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2134-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
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. Activation 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 vehi-
cle, press and hold the power switch for more than 2 seconds, or press it briefly
3 times or more in succession. (P. 499)
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, but the power assist to these systems will be lost. This will
make it more difficult to steer and brake, 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 “ACCESSORY” or “IGNITION ON” is displayed on the meters while the
hybrid system is not operating, 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 discharge may
occur.
When starting the hybrid system
Do not depress the accelerator pedal unnecessarily.
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.
Page 229 of 628

2274-3. Operating the lights and wipers
4
Driving
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
This system allows the headlights and front position lights to be turned on
for 30 seconds when the power switch is off.
Pull the lever toward you and
release it with the light switch is in
or after turning the power
switch off.
Pull the lever toward you and release
it again to turn off the lights.
Daytime running light system
To make your vehicle more visible to other drivers, the front position lights turn
on automatically (at an increased intensity) whenever the hybrid system is started
and the parking brake is released. Daytime running lights are not designed for
use at night.
Headlight control sensor
Automatic light off system
When the light switch is in or : The headlights and front fog lights turn
off automatically if the power switch is turned to ACCESSORY mode or turned
off.
When the light switch is in : The headlights and all lights turn off automati-
cally if the power switch is turned to ACCESSORY mode or turned off.
To turn the lights on again, turn the power switch to ON mode, or turn the light
switch off once and then back to or .
If any of the doors or trunk lid is left open, the lights automatically turn off after
20 minutes.
Follow me home system
The sensor may not function properly if an
object is placed on the sensor, or anything
that blocks the sensor is affixed to the wind-
shield.
Doing so interferes with the sensor detect-
ing the level of ambient light and may cause
the automatic headlight system to malfunc-
tion.
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2394-3. Operating the lights and wipers
4
Driving
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
The windshield wiper and washer can be operated when
The power switch is in ON mode.
Dripping prevention wiper sweep
After performing a washing and wiping operation several times, the wipers oper-
ate one more time after a short delay to prevent dripping.
However, the last sweep will not happen if the vehicle is traveling above 170 km/
h (106 mph).
Effects of vehicle speed on wiper operation (vehicles with rain-sensing wind-
shield wipers)
Vehicle speed affects the following even when the wipers are not in AUTO
mode.
Intermittent wiper interval
Wiper operation when the washer is being used (delay until drip prevention
wiper sweep occurs)
With low speed windshield wiper operation selected, wiper operation will be
switched from low speed to intermittent wiper operation only when the vehicle is
stationary.
Raindrop sensor (vehicles with rain-sensing windshield wipers)
If the wiper is turned to AUTO mode while the power switch is in ON mode,
the wipers will operate once to show that AUTO mode is activated.
If the temperature of the raindrop sensor is 85°C (185°F) or higher, or -30°C (-
22°F) or lower, automatic operation may not occur. In this case, operate the
wipers in any mode other than AUTO mode.
When the windshield wipers are in temporary operation (vehicles with rain-sens-
ing windshield wipers)
AUTO mode cannot be activated even if is pressed.
If no windshield washer fluid sprays
Check that the washer nozzles are not blocked if there is washer fluid in the
windshield washer fluid reservoir.
Operation guide display (vehicles with rain-sensing windshield wipers only)
When the windshield wiper switch is operated to activate AUTO mode or when
the rain-sensing level is adjusted, the current status is displayed on the meters for
a few seconds. (P. 1 1 9 )
The raindrop sensor judges the amount of
raindrops.
An optical sensor is adopted. It may not
operate properly when sunlight from the
rising or setting of the sun intermittently
strikes the windshield, or if bugs etc. are
present on the windshield.
Page 242 of 628

