146
CT200h_OM_OM76174U_(U)4-1. Before driving
WA R N I N G
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.
■When driving the vehicle
●The driver should pay extra attention to pedestrians when the vehicle is powered only
by the electric motor (traction motor). As there is no engine noise, the pedestrians
may misjudge the vehicle’s movement.
●Do not drive the vehicle over or stop the vehicle near flammable materials.
The exhaust system and exhaust gases can be extremely hot. These hot parts may
cause a fire if there is any flammable material nearby.
●During normal driving, do not turn off the hybrid system. Turning the hybrid system off
while driving will not cause loss of steering or braking control, however, power assist
to the steering will be lost. This will make it more difficult to steer smoothly, so you
should pull over and stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
In the event of an emergency, such as if it becomes impossible to stop the vehicle in
the normal way: → P. 5 2 1
●Use engine braking (shift position B instea d of shift position D) to maintain a safe
speed when driving down a steep hill.
Using the brakes continuously may cause the brakes to overheat and lose effective-
ness. ( →P. 1 6 3 )
●Do not adjust the positions of the steering wheel, the seat, or the inside or outside rear
view mirrors while driving.
Doing so may result in a loss of vehicle control.
●Always check that all passengers’ arms, heads or other parts of their body are not
outside the vehicle.
●Do not drive in excess of the speed limit. Even if the legal speed limit permits it, do not
drive over 85 mph (140 km/h) unless your vehicle has high-speed capability tires.
Driving over 85 mph (140 km/h) may result in tire failure, loss of control and possible
injury. Be sure to consult a tire dealer to determine whether the tires on your vehicle
are high-speed capability tires or not before driving at such speeds.
■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 shifting, or changes in engine speed
could cause the vehicle to skid.
●After driving through a puddle, lightly depress the brake pedal to make sure that the
brakes are functioning properly. Wet brake pads may prevent the brakes from func-
tioning properly. If the brakes on only one side are wet and not functioning properly,
steering control may be affected.
160
CT200h_OM_OM76174U_(U)4-2. Driving procedures
EV drive mode
Turns EV drive mode on/off
When EV drive mode is turned on, the
EV drive mode indicator will come on.
Pressing the switch when in EV drive
mode will return the vehicle to normal
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 dis-
play.
●The temperature of the hybrid system is high.
The vehicle has been left in the sun, driv
en 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 68 °F (20 °C) 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. 9 2 )
●Vehicle speed is high.
●The accelerator pedal is depressed firm ly or the vehicle is on a hill etc.
●The windshield defogger is in use.
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 late at night, or in indoor
parking lots etc. without concern fo r noises and exhaust gas emissions.
CT200h_OM_OM76174U_(U)
1614-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
■Switching to EV drive mode when the gasoline engine is cold
If the hybrid system is started while the ga soline 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 cancellation of EV drive mode
When driving in EV drive mode, the gasoline engine may automatically restart in the fol-
lowing 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. 9 2 )
●Vehicle speed becomes high.
●The accelerator pedal is depressed firm ly 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 approxi-
mately 0.6 mile (1 km). 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 moto r [traction motor]). Driving in EV drive
mode more than necessary may lower fuel economy.
WA R N I N G
■Caution while driving
When driving in EV drive mo de, pay special attention to the area around the vehicle.
Because there is no engine noise, pedestrian s, 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.
166
CT200h_OM_OM76174U_(U)4-2. Driving procedures
NOTICE
■Hybrid battery (traction battery) charge
If the shift position is in N, the hybrid ba
ttery (traction battery) will not be charged. To
help prevent the battery from discharging, avoid leaving the N position selected for an
extended period of time.
■Situations where shift control sy stem malfunctions are possible
If any of the following situations occurs, shift control system malfunctions are possible.
Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place on level ground, apply the parking brake,
and then contact your Lexus dealer.
●When the warning message indicating the sh ift control system appears on the multi-
information display. ( →P. 5 3 7 )
●When the shift position indicator remains off.
■Notes regarding shift lever and P position switch operation
Avoid repeatedly operating the shift lever and P position switch in quick succession.
The system protection function may activate and it will not be temporarily possible to
shift the shift position other than P. If th is happens, please wait for a while before
attempting to change the shift position again.
CT200h_OM_OM76174U_(U)
2334-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
The slip indicator light will flash while
the VSC/TRAC/ABS systems are
operating.
