2020 Lexus UX250H Owner’s Manual

The 2020 Lexus UX250h is a stylish and fuel-efficient luxury subcompact SUV that blends modern design, new technology, and concern for the environment in a way that looks like it was made for it. As a hybrid, the UX250h has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor that work together to make moving quick and easy while saving gas. Its attractive exterior has a modern and stylish look thanks to the Lexus spindle grille, sleek LED headlights, and dynamic lines. Inside, the UX250h has a cozy and high-end cabin with high-end materials and the latest technology for entertainment and safety. The 2020 Lexus UX250h stands out with its amazing mix of luxury, efficiency, and practicality. It was made for city dwellers who want a small, eco-friendly SUV.

System components

The illustration is an example for explanation and may differ from the actual item.

• A Warning label
• B Hybrid battery (traction battery)
• C Rear electric motor (traction motor)*
• D Service plug
• E High voltage cables (orange)
• F Front electric motor (traction motor)
• G Power control unit
• H Air conditioning compressor
• I Rear inverter*

Running out of fuel
When the vehicle has run out of fuel and the hybrid system cannot be started, refuel the vehicle with at least enough gasoline to make the low fuel level warning light P.390) go off. If there is only a small amount of fuel, the hybrid system may not be able to start. (The standard amount of fuel is about 1.8 gal. [7.0 L, 1.5 Imp.gal.], when the vehicle is on a level surface. This value may vary when the vehicle is on a slope. Add extra fuel when the vehicle is inclined.)

Electromagnetic waves

• High voltage parts and cables on hybrid vehicles incorporate electromagnetic shielding and therefore emit approximately the same amount of electromagnetic waves as conventional gasoline-powered vehicles or home electronic appliances.
• Your vehicle may cause sound interference in some third-party-produced radio parts.

Hybrid battery (traction battery)
The hybrid battery (traction battery) has a limited service life. The lifespan of the hybrid battery (traction battery) can change in accordance with driving style and driving conditions.

WARNING

• High voltage precautions 
  This vehicle has high-voltage DC and AC systems as well as a 12-volt system. DC and AC high voltage is very dangerous and can cause severe burns and electric shock that may result in death or serious injury.
  • Never touch, disassemble, remove or replace the high-voltage parts, cables or their connectors.
  • The hybrid system will become hot after starting as the system uses high voltage. Be careful of both the high voltage and the high temperature, and always obey the warning labels attached to the vehicle.
  • Never try to open the service plug access hole located underneath the rear seats. The service plug is used only when the vehicle is serviced and is subject to high voltage.
• Road accident cautions
  Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of death or serious injury:
  • Pull your vehicle off the road, shift the shift lever to P, apply the parking brake, and turn the hybrid system off.
  • Do not touch the high-voltage parts, cables and connectors.
  • If electric wires are exposed inside or outside your vehicle, an electric shock may occur. Never touch exposed electric wires.
  • If a fluid leak occurs, do not touch the fluid as it may be strong alkaline electrolyte from the hybrid battery (traction battery). If it comes into contact with your skin or eyes, wash it off immediately with a large amount of water or, if possible, boric acid solution. Seek immediate medical attention.
  • If a fire occurs in the hybrid vehicle, leave the vehicle as soon as possible. Never use a fire extinguisher that is not meant for electric fires. Using even a small amount of water may be dangerous.
  • If your vehicle needs to be towed, do so with front wheels (2WD models) or four wheels (AWD models) raised. If the wheels connected to the electric motor (traction motor) are on the ground when towing, the motor may continue to generate electricity. This may cause a fire. (P.381)
  • Carefully inspect the ground under the vehicle. If you find that liquid has leaked onto the ground, the fuel sys-tem may have been damaged. Leave the vehicle as soon as possible.
• Hybrid battery (traction battery)
  • Never resell, hand over or modify the hybrid battery. To prevent accidents, hybrid batteries that have been removed from a disposed of vehicle are collected through Lexus dealers. Do not dispose of the battery yourself.
    Unless the battery is properly collected, the following may occur, resulting in death or serious injury:
    The hybrid battery may be illegally disposed of or dumped, and it is hazardous to the environment or someone may touch a high-voltage part, resulting in an electric shock.
    The hybrid battery is intended to be used exclusively with your hybrid vehicle. If the hybrid battery is used outside of your vehicle or modified in any way, accidents such as electric shock, heat generation, smoke generation, an explosion and electrolyte leakage may occur. When reselling or handing over your vehicle, the possibility of an accident is extremely high because the person receiving the vehicle may not be aware of these dangers.
  • If your vehicle is disposed of without the hybrid battery having been removed, there is a danger of serious electric shock if high voltage parts, cables and their connectors are touched. In the event that your vehicle must be disposed of, the hybrid battery must be disposed of by your Lexus dealer or a qualified service shop. If the hybrid battery is not disposed of properly, it may cause electric shock that can result in death or serious injury.

Hybrid battery (traction battery) air intake vent
There is an air intake vent under the right side of the rear seat for the purpose of cooling the hybrid battery
(traction battery). If the vent becomes blocked, the hybrid battery (traction battery) may overheat, leading to a reduction in hybrid battery (traction battery) output.

NOTICE
Hybrid battery (traction battery) air intake vent

• Make sure not to block the air intake vent with anything, such as a seat cover, luggage or carpet. The hybrid battery (traction battery) may overheat, leading to poor fuel economy.
• Clean the air intake vent regularly to prevent the hybrid battery (traction battery) from overheating.
• Do not get water or foreign materials in the air intake vent as this may cause a short circuit and damage the hybrid battery (traction battery).
• A filter is installed to the air intake vent. When the filter remains noticeably dirty even after cleaning the air intake vent, filter cleaning or replacement is recommended. When cleaning or replacing the filter, contact your Lexus dealer.
  Refer to P.365 for details on how to clean the filter.

Emergency shut-off system
When a certain level of impact is detected by the impact sensor, the emergency shut-off system blocks the high-voltage current and stops the fuel pump to minimize the risk of electrocution and fuel leakage. If the emergency shut off system activates, your vehicle will not restart. To restart the hybrid system, contact your Lexus dealer.

Hybrid warning message
A message is automatically displayed when a malfunction occurs in the hybrid system or an improper operation is attempted.
If a warning message is shown on the multi-information display, read the message and follow the instructions.

If a warning light comes on, a warning message is displayed, or the 12-volt battery is disconnected
The hybrid system may not start. In this case, try to start the system again. If the
The “READY” indicator does not come on, contact your Lexus dealer.

Immobilizer system

The vehicle’s keys have built-in transponder chips that prevent the hybrid system from starting if a key has not been previously registered in the vehicle’s onboard computer. Never leave the keys inside the vehicle when you leave the vehicle.
This system is designed to help prevent vehicle theft but does not guarantee absolute security against all vehicle thefts.

Operating the systemThe security indicator flashes after the power switch has been turned off to indicate that the system is operating. The indicator light stops flashing after the power switch has been turned to ACC or ON to indicate that the sys-tem has been canceled.

• System maintenance
  The vehicle has a maintenance-free type immobilizer system.
• Conditions that may cause the system to malfunction
  • If the grip portion of the key is in contact with a metallic object
  • If the key is in close proximity to or touching a key registered to the security sys-tem (key with a built-in transponder chip) of another vehicle

Fuel Information

You must only use unleaded gasoline.
Select octane rating 87 (Research Octane Number 91) or higher. Use of unleaded gasoline with an octane rating lower than 87 may result in engine knocking. Persistent knock-ing can lead to engine damage.
At a minimum, the gasoline you use should meet the specifications of ASTM D4814 in the U.S.A.

• Gasoline quality 
  In very few cases, driveability problems may be caused by the brand of gasoline you are using. If driveability problems persist, try changing the brand of gasoline. If this does not correct the problem, consult your Lexus dealer.
• Recommendation of the use of gasoline-containing detergent additives
  • Lexus recommends the use of gasoline that contains detergent additives to avoid the build-up of engine deposits.
  • All gasoline sold in the U.S.A. contains minimum detergent additives to clean and/or keep clean intake systems, per EPA’s lowest additives concentration pro-gram.
  • Lexus strongly recommends the use of Top Tier Detergent Gasoline. For more information on Top Tier Detergent Gaso-line and a list of marketers, please go to the official website www.toptiergas.com.
• Recommendation of the use of low emissions gasoline
  Gasoline containing oxygenates such as ethers and ethanol, as well as reformulated gasolines, are available in some cities. These fuels are typically acceptable for use, providing they meet other fuel requirements. Lexus recommends these fuels, since the formulations allow for reduced vehicle emissions.
• Non-recommendation of the use of gasoline containing MMT
  Some gasoline contains an octane-enhancing additive called MMT (Methylcyclopen-tadienyl Manganese Tricarbonyl).
  Lexus does not recommend the use of gasoline that contains MMT. If fuel containing MMT is used, your emission control system may be adversely affected.
  The malfunctioning indicator lamp on the instrument cluster may come on. If this hap-pens, contact your Lexus dealer for service.
• If your engine knocks
  • Consult your Lexus dealer.
  • You may occasionally notice light knocking for a short time while accelerating or driving uphill. This is normal and there is no need for concern.

FAQ