2009 Lexus GS450h engine

143
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
GS_HV_U (OM30B44U)
April 27, 2009 10:09 am
CAUTION
■When driving on slippery road surfaces
●Sudden braking, acceleration and steering may cause tire slippage and reduce
your ability to control the vehicle, resulting in an accident.
●Sudden changes in engine speed, such as engine braking caused by up-shifting
or down-shifting, may cause the vehicle 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 only one side are wet and not functioning
properly, steering control may be affected, 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 not 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.
GS450h_HV_U.book Page 143 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:10 AM

147
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
GS_HV_U (OM30B44U)
April 27, 2009 10:09 am
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 3 9 )
■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 and 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.
GS450h_HV_U.book Page 147 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:10 AM

148
2-1. Driving procedures
GS_HV_U (OM30B44U)
April 27, 2009 10:09 am
Power (ignition) switch
Performing the following operations when carrying the electronic key on
your person starts the hybrid syst em or changes “POWER” switch modes.
■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.
The hybrid system can be
started from any mode.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
GS450h_HV_U.book Page 148 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:10 AM

152
2-1. Driving procedures
GS_HV_U (OM30B44U)
April 27, 2009 10:09 am
Transmission
Select a shift position appropriate for the driving conditions.
■Shifting the shift lever
While the “POWER” switch 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 5 4 )
GS450h_HV_U.book Page 152 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:10 AM

154
2-1. Driving procedures
GS_HV_U (OM30B44U)
April 27, 2009 10:09 am
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.
GS450h_HV_U.book Page 154 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:10 AM

155
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
GS_HV_U (OM30B44U)
April 27, 2009 10:09 am
■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 8 3 )
■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 4 8
■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”.
GS450h_HV_U.book Page 155 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:10 AM

159
2
When driving
GS_HV_U (OM30B44U)
April 27, 2009 10:09 am
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 6 6
GS450h_HV_U.book Page 159 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:10 AM

162
2-2. Instrument cluster
GS_HV_U (OM30B44U)
April 27, 2009 10:09 am
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 5 7 )
■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.
GS450h_HV_U.book Page 162 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:10 AM