Lexus RX (RX 350L, RX450h) 2016-2024 Owners Manual: Power back door

The power back door can be locked/unlocked and opened/closed by the following procedures.

Locking and unlocking the power back door from the outside

Smart access system with push-button start

Carry the electronic key to enable this function.

1. Locks all the doors
   Check that the door is securely locked.
2. Unlocks all the doors
   The doors cannot be unlocked for 3 seconds after the doors are locked.

Opening/closing the power back door using the wireless remote control

Press and hold the switch for approximately 1 second.

The power back door can be operated whether it is locked* or unlocked.

Pressing the switch while the power back door is opening/closing will stop the operation.

Pressing and holding the switch again for approximately 1 second will operate the power back door in the opposite direction.

*: Opening of the power back door when it is locked can be disabled by a customized setting.

Opening/closing the power back door from the inside

Press and hold the switch for approximately 1 second.

A buzzer will sound and the power back door will automatically open or close.

However, if the power back door is locked, it will not open.

Pressing the switch while the power back door is opening/closing will stop the operation.

Pressing and holding the switch again for approximately 1 second will operate the power back door in the opposite direction.

Opening the power back door from the outside

■ Back door opener switch When the power back door is unlocked: Press the back door opener switch.

When the power back door is locked: While carrying an electronic key, press and hold the back door opener switch.

A buzzer will sound and the power back door will automatically open.

Pressing the switch while the power back door is opening/closing will stop the operation.

■ Touchless sensor (vehicles with a touchless power back door) The touchless power back door enables automatic opening of the power back door by holding a hand over the upper part of the rear emblem or touching the upper part of the rear emblem. When operating the touchless power back door, make sure that the touchless sensor operation is enabled and that you are carrying an electronic key.

1. While carrying an electronic key, move your hand slowly toward the upper part of the rear emblem and hold it there until a buzzer sounds. (The upper part of the rear emblem can also be touched.) When all of the doors are locked: When your hand is detected, all of the doors will be unlocked.

2. Immediately after the buzzer sounds, move your hand away.

If you do not move your hand away, a buzzer will sound twice and the power back door will not operate.

3. Check that the power back door begins to open.

To stop the power back door partway, touch the rear emblem.

To operate the power back door again, use a power back door switch. (Holding your hand over the upper part of the rear emblem will not operate the touchless sensor again.)

Closing the power back door from the outside

■ Using the power back door switch to close the power back door Press the switch.

A buzzer will sound and the power back door will automatically close.

Pressing the switch while the power back door is closing will stop the operation. Pressing the switch again will open the power back door automatically.

Close & lock function

Press the switch twice.

A different buzzer than the normal one will sound and the power back door will begin closing automatically. When the power back door is closed, all of the doors will lock simultaneously and operation signals will indicate that all of the doors have been locked.

If the switch is pressed while the power back door is closing, the operation will stop.

Pressing the switch again will open the power back door automatically.

■ Using the back door handle to close the power back door Lower the power back door using the back door handle.

A buzzer will sound and the power back door will automatically close.

Changing the setting of the power back door system

The power back door settings can be changed on the multi-information display.

Adjusting the open position of the power back door

The position at which the power back door will stop when opened automatically can be changed.

When setting using the switch

1. Stop the power back door at the desired position.

2. Press and hold the switch on the lower part of the power back door for 2 seconds.

• When setting is complete, a buzzer will sound 4 times.
• The next time the power back door is opened, it will stop at that position.

When setting using the multi-information display

The open position can be set using the multi-information display.

When setting on the audio system screen

The open position can be set on the audio system screen. Priority for the open position is given to the last position set using the switch, multi-information display, or audio system screen.

To return the adjusted open position to the default position

■ Power back door operating conditions If the following conditions are met with the power back door operation enabled, the power back door can be opened and closed automatically.

• When an electronic key is being carried and the back door opener switch is pressed*
• When the wireless remote control is used*
• When the power switch is in ON mode, the vehicle speed must be lower than 2 mph (3 km/h) and one of the following conditions must be met in addition to the above conditions:
  • The parking brake is engaged.
  • The brake pedal is depressed.
  • The shift lever is in P.

*: When the operation of the power back door when it is locked has been disabled by a customized setting, operate the power back door after it has been unlocked.

