Lexus NX300 (2021 year). Manual in english - page 22

370

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

miles (80 km) at under 18 mph (30 
km/h).
A driver must be in the vehicle to steer 
and operate the brakes. The vehicle’s 
wheels, drivetrain, axles, steering and 
brakes must be in good condition.

To have your vehicle towed by another 
vehicle, the towing eyelet must be 
installed to your vehicle. Install the tow-
ing eyelet using the following proce-
dure.

1

Take out the wheel nut wrench, flat-
head screwdriver and towing eye-
let. (



P.386)

2

Remove the eyelet cover using a 
flathead screwdriver.

To protect the bodywork, place a rag 

between the screwdriver and the vehicle 

body as shown in the illustration.



Type A



Type B

3

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

4

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

5

Securely attach cables or chains to 
the towing eyelet.

Take care not to damage the vehicle body.

6

Enter the vehicle being towed and 
start the engine.

If the engine does not start, turn the engine 

switch to IGNITION ON mode.

Emergency towing procedure

371

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

7

When trouble

 ari

ses

7

Shift the shift lever to N and release 
the parking brake.

Turn automatic mode off. (



P.172)

When the shift lever cannot be shifted: 



P.168

■

While towing

If the engine is not running, the power assist 

for the brakes and steering will not function, 

making steering and braking more difficult.

■

Wheel nut wrench

Wheel nut wrench is installed in luggage 

compartment. (



P.386)



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



Flat-looking tires or uneven tire 
wear



Engine coolant temperature gauge 
needle continually points higher 
than normal



Changes in exhaust sound



Excessive tire squeal when corner-
ing



Strange noises related to the sus-
pension system



Pinging or other noises related to 
the engine



Engine misfire or misses, stumbling 
or running roughly



Appreciable loss of power



Vehicle pulls heavily to one side 
when braking

If you think something is 
wrong

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

Visible symptoms

Audible symptoms

Operational symptoms

372

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency



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



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

Follow the procedure below to restart 
the engine after the system is activated.

1

Turn the engine switch to ACCES-
SORY mode or turn it off.

2

Restart the engine.

Fuel pump shut off system

To minimize the risk of fuel leakage 
when the engine stalls or when an 
airbag inflates upon collision, the 
fuel pump shut off system stops the 
supply of fuel to the engine.

Restarting the engine

NOTICE

■

Before starting the engine

Inspect the ground under the vehicle.

If you find that fuel has leaked onto the 

ground, the fuel system has been dam-

aged and is in need of repair. Do not 

restart the engine.

373

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

7

When trouble

 ari

ses

■

Brake system warning light (warning buzzer)

■

Charging system warning light

*

*

: This light illuminates on the multi-information display.

■

Low engine oil pressure warning light

*

 (warning buzzer)

*

: This light illuminates on the multi-information display.

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.

Actions to the warning lights or warning buzzers

Warning light

Details/Actions

(U.S.A.)

(Red)

(Canada)

Indicates:



The brake fluid level is low; or



The brake system is malfunctioning



Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and con-
tact your Lexus dealer. Continuing to drive the vehi-
cle may be dangerous.

Warning light

Details/Actions

Indicates a malfunction in the vehicle’s charging system



Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and con-
tact your Lexus dealer. Continuing to drive the vehi-
cle may be dangerous.

Warning light

Details/Actions

Indicates that the engine oil pressure is too low



Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and con-
tact your Lexus dealer. Continuing to drive the vehi-
cle may be dangerous.

374

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

■

High coolant temperature warning light

*

 (warning buzzer)

*

: This light illuminates on the multi-information display.

■

Brake system warning light

■

Malfunction indicator lamp

■

SRS warning light

Warning light

Details/Actions

Indicates that the engine is overheating



Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place. Continu-
ing to drive the vehicle may be dangerous.
Handling method (



P.401)

Warning light

Details/Actions

(Yellow)

Indicates a malfunction in the electric parking brake



Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer 
immediately.

Warning light

Details/Actions

(U.S.A.)

(Canada)

Indicates a malfunction in:



The electronic engine control system;



The electronic throttle control system; or



The electronic automatic transmission control system



Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer 
immediately.

Warning light

Details/Actions

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.

375

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

7

When trouble

 ari

ses

■

ABS warning light

■

Electric power steering system warning light (warning buzzer)

■

PCS warning light

Warning light

Details/Actions

(U.S.A.)

(Canada)

Indicates a malfunction in:



The ABS; or



The brake assist system



Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer 
immediately.

Warning light

Details/Actions

(Yellow)

(Red)

Indicates a malfunction in the EPS (Electric Power Steer-
ing) system



Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer 
immediately.

