LEXUS RC 300 (2019 year). Instruction — part 8

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4-1. Before driving

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Driving

■

Total load capacity and seating capacity

These details are also described on the tire

and loading information label. (

P.261)

WARNING

●

To prevent cargo and luggage from

sliding forward during braking, do not

stack anything in the enlarged trunk.

Keep cargo and luggage low, as close

to the floor as possible.

●

When you fold down the rear seats,

long items should not be placed

directly behind the front seats.

●

Never allow anyone to ride in the

enlarged trunk. It is not designed for

passengers. They should ride in their

seats with their seat belts properly fas-

tened.

●

Do not place cargo or luggage in or on

the following locations.

• At the feet of the driver

• On the front passenger or rear seats

(when stacking items)

• On the package tray

• On the instrument panel

• On the dashboard

• In front of the Center Display

●

Secure all items in the occupant com-

partment.

■

Capacity and distribution

●

Do not exceed the maximum axle

weight rating or the total vehicle

weight rating.

●

Even if the total load of occupant’s

weight and the cargo load is less than

the total load capacity, do not apply the

load unevenly. Improper loading may

cause deterioration of steering or

braking control which may cause

death or serious injury.

Vehicle load limits

Vehicle load limits include total
load capacity, seating capacity,
towing capacity and cargo capac-
ity.

 Total load capacity (vehicle

capacity weight):

P.316

Total load capacity means the com-
bined weight of occupants, cargo
and luggage.
 Seating capacity: 4 occupants

(Front 2, Rear 2)

Seating capacity means the maxi-
mum number of occupants whose
estimated average weight is 150 lb.
(68 kg) per person.
 Towing capacity
Lexus does not recommend towing
a trailer with your vehicle.
 Cargo capacity
Cargo capacity may increase or
decrease depending on the weight
and the number of occupants.

WARNING

■

Overloading the vehicle

Do not overload the vehicle.

It may not only cause damage to the tires,

but also degrade steering and braking

ability, resulting in an accident.

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4-1. Before driving

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Trailer towing

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.

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.

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4-2. Driving procedures

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Driving

4-2.Driving procedures

1

Check that the parking brake is set.

2

Check that the shift lever is in P.

3

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.

4

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.57)

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.

■

Electronic key battery depletion

P.82

■

Conditions affecting operation

P.94

■

Notes for the entry function

P.95

■

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 operating

the engine switch. After about 10 sec-

onds, the steering lock motor will resume

functioning.

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

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■

When “Access System with Elec. Key

Malfunction See Owner's Manual” is

displayed on the multi-information dis-

play

The system may be malfunctioning. Have

the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer

immediately.

■

Electronic key battery

P.265

■

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.

■

Customization

If the smart access system with push-button

start has been deactivated in a customized

setting, refer to P.304.

1

Stop the vehicle.

2

Set the parking brake (

P.134),

and shift the shift lever to P.

3

Press the engine switch.

4

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

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

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. Activation of the steering lock

in this circumstance may lead to an acci-

dent, 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

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.274)

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.

Changing engine switch modes

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Driving

1

Off

*

The emergency flashers can be used.

2

ACCESSORY mode

Some electrical components such as the
audio system can be used.
“ACCESSORY” will be displayed on the
meters.

3

IGNITION ON mode

All electrical components can be used.
“IGNITION ON” will be displayed on the
meters.

*

: 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 (with the engine 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.

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 following proce-
dure to turn the switch off:

1

Check that the parking brake is set.

2

Shift the shift lever to P.

3

Check that “Turn Off Vehicle” is
displayed on the multi-information
display and then press the engine
switch once.

4

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 meters while

the engine is not running, the engine

switch is not off. Exit the vehicle after

turning the engine switch off.

When stopping the engine with
the shift lever in a position other
than P

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*1

: To improve fuel efficiency and reduce

noise, shift the shift lever to D for normal
driving.

*2

: Any gear range can be fixed when driv-

ing in M mode.

