Page 193 of 588

1934-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
IS250_EE(OM53C51E)
Modes can be changed by pressing the engine 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.
IGNITION 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 engine, the
engine switch will be turned to ACCES-
SORY mode, not to off.
If the engine is stopped with the shift lever in a position other than P, the engine
switch will not be turned off but instead be turned to ACCESSORY mode. Per-
form 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 engine switch once.
Check that “Turn Power OFF” on the multi-information display is off.
Changing engine switch modes
1
2
3
When stopping the engine with the shift lever in a position other than P
1
2
3
4
Page 194 of 588

1944-2. Driving procedures
IS250_EE(OM53C51E)
■Auto power off function
If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY mode for more than 20 minutes or IGNITION ON
mode (the engine is not running) for more than an hour with the shift lever in P, the engine
switch will automatically turn off. However, this function cannot entirely prevent battery
discharge. Do not leave the vehicle with the engine switch in ACCESSORY or IGNI-
TION ON mode for long periods of time when the engine is not running.
■Electronic key battery depletion
→P. 1 1 5
■Conditions affecting operation
→P. 1 3 2
■Notes for the entry function
→P. 1 3 3
■If the engine does not start
●Check that the shift lever is securely set in P. The engine may not start if the shift lever is
displaced out of P.
●The engine immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. (→P. 77)
Contact any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and
equipped professional.
■Steering lock
After turning the engine switch off and opening and closing the doors, the steering wheel
will be locked due to the steering lock function. Operating the engine switch again auto-
matically 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 sus-
pended if the engine is turned on and off repeatedly in a short period of time. In this case,
refrain from operating the engine switch. After about 10 seconds, the steering lock
motor will resume functioning. “Steering Lock active” will be displayed on the
multi-information display.
Check that the shift lever is in P. Press the
engine switch while turning the steering wheel
left and right.
Page 195 of 588

1954-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
IS250_EE(OM53C51E)
■When “Check Entry & Start System” is displayed on the multi-information display
The system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Lexus
dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional immediately.
■If the electronic key battery is depleted
→P. 5 2 1
■Operation of the engine switch
●When operating the engine switch, one short, firm press is enough. If the switch is
pressed improperly, the engine may not start or the engine switch mode may not
change. It is not necessary to press and hold the switch.
●If attempting to restart the engine immediately after turning the engine switch off, the
engine may not start in some cases. After turning the engine switch off, please wait a
few seconds before restarting the engine.
■If the smart entry & start system has been deactivated by a customized setting
→P. 5 2 4
CAUTION
■When starting the engine
Always start the engine while sitting in the driver’s seat. Do not depress the accelerator
pedal while starting the engine under any circumstances.
Doing so may cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
■Caution while driving
If engine failure occurs while the vehicle is moving, do not lock or open the doors until
the vehicle reaches a safe and complete stop. Activation of the steering lock in this cir-
cumstance may lead to an accident, resulting in death or serious injury.
■Stopping the engine in an emergency
If you want to stop the engine in an emergency while driving the vehicle, press and hold
the engine switch for more than 2 seconds, or press it briefly 3 times or more in succes-
sion. (→P. 4 6 7 )
However, do not touch the engine switch while driving except in an emergency. Turning
the engine off while driving will not cause loss of steering or braking control, but the
power assist to these systems will be lost. This will make it more difficult to steer and
brake, so you should pull over and stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
Page 196 of 588

1964-2. Driving procedures
IS250_EE(OM53C51E)
NOTICE
■To prevent battery discharge
●Do not leave the engine switch in ACCESSORY or IGNITION ON mode for long
periods of time without the engine running.
●If “ACCESSORY” or “IGNITION ON” is displayed on the meters while the engine is
not running, the engine switch is not off. Exit the vehicle after turning the engine
switch off.
●Do not stop the engine when the shift lever is in a position other than P. If the engine is
stopped in another shift lever position, the engine switch will not be turned off but
instead be turned to ACCESSORY mode. If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY
mode, battery discharge may occur.
■When starting the engine
●Do not race a cold engine.
●If the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls frequently, have your vehicle checked
by any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped
professional immediately.
■Symptoms indicating a malfunction with the engine switch
If the engine switch seems to be operating somewhat differently than usual, such as the
switch sticking slightly, there may be a malfunction. Contact any authorized Lexus
dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional immediately.
Page 197 of 588
1974-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
IS250_EE(OM53C51E)
While the engine switch is in IGNITION ON mode, move the shift lever
with the brake pedal depressed.
When shifting the shift lever between P and D, make sure that the vehicle is com-
pletely stopped.
Automatic transmission
Shifting the shift lever
Page 198 of 588
1984-2. Driving procedures
IS250_EE(OM53C51E)
*1: To improve fuel efficiency and reduce noise, shift the shift lever to D for normal driv-
ing.
*2: Any gear range can be fixed when driving in M mode.
■Sport mode/Eco drive mode
→P. 2 6 3
■Snow mode
Snow mode can be selected to suit the conditions when driving on slippery
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 engine
RReversing
NNeutral
DNormal driving*1
MM mode driving*2 (→P. 2 0 0 )
Selecting the driving mode
Page 199 of 588
1994-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
IS250_EE(OM53C51E)
To drive using temporary shift range selection, operate the “-” paddle shift switch.
The shift range can then be selected by operating the “-” and “+” paddle shift
switches. Changing the shift range allows restriction of the highest gear, prevent-
ing unnecessary upshifting and enabling the level of engine braking force to be
selected.
Upshifting
Downshifting
The selected shift range, from D1 to D6,
will be displayed in the meter.
To return to normal D position driving,
the “+” paddle shift switch must be held
down for a period of time.
■Shift ranges and their functions
A lower shift range will provide greater engine braking forces than a higher shift
range.
Selecting shift ranges in the D position
1
2
Meter displayFunction
D2 - D6
A gear in the range between 1 and the selected gear is auto-
matically chosen depending on vehicle speed and driving
conditions
D11st gear is set
Page 200 of 588

2004-2. Driving procedures
IS250_EE(OM53C51E)
To enter M mode, shift the shift lever to M. Gears can then be selected by oper-
ating the shift lever or paddle shift switches, allowing you to drive in the gear of
your choice.
Upshifting
Downshifting
The gear changes once every time the
shift lever or paddle shift switch is oper-
ated.
The selected gear, from M1 to M6, will
be fixed and displayed in the meter.
When in the M position, the gear will not change unless the shift lever or pad-
dle shift switches are operated.
However, even when in the M position, the gears will be automatically
changed in the following situation:
●When vehicle speed drops (downshift only).
●When the automatic transmission fluid or engine coolant temperature is
low.
●When automatic transmission fluid temperature is high.
●When the needle of the tachometer is in the red zone (the range which
exceeds the allowable revs of the engine).
In the following situations, the gear will not shift even if the shift lever or paddle
shift switches are operated.
●“1st Gear not available due to slippery road surface” is displayed on the
multi information display.
●The vehicle speed is low (upshift only).
Selecting gears in the M position
1
2