2013 Lexus GS300h Owner's Manual

2514-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
When the steering lock cannot be released
Steering lock motor overheating prevention
To prevent the steering lock motor from overheating, the motor may be sus-
pended if the hybrid system is turned on and off repeatedly in a short period
of time. In this case, refrain from operating the hybrid system. After about 10
seconds, the steering lock motor will resume functioning.
When “Check Entry & Start System” will be displayed on the multi-informa-
tion display
The system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by any
authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped
professional immediately.
If the “READY” indicator does not come on
If the “READY” indicator does not come on when you press the power
switch with the shift lever in P and the brake pedal depressed, contact any
authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped
professional immediately.
If the hybrid system is malfunctioning
P. 8 4 0
If the electronic key battery is depleted
P. 9 0 2
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 turn-
ing the power switch off, please wait a few seconds before restarting the
hybrid system.
If the smart entry & start system has been deactivated in a customized setting “Steering Lock active” will be displayed
on the multi-information display.
Check that the shift lever is set in P. Press
the power switch while turning the steer-
ing wheel left and right.

2524-2. Driving procedures
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)P. 9 0 8
CAUTION
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.
Caution while driving
If hybrid system failure occurs while the vehicle is moving, do not lock or
open the doors until the vehicle reaches a safe and complete stop. Activa-
tion of the steering lock in this circumstance may lead to 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
vehicle, press and hold the power switch for more than 2 seconds, or press
it briefly 3 times or more in succession. (P. 821)
However, do not touch the power switch while driving except in an emer-
gency. 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.

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4 4-2. Driving procedures
Driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
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 “POWER ON” is displayed on the multi-information display, the power
switch is not off. Exit the vehicle after turning the power switch off.
Do not stop the hybrid system when the shift lever is in a position other
than P. If the hybrid system is stopped in another shift lever position, the
power switch will not be turned off but instead be turned to ACCESSORY
mode. If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY mode, 12-volt battery dis-
charge may occur.
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.

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.

2554-2. Driving procedures
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Driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
The windshield defogger is in use.

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.

2584-2. Driving procedures
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
Hybrid transmission
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 vehi-
cle is completely stopped.
Shifting the shift lever