy tow your vehicle to prevent caus-

ing serious damage to the Hybrid AWD system

and transmission. (

P. 238)

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●

Fluid leaks under the vehicle
(Water dripping from the air conditioning after use is normal.)

●

Flat-looking tires or uneven tire wear

●

Engine coolant temperature gauge needle continually points higher than nor-
mal

●

Changes in exhaust sound

●

Excessive tire squeal when cornering

●

Strange noises related to the suspension system

●

Pinging or other noises related to the hybrid system

●

Engine missing, stumbling or running roughly

●

Appreciable loss of power

●

Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when braking

●

Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when driving on a level road

●

Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling, pedal almost touches the floor

If you think something is wrong

If you notice any of the following symptoms, your vehicle probably needs
adjustment or repair. Contact your Lexus dealer as soon as possible.

Visible symptoms

Audible symptoms

Operational symptoms

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8-2. Steps to take in an emergency

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If a warning light turns on or a warning buzzer 
sounds

Calmly perform the following actions if any of the warning lights comes on or
flashes. If a light comes on or flashes, but then goes off, this does not necessar-
ily indicate a malfunction in the system. However, if this continues to occur,
have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer.

Warning light and warning buzzer list

Warning light

Warning light/Details/Actions

(U.S.A.)

(Canada)

Brake system warning light

Indicates that:

• The brake fluid level is low; or

• The brake system is malfunctioning

 Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact your

Lexus dealer. Continuing to drive the vehicle may be dangerous.

Brake system warning light

Indicates a malfunction in:

• The regenerative braking system;

• The electronically controlled brake system; or

• The electric parking brake

 Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.

(If equipped)

Charging system warning light

Indicates a malfunction in the vehicle’s charging system

 Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact your

Lexus dealer. Continuing to drive the vehicle may be dangerous.

(U.S.A.)

(Canada)

Malfunction indicator lamp

Indicates a malfunction in:

• The hybrid system;

• The electronic engine control system; or

• The electronic throttle control system

 Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.

SRS warning light

Indicates a malfunction in:

• The SRS airbag system;

• The front passenger occupant classification system; or

• The seat belt pretensioner system

 Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.

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(U.S.A.)

(Canada)

ABS warning light

Indicates a malfunction in:

• The ABS; or

• The brake assist system

 Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.

(Flashes)

(U.S.A.)

(Flashes)

(Canada)

Parking brake indicator

It is possible that the parking brake is not fully engaged or released

 Operate the parking brake switch once again. 

This light comes on when the parking brake is not released. If the

light turns off after the parking brake is fully released, the system is

operating normally.

(Flashes)

Brake hold operated indicator

Indicates a malfunction in the brake hold system

 Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.

Electric power steering system warning light (warning buzzer)

Indicates a malfunction in the EPS (Electric Power Steering) sys-

tem

 Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.

LKA indicator

Indicates a malfunction in the LKA (Lane-Keeping Assist)

 When “Lane Keeping Assist Unavailable” is displayed on the

multi-information display, turn the LKA system off, drive the

vehicle for a short time, and then turn the LKA system back on.

(

P. 301)

When a message other than above is displayed, follow the

instructions displayed in the message.

Slip indicator

When the warning light is illuminated:

Indicates a malfunction in:

• The VSC system;

• The TRAC system;

• The Trailer Sway Control; or

• The hill-start assist control system

 Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.

When the warning light flashes:

Indicates that the ABS, VSC, TRAC or Trailer Sway Control sys-

tem is operating

Warning light

Warning light/Details/Actions

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8-2. Steps to take in an emergency

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(Flashes or illuminates)

PCS warning light

Indicates a malfunction in the PCS (Pre-Collision System) or that

the system is temporarily unavailable due to the vehicle being

extremely hot/cold, or dirt around a front sensor, etc. 

(

P. 296, 671)

 Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-information dis-

play. (

P. 296, 671)

If the PCS (Pre-Collision System) or VSC (Vehicle Stability Con-

trol) system is disabled, the PCS warning light will illuminate.

 P. 296

(Flashes)

ICS OFF indicator

When a buzzer sounds:

Indicates a malfunction in the Intelligent Clearance Sonar system

 Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer   immediately.

When a buzzer does not sound:

Indicates that the system is temporarily unavailable, possibly due to

a sensor being dirty or covered with ice, etc.

 Clear the dirt, etc.

Low fuel level warning light

Indicates that remaining fuel is approximately 2.9 gal. (11.0 L,

2.4 Imp. gal.) or less

 Refuel the vehicle.

Driver’s and front passenger’s seat belt reminder light (warning
buzzer)

*

1

Warns the driver and/or front passenger to fasten their seat belts

 Fasten the seat belt.