■

To protect the automatic transmission

If the automatic transmission fluid tempera-

ture is high, “Transmission Fluid Temp High

See Owner's Manual” will be displayed on

the multi-information display and the vehi-

cle will go into transmission protection

mode automatically. Have the vehicle

inspected by your Lexus dealer.

■

When driving with dynamic radar cruise

control activated

Even when performing the following

actions with the intent of enabling engine

braking, engine braking will not occur

because dynamic radar cruise control will

not be canceled.

●

6-speed models: While driving in the D

NOTICE

■

To prevent battery discharge

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 dis-

charge may occur.

Automatic transmission

Select the shift position depending
on your purpose and situation.

Shift position purpose and func-
tions

Shift posi-

tion

Objective or function

P

Parking the vehicle/starting

the engine

R

Reversing

N

Neutral

(Condition in which the

power is not transmitted)

D

Normal driving

*1

M

M mode driving

*2

(

P.131)

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Driving

position, downshifting to 5 or 4.

(

P.130)

●

8-speed models: While driving in the D

position, downshifting to 7, 6, 5 or 4.

(

P.130)

●

When switching the driving mode to

sport mode while driving in the D posi-

tion. (

P.190)

■

Restraining sudden start (Drive-Start

Control)

P.117

■

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 shift lever is in D. (Shifting the

shift lever to the M position cancels the

function.)

●

8-speed models: G AI-SHIFT automati-

cally selects a suitable gear for sporty

driving according to driver’s input and

driving conditions. G AI-SHIFT operates

automatically when the shift lever is in D

and sport mode is selected for the driving

mode. (Selecting normal mode with the

driving mode select switch or shifting the

shift lever to the M position cancels this

function.)

While the engine switch is in

IGNITION 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 com-
pletely stopped.

■

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

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

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emergency measure to ensure that the shift

lever can be shifted.
Releasing the shift lock:

1

Set the parking brake.

2

Turn the engine switch to off.

3

Depress the brake pedal.

4

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.

5

Press the shift lock override button.

The shift lever can be shifted while the but-

ton is pressed.

■

Sport mode/Eco drive mode

P.190

■

Snow mode

Snow mode can be selected to suit the
conditions when driving on slippery
road surfaces, such as snow.
Press the switch.

Press the switch again to return to normal
mode.

■

Snow mode automatic deactivation

Snow mode is automatically deactivated if

the engine switch is turned off after driving

in snow mode.

To drive using temporary shift range
selection, operate the “-” or “+” paddle
shift switch.
When the “-” paddle shift switch is
operated, the shift range will be down-
shifted to a range that enables engine
braking force that is suitable to driving
conditions. When the “+” paddle shift
switch is operated, the shift range will
be one gear higher than the gear in use
during normal D position driving.

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

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Driving

Changing the shift range allows
restriction of the highest gear, prevent-
ing unnecessary upshifting and
enabling the level of engine braking
force to be selected.

1

Upshifting

2

Downshifting

8-speed models: The selected shift range,
from D1 to D8, will be displayed on the
meter.
6-speed models: The selected shift range,
from D1 to D6, will be displayed on the
meter.
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

■

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 paddle shift switch is operated. (A

buzzer will sound twice.)

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 choosing.

Meter dis-

play

Function

D2 - D8

(8-speed

models)

A gear in the range between
1 and the selected gear is
automatically chosen
depending on vehicle speed
and driving conditions

D2 - D6

(6-speed

models)

D1

Setting the gear at 1

Selecting gears in the M position

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1

Upshifting

2

Downshifting

The gear changes once every time the shift
lever or paddle shift switch is operated.
8-speed models: The selected gear, from
M1 to M8, will be fixed and displayed on
the meter.
6-speed models: The selected gear, from
M1 to M6, will be fixed and displayed on
the meter.

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 a gear change is necessary to

protect the engine or automatic
transmission when the engine cool-
ant temperature or automatic trans-
mission fluid temperature is low, or
other reasons.

In the following situations, the gear will
not shift even if the shift lever or paddle
shift switches are operated.
 “Slippery Road. Cannot Shift to

Lower Gear.” is displayed on the
multi-information display.

 The vehicle speed is low (upshift

only).

