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1984-1. Before driving
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
CAUTION
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.
When taking a nap in the vehicle
Always turn the hybrid system off. Otherwise, if you accidentally move the
shift lever or depress the accelerator pedal, this could cause an accident or fire
due to hybrid system overheating. Additionally, if the vehicle is parked in a
poorly ventilated area, exhaust gases may collect and enter the vehicle, leading
to death or a serious health hazard.
When braking
When the brakes are wet, drive more cautiously.
Braking distance increases when the brakes are wet, and this may cause one
side of the vehicle to brake differently than the other side. Also, the parking
brake may not securely hold the vehicle.
If the electronically controlled brake system does not operate, do not follow
other vehicles closely and avoid hills or sharp turns that require braking.
In this case, braking is still possible, but the brake pedal should be depressed
more firmly than usual. Also, the braking distance will increase. Have your
brakes fixed immediately.
The brake system consists of 2 or more individual hydraulic systems; if one of
the systems fails, the other(s) will still operate. In this case, the brake pedal
should be depressed more firmly than usual and the braking distance will
increase. Have your brakes fixed immediately.
Page 201 of 628

1994-1. Before driving
4
Driving
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
NOTICE
When driving the vehicle
Do not depress the accelerator and brake pedals at the same time during driv-
ing, as this may restrain driving torque.
Do not use the accelerator pedal or depress the accelerator and brake pedals at
the same time to hold the vehicle on a hill.
When parking the vehicle
Always shift the shift lever to P. Failure to do so may cause the vehicle to move
or the vehicle may accelerate suddenly if the accelerator pedal is accidentally
depressed.
Avoiding damage to vehicle parts
Do not turn the steering wheel fully in either direction and hold it there for an
extended period of time.
Doing so may damage the power steering motor.
When driving over bumps in the road, drive as slowly as possible to avoid
damaging the wheels, underside of the vehicle, etc.
If you get a flat tire while driving
A flat or damaged tire may cause the following situations. Hold the steering
wheel firmly and gradually depress the brake pedal to slow down the vehicle.
It may be difficult to control your vehicle.
The vehicle will make abnormal sounds or vibrations.
The vehicle will lean abnormally.
Information on what to do in case of a flat tire (P. 530, 544)
When encountering flooded roads
Do not drive on a road that has flooded after heavy rain etc. Doing so may
cause the following serious damage to the vehicle:
Engine stalling
Short in electrical components
Engine damage caused by water immersion
In the event that you drive on a flooded road and the vehicle is flooded, be sure
to have any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and
equipped professional check the following:
Brake function
Changes in quantity and quality of oil and fluid used for the engine, hybrid
transmission, differential, etc.
Lubricant condition for the propeller shaft, bearings and suspension joints
(where possible), and the function of all joints, bearings, etc.
Page 209 of 628

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 30C (85F) 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.
Page 210 of 628
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.
Page 211 of 628
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
Page 212 of 628
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
Page 213 of 628

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
Page 214 of 628

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.