Page 220 of 628
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
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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
Page 222 of 628

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
Page 223 of 628
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.
Page 243 of 628
241
4
Driving
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)4-4. Refueling
Close all the doors and windows, and turn the power switch off.
Confirm the type of fuel.
Fuel types
EU area:
Unleaded gasoline conforming to European standard EN228, Research Octane
Number of 95 or higher
Except EU area:
Unleaded gasoline, Research Octane Number of 95 or higher
Use of ethanol blended gasoline in a gasoline engine
Lexus allows the use of ethanol blended gasoline where the ethanol content is up
to 10%. Make sure that the ethanol blended gasoline to be used has a Research
Octane Number that follows the above.
Opening the fuel tank cap
Perform the following steps to open the fuel tank cap:
Before refueling the vehicle
Page 278 of 628

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.
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2964-5. Using the driving support systems
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
When the 12-volt battery is disconnected
The steering wheel may move from its straight forward position, but this will be
corrected automatically when driving.
Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, TRC, VSC, hill-start
assist control systems
A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the brake pedal is
depressed repeatedly, when the hybrid system is started or just after the vehicle
begins to move. This sound does not indicate that a malfunction has occurred in
any of these systems.
Any of the following conditions may occur when the above systems are operat-
ing. None of these indicates that a malfunction has occurred.
• Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.
• A motor sound may be heard after the vehicle comes to a stop.
EPS operation sound
When the steering wheel is operated, a motor sound may be heard. This does not
indicate a malfunction.
Reactivation of the TRC/VSC systems
Even after the TRC/VSC systems have been turned off, turning the hybrid sys-
tem off and then on again will automatically reactivate the TRC/VSC systems.
Reactivation of the TRC system linked to vehicle speed
When only the TRC system is turned off, the TRC system will turn on when
vehicle speed increases. However, when both TRC and VSC systems are turned
off, the systems will not turn on even when vehicle speed increases.
Reduced effectiveness of the EPS system
The effectiveness of the EPS system is reduced to prevent the system from over-
heating when there is frequent steering input over an extended period of time.
The steering wheel may feel heavy as a result. Should this occur, refrain from
excessive steering input or stop the vehicle and turn the hybrid system off. The
EPS system should return to normal within 10 minutes.
Page 323 of 628

3104-6. Driving tips
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
Air conditioning
Use the air conditioning only when necessary. Doing so can help
reduce excessive gasoline consumption.
In summer: When the ambient temperature is high, use the recirculated
air mode. Doing so will help to reduce the burden on the air condition-
ing system and reduce fuel consumption as well.
In winter: Because the gasoline engine will not automatically cut out
until it and the interior of the vehicle are warm, it will consume fuel.
Fuel consumption can be improved by avoiding overuse of the heater.
Checking tire inflation pressure
Make sure to check the tire inflation pressure frequently. Improper tire
inflation pressure can cause poor fuel economy.
Also, as snow tires can cause large amounts of friction, their use on dry
roads can lead to poor fuel economy. Use tires that are appropriate for
the season.
Luggage
Carrying heavy luggage can lead to poor fuel economy. Avoid carrying
unnecessary luggage. Installing a large roof rack can also cause poor
fuel economy.
Warming up before driving
Since the gasoline engine starts up and cuts out automatically when
cold, warming up the engine is unnecessary. Moreover, frequently
driving short distances will cause the engine to repeatedly warm up,
which can lead to excess fuel consumption.