Lexus NX300 (2021 year). Manual in english

154

4-1. Before driving

Coupler

Trailer ball

■

Before towing

Check that the following conditions are

met:

●

Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are prop-

erly inflated. (



P.411)

●

Trailer tires are inflated according to the

trailer manufacturer’s recommendation.

●

All trailer lights work as required by law.

●

All lights work each time you connect

them.

●

The trailer ball is set at the proper height

for the coupler on the trailer.

●

The trailer is level when it is hitched.

Do not drive if the trailer is not level, and

check for improper tongue weight, over-

loading, worn suspension, or other possi-

ble causes.

●

The trailer cargo is securely loaded.

●

The rear view mirrors conform to all

applicable federal, state/provincial or

local regulations. If they do not, install

rear view mirrors appropriate for towing

purposes.

■

AVS (Adaptive Variable Suspension

System) (if equipped)

The suspension can be switched for

improvement in driveability. (



P.260)

■

Break-in schedule

If your vehicle is new or equipped with any

new power train components (such as an

engine, transmission, differential or wheel

bearing), Lexus recommends that you do

not tow a trailer until the vehicle has been

driven for over 500 miles (800 km).

After the vehicle has been driven for over

500 miles (800 km), you can start towing.

However, for the next 500 miles (800 km),

drive the vehicle at a speed of less than 50

mph (80 km/h) when towing a trailer, and

avoid full throttle acceleration.

■

Maintenance

●

If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will

require more frequent maintenance due

to the additional load. (See “Warranty

and Services Guide”, “Owner’s Manual

Supplement” or “Scheduled Mainte-

nance”.)

●

Retighten the fixing bolts of the towing

ball and bracket after approximately 600

miles (1000 km) of trailer towing.

■

If trailer sway occurs

One or more factors (crosswinds, passing

vehicles, rough roads, etc.) can adversely

affect handling of your vehicle and trailer,

causing instability.

●

If trailer swaying occurs:

• Firmly grip the steering wheel. Steer

straight ahead.

Do not try to control trailer swaying 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.

●

After the trailer swaying has stopped:

• Stop in a safe place. Get all occupants

out of the vehicle.

• Check the tires of the vehicle and the

trailer.

• Check the load in the trailer.

Make sure the load has not shifted.

Make sure the tongue weight is appropri-

ate, if possible.

155

4-1. Before driving

Driving

• Check the load in the vehicle.

Make sure the vehicle is not overloaded

after occupants get in.

If you cannot find any problems, the speed

at which trailer swaying occurred is beyond

the limit of your particular vehicle-trailer

combination. Drive at a lower speed to pre-

vent instability. Remember that swaying of

the towing vehicle-trailer increases as

speed increases.

WARNING

■

Trailer towing precautions

To tow a trailer safely, use extreme care

and drive the vehicle in accordance with

the trailer’s characteristics and operating

conditions. Failure to do so could cause

an accident resulting in death or serious

injury. Vehicle stability and braking per-

formance are affected by trailer stability,

brake setting and performance, and the

hitch. Your vehicle will handle differently

when towing a trailer.

■

To avoid accident or injury

●

Do not exceed the TWR, unbraked

TWR, GCWR, GVWR or GAWR.

●

Adjust the tongue weight within the

appropriate range. Place heavier loads

as close to the trailer axle as possible.

●

Do not exceed 65 mph (104 km/h),

the posted towing speed limit or the

speed limit for your trailer as set forth

in your trailer owner’s manual, which-

ever is lowest. Slow down sufficiently

before making a turn, in cross winds,

on wet or slippery surface, etc. to help

avoid an accident. If you experience a

vehicle-trailer instability from reduc-

ing a certain speed, slow down and

make sure you keep your vehicle

speed under the speed of which you

experience the instability.

●

Do not make jerky, abrupt or sharp

turns.

●

Do not apply the brakes suddenly as

you may skid, resulting in jackknifing

and loss of vehicle control. This is

especially true on wet or slippery sur-

faces.

●

Do not exceed the trailer hitch assem-

bly weight, gross vehicle weight, gross

axle weight and trailer tongue weight

capacities.

●

Do not use the dynamic radar cruise

control system when trailer towing.

●

Slow down and downshift before

descending steep or long downhill

grades. Do not make sudden down-

shifts while descending steep or long

downhill grades.

