2013 Lexus GS300h engine

235
4 4-1. Before driving
Driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
NOTICE
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 quali-
fied and equipped professional check the following:
Brake function
Changes in quantity and quality of oil and fluid used for the engine, trans-
mission, differential, etc.
Lubricant condition for the propeller shaft, bearings and suspension joints
(where possible), and the function of all joints, bearings, etc.

2404-1. Before driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
Information tag (manufacturer’s label)
Gross vehicle mass
The combined weight of the
driver, passengers, towing hitch,
total curb mass and drawbar
load should not exceed the gross
vehicle mass by more than 100
kg (220.5 lb.). Exceeding this
weight is dangerous.
Maximum permissible rear
axle capacity
The weight borne by the rear
axle should not exceed the max-
imum permissible axle capacity
by 15% or more. Exceeding this
weight is dangerous.
The values for towing capacity
were derived from testing con-
ducted at sea level. Take note
that engine output and towing
capacity will be reduced at high
altitudes.
1
2
CAUTION
When the gross vehicle mass limit or maximum permissible axle capacity is
exceeded
Do not exceed the established speed limit for towing a trailer in built-up
areas or 100 km/h (62 mph), whichever is the lower.

2464-1. Before driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
To maintain engine braking efficiency, when using engine brak-
ing, when driving on a long steep downgrade, do not use the
transmission in D. (P. 260)

2474-1. Before driving
4
Driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
If the engine overheats
Towing a loaded trailer up a long, steep incline in temperatures
exceeding 30C (85F) may result in the engine overheating. If
the engine coolant temperature gauge indicates that the engine is
overheating, turn the air conditioning off immediately, leave the
road and stop the vehicle in a safe place. (P. 915)
When parking the vehicle
Always place wheel chocks under the wheels of both the vehicle
and trailer. Firmly set the parking brake and shift the shift lever
to P.
CAUTION
To avoid accident or injury
Do not tow a trailer when the compact spare tire is installed on your vehi-
cle.
Do not tow a trailer when the tire installed is repaired with the emergency
tire puncture repair kit.
Do not use cruise control (if equipped) or dynamic radar cruise control (if
equipped) when trailer towing.
Vehicle speed in towing
Observe the legal maximum speeds for trailer towing.
Before descending hills or long declines
Reduce speed and downshift. However, never downshift suddenly while
descending steep or long downhill grades.
Operation of the brake pedal
Do not hold the brake pedal depressed often or for long periods of time.
Doing so may result in the brake overheating or reduce braking effects.

2544-2. Driving procedures
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
EV drive mode
Turns EV drive mode on/off
When EV drive mode is turned on,
“EV MODE” will be displayed on
the multi-information display.
Pressing the switch when in EV
drive mode will return the vehicle
to normal driving (using the gaso-
line engine and electric motor
[traction motor]).
Situations in which EV drive mode cannot be turned on
It may not be possible to turn EV drive mode on in the following situations.
If it cannot be turned on, a buzzer will sound and a message will be shown on
the multi-information display.
The temperature of the hybrid system is high.
The vehicle has been left in the sun, driven on a hill, driven at high speeds,
etc.
The temperature of the hybrid system is low.
The vehicle has been left in temperatures lower than about 0
C (32F) for a
long period of time etc.
The gasoline engine is warming up.
The hybrid battery (traction battery) is low.
The remaining battery level indicated in the “Energy monitor” display is
low.
(P. 131)
GS450h: Vehicle speed is about 40 km/h (25 mph) or more.
GS300h: Vehicle speed is about 45 km/h (28 mph) or more.
The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly or the vehicle is on a hill etc.
In EV drive mode the electric motor (traction motor), powered by
the hybrid battery (traction battery), is used to drive the vehicle.
This mode allows you to drive in residential areas early in the
morning and late at night, or in indoor parking lots etc. without
concern for noises and gas emissions.

2564-2. Driving procedures
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
Switching to EV drive mode when the gasoline engine is cold
If the hybrid system is started while the gasoline engine is cold, the gasoline
engine will start automatically in order to warm up. In this case, you will
become unable to switch to EV drive mode.
Automatic cancelation of EV drive mode
When driving in EV drive mode, the gasoline engine may automatically
restart in the following situations. When EV drive mode is canceled, a buzzer
will sound and the EV drive mode indicator will flash and go off.
The hybrid battery (traction battery) becomes low.
The remaining battery level indicated in the “Energy monitor” display is
low.
(P. 131)
GS450h: Vehicle speed becomes more than about 40 km/h (25 mph).
GS300h: Vehicle speed becomes more than about 45 km/h (28 mph).
The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly or the vehicle is on a hill etc.
When it is possible to inform the driver of automatic cancelation in advance,
a prior notice screen will appear on the multi-information display.
Possible driving distance when driving in EV drive mode
EV drive mode’s possible driving distance ranges from a few hundred meters
to approximately 1 km (0.6 mile). Driving is possible at speeds of less than
approximately 40 km/h (25 mph) for GS450h or 45 km/h (28 mph) for
GS300h. However, depending on vehicle conditions, there are situations
when EV drive mode cannot be used.
(The distance that is possible depends on the hybrid battery [traction battery]
level and driving conditions.)
Fuel economy
Your Lexus is designed to achieve the best possible fuel economy during nor-
mal driving (using the gasoline engine and electric motor [traction motor]).
Driving in EV drive mode more than necessary may lower fuel economy. To prevent gasoline engine warm up in
order to reduce noises, start the hybrid
system without starting the gasoline
engine, pressing the power switch with
fully depressing the brake pedal and
pressing the EV drive mode switch.

2574-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
CAUTION
Caution while driving
When driving in EV drive mode, pay special attention to the area around
the vehicle. Because there is no engine noise, pedestrians, people riding
bicycles or other people and vehicles in the area may not be aware of the
vehicle starting off or approaching them, so take extra care while driving.

2594-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
*1: To improve fuel efficiency and reduce noises, set the shift lever in D for
normal driving.
*2: By selecting shift ranges using S mode, you can control accelerating
forces and engine braking forces.
Shift position purpose
Shift positionObjective or function
PParking the vehicle/starting the hybrid system
RReversing
NNeutral
(Condition in which the power is not transmitted)
DNormal driving*1
SS mode driving*2 (P. 263)