Lexus NX300 (2021 year). Manual in english - page 10

170

4-2. Driving procedures

Upshifting

Downshifting

The gear changes once every time the shift
lever or paddle shift switch is operated.
The selected gear, from 1 to 6, will be fixed
and displayed on the multi-information dis-
play.

When in the M position, the gear will
not change unless the shift lever or
paddle shift switches are operated.
However, even when in the M position,
the gears will be automatically
changed in the following situation:



When vehicle speed drops (down-
shift only).



When the accelerator pedal is
depressed further, while driving
(downshift only).



When the needle of the tachometer
is in the red zone (the range which
exceeds the allowable revs of the
engine).

■

Downshifting restriction warning

buzzer

To help ensure safety and driving perfor-

mance, downshifting operation may some-

times be restricted. In some circumstances,

downshifting may not be possible even

when the shift lever is operated. (A buzzer

will sound twice.)

171

4-2. Driving procedures

Driving

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 engine switch is in IGNITION ON

mode.

■

If the indicator flashes faster than usual

Check that a light bulb in the front or rear

turn signal lights has not burned out.

■

Customization



P.425

■

Turns automatic mode on

While the vehicle is stopped, pull and
hold the parking brake switch until the
automatic mode lamp turns on.

Parking brake indicator (U.S.A.)

Parking brake indicator (Canada)

Parking brake lamp

Automatic mode lamp

Turn signal lever

Operating instructions

Parking brake

The parking brake can be set or
released automatically or manually.
In automatic mode, the parking
brake can be set or released auto-
matically according to shift lever
operation. Also, even in automatic
mode, the parking brake can be set
or released manually.

Operating instructions

A
B
C
D

172

4-2. Driving procedures

The parking brake is set or released
automatically according to shift lever
operation.



When the shift lever is moved out of
P, the parking brake will be released,
and the parking brake indicator light
and parking brake lamp 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 lamp 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 indicator (U.S.A.)

Parking brake indicator (Canada)

Parking brake lamp

Automatic mode lamp

■

Using the manual mode

The parking brake can be set and
released manually.

Parking brake indicator (U.S.A.)

Parking brake indicator (Canada)

Parking brake lamp

Automatic mode lamp

Sets the parking brake

The parking brake indicator light and park-
ing brake lamp will turn on.
Pull and hold the parking brake switch if an
emergency occurs and it is necessary to
operate the parking brake while driving.

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 lamp turn off.

If the parking brake indicator light and
parking brake lamp flashes, operate

A
B
C

A
B
C
D

173

4-2. Driving procedures

Driving

the switch again. (



P.377)

■

Parking brake operation

●

When the engine switch is not in IGNI-

TION ON mode, the parking brake can-

not be released using the parking brake

switch.

●

When the engine switch is not in IGNI-

TION ON mode, automatic mode (auto-

matic 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.

■

Parking brake operation sound

When the parking brake operates, a motor

sound (whirring sound) may be heard. This

does not indicate a malfunction.

■

Parking brake indicator light and park-

ing brake lamp

●

Depending on the engine switch mode,

the parking brake indicator light and

parking brake lamp will turn on and stay

on as described below:

IGNITION ON mode: Comes on until

the parking brake is released.

Not in IGNITION ON mode: Stays on

for approximately 15 seconds.

●

When the engine switch is turned off with

the parking brake set, the parking brake

indicator light and parking brake lamp

will stay on for about 15 seconds. This

does not indicate 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 the vehicle



P.144

■

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 warn-

ing message is shown on the multi-informa-

tion display, read the message and follow

the instructions.

■

If the brake system warning light comes



P.374

■

Usage in winter time



P.266

WARNING

■

When parking the vehicle

Do not leave a child in the vehicle alone.

The parking brake may be released unin-

tentionally and there is the danger of the

vehicle moving that may lead to an acci-

dent 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.

174

4-2. Driving procedures

Turns the brake hold system on

The brake hold standby indicator

(green) comes on. While the system is
holding the brake, the brake hold operated
indicator

(yellow) comes on.