●

Vehicle-trailer instability is more likely

on steep long downhills. Before

descending steep or long downhill

grades, slow down and downshift. Do

not make sudden downshifts when

descending steep or long downhill

grades. Avoid holding the brake pedal

down too long or applying the brakes

too frequently. This could cause the

brakes to overheat and result in

reduced braking efficiency.

●

Do not tow a trailer when the compact

spare tire is installed on your vehicle.

■

When towing a trailer

Lexus recommends trailers with brakes

that conform to any applicable federal

and state/provincial regulations.

●

If the gross trailer weight exceeds

unbraked TWR, trailer brakes are

required. Lexus recommends trailers

with brakes that conform to all applica-

ble federal and state/provincial regula-

tions.

●

Never tap into your vehicle’s hydraulic

system, as this will lower the vehicle’s

braking effectiveness.

156

4-1. Before driving

■

GCWR (Gross Combination
Weight Rating)

The maximum allowable gross combi-
nation weight. The gross combination
weight is the sum of the total vehicle
weight (including the occupants, cargo
and any optional equipment installed
on the vehicle) and the weight of the
trailer being towed (including the
cargo in the trailer).

■

GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating)

The maximum allowable gross vehicle
weight. The gross vehicle weight is the
total weight of the vehicle. When tow-
ing a trailer, it is the sum of the vehicle
weight (including the occupants, cargo
and any optional equipment installed
on the vehicle) and the tongue weight.

■

GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rat-
ing)

The maximum allowable gross axle
weight. The gross axle weight is the
load placed on each axle (front and
rear).

Front GAWR

Rear GAWR

WARNING

●

Never tow a trailer without using a

safety chain securely attached to both

the trailer and the vehicle. If damage

occurs to the coupling unit or hitch

ball, there is danger of the trailer wan-

dering into another lane.

NOTICE

■

When installing a trailer hitch

Use only the position recommended by

your Lexus dealer. Do not install the

trailer hitch on the bumper; this may

cause body damage.

■

Do not directly splice trailer lights

Do not directly splice trailer lights.

Directly splicing trailer lights may dam-

age your vehicle’s electrical system and

cause a malfunction.

Towing related terms

A
B

157

4-1. Before driving

Driving

■

TWR (Trailer Weight Rating)

The maximum allowable gross trailer
weight. The gross trailer weight is the
sum of the trailer weight and the weight
of the cargo in the trailer.
TWR is calculated assuming base vehi-
cle with one driver, one front passen-
ger, towing package (if available), hitch
and hitch systems (if required).

Additional optional equipment, passengers
and cargo in the vehicle will reduce the
trailer weight rating so as not to exceed
GCWR, GVWR and GAWR.

With brakes

■

Unbraked TWR (Unbraked Trailer
Weight Rating)

The trailer weight rating for towing a
trailer without a trailer service brake
system.

Without brakes

■

Tongue Weight

The load placed on the trailer hitch ball.
(



P.158)



The gross trailer weight must never
exceed 2000 lb. (910 kg).



The gross combination weight must
never exceed the following:
2WD models: 6306 lb. (2860 kg)
AWD models: 6416 lb. (2910 kg)



The gross vehicle weight must never
exceed the GVWR indicated on the
Certification Label.



The gross axle weight on each axle
must never exceed the GAWR indi-
cated on the Certification Label.



If the gross trailer weight is over the
unbraked TWR, trailer service
brakes are required.

Weight limits

158

4-1. Before driving

Confirm that the gross trailer weight,
gross combination weight, gross vehi-
cle weight, gross axle weight and
tongue weight are all within the limits.

■

GCWR

2WD models: 6306 lb. (2860 kg)
AWD models: 6416 lb. (2910 kg)

■

TWR

2000 lb. (910 kg)

■

Unbraked TWR

1000 lb. (450 kg)

: These models meet the tow-vehicle trail-

ering requirement of SAE International
per SAE J2807.



A recommended tongue weight
varies in accordance with the types
of trailers or towing as described
below.



To ensure the recommended values
shown below, the trailer must be
loaded by referring to the following
instructions.

• Tongue Weight
The gross trailer weight should be distrib-
uted so that the tongue weight is 9% to
11%.
(Tongue weight /Gross trailer weight x 100
= 9% to 11%)
The gross trailer weight, gross axle weight
and tongue weight can be measured with
platform scales found at a highway weigh-
ing station, building supply company,

trucking company, junk yard, etc.

