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LEXUS RX 350 L (2019 year). Instruction - part 14

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RX350/RX350L_U

Use the correct trailer ball for your application.

Trailer ball load rating

Matches or exceeds the gross trailer

weight rating of the trailer.

Ball diameter

Matches the size of the trailer coupler.

Most couplers are stamped with the

required trailer ball size.

Shank length

Protrudes beyond the bottom of the lock washer and nut by at least 2 threads.

Shank diameter

Matches the ball mount hole diameter size.



RX350
Weight carrying ball position:
44.96 in. (1142 mm)
Hitch receiver pin hole position:
35.94 in. (913 mm)



RX350L
Weight carrying ball position:
49.72 in. (1263 mm)
Hitch receiver pin hole position:
45.08 in. (1145 mm)

Selecting trailer ball

Trailer class

Typical trailer ball size

2 5/16 in.

II and III

2 in.

1 7/8 in.

Positions for towing hitch receiver and hitch ball

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RX350/RX350L_U

Use the wire harness stored in the rear
end under body.

■

Auto current cut-off function
In case of over current, the auto cut-off function stops the power flowing to the trailer

lights to prevent damage to the vehicle’s electrical system.
This function is activated when the rated current of any of the following trailer light circuit

components is exceeded:

●

Tail lights: maximum 7.8 A

●

Stop/turn signal light (right): maximum 4.5 A

●

Stop/turn signal light (left): maximum 4.5 A

■

When the auto current cut function is activated
If a trailer light does not come on due to the activation of the auto current cut function,

the light system will need to be reset.
Follow the reset procedure shown below.

●

If a tail light does not come on, turn off the headlight switch.

●

If the right-side stop/turn signal light does not come on, put the turn signal in the off

position or remove foot from the brake pedal.

●

If the left-side stop/turn signal light does not come on, put the turn signal in the off posi-

tion or remove foot from the brake pedal.

If the emergency flashers do not operate, press the emergency flasher switch to turn

them off.
After the light system is reset, operate the light switches again to see if the lights operate

normally.
If the lights do not operate normally, have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer.

Connecting trailer lights

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Your vehicle will handle differently when towing a trailer. Help to avoid an acci-
dent, death or serious injury, keep the following in mind when towing:

●

Speed limits for towing a trailer vary by state or province. Do not exceed the
posted towing speed limit.

●

Lexus recommends that the vehicle-trailer speed limit is 65 mph (104 km/h)
on a flat, straight, dry road. Do not exceed this limit, the posted towing speed
limit or the speed limit for your trailer as set forth in your trailer owner’s man-
ual, whichever is lowest. Instability of the towing vehicle-trailer combination
(trailer sway) increases as speed increases. Exceeding speed limits may cause
loss of control.

●

Before starting out, check the trailer lights, tires and the vehicle-trailer con-
nections. Recheck after driving a short distance.

●

Practice turning, stopping and reversing with the trailer attached in an area
away from traffic until you become accustomed to the feel of the vehicle-
trailer combination.

●

Reversing with a trailer attached is difficult and requires practice. Grip the
bottom of the steering wheel and move your hand to the left to move the
trailer to the left. Move your hand to the right to move the trailer to right. (This
is generally opposite to reversing without a trailer attached.) Avoid sharp or
prolonged turning. Have someone guide you when reversing to reduce the
risk of an accident.

●

As stopping distance is increased when towing a trailer, vehicle-to vehicle dis-
tance should be increased. For each 10 mph (16 km/h) of speed, allow at least
one vehicle and trailer length.

●

Avoid sudden braking as you may skid, resulting in the trailer jackknifing and a
loss of vehicle control. This is especially true on wet or slippery surfaces.

●

Avoid jerky starts or sudden acceleration.

●

Avoid jerky steering and sharp turns, and slow down before making a turn.

●

Note that when making a turn, the trailer wheels will be closer than the vehicle
wheels to the inside of the turn. Compensate by making a wider than normal
turning radius.

●

Slow down before making a turn, in cross winds, on wet or slippery surfaces,
etc.
Increasing vehicle speed can destabilize the trailer.

●

Take care when passing other vehicles. Passing requires considerable dis-
tance. After passing a vehicle, do not forget the length of your trailer, and be
sure you have plenty of room before changing lanes.