Warning light

Details/Actions

When a buzzer sounds simultaneously: Indicates a mal-
function has occurred in the PCS (Pre-Collision System).



Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer 
immediately.

When a buzzer does not sound: The PCS (Pre-Collision 
System) has become temporarily unavailable, corrective 
action may be necessary.



Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-infor-
mation display. (



P.196, 382)

If the PCS (Pre-Collision System) or VSC (Vehicle Stabil-
ity Control) system is disabled, the PCS warning light will 
illuminate.



P.204

376

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

■

LTA indicator

*

 (warning buzzer)

*

: This light illuminates on the multi-information display.

■

LDA indicator

*

 (warning buzzer)

*

: This light illuminates on the multi-information display.

■

PKSB OFF indicator (warning buzzer)

■

Slip indicator light

Warning light

Details/Actions

(Orange)

(If equipped)

Indicates a malfunction in the LTA (Lane Tracing Assist)



Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-infor-
mation display. (



P.213)

Warning light

Details/Actions

(Orange)

(If equipped)

Indicates a malfunction in the LDA (Lane Departure 
Alert) with steering control



Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-infor-
mation display. (



P.221)

Warning light

Details/Actions

(Flashes)

(If equipped)

When a buzzer sounds:
Indicates a malfunction in the PKSB (Parking Support 
Brake) system



Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer 
immediately.

When a buzzer does not sound:
Indicates that the system is temporarily unavailable, possi-
bly due to a sensor being dirty or covered with ice, etc.



Clear the dirt, etc.

Warning light

Details/Actions

Indicates a malfunction in:



The VSC system;



The TRAC system; or



The hill-start assist control system

The light will flash when the VSC or TRAC system is oper-
ating.



Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer 
immediately.

377

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

7

When trouble

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ses

■

Brake hold operated indicator

■

Parking brake indicator

■

Low fuel level warning light

■

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

*

)

*

: Driver’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 engine switch is turned to IGNITION ON mode, the buzzer 
sounds. If the seat belt is still unfastened, the buzzer sounds intermittently for a certain 
period of time after the vehicle reaches a certain speed.
Front passenger’s seat belt warning buzzer:
The front passenger’s seat belt warning buzzer sounds to alert the front passenger that 
his or her seat belt is not fastened. If the seat belt is unfastened, the buzzer sounds inter-

Warning light

Details/Actions

(Flashes)

Indicates a malfunction in the brake hold system



Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer 
immediately.

Warning light

Details/Actions

(Flashes)

(U.S.A.)

(Flashes)

(Canada)

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.

Warning light

Details/Actions

Indicates that remaining fuel is approximately 2.3 gal. (9.0 
L, 1.9 Imp.gal.) or less



Refuel the vehicle.

Warning light

Details/Actions

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 pas-
senger’s seat belt also needs to be fastened to make 
the warning light (warning buzzer) turn off.

378

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

mittently for a certain period of time after the vehicle reaches a certain speed.

■

Rear passengers’ seat belt reminder light

*1

 (warning buzzer

*2

)

*1

: This light illuminates on the center panel. Regardless of whether or not a rear passenger 

is present, if the engine switch is turned to IGNITION ON mode with the rear seat belts 
unfastened, this light will also illuminate for a certain period of time.

*2

: Rear passengers’ seat belt warning buzzer:

The rear passengers’ seat belt warning buzzer sounds to alert the rear passenger that 
his or her seat belt is not fastened. If the seat belt is unfastened, the buzzer sounds inter-
mittently for a certain period of time, after the seat belt is fastened and unfastened and 
the vehicle reaches a certain speed.

■

Master warning light (warning buzzer)

■

Tire pressure warning light

Warning light

Details/Actions

Warns the rear passengers to fasten their seat belts



Fasten the seat belt.

Warning light

Details/Actions

A buzzer sounds and the warning light comes on and 
flashes to indicate that the master warning system has 
detected a malfunction.



P.382

Warning light

Details/Actions

When the light comes on:
Low tire inflation pressure such as



Natural causes (



P.380)



Flat tire (



P.385)



Adjust the tire inflation pressure to the specified 
level.
The light will turn off after a few minutes. In case the 
light does not turn off even if the tire inflation pres-
sure is adjusted, have the system checked by your 
Lexus dealer.

When the light comes on after blinking for 1 minute: 
Malfunction in the tire pressure warning system 
(



P.380)



Have the system checked by your Lexus dealer.

379

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

7

When trouble

 ari

ses

■

Brake Override System/Drive-Start Control warning light

*

(warning buzzer)

*

: This light illuminates on the multi-information display.

