1964-1. Before driving
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
CAUTION
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.
When driving on slippery road surfaces
Sudden braking, acceleration and steering may cause tire slippage and reduce
your ability to control the vehicle.
Sudden acceleration, engine braking due to shift changing, or changes in
engine speed could cause the vehicle to skid.
After driving through a puddle, depress the brake pedal to make sure that the
brakes are functioning properly. Wet brake pads may prevent the brakes from
functioning properly. If the brakes on only one side are wet and not function-
ing properly, steering control may be affected.
When shifting the shift lever
Do not let the vehicle roll backward while the shift lever is in D or S, or roll
forward while the shift lever is in R.
Doing so may result in an accident or damage to the vehicle.
Do not shift the shift lever to P while the vehicle is moving.
Doing so can damage the transmission and may result in a loss of vehicle con-
trol.
Do not shift the shift lever to R while the vehicle is moving forward.
Doing so can damage the transmission and may result in a loss of vehicle con-
trol.
Do not shift the shift lever to D while the vehicle is moving backward.
Doing so can damage the transmission and may result in a loss of vehicle con-
trol.
Shifting the shift lever to N while the vehicle is moving will disengage the
hybrid system. Engine braking is not available when N is selected.
Be careful not to shift the shift lever with the accelerator pedal depressed.
Shifting the shift lever to a gear other than P or N may lead to unexpected
rapid acceleration of the vehicle that may cause an accident and result in
death or serious injury.
If you hear a squealing or scraping noise (brake pad wear indicators)
Have the brake pads checked and replaced by any authorized Lexus dealer or
repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional as soon as possi-
ble.
Rotor damage may result if the pads are not replaced when needed.
Moderate levels of brake pad and disc wear allow enhanced braking power. As
a result, the discs may wear more quickly than conventional brake discs. There-
fore, when replacing the brake pads, Lexus recommends that you also have the
thickness of the discs measured.
It is dangerous to drive the vehicle when the wear limits of the brake pads and/
or those of the brake discs are exceeded.
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.
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.
2024-1. Before driving
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
Total trailer weight and permissible drawbar load
Total trailer weight
Weight of the trailer itself plus the
trailer load should be within the
maximum towing capacity.
Exceeding this weight is danger-
ous. (P. 562)
When the total trailer weight is
greater than the vehicle weight,
we recommend the use of a fric-
tion stabilizer (sway control
device).
Permissible drawbar load
Allocate the trailer load so that the drawbar load is greater than 25 kg (55.1
lb.) or 4% of the towing capacity. Do not let the drawbar load exceed the
indicated weight. (P. 562)
Information tag (manufacturer’s label)
Gross vehicle mass
The combined weight of the driver, passengers, towing hitch, total curb
mass and drawbar load should not exceed the gross vehicle mass by more
than 100 kg (220.5 lb.). Exceeding this weight is dangerous.
Maximum permissible rear axle capacity
The weight borne by the rear axle should not exceed the maximum permis-
sible axle capacity by 15% or more. Exceeding this weight is dangerous.
The values for towing capacity were derived from testing conducted at sea
level. Take note that engine output and towing capacity will be reduced at
high altitudes.
Important points regarding trailer loads
1
2
Ty p e ATy p e B
1
2
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.
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 0C (32F) 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.
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.
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