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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
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1-1. Hybrid system
1
Before driving
GS_HV_U (OM30B44U)
April 27, 2009 10:09 am
■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 from the engine compartment.
●Sounds may be heard from the hybrid battery (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 transmission 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 maintenance, repair, recycling and disposal.
Do not dispose of the vehicle yourself.
GS450h_HV_U.book Page 27 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
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2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
GS_HV_U (OM30B44U)
April 27, 2009 10:09 am
CAUTION
■When starting the vehicle
Always keep your foot on the brake pedal while stopped with the hybrid system
operating. This prevents the vehicle from creeping.
■When driving the vehicle
●Do not drive if you are unfamiliar with the location of the brake and accelerator
pedals to avoid depressing the wrong pedal.
• Accidentally depressing the accelerator pedal instead of the brake pedal willresult in sudden acceleration that may lead to an accident that could result in
death or serious injury.
• When backing up, you may twist your body around, leading to a difficulty in operating the pedals. Make sure to operate the pedals properly.
• Make sure to keep a correct driving posture even when moving the vehicle only slightly, allowing you to depress the brake and accelerator pedals prop-
erly.
• Depress the brake pedal using your right foot. Depressing the brake pedal using your left foot may delay response in an emergency, resulting in an acci-
dent.
●Do not drive the vehicle over or stop the vehicle near flammable materials.
The exhaust system and exhaust gases can be extremely hot. This may cause a
fire if there is any flammable material nearby.
●Do not let the vehicle roll backwards while th e shift lever is in a driving position, or
roll forward while the shift lever is in “R”.
Doing so may cause the hybrid system not to operate or lead to poor brake and
steering performance, resulting in an accident or damage to the vehicle.
●If the smell of exhaust is noticed inside the vehicle, open the windows and check
that the trunk is closed.
Large amounts of exhaust in the vehicle can cause driver drowsiness and an acci-
dent, resulting in death or a serious heal th hazard. Have the vehicle inspected by
your Lexus dealer immediately.
●Do not under any circumstances shift the sh ift lever to “P”, “R” or “N” while the
vehicle is moving.
Doing so can cause significant damage to the transmission and may result in a
loss of vehicle control.
GS450h_HV_U.book Page 141 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
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
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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
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4-2. Maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
GS_HV_U (OM30B44U)
April 27, 2009 10:09 am
Vehicle interior
ItemsCheck points
Accelerator pedal• Moves smoothly (without uneven pedal effort or catching)?
Transmission “Park”
mechanism• Can the vehicle be hold securely on an incline with the shift lever in “P”?
Brake pedal
• Moves smoothly?
• Does it have appropriate clearance and correct amount of free play?
Brakes
• Pulls to one side when applied?
• Loss of brake effectiveness?
• Spongy feeling brake pedal?
• Pedal almost touches floor?
Head restraints• Move smoothly and lock securely?
Indicators/buzzers• Function properly?
Lights• Do all the lights come on?
• Headlights aimed correctly? ( →P. 4 8 9 )
Pa r k i n g b r a ke
• Moves smoothly?
• Can hold the vehicle securely on an
incline?
Seat belts
• Does the seat belt system operate smoothly?
• Are the belts undamaged?
Seats• Do the seat controls operate properly?
Steering wheel
• Moves smoothly?
• Has correct free play?
• No strange noises?
GS450h_HV_U.book Page 429 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:10 AM