Touchless sensor (vehicles with a touchless power back door)

The power back door will open automatically when the touchless sensor operation is enabled and the following conditions are met:

• The power back door is fully closed.
• The electronic key is within the operational range
• A hand is held over the upper part of the rear emblem with fingers closed. (The upper part of the rear emblem can also be touched.) The power back door may also be operated by holding either of the following over the upper part of the rear emblem. Make sure to hold it close enough to the rear emblem.
  • A gloved hand
  • An elbow

■ Security feature If the power back door is not opened within approximately 60 seconds after the vehicle is unlocked, the security feature will automatically lock the doors again.

■ Luggage compartment lights

• RX450h: The luggage compartment lights turn on when the power back door is opened with the respective luggage compartment light switch on.

• RX450hL: The luggage compartment lights turn on when the back door is opened.
• When the power switch is turned off, the lights will go off automatically after 20 minutes.

■ If the power back door opener is inoperative The power back door can be unlocked from the inside.

1. Remove the cover.

To protect the cover, place a rag between the flathead screwdriver and cover as shown in the illustration.

2. Move the lever.

■ Back door closer In the event that the power back door is left slightly open, the back door closer will automatically close it to the fully closed position.

• The back door closer can function when the power switch is in any mode.
• The power back door can be opened using the back door opener switch even if the back door closer is operating.

■ Operation of the power back door

• When the power back door begins to operate, the emergency flashers will flash twice and a buzzer will sound.
• When the power back door is disabled, the power back door will not operate but can be opened and closed manually.
• The power back door turns to manual operation when the back door opener switch is pressed while the power back door is in an automatic opening/closing operation.
• If anything obstructs the power back door while opening, a buzzer will sound and the power back door will stop immediately. If anything obstructs the power back door while closing, a buzzer will sound and the power back door will automatically move slightly in the opposite direction and then stop.

■ Back door reserve lock function This function reserves the locking of the power back door when the power back door is open. If the following operations are performed, all of the doors except the power back door will lock and then the power back door will lock when it is completely closed.

1. Close all of the doors, except the power back door.

2. Perform an automatic closing operation of the power back door and lock the doors using the wireless remote control or smart access system with push-button start while the power back door is closing.

Also, if the back door does not fully close due to the operation of the jam protection function, etc., while the back door is automatically closing after a reserve lock operation is performed, the reserve lock function is canceled and all the doors will unlock.

■ Close & lock function When the power back door is open, this function closes the power back door and then locks all of the doors simultaneously.

Performing the following procedure will lock all of the doors when the power back door is completely closed.

1. Close all of the doors except the power back door.

2. While carrying an electronic key, press the switch on the lower part of the power back door twice.

A different buzzer than the normal one will sound and then the power back door will begin closing automatically. When the power back door is closed, all of the doors will lock simultaneously and operation signals will indicate that all of the doors have been locked.

To enable this function, the following conditions must be met:

• The most recent power back door operation was an automatic opening operation and the power back door is stopped.
• No electronic keys for your vehicle are in the vehicle.

■ When reconnecting the 12-volt battery To enable the power back door to operate properly, close the power back door manually.

■ Jam protection function Sensors are installed in the right and left sides of the power back door. When the door is automatically closing and the sensors are pushed due to an object being caught, etc., the jam protection function will operate.

From that position the door will automatically move a little in the opposite direction and then the function will stop.

■ Returning the power back door opening position to the default setting Press and hold the switch on the lower part of the power back door for 7 seconds.

A buzzer will sound twice. The next time the power back door is opened, it will open to the default position.

■ Situations in which the close & lock function may not operate properly In the following situations, the close & lock function may not operate properly:

• If the switch on the lower part of the power back door is pressed by a hand which is holding an electronic key
• If the switch on the lower part of the power back door is pressed when the electronic key is in a bag, etc. that is placed on the ground
• If the switch on the lower part of the power back door is pressed with the electronic key not near the vehicle.

■ Situations in which the touchless sensor may malfunction (vehicles with a touchless power back door) In the following situations, the touchless sensor may operate unintentionally.

To prevent unintentional operation, keep the electronic key out of the operational range or disable the touchless sensor operation.

• When a large amount of water is applied to the rear emblem, such as in heavy rain
• When the vehicle is being washed and water is applied to the rear emblem
• When dirt is wiped off the rear emblem
• If someone leans toward or against the rear emblem
• When a metal object is brought near the rear emblem
• When a vehicle cover is installed or removed near the rear emblem

■ Situations in which the touchless sensor may not operate properly (vehicles with a touchless power back door) If the touchless sensor does not operate in the following situations, use the back door opener switch to open the power back door.