■

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 or paddle shift switch is

operated. (A buzzer will sound twice.)

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Driving

The lever will return to its original posi-
tion immediately after operation.

1

Right turn

2

Lane change to the right (move the
lever partway and release it)

The right hand signals will flash 3 times.

3

Lane change to the left (move the
lever partway and release it)

The left hand signals will flash 3 times.

4

Left turn

■

If the turn signals do not stop flash-
ing after turning left or right, or if
you want to stop them flashing

Operate the lever in the opposite
direction to either position

2

or

3

. If

you move the lever to either position

1

or

4

, the selected turn signals will flash.

■

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.

■

If the turn signals stop flashing before a

lane change has been performed

Operate the lever again.

■

Customization

Some functions can be customized.

(

P.339)

Turn signal lever

Operating instructions

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To set the parking brake, fully depress
the parking brake pedal with your left
foot while depressing the brake pedal
with your right foot.
(Depressing the pedal again releases
the parking brake.)

■

Parking the vehicle

P.116

■

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.

■

Usage in winter time

P.197

*

: If equipped

1

Louder

2

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.

Parking brake

Operating instructions

NOTICE

■

Before driving

Fully release the parking brake.

Driving the vehicle with the parking

brake set will lead to brake components

overheating, which may affect braking

performance and increase brake wear.

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

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Driving

■

The ASC system can be operated when

The driving mode select switch is in normal

mode or sport mode. (

P.190)

■

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.

136

4-3. Operating the lights and wipers

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4-3.Operating the lights and wipers

Operating the

switch turns on

the lights as follows:

U.S.A.
Canada

1

The side marker, parking, tail,

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

P.136) turn on.

2

The headlights and all lights

listed above (except daytime run-
ning lights) turn on.

3

The headlights, daytime run-

ning lights (

P.136) and all the

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

4

(U.S.A.) Off /

(Canada)

The daytime running lights turn on.
(

P.136)

■

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

(Can-

ada only),

or

*

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

economy.

■

Headlight control sensor

The sensor may not function properly if an

object is placed on the sensor, or anything

Headlight switch

The headlights can be operated
manually or automatically.

Operating instructions

A
B

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4

Driving

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 light switch is in

,

or

: The headlights and tail lights turn off

30 seconds after the engine switch is

turned to ACCESSORY mode or turned

off and a door is opened and all of the doors

and trunk are closed. (The lights turn off
immediately if

on the key is pressed

twice after both side doors are closed.)
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

or .
If any of the doors or trunk lid is left open,

the lights automatically turn off after 20

minutes.

■

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

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.

■

Customization

Some functions can be customized.

(

P.339)

1

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.

2

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 steering wheel or turn

signal lever is operated while the
headlights are on (low beam) and
the vehicle speed is 19 mph (30
km/h) or lower, a cornering light will
turn on and light up the direction of
movement of the vehicle. The cor-
nering lights are designed to ensure
excellent visibility when making a
turn at an intersection.

 When the shift position is in R while

the headlights are on (low beam),
both cornering lights will turn on.
This is designed to enhance visibility
when parking.

NOTICE

■

To prevent battery discharge

Do not leave the lights on longer than

necessary when the engine is not run-

ning.

Turning on the high beam head-
lights

Cornering lights

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■

Cornering lights

When the cornering lights are on for more

than 30 minutes, they will turn off automati-

cally.

1

Push the lever away from you with

the headlight switch in the

or

position.

2

Press the Automatic High Beam
switch.

The Automatic High Beam indicator will

Automatic High Beam

The Automatic High Beam uses a
camera sensor located behind the
upper portion of the windshield to
assess the brightness of the lights of
vehicles ahead, streetlights, etc.,
and automatically turns the high
beams on or off as necessary.

WARNING

■

Limitations of the Automatic High

Beam

Do not overly rely on the Automatic High

Beam. Always drive safely, taking care to

observe your surroundings and turning

the high beams on or off manually if nec-

essary.

■

To prevent incorrect operation of the

Automatic High Beam system

Do not overload the vehicle.

Activating the Automatic High
Beam