1
2
3
4
5
6
7
3
GS_HV_U (OM30B44U)
April 27, 2009 10:09 am
2-1. Driving proceduresDriving the vehicle ........................ 138
Power (ignition) switch ............... 148
Transmission ................................... 152
Turn signal lever ............................ 156
Parking brake ................................. 157
Horn.................................................... 158
2-2. Instrument cluster Gauges and meters ..................... 159
Indicators and warning lights............................... 163
Multi-information display ........... 166
2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers
Headlight switch ............................ 169
Fog light switch ............................... 172
Windshield wipers and washer............................................. 173
Headlight cleaner switch ........... 178 2-4. Using other driving systems
Cruise control ................................ 179
Dynamic radar cruise control............................................. 183
Intuitive parking assist ................. 195
Rear view monitor system ......... 210
AVS (Adaptive Variable Suspension System) .................. 213
Driving assist systems.................. 214
PCS (Pre-Collision System) ............ 221
2-5. Driving information Cargo and luggage ..................... 227
Vehicle load limits......................... 231
Winter driving tips ....................... 232
Trailer towing ................................. 236
Dinghy towing ............................... 237
2When driving
GS450h_HV_U.book Page 3 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:10 AM
14
GS_HV_U (OM30B44U)
April 27, 2009 10:09 am
Pictorial indexInstrument panel
Headlight switch
Turn signal lever
Fog light switch P. 169
P. 156
P. 172
Gauges and meters P. 159
Multi-information display P. 166Windshield wipers and
washer switch
P. 173
“POWER” switch P. 148
Parking brake pedal P. 157
Trunk opener main switch
P. 59
Glove box
P. 373
Hood lock release lever P. 435
Trunk opener P. 59
Fuel filler door opener P. 91
Horn P. 158
GS450h_HV_U.book Page 14 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:10 AM
33
1-1. Hybrid system
1
Before driving
GS_HV_U (OM30B44U)
April 27, 2009 10:09 am
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, leave 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 (traction motor) are on the ground when towing, the
motor may continue to generate electricity. This may cause an electricity leakage
leading to a fire. (
→P. 5 0 1 )
●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.
GS450h_HV_U.book Page 33 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:10 AM
When driving2
137
GS_HV_U (OM30B44U)
April 27, 2009 10:09 am
2-1. Driving proceduresDriving the vehicle.................. 138
Power (ignition) switch .......... 148
Transmission.............................. 152
Turn signal lever ....................... 156
Parking brake ........................... 157
Horn ............................................ 158
2-2. Instrument cluster Gauges and meters ................ 159
Indicators and warning lights ........................ 163
Multi-information display ..... 166 2-3. Operating the lights and
windshield wipers
Headlight switch ...................... 169
Fog light switch ......................... 172
Windshield wipers and washer ..................................... 173
Headlight cleaner switch ..... 178
2-4. Using other driving systems
Cruise control........................... 179
Dynamic radar cruise control ..................................... 183
Intuitive parking assist ........... 195
Rear view monitor system .... 210
AVS (Adaptive Variable Suspension System) ............ 213
Driving assist systems ............ 214
PCS (Pre-Collision System) ...... 221
2-5. Driving information Cargo and luggage ............... 227
Vehicle load limits ................... 231
Winter driving tips ................. 232
Trailer towing .......................... 236
Dinghy towing......................... 237
GS450h_HV_U.book Page 137 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:10 AM
138
GS_HV_U (OM30B44U)
April 27, 2009 10:09 am
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. 148)
■ Driving
With the brake pedal depressed, shift the shift lever to “D”. (→P. 1 5 2 )
Release the parking brake. (→ P. 1 5 7 )
Gradually release the brake pedal 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 5 2 )
■Parking the vehicle
With the shift lever in “D”, push the brake pedal.
Set the parking brake. (→ P. 1 5 7 )
Shift the shift lever to “P”. (→ P. 1 5 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
GS450h_HV_U.book Page 138 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:10 AM
142
2-1. Driving procedures
GS_HV_U (OM30B44U)
April 27, 2009 10:09 am
CAUTION
■When driving the vehicle
●Do not shift the shift lever to “N” while the vehicle is moving.
Doing so may cause the engine brake not to operate properly and lead to an
accident.
●Do not turn the hybrid system off while driving.
The power steering and brake actuator will not operate properly if the hybrid sys-
tem is off.
●Use engine braking (downshift) to maintain a safe speed when driving down a
steep hill.
Using the brakes continuously may cause the brakes to overheat and lose effec-
tiveness. (→P. 1 5 4 )
●When stopped on an inclined surface, use the brake pedal and parking brake to
prevent the vehicle from rolling backward or forward and causing an accident.
