LEXUS RX 350 L (2019 year). Instruction

237

4-2. Driving procedures

iving

RX350/RX350L_U

To enter S mode, shift the shift lever to the S position. The shift range can then be
selected by operating the shift lever. Changing the shift range allows restriction
of the upper limit of the gears to be used, preventing unnecessary upshifting and
enabling the level of engine braking force to be selected.

Upshifting
Downshifting

The initial shift range in S mode is set

automatically between 3 and 7 accord-

ing to vehicle speed and driving condi-

tions.

■

Shift ranges and their functions

A lower shift range will provide greater engine braking forces than a higher shift

range.

Selecting the driving mode

Selecting shift ranges in S mode

Meter display

Function

S2 - S8

A gear in the range between 1 and the selected gear is auto-

matically chosen depending on vehicle speed and driving

conditions

Setting the gear at 1

238

4-2. Driving procedures

RX350/RX350L_U

■

S mode

●

When the shift range is 6 or lower, holding the shift lever toward “+” sets the shift range

to 8.

●

To prevent the engine from over-revving, upshifting may automatically occur.

●

To protect the automatic transmission, a function is adopted that automatically selects a

higher shift range when the fluid temperature is high.

■

To protect the automatic transmission
If the automatic transmission fluid temperature is high, “Transmission Fluid Temp High

See Owner’s Manual” will be displayed on the multi-information display and the vehicle

will go into transmission protection mode automatically. Have the vehicle inspected by

your Lexus dealer.

■

Downshifting restrictions 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 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.

●

While driving in D or S mode, downshifting to 7, 6, 5 or 4. (

P. 300)

●

When switching the driving mode to sport mode while driving in the D position

(

P. 373)

■

Restraining sudden start (Drive-Start Control)
When the following unusual operation is performed, the engine 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-infor-

mation 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 start-

ing.

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.

239

4-2. Driving procedures

iving

RX350/RX350L_U

■

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 prob-

lem with the shift lock system. Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immedi-

ately.

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

can be shifted.
Releasing the shift lock:

Turn the engine switch to IGNITION ON mode and check that the parking brake is

set. (

P. 232, 247)

Turn the engine switch to off.
Depress the brake pedal.

■

AI-SHIFT
The AI-SHIFT automatically selects the suitable gear according to driver performance

and driving conditions.

The AI-SHIFT automatically operates when the shift lever is in D. (Shifting the shift lever

to the S position cancels the function.)

2
3

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.

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.

■

To prevent an accident when releasing 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, possibly leading to an accident resulting in death or serious injury.

240

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 com-

pletely 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 driving.

: Selecting gears using M mode fixes the gear step, controls engine braking force, and

prevents unnecessary upshifting.

Automatic transmission (vehicles with 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

M mode driving

(

P. 242)

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4-2. Driving procedures

iving

RX350/RX350L_U

P. 373

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 downshifted
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.
Changing the shift range allows restriction of the highest gear, preventing unnec-
essary upshifting and enabling the level of engine braking force to be selected.

Upshifting
Downshifting

The selected shift range, from D1 to D8,

will be displayed on the meters.

■

Shift ranges and their functions

A lower shift range will provide greater engine braking forces than a higher shift

range.

Selecting the driving mode

Selecting shift ranges in the D position

Meter display

Function

D2 - D8

A gear in the range between 1 and the selected gear is auto-

matically chosen depending on vehicle speed and driving

conditions

Setting the gear at 1

242

4-2. Driving procedures

RX350/RX350L_U

To enter M mode, shift the shift lever to M. Gears can then be selected by oper-
ating the shift lever or paddle shift switches, allowing you to drive in the gear of
your choosing.

Upshifting
Downshifting

The gear changes once every time the

shift lever or paddle shift switch is oper-

ated.
The selected gear, from M1 to M8, will

be fixed and displayed on the meters.

When in the M position, the gear will not change unless the shift lever or pad-
dle 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 (downshift only).

●

When the automatic transmission fluid or engine coolant temperature is
low.

●

When automatic transmission fluid temperature is high (upshift only).

●

When the needle of the tachometer is in the red zone (the range which
exceeds the allowable revs of the engine).

In the following situations, the gear will not shift even if the shift lever or paddle
shift switches are operated.

●

The vehicle speed is low (upshift only).

Selecting gears in the M position

243

4-2. Driving procedures

iving

RX350/RX350L_U

■

Automatic deactivation of shift range selection in the D position
Shift range selection in the D position will be deactivated in the following situations:

●

The “+” paddle shift switch is held down for a period of time

●

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

■

To protect the automatic transmission
If the automatic transmission fluid temperature is high, “Transmission Fluid Temp High

See Owner’s Manual” will be displayed on the multi-information display and the vehicle

will go into transmission protection mode automatically. Have the vehicle inspected by

your Lexus dealer.

