2009 Lexus GS450h Owner's Manual

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

153
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
GS_HV_U (OM30B44U)
April 27, 2009 10:09 am
■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.
GS450h_HV_U.book Page 153 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

156
2-1. Driving procedures
GS_HV_U (OM30B44U)
April 27, 2009 10:09 am
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.
Right turn
Left turn
Move and hold the lever part-
way to signal a lane change
The right hand signal will flash
until you release the lever.
Move and hold the lever part-
way to signal a lane change
The left hand signal will flash
until you release the lever.
GS450h_HV_U.book Page 156 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:10 AM

157
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
GS_HV_U (OM30B44U)
May 1, 2009 2:20 pm
Parking brake
■Usage in winter time
See “Winter driving tips” for parking brake usage in winter time. (→P. 232)
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 parking
brake pedal with your left
foot while depressing the
brake pedal with your right
foot.
CanadaU.S.A.
sec_02-01.fm Page 157 Friday, May 1, 2009 2:20 PM

158
2-1. Driving procedures
GS_HV_U (OM30B44U)
April 27, 2009 10:09 am
Horn
To sound the horn, press on or
close to the mark.
GS450h_HV_U.book Page 158 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