2008 Lexus GS450h stop start

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1-7. Theft deterrent system
GS_HV_U
December 12, 2007 3:30 pm
Alarm
The system sounds the alarm and flashes lights when forcible entry is
detected.
■Triggering of the alarm
The alarm is triggered in the following situations.
●A locked door or trunk is unlocked or opened in any way other
than using the smart access system with push-button start, wire-
less remote control or mechanical key. (The doors will lock again
automatically.)
● The hood is opened while the vehicle is locked.
■ Setting the alarm system
Close the doors, trunk and
hood, and lock all doors.
The system will be set automati-
cally after 30 seconds.
The indicator light changes from
being on to flashing when the
system is set.
■Deactivating or stopping the alarm
Do one of the following to deactivate or stop the alarm.
●Unlock the doors or trunk.
● Turn the “POWER” switch to the ACCESSORY or ON mode.
(The alarm will be deactivated or stopped after a few seconds.)

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GS_HV_U
May 13, 2008 3:11 pm
2-1. Driving procedures
Driving the vehicle
Starting on a steep inclineFirmly set the parking brake and shift the shift lever to “D”.
Gently depress the accelerator pedal.
Release the parking brake.
The following procedures should be observed to ensure safe driving.
■ Starting the hybrid system ( P. 1 3 8 )
■ Driving
With the brake pedal depressed, shift the shift lever to “D”. 
( P. 1 4 2 )
Release the parking brake. ( P. 1 4 7 )
Gradually release the brake peda l and gently push the accel-
erator pedal to accelerate the vehicle.
■ Stopping
With the shift lever in “D”, push the brake pedal.
If necessary, set the parking brake.
When the vehicle is stopped for an extended period of time, shift the
shift lever to “P”. (
P. 1 4 2 )
■Parking the vehicle
With the shift lever in “D”, push the brake pedal.
Set the parking brake. ( P. 1 4 7 )
Shift the shift lever to “P”. ( P. 1 4 2 )
Stop the hybrid system.
Lock the door, making sure that you have the electronic key on
your person.
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2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
GS_HV_U
May 13, 2008 3:11 pm
■Driving in the rain
●Drive carefully when it is raining, because visibility will be reduced, the windows
may become fogged-up, and the road will be slippery.
●Drive carefully when it starts to rain, be cause the road surface will be especially
slippery.
●Refrain from high speeds when driving on an expressway in the rain, because
there may be a layer of wate r between the tires and the road surface, preventing
the steering and brakes from operating properly.
■Breaking in your new Lexus
To extend the life of the vehicle, the following precautions are recommended to
observe:
●For the first 186 miles (300 km): 
Avoid sudden stops.
●For the first 621 miles (1000 km):
• Do not drive at extremely high speeds.
• Avoid sudden acceleration.
• Do not drive continuously in the low range in the “S” position.
• Do not drive at a constant speed for extended periods.
■Operating your vehicle in a foreign country
Comply with the relevant vehicle registration laws and confirm the availability of the
correct fuel. ( P. 5 4 6 )

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2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
GS_HV_U
May 13, 2008 3:11 pm
CAUTION
■When starting the vehicle
Always keep your foot on the brake pedal while stopped with the hybrid system
running. This prevents the vehicle from creeping.
■When driving the vehicle
●Do not drive if you are unfamiliar with the location of the brake and accelerator
pedals to avoid depressing the wrong pedal.
• Accidentally depressing the accelerator pedal instead of the brake pedal will result in sudden acceleration that may lead to an accident that could result in
death or serious injury.
• When backing up, you may twist your body around, leading to a difficulty in
operating the pedals. Make sure to operate the pedals properly.
• Make sure to keep a correct driving posture even when moving the vehicle only slightly, allowing you to depress the brake and accelerator pedals prop-
erly.
• Depress the brake pedal using your right foot. Depressing the brake pedal using your left foot may delay response in an emergency, resulting in an acci-
dent.
●Do not drive the vehicle over or stop the vehicle near flammable materials. 
The exhaust system and exhaust gases ca n be extremely hot. This may cause a
fire if there is any flammable material nearby.
●Do not let the vehicle roll backwards while the shift lever is in a driving position, or
roll forward while the shift lever is in “R”. 
Doing so may cause the hybrid system not to operate or lead to poor brake and
steering performance, resulting in an accident or damage to the vehicle.
●If the smell of exhaust is noticed inside the vehicle, open the windows and check
that the trunk is closed. 
Large amounts of exhaust in the vehicle can cause driver drowsiness and an acci-
dent, resulting in death or a serious health hazard. Have the vehicle inspected by
your Lexus dealer immediately.
●Do not under any circumstances shift the shift lever to “P”, “R” or “N” while the
vehicle is moving. 
Doing so can cause significant damage to the transmission and may result in a
loss of vehicle control.

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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.
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2-1. Driving procedures
2
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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2-4. Using other driving systems
GS_HV_U
January 4, 2008 10:02 am
Driving assist systems
To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following systems
operate automatically in response to various driving situations. Be aware,
however, that these systems are supplementary and should not be relied
upon too heavily when operating the vehicle.
■ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied suddenly, or if
the brakes are applied while driving on a slippery road surface.
■ Brake assist
Generates an increased level of braking force after the brake pedal is
depressed, when the system detects a panic stop situation.
■VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)
Helps the driver to control skidding wh en swerving suddenly or turning on
slippery road surfaces.
■ TRAC (Traction Control)
Maintains drive power and prevents the rear wheels from spinning when
starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads.
■Hill-start assist control
Helps prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards when starting on an
incline or slippery slope. It operates for approximately 5 seconds at maxi-
mum.
■ EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed to turn
the steering wheel.
■Active stabilizer suspension system (if equipped)
Turns at smaller angles to main tain the stable vehicle posture.

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2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
GS_HV_U
January 4, 2008 10:02 am
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.
■ PCS (Pre-Collision System) (if equipped)
 P. 2 0 6
■VGRS (Variable Gear Ratio Steering)
Adjusts the wheel turning angle in accordance with the vehicle speed and
steering wheel movement.
■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, hybrid output, and the movement of the front
wheels.