■

SRS warning light

This warning light system monitors the air-

bag 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” indi-

cator light, “AIR BAG OFF” indicator light, 

front passenger’s seat belt buckle switch, 

driver’s seat belt pretensioner, front passen-

ger’s seat belt pretensioner and force lim-

iter, airbags, interconnecting wiring and 

power sources. (



P.32)

■

Front passenger detection sensor, seat 

belt reminder and warning buzzer

●

If luggage is placed on the front passen-

ger seat, the front passenger detection 

sensor may cause the warning light to 

flash and the warning buzzer to sound 

even if a passenger is not sitting in the 

seat.

●

If a cushion is placed on the seat, the sen-

sor may not detect a passenger, and the 

warning light may not operate properly.

■

Electric power steering system warning 

light (warning buzzer)

When the battery charge becomes insuffi-

cient of 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.

Warning light

Details/Actions

Brake Override System

Indicates that the accelerator and brake pedals are being 
depressed simultaneously, and the Brake Override Sys-
tem is operating.



Release the accelerator pedal and depress the brake 
pedal.

Indicates a malfunction in the Brake Override System 
(with warning buzzer)



Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer 
immediately.

Drive-Start Control

Indicates that the shift position was changed and Drive-
Start Control was operated while depressing the acceler-
ator pedal. (with warning buzzer)



Momentarily release the accelerator pedal.

Indicates a malfunction in the Drive-Start Control system 
(with warning buzzer)



Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer 
immediately.

380

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

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 appearance of the tire to check 

that the tire is not punctured.

If the tire is punctured: 



P.385

If the tire is not punctured:

Carry out the following procedure after the 

tire temperature has lowered sufficiently.

●

Check the tire inflation pressure and 

adjust to the appropriate level.

●

If the warning light does not go out even 

after several minutes, check that the tire 

inflation pressure is at the specified level 

and carry out initialization. (



P.347)

The warning light may come on again if the 

above operations are conducted without 

first allowing the tire temperature to lower 

sufficiently.

■

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, adjust-

ing 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 warn-

ing 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 warn-

ing system may not function properly



P.343

■

If the tire pressure warning light fre-

quently comes on after blinking for 1 

minute

If the tire pressure warning light frequently 

comes on after blinking for 1 minute when 

the engine switch is turned to IGNITION 

ON mode, have it checked by your Lexus 

dealer.

■

Warning buzzer

In some cases, the buzzer may not be heard 

due to being in a noisy location or audio 

sound.

WARNING

■

If both the ABS and the brake system 

warning lights remain on

Stop your vehicle in a safe place immedi-

ately and contact your Lexus dealer. The 

vehicle 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 precau-

tions. 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 infla-

tion pressure immediately.

WARNING

●

If the tire pressure warning light comes 

on even after tire inflation pressure 

adjustment, 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.

381

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

7

When trouble

 ari

ses

●

Avoid abrupt maneuvering and brak-

ing. 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.

■

Maintenance of the tires

Each tire, including the spare (if pro-

vided), should be checked monthly when 

cold and inflated to the inflation pressure 

recommended by the vehicle manufac-

turer on the vehicle placard or tire infla-

tion pressure label (tire and load 

information label). (If your vehicle has 

tires of a different size than the size indi-

cated on the vehicle placard or tire infla-

tion 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 

monitoring system (TPMS-tire pressure 

warning system) that illuminates a low 

tire pressure telltale (tire pressure warn-

ing light) when one or more of your tires 

is significantly under-inflated. Accord-

ingly, 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 signifi-

cantly under-inflated tire causes the tire 

to overheat and can lead to tire failure. 

Under-inflation also reduces fuel effi-

ciency and tire tread life, and may affect 

the vehicle’s handling and stopping abil-

ity.

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 illumina-

tion of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale 

(tire pressure warning light).

Your vehicle has also been equipped with 

a TPMS (tire pressure warning system) 

malfunction indicator to indicate when 

the system is not operating properly. The 

TPMS (tire pressure warning system) 

malfunction indicator is combined with 

the low tire pressure telltale (tire pres-

sure warning light). When the system 

detects a malfunction, the telltale will 

flash for approximately one minute and 

then remain continuously illuminated. 

This sequence will continue upon subse-

quent 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 func-

tioning 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 specifi-

cations or makers, as the tire pressure 

warning system may not operate prop-

erly.

382

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

If a warning message is dis-
played

The multi-information display 
shows warnings of system malfunc-
tions, incorrectly performed opera-
tions, and messages that indicate a 
need for maintenance. When a 
message is shown, perform the cor-
rection procedure appropriate to 
the message.