■

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 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.

●

While driving in D position, downshifting to 7, 6, 5 or 4. (

P. 300)

●

When switching the driving mode to sport mode while driving in the D position

(

P. 373)

■

Restraining sudden start (Drive-Start Control)
When the following unusual operation is performed, the engine 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

M) 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 start-

ing.

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.

244

4-2. Driving procedures

RX350/RX350L_U

■

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 prob-

lem with the shift lock system. Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immedi-

ately.

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

can be shifted.
Releasing the shift lock:

Turn the engine switch to IGNITION ON mode and check that the parking brake is

set. (

P. 232, 247)

Turn the engine switch to off.
Depress the brake pedal.

■

AI-SHIFT

●

The AI-SHIFT automatically selects the suitable gear according to driver performance

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.)

●

G AI-SHIFT automatically 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.)

2
3

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.

Press the shift lock override button.

The shift lever can be shifted while the button

is pressed

245

4-2. Driving procedures

iving

RX350/RX350L_U

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.

■

To prevent an accident when releasing 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, possibly leading to an accident resulting in death or serious injury.

246

4-2. Driving procedures

RX350/RX350L_U

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

The right hand signals will flash 3 times.

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

The left hand signals will flash 3 times.

Left turn

■

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. 722)

Turn signal lever

Operating instructions

247

4-2. Driving procedures

iving

RX350/RX350L_U

The parking brake is set or released automatically according to the shift lever
operation.
Even when in automatic mode, the parking brake can be set and released manu-
ally. (

P. 248)

Turns automatic mode on (while the
vehicle is stopped, pull and hold the
parking brake switch until the auto-
matic mode lamp turns on)

• When the shift lever is moved out of

P, the parking brake will be released,

and the parking brake indicator light

and parking brake light turn off.

• When the shift lever is moved into P,

the parking brake will be set, and the

parking brake indicator light and

parking brake light turn on.

Operate the shift lever with the brake

pedal depressed.

Turns automatic mode off (while the
vehicle is stopped, press and hold
the parking brake switch until the
automatic mode lamp turns off)

Parking brake

A mode can be selected from the following modes.

Automatic mode

Automatic

mode lamp

U.S.A. Canada

Parking

brake light

248

4-2. Driving procedures

RX350/RX350L_U

The parking brake can be set and released manually.

Sets the parking brake

The parking brake indicator light and

parking brake light will turn on.
Pull and hold the parking brake switch if

an emergency occurs and it is necessary

to operate the parking brake while driv-

ing.

Releases the parking brake

Operate the parking brake switch while

depressing the brake pedal. Make sure

that the parking brake indicator light

and parking brake light turn off.

If the parking brake indicator light and
parking brake lamp flashes, operate the
switch again. (

P. 654)

■

Parking the vehicle
P. 202

■

Parking brake operation

●

When the engine switch is not in IGNITION ON mode, the parking brake cannot be

released using the parking brake switch.

●

When the engine switch is not in IGNITION ON mode, automatic mode (automatic

brake setting and releasing) is not available.

■

If “Parking Brake Overheated Parking Brake Unavailable” is displayed on the multi-

information display
If the parking brake is operated repeatedly over a short period of time, the system may

restrict operation to prevent overheating. If this happens, refrain from operating the

parking brake. Normal operation will return after about 1 minute.

■

If “EPB Activation Stopped Incompletely” or “Parking Brake Unavailable” is displayed

on the multi-information display
Operate the parking brake switch. If the message does not disappear after operating the

switch several times, the system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by

your Lexus dealer immediately.

■

Parking brake operation sound
When the parking brake operates, a motor sound (whirring sound) may be heard. This

does not indicate a malfunction.

Manual mode

U.S.A. Canada

Parking

brake light

249

4-2. Driving procedures

iving

RX350/RX350L_U

■

Parking brake indicator light and parking brake light

●

Depending on the engine switch mode, the parking brake indicator light and parking

brake light will turn on and stay on as described below:
IGNITION ON mode: Comes on until the parking brake is released.

Not in IGNITION ON mode: Stays on for approximately 15 seconds.

●

When the engine switch is turned off with the parking brake set, the parking brake indi-

cator light and parking brake light will stay on for about 15 seconds. This does not indi-

cate a malfunction.

■

Changing the mode
When changing the automatic mode on/off, the message will be shown on the multi-

information display and the buzzer sounds.

■

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.

■

Warning messages and buzzers
Warning messages and buzzers are used to indicate a system malfunction or to inform

the driver of the need for caution. If a warning message is shown on the multi-information

display, read the message and follow the instructions.

■

If the brake system warning light comes on
P. 654

■

Usage in winter time
P. 385

WARNING

■

When parking the vehicle
Do not leave a child in the vehicle alone. The parking brake may be released uninten-

tionally and there is the danger of the vehicle moving that may lead to an accident

resulting in death or serious injury.

