Page 161 of 622
160
2-2. Instrument cluster
GS_HV_U (OM30B44U)
April 27, 2009 10:09 am
Odometer/trip meter and trip meter reset buttons
Changes the display
Resets the trip meter driving
range to “0”.
Instrument panel light controlThe brightness of the instrument panel lights excluding the clock and out-
side temperature display, can be adjusted. Brighter
Darker
Maximum brightness
Odometer and trip meterOdometer
Displays the total distance the vehicle has been driven.
Trip meter
Displays the distance the vehicle has been driven since the meter was
last reset. Trip meters A and B can be used to record and display differ-
ent distances independently.
GS450h_HV_U.book Page 160 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:10 AM
Page 171 of 622

170
2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers
GS_HV_U (OM30B44U)
April 27, 2009 10:09 am
AFS (Adaptive Front lighting System)
AFS improves visibility at intersections and on curves by automatically
adjusting the level of the headlights according to vehicle speed and the
degree of the tire angle that are controlled by steering input.
Operates at speeds of 6 mph (10 km/h) or higher.
■ Deactivating AFS
Press the switch to turn it off.
The indicator turns on when
the AFS is deactivated.
■Daytime running light system
To make your vehicle more visible to other drivers, the headlights turn on automati-
cally (at a reduced intensity) whenever the hybrid system is started and the parking
brake is released. Daytime running lights are not designed for use at night.
■Headlight control sensor
The sensor may not function properly if an
object is placed on the sensor, or anything
that blocks the sensor is affixed to the wind-
shield.
Doing so interferes with the sensor detecting
the level of ambient light and may cause the
automatic headlight system to malfunction.
GS450h_HV_U.book Page 170 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:10 AM
Page 172 of 622

171
2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers
2
When driving
GS_HV_U (OM30B44U)
April 27, 2009 10:09 am
■Automatic light off system
The headlights and tail lights turn off 30 seconds after all doors are closed if the
“POWER” switch has been switched to ACCESSORY mode or turned OFF while
the headlights are turned on. (The lights turn off immediately if the button on the
key is pressed after all doors are locked.)
To turn the lights on again, switch to ON mode, or turn the light switch off once and
then back to the or position.
■Automatic headlight leveling system
The level of the headlights is automatically adjusted according to the number of
passengers and the loading condition of the vehicle to ensure that the headlights do
not interfere with other road users.
■If the indicator flashes...
It may indicate a malfunction in the system. Contact your Lexus dealer.
■Customization that can be configured at Lexus dealer
Settings (e.g. light sensor sensitivity) can be changed.
(Customizable features →P. 5 9 3 )
NOTICE
■To prevent 12 volt battery discharge
Do not leave the lights on longer than necessary when the hybrid system is off.
GS450h_HV_U.book Page 171 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:10 AM
Page 177 of 622
176
2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers
GS_HV_U (OM30B44U)
April 27, 2009 10:09 am
■Rain drop sensor (vehicles equipped with rain-sensing windshield wipers)
■If no windshield washer fluid sprays
Check that the washer nozzles are not blocked if there is washer fluid in the wind-
shield washer fluid reservoir.
■If the components get extremely hot or cold
The system will turn off if the components get extremely hot (more than 194°F
[90 °C]) or cold (less than -22 °F [-30 °C]).
■Customization that can be configured at Lexus dealer
Settings (e.g. drip prevention function) can be changed.
(Customizable features →P. 5 9 3 ) The sensor judges the amount of raindrops.
GS450h_HV_U.book Page 176 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:10 AM
Page 215 of 622

214
2-4. Using other driving systems
GS_HV_U (OM30B44U)
April 27, 2009 10:09 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.
■Enhanced VSC (Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control)
Helps the driver to control skidding when swerving suddenly or turning on
slippery road surfaces.
■TRAC (Traction Control)
Helps to maintain 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 suspensi on system (if equipped)
Reduces sway when cornering according to steering wheel movement
and the selected suspension damping mode, in order to maintain a stable
vehicle posture.
GS450h_HV_U.book Page 214 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:10 AM
Page 225 of 622

224
2-4. Using other driving systems
GS_HV_U (OM30B44U)
April 27, 2009 10:09 am
■Conditions that may trigger the system even if there is no danger of collision
●When there is an object by the roadside at the entrance to a curve
●When passing an oncoming vehicle on a curve
●When driving over a narrow iron bridge
●When there is a metal object on the road surface
●When driving on an uneven road surface
●When passing an oncoming vehicle on a left-turn
●When your vehicle rapidly closes on the vehicle in front
When the system is activated in the situations described above there is also a possi-
bility that the seat belts will retract quickly and the brakes will be applied with a force
greater than normal. When the seat belt is locked in the retracted position, stop the
vehicle in a safe place, release the seat belt and refasten.
■When there is a malfunction in the system
Warning lights and/or warning messages will turn on or flash. ( →P. 511, 521)
GS450h_HV_U.book Page 224 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:10 AM
Page 231 of 622

230
2-5. Driving information
GS_HV_U (OM30B44U)
April 27, 2009 10:09 am
CAUTION
■Things that must not be carried in the trunk
The following things may cause a fire if loaded in the trunk.
●Receptacles containing gasoline
●Aerosol cans
■Storage precautions
Observe the following precautions.
Failing to do so may result in death or serious injury.
●Do not place cargo or luggage in or on the following locations as the item may
get under the brake or accelerator pedal and prevent the pedals from being
depressed properly, block the driver’s vision, or hit the driver or passengers,
causing an accident.
• Driver’s feet
• Front passenger or rear seats (when stacking items)
• Package tray
• Instrument panel
•Dashboard
●Secure all items in the occupant compartment, as they may shift and injure some-
one during sudden braking, sudden swerving or an accident.
■Weight of the load
●Improper loading may cause deterioration of steering or braking control result-
ing in an accident which may cause death or serious injury.
●Do not exceed the maximum axle weight rating or the total vehicle weight rating.
●Even if the total load of occupant’s weight and the cargo load is less than the total
load capacity, do not apply the load unevenly. Improper loading may cause dete-
rioration of steering or braking control which may cause death or serious injury.
GS450h_HV_U.book Page 230 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:10 AM
Page 234 of 622

233
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
GS_HV_U (OM30B44U)
April 27, 2009 10:09 am
Regulations on the use of tire chains
● Regulations regarding the use of tire chains vary according to location
and type of road. Always check local regulations before installing
chains.
● Use SAE Class “S” type radial tire chains, with the exception of radial
cable chains or V-bar type chains.
• Install the chains on the rear tires.
• Refer to the explanation that comes with the tire chains for installa-
tion instructions.
● Retighten the chains after driving 1 /4 - 1 /2 mile (0.5 - 1.0 km).
■When driving the vehicle
Accelerate the vehicle slowly and drive at a reduced speed suitable
to road conditions.
■ When parking the vehicle
Park the vehicle and move the shift lever to “P” without setting the
parking brake. The parking brake may freeze up, preventing it from
being released. If necessary, block the wheels to prevent inadvert-
ent sliding or creeping.
GS450h_HV_U.book Page 233 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:10 AM