If the front passenger’s seat is occupied, the front passenger’s

seat belt also needs to be fastened to make the warning light

(warning buzzer) turn off.

(RX450h)

(RX450hL)

Rear passengers’ seat belt reminder light (warning buzzer)

*

2

Warns the rear passengers to fasten their seat belts

 Fasten the seat belt.

Tire pressure warning light

Indicates the following:

• Low tire pressure due to flat tire;

• Low tire pressure due to natural causes; or

• The tire pressure warning system is malfunctioning

 Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place.

Handling method (

P. 664)

Warning light

Warning light/Details/Actions

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: Driver’s and front passenger’s seat belt warning buzzer:

The driver’s seat belt warning buzzer sounds to alert the driver that his or her seat belt

is not fastened. Once the power switch is turned to ON mode, the buzzer sounds for

6 seconds. If the vehicle reaches a speed of 12 mph (20 km/h), the buzzer sounds

once. If the seat belt is still unfastened after 24 seconds, the buzzer will sound inter-

mittently for 10 seconds. Then, if the seat belt is still unfastened, the buzzer will sound

in a different tone for 20 more seconds.

The front passenger’s seat belt warning buzzer sounds to alert the front passenger

that his or her seat belt is not fastened. The buzzer sounds once if the vehicle reaches

a speed of 12 mph (20 km/h). If the seat belt is still unfastened after 24 seconds, the

buzzer will sound intermittently for 10 seconds. Then, if the seat belt is still unfastened,

the buzzer will sound in a different tone for 20 more seconds.

*

2

: Rear passengers’ seat belt warning buzzer:

The rear passengers’ seat belt warning buzzer sounds to alert the rear passengers
that his or her seat belt is not fastened. The buzzer sounds for 6 seconds after the
vehicle reaches a speed of 20 km/h (12 mph). Then, if the seat belt is still unfastened,
the buzzer will sound in a different tone for 24 more seconds.

Master warning light

A buzzer sounds and the warning light comes on and flashes to

indicate that the master warning system has detected a malfunc-

tion.

 P. 667

Warning light

Warning light/Details/Actions

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SRS warning light
This warning light system monitors the airbag sensor assembly, front impact sensors, side

impact sensors (front door), side impact sensors (rear), driver’s seat position sensor,

driver’s seat belt buckle switch, front passenger occupant classification system (ECU and

sensors), “AIR BAG ON” indicator light, “AIR BAG OFF” indicator light, front passen-

ger’s seat belt buckle switch, driver’s seat belt pretensioner, front passenger’s seat belt

pretensioner and force limiter, airbags, interconnecting wiring and power sources. 

(

P. 36)

■

Front passenger detection sensor, seat belt reminder and warning buzzer

●

If luggage is placed on the front passenger seat, the front passenger detection sensor

may cause the warning light to flash and the warning buzzer to sound even if a passen-

ger is not sitting in the seat.

●

If a cushion is placed on the seat, the sensor may not detect a passenger, and the warn-

ing light may not operate properly.

■

Electric power steering system warning light (warning buzzer)
When the 12-volt battery charge becomes insufficient or the voltage temporarily drops,

the electric power steering system warning light may come on and the warning buzzer

may sound.

■

If the malfunction indicator lamp comes on while driving
First check the following:

●

Is the fuel tank empty?

If it is, fill the fuel tank immediately.

●

Is the fuel tank cap loose?

If it is, tighten it securely.

The light will go off after several driving trips.

If the light does not go off even after several trips, contact your Lexus dealer as soon as

possible.

■

When the tire pressure warning light comes on
Inspect the tires to check if a tire is punctured.
If a tire is punctured: 

P. 673

If none of the tires are punctured:

Turn the power switch off then turn it to ON mode. Check if the tire pressure warning

light comes on or blinks.



If the tire pressure warning light comes on
After the temperature of the tires has lowered sufficiently, check the inflation pressure

of each tire and adjust them to the specified level.
If the warning light does not turn off even after several minutes have elapsed, check

that the inflation pressure of each tire is at the specified level and perform initialization.

(

P. 613)

If the warning light does not turn off several minutes after the initialization has been per-

formed, have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.



If the tire pressure warning light blinks for 1 minute then stays on

There may be a malfunction in the tire pressure warning system. Have the vehicle

inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.

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The tire pressure warning light may come on due to natural causes
The tire pressure warning light may come on due to natural causes such as natural air

leaks and tire inflation pressure changes caused by temperature. In this case, adjusting

the tire inflation pressure will turn off the warning light (after a few minutes).

■

When a tire is replaced with a spare tire
The compact spare tire is not equipped with a tire pressure warning valve and transmit-

ter. If a tire goes flat, the tire pressure warning light will not turn off even though the flat

tire has been replaced with the spare tire. Replace the spare tire with the repaired tire

and adjust the tire inflation pressure. The tire pressure warning light will go off after a few

minutes.