■

Brake hold system operating conditions

The brake hold system cannot be turned on

in the following conditions:

●

The driver’s door is not closed.

●

The driver is not wearing the seat belt.

If any of the conditions above are detected

when the brake hold system is enabled, the

system will turn off and the brake hold

standby indicator light will go off. In addi-

tion, if any of the conditions are detected

while the system is holding the brake, a

warning buzzer will sound and a message

NOTICE

■

When the parking brake cannot be

released due to a malfunction

Driving the vehicle with the parking

brake set will lead to brake components

overheating, which may affect braking

performance and increase brake wear.

Have the vehicle inspected by contact

your Lexus dealer immediately if this

occurs.

Brake Hold

The brake hold system keeps the
brake applied when the shift lever is
in D, M or N with the system on and
the brake pedal has been
depressed to stop the vehicle. The
system releases the brake when the
accelerator pedal is depressed with
the shift lever in D or M to allow
smooth start off.

Enabling the system

175

4-2. Driving procedures

Driving

will be shown on the multi-information dis-

play. The parking brake will then be set

automatically.

■

Brake hold function

●

If the brake pedal is left released for a

period of about 3 minutes after the sys-

tem has started holding the brake, the

parking brake will be set automatically. In

this case, a warning buzzer sounds and a

message is shown on the multi-informa-

tion display.

●

To turn the system off while the system is

holding the brake, firmly depress the

brake pedal and press the button again.

●

The brake hold function may not hold the

vehicle when the vehicle is on a steep

incline. In this situation, it may be neces-

sary for the driver to apply the brakes. A

warning buzzer will sound and the multi-

information display will inform the driver

of this situation. If a warning message is

shown on the multi-information display,

read the message and follow the instruc-

tions.

■

When the parking brake is set automati-

cally while the system is holding the

brakes

With the brake pedal depressed, release

the parking brake by operating the parking

brake switch, making sure that the parking

brake indicator light goes off. (



P.171)

■

When an inspection at your Lexus

dealer is necessary

When the brake hold standby indicator

(green) does not illuminate even when the

brake hold switch is pressed with the brake

hold system operating conditions met, the

system may be malfunctioning. Have the

vehicle inspected at your Lexus dealer.

■

If “Brake Hold Fault Depress Brake to

Deactivate Visit Your Dealer” is dis-

played on the multi-information display

The system may be malfunctioning. Have

the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer.

■

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 warn-

ing message is shown on the multi-informa-

tion display, read the message and follow

the instructions.

■

If the brake hold operated indicator

flashes



P.377

WARNING

■

When the vehicle is on a steep incline

When using the brake hold system on a

steep incline, exercise caution. The brake

hold function may not hold the vehicle in

such a situation.

■

When stopped on a slippery road

The system cannot stop the vehicle when

the gripping ability of the tires has been

exceeded. Do not use the system when

stopped on a slippery road.

NOTICE

■

When parking the vehicle

The brake hold system is not designed

for use when parking the vehicle for a

long period of time. Turning the engine

switch off while the system is holding the

brake may release the brake, which

would cause the vehicle to move. When

operating the engine switch, depress the

brake pedal, shift the shift lever to P and

set the parking brake.

176

4-2. Driving procedures

: If equipped

Louder

Lower

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

■

Operating conditions

When the driving mode select switch is not

in Eco mode.

■

Temporary cancelation of the ASC sys-

tem functions

The ASC system may be temporarily can-

celed depending on the driving conditions,

such as when the tires slip due to sudden

acceleration.

ASC (Active Sound Con-
trol)

The ASC system is an electronic
sound system that generates
engine sound, conveying the
kinetic situations of the vehicle’s
acceleration and deceleration to
the driver through the speakers
inside the instrument panel.
The vehicle’s response to the
driver’s acceleration behavior and
shift operations are also conveyed
in sound.
When Sport mode is selected, the
sound conveyed to the driver will be
louder.

