Page 193 of 688

1934-1. Before driving
4
Driving
CT200h_OM_OM76102E_(EE)
NOTICE
When driving the vehicle
Do not depress the accelerator and brake pedals at the same time during driv-
ing, as this may restrain driving torque.
Do not use the accelerator pedal or depress the accelerator and brake pedals at
the same time to hold the vehicle on a hill.
When parking the vehicle
Always shift the shift position to P. Failure to do so may cause the vehicle to
move or the vehicle may accelerate suddenly if the accelerator pedal is acciden-
tally depressed.
Avoiding damage to vehicle parts
Do not turn the steering wheel fully in either direction and hold it there for an
extended period of time.
Doing so may damage the power steering motor.
When driving over bumps in the road, drive as slowly as possible to avoid
damaging the wheels, underside of the vehicle, etc.
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 depress the brake pedal to slow down the vehicle.
It may be difficult to control your vehicle.
The vehicle will make abnormal sounds or vibrations.
The vehicle will lean abnormally.
Information on what to do in case of a flat tire (P. 590, 604)
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 any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and
equipped professional check the following:
Brake function
Changes in quantity and quality of oil and fluid used for the engine, transmis-
sion, etc.
Lubricant condition for the bearings and suspension joints (where possible),
and the function of all joints, bearings, etc.
If the P position control system is damaged by flooding, it may not be possible
to shift the shift position to P, or from P to other positions. When the shift posi-
tion cannot be changed from P to any other position, the front wheels will lock,
and you will be unable to tow the vehicle with the front wheels on the ground,
as the front wheels may be locked. In this case, transport the vehicle with both
front wheels or all four wheels lifted.
Page 194 of 688

1944-1. Before driving
CT200h_OM_OM76102E_(EE)
Cargo and luggage
Take notice of the following information about storage precautions,
cargo capacity and load.
WA R N I N G
Things that must not be carried in the luggage compartment
The following things may cause a fire if loaded in the luggage compartment:
Receptacles containing gasoline
Aerosol cans
Storage precautions
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may prevent the pedals from being depressed properly, may
block the driver’s vision, or may result in items hitting the driver or passengers,
possibly causing an accident.
Stow cargo and luggage in the luggage compartment whenever possible.
Do not stack cargo and luggage in the luggage compartment higher than the
seatbacks.
When you fold down the rear seats, long items should not be placed directly
behind the front seats.
Never allow anyone to ride in the luggage compartment. It is not designed for
passengers. They should ride in their seats with their seat belts properly fas-
tened.
Do not place cargo or luggage in or on the following locations.
• At the feet of the driver
• On the front passenger or rear seats (when stacking items)
• On the luggage cover (if equipped)
• On the instrument panel
• On the dashboard
Secure all items in the occupant compartment.
Load and distribution
Do not overload your vehicle.
Do not apply loads unevenly.
Improper loading may cause deterioration of steering or braking control which
may cause death or serious injury.
Page 195 of 688
195
4 4-1. Before driving
Driving
CT200h_OM_OM76102E_(EE)
Trailer towing
Lexus does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle. Lexus also
does not recommend the installation of a tow hitch or the use of a tow
hitch carrier for a wheelchair, scooter, bicycle, etc. Your vehicle is not
designed for trailer towing or for the use of tow hitch mounted carriers.
Page 196 of 688

1964-2. Driving procedures
CT200h_OM_OM76102E_(EE)
Power (ignition) switch
Check that the parking brake is set.
Firmly depress the brake pedal.
Check that the power switch indicator turns green. If the indicator does not
turn green, the hybrid system cannot be started.
When the shift position is N, the hybrid system cannot start. Shift the shift
position to P when starting the hybrid system. (P. 205)
Press the power switch.
Continue depressing the brake pedal
until the hybrid system is completely
started.
The hybrid system can be started
from any power switch mode.
Check that the “READY” indicator is illuminated.
If the “READY” indicator changes from a flashing light to a solid light and
the buzzer sounds, the hybrid system is starting normally.
The vehicle will not move when the “READY” indicator is off.
The vehicle can move when the “READY” indicator is on even if the engine
is stopped. (The gasoline engine starts or stops automatically in accordance
with the state of the vehicle.)
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
1
2
3
4
Page 197 of 688
1974-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
CT200h_OM_OM76102E_(EE)
Stop the vehicle completely.
Set the parking brake. (P. 210)
Shift the shift position to P.
(P. 205)
Check that the shift position indica-
tor shows P. (P. 203)
Press the power switch.
The hybrid system will stop, and the meter display will be extinguished (the
shift position indicator will be extinguished a few seconds after the meter dis-
play).
Slowly release the brake pedal and check that the indicator on the
power switch is off.
Stopping the hybrid system
1
2
3
4
5
Page 198 of 688

