2013 Lexus ES300h Owner's Manual

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ES350 300h_OM_OM33A01U_(U)
4-2. Driving procedures
■S mode
●When the shift range is S4 or lower, holding the shift lever toward “+” sets the shift
range to S6.
●To prevent the engine from over-revving, upshifting may automatically occur.
●To protect the automatic transmission, a function is adopted that automatically
shifts to the top range when the temperature is too hot.
■When driving with cruise control activated
Even when performing the following actions with the intent of enabling engine brak-
ing, engine braking will not activate while driving in S mode and downshifting to 5 or
4 because cruise control will not be canceled. (→P. 2 4 4 )
■Downshifting restrictions warning buzzer
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. (A buzzer will sound twice.)
■If the S indicator does not come on or th e D indicator is displayed even after shift-
ing the shift lever to S
This may indicate a malfunction in the automatic transmission system. Have the vehi-
cle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
(In this situation, the transmission will operate in the same manner as when the shift
lever is in D.)
■If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P
→ P. 8 0 1
■AI-SHIFT
The AI-SHIFT automatically selects the suitable gear according to driver perfor-
mance and driving conditions.
The AI-SHIFT automatically operates when the shift lever is in D. (Shifting the shift
lever to S cancels the function.)
CAUTION
■When driving on slippery road surfaces
Do not accelerate or shift gears suddenly.
Sudden changes in engine braking may cause the vehicle to spin or skid, resulting
in an accident.

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4-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
Hybrid transmission (hybrid vehicles)
While the “POWER” switch is in ON mode, move the shift lever with
the brake pedal depressed.
When shifting the shift lever between P and D, make sure that the vehicle is
completely stopped.
*1: To improve fuel efficiency and reduce noises, set the shift lever in D for normaldriving.
*2: By selecting shift ranges using S mode, you can control engine braking forces.
Shifting the shift lever
Shift position purpose
Shift positionObjective or function
PParking the vehicle/starting the hybrid system
RReversing
NNeutral
DNormal driving*1
SS mode driving*2 ( → P. 2 1 8 )

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ES350 300h_OM_OM33A01U_(U)
4-2. Driving procedures
To enter S mode, shift the shift lever to S. Shift ranges can then be selected
by operating the shift lever, allowing you to drive in the shift range of your
choosing.
Upshifting
Downshifting
The selected shift range, from S1 to
S6, will be displayed in the meter.
The initial shift range in S mode is
automatically set to S4 or S5 accord-
ing to vehicle speed.
■Shift ranges and their functions
●You can choose from 6 levels of engine braking force.
●A lower shift range will provide greater engine braking force than a
higher shift range, and the engine revolutions will also increase.
●If you accelerate while in ranges S1 to S4, the shift range may auto-
matically range up in accordance with the vehicle’s speed.
Selecting shift ranges in the S position
1
2

ES350 300h_OM_OM33A01U_(U)
2194-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
■S mode
●When the shift range is S4 or lower, holding the shift lever toward “+” sets the shift
range to S6.
●To prevent the engine from over-revving, upshifting may automatically occur.
■When driving with cruise control activated
Even when performing the following actions with the intent of enabling engine brak-
ing, engine braking will not activate while driving in S mode and downshifting to S5
or S4 because cruise control will not be canceled. (→P. 2 4 4 )
■Downshifting restrictions warning buzzer
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. (A buzzer will sound twice.)
■If the S indicator does not come on or the D indicator is displayed even after shift-
ing the shift lever to S
This may indicate a malfunction in the automatic transmission system. Have the vehi-
cle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
(In this situation, the transmission will operate in the same manner as when the shift
lever is in D.)
■If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P
→ P. 8 0 1
■AI-SHIFT
AI-SHIFT automatically selects the suitable gear according to driver performance
and driving conditions.
AI-SHIFT automatically operates when the shift lever is in the D position. (Shifting
the shift lever to the S position cancels the function.)

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4-2. Driving procedures
CAUTION
■When driving on slippery road surfaces
Do not accelerate or shift gears suddenly.
Sudden changes in engine braking may cause the vehicle to spin or skid, resulting
in an accident.
NOTICE
■Hybrid battery (traction battery) charge
If the shift lever is in N, the hybrid battery (traction battery) will not be charged
even when the engine is running. Therefore, if the vehicle is left with the shift lever
in N for a long period of time, the hybrid battery (traction battery) will discharge,
and this may result in the vehicle not being able to start.

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4-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
Tu r n s i g n a l l e v e r
Right turn
Lane change to the right (move
the lever partway and then
release it)
The right hand signals will flash 3
times.
Lane change to the left (move the
lever partway and then release it)
The left hand signals will flash 3 times.
Left turn
■Turn signals can be operated when
The “START STOP ENGINE” <“POWER”> switch is in IGNITION ON
mode.
■If the indicator flashes faster than usual
Check that a light bulb in the front or rear turn signal lights has not burned out.
■If the turn signals stop flashing before a lane change has been performed
Operate the lever again.
■To discontinue flashing of the turn signals during a lane change
Operate the lever in the opposite direction.
■Customization
The number of times the turn signals flash during a lane change can be changed.
( → P. 8 5 2 )
Operating instructions
1
2
3
4

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4-2. Driving procedures
Pa rk in g b ra ke
To set the parking brake, fully
depress the parking brake pedal
with your left foot while depressing
the brake pedal with your right foot.
(Depressing the pedal again
releases the parking brake.)
■Usage in winter time
→P. 3 2 7
U.S.A. Canada
NOTICE
■Before driving
Fully release the parking brake.
Driving the vehicle with the parking brake set will lead to brake components over-
heating, which may affect braking performance and increase brake wear.

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4-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
Horn
To sound the horn, press on or close
to the mark.
■After adjusting the steering wheel (manual adjustment type only)
Make sure that the steering wheel is securely locked.
The horn may not sound if the steering wheel is not securely locked. (→P. 1 6 2 )