Controlling volume

177

4-3. Operating the lights and wipers

Driving

4-3.Operating the lights and wipers

Operating the

switch turns on

the lights as follows:



Type A

The side marker, parking,

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



P.178) turn on.

The headlights and all the

lights listed above (except daytime
running lights) turn on.

The headlights, daytime

running lights (



P.178) and all the

lights listed above turn on and off
automatically.

The daytime running lights

turn off.



Type B

The side marker, parking,

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



P.178) turn on.

The headlights and all the

lights listed above (except daytime
running lights) turn on.

The headlights, daytime

running lights (



P.178) and all the

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

Headlight switch

The headlights can be operated
manually or automatically.

Operating instructions

178

4-3. Operating the lights and wipers

■

AUTO mode can be used when

The engine switch is in IGNITION ON

mode.

■

Daytime running light system

●

The daytime running lights illuminate

using the same lights as the parking lights

and illuminate brighter than the parking

lights.

●

To make your vehicle more visible to

other drivers during daytime driving, the

daytime running lights turn on automati-

cally when all of the following conditions

are met. (The daytime running lights are

not designed for use at night.)

• The engine is running

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

position

: When the surroundings are bright

The daytime running lights remain on after
they illuminate, even if the parking brake is
set again.

●

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

can be turned off by operating the switch.

●

Compared to turning on the headlights,

the daytime running light system offers

greater durability and consumes less

electricity, so it can help improve fuel

●

If a turn signal light is in use, the daytime

running light, on the same side, is turned

off. For emergency flashers, both are

turned off.

■

Headlight control sensor

The sensor may not function properly if an

object is placed on the sensor, or anything

that blocks the sensor is affixed to the wind-

shield.

Doing so interferes with the sensor detect-

ing the level of ambient light and may cause

the automatic headlight system to malfunc-

tion.

■

Automatic light off system

●

When the headlights come on: The head-
lights and tail lights turn off 30 seconds
after a door is opened and closed if the
engine switch is turned to ACCESSORY
mode or turned off. (The lights turn off
immediately if

on the key is

pressed after all the doors are locked.)

●

When only the tail lights come on: The tail

lights turn off automatically if the engine

switch is turned to ACCESSORY mode

or turned off and the driver’s door is

opened.

To turn the lights on again, turn the engine
switch to IGNITION ON mode, or turn the
light switch off once and then back to

■

Light reminder buzzer

A buzzer sounds when the engine switch is

turned off or turned to ACCESSORY

mode and the driver’s door is opened while

the lights are turned on.

■

Automatic headlight leveling system (if

equipped)

The level of the headlights is automatically

adjusted according to the number of pas-

sengers and the loading condition of the

vehicle to ensure that the headlights do not

interfere with other road users.

■

Battery-saving function

In order to prevent the battery of the vehicle

from discharging, if the headlights and/or

tail lights are on when the engine switch is

turned off the battery saving function will

operate and automatically turn off all the

lights after approximately 20 minutes.

When the engine switch is turned to IGNI-

TION ON mode, the battery-saving func-

179

4-3. Operating the lights and wipers

Driving

tion will be disabled.
When any of the following are performed,

the battery-saving function is canceled

once and then reactivated. All the lights will

turn off automatically 20 minutes after the

battery-saving function has been reacti-

vated:

●

When the headlight switch is operated

●

When a door is opened or closed

■

Customization

Settings (e.g. light sensor sensitivity) can be

changed. (Customizable features:



P.425)

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

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

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

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

When the following conditions are met,
while the headlights (low beam) are on,
the cornering lights will additionally
turn on and light up the direction of
movement for the vehicle. This is to
ensure excellent visibility when either
driving at intersections or parking at
night.



The steering wheel is operated



The turn signal lever is operated



The shift lever is in R

■

Cornering light control

●

However, when vehicle speed is 25 mph

(40 km/h) or above, the cornering lights

do not turn on.

●

After the lights remain illuminated for 30

minutes, they automatically turn off.

AFS (Adaptive Front-lighting System)
secures excellent visibility at intersec-
tions and on curves by automatically
adjusting the direction of the light axis
of the headlights according to vehicle
speed and the degree of the tire’s angle
as controlled by steering input.

