2013 Lexus IS300h Owner's Manual

2074-1. Before driving
4
Driving
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
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 execut-
ing lane changes.
Transmission information
To maintain engine braking efficiency, when using engine braking
when driving on a long steep downward grade, do not use the transmis-
sion in D. The vehicle must be driven in gear shift position “4” in S
mode. (P. 219)
If the engine overheats
Towing a loaded trailer up a long, steep incline in temperatures exceed-
ing 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 vehi-
cle in a safe place.
(P. 555)
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.

2084-1. Before driving
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
CAUTION
To avoid accident or injury
Do not tow a trailer when a tire installed is repaired with the emergency tire
puncture repair kit.
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.
NOTICE
For vehicles with an emergency tire puncture repair kit (if equipped)
Do not tow anything if a tire that has been repaired using the emergency tire
puncture repair kit is installed. The load on the tire may cause unexpected dam-
age to the tire.

209
4
Driving
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)4-2. Driving procedures
Check that the parking brake is set.
Check that the shift lever is in P.
Firmly depress the brake pedal.
and a message 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.
Power (ignition) switch
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
1
2
3
4
5

2104-2. Driving procedures
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
Stop the vehicle.
Shift the shift lever to P.
Set the parking brake. (P. 224)
Press the power switch.
Release the brake pedal and check that the display on the meters 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.
“ACCESSORY” will be displayed
on the meters.
ON mode
All electrical components can be
used.
“IGNITION ON” will be displayed
on the meters.
*: If the shift lever is in a position other
than P when turning off the hybrid
system, the power switch will be
turned to ACCESSORY mode, not
to off.
Stopping the hybrid system
Changing power switch modes
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3

2114-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
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 “Turn Power OFF” is displayed on the multi-information
display and then press the power switch once.
Check that “Turn Power OFF” on the multi-information display is off.
Auto power off function
If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY mode for more than 20 minutes or ON
mode (the hybrid system is not operating) for more than an hour with the shift
lever in P, the power switch will automatically turn off. However, this function
cannot entirely prevent 12-volt battery discharge. Do not leave the vehicle with
the power switch in ACCESSORY or ON mode for long periods of time when
the hybrid system is not operating.
Sounds and vibrations specific to a hybrid vehicle
P. 8 2
Electronic key battery depletion
P. 133
When the ambient temperature is low, such as during winter driving conditions
It may take time before the “READY” indicator comes on.
Conditions affecting operation
P. 151
Notes for the entry function
P. 152
If the hybrid system does not start
Check that the shift lever is securely set in P. The hybrid system may not start if
the shift lever is displaced out of P.
The immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. (P. 90)
Contact any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and
equipped professional.
When stopping the hybrid system with the shift lever in a position
other than P
1
2
3
4

2124-2. Driving procedures
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
Steering lock
After turning the power switch off and opening and closing the doors, the steer-
ing wheel will be locked due to the steering lock function. Operating the power
switch again automatically cancels the steering lock.
When the steering lock cannot be released
Steering lock motor overheating prevention
To prevent the steering lock motor from overheating, operation of the motor may
be suspended 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” is displayed on the multi-information dis-
play
The system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by any autho-
rized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped profes-
sional 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. 516
If the electronic key battery is depleted
P. 545
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 turning the
power switch off, please wait a few seconds before restarting the hybrid system.
If the smart entry & start system has been deactivated by a customized setting
P. 548 “Steering Lock active” will be displayed on
the multi-information display.
Check that the shift lever is in P. Press the
power switch while turning the steering
wheel left and right.

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.

2144-2. Driving procedures
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
Turns EV drive mode on/off
When EV drive mode is turned on,
“EV MODE” will be displayed on
the multi-information display. Press-
ing the switch when in EV drive
mode will return the vehicle to nor-
mal driving (using the gasoline
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. 123)
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.
The windshield defogger is in use.
EV drive mode
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.