2013 Lexus IS300h Owner's Manual

2154-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
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 after a short period of time in order to warm up. In
this case, you will become unable to switch to EV drive mode.
After the hybrid system has started and the “READY” indicator has illuminated,
press the EV drive mode switch before the gasoline engine starts 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. 123)
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 2 km (1.2 mile). Driving is possible at speeds of less than approx-
imately 45 km/h (28 mph). 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 normal
driving (using the gasoline engine and electric motor [traction motor]). Driving
in EV drive mode more than necessary may lower fuel economy.
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.

2164-2. Driving procedures
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
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 vehicle is
completely stopped.
Hybrid transmission
Shifting the shift lever

2174-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
*1: To improve fuel efficiency and reduce noise, shift the shift lever to D for nor-
mal driving.
*2: By selecting shift ranges using S mode, you can control accelerating force and
engine braking force.
Sport mode/Eco drive mode
P. 2 8 3
Snow mode
Snow mode can be selected to suit the conditions when driving on slip-
pery road surfaces, such as snow.
Press the switch.
Press the switch again to return to
normal mode.
Shift position purpose
Shift positionObjective or function
PParking the vehicle/starting the hybrid system
RReversing
NNeutral
DNormal driving*1
SS mode driving*2 (P. 219)
Selecting the driving mode

2184-2. Driving procedures
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
To drive using temporary shift range selection, operate the “-” paddle
shift switch. Changing the shift range enables the level of engine braking
force to be selected. The shift range can then be selected by operating the
“-” and “+” paddle shift switches.
Upshifting
Downshifting
The selected shift range, from D1 to
D6, will be displayed in the meter.
The initial shift range when the “-”
paddle shift switch is operated is
automatically set to D2, D3, D4 or
D5 according to the vehicle speed.
To return to normal D position driv-
ing, the “+” paddle shift switch must
be held down for a period of time.
Shift ranges and their functions
You can choose from 6 levels of engine braking force.
A lower shift range will provide greater engine braking force than a
higher shift range, and the engine revolutions will also increase.
Selecting shift ranges in the D position
1
2

2194-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
To enter S mode, shift the shift lever to S. Shift ranges can be selected by
operating the shift lever or paddle shift switches, allowing you to drive in
the shift range of your choice. The shift range can be selected by operat-
ing the shift lever or the “-” and “+” paddle shift switches.
Upshifting
Downshifting
The selected shift range, from S1 to
S6, will be displayed in the meter.
The initial shift range in S mode is
automatically set to S2, S3, S4 or S5
according to the vehicle speed.
Shift ranges and their functions
You can choose from 6 levels of accelerating force and engine brak-
ing force.
A lower shift range will provide greater accelerating force and
engine braking force than a higher shift range, and the engine revo-
lutions will also increase.
If you accelerate while in ranges 1 to 4, the shift range may automat-
ically increase in accordance with the vehicle speed.
Selecting shift ranges in the S position
1
2

2204-2. Driving procedures
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
When the “-” paddle shift switch is operated with the shift lever in the D position
The shift range is downshifted to a range that enables engine braking force that is
suitable to driving conditions.
Automatic deactivation of shift range selection in the D position
Shift range selection in the D position will be deactivated in the following situa-
tions:
When the vehicle comes to a stop
If the accelerator pedal is depressed for more than a certain period of time
When the shift lever is shifted to a position other than D
Downshifting restriction warning buzzer
To help ensure safety and driving performance, downshifting operation may
sometimes be restricted. In some circumstances, downshifting may not be possi-
ble even when the shift lever or paddle shift switch is operated. (A buzzer will
sound twice.)
Snow mode automatic deactivation
Snow mode is automatically deactivated if the power switch is turned off after
driving in snow mode.
When driving with cruise control or dynamic radar cruise control activated
Even when performing the following actions with the intent of enabling engine
braking, engine braking will not activate because cruise control or dynamic radar
cruise control will not be canceled.
While driving in D or S mode, downshifting to 5 or 4. (P. 245, 249)
When switching the driving mode to sport mode while driving in D position.
(P. 283)
If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P
P. 547

2214-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
CAUTION
When driving on slippery road surfaces
Be careful of downshifting and sudden acceleration, as this could result in the
vehicle skidding to the side or spinning.
NOTICE
Hybrid battery (traction battery) charge
If the shift lever is in N, the hybrid battery (traction battery) will not be charged
even when the engine is running. Therefore, if the vehicle is left with the shift
lever in N for a long period of time, the hybrid battery (traction battery) will
discharge, and this may result in the vehicle not being able to start.

2224-2. Driving procedures
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
The lever will return to its original position immediately after operation.
Right turn
Lane change to the right (move
the lever partway and release it)
The right hand signals will flash 3
times.
Lane change to the left (move the
lever partway and release it)
The left hand signals will flash 3
times.
Left turn
If the turn signals do not stop flashing after turning left or right, or if
you want to stop them flashing
Operate the lever in the opposite direction to either position or .
If you move the lever to either position or , the selected turn sig-
nals will flash.
Turn signal lever
Operating instructions
1
2
3
4
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