Lexus RX400H 2008 User Manual
RX 400h
HYBRID OVERVIEW
HYB RID OVERVIEW
RX 400h
Lexus Hybrid
Drive
Quick Facts:
“Gives more to the driver, takes less from the world.”
• The Lexus RX400h is powered by a Lexus Hybrid Drive system
that combines the advantages of electric motor/generator
and a gasoline engine.
• The Lexus RX400h does not need to be plugged in like an electric
car. The Lexus Hybrid Drive system automatically charges itself.
• The Lexus RX 400h hybrid drive provides the high level of
performance associated with Lexus, along with an improvedcity
gas mileage rating and reduced emissions when compared to
the RX 350.
• The Lexus RX400h offers the high level of quality and luxury
features that is expected from a Lexus vehicle.
We invite you to discover more about the revolutionary
Lexus RX 400h and Lexus Hybrid Drive in the pages of this
booklet. For further details, contact your dealership, see the
vehicle Owner's Manual and other owner information
materials in the vehicle, or log onto www.lexus.com.
HYB RID OVERVIEW
What’s Inside...
Driving the RX400h 1 - 2
Starting, driving, parking attendant instructions, long-term
parking, running out of fuel, and battery facts.
The Benefits of Lexus Hybrid Technology 3 - 4
Impressive Performance; Low Levels of Noise, Vibration, and
Harshness; Reduced Emissions; Improved Fuel Efficiency.
EPA Mileage Estimates & Fuel Economy 5 - 7
Quick Facts - EPA Mileage Estimates, Why you may not
achieve the EPA estimates, Ten Tips for Improving Fuel Economy.
Multi-information Display & Monitors 8 - 16
Multi-information display, Energy Monitor Screen,
Consumption Monitor, Power Gauge and Hybrid Battery Status.
RX 400h
PAGES
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RX400h Hybrid Technology 17 - 20
How the system works, the system’s components and
what they do.
Frequently Asked Questions 21 - 22
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A wide range of questions often asked about the RX 400h
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and hybrid technology.
RX400h Hybrid Drive Specifications 23
Specifications pertaining to Lexus Hybrid Drive.
Glossary of Hybrid Technology Terms 24 - 26
Definitions of commonly used hybrid technology terms.
Index 27
HYB RID OVERVIEW
RX 400h
Driving the RX 400h
On the whole, driving the RX 400h is not very much different from driving a
conventional vehicle. However, there are some subtle differences you will notice.
•
Turning the ignition key "starts" the vehicle, but may not start the engine.
Like starting a regular vehicle, turn the ignition key to the "START" position and
release to start the vehicle. After a few seconds, the "READY" light in the Power
Gauge will come on. Once the "READY" light comes on, place the transmission
gear lever into the desired gear and start driving. When accelerating slowly, the
RX 400h can drive at low speeds on electric power alone, so the gasoline engine
may not start for awhile dependng upon the need.
The transmission will feel different.
•
The RX 400h uses an Electronically-controlled Continuously Variable
Transmission (ECVT). The transmission does not shift with fixed gear ratios like a
conventional transmission, so it delivers power efficiently and smoothly.
The “B” gear position is for engine braking.
The brakes may feel different.
•
The RX 400h has a regenerative braking system which works in conjunction
with its conventional hydraulic braking system. As a result, the brakes may feel
different from a conventional vehicle.
•
The engine will turn off and on while you drive.
The engine will automatically turn on and off as needed. At medium or high speeds,
it is normal for the engine to be on most of the time. At low speeds or when
stopped, the engine may or may not be on, depending on the need.
You will notice different sounds while driving.
•
The engine sound will be more steady than a conventional vehicle when accelerating due to the smooth operation of the ECVT. It is also normal for the new technology of the Lexus Hybrid Drivesystem to make a "whirring" sound while driving.
CAUTION: While driving a hybrid vehicle, pay special attention to the area around
the vehicle. Because there is little vehicle noise in electric-only mode, pedestrians, people
riding bicycles or other people and vehicles in the area may not be aware of the vehicle
starting off or approaching them, so take extra care while driving.
