2008 Lexus GS450h brake

TABLE OF CONTENTSIndex
2
GS_HV_U
December 12, 2007 3:33 pm
1-1. Hybrid system ............................... 22Hybrid system ................................... 22
1-2. Key information ........................... 33 Keys ...................................................... 33
1-3. Opening, closing and locking 
the doors and trunk .................. 35
Smart access system with  push-button start .......................... 35
Wireless remote control .............. 47
Doors................................................... 50
Trunk..................................................... 55
1-4. Adjustable components 
(seats, mirrors, 
steering wheel) .......................... 58
Front seats ......................................... 58
Driving position memory 
system ............................................... 60
Head restraints................................. 64
Seat belts ............................................ 66
Steering wheel.................................. 73
Inside rear view mirror .................. 74
Outside rear view mirrors ........... 75 1-5. Opening and closing the

windows and moon roof .......... 77
Power windows................................ 77
Moon roof ......................................... 80
1-6. Refueling ....................................... 83 Opening the fuel tank cap........... 83
1-7. Theft deterrent system.............. 88 Immobilizer system ....................... 88
Alarm.................................................... 90
Theft prevention labels 
(U.S.A.) ............................................. 92
1-8. Safety information ....................... 93 Correct driving posture ............... 93
SRS airbags ....................................... 95
Front passenger occupant 
classification system .................. 107
Child restraint sy stems ................. 113
Installing child restraints ............... 117
2-1. Driving procedures................... 128 Driving the vehicle ........................ 128
Power (ignition) switch ............... 138
Transmission ................................... 142
Turn signal lever............................. 146
Parking brake ................................. 147
1Before driving
2When driving

12
GS_HV_U
December 12, 2007 3:50 pm
Pictorial indexInstrument panel
Headlight switch
Turn signal lever
Fog light switch P. 158
P. 146
P. 161
Gauges and meters P. 148
Multi-information display P. 155Windshield wipers and
washer switch
P. 162
“POWER” switch P. 138
Parking brake pedal P. 147
Trunk opener main switch
P. 55
Glove box
P. 356
Hood lock release lever P. 417
Trunk opener P. 55
Fuel filler door opener P. 83

23
1-1. Hybrid system
1
Before driving
GS_HV_U
July 3, 2008 12:32 pm
■Regenerative braking
The motor generator converts kinetic energy to electric energy when:
●The accelerator pedal is released.
●The brake pedal is depressed with the shift lever in “D” or “S”.
■When stopped/during take-off
The gasoline engine stops when the vehicle is stopped. During take-
off, the electric motor (traction motor) drives the vehicle. At slow
speeds or when traveling down a ge ntle slope, the engine is stopped
and the motor is used.
■ During normal driving
The gasoline engine is predomina ntly used. The electric motor
(traction motor) charges the hybrid battery as necessary.
■ When accelerating sharply
The power of the hybrid battery (trac tion battery) is added via elec-
tric motor (traction motor) to th at of the gasoline engine.
■ When braking (Regenerative brake)
The electric motor (traction motor) charges the hybrid battery
(traction battery).

25
1-1. Hybrid system
1
Before driving
GS_HV_U
July 3, 2008 12:32 pm
■Sounds and vibrations specific to a hybrid vehicle
There may be no engine sounds or vibration even though the vehicle is able to
move. Always put the shift lever in “P” when parked.
The following sounds or vibrations may occur when the hybrid system is operating,
and are not a malfunction.
●Motor sounds may be heard fr om the engine compartment.
●Sounds may be heard from the hybrid ba ttery (traction battery) behind the rear
seat when the hybrid system starts or stops.
●Sounds from the hybrid system may be heard when the trunk lid is open.
●Sounds may be heard from the transmissi on when the hybrid system starts or
stops.
●Engine sounds may be heard when accelerating sharply.
●Sounds may be heard from the regenerative brake when you press the brake
pedal.
●Vibration may be felt when the gasoline engine starts or stops.
●You may hear cooling fan sounds coming from the air intake vents behind the
rear seat.
■Maintenance, repair, recycling, and disposal
Contact your Lexus dealer regarding main tenance, repair, recycling and disposal.
Do not dispose of the vehicle yourself.

31
1-1. Hybrid system
1
Before driving
GS_HV_U
July 3, 2008 12:32 pm
CAUTION
■Road accident cautions
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of injury.
●Pull your vehicle off the road, put the shift lever in “P”, apply the parking brake,
turn the hybrid system off.
●Do not touch the high voltage parts, cables and connectors.
●If electric wires are exposed inside or outside your vehicle, an electric shock may
occur. Never touch exposed electric wires.
●If a fluid leak occurs, do not touch it as it may be strong alkaline electrolyte from
the hybrid battery (traction battery). If it comes into contact with your skin or
eyes, wash it off immediately with a large amount of water or if possible, boric
acid solution. Seek immediate medical attention.
●If a fire occurs in the hybrid vehicle, le ave the vehicle as soon as possible. Never
use a fire extinguisher that is not meant for electric fires. Using even a small
amount of water may be dangerous.
●If your vehicle needs to be towed, do so with the rear wheels raised. If the wheels
with the electric motor (t raction motor) are on the ground when towing, the
motor may continue to generate electricit y. This may cause an electricity leakage
leading to a fire. (
P. 4 8 2 )
●Carefully inspect the ground under the vehicle. If you find that liquid has leaked
onto the ground, the fuel system may have been damaged. Leave the vehicle as
soon as possible.

When driving2
127
GS_HV_U
December 12, 2007 3:33 pm
2-1. Driving procedures ........ 128Driving the vehicle.................. 128
Power (ignition) switch .......... 138
Transmission.............................. 142
Turn signal lever ....................... 146
Parking brake ........................... 147
2-2. Instrument cluster ......... 148 Gauges and meters ................ 148
Indicators and warning 
lights ......................................... 152
Multi-information display ..... 155 2-3. Operating the lights and

windshield wipers ........ 158
Headlight switch ..................... 158
Fog light switch .......................... 161
Windshield wipers and 
washer ...................................... 162
Headlight cleaner switch ..... 165
2-4. Using other driving 
systems .......................... 166
Cruise control.......................... 166
Dynamic radar cruise 
control ...................................... 169
Intuitive parking assist ........... 180
Rear view monitor 
system...................................... 195
AVS (Adaptive Variable 
Suspension System) ............ 199
Driving assist systems ........... 200
PCS (Pre-Collision 
System) .................................. 206
2-5. Driving information........ 210 Cargo and luggage ................ 210
Vehicle load limits ................... 214
Winter driving tips .................. 215
Trailer towing .......................... 220
Dinghy towing.......................... 221

128
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.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP1
STEP2
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
STEP5
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3

129
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 )