2010 Lexus GS450h light

145
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
GS_HV_U (OM30C81U)
October 13, 2015 12:41 pm
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.
●In order to prevent accidents due to the vehicle rolling away, always keep
depressing the brake pedal while the “READY” indicator is on. Apply the parking
brake as necessary.
●If the vehicle is stopped on an incline, in order to prevent accidents caused by the
vehicle rolling forward or backward, always depress the brake pedal and securely
apply the parking brake as needed.
●Avoid revving or racing the engine. Running the engine at high speed while the
vehicle is stopped may cause the exhaust system to overheat, which could result
in a fire if combustible material is nearby.

146
2-1. Driving procedures
GS_HV_U (OM30C81U)
October 13, 2015 12:41 pm
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 plastic
material 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.

150
2-1. Driving procedures
GS_HV_U (OM30C81U)
October 13, 2015 12:41 pm
Power (ignition) switch
Performing the following operations when carrying the electronic key on
your person starts the hybrid system 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

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2-1. Driving procedures
GS_HV_U (OM30C81U)
October 13, 2015 12:41 pm
■If the hybrid system does not start
The immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. (P. 9 9 )
■When the steering lock cannot be released
■When the “POWER” switch indicator flashes in amber
The system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus
dealer immediately.
■If the “READY” light does not come on
If the “READY” light does not come on when you press the “POWER” switch with
the shift lever in “P” and the brake pedal pressed, contact your Lexus dealer imme-
diately.
■Auto power OFF function
If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY or ON mode (the hybrid system is not operat-
ing) for more than an hour with the shift lever in P, the “POWER” switch will auto-
matically turn off. However, this function cannot entirely prevent 12 volt battery
discharge. Do not leave the vehicle with the “POWER” switch in ACCESSORY or
ON mode for long periods of time when the hybrid system is not operating.
■When the ambient temperature is low
Such as during winter driving conditions, it may take time until the “READY” light
comes on.
■Sounds and vibrations specific to a hybrid vehicle
P. 2 7
■When the hybrid system is malfunctioning
P. 5 4 3
The green indicator light on the “POWER”
switch will flash and a message will be shown
on the multi-information display. Press the
“POWER” switch again while turning the
steering wheel left and right.

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2-1. Driving procedures
GS_HV_U (OM30C81U)
October 13, 2015 12:41 pm
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.

162
2-2. Instrument cluster
GS_HV_U (OM30C81U)
February 1, 2010 11:03 am
Odometer/trip meter and trip meter reset buttons
Changes the display
Resets the trip meter driving
range to “0”.
Instrument panel light control
The brightness of the instrument panel lights excluding the clock and out-
side temperature display, can be adjusted.
Brighter
Darker
Maximum brightness
Odometer and trip meter
Odometer
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.

163
2-2. Instrument cluster
2
When driving
GS_HV_U (OM30C81U)
February 1, 2010 11:03 am
Light sensitive optitron meter
To reduce glare or reflection of the instrument cluster, the cluster glass is
tinted automatically or manually. You can select a setting from 7 modes.
Display the present setting, then
change the mode.
To change the mode, press the but-
ton once and then again within 6
seconds.
Each time you press the button, the
mode changes in the following
order:
1. “AUTO - Norm.”
2. “AUTO - Lo”
3. “AUTO - Hi”
4. “MANUAL - 1”
5. “MANUAL - 2”
6. “MANUAL - 3”
7. “ M A N U A L - 4 ”
Mode 1 to 3: The cluster glass tint
will be adjusted automatically
depending on the intensity of sun-
light in the surrounding.
Mode 4 to 7: The cluster glass tint
will be fixed when a certain level of
sunlight is reached in the surround-
ing.
(“Norm.” to “Hi”, “1” to “4” referring
to the level of cluster glass tint.)

164
2-2. Instrument cluster
GS_HV_U (OM30C81U)
February 1, 2010 11:03 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 8 1 )
■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.