RX 400h
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RX 400h |
Lexus Hybrid
Drive
Quick Facts:
“Gives more to the driver, takes less from the world.”
•The Lexus RX400h is poweredby 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.
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RX 400h |
What’s Inside...
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PAGES
Driving the RX400h |
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Starting, driving, parking attendant instructions, long-term |
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parking, running out of fuel, and battery facts. |
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The Benefits of Lexus Hybrid Technology |
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Impressive Performance; Low Levels of Noise, Vibration, and |
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Harshness; Reduced Emissions; Improved Fuel Efficiency. |
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EPA Mileage Estimates & Fuel Economy |
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Quick Facts - EPAMileage Estimates, Why you may not achieve the EPAestimates, 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.
RX400h Hybrid Technology |
17 - 20 |
How the system works, the system’s components and |
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what they do. |
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Frequently Asked Questions |
21 - 22 |
A wide range of questions often asked about the RX 400h |
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and hybrid technology. |
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RX400h Hybrid Drive Specifications |
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Specifications pertaining to Lexus Hybrid Drive. |
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A
Glossary of Hybrid Technology Terms |
24 - 26 |
Definitions of commonly used hybrid technology terms.
Index |
27 |
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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 awareof the vehicle
starting off or approaching them, so take extracare while driving. (continued next page)
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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 will help keep yourvehicle’s 12-voltbatteryfullycharged:Drivevehicle at least weekly. Operate accessories with vehicle in “READY” mode. When parking, make sure all doors are closed and lights are turnedoff.
•Long-term parking.
If the vehicle has been parked for two weeks or longer,do not operatethe 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 hybridbattery will discharge gradually. For parking longer than about 30 days, charging of the 12-volt battery may be required. See your dealershipfor details. Tokeep the hybrid battery in good condition, drive the vehicle at least once everyseveralmonthsfor at least 30 minutes or ten miles. If the hybrid battery becomes fully dischargedand the vehicle will not start, evenwith a jump start to the 12-volt battery,contactyour Lexusdealership.
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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 PowerSteering (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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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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EPA Mileage Estimates
& Fuel Economy
Quick Facts - EPA Mileage Estimates
The EPAestimated 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 EPAstandardized 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 EPAestimated 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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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 EPAfuel 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 EPAestimates:
•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 EPAhighway test speed is 60 mph, the average speed is 48 mph)
•Driving on hilly or mountainous terrain and unpaved roads. (EPAtests assume flat roads.)
•Short trips cause the engine to run more as a percentage of driving, as it warms the emissions system.
•Carrying extra weight or towing a trailer. (The EPAtest 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 5,000miles.)
•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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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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