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(continued next page)
HYB RID OVERVIEW
RX 400h
Driving the RX 400h (continued)
•
Some parking attendants may not be familiar with the RX 400h.
To properly operate the vehicle, these basic tips are important:
1. Turn key to “START” and release.
2. Begin driving when “READY” light stays on.
3. The engine will start and stop automatically.
New RX 400h vehicles come with parking attendant key ring tabs, with these tips
in English and Spanish.
When refueling, the fuel door may take a few moments to open.
•
As part of emissions system operation, it may take up to 15 seconds for the fuel
door to automatically release after the release button is pressed. The Multiinformation Display in the instrument cluster will display "Refuel Ready" when the
door releases.
•
Running out of fuel.
Do not run your RX 400h out of fuel. The RX 400h is not designed to be
operated with the fuel tank empty. If you try to start the RX 400h with the fuel tank
empty, the hybrid system will become disabled on the third attempt. If you continue
to drive with the fuel tank empty, the hybrid battery will rapidly discharge and the
hybrid system will shut down. If you run out of fuel, immediately pull over to a safe
location and turn off the vehicle. Be sure to add fuel before attempting to restart
the vehicle or continuing to drive.
Hybrid Battery cooling vents.
Do not block the hybrid battery cooling vents located
under the rear seats with cargo or other items. Doing
so could cause overheating of the hybrid battery.
Maintaining charge for your 12-volt battery
•
The following willhelpkeepyourvehicle’s 12-voltbatteryfullycharged: Drive vehicleat
least weekly. Operate accessories with vehicle in “READY” mode. When parking,
makesure all doors are closed and lights are turned off.
•
Long-term parking.
If the vehicle has been parked for two weeks or longer, do not operate the power rear
door until you have turned the key to “START” and the “READY” light stays on. If the
vehicle has been parked for a long time,the 12-volt and the hybrid battery will
discharge gradually. For parking longer than about 30 days, charging of the 12-volt
battery may be required. See your dealership for details. To keep the hybrid battery in
good condition, drive the vehicle at least once every severalmonths for at least 30
minutes or ten miles. If the hybrid battery becomes fullydischarged and thevehicle will
not start, even with a jump start to the 12-voltbattery, contact your Lexus dealership.
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HYB RID OVERVIEW
RX 400h
The Benefits of Lexus
Hybrid Technology
Impressive Performance
• Lexus hybrid vehicles deliver impressive throttle response, even from a standing
start. This is because the electric motors deliver maximum torque instantly.
• The Lexus Hybrid Drive system combined with the ECVT (Electronically
controlled Continuously Variable Transmission) helps deliver smooth, seamless
acceleration for excellent passing performance and drivability.
Low Levels of Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH)
• Since Lexus hybrid vehicles can operate on electric power only during start-up
and lower speeds, the NVH level is about half that of conventional gasolinepowered vehicles.
• The gasoline engine does not have to be turned on in order for the electric
air conditioner in Lexus hybrid vehicles to operate.
• The Electric Power Steering (EPS) system eliminates the hydraulic pump
associated with steering noise and vibration.
• The ECVT eliminates the hesitation and noise level associated with shifting
between fixed gear ratios.
• The acoustic windshield is laminated with a low-durometer triple-layer film that
helps absorb engine, wind and road noise.
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HYB RID OVERVIEW
RX 400h
The Benefits of Lexus Hybrid Technology (continued)
Reduced Emissions
• Lexus hybrid vehicles produce 70% fewer smog-forming emissions than the
average new vehicle and are certified as an SULEV (Super Ultra-Low Emission
Vehicle) by the California Air Resources Board.
• The gasoline engine is turned off much of the time during idle and acceleration,
which means that zero emissions are being produced.
• The gasoline engine can be smaller in size than non-hybrid vehicles, producing
fewer emissions without sacrificing performance.
Improved Fuel Efficiency
• By combining a hybrid battery, electric motors and engine, the Lexus Hybrid
Drive system is able to reduce fuel consumption, while still delivering ample
power for all types of driving situations.
• The RX 400h delivers an improved city gas mileage rating.*
• Fuel consumption is zero when the engine is turned off and the vehicle is
operating in electric only mode.