Gross trailer weight

Tongue weight

Trailer hitch assemblies have different
weight capacities. Lexus recommends
the use of Lexus hitch/bracket for your
vehicle. For details, contact your Lexus
dealer.



If you wish to install a trailer hitch,
contact your Lexus dealer.



Use only a hitch that conforms to
the gross trailer weight requirement
of your vehicle.



Follow the directions supplied by the
hitch manufacturer.



Lubricate the hitch ball with a light
coating of grease.



Remove the hitch ball whenever you
are not towing a trailer. Remove the
trailer hitch if you do not need it.
After removing the hitch, seal any
mounting hole in the vehicle body to
prevent entry of any substances into
the vehicle.

GCWR, TWR and Unbraked
TWR

Trailer Tongue Weight

Hitch

159

4-1. Before driving

Driving

Weight carrying ball position:
42.1 in. (1069.9 mm)

Hitch receiver pin hole position:
33.7 in. (855.6 mm)

Please consult your dealer when
installing trailer lights, as incorrect
installation may cause damage to the
vehicle’s lights. Please take care to
comply with your state’s laws when
installing trailer lights.

Your vehicle will handle differently
when towing a trailer. Help to avoid an
accident, death or serious injury, keep
the following in mind when towing:



Speed limits for towing a trailer vary
by state or province. Do not exceed
the posted towing speed limit.



Lexus recommends that the vehicle-
trailer speed limit is 65 mph (104
km/h) on a flat, straight, dry road.
Do not exceed this limit, the posted
towing speed limit or the speed limit
for your trailer as set forth in your
trailer owner’s manual, whichever is
lowest. Instability of the towing vehi-
cle-trailer combination (trailer
sway) increases as speed increases.
Exceeding speed limits may cause
loss of control.



Before starting out, check the trailer
lights, tires and the vehicle-trailer
connections. Recheck after driving
a short distance.



Practice turning, stopping and
reversing with the trailer attached in
an area away from traffic until you
become accustomed to the feel of
the vehicle-trailer combination.



Reversing with a trailer attached is
difficult and requires practice. Grip
the bottom of the steering wheel
and move your hand to the left to
move the trailer to the left. Move
your hand to the right to move the
trailer to right. (This is generally
opposite to reversing without a
trailer attached.) Avoid sharp or

WARNING

■

Hitch

Trailer hitch assemblies have different

weight capacities established by the hitch

manufacturer. Even though the vehicle

may be physically capable of towing a

higher weight, the operator must deter-

mine the maximum weight rating of the

particular hitch assembly and never

exceed the maximum weight rating

specified for the trailer-hitch. Exceeding

the maximum weight rating set by the

trailer-hitch manufacturer can cause an

accident resulting in death or serious

personal injuries.

Positions for towing hitch
receiver and hitch ball

Connecting trailer lights

Trailer towing tips

160

4-1. Before driving

prolonged turning. Have someone
guide you when reversing to reduce
the risk of an accident.



As stopping distance is increased
when towing a trailer, vehicle-to
vehicle distance should be
increased. For each 10 mph (16
km/h) of speed, allow at least one
vehicle and trailer length.



Avoid sudden braking as you may
skid, resulting in the trailer jackknif-
ing and a loss of vehicle control. This
is especially true on wet or slippery
surfaces.



Avoid jerky starts or sudden accel-
eration.



Avoid jerky steering and sharp
turns, and slow down before making
turn.



Note that when making a turn, the
trailer wheels will be closer than the
vehicle wheels to the inside of the
turn. Compensate by making a
wider than normal turning radius.



Slow down before making a turn, in
cross winds, on wet or slippery sur-
faces, etc.
Increasing vehicle speed can desta-
bilize the trailer.



Take care when passing other vehi-
cles. Passing requires considerable
distance. After passing a vehicle, do
not forget the length of your trailer,
and be sure you have plenty of room
before changing lanes.



To maintain engine braking effi-
ciency and charging system perfor-
mance when using engine braking,

do not put the transmission in D. If in
the M mode, the transmission shift
range position must be in 4 or lower.
(



P.167)



Instability happens more frequently
when descending steep or long
downhill grades. Before descend-
ing, slow down and downshift. Do
not make sudden downshifts while
descending steep or long downhill
grades.



Avoid holding the brake pedal down
too long or applying the brakes too
frequently. This could cause the
brakes to overheat and result in
reduced braking efficiency.