Master warning light

The master warning light also comes on 
or flashes in order to indicate that a mes-
sage is currently being displayed on the 
multi-information display.

Multi-information display

Follow the instructions of the message 
on the multi-information display.
If any of the warning messages are 
shown again after the following actions 
have been performed, contact your 
Lexus dealer.

A

B

383

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

7

When trouble

 ari

ses

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

*

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

■

System warning lights

The master warning light does not come on 

or flash in the following cases. Instead, a 

separate system warning light will come on 

along with a message shown on the multi-

information display.

●

Malfunction of the ABS

The ABS warning light comes on. 

(



P.375)

●

Malfunction of the charging system

The charging system warning light comes 

on. (



P.373)

■

If “Shift to P Before Exiting Vehicle” is 

shown

Message is displayed when the driver’s 

door is opened without turning the engine 

switch to OFF with the shift lever in any 

position other than P.

Shift the shift lever to P.

■

If a message that indicates the malfunc-

tion of front camera is displayed

The following systems may be suspended 

until the problem shown in the message is 

resolved. (



P.196, 375)

●

PCS (Pre-Collision System)

●

LTA (Lane Tracing Assist) (if equipped)

●

LDA (Lane Departure Alert with steering 

control) (if equipped)

●

Automatic High Beam

●

RSA (Road Sign Assist) (if equipped)

●

Dynamic radar cruise control with full-

speed range

Messages and warnings

System 

warning 

light

Warning buzzer

*

Warning

Comes 

on



Sounds

Indicates an important situation, such as 
when a system related to driving is malfunc-
tioning or that danger may result if the cor-
rection procedure is not performed



Comes 

on or 

flashes

Sounds

Indicates an important situation, such as 
when the systems shown on the multi-infor-
mation display may be malfunctioning

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 malfunction of 
electrical components, their condition, or 
indicates the need for maintenance

Flashes



Does not sound

Indicates a situation, such as when an opera-
tion has been performed incorrectly, or indi-
cates how to perform an operation correctly

384

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

■

If “RSA malfunction Visit Your Dealer” is 

shown

The system may be malfunctioning. Have 

the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer.

■

If “Radar Cruise Control Unavailable 

See Owner’s Manual” is shown

The dynamic radar cruise control with full-

speed range system is suspended tempo-

rarily or until the problem shown in the mes-

sage is resolved. (causes and coping 

methods: 



P.196)

■

If “Radar Cruise Control Unavailable” is 

shown

The dynamic radar cruise control with full-

speed range system cannot be used tempo-

rarily. Use the system when it becomes 

available again.

■

If “Oil Maintenance Required Soon” is 

shown

Indicates that the engine oil is scheduled to 

be changed. (The indicator will not work 

properly unless the oil maintenance data 

has been reset.)

Check the engine oil, and change if neces-

sary. After changing the engine oil, the oil 

change system should be reset. (



P.335)

■

If “Oil Maintenance Required” is shown

Indicates that the engine oil should be 

changed. (After the engine oil is changed 

and the oil maintenance data has been 

reset.)

Check and change the engine oil, and oil fil-

ter by your Lexus dealer. After changing the 

engine oil, the oil change system should be 

reset. (



P.335)

■

If “See Owner’s Manual” is shown

●

If the following messages are shown, fol-

lowing the instructions, accordingly.

• “Engine Coolant Temp High” (



P.401)

●

If the following messages are shown, 

there may be a malfunction.

Immediately have the vehicle inspected 

by your Lexus dealer.

• “Braking Power Low”

• “Smart Access System Malfunction”

●

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.

• “Oil Pressure Low”

• “Charging System Malfunction”

• “Transmission Fluid Temp High”

■

Warning buzzer



P.380

NOTICE

■

“High Power Consumption Partial 

Limit On AC/Heater Operation” is 

frequently shown

There is a possible malfunction relating 

to the charging system or the battery 

may be deteriorating. Have the vehicle 

inspected by your Lexus dealer.

385

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

7

When trouble

 ari

ses



Stop the vehicle in a safe place on a 
hard, flat surface.



Set the parking brake.



Shift the shift lever to P.



Stop the engine.



Turn on the emergency flashers. 
(



P.364)

If you have a flat tire

Your vehicle is equipped with a 
spare tire. The flat tire can be 
replaced with the spare tire.
For details about tires: 



P.341

WARNING

■

If you have a flat tire

Do not continue driving with a flat tire.

Driving even a short distance with a flat 

tire can damage the tire and the wheel 

beyond repair, which could result in an 

accident.

Before jacking up the vehicle