2008 Lexus GS450h Do-it-yourself maintenance / LEXUS 2008 GS450H OWNER'S MANUAL (OM30A96U)

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2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
GS_HV_U
May 13, 2008 3:11 pm
NOTICE
■If you get a flat tire while driving
A flat or damaged tire may cause the following situations. Hold the steering wheel
firmly and gradually press the brake pedal to slow down the vehicle.
●It may be difficult to control your vehicle.
●The vehicle will make abnormal sounds.
●The vehicle will behave abnormally.
Replace a flat tire with a new one. ( P. 5 2 0 )
■When encountering flooded roads
Do not drive on a road that has flooded after heavy rain etc. Doing so may cause the
following serious damage to the vehicle.
●Engine stalling
●Short in electrical components
●Engine damage caused by water immersion
In the event that you drive on a flooded road and the vehicle is flooded, be sure to
have your Lexus dealer check the following.
●Brake function
●Changes in quantity and quality of oil an d fluid used for the engine, transmission,
differentials, etc.
●Lubricant condition for the propeller shaft, bearings and suspension joints (where
possible) and the function of all joints, bearings, etc.

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Power (ignition) switch
■Starting the hybrid system
Check that the parking brake is set.
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

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When driving
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May 13, 2008 3:11 pm
■Changing “POWER” switch mode
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.)
OFF*
Emergency flashers can be
used.
ACCESSORY mode
Some electrical components
such as the audio system can be
used.
The “POWER” switch indicator
turns amber.
ON mode
All electrical components can
be used.
The “POWER” switch indicator
turns amber.
*: The power cannot be switched to
OFF unless the shift lever is in “P”.

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■If the hybrid system does not start
The immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. (P. 88)
■When the steering lock cannot be released
■When the “POWER” switch indicator flashes in amber
The system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus
dealer 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 shift lever in “P” and the brake pedal pressed, contact your Lexus dealer imme-
diately.
■Auto power OFF function
If the vehicle is left in the ACCESSORY mode for more than an hour with the shift
lever in “P”, the “POWER” switch will automatically turn OFF.
■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. 2 5
■When the hybrid system is malfunctioning
P. 5 0 0
The green indicator light on the “POWER”
switch will flash and a message will be shown
on the multi-information display. Press the
“POWER” switch again while turning the
steering wheel left and right.

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When driving
GS_HV_U
May 13, 2008 3:11 pm
■When the electronic key battery is discharged
P. 4 5 4
■Conditions affecting operation
P. 3 9
■Leak detection pump
Several hours after the hybrid system is turned off, you may hear a sound coming
from underneath the luggage compartment for several minutes. This is normal
operation and does not indicate a malfunction.
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.
■Stopping the hybrid system in an emergency
If you want to stop the hybrid system in an emergency while driving the vehicle,
push and hold the “POWER” switch for more than 3 seconds. 
However, do not touch the “POWER” switch while driving except in an emergency.
If the hybrid system stops while the vehicle is being driven, this could lead to an
unexpected accident.
NOTICE
■To prevent 12 volt battery discharge
Do not leave the “POWER” switch in ACCESSORY or 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 st art or stalls frequently, have the hybrid
system checked immediately.

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Transmission
Select a shift position appropriate for the driving conditions.
■Shifting the shift lever
While the “POWER” sw itch is in ON mode, depress the brake
pedal and move the shift lever.
■ 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.
Shift positionFunction
PParking the vehicle or starting the hybrid system
RReversing
NNeutral
DNormal driving*1
S“S” mode driving*2 (  P. 1 4 4 )

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When driving
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May 13, 2008 3:11 pm
■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.

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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” mo de 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.