Due to the added load of the trailer,
your vehicle’s engine may overheat
on hot days (at temperatures over
85°F [30°C]) when driving up a
long or steep grade. If the engine
coolant temperature gauge indi-
cates overheating, immediately turn
off the air conditioning (if in use),
pull your vehicle off the road and
stop in a safe spot. (



P.401)



Always place wheel blocks under
both the vehicle’s and the trailer’s
wheels when parking. Put the trans-
mission in P and apply the parking
brake. Avoid parking on a slope, but
if unavoidable, do so only after per-
forming the following:

Apply the brakes and keep them
applied.

Have someone place wheel blocks
under both the vehicle’s and trailer’s
wheels.

161

4-1. Before driving

Driving

When the wheel blocks are in
place, release the brakes slowly
until the blocks absorb the load.

Shift into P and apply the parking
brake.

Turn off the engine.



When restarting after parking on a
slope:

With the transmission in P, start the
engine. Be sure to keep the brake
pedal depressed.

Shift into a forward gear. If revers-
ing, shift into R.

If the parking brake is in manual
mode, release the parking brake.
(



P.172)

Release the brake pedal, and slowly
pull or back away from the wheel
blocks. Stop and apply the brakes.

Have someone retrieve the blocks.

Trailer towing (vehicles with-
out towing package)

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.

162

4-1. Before driving

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.

■

To prevent causing serious damage to

the transmission and Dynamic Torque

Control AWD system (AWD models)

2WD models: Never tow this vehicle

from the rear with the front wheels on the

ground.

This may cause serious damage to the

transmission.

AWD models: Never tow this vehicle

with any of the wheels on the ground.

This may cause serious damage to the

transmission and Dynamic Torque Con-

trol AWD system.

163

4-2. Driving procedures

Driving

4-2.Driving procedures

Check that the parking brake is set.

Check that the shift lever is in P.

Firmly depress the brake pedal.

and a message will be displayed on the

multi-information display.

If it is not displayed, the engine cannot be

started.

Press the engine switch shortly and
firmly.

When operating the engine switch, one

short, firm press is enough.

It is not necessary to press and hold the

switch.
The engine will crank until it starts or for up

to 30 seconds, whichever is less.

Continue depressing the brake pedal until

the engine is completely started.

The engine can be started from any engine

switch mode.

■

If the engine does not start

●

The engine immobilizer system may not

have been deactivated. (



P.67)

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.

●

The smart access system with push-but-

ton start may not be operating properly.

(



P.396)

■

Electronic key battery depletion



P.94

■

Conditions affecting operation



P.116

■

Note for the entry function



P.116

■

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 running the

engine. After about 10 seconds, the

steering lock motor will resume function-

ing.

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

164

4-2. Driving procedures

■

If “Smart Access System 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.

■

Electronic key battery



P.353

■

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.

■

If the smart access system with push-

button start has been deactivated by a

customized setting



P.425

Stop the vehicle completely.

Set the parking brake (



P.172),

and shift the shift lever to P
(



P.167).

Press the engine switch.

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

■

Automatic engine shut off feature

●

The vehicle is equipped with a feature

that automatically shuts off the engine

when the shift lever is in P with the engine

running for an extended period.

●

The engine will automatically shut off

after approximately 1 hour if it has been

left running while the shift lever is in P.

●

The timer for the automatic engine shut

off feature will reset if the brake pedal is

depressed or if the shift lever is in a posi-

tion other than P.

●

After the vehicle is parked, if the door is

locked with the door lock switch

(



P.100) from the inside or the mechani-

cal key from the outside, the automatic

engine shut off feature will be disabled.

The timer for the automatic engine shut

off feature will be re-enabled if the

driver’s door is opened.

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. The steering lock function will

activate and this may lead to an accident,

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

165

4-2. Driving procedures

Driving

■

Locking the door from outside with the

engine running

With the driver’s door open, pull the

driver’s door handle and insert the

mechanical key.

Turn the mechanical key counterclock-

wise.

Pull out the mechanical key and close

the door.

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

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.364)

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.

■

When parking

Exhaust gases include harmful carbon

monoxide (CO), which is colorless and

odorless. Observe the following precau-

tions.
Failure to do so may cause exhaust gases

to enter the vehicle and may lead to an

accident caused by light-headedness, or

may lead to death or a serious health

hazard.

●

If the vehicle is in a poorly ventilated

area or a closed area, such as a

garage, stop the engine.

●

Do not leave the vehicle with the

engine running for a long time. If such

a situation cannot be avoided, park the

vehicle in an open space and ensure

that exhaust fumes do not enter the

vehicle interior.

