2008 Lexus GS450h engine

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2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
GS_HV_U
May 13, 2008 3:11 pm
CAUTION
■When driving on slippery road surfaces
●Sudden braking, acceleration and steering may cause tire slippage and reduce
your ability to control the vehi cle, resulting in an accident.
●Sudden changes in engine speed, such as engine braking caused by up-shifting
or down-shifting, may cause the vehicl e to skid, resulting in an accident.
●After driving through a puddle, lightly depress the brake pedal to make sure that
the brakes are functioning properly. Wet brake pads may prevent the brakes from
functioning properly. If the brakes on on ly one side are wet and not functioning
properly, steering control may be af fected, resulting in an accident.
■When shifting the shift lever
Be careful not to shift the shift lever with the accelerator pedal depressed. 
This may lead to unexpected rapid acceleration of the vehicle that may cause an
accident and result in death or serious injury.
■When the vehicle is stopped
●Do not race the hybrid system. 
If the vehicle is in any positions other than “P” or “N” the vehicle may accelerate
suddenly and unexpectedly, and may cause an accident.
●Do not leave the vehicle with the hybrid system on for a long time. 
If such a situation cannot be avoided, park the vehicle in an open space and
check that exhaust fumes do no t enter the vehicle interior.
●Always keep a foot on the brake pedal while the hybrid system is operating to
prevent an accident caused by the vehicle moving.

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2-1. Driving procedures
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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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2-1. Driving procedures
GS_HV_U
May 13, 2008 3:11 pm
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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2-1. Driving procedures
GS_HV_U
May 13, 2008 3:11 pm
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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2-1. Driving procedures
GS_HV_U
May 13, 2008 3:11 pm
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.

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2-1. Driving procedures
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When driving
GS_HV_U
May 13, 2008 3:11 pm
■Downshifting restrictions warning buzzer (in the “S” mode)
To help ensure safety and driving perfor mance, 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 syst em (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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GS_HV_U
December 12, 2007 3:50 pm
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
GS_HV_U
December 12, 2007 3:50 pm
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. 5 3 8 )
■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.