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Hybrid System
■Hybrid System Indicator
Po w e r a r e a
Shows that an Eco-friendly driving
range is being exceeded (during full
power driving etc.)
Eco area
Shows that the vehicle is being driven
in an Eco-friendly manner.
Hybrid Eco area
Shows that gasoline engine power is
not being used very often.
The gasoline engine will automatically
stop and restart under various condi-
tions.
Charge area
Shows regenerative charging.
●Hybrid System Indicator is displayed when the driving mode is other than the sport
mode.
●By keeping the indicator needle within Eco area, more Eco-friendly driving can be
achieved.
●Charge area indicates regeneration
* status. Regenerated energy will be used to charge
the battery.
*: When used in this manual, “regeneration” refers to the conversion of energy created by
the movement of the vehicle into electrical energy.
Your vehicle is a hybrid vehicle. It has characteristics different from conventional vehicles.
Be sure you are closely familiar with the characteristics of your vehicle, and operate with
care.
The hybrid system combines the use of a gasoline engine and an electric motor (traction
motor) according to driving conditions, improving fuel efficiency and reducing exhaust
emissions.
For details, refer to the “Owner’s Manual”.
1
2
3
4
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■Charging the hybrid battery (traction battery)
If the shift lever is in N, the hybrid battery (traction battery) will not be charged. Always put
the shift lever in P when the vehicle is stopped. When driving in heavy traffic, operate the
vehicle with the shift lever in D or S to avoid discharging the battery.
■Regenerative braking
In the following situations, kinetic energy is converted to electric energy and deceleration
force can be obtained in conjunction with the recharging of the hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery).
●The accelerator pedal is released while driving with the shift position in D or S.
●The brake pedal is depressed while driving with the shift position in D or S.
■Sounds and vibrations specific to a hybrid vehicle
There may be no engine sounds or vibration even though the vehicle is able to move. For
safety, apply the parking brake and make sure to shift the shift position to P when parked.
The following sounds or vibrations may occur when the hybrid system is operating and are
not a malfunction:
●Motor sounds may be heard from the engine compartment.
●Sounds may be heard from the hybrid battery (traction battery) behind the rear seats
when the hybrid system starts or stops.
●Sounds from the hybrid system may be heard when the trunk lid is open.
●Sounds may be heard from the hybrid transmission when the hybrid system starts or
stops.
●Engine sounds may be heard when accelerating sharply.
●Sounds may be heard due to regenerative braking when the brake pedal is depressed.
●Vibration may be felt when the gasoline engine starts or stops.
●Cooling fan sounds may be heard from the air intake vent on rear left seat.
■Running out of fuel
When the vehicle has run out of fuel and the hybrid system cannot be started, refuel the
vehicle with at least enough gasoline to make the low fuel level warning light go off. If there is
only a small amount of fuel, the hybrid system may not be able to start. (The minimum
amount of fuel to add to make the low fuel level warning light go out is about 3.0 gal. [11.3 L,
2.5 Imp.gal.], when the vehicle is on a level surface. This value may vary when the vehicle is
on a slope.)
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●How to display on the multi-information display
Press the “DISP” button on the steering wheel several times to select the energy monitor
display.
The flow of energy is indicated by the movement of the arrows
on the multi-information display.
The displayed energy flow, battery level, etc. will change in response to the current driving
conditions.
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Keys
■Electronic key
Smart access system with push-button start
(P.1 9 , 2 8 )
Wireless remote control (P.1 9 )
■Mechanical key
To take out the mechanical key, push the
release button and take the key out.
After using the mechanical key, store it in
the electronic key. Carry the mechanical
key together with the electronic key. If
the electronic key battery is depleted or
the entry function does not operate
properly, you will need the mechanical
key.
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EV Drive Mode
Tu r n s E V d r i v e m o d e o n /o f f
When EV drive mode is turned on, “EV
MODE” will be displayed on the multi-
information display. Pressing the switch
when in EV drive mode will return the
vehicle to normal driving (using the gas-
oline engine and electric motor [traction
motor]).
In EV drive mode the electric motor (traction motor), powered by the hybrid battery
(traction battery), is used to drive the vehicle.
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What to do if...
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■Starting the hybrid system
Ensure that the shift lever is in P and
depress the brake pedal.
Touch the Lexus emblem side of the
electronic key to the “POWER” switch.
The “POWER” switch will turn to ON
mode.
When the smart access system with
push-button start is deactivated in cus-
tomization setting, the “POWER”
switch will turn to ACCESSORY
mode.
Firmly depress the brake pedal and
check that is shown on the
multi-information display.
Press the “POWER” switch.
In the event that the hybrid system still cannot be started, contact your Lexus dealer.
If the hybrid system doesn’t start
Make sure that the correct operating procedures have been followed.
Make sure that the brake pedal is firmly
depressed when attempting to start the
hybrid system. (P. 2 8 )
1
2
3
4
If the electronic key battery becomes depleted, replace it with a new battery. For instruc-
tions on replacing the battery, refer to the Owner’s Manual. If you need further assistance,
contact your Lexus dealer.
Brake pedal
If the hybrid system still does not start, see the Owner’s Manual for more information or
contact your Lexus dealer.