2007 Lexus GS450h Using the audio system / LEXUS 2007 GS450H THROUGH JUNE 2006 PROD. OWNER'S MANUAL (OM30727U)

101
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
“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.
■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
“READ
Y” light is on, even if the
engine is stopped.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
STEP5

102
2-1. Driving procedures
■If the hybrid system does not start
The hybrid vehicle immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. (P.
6 2 )
■When the power switch indicator flashes in amber
The system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus
deal

er immediately.
■If the “READY” light does not come on
If the “READY” light does not come on when you press the power switch with the
shi
ft lever in “P” and the brake pedal pressed, contact your Lexus dealer immedi -
ately.
■Auto power OFF function
The power switch will automatically turn OFF when lef
t in “ACC” mode for 1 hour or
more.
■When the ambient temperature is low
Such as during winter driving conditions, it
may take time until the “READY” light
comes on.
■Sounds and vibrations specific to a hybrid vehicle
 P.
4
■When the hybrid system is malfunctioning
P. 4 4 4
■Electronic key battery depletion
P.
1 8
■When the electronic key battery is discharged
P.
3 9 3
■Conditions affecting operation
P.
1 6
■Leak detection pump
Several hours after the hybrid system is turned off, you may hear a sound coming
fr

om underneath the luggage compartment for several minutes. This is normal
operation and does not indicate a malfunction.

103
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
CAUTION
■When starting the hybrid system
Always start the hybrid system while sitting in the driver’s seat. Do not press the
accelerator pedal while starting the hybrid system under any circumstances.
Doing so may cause an accident resu lting in death or serious injury.
■Caution while driving
Do not touch the power switch while driving. 
Pressing and holding the power switch will stop the hybrid system, which may lead
to an accident.
NOTICE
■To prevent 12 volt battery discharge
Do not leave the power switch in “ACC” or “IG-ON” mode for long periods without
the hybrid system on.
■When starting the hybrid system
●Do not race the hybrid system.
●If the hybrid system becomes difficult to start, have the hybrid system checked
immediately.

104
2-1. Driving procedures
Transmission
Select a shift position appropriate for the driving conditions.
■Shifting the shift lever
While the power switch
is in “IG-ON” mode,
depr
ess the brake pedal
and move the shift lever.

105
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: Selecting shift ranges using “S” mode, you can control engine braking for
ces.
■Selecting a driving mode
The following patterns can be selec ted to suit curr
ent 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 6 )

106
2-1. Driving procedures
Changing shift ranges in “S” mode
Shift 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 r
anges and their functions
●Y
ou can choose from 6 levels of engine braking force.
●A lo
wer shift range will provide gr eater engine braking force than a
higher shift range, and the engine revolutions will also increase.
● If y
ou 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
w
arning buzzer will sound twice in this situation.)
DownshiftingMaximum speed
mph (km/h)
5 4108 (173)
4 378 (125)
3 258 (94)
2 134 (55)

107
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. 127, 130)
■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 6 7
■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”.)

108
2-1. Driving procedures
Turn signal lever
■Turn signals can be operated when
The power switch is in “IG-ON” mode.
■If the indicators flash faster than usual
Check that a light bulb in the front or rear
turn signal lights has not burned out.
Left turn
Right turn
Move and hold the lever part-
way to signal a lane change
The left hand signal will flash
until you release the lever.
Move and hold the lever part -
way to signal a lane change
The right hand signal will flash
until you release the lever.