■

Conditions that the tire pressure warning system may not function properly
P. 616

■

Warning buzzer
In some cases, the buzzer may not be heard due to being in a noisy location or audio

sound.

■

Customization
Some functions can be customized. (

P. 736)

WARNING

■

If both the ABS and the brake system warning lights remain on
Stop your vehicle in a safe place immediately and contact your Lexus dealer. The vehi-

cle will become extremely unstable during braking, and the ABS system may fail, which

could cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.

■

When the electric power steering system warning light comes on
When the light comes on yellow, the assist to the power steering is restricted. When the

light comes on red, the assist to the power steering is lost and handling operations of

the steering wheel become extremely heavy. When steering wheel operations are

heavier than usual, grip the steering wheel firmly and operate it using more force than

usual.

■

If the tire pressure warning light comes on
Be sure to observe the following precautions. Failure to do so could cause a loss of

vehicle control and result in death or serious injury.

●

Stop your vehicle in a safe place as soon as possible. Adjust the tire inflation pressure

immediately. 

●

If the tire pressure warning light comes on even after tire inflation pressure adjust-

ment, it is probable that you have a flat tire. Check the tires. If a tire is flat, change it

with the spare tire and have the flat tire repaired by the nearest Lexus dealer.

●

Avoid abrupt maneuvering and braking. If the vehicle tires deteriorate, you could lose

control of the steering wheel or the brakes.

■

If a blowout or sudden air leakage should occur
The tire pressure warning system may not activate immediately.

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WARNING

■

Maintenance of the tires
Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly when cold and

inflated to the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the

vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label (tire and load information label). (If your

vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire

inflation pressure label [tire and load information label], you should determine the

proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a tire pressure moni-

toring system (TPMS-tire pressure warning system) that illuminates a low tire pressure

telltale (tire pressure warning light) when one or more of your tires is significantly

under-inflated. Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale (tire pressure warning

light) illuminates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate

them to the proper pressure. Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the

tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency

and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS (tire pressure warning system) is not a substitute for proper

tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure,

even if under-inflation has not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low

tire pressure telltale (tire pressure warning light).
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS (tire pressure warning system) mal-

function indicator to indicate when the system is not operating properly. The TPMS

(tire pressure warning system) malfunction indicator is combined with the low tire pres-

sure telltale (tire pressure warning light). When the system detects a malfunction, the

telltale will flash for approximately one minute and then remain continuously illumi-

nated. This sequence will continue upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the

malfunction exists. When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may not

be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended.
TPMS (tire pressure warning system) malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons,

including the installation of replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that

prevent the TPMS (tire pressure warning system) from functioning properly. Always

check the TPMS (tire pressure warning system) malfunction telltale after replacing one

or more tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the replacement or alternate

tires and wheels allow the TPMS (tire pressure warning system) to continue to function

properly.

NOTICE

■

To ensure the tire pressure warning system operates properly
Do not install tires with different specifications or makers, as the tire pressure warning

system may not operate properly.

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The warning lights and warning buzzers operate as follows depending on the
content of the message. If a message indicates the need for inspection by a
dealer, have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.

If a warning message is displayed

The multi-information display shows warnings of system malfunctions, incor-
rectly performed operations, and messages that indicate a need for mainte-
nance. When a message is shown, perform the correction procedure
appropriate to the message.



Except F SPORT models



F SPORT models

Master warning light

The master warning light also comes on or flashes in order to indicate that a message

is currently being displayed on the multi-information display.

Multi-information display

If any of the warning messages are shown again after the appropriate actions
have been performed, contact your Lexus dealer.

Messages and warnings

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2

System 

warning 

light

Warning buzzer

*

Warning

Comes 

on



Sounds

Indicates an important situation, such

as when a system related to driving is

malfunctioning or that danger may

result if the correction procedure is not

performed



Comes on 

or flashes

Sounds

Indicates an important situation, such

as when the systems shown on the

multi-information display may be mal-

functioning

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8-2. Steps to take in an emergency

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*

: A buzzer sounds the first time a message is shown on the multi-information display.

●

If the following messages are shown, there may be a malfunction. 
Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact your Lexus dealer.
Continuing to drive the vehicle may be dangerous.

• “Braking Power Low Stop in a Safe Place See Owner’s Manual”
• “Oil Pressure Low Stop in a Safe Place See Owner’s Manual”
• “Charging System Malfunction See Owner’s Manual”

●

If the following messages are shown, there may be a malfunction.
Immediately have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer.