• In the following situations, the sensitivity of the touchless sensor may be temporarily reduced and the touchless sensor may not operate:
  • When a large amount of water is applied to the rear emblem, such as in heavy rain
  • When the vehicle is being washed and water is applied to the rear emblem
  • For several seconds after dirt is wiped off the rear emblem
  • When the rear emblem is covered with mud, snow, ice, etc.
  • When the vehicle has been parked for a while near objects that may move and contact the rear emblem, such as tall grass or trees
  • When an external radio wave source is near the touchless sensor
• The touchless sensor may not operate in the following situations:
  • When an electronic key is not being carried
  • When an electronic key is not within the operational range
  • When an external radio wave source interferes with the communication between the vehicle and electronic key
  • When the power back door is not fully closed
  • When a hand is held parallel to the rear emblem*

*: The detection settings can be changed by your Lexus dealer.

■ Customization Some functions can be customized.

WARNING Observe the following precautions.

Failure to do so may cause parts of the body to be caught, resulting in death or serious injury.

■ Before driving the vehicle Before driving the vehicle, make sure that the power back door is fully closed. If the power back door is not fully closed, it may open unexpectedly while driving, causing an accident.

■ Caution while driving

• Keep the power back door closed while driving.

  If the power back door is left open, it may hit nearby objects while driving or luggage may be unexpectedly thrown out, causing an accident.

  In addition, exhaust gases may enter the vehicle, causing death or a serious health hazard. Make sure to close the power back door before driving.

• Never let anyone sit in the luggage compartment.

  In the event of sudden braking, sudden swerving or a collision, they are susceptible to death or serious injury.

■ When children are in the vehicle Observe the following precautions.

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

• Do not allow children to play in the luggage compartment.

  If a child is accidentally locked in the luggage compartment, they could have heat exhaustion or other injuries.

• Do not allow a child to open or close the power back door.

  Doing so may cause the power back door to move unexpectedly, or cause the child's hands, arms, head, or neck to be caught by the closing power back door. (The power back door will not operate when it is disabled)

WARNING

■ Operating the power back door Observe the following precautions.

Failure to do so may cause parts of the body to be caught, resulting in death or serious injury.

• Remove any heavy loads, such as snow and ice, from the power back door before opening it. Failure to do so may cause the power back door to suddenly shut again after it is opened.
• When opening or closing the power back door, thoroughly check to make sure the surrounding area is safe.
• If anyone is in the vicinity, make sure they are safe and let them know that the power back door is about to open or close.
• Use caution when opening or closing the power back door in windy weather as it may move abruptly in strong wind.
• The power back door may suddenly shut if it is not opened fully, while on a steep incline.

  Make sure that the power back door is secure before using the luggage compartment.

• When closing the power back door, take extra care to prevent your fingers, etc., from being caught.
• When closing the power back door, make sure to press it lightly on its outer surface. If the back door handle is used to fully close the power back door, it may result in hands or arms being caught.

• Do not pull on the back door spindle to close the power back door, and do not hang on the back door spindle.

  Doing so may cause hands to be caught or the back door spindle to break, causing an accident.

• If a bicycle carrier or similar heavy object is attached to the power back door, it may suddenly shut again after being opened, causing someone's hands, arms, head or neck to be caught and injured. When installing an accessory part to the power back door, using a genuine Lexus part is recommended.

WARNING

■ Back door closer

• In the event that the power back door is left slightly open, the back door closer will automatically close it to the fully closed position. It takes several seconds before the back door closer begins to operate. Be careful not to get fingers caught or anything else in the power back door, as this may cause bone fractures or other serious injuries.

• Use caution when using the back door closer as it still operates when the power back door system is disabled.

■ Power back door Observe the following precautions when operating the power back door.

Failure to do so may cause death or serious injury.

