1974-1. Before driving
4
Driving
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
CAUTION
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.
When the vehicle is stopped
Do not depress the accelerator pedal unnecessarily.
If the shift lever is any position other than P or N, the vehicle may accelerate
suddenly and unexpectedly, causing an accident.
In order to prevent accidents due to the vehicle rolling away, always keep
depressing the brake pedal while stopped with the “READY” indicator on,
and apply the parking brake as necessary.
If the vehicle is stopped on an incline, in order to prevent accidents caused by
the vehicle rolling forward or backward, always depress the brake pedal and
securely apply the parking brake as needed.
Avoid revving or racing the engine.
Running the engine at high speed while the vehicle is stopped may cause the
exhaust system to overheat, which could result in a fire if combustible mate-
rial is nearby.
When the vehicle is parked
Do not leave glasses, cigarette lighters, spray cans, or soft drink cans in the
vehicle when it is in the sun.
Doing so may result in the following:
• Gas may leak from a cigarette lighter or spray can, and may lead to a fire.
• The temperature inside the vehicle may cause the plastic lenses and plastic
material of glasses to deform or crack.
• Soft drink cans may fracture, causing the contents to spray over the interior
of the vehicle, and may also cause a short circuit in the vehicle’s electrical
components.
Do not leave cigarette lighters in the vehicle. If a cigarette lighter is in a place
such as the glove box or on the floor, it may be lit accidentally when luggage
is loaded or the seat is adjusted, causing a fire.
Do not attach adhesive discs to the windshield or windows. Do not place con-
tainers such as air fresheners on the instrument panel or dashboard. Adhesive
discs or containers may act as lenses, causing a fire in the vehicle.
Do not leave a door or window open if the curved glass is coated with a met-
allized film such as a silver-colored one. Reflected sunlight may cause the
glass to act as a lens, causing a fire.
Always apply the parking brake, shift the shift lever to P, stop the hybrid sys-
tem and lock the vehicle.
Do not leave the vehicle unattended while the hybrid system is operating.
Do not touch the exhaust pipes while the hybrid system is operating or imme-
diately after turning the hybrid system off.
Doing so may cause burns.
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.
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.
2634-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
CAUTION
When the sensor may not be correctly detecting the vehicle ahead
Apply the brakes as necessary when any of the following types of vehicles are
in front of you.
As the sensor may not be able to correctly detect these types of vehicles, the
approach warning (P. 254) will not be activated, and a fatal or serious acci-
dent may result.
Vehicles that cut in suddenly
Vehicles traveling at low speeds
Vehicles that are not moving
Vehicles with small rear ends (trailers with no load on board etc.)
Motorcycles traveling in the same lane
Conditions under which the vehicle-to-vehicle distance control may not func-
tion correctly
Apply the brakes as necessary in the following conditions as the radar sensor
may not be able to correctly detect vehicles ahead, and a fatal or serious acci-
dent may result:
When water or snow thrown up by a the surrounding vehicles hinders the
functioning of the sensor
When your vehicle is pointing upwards (caused by a heavy load in the trunk
etc.)
When the road curves or when the lanes are narrow
When steering wheel operation or your position in the lane is unstable
When the vehicle ahead of you decelerates suddenly
Handling the radar sensor
Observe the following to ensure the cruise control system can function effec-
tively.
Otherwise, the system may not function correctly and could result in an acci-
dent.
Keep the sensor and grille cover clean at all times.
Clean the sensor and grille cover with a soft cloth so you do not mark or dam-
age them.
Do not subject the sensor or surrounding area to a strong impact.
If the sensor moves even slightly off position, the system may malfunction. If
the sensor or surrounding area is subject to a strong impact, always have the
area inspected and adjusted by any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or
another duly qualified and equipped professional.
Do not disassemble the sensor.
Do not attach accessories or stickers to the sensor, grille cover or surrounding
area.
Do not modify or paint the sensor and grille cover.
Do not replace them with non-genuine parts.
2764-5. Using the driving support systems
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
Sensor detection information
The sensor’s detection areas are limited to the areas around the vehicle’s front
corner and rear bumpers.
Certain vehicle conditions and the surrounding environment may affect the
ability of the sensor to correctly detect obstacles. Particular instances where this
may occur are listed below.
• There is dirt, snow or ice on the sensor. (Wiping the sensors will resolve this
problem.)
• The sensor is frozen. (Thawing the area will resolve this problem.)
In especially cold weather, if a sensor is frozen the screen may show an
abnormal display, or obstacles may not be detected.
• The sensor is covered in any way.
• The vehicle is leaning considerably to one side.
• On an extremely bumpy road, on an incline, on gravel, or on grass.
• The vicinity of the vehicle is noisy due to vehicle horns, motorcycle engines,
air brakes of large vehicles, or other loud noises producing ultrasonic waves.
• There is another vehicle equipped with parking assist sensors in the vicinity.
• The sensor is coated with a sheet of spray or heavy rain.
• The vehicle is equipped with a fender pole or wireless antenna.
• Towing eyelets are installed.