AFS operates at speeds of 6 mph (10
km/h) or higher.

NOTICE

■

To prevent battery discharge

Do not leave the lights on longer than

necessary when the engine is off.

Turning on the high beam head-
lights

Cornering lights (if equipped)

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

180

4-3. Operating the lights and wipers

Press the Automatic High Beam
switch.

Turn the headlight switch to the

position.

The Automatic High Beam indicator will

come on when the system is operating.

■

Operating conditions

The engine switch is in IGNITION ON

mode.

■

High beam automatic turning on or off

conditions

When all of the following conditions are ful-

filled, high beam will be automatically

turned on:

●

Vehicle speed is above approximately 21

mph (34 km/h).

●

The area ahead of the vehicle is dark.

●

There are no oncoming or preceding

vehicles with headlights or tail lights

turned on.

●

There are few streetlights on the road

ahead.

If any of the following conditions are ful-
filled, high beam will be automatically
turned off:

●

Vehicle speed drops below approxi-

mately 17 mph (27 km/h).

●

The area ahead of the vehicle is not dark.

●

Oncoming or preceding vehicles have

headlights or tail lights turned on.

●

There are many streetlights on the road

ahead.

■

Camera sensor detection information

●

High beam may not be automatically

turned off in the following situations:

• When oncoming vehicles suddenly

appear from a curve

• When the vehicle is cut in front of by

another vehicle

• When oncoming or preceding vehicles

Automatic High Beam

The Automatic High Beam uses an
in-vehicle camera sensor to assess
the brightness of streetlights, the
lights of oncoming and preceding
vehicles, etc., and automatically
turns high beam on or off as neces-
sary.

WARNING

■

Limitations of the Automatic High

Beam

Do not rely on the Automatic High

Beam. Always drive safely, taking care to

observe your surroundings and turning

high beam on or off manually if neces-

sary.

Activating the Automatic High
Beam system

181

4-3. Operating the lights and wipers

Driving

are hidden from sight due to repeated

curves, road dividers or roadside trees

●

High beam may be turned off if an

oncoming vehicle that is using fog lights

without using the headlights is detected.

●

House lights, street lights, red traffic sig-

nals, and illuminated billboards or signs

may cause the high beam to turn off.

●

The following factors may affect the

amount of time taken to turn high beam

on or off:

• The brightness of headlights, fog lights,

and tail lights of oncoming and preceding

vehicles

• The movement and direction of oncom-

ing and preceding vehicles

• When a oncoming or preceding vehicle

only has operational lights on one side

• When a oncoming or preceding vehicle

is a two-wheeled vehicle

• The condition of the road (gradient,

curve, condition of the road surface, etc.)

• The number of passengers and amount of

luggage

●

High beam may be turned on or off when

unexpected by the driver.

●

In the situations below, the system may

not be able to correctly detect the sur-

rounding brightness levels, and may flash

or expose nearby pedestrians to the high

beam. Therefore, you should consider

turning the high beams on or off manually

rather than relying on the Automatic

High Beam system.

• In bad weather (rain, snow, fog, sand-

storms, etc.)

• The windshield is obscured by fog, mist,

ice, dirt, etc.

• The windshield is cracked or damaged.

• The camera sensor is deformed or dirty.

• The camera sensor temperature is

extremely high.

• Surrounding brightness levels are equal

to those of headlights, tail lights or fog

lights.

• Vehicles ahead have headlights or tail

lights that are either switched off, dirty,

are changing color, or are not aimed

properly.

• When driving through an area of inter-

mittently changing brightness and dark-

ness.

• When frequently and repeatedly driving

ascending/descending roads, or roads

with rough, bumpy or uneven surfaces

(such as stone-paved roads, gravel

tracks, etc.).

• When frequently and repeatedly taking

curves or driving on a winding road.

• There is a highly reflective object ahead

of the vehicle, such as a sign or a mirror.

• The back of a vehicle ahead is highly

reflective, such as a container on a truck.