1984-2. Driving procedures
CT200h_OM_OM76102E_(EE)
Modes can be changed by pressing the power switch with the brake pedal
released. (The mode changes each time the switch is pressed.)
Off
The emergency flashers can be used.
ACCESSORY mode
Some electrical components such as
the audio system can be used.
The power switch indicator turns
amber.
ON mode
All electrical components can be
used.
The power switch indicator turns
amber.
Auto power off function
If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY mode for more than 20 minutes or ON
mode (the hybrid system is not operating) for more than an hour with the shift
position in P, the power switch will automatically turn off. However, this func-
tion cannot entirely prevent the 12-volt battery discharge. Do not leave the vehi-
cle with the power switch in ACCESSORY or ON mode for long periods of time
when the hybrid system is not operating.
Sounds and vibrations specific to a hybrid vehicle
P. 8 0
Electronic key battery depletion
P. 129
Changing power switch modes
1
2
3
Page 199 of 688

1994-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
CT200h_OM_OM76102E_(EE)
When the ambient temperature is low, such as during winter driving conditions
When starting the hybrid system, the flashing time of the “READY” indicator
may be long. Leave the vehicle as it is until the “READY” indicator is steady on,
as steady means the vehicle is able to move.
Conditions affecting operation
P. 145
Note for the entry function
P. 146
If the hybrid system does not start
The immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. (P. 87)
Contact any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and
equipped professional.
When the power switch indicator flashes in amber
The system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by any autho-
rized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped profes-
sional immediately.
If the “READY” indicator does not come on
In the event that the “READY” indicator does not come on even after performing
the proper procedures for starting the vehicle, contact any authorized Lexus
dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional immedi-
ately.
If the hybrid system is malfunctioning
P. 580
If the electronic key battery is depleted
P. 530
Operation of the power switch
When operating the power switch, one short, firm press is enough. If the switch
is pressed improperly, the hybrid system may not start or the power switch
mode may not change. It is not necessary to press and hold the switch.
If attempting to restart the hybrid system immediately after turning the power
switch off, the hybrid system may not start in some cases. After turning the
power switch off, please wait a few seconds before restarting the hybrid system.
Automatically P position selection function
P. 207
When the P position control system malfunctions
The power switch will not be able to be turned off. In such a case, the switch can
be turned off after applying the parking brake.
Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another
duly qualified and equipped professional immediately.
Page 200 of 688

2004-2. Driving procedures
CT200h_OM_OM76102E_(EE)
WA R N I N G
When starting the hybrid system
Always start the hybrid system while sitting in the driver’s seat. Do not depress
the accelerator pedal while starting the hybrid system under any circumstances.
Doing so may cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
Stopping the hybrid system in an emergency
If you want to stop the hybrid system in an emergency while driving the vehi-
cle, press and hold the power switch for more than 2 seconds, or press it briefly
3 times or more in succession. (P. 561)
However, do not touch the power switch while driving except in an emergency.
Turning the hybrid system off while driving will not cause loss of steering or
braking control, however, power assist to the steering will be lost. This will
make it more difficult to steer smoothly, so you should pull over and stop the
vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
NOTICE
To prevent 12-volt battery discharge
Do not leave the power switch in ACCESSORY or ON mode for long periods
of time without the hybrid system on.
If the hybrid system is off, but the indicator on the power switch is illumi-
nated, this indicates that the power switch is still turned on. When exiting the
vehicle, always check that the power switch is off.
When starting the hybrid system
If the hybrid system becomes difficult to start, have your vehicle checked by
any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped
professional immediately.
Symptoms indicating a malfunction with the power switch
If the power switch seems to be operating somewhat differently than usual,
such as the switch sticking slightly, there may be a malfunction. Contact any
authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped
professional immediately.