• The bumper or sensor receives a strong impact.
• The vehicle is approaching a tall or curved curb.
• In harsh sunlight or intense cold weather.
• The area directly under the bumpers is not detected.
• If obstacles draw too close to the sensor.
• A non-genuine Lexus suspension (lowered suspension etc.) is installed.
• People may not be detected if they are wearing certain types of clothing.
In addition to the examples above, there are instances in which, because of their
shape, signs and other objects may be judged by the sensor to be closer than they
are.
The shape of the obstacle may prevent the sensor from detecting it. Pay particu-
lar attention to the following obstacles:
• Wires, fences, ropes, etc.
• Cotton, snow and other materials that absorb sound waves
• Sharply-angled objects
• Low obstacles
• Tall obstacles with upper sections projecting outwards in the direction of
your vehicle
The following situations may occur during use.
• Depending on the shape of the obstacle and other factors, the detection dis-
tance may shorten, or detection may be impossible.
• Obstacles may not be detected if they are too close to the sensor.
• There will be a short delay between obstacle detection and display. Even at
slow speeds, there is a possibility that the obstacle will come within the sen-
sor’s detection areas before the display is shown and the warning beep
sounds.
• Thin posts or objects lower than the sensor may not be detected when
approached, even if they have been detected once.
• It might be difficult to hear beeps due to the volume of the audio system or
air flow noise of the air conditioning system.
2944-5. Using the driving support systems
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
Adaptive Variable Suspension System (if equipped)
By independently controlling the damping force of the shock absorbers
for each of the 4 wheels according to the road and driving conditions,
this system helps riding comfort with superior steering stability, and
helps good vehicle posture (P. 291)
VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management)
Provides integrated control of the ABS, brake assist, TRC, VSC, hill-
start assist control, and EPS systems
Helps to maintain vehicle stability when swerving on slippery road sur-
faces by controlling the brakes and hybrid system output
PCS (Pre-Crash Safety system) (if equipped)
P. 2 9 9
Emergency brake signal
When the brakes are applied suddenly, the stop lights automatically
flash to alert the vehicle behind
BSM (Blind Spot Monitor) (if equipped)
P. 3 0 9
The slip indicator light will flash
while the TRC/VSC/ABS systems
are operating.
When the TRC/VSC/ABS systems are operating
2954-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
If the vehicle gets stuck in fresh snow or mud, the TRC and VSC systems
may reduce power from the hybrid system to the wheels. Pressing VSC
OFF switch to turn the system off may make it easier for you to rock the
vehicle in order to free it.
Turning off the TRC system only
To turn the TRC system off,
quickly press and release the
switch.
The “TRC OFF” will be shown
on the multi-information display.
Press the switch again to turn the
system back on.
Turning off both TRC and VSC systems
To turn the TRC and VSC sys-
tems off, press and hold the
switch for more than 3 seconds
while the vehicle is stopped.
The VSC OFF indicator light will
come on and the “TRC OFF” will
be shown on the multi-informa-
tion display.
*
Press the switch again to turn the
systems back on.
*: On vehicles with pre-crash safety system, pre-crash brake assist and pre-
crash braking will also be disabled. The pre-crash safety system warning
light will come on and the message will be shown on the multi-information
display. (P. 299)
Disabling the TRC/VSC systems
2984-5. Using the driving support systems
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
CAUTION
The ABS does not operate effectively when
The limits of tire gripping performance have been exceeded (such as exces-
sively worn tires on a snow covered road).
The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on wet or slick roads.
Stopping distance when the ABS is operating may exceed that of normal condi-
tions
The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehicle’s stopping distance. Always
maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, especially in the fol-
lowing situations:
When driving on dirt, gravel or snow-covered roads
When driving with tire chains
When driving over bumps in the road
When driving over roads with potholes or uneven surfaces
TRC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slippery
road surfaces, even if the TRC system is operating.
Drive the vehicle carefully in conditions where stability and power may be lost.
Hill- start assist control does not operate effectively when
Do not overly rely on hill-start assist control. Hill-start assist control may not
operate effectively on steep inclines and roads covered with ice.
Unlike the parking brake, hill-start assist control is not intended to hold the
vehicle stationary for an extended period of time. Do not attempt to use hill-
start assist control to hold the vehicle on an incline, as doing so may lead to an
accident.
When the VSC is activated
The slip indicator light flashes. Always drive carefully. Reckless driving may
cause an accident. Exercise particular care when the indicator light flashes.
When the TRC/VSC systems are turned off
Be especially careful and drive at a speed appropriate to the road conditions. As
these are the systems to ensure vehicle stability and driving force, do not turn
the TRC/VSC systems off unless necessary.
Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the specified size, brand, tread pattern and total
load capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are inflated to the recom-
mended tire inflation pressure level.
The ABS, TRC and VSC systems will not function correctly if different tires
are installed on the vehicle.
Contact any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and
equipped professional for further information when replacing tires or wheels.
Handling of tires and the suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modifying the suspension will affect
the driving assist systems, and may cause a system to malfunction.