Page 90 of 628
891-2. Hybrid system
1
For safety and security
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
NOTICE
Hybrid battery air vent
Do not put foreign objects near the air vent. The hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery) may overheat and be damaged.
Clean the air vent regularly to prevent the hybrid battery (traction battery)
from overheating.
Do not wet or allow foreign substances to enter the air vent as this may cause
a short circuit and damage the hybrid battery (traction battery).
Do not carry large amounts of water such as water cooler bottles in the vehi-
cle. If water spills onto the hybrid battery (traction battery), the battery may
be damaged. Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Lexus dealer or
repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional.
Page 116 of 628

1152. Instrument cluster
2
Instrument cluster
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
Tachometer
Hybrid System Indicator switches to the tachometer when driving mode is in
sport mode.
The settings of the tachometer display can be changed on the multi-information
display. (P. 1 1 9 )
Engine speed
On hybrid vehicles, engine speed is precisely controlled in order to help improve
fuel efficiency and reduce exhaust emissions etc.
There are times when the engine speed that is displayed may differ even when
vehicle operation and driving conditions are the same.
Outside temperature display
In the following situations, the correct outside temperature may not be displayed,
or the display may take longer than normal to change.
When stopped, or driving at low speeds (less than 20 km/h [12 mph])
When the outside temperature has changed suddenly (at the entrance/exit of a
garage, tunnel, etc.)
Pop-up display
In some situations, such as when a switch operation is performed, a pop-up dis-
play, such as the operating methods of the headlight switch, will be temporarily
displayed on the multi-information display or the odometer/trip meter screen (F
SPORT models only).
The pop-up display function can be set on/off. (P. 119)
Liquid crystal display
Small spots or light spots may appear on the display. This phenomenon is charac-
teristic of liquid crystal displays, and there is no problem continuing to use the
display.
Customization
The meter display can be customized on the multi-information display. (P.
116)
NOTICE
To prevent damage to the engine and its components
Do not let the indicator needle of the tachometer enter the red zone, which
indicates the maximum engine speed.
The engine may be overheating if the engine coolant temperature gauge is in
the red zone (H). In this case, immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place, and
check the engine after it has cooled completely. (P. 555)
Page 200 of 628

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 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 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.
Page 226 of 628
2244-2. Driving procedures
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
To set the parking brake, fully
depress the parking brake pedal
with your left foot while depressing
the brake pedal with your right foot.
(Depressing the pedal again
releases the parking brake.)
Parking brake engaged warning buzzer
P. 517
Usage in winter time
P. 311
Parking brake
Operating instructions
NOTICE
Before driving
Fully release the parking brake.
Driving the vehicle with the parking brake set will lead to brake components
overheating, which may affect braking performance and increase brake wear.
Page 294 of 628

2924-5. Using the driving support systems
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
Sport mode
• SPORT S mode
Assists acceleration response by controlling the hybrid system. Suit-
able for when powerful acceleration is desirable.
When not in SPORT S mode and the driving mode select switch is turned
to the right, the “SPORT S” indicator comes on, and the hybrid system
indicator changes to the tachometer. (P. 1 1 0 )
• SPORT S+ mode
Helps to ensure steering performance and driving stability by simul-
taneously controlling the steering and suspension in addition to the
hybrid system. Suitable for sporty driving.
When in SPORT S mode and the driving mode select switch is turned to the
right, the “SPORT S+” indicator comes on.
Operation of the air conditioning system in Eco drive mode
Eco drive mode controls the heating/cooling operations and fan speed of the air
conditioning system to enhance fuel efficiency (P. 398). To improve air condi-
tioning performance, adjust the fan speed or turn off Eco drive mode.
Sport mode automatic deactivation
Sport mode is automatically deactivated if the power switch is turned off after
driving in sport mode.
3