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The Lexus RX400h is powered by a Lexus Hybrid Drive system that combines the advantages of electricmotor/generator and a gasoline engine. The Lexus RX400h does not need to be plugged in like an electric car. The Lexus Hybrid Drive systemautomatically charges itself. The Lexus RX400h hybrid drive provides the high level of performance associated with Lexus, along with an improved city gasmileage rating and reduced emissions when compared to the Lexus RX350. The Lexus RX400h offers the high level of quality and luxury features that is expected froma Lexus vehicle. On the whole, driving the Lexus RX400h 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
Lexus RX 400h can drive at low speeds on electric power alone, so the gasoline engine may not start for awhile dependng upon the need. 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 Lexus RX 400h can drive at low speeds on electric power alone, so the gasoline engine may not start for awhile dependng upon the need.
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| Lexus RX 400h |
The transmission will feel different. The Lexus RX400h 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 Lexus 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.
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 Series Lexus RX 400h vehicles come with parking attendant key ring tabs, with these tips in English and Spanish.
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| Lexus RX 400h |
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. TheMultiinformation Display in the instrument cluster will display "Refuel Ready" when the door releases. Do not run your Lexus 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 Lexus 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.
Lexus Rx400h 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 followingwill help keep your vehicle’s 12-volt battery fully charged:Drive vehicle at least weekly. Operate accessories with vehicle in “READY” mode. When parking, make sure 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 tenmiles. If the hybrid battery becomes fully discharged and the vehiclewill not start, even with a jump start to the 12-volt battery, contact your Lexus dealership.
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| Lexus RX 400h |
The ECVT eliminates the hesitation and noise level associated with shiftingLexus RX400h hybrid vehicles deliver impressive throttle response, even from a standing start. This is because the electric motors deliver maximum torque instantly. The Lexus Rx400h Hybrid Drive system combined with the ECVT (Electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission) helps deliver smooth, seamless acceleration for excellent passing performance and drivability. Since Lexus Rx400h 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. between fixed gear ratios. The acoustic windshield is laminated with a low-durometer triple-layer film that helps absorb engine, wind and road noise.
The optional EnergyMonitor shows a simplified representation of the approximate flow of energy within the hybrid system. The display does not show all of the components of the system. The display is part of the Lexus RX 400h Navigation System and is located at the center console display.
The EnergyMonitor display changes as the RX 400h transitions through different driving conditions. The EnergyMonitor display will show the changes in energy and power flow through the system at a given time as the vehicle is driven.
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| Lexus RX 400h |
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. Federal law requires EPA estimated fuel economy to be provided on a fuel economy label affixed to the window of every vehicle. 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. 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 Lexus RX 400h, or other vehicles, to vary from the EPA estimates:
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| Lexus RX 400h Interior |
•Quick acceleration and heavy brakingmay reducemileage by asmuch as 33%in highway driving and asmuch as 5%in city driving.
•Driving at highway speeds above 60mph. (ThemaximumEPAhighway test speed is 60mph, the average speed is 48mph)
•Driving on hilly ormountainous terrain and unpaved roads. (EPAtests assume flat roads.)
• Short trips cause the engine to runmore 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.)
• Poormaintenance. (Vehicles tested are in top condition.)
•New vehicles. (Optimumfuel economymay not be realized until the engine is "broken-in," whichmay 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.
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