■

Parking brake switch
Do not set any objects near the parking brake switch. Objects may interfere with the

switch and may lead the parking brake to unexpectedly operate.

NOTICE

■

When parking the vehicle
Before you leave the vehicle, shift the shift lever to P, set the parking brake and make

sure that the vehicle does not move.

■

When the system malfunctions
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and check the warning messages.

■

When the parking brake cannot be released due to a malfunction
Driving the vehicle with the parking brake set will lead to brake components overheat-

ing, which may affect braking performance and increase brake wear. Contact your

Lexus dealer immediately if this occurs.

250

4-2. Driving procedures

RX350/RX350L_U

Turns the brake hold system on

The brake hold standby indicator

(green) comes on. While the system is

holding the brakes, the brake hold oper-

ated indicator (yellow) will illuminate.

■

Brake hold system operating conditions
The brake hold system cannot be turned on in the following conditions:

●

The driver’s door is not closed.

●

The driver’s seat seat belt is not buckled.

If either of the conditions above are detected when the brake hold system is enabled, the

system will turn off and the brake hold standby indicator light will go off. In addition, if any

of the conditions are detected while the system is holding the brakes, a warning buzzer

will sound and a message will be shown on the multi-information display. The parking

brake will then be set automatically.

■

Brake hold function

●

If the brake pedal is left released for a period of about 3 minutes after the system has

started holding the brakes, the parking brake will be set automatically. In this case, a

warning buzzer sounds and a message is shown on the multi-information display.

●

To turn the system off while the system is holding the brakes, firmly depress the brake

pedal and press the switch again.

●

The brake hold function may not hold the vehicle when the vehicle is on a steep incline.

In this situation, it may be necessary for the driver to apply the brakes. A warning

buzzer will sound and the multi-information display will inform the driver of this situa-

tion. If a warning message is shown on the multi-information display, read the message

and follow the instructions.

Brake Hold



Vehicles without paddle shift switches

The brake hold system keeps the brake applied when the shift lever is in D, S or
N with the system on and the brake pedal has been depressed to stop the vehi-
cle. The system releases the brake when the accelerator pedal is depressed
with the shift lever in D or S to allow smooth start off.



Vehicles with paddle shift switches

The brake hold system keeps the brake applied when the shift lever is in D, M
or N with the system on and the brake pedal has been depressed to stop the
vehicle. The system releases the brake when the accelerator pedal is
depressed with the shift lever in D or M to allow smooth start off.

251

4-2. Driving procedures

iving

RX350/RX350L_U

■

When the parking brake is set automatically while the system is holding the brakes
Perform any of the following operations to release the parking brake.

●

Depress the accelerator pedal. (The parking brake will not be released automatically if

the seat belt is not fastened.)

●

Operate the parking brake switch with the brake pedal depressed.

Make sure that the parking brake indicator light goes off. (

P. 247)

■

When an inspection at your Lexus dealer is necessary
When the brake hold standby indicator (green) does not illuminate even when the brake

hold switch is pressed with the brake hold system operating conditions met, the system

may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected at your Lexus dealer.

■

If “Brake Hold Fault Depress Brake to Deactivate Visit Your Dealer” is displayed on the

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

■

Warning messages and buzzers
Warning messages and buzzers are used to indicate a system malfunction or to inform

the driver of the need for caution. If a warning message is shown on the multi-information

display, read the message and follow the instructions.

■

If the brake hold operated indicator flashes
P. 654

WARNING

■

When the vehicle is on a steep incline
When using the brake hold system on a steep incline exercise caution. The brake hold

function may not hold the vehicle in such a situation.

■

When stopped on a slippery road
The system cannot stop the vehicle when the gripping ability of the tires has been

exceeded. Do not use the system when stopped on a slippery road.

NOTICE

■

When parking the vehicle
The brake hold system is not designed for use when parking the vehicle for a long

period of time. Turning the engine switch off while the system is holding the brakes may

release the brakes, which would cause the vehicle to move. When operating the engine

switch, depress the brake pedal, shift the shift lever to P and set the parking brake.

252

RX350/RX350L_U

4-3. Operating the lights and wipers

Operating the

switch turns on the lights as follows:

Headlight switch

The headlights can be operated manually or automatically.

Operating instructions

U.S.A. Canada

The side marker, parking, tail,
license plate, instrument panel
lights, and daytime running
lights (

P. 254) turn on.

The headlights and all the
lights listed above (except
daytime running lights) turn
on.
The headlights, daytime run-
ning lights (

P. 254) and all

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

Off

The daytime running lights
turn on. (

P. 254)

(U.S.A.)

(Canada)

LEXUS RX 350 L (2019 year). Instruction - part 15