Trailer towing tips

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RX350/RX350L_U

●

To maintain engine braking efficiency and charging system performance
when using engine braking, do not put the transmission in D. If in the M or S
mode, the transmission shift range position must be in 6 or lower. (

P. 240)

●

Instability happens more frequently when descending steep or long downhill
grades. Before descending, slow down and downshift. Do not make sudden
downshifts while descending steep or long downhill grades.

●

Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long or applying the brakes too fre-
quently. This could cause the brakes to overheat and result in reduced braking
efficiency.

●

Due to the added load of the trailer, your vehicle’s engine may overheat on hot
days (at temperatures over 85

F [30C]) when driving up a long or steep

grade. If the engine coolant temperature gauge indicates overheating, imme-
diately turn off the air conditioning (if in use), pull your vehicle off the road and
stop in a safe spot. (

P. 692)

●

Always place wheel blocks under both the vehicle’s and the trailer’s wheels
when parking. Put the transmission in P and apply the parking brake. Avoid
parking on a slope, but if unavoidable, do so only after performing the follow-
ing:

Apply the brakes and keep them applied.
Have someone place wheel blocks under both the vehicle’s and trailer’s
wheels.
When the wheel blocks are in place, release the brakes slowly until the
blocks absorb the load.
Shift into P and apply the parking brake.
Turn off the engine.

●

When restarting after parking on a slope:

With the transmission in P, start the engine. Be sure to keep the brake pedal
depressed.
Shift into a forward gear. If reversing, shift into R.
If the parking brake is in manual mode, release the parking brake.
(

P. 248)

Release the brake pedal, and slowly pull or back away from the wheel
blocks. Stop and apply the brakes.
Have someone retrieve the blocks.

4
5

2
3

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■

Matching trailer ball height to trailer coupler height

■

Before towing
Check that the following conditions are met:

●

Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated. (

P. 704)

●

Trailer tires are inflated according to the trailer manufacturer’s recommendation.

●

All trailer lights work as required by law.

●

All lights work each time you connect them.

●

The trailer ball is set at the proper height for the coupler on the trailer.

●

The trailer is level when it is hitched.

Do not drive if the trailer is not level, and check for improper tongue weight, overload-

ing, worn suspension, or other possible causes.

●

The trailer cargo is securely loaded.

●

The rear view mirrors conform to all applicable federal, state/provincial or local regula-

tions. If they do not, install rear view mirrors appropriate for towing purposes.

■

AVS (adaptive variable suspension system) (if equipped)
The suspension can be switched for improvement in driveability. (

P. 379)

No matter which class of tow hitch

applies, for a more safe trailer hookup,

the trailer ball setup must be the proper

height for the coupler on the trailer.

Coupler
Trailer ball

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RX350/RX350L_U

■

Break-in schedule
If your vehicle is new or equipped with any new power train components (such as an

engine, transaxle, transfer (AWD models), rear differential (AWD models) or wheel

bearing), Lexus recommends that you do not tow a trailer until the vehicle has been

driven for over 500 miles (800 km).
After the vehicle has been driven for over 500 miles (800 km), you can start towing.

However, for the next 500 miles (800 km), drive the vehicle at a speed of less than

50 mph (80 km/h) when towing a trailer, and avoid full throttle acceleration.

■

Maintenance

●

If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will require more frequent maintenance due to the addi-

tional load. (See “Warranty and Services Guide”, “Owner’s Manual Supplement” or

“Scheduled Maintenance”.)

●

Retighten the fixing bolts of the towing ball and bracket after approximately 600 miles

(1000 km) of trailer towing.

■

If trailer sway occurs
One or more factors (crosswinds, passing vehicles, rough roads, etc.) can adversely

affect handling of your vehicle and trailer, causing instability.

●

If trailer swaying occurs:
• Firmly grip the steering wheel. Steer straight ahead.

Do not try to control trailer swaying by turning the steering wheel.

• Begin releasing the accelerator pedal immediately but very gradually to reduce

speed.

Do not increase speed. Do not apply vehicle brakes.

If you make no extreme correction with the steering or brakes, your vehicle and trailer

should stabilize. (if enabled, Trailer Sway Control can also help to stabilize the vehicle and

trailer.)

●

After the trailer swaying has stopped:
• Stop in a safe place. Get all occupants out of the vehicle.

• Check the tires of the vehicle and the trailer.

• Check the load in the trailer.

Make sure the load has not shifted.

Make sure the tongue weight is appropriate, if possible.

• Check the load in the vehicle.

Make sure the vehicle is not overloaded after occupants get in.

If you cannot find any problems, the speed at which trailer swaying occurred is beyond

the limit of your particular vehicle-trailer combination.

Drive at a lower speed to prevent instability. Remember that swaying of the towing vehi-

cle-trailer increases as speed increases.

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WARNING

■

Trailer towing precautions
To tow a trailer safely, use extreme care and drive the vehicle in accordance with the

trailer’s characteristics and operating conditions. Failure to do so could cause an acci-

dent resulting in death or serious injury. Vehicle stability and braking performance are

affected by trailer stability, brake setting and performance, and the hitch. Your vehicle

will handle differently when towing a trailer.

■

To avoid accident or injury

●

Do not exceed the TWR, unbraked TWR, GCWR, GVWR or GAWR.

●

If the gross trailer weight is over 2000 lb. (907 kg), a sway control device with suffi-

cient capacity is required.

●

Adjust the tongue weight within the appropriate range. Place heavier loads as close

to the trailer axle as possible.

●

Do not exceed 65 mph (104 km/h), the posted towing speed limit or the speed limit

for your trailer as set forth in your trailer owner’s manual, whichever is lowest. Slow

down sufficiently before making a turn, in cross winds, on wet or slippery surface, etc.

to help avoid an accident. If you experience a vehicle-trailer instability from reducing

a certain speed, slow down and make sure you keep your vehicle speed under the

speed of which you experience the instability.

●

Do not make jerky, abrupt or sharp turns.

●

Do not apply the brakes suddenly as you may skid, resulting in jackknifing and loss of

vehicle control. This is especially true on wet or slippery surfaces.

●

Do not exceed the trailer hitch assembly weight, gross vehicle weight, gross axle

weight and trailer tongue weight capacities.

●

Do not use the following systems when trailer towing.
• Dynamic radar cruise control with full-speed range
• LKA (Lane-Keeping Assist)

• PCS (Pre-Collision System)
• BSM (Blind Spot Monitor)

: If equipped

●

Slow down and downshift before descending steep or long downhill grades. Do not

make sudden downshifts while descending steep or long downhill grades.

●

Vehicle-trailer instability is more likely on steep long downhills. Before descending

steep or long downhill grades, slow down and downshift. Do not make sudden down-

shifts when descending steep or long downhill grades. Avoid holding the brake pedal

down too long or applying the brakes too frequently. This could cause the brakes to

overheat and result in reduced braking efficiency.

●

Do not tow a trailer when the compact spare tire is installed on your vehicle.

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WARNING

■

Hitch
Trailer hitch assemblies have different weight capacities established by the hitch manu-

facturer. Even though the vehicle may be physically capable of towing a higher weight,

the operator must determine the maximum weight rating of the particular hitch assem-

bly and never exceed the maximum weight rating specified for the trailer-hitch.

Exceeding the maximum weight rating set by the trailer-hitch manufacturer can cause

an accident resulting in death or serious personal injuries.

■

When towing a trailer
Lexus recommends trailers with brakes that conform to any applicable federal and

state/provincial regulations.

●

If the gross trailer weight exceeds unbraked TWR, trailer brakes are required. Lexus

recommends trailers with brakes that conform to all applicable federal and state/pro-

vincial regulations.

●

Never tap into your vehicle’s hydraulic system, as this will lower the vehicle’s braking

effectiveness.

●

Never tow a trailer without using a safety chain securely attached to both the trailer

and the vehicle. If damage occurs to the coupling unit or hitch ball, there is danger of

the trailer wandering into another lane.

NOTICE

■

When installing a trailer hitch
Use only the position recommended by your Lexus dealer. Do not install the trailer

hitch on the bumper; this may cause body damage.

■

Do not directly splice trailer lights
Do not directly splice trailer lights. Directly splicing trailer lights may damage your

vehicle’s electrical system and cause a malfunction.