• Check the safety of the surrounding area to make sure there are no obstacles or anything that could cause any of your belongings to get caught.
• If anyone is in the vicinity, make sure they are safe and let them know that the power back door is about to open or close.
• If the power back door system is disabled while the power back door is operating, the power back door will stop operating. The power back door must then be operated manually. Take extra care in this situation, as the power back door may open or close suddenly.
• If the operating conditions of the power back door are no longer met, a buzzer may sound and the power back door may stop opening or closing. The power back door must then be operated manually. Take extra care on an incline in this situation, as the power back door may move suddenly.
• On an incline, the power back door may suddenly shut after it opens. Make sure the power back door is fully open and secure.
• In the following situations, the power back door may detect an abnormality and automatic operation may be stopped. In this case, the power back door must then be operated manually. Take extra care in this situation, as the stopped power back door may suddenly open or close, causing an accident.
  • When the power back door contacts an obstacle
  • When the 12-volt battery voltage suddenly drops, such as when the power switch is turned to ON mode or the hybrid system is started during automatic operation

WARNING

• If a bicycle carrier or similar heavy object is attached to the power back door, the power back door may not operate, causing a malfunction, or the power back door may suddenly shut again after being opened, causing someone's hands, arms, head or neck to be caught and injured. When installing an accessory part to the power back door, using a genuine Lexus part is recommended.

■ Jam protection function Observe the following precautions.

Failure to do so may cause death or serious injury.

• Never use any part of your body to intentionally activate the jam protection function.
• The jam protection function may not work if something gets caught just before the power back door fully closes. Be careful not to get fingers caught or anything else.
• The jam protection function may not work depending on the shape of the object that is caught. Be careful not to catch fingers or anything else.

NOTICE

■ Back door spindles The power back door is equipped with spindles that hold the power back door in place.

Failure to do so may cause damage to the back door spindle, resulting in malfunction.

• Do not attach any foreign objects, such as stickers, plastic sheets, or adhesives to the spindle rod.
• Do not attach any accessories other than genuine Lexus parts to the power back door.
• Do not place your hand on the spindle or apply lateral forces to it.

■ To prevent back door closer malfunction

• Do not apply excessive force to the power back door while the back door closer is operating. Applying excessive force may cause the back door closer to malfunction.
• If the power back door is opened and closed repeatedly in a short amount of time, the back door closer may stop operating. In this case, manually open the power back door once and wait for a while before attempting to close it again.

■ To prevent malfunction of the power back door

• Make sure that there is no ice between the power back door and frame that would prevent movement of the power back door. Operating the power back door when excessive load is present on the power back door may cause a malfunction.
• Do not apply excessive force to the power back door while the power back door is operating.
• Take care not to damage the sensors installed on the right and left edges of the power back door with a knife or other sharp object. If a sensor is disconnected, the power back door will not close automatically.

■ Close & lock function When closing the power back door using the close & lock function, a different buzzer than the normal one will sound before the operation begins.

Before leaving the vehicle, make sure that the operational signals have operated and that all of the doors are locked.

NOTICE

■ Touchless sensor precautions (vehicles with a touchless power back door) The touchless sensor is located behind the rear emblem. Observe the following to ensure that the touchless power back door function operates properly:

• Operate the touchless sensor while carrying an electronic key within the operational range.
• Keep the rear emblem clean at all times.

  If the rear emblem is dirty or covered with snow, the touchless sensor may not operate.

  In this situation, clean off the dirt or snow, move the vehicle from the current position and then check if the touchless sensor operates. If it does not operate, have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer.

• Do not apply coatings that have a rain clearing (hydrophilic) effect, or other coatings, to the rear emblem.
• Do not park the vehicle near objects that may move and contact the rear emblem, such as tall grass or trees.

  If the vehicle has been parked for a while near objects that may move and contact the rear emblem, such as tall grass or trees, the touchless sensor may not operate. In this situation, move the vehicle from the current position and then check if the touchless sensor operates. If it does not operate, have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer.

• Do not subject the touchless sensor or its surrounding area to a strong impact.

  If the touchless sensor or its surrounding area has been subjected to a strong impact, the touchless sensor may not operate properly.

  If the touchless sensor does not operate in the following situations, have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer.

  • The touchless sensor or its surrounding area has been subjected to a strong impact.
  • The rear emblem is scratched or damaged.
• Do not disassemble the rear emblem.
• Do not attach stickers to the rear emblem.
• Do not paint the rear emblem.
• If a bicycle carrier or similar heavy object is attached to the power back door, disable the touchless sensor.

■ To prevent unintentional operation (vehicles with a touchless power back door) When the touchless sensor is not to be used, disable the touchless sensor operation using the multi-information display

■ If the vehicle has not been driven for a long time (vehicles with a touchless power back door) If the vehicle has not been driven for a long time, the touchless power back door may not operate. In this case, turn the power switch to ON mode and then operate the touchless power back door.

It the touchless power back door still does not operate, have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer.