The fastest way to set the time on your Lexus RX 350

On a Lexus RX 350, you change the clock through the instrument cluster display or the infotainment system, depending on which screen you want to adjust. Most owners use the infotainment touchscreen because it is simpler and more visible than the small cluster buttons. The process takes about two minutes and requires no tools.

Your RX 350 has two clocks: one in the instrument cluster (the panel directly behind the steering wheel) and one on the infotainment screen (the larger display in the center of the dashboard). Both show the same time, but you set them separately. If you change one, you may need to change the other to keep them in sync.

Key Takeaways

  • The infotainment touchscreen is the easiest place to adjust the time; press the Menu button, select Clock, then use the arrow buttons to set hours and minutes.
  • The instrument cluster clock can also be adjusted using the left stalk buttons below the steering wheel, though this method is less intuitive.
  • Your RX 350 may have a setting to sync the clock automatically with GPS or cellular data, which you can toggle on or off in the system settings.
  • Daylight saving time changes do not happen automatically on most RX 350 model years, so you will need to adjust the time manually twice per year.

Setting the time through the infotainment touchscreen

Start with the vehicle running or in Accessory mode (turn the key to the second position without starting the engine). Look at the center dashboard screen. Press the Menu button on the left side of the touchscreen or use the physical Menu button on the steering wheel if your model has one.

Scroll down and select Clock or Time Settings (the exact wording varies by model year). The screen will show the current time with separate fields for hours and minutes. Use the arrow buttons or the touchscreen itself to highlight the hour field, then press the up or down arrow to increase or decrease the hour. Do the same for the minutes field. Once the time is correct, press Enter or OK to save.

If your RX 350 has a 12-hour clock display, you may also see an AM/PM toggle. Make sure it matches the actual time of day. Press the toggle or arrow buttons to switch between AM and PM if needed.

Adjusting the clock using the instrument cluster buttons

The instrument cluster (the gauges and display behind the steering wheel) has its own clock that you can adjust without touching the infotainment screen. This method is useful if the center screen is not working or if you prefer to keep the two clocks separate for some reason.

Locate the left stalk below the steering wheel — this is the same stalk you use for turn signals. Press and hold the bottom of the stalk (or the button labeled with a clock symbol if your model has one) until the clock display appears in the instrument cluster. Use the up and down arrows on the stalk to change the hours, then press the stalk again to move to the minutes field. Adjust the minutes the same way, then press once more to confirm and exit.

Not all RX 350 model years have this feature on the left stalk. If you do not see a clock option appear, your model may only allow time adjustment through the infotainment screen.

Turning automatic time sync on or off

Some Lexus RX 350 models include a feature that syncs the clock automatically with GPS satellites or your vehicle's cellular connection. If this setting is turned on, the time will update itself when you drive into a new time zone or when daylight saving time changes occur in your area.

To check or change this setting, go to Menu on the infotainment screen, then select System Settings or Vehicle Settings. Look for an option labeled Auto Time Sync, GPS Time, or Time Zone. Toggle it on if you want the clock to update automatically, or toggle it off if you prefer to set the time manually. The exact menu path and wording depend on your model year and software version.

If automatic sync is on and you travel across time zones frequently, the clock will adjust without your input. If it is off, you will need to change the time manually each time you cross a time zone or when daylight saving time begins and ends.

What to do if the clock keeps resetting

If you set the time but it resets to an incorrect time the next time you start the vehicle, the most common cause is that automatic time sync is turned on. Check the System Settings or Vehicle Settings menu and confirm whether Auto Time Sync is enabled. If it is, either turn it off or check that your vehicle's GPS and cellular connection are working properly.

Another reason the clock might reset is a weak or disconnected battery. If your RX 350 has been sitting unused for several weeks, or if the battery was recently replaced, the clock may lose its setting. In this case, straightforward set the time again and it should hold. If the problem continues after multiple attempts, the infotainment system may have a software issue, and you should have it checked by a Lexus dealer.

Daylight saving time and manual adjustments

Most Lexus RX 350 models do not automatically adjust for daylight saving time, even if automatic time sync is turned on. This means you will need to manually change the clock twice per year: forward one hour in spring and back one hour in fall. The exact dates vary by region and country.

Set a reminder on your phone or calendar for the daylight saving time change dates in your area. When the time comes, use either the infotainment screen or the instrument cluster method described above to adjust the clock. If you have both clocks visible and they show different times after the change, adjust the one you did not update to match the other.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my RX 350 clock show the wrong time even after I set it?

The most likely reason is that automatic time sync is turned on and your vehicle is receiving time data from GPS or cellular signals. Check your System Settings menu and look for an Auto Time Sync or GPS Time option. If it is enabled, either turn it off or verify that your GPS and cellular connection are working. If automatic sync is already off, the infotainment system may need a software update from a Lexus dealer.

Can I set the clock to 24-hour time instead of 12-hour time?

Yes, most RX 350 model years allow you to switch between 12-hour and 24-hour display formats. Go to the infotainment Menu, select Clock or Time Settings, and look for a 12/24 Hour toggle or option. Select your preferred format and save. The change applies to both the infotainment screen and the instrument cluster display.

Do I need to set the clock separately if I have two Lexus vehicles?

Yes. Each vehicle stores its own time setting independently. If you own two RX 350s or an RX 350 and another Lexus model, you will need to adjust the clock in each vehicle separately. The settings do not sync between vehicles.

What happens to the clock if I disconnect the battery?

The clock will reset to a default time (usually 12:00 or 1:00) if the battery is disconnected for more than a few minutes. When you reconnect the battery or start the vehicle again, you will need to set the time manually using the methods described above. If automatic time sync is on, the clock may update itself once the vehicle receives GPS or cellular signal.