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RX350/RX350L_U

Trailer towing (vehicles without towing package)

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 wheelchair, scooter, bicycle, etc. Your vehicle is not designed for trailer
towing or for the use of tow hitch mounted carriers.

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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 vehicle

■

To prevent causing serious damage to the transmission and Dynamic Torque Control

AWD system (AWD models)

Do not tow your vehicle with the four wheels on

the ground.

2WD models: Never tow this vehicle from the

rear with the front wheels on the ground.

This may cause serious damage to the trans-

mission.

AWD models: Never tow this vehicle with any

of the wheels on the ground. This may cause

serious damage to the transmission and

Dynamic Torque Control AWD system.

231

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RX350/RX350L_U

4-2. Driving procedures

Check that the parking brake is set.
Check that the shift lever is in P.
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.

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.

Stop the vehicle completely.
Set the parking brake (

P. 247), and shift the shift lever to P.

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

Engine (ignition) switch

Performing the following operations when carrying the electronic key on your
person starts the engine or changes engine switch modes.

Starting the engine

2
3

Stopping the engine

2
3
4

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RX350/RX350L_U

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

Off

The emergency flashers can be used.

ACCESSORY mode

Some electrical components such as the

audio system can be used.
“ACCESSORY” will be displayed on the

meters.

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.

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. Per-
form the following procedure to turn the switch off:

Check that the parking brake is set.
Shift the shift lever to P.
Check that “Turn Off Vehicle” is displayed on the multi-information display
and then press the engine switch once.
Check that “Turn Off Vehicle” on the multi-information display is off.

Changing engine switch modes

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

2
3

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RX350/RX350L_U

■

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 prevent

battery discharge. Do not leave the vehicle with the engine switch in ACCESSORY or

IGNITION ON mode for long periods of time when the engine is not running.

■

Electronic key battery depletion
P. 122

■

Conditions affecting operation
P. 148

■

Note for the entry function
P. 149

■

If the engine does not start

●

The engine immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. (

P. 74)

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 Vehicle, Put Shift Lever into P” will be displayed on the

multi-information display.

■

Steering lock
After turning the engine switch off and opening and closing the doors, the steering wheel

will be locked due to the steering lock function. Operating the engine switch again auto-

matically cancels the steering lock.

■

When the steering lock cannot be released

■

Steering lock motor overheating prevention
To prevent the steering lock motor from overheating, operation of the motor may be sus-

pended 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 seconds, the steering lock

motor will resume functioning.

■

When “Access System with Elec. Key Malfunction See Owner’s Manual” is displayed

on the multi-information display
The system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer

immediately.

“Steering Wheel Lock Press Engine Switch

while Turning Wheel” will be displayed on the

multi-information display.
Check that the shift lever is in P. Press the

engine switch shortly and firmly while turning

the steering wheel left and right.

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4-2. Driving procedures

RX350/RX350L_U

■

If the electronic key battery is depleted
P. 623

■

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 immediately 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.

■

If the smart access system with push-button start has been deactivated by a customized

setting
P. 684

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 resulting 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 complete stop. Activation of the steering lock in this cir-

cumstance may lead to an accident, resulting in death or serious injury.

■

Stopping the engine in an emergency
If you want to stop the engine in an emergency while driving the vehicle, press and hold

the engine switch for more than 2 seconds, or press it briefly 3 times or more in succes-

sion. (

P. 645)

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 control, 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.

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RX350/RX350L_U

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.

●

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 discharge may occur.

■

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 immediately.

■

Symptoms indicating a malfunction with the engine switch
If the engine switch seems to be operating somewhat differently than usual, such as the

switch sticking slightly, there may be a malfunction. Contact your Lexus dealer immedi-

ately.

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4-2. Driving procedures

RX350/RX350L_U

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
completely stopped.

: Shifting to the D position allows the system to select a gear suitable for the driving

conditions. Setting the shift lever to the D position is recommended for normal driv-
ing.

: Selecting shift ranges using S mode restricts the upper limit of the possible gear

ranges, controls engine braking forces, and prevents unnecessary upshifting.

Automatic transmission (vehicles without paddle
shift switches)

Shifting the shift lever

Shift position purpose

Shift position

Objective or function

Parking the vehicle/starting the engine

Reversing

Condition in which the power is not transmission

Normal driving

S mode driving

(

P. 237)

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