Lexus RX (RX 350L, RX450h) 2016-2024 Owners Manual: Hybrid transmission

Shifting the shift lever

While the power switch is in ON mode, move the shift lever with the brake pedal depressed.

When shifting the shift lever between P and D, make sure that the vehicle is completely stopped.

Shift position purpose

*1: To improve fuel efficiency and reduce noise, shift the shift lever to D for normal driving.
*2: By selecting shift ranges using S mode, you can control accelerating force and engine braking force.

Selecting shift ranges in the D position (vehicles with paddle shift switches)

To drive using temporary shift range selection, operate the "-" paddle shift switch.

Changing the shift range enables the level of engine braking force to be selected. The shift range can then be selected by operating the "-" and "+" paddle shift switches.

1. Upshifting
2. Downshifting

The selected shift range, from D1 to D6, will be displayed on the meters.

The initial shift range when the "-" paddle shift switch is operated is automatically set to D4 or D5 according to the vehicle speed.

To return to normal D position driving, the "+" paddle shift switch must be held down for a period of time.

■ Shift ranges and their functions

• You can choose from 6 levels of engine braking force.
• A lower shift range will provide greater engine braking force than a higher shift range, and the engine revolutions will also increase.

Selecting shift ranges in the S position

To enter S mode, shift the shift lever to S. Shift ranges can be selected by operating the shift lever or paddle shift switches (if equipped), allowing you to drive in the shift range of your choice. The shift range can be selected by operating the shift lever or the "-" and "+" paddle shift switches (if equipped).

1. Upshifting
2. Downshifting

The selected shift range, from S1 to S6, will be displayed on the meters.

The initial shift range in S mode is automatically set to S4 or S5 according to the vehicle speed.

■ Shift ranges and their functions

• You can choose from 6 levels of accelerating force and engine braking force.
• A lower shift range will provide greater accelerating force and engine braking force than a higher shift range, and the engine revolutions will also increase.
• If you accelerate while in ranges 1 to 4, the shift range may automatically increase in accordance with the vehicle speed.

■ When the "-" paddle shift switch is operated with the shift lever in the D position (vehicles with paddle shift switches) The shift range is downshifted to a range that enables engine braking force that is suitable to driving conditions.

■ Automatic deactivation of shift range selection in the D position (vehicles with paddle shift switches) 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 position other than D

■ S mode

• When the shift range is S4 or lower, holding the shift lever toward "+" sets the shift range to S6.
• Automatically selects a higher shift range before the engine speed becomes too high.

■ Downshifting restriction warning buzzer To help ensure safety and driving performance, downshifting operation may sometimes be restricted. In some circumstances, downshifting may not be possible even when the shift lever or paddle shift switch (if equipped) is operated. (A buzzer will sound twice.)

■ When driving with dynamic radar cruise control with full-speed range activated Even when performing the following actions with the intent of enabling engine braking, engine braking will not occur because dynamic radar cruise control with full-speed range will not be canceled.

• Vehicles without paddle shift switches: While driving in S mode, downshifting to 5 or 4.
• Vehicles with paddle shift switches: While driving in D or S mode, downshifting to 5 or 4.
• When switching the driving mode to sport mode while driving in the D position

■ Restraining sudden start (Drive-Start Control) When the following unusual operation is performed, the hybrid system output may be restrained.

• When the shift lever is shifted from R to D, D to R, N to R, P to D, or P to R (D includes S) with the accelerator pedal depressed, a warning message appears on the multi-information display. If a warning message is shown on the multi-information display, read the message and follow the instructions.
• When the accelerator pedal is depressed too while the vehicle is in reverse.

■ 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 power switch is in ON mode and the brake pedal is being depressed.

■ If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P First, check whether the brake pedal is being depressed.

If the shift lever cannot be shifted with your foot on the brake pedal, there may be a problem with the shift lock system. Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.

The following steps may be used as an emergency measure to ensure that the shift lever can be shifted.

Releasing the shift lock:

1. Turn the power switch to ON mode and check that the parking brake is set.

2. Turn the power switch to off.

3. Depress the brake pedal.

4. Pry the cover up with a flathead screwdriver 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 button is pressed.

WARNING

■When driving on slippery road surfaces Be careful of downshifting and sudden acceleration, as this could result in the vehicle skidding to the side or spinning.

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, possibly leading to an accident resulting in death or serious injury.

NOTICE

■ Hybrid battery (traction battery) charge If the shift lever is in N, the hybrid battery (traction battery) will not be charged even when the engine is running. Therefore, if the vehicle is left with the shift lever in N for a long period of time, the hybrid battery (traction battery) will discharge, and this may result in the vehicle not being able to start.

Turn signal lever

Operating instructions

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

■ Turn signals can be operated when The power switch is in 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.