* Actual mileage may vary.
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HYB RID OVERVIEW
RX 400h
EPA Mileage Estimates
& Fuel Economy
Quick Facts - EPA Mileage Estimates
The EPA estimated fuel economy numbers are derived from vehicle testing
conducted at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) National Vehicle
and Fuel Emissions Laboratory in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Vehicle
manufacturers also submit test results based on strict EPA standardized drive patterns. Each year, the EPA provides the data to the Department of Energy, which
publishes the results at www.fueleconomy.gov.
Some quick facts about EPA estimated fuel economy tests:
Federal law requires EPA estimated fuel economy to be provided on a fuel
economy label affixed to the window of every vehicle (see Figure 1). The EPA
estimates serve as a useful guide for comparing the relative fuel efficiency of
various vehicles and are intended for comparison only. Fuel economy estimates
are determined under ideal laboratory conditions following a standardized test
determined by federal law. Each vehicle must complete tests simulating a driving
routine for:
• City - Low speeds in stop-and-go urban traffic.
• Highway - Free-flow traffic at highway speeds.
• High Speed - Higher speeds; harder acceleration and braking.
• AC - Air conditioner use under hot ambient conditions.
(See www.fueleconomy.gov for further details.)
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HYB RID OVERVIEW
RX 400h
EPA Mileage Estimates & Fuel Economy (continued)
Typical EPA Mileage Estimate data found on vehicle window sticker
(Sticker and figures for AWD model) - Figure 1.
Expected range
for most drivers
22 to 30 MPG
Expected range
for most drivers
20 to 28 MPG
Your actual
mileage will vary
depending on how you
drive and maintain
your vehicle.
Why you may not achieve the EPA estimates
Because the EPA fuel economy estimates are derived in ideal laboratory
conditions, they are just estimates, which may not reflect real world conditions.
There are many factors which may cause your actual mileage with the
RX 400h, or other vehicles, to vary from the EPA estimates:
• Quick acceleration and heavy braking may reduce mileage by as much as
33% in highway driving and as much as 5% in city driving.
• Driving at highway speeds above 60 mph. (The maximum EPA highway test
speed is 60 mph, the averagespeed is 48 mph)
• Driving on hilly or mountainous terrain and unpaved roads. (EPA tests
assume flat roads.)
• Short trips cause the engine to run more as a percentage of driving,
as it warms the emissions system.
• Carrying extraweight or towing a trailer. (The EPA test assumes only
300 lbs. of passengers and cargo.)
• Cargo racks. (Vehicles are tested without cargo racks, which can increase
wind drag.)
• Poor maintenance. (Vehicles tested are in top condition.)
• New vehicles. (Optimum fuel economy may not be realized until the
engine is "broken-in,"which may take up to 5,000 miles.)
• Some fuels contain less energy than others. Using oxygenated fuels or
reformulated gasoline (RFG), for example, can cause a small decrease
in fuel economy.
(Source for above information: www.fueleconomy.gov)
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HYB RID OVERVIEW
RX 400h
EPA Mileage Estimates & Fuel Economy (continued)
Ten tips for improving fuel economy
The following tips can help you achieve the best possible fuel economy:
1) Plan ahead to combine short trips in order to minimize cold starts.
2) Accelerate slowly.
3) Avoid heavy braking. Monitor traffic to minimize braking and coast
whenever possible.
4) Avoid speeds in excess of 60 mph; fuel economy suffers at speeds higher
than 60 mph and drops significantly above 70 mph.
5) In stop-and-go traffic, accelerate to the desired level then lift off the
accelerator pedal allowing the vehicle to run more on electric power.
6) Check tire pressure and maintain it at the recommended pressure.
7) Avoid carrying unnecessary loads; extra weight reduces fuel economy.
8) Use the air conditioner and defroster only as needed.
9) Use premium fuel to improve fuel economy and performance.
10) Use the "D" gear position rather than the "B" position. During normal
driving conditions, always drive in "D" for best fuel economy. Only use
"B" gear position if needed to help maintain vehicle speed when going
down steep grades.
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