• The vehicle’s headlights are damaged or

dirty.

• The vehicle is listing or tilting, due to a flat

tire, a trailer being towed, etc.

• The driver believes that the high beam

may be causing problems or distress to

other drivers or pedestrians nearby.

NOTICE

■

Notes when using the Automatic

High Beam system

Observe the following to ensure that the

Automatic High Beam functions cor-

rectly.

●

Do not touch the camera sensor.

●

Do not subject the camera sensor to a

strong impact.

●

Do not disassemble the camera sen-

sor.

●

Do not spill liquids onto the camera

sensor.

●

Do not apply window tinting or stickers

to the camera sensor or the area of

windshield near the camera sensor.

182

4-3. Operating the lights and wipers

■

Switching to low beam

Press the Automatic High Beam
switch.

The Automatic High Beam indicator will
turn off.
Press the switch to activate the Automatic
High Beam system again.

■

Switching to high beam

Push the lever away from you.

The Automatic High Beam indicator will
turn off and the high beam indicator will
turn on.

Pull the lever to its original position to acti-
vate the Automatic High Beam system
again.

■

Switching to the high beams temporarily

The high beams are turned on while the

lever is pulled toward you. Returning the

lever to its original position turns the low

beams on. A while after the low beams are

turned on, the Automatic High Beam sys-

tem will be activated again.

NOTICE

●

Do not place items on the dashboard.

There is a possibility that the camera

sensor will mistake items reflected in

the windshield for streetlights, the

headlights of other vehicles, etc.

●

Do not install a parking tag or any

other accessories near or around the

camera sensor.

●

Do not overload the vehicle.

●

Do not modify the vehicle.

●

Do not replace windshield with non-

genuine windshield.

Contact your Lexus dealer.

Turning the high beams on/off
manually

183

4-3. Operating the lights and wipers

Driving

Turns the fog lights off

Turns the fog lights on

■

Fog lights can be used when

The headlights are on in low beam.

Operating the

lever operates

the wipers or washer as follows.

■

Intermittent windshield wipers with
interval adjuster (if equipped)



Type A

Off

Fog light switch

When in difficult driving conditions,
such as in rain and fog, turn on the
front fog lights to secure front visi-
bility and turn on the rear fog lights
to notify following vehicles the exis-
tence of your vehicle.

Operating instructions

NOTICE

■

To prevent battery discharge

Do not leave the lights on longer than

necessary when the engine is off.

Windshield wipers and
washer

Operating the lever can switch
between automatic operation and
manual operation, or can use the
washer.

NOTICE

■

When the windshield is dry

Do not use the wipers, as they may dam-

age the windshield.

Operating the wiper lever

184

4-3. Operating the lights and wipers

Intermittent operation

Low speed operation

High speed operation

Temporary operation

Wiper intervals can be adjusted when
intermittent operation is selected.

Increases the intermittent wind-
shield wiper frequency

Decreases the intermittent wind-
shield wiper frequency

Washer/wiper dual opera-

tion

Pulling the lever operates the wipers and
washer.
The wipers will automatically operate a
couple of times after the washer squirts.
Vehicles with headlight cleaners:
When the headlights are on and the lever is
pulled and held, the headlight cleaners will

operate once. After this, the headlight
cleaners will operate every 5th time the
lever is pulled.



Type B

Off

Intermittent operation

Low speed operation

High speed operation

Temporary operation

Wiper intervals can be adjusted when
intermittent operation is selected.

185

4-3. Operating the lights and wipers

Driving

Increases the intermittent wind-
shield wiper frequency

Decreases the intermittent wind-
shield wiper frequency

Washer/wiper dual opera-

tion

■

Rain-sensing windshield wipers (if
equipped)



Type A

Off

Rain-sensing operation

Low speed operation

High speed operation

Temporary operation

When

is selected, the wipers

will operate automatically when the
sensor detects falling rain. The system
automatically adjusts wiper timing in
accordance with rain volume and vehi-
cle speed.

The sensor sensitivity can be adjusted
when

selected.

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