2007 Lexus GS450h engine

103
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
Starting the hybrid system
Modes can be switched by pressing the power switch when carrying the
electronic key on your person. (The hybrid system can be started in any
mode by operating the switch at the same time as depressing the brake
pedal.)
■Changing power switch mode
“OFF” mode*
Emergency flashers can be
used.
“A C C ” m o d e
Some electrical components
such as the audio system can be
used.
“IG-ON” mode
All electrical components can
be used.
*: The power cannot be switched to “OFF” unless the shift lever is in
“P”.
■ Starting the hybrid system
Check that the parking brake is set.
Turn off unnecessary lights and accessories.
Check that the shift lever is set in “P”.
Sit in the driver’s seat and firmly depress the brake pedal.
The power switch indicator turns green.
Press the power switch.
After a few seconds, the
“READY” light will flash and
come on with a beep sound.
The vehicle can move when the
“READY” light is on, even if the
engine is stopped.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
STEP5

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2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
■Shift position uses
*1: To improve fuel consumption and reduce noises, set the shift lever in the
“D” position for normal driving.
*
2: By selecting shift ranges using “S” mode, you can control engine braking
forces.
■ Selecting a driving mode
The following patterns can be selec ted to suit current driving and
operating conditions.
Power mode
For powerful acceleration and
driving in mountainous regions.
Normal mode
Snow mode
For accelerating and driving on
slippery road surfaces, such as
on snow.
Press “SNOW” to return to nor-
mal mode.
Shift positionFunction
PParking the vehicle or starting the hybrid system
RReversing
NNeutral
DNormal driving*1
S“S” mode driving*2 ( P. 1 0 8 )

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2-1. Driving procedures
Changing shift ranges in “S” modeShift the shift lever to the “S” position and operate the shift lever. Upshifting
Downshifting
The initial shift range in “S” mode is automatically set to “5”.
■ Shift ranges and their functions
●You can choose from 6 levels of engine braking force.
● A lower shift range will provide gr eater engine braking force than a
higher shift range, and the engine revolutions will also increase.
● If you accelerate while in ranges “1” to “5”, the shift range may auto-
matically range up in accordance with the vehicle's speed.
■Downshifting restrictions in “S” mode
The shift lever cannot be downshifted if the following speeds are exceeded. (The
warning buzzer will sound twice in this situation.)
DownshiftingMaximum speed
mph (km/h)
5 4108 (173)
4 378 (125)
3 258 (94)
2 134 (55)

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2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
■When in heavy traffic
To avoid running the hybrid battery (traction battery) down, leave the shift lever in
“D” or “S”.
■When driving with the cruise control system (or dynamic radar cruise control sys-
tem)
The engine brake will not operate in the “S” mode, even when downshifting to “5” or
“4”. ( P. 129, 132)
■Snow mode automatic deactivation
Snow mode is automatically deactivated if the power switch is turned to “ACC” or
“IG-ON” mode after driving in snow mode.
■If the shift lever cannot be shifted from “P”
 P. 4 7 2
■If the indicator does not come on even after shifting the shift lever to “S”
This may indicate a malfunction in the transmission. Have the vehicle inspected by
your Lexus dealer immediately. 
(In this situation, the vehicle will operate as if the shift lever is in “D”.)

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2-2. Instrument cluster
Gauges and meters
The units used on the speedometer may differ depending on the target
region.

The following gauges, meters and display illuminate when the power
switch is in “IG-ON” mode.
Power meter
Displays the instantaneous output from the hybrid system is approximate
kilowatts.
Speedometer
Displays the vehicle speed.
Fuel gauge
Displays the quantity of fuel remaining in the tank.
Engine coolant temperature gauge
Displays the engine coolant temperature.
Multi-information display
 P. 1 1 9

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2-2. Instrument cluster
2
When driving
NOTICE
■To prevent damage to the engine and its components
The engine may be overheating if the engine coolant temperature gauge is in the
red zone (“H”). In this case, immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place. Check the
engine after it has cooled completely. ( P. 4 8 0 )
■To activate the light sensitivity function properly
Do not affix a sticker or window tint to the rear window glass, or put an object
behind the rear seat.

157
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
●In the following situations, the intuitive parking assist may not function correctly,
possibly leading to an accident.
• There is ice, snow or mud on the sensors. (Wiping the sensors will resolve this problem.)
• The sensor area is frozen. (Thawing the area will resolve this problem.) 
In especially cold weather, if a sensor is frozen the screen may show an abnor-
mal display, or obstacles may not be detected.
• The vehicle angle is especially wide.
• In harsh sunlight or intense cold weather.
• When driving on bumpy, sloped or gravel roads, or over grass.
• If there is something producing ultrasonic waves nearby, such as another vehicle’s horn, motorcycle engine nois e, air braking sound from heavy-duty
vehicles, or another vehicle using the intuitive parking assist.
• In heavy rain, or if water is splashed on the sensors.
• If a commercial fender pole or radio antenna is installed.
• If towing eyelet is installed on your vehicle.
• If moving towards a high curb or a curb corner.
• Objects such as signs may cause the detection distance to shorten.
• The area directly under the bumpers is not detected. 
Objects lower than the sensor s or thin stakes etc. may be detected initially,
but as they draw closer, they may cease to be detected.
• If obstacles draw too close to the sensor.
■Obstacles that may not be detected correctly
The following obstacles may not be detected.
●Thin objects such as wire, fencing or rope.
●Objects that absorb sound wave s, such as cotton or snow.
●Objects with sharp corners.
●Objects where the upper section projects out over the lower section.
●Low objects.

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2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
When the VSC/TRAC/hill-start assist control systems are operating
If the vehicle is in danger of slip-
ping, rolling backwards when
starting on an incli ne, or if the rear
wheels spin, the slip indicator light
flashes to indicate that the VSC/
TRAC/hill-start assist control sys-
tems have been engaged.
A buzzer (intermittent) sounds to
indicate that VSC is operating.
The stop lights and high mounted
stoplight turn on when the hill-start
assist control system is operating.
The slip indicator light flashes as
well when ABS is operating.
■ VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management)
Provides integrated control of the AB S, VSC, TRAC, hill-start assist con-
trol, VGRS and EPS systems. 
Maintains vehicle stability when swerving on slippery road surfaces by
controlling the brakes, engine output, and the movement of the front
wheels.
■ PCS (Pre-Collision System) (if equipped)
 P. 1 6 9