2008 Lexus GS450h Owner's Manual

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2-1. Driving procedures
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When driving
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■Selecting a driving mode
The following patterns can be selected 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” 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 greater 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.
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■Downshifting restrictions warning buzzer (in the “S” mode)
To help ensure safety and driving performance, downshifting operation may some-
times be restricted. In some circumstances, downshifting may not be possible even
when the shift lever is operated. (The warning buzzer will sound twice.)
■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. 1 6 9 )
■Snow mode automatic deactivation
Snow mode is automatically deactivated if the “POWER” switch is turned to
ACCESSORY or ON mode after driving in snow mode.
■If the shift lever cannot be shifted from “P”
→P. 5 2 9
■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”.)
■When in heavy traffic
To avoid running the hybrid battery (traction battery) down, leave the shift lever in
“D” or “S”.
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Turn signal lever
■Turn signals can be operated when
The “POWER” switch is in 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.
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Parking brake
NOTICE
■Before driving
Fully release the parking brake.
Driving the vehicle with the parking brake set will lead to brake components over-
heating, which may affect braking performance and increase brake wear.
Sets the parking brake*
(Depressing the pedal again
releases the parking brake.)
*: Fully depress the parkingbrake pedal with your left
foot while depressing the
brake pedal with your right
foot.
CanadaU.S.A.
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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 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 5 5
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2-2. Instrument cluster
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When driving
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Odometer/trip meter and trip meter reset buttons
Changes the display
Resets the trip meter driving
range to “0”.
Instrument panel light controlThe brightness of the instrument pane l lights excluding the clock and out-
side temperature display, can be adjusted.
Brighter
Darker
Maximum brightness
Odometer and trip meterOdometer
Displays the total distance the vehicle has been driven.
Trip meter
Displays the distance the vehicle has been driven since the meter was
last reset. Trip meters A and B can be used to record and display differ-
ent distances independently.
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Light sensitive optitron meterTo reduce glare or reflection of the instrument cluster, the cluster glass is
tinted automatically or manually. You can select a setting from 7 modes. Display the present setting, then
change the mode.
To change the mode, press the but-
ton once and then again within 6
seconds.
Each time you press the button, the
mode changes in the following
order;
1. “AUTO - Norm”
2. “AUTO - Lo”
3. “AUTO - Hi”
4. “MANUAL - 1”
5. “MANUAL - 2”
6. “MANUAL - 3”
7. “ M A N U A L - 4 ”
Mode 1 to 3: The cluster glass tint
will be adjusted automatically
depending on the intensity of sun-
light in the surrounding.
Mode 4 to 7: The cluster glass tint
will be fixed when a certain level of
sunlight is reached in the surround-
ing.
(“Norm” to “Hi”, “1” to “4” referring
to the level of cluster glass tint.)
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