●

Do not leave the engine running in an

area with snow build-up, or where it is

snowing. If snowbanks build up around

the vehicle while the engine is running,

exhaust gases may collect and enter

the vehicle.

Changing engine switch modes

166

4-2. Driving procedures

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
multi-information display.

IGNITION ON mode

All electrical components can be used.
“IGNITION ON” will be displayed on the
multi-information display.

: 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 (the engine is not running) for

more than an hour with the shift lever in P,

the engine switch will automatically turn off.

However, this function cannot entirely 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.

■

When stopping the engine with the shift

lever in a position other than P

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 fol-

lowing 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 dis-

played on the multi-information display

and then press the engine switch once.

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 multi-informa-

tion display while the engine is not run-

ning, the engine switch is not off. Exit

the vehicle after turning the engine

switch off.

●

Do not stop the engine when the shift

lever is in a position other than P. If the

engine is stopped in another shift lever

position, the engine switch will not be

turned off but instead be turned to

ACCESSORY mode. If the vehicle is

left in ACCESSORY mode, battery

discharge may occur.

167

4-2. Driving procedures

Driving

: To improve fuel efficiency and reduce

noise, shift the shift lever to D for normal
driving.
You can choose gear range suitable for
your driving situation by operating the
paddle shift switches.

: Any gear range can be fixed when driv-

ing in M mode.

■

To protect the automatic transmission

“Transmission Fluid Temp High See

Owner’s Manual” is displayed on the multi-

information display and a function is

adopted that automatically selects a higher

shift range when the fluid temperature is

high. Have the vehicle inspected by your

Lexus dealer.

■

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 activate

because dynamic radar cruise control with

full-speed range will not be canceled.

●

While driving in D position, downshifting

to 5 or 4. (



P.169)

●

When switching the driving mode to

Sport mode while driving in D position.

(



P.257)

■

Restraining sudden start (Drive-Start

Control)

When the following unusual operation is

performed, the engine output may be

restrained.

●

When the shift lever is shifted from R to D,

D to R, N to R, P to D, or P to R (D

includes M) with the accelerator pedal

depressed, a warning message appears

on the multi-information display. 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 much while the vehicle is in reverse.

■

If the “M” indicator does not come on or

the “D” indicator is displayed even after

shifting the shift lever to M

This may indicate a malfunction in the auto-

matic transmission system. Have the vehicle

inspected by your Lexus dealer. (In this situ-

ation, the transmission will operate in the

same)

■

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 driving mode select switch is

set to Normal mode with the shift lever in

the D position. (The function will be can-

celed, if the driving mode select switch is

set to Sport mode or shift lever is put in

the M position.)

●

The G AI-SHIFT is automatically

changed to a suitable gear step while

running in Sport mode according to the

driving operations and running condi-

tions.

The G AI-SHIFT automatically operates

when the driving mode select switch is

set to Sport mode with the shift lever in

the D position. (The function will be can-

celed, if the driving mode is select switch

is set to Normal mode or shift lever is put

Automatic transmission

Select the shift position depending
on your purpose and situation.

Shift position purpose and func-
tions

Shift posi-

tion

Objective or function

Parking the vehicle/starting

the engine

Reversing

Neutral

Normal driving

M mode driving

(



P.169)

168

4-2. Driving procedures

in the M position.)

■

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

emergency measure to ensure that the shift

lever can be shifted.
Releasing the shift lock:

Set the parking brake.

Turn the engine switch off.

Depress the brake pedal.

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.

Press the shift lock override button.

The shift lever can be shifted while the but-

ton is pressed

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

While the engine switch is in IGNI-
TION 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
completely stopped.

169

4-2. Driving procedures

Driving



P.257

To drive using temporary shift range
selection, operate the “-” paddle shift
switch while the shift lever in D. Chang-
ing 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 1 to 6,
will be displayed on the multi-informa-

tion display.

The initial shift range when the “-” paddle
shift switch is operated is automatically set
to 2, 3, 4 or 5 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.

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

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 choice. The gear can be
selected by operating the shift lever or
the “-” and “+” paddle shift switches.

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

Meter dis-

play

Function

D2 - D6

A gear in the range between 1

and the selected gear is auto-

matically chosen depending

on vehicle speed and driving

conditions

1st gear is set

Selecting gears in the M position

Lexus NX300 (2021 year). Manual in english - page 9