●Be careful when driving on slippery surfaces, as the vehicle may spin or skid when
downshifting, rapidly accelerating, braking or turning.
●Do not adjust the position of the steering wheel, the seat, or the inside or outside
rear view mirrors while driving.
Doing so may result in a loss of vehicle control that can cause accidents that may
result in death or serious injury.
●Always check that all passengers’ arms, heads or other parts of their bodies are
not outside the vehicle, as this may result in death or serious injury.
●Do not drive in excess of the speed limit. Even if the legal speed limit permits it, do
not drive over 85 mph (140 km/h) unless your vehicle has high-speed capability
tires. Driving over 85 mph (140 km/h) may result in tire failure, loss of control and
possible injury. Be sure to consult a tire dealer to determine whether the tires on
your vehicle are high-speed capability tires or not before driving at such speeds.
●The driver should pay attention to pedestrians when the vehicle is powered only
by the electric motor (traction motor). Because there is no engine sounds, the
pedestrians may misjudge the vehicle’s movement.
GS450h_HV_U.book Page 142 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:10 AM
144
2-1. Driving procedures
GS_HV_U (OM30B44U)
April 27, 2009 10:09 am
CAUTION
■When the vehicle is parked
●Do not leave glasses, cigarette lighters, spray cans, or soft drink cans in the vehi-
cle when it is in the sun.
Failure to do so may result in the following:
• Gas may leak from a cigarette lighter or spray can, and may lead to a fire.
• The temperature inside the vehicle may cause the plastic lenses and plasticmaterial of eye glasses to deform or crack.
• Soft drink cans may fracture, causing the contents to spray over the interior of the vehicle, and may also cause a short circuit in the vehicle’s electrical com-
ponents.
●Always apply the parking brake, shift the shift lever to “P”, stop the hybrid system
and lock the vehicle.
Do not leave the vehicle unattended while the hybrid system is operating.
●Do not touch the exhaust pipe while the hybrid system is operating or immedi-
ately after turning the hybrid system off.
Doing so may cause burns.
●Do not leave the hybrid system operating in an area with snow build-up, or where
it is snowing. If snowbanks build up around the vehicle while the hybrid system is
operating, exhaust gases may collect and enter the vehicle. This may lead to
death or a serious health hazard.
■Exhaust gases
Exhaust gases include harmful carbon monoxide (CO) that is colorless and odor-
less. Inhaling exhaust gases may lead to death or a serious health hazard.
●If the vehicle is in a poorly ventilated area, stop the hybrid system. In a closed
area, such as a garage, exhaust gases may collect and enter the vehicle. This may
lead to death or a serious health hazard.
●The exhaust should be checked occasionally. If there is a hole or crack caused by
corrosion, damage to a joint or abnormal exhaust noise, be sure to have the vehi-
cle inspected and repaired by your Lexus dealer. Failure to do so may allow
exhaust gases to enter the vehicle, resulting in death or a serious health hazard.
GS450h_HV_U.book Page 144 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:10 AM
145
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
GS_HV_U (OM30B44U)
April 27, 2009 10:09 am
CAUTION
■When taking a nap in the vehicle
Always turn the hybrid system off. Otherwise, you may accidentally move the shift
lever or depress the accelerator pedal, which could cause an accident or fire due to
hybrid system overheating. Additionally, if the vehicle is parked in a poorly venti-
lated area, exhaust gases may collect and enter the vehicle, leading to death or a
serious health hazard.
■When braking the vehicle
●When the brakes are wet, drive more cautiously.
Braking distance increases when the brakes are wet, and may cause one side of
the vehicle to brake differently than the other side. Also the parking brake may
not securely hold the vehicle.
●If the brake actuator does not operate, do not follow other vehicles closely and
avoid downhill or sharp turns that require making.
In this case, braking is still possible, but it will require more force on the pedal than
usual. Braking distance may also increase.
●Do not pump the brake pedal if turning the hybrid system off.
Each push on the brake pedal uses up the reserve for the power-assisted brakes.
●The brake system consists of 3 individual hydraulic systems: If one of the systems
fails, the other will still operate. In this case, the brake pedal should be depressed
more firmly than usual and braking distance becomes longer.
Do not drive your vehicle with only a single brake system. Have your brakes fixed
immediately.
■If the vehicle becomes stuck or bogged
Do not spin the wheels recklessly when any of the tires is up in the air, or stuck in
sand or mud, etc. This may damage the drive system components or propel the
vehicle forward (or in another direction) and cause an accident.
GS450h_HV_U.book Page 145 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:10 AM