2013 Lexus GS300h brake

2454-1. Before driving
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Driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
Increasing vehicle-to-vehicle distance
At a speed of 10 km/h (6 mph), the distance to the vehicle run-
ning ahead of you should be equivalent to or greater than the
combined length of your vehicle and trailer. Avoid sudden brak-
ing that may cause skidding. Otherwise, the vehicle may spin out
of control. This is especially true when driving on wet or slippery
road surfaces.
Sudden acceleration/steering input/cornering
Executing sharp turns when towing may result in the trailer col-
liding with your vehicle. Decelerate well in advance when
approaching turns and take them slowly and carefully to avoid
sudden braking.
Important points regarding turning
The wheels of the trailer will travel closer to the inside of the
curve than the wheels of the vehicle. To make allowance for this,
take the turns wider than you would normally do.
Important points regarding stability
Vehicle movement resulting from uneven road surfaces and
strong crosswinds will affect handling. The vehicle may also be
rocked by passing buses or large trucks. Frequently check behind
when moving alongside such vehicles. As soon as such vehicle
movement occurs, immediately start to decelerate smoothly by
slowly applying the brakes. Always steer the vehicle straight
ahead while braking.
Passing other vehicles
Consider the total combined length of your vehicle and trailer
and ensure that the vehicle-to-vehicle distance is sufficient
before executing lane changes.
Transmission information

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.

2464-2. Driving procedures
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
Power (ignition) switch
Check that the parking brake is set.
Check that the shift lever is set in P.
Firmly depress the brake pedal.
will be displayed on the multi-information display.
If it is not displayed, the hybrid system cannot be started.
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 on.
The vehicle will not move when the “READY” indicator is off.
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
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2
3
4
5

2474-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
Stop the vehicle.
Shift the shift lever to P.
Set the parking brake. (P. 269)
Press the power switch.
Release the brake pedal and check that “POWER ON” on the
multi-information display is off.
Modes can be changed by pressing the power switch with brake
pedal released. (The mode changes each time the switch is
pressed.)
Off*
The emergency flashers can be
used.
The multi-information display will
not be displayed.
ACCESSORY mode
Some electrical components such
as the audio system can be used.
“POWER ON” will be displayed
on the multi-information display.
ON mode
All electrical components can be
used.
“POWER ON” will be displayed
on the multi-information display.
*: If the shift lever is in a position
other than P when turning off the
hybrid system, the power switch
Stopping the hybrid system
Changing power switch modes
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2
3
4
5

2494-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
If the hybrid system is stopped with the shift lever in a position
other than P, the power switch will not be turned off but instead be
turned to ACCESSORY mode. Perform the following procedure to
turn the switch off:
Check that the parking brake is set.
Shift the shift lever to P.
Check that “POWER ON” and “Turn Power OFF” are displayed
alternately on the multi-information display and then press the
power switch once.
Check that “POWER ON” and “Turn Power OFF” on the multi-
information display are off.
When stopping the hybrid system with the shift lever in a
position other than P
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2
3
4

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.

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.

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