• “Hybrid System Malfunction”
• “Check  Engine”
• “Hybrid Battery System Malfunction”
• “Accelerator System Malfunction”
• “Access System with Elec. Key Malfunction See Owner’s Manual”

●

If “Engine Coolant Temp High Stop in a Safe Place See Owner’s Manual” is
displayed, following the instructions, accordingly. (

P. 702)

Flashes



Sounds

Indicates a situation, such as when

damage to the vehicle or danger may

result

Comes 

on



Does not sound

Indicates a condition, such as malfunc-

tion of electrical components, their

condition, or indicates the need for

maintenance

Flashes



Does not sound

Indicates a situation, such as when an

operation has been performed incor-

rectly, or indicates how to perform an

operation correctly

If a message instructing to refer to the Owner’s Manual is displayed

System 

warning 

light

Warning buzzer

*

Warning

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Take the appropriate actions as instructed in the message displayed.
If any of the following messages are displayed, also refer to this Owner’s Manual.

■

If “Hybrid System Overheated Reduced Output Power” is shown
This message may be displayed when driving under severe operating condi-
tions.
(For example, when driving up a long steep hill.)
Handling method: 

P. 702

■

If “Hybrid Battery Low Shift Out of N to Recharge” is shown
Message is displayed when the remaining charge for the hybrid battery (trac-
tion battery) is low.
As the hybrid battery (traction battery) cannot be charged when the shift
lever is in N, when stopped for long periods of time shift the shift lever to P.

■

If “Hybrid Battery Low Hybrid System Stopped Shift to P and Restart” is
shown
Message is displayed when the remaining charge for the hybrid battery (trac-
tion battery) is low, because vehicle has been shifted N for a long period of
time.
When operating the vehicle, restart the hybrid system.

■

If “Shift to P Before Exiting Vehicle” is shown
Message is displayed when the driver’s door is opened without turning the
power switch off with the shift lever in any position other than P.
Shift the shift lever to P.

Other messages displayed on the multi-information display

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8-2. Steps to take in an emergency

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■

If “Shift Is in N Release Accelerator Before Shifting” is shown
Message is displayed when the accelerator pedal has been depressed and
the shift lever is in N. Release the accelerator pedal and shift the shift lever to
D or R.

■

If “Depress Brake when Vehicle Is Stopped Hybrid System May Overheat”
is shown
Message is displayed when the accelerator pedal is depressed to maintain the
vehicle position when stopped on a upward slope, etc.
If this continues, the hybrid system may overheat.
Release the accelerator pedal and depress the brake pedal.

■

If “Power Turned Off to Save Battery” is displayed
This message is displayed when the power was cut off due to the automatic
power off function.
The next time the hybrid system is started, increase the engine speed slightly
and maintain it at that speed for approximately 5 minutes to recharge the 12-
volt battery.

■

If “A New Key has been Registered Contact Your Dealer for Details” is dis-
played
This message will be displayed each time the driver's door is opened when the
doors are unlocked from the outside for approximately one week after a new
electronic key has been registered.
If this message is displayed but you have not had a new electronic key regis-
tered, ask your Lexus dealer to check if an unknown electronic key (other than
those in your possession) has been registered.

■

When “Headlight System Malfunction Visit Your Dealer” is displayed
The following systems may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by
your Lexus dealer immediately.

●

The LED headlight system

●

The automatic headlight leveling system

●

Automatic High Beam 

●

AFS (Adaptive Front-lighting System) (if equipped)

671

8-2. Steps to take in an emergency

8

When trouble 

ari

ses

RX450h_RX450hL_U

■

If “Forward Camera System Unavailable” or “Forward Camera System
Unavailable Clean Windshield” is displayed 
The following systems may be suspended until the problem shown in the mes-
sage is resolved. (

P. 296)

●

PCS (Pre-Collision System)

●

LKA (Lane-Keeping Assist)

●

Dynamic radar cruise control with full-speed range

●

Automatic High Beam

■

If “Oil Maintenance Required Soon” is shown
Indicates that the engine oil is scheduled to be changed. 
Check the engine oil, and change if necessary. After changing the engine oil,
the message should be reset. (

P. 600)

■

If “Oil Maintenance Required” is shown
Indicates that the engine oil should be changed. 
Check and change the engine oil, and oil filter by your Lexus dealer. After
changing the engine oil, the message should be reset. (

P. 600)

■

If “Maintenance Required Soon” is displayed (U.S.A. only)
Indicates that all maintenance according to the driven distance on the mainte-
nance schedule

*

 should be performed soon.

Comes on approximately 4500 miles (7200 km) after the message has been
reset.
If necessary, perform maintenance. Please reset the message after the main-
tenance is performed. (

P. 588)

*

: Refer to the separate “Scheduled Maintenance” or “Owner’s Manual Supplement”

for the maintenance interval applicable to your vehicle.