If the vehicle gets stuck in mud, dirt or snow, the TRAC system may reduce
power from the hybrid system to the wheels. Pressing to turn the system
off may make it easier for you to rock the vehicle in order to free it.
To turn the TRAC system off, quickly
press and release .
The “TRAC OFF” indicator light will
come on.
Press again to turn the system
back on.
■When the “TRAC OFF” indicator comes on even if the TRAC OFF switch has not been
pressed
TRAC cannot be operated. Contact your Lexus dealer.
■Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, VSC and TRAC
●A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the hybrid system is
started, just after the vehicle begins to move, if the brake pedal is depressed forcefully
or repeatedly, or 1-2 minutes after the hybrid system is stopped. 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 operating.
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.
• The brake pedal may pulsate slightly after the ABS is activated.
• The brake pedal may move down slightly after the ABS is activated.
■EPS operation sound
When the steering wheel is operated, a motor sound (whirring sound) may be heard.
This does not indicate a malfunction.
When the VSC/TRAC/ABS systems are operating
Disabling the TRAC system
234
CT200h_OM_OM76174U_(U)4-5. Using the driving support systems
■Reduced effectiveness of the EPS system
The effectiveness of the EPS system is reduced to prevent the system from overheating
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 nor-
mal within 10 minutes.
■Automatic reactivation of TRAC system
After turning the TRAC system off, the system will be automatically re-enabled in the fol-
lowing situations:
●When the power switch is turned off
●The TRAC will turn on when vehicle speed increases
CT200h_OM_OM76174U_(U)
2354-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
WA R N I N G
■The ABS does not operate effectively when
●The limits of tire gripping performance have been exceeded (such as excessively
worn tires on a snow covered road).
●The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on wet or slick road.
■Stopping distance when the ABS is operat ing may exceed that of normal conditions
The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehicle’s stopping distance. Always maintain a
safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, especially in the following situations:
●When driving on dirt, gravel or snow-covered roads
●When driving with tire chains
●When driving over bumps in the road
●When driving over roads with potholes or uneven surfaces
■TRAC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slippery road
surfaces, even if the TRAC system is operating.
Drive the vehicle carefully in conditions where stability and power may be lost.
■When the VSC is activated
The slip indicator light flashes. Always dr ive carefully. Reckless driving may cause an
accident. Exercise particular care when the indicator light flashes.
■When the TRAC system is turned off
Be especially careful and drive at a speed appropriate to the road conditions. As this is
the system to help ensure vehicle stability an d driving force, do not turn the TRAC sys-
tem off unless necessary.
■Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the specifie d size and of the same brand, tread pattern
and total load capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are inflated to the recom-
mended tire inflation pressure level.
The ABS, VSC and TRAC systems will not function correctly if different tires are
installed on the vehicle.
Contact your Lexus dealer for further information when replacing tires or wheels.
■Handling of tires and the suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modi fying the suspension will affect the driving
assist systems, and may cause a system to malfunction.
238
CT200h_OM_OM76174U_(U)4-5. Using the driving support systems
PCS (Pre-Collision System)∗
◆Pre-collision seat belts (front seat belts only)
If the pre-collision sensor detects that a collision is unavoidable, the pre-colli-
sion system will retract the seat belt before the collision occurs.
The same will happen if the driver makes an emergency braking or loses con-
trol of the vehicle. (
→P. 3 3 )
However, when the VSC system is disabled, the system will not operate in the
event of skidding.
◆Pre-collision brake assist
When there is a high possibility of a frontal collision, the system applies
greater braking force in relation to how strongly the brake pedal is depressed.
◆Pre-collision braking
When there is a high possibility of a frontal collision, the system warns the
driver using a warning light, warning display and buzzer. If the system deter-
mines that a collision is unavoidable, the brakes are automatically applied to
reduce the collision speed. Pre-collision braking can be disabled using the
pre-collision braking off switch.
Pre-collision braking disabled
Pre-collision braking enabled
The “PCS” warning light will turn on
when pre-collision braking is dis-
abled.
∗: If equipped
When the radar sensor detects possibility of a frontal collision, the pre-colli-
sion system such as the brakes and seat belts are automatically engaged to
lessen impact as well as vehicle damage.
Disabling pre-collision braking
1
2