2404-3. Operating the lights and wipers
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
CAUTION
Caution regarding the use of windshield wipers in AUTO mode
The windshield wipers may operate unexpectedly if the sensor is touched or the
windshield is subject to vibration in AUTO mode. Take care that your fingers
or anything else do not become caught in the windshield wipers.
Caution regarding the use of washer fluid
When it is cold, do not use the washer fluid until the windshield becomes
warm. The fluid may freeze on the windshield and cause low visibility. This
may lead to an accident, resulting in death or serious injury.
NOTICE
When the windshield is dry
Do not use the wipers, as they may damage the windshield.
When there is no washer fluid spray from the nozzle
Damage to the washer fluid pump may be caused if the lever is pulled toward
you and held continually.
When a nozzle becomes blocked
In this case, contact any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly
qualified and equipped professional.
Do not try to clear it with a pin or other object. The nozzle will be damaged.
Page 245 of 628
2434-4. Refueling
4
Driving
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
With the doors unlocked, press
the center of the rear edge of the
fuel filler door.
Push until you hear a click and take
your hand away to slightly open the
fuel filler door. Then open the door
fully by hand.
Turn the fuel tank cap slowly to
remove it and put it into the
holder on the fuel filler door.
If the fuel filler door cannot be opened
Opening the fuel tank cap
1
2
Remove the cover inside the trunk and pull
the lever to open the fuel filler door if the
fuel filler door cannot be opened by press-
ing the rear edge of the fuel filler door.
Page 246 of 628
2444-4. Refueling
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
After refueling, turn the fuel tank
cap until you hear a click. Once
the cap is released, it will turn
slightly in the opposite direction.
Close the fuel filler door, and
press the center of the rear edge
of the fuel filler door until you
hear a click.
When you lock the doors, the fuel
filler door will also lock.
Fuel filler door lock condition
The fuel filler door may not be locked even when the vehicle’s doors are locked
in the following situations:
When operating the door lock button inside the vehicle
When the automatic door locking system is operated (P. 140)
When the fuel filler door is closed after the vehicle’s doors are locked
Closing the fuel tank cap
1
2
CAUTION
When replacing the fuel tank cap
Do not use anything but a genuine Lexus fuel tank cap designed for your vehi-
cle. Doing so may cause a fire or other incident which may result in death or
serious injury.
Page 295 of 628

2934-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied suddenly, or if
the brakes are applied while driving on a slippery road surface
Brake assist
Generates an increased level of braking force after the brake pedal is
depressed when the system detects a panic stop situation
VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)
Helps the driver to control skidding when swerving suddenly or turn-
ing on slippery road surfaces
VSC+ (Vehicle Stability Control+)
Provides cooperative control of the ABS, TRC, VSC and EPS.
Helps to maintain directional stability when swerving on slippery road
surfaces by controlling steering performance.
TRC (Traction Control)
Helps to maintain drive power and prevent the drive wheels from spin-
ning when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads
Hill-start assist control
Prevents the vehicle from rolling backward when starting on an incline
or slippery slope
EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed to
turn the steering wheel
Driving assist systems
To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following systems
operate automatically in response to various driving situations. Be aware,
however, that these systems are supplementary and should not be relied
upon too heavily when operating the vehicle.
Page 325 of 628

3124-6. Driving tips
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
Park the vehicle and move the shift lever to P without setting the parking
brake. The parking brake may freeze up, preventing it from being
released. If necessary, block the wheels to prevent inadvertent sliding or
creeping.
Except vehicles with 18-inch tires
Use the correct tire chain size when mounting the tire chains.
Chain size is regulated for each tire size.
Side chain
(3 mm [0.12 in.] in diameter)
Cross chain
(4 mm [0.16 in.] in diameter)
Vehicles with 18-inch tires
Tire chains cannot be mounted on the 18-inch tires.
Snow tires should be used instead.
Regulations regarding the use of tire chains vary depending on location
and type of road. Always check local regulations before installing chains.
Tire chain installation
Observe the following precautions when installing and removing chains:
Install and remove tire chains in a safe location.
Install tire chains on the rear tires. Do not install tire chains on the front tires.
Install tire chains on rear tires as tightly as possible. Retighten chains after driv-
ing 0.5 1.0 km (1/4 1/2 mile).
Install tire chains following the instructions provided with the tire chains.
When parking the vehicle
Selecting tire chains
1
2
Regulations on the use of tire chains