2015 Lexus ES300h engine overheat

17Pictorial index
ES350_300h_OM_OM33B99U_(U)Windshield wipers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 245
Precautions against winter season . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .P. 341
To prevent freezing (windshield wiper de-icer)
*1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 471
Precautions against car wash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 524
Fuel filler door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 2 4 9
Refueling method. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 249
Fuel type/fuel tank capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 704
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 566
Tire size/inflation pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 712
Winter tires/tire chain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .P. 341
Checking/rotation/tire pressure warning system. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 566
Coping with flat tires. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 659
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .P. 541
Opening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 5 4 1
Engine compartment cover. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 547
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 7 0 5
Coping with overheat. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 688, 691
Warning messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 641
Headlights/parking lights/daytime running ligh ts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 233
Fog lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 244
Turn signal lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 230
Tail lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 233
Stop/tail lights
Hill-start assist control
*2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 319
License plate lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 233
Back-up lights
Shifting the shift lever to R . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 222, 226
Side marker lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. 233
4
5
6
7
Light bulbs of the exterior lights for driving
( R e p l a c i n g m e t h o d : P. 5 9 8 , Wa t t s : P. 7 1 4 )
*1: If equipped
*2: Hybrid vehicles
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15

ES350_300h_OM_OM33B99U_(U)
1012. Instrument cluster
2
Instrument cluster
■ECO lamp and SPORT lamp
●When sport mode is selected, SPORT lamp (red) will illuminate.
●When all of the following conditions are satisfied and Eco-friendly driving, ECO
lamp (blue) will illuminate. (ECO lamp will become brighter the more Eco-friendly
driving you perform. Also, while the vehicle is stopped or the acceleration exceeds
Zone of Eco driving, ECO lamp turns off. (P. 109) However, when Eco drive
mode is selected, while the vehicle is stopped or the acceleration exceeds Zone of
Eco driving, ECO lamp does not turn off.):
• Driving with the shift lever in D
• Either normal mode or Eco drive mode is selected.
• The vehicle speed is approximately 80 mph (130 km/h) or below.
■Tachometer (hybrid vehicles)
Hybrid System Indicator automatically sw itches to the tachometer when driving
mode is in sport mode.
■Engine speed (hybrid vehicles)
Engine speed is precisely controlled in or der to help improve fuel efficiency and
reduce exhaust emissions etc.
There are times when the engine speed that is displayed may differ even when vehi-
cle operation and driving conditions are the same.
■Odometer and trip meter display
P. 2 0 9 , 2 1 7
■Customization
Settings (e.g. on/off operatio n of ECO lamp) can be changed.
(Customizable features P. 7 3 0 )
NOTICE
■To prevent damage to the engine and its components
●Do not let the indicator needle of the tachometer enter the red zone, which indi-
cates 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. 688, 691)

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4-1. Before driving
CAUTION
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.
■When driving the vehicle
●During normal driving, do not turn off the engine . Turning the
engine off while driving will not cause loss of steering or braking
control, but the power assist to these syst ems 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.
However, in the event of an emergency, such as if it becomes impossible to stop
the vehicle in the normal way: P. 6 1 5
●Use engine braking (downshift) to maintain a safe speed when driving down a
steep hill.
Using the brakes continuously may cause the brakes to overheat and lose effec-
tiveness. ( P. 223, 227)
●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 steeri ng 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, resulting in an accident.
●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
functioning properly. If the brakes on only one side are wet and not functioning
properly, steering control may be affected.

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ES350_300h_OM_OM33B99U_(U)
4-1. Before driving
CAUTION
■If you hear a squealing or scraping noise (brake pad wear limit indicators)
Have the brake pads checked and replaced by your Lexus dealer as soon as possi-
ble.
Rotor damage may result if the pads are not replaced when needed.
It is dangerous to drive the vehicle when the wear limits of the brake pads and/or
those of the brake discs are exceeded.
■When the vehicle is stopped
●Gasoline vehicles: Do not race the engine.
If the vehicle is in any gear other than P or N, the vehicle may accelerate suddenly
and unexpectedly, causing an accident.
Hybrid vehicles: Do not depress the accelerator pedal unnecessarily.
If the vehicle is in any gear other than P or N, the vehicle may accelerate suddenly
and unexpectedly, causing an accident.
●In order to prevent accidents due to the vehicle rolling away, always keep
depressing the brake pedal while the engine is running ing>, and apply the parking brake as necessary.
●If the vehicle is stopped on an incline, in order to prevent accidents caused by the
vehicle rolling forward or backward, always depress the brake pedal and securely
apply the parking brake as needed.
●Avoid revving or racing the engine.
Running the engine at high speed whil e the vehicle is stopped may cause the
exhaust system to overheat, which could result in a fire if combustible material is
nearby.

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4-1. Before driving
CAUTION
■When taking a nap in the vehicle
Always turn the engine off. Otherwise, if you accidentally move
the shift lever or depress the accelerator pedal, this could cause an accident or fire
due to engine 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 brake booster (gasoline vehicles) or brake actuator (hybrid vehicles) 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.
●Gasoline vehicles only: Do not pump the brake pedal if the engine stalls.
Each push on the brake pedal uses up the reserve for the power-assisted brakes.
●Gasoline vehicles: The brake system consists of 2 individual hydraulic systems; if
one of the systems fails, the other will st ill 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.
Hybrid vehicles: The brake system consists of 2 or more individual hydraulic sys-
tems; if one of the systems fails, the other(s) will still operate. In this case, the brake
pedal should be depressed more firmly th an usual and the braking distance will
increase. Have your brakes fixed immediately.

ES350_300h_OM_OM33B99U_(U)
2094-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
■When the steering lock cannot be released
■Steering lock motor overheating prevention
To prevent the steering lock motor from overheating, the motor may be suspended if
the engine is turned on and off repeatedly in a short period of time. In this case,
refrain from operating the engine. After about 10 seconds, the steering lock motor
will resume functioning.
■When “Check Access System with Elec. Key” is displayed on the multi-information
display
The system may be malfunctio ning. Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer
immediately.
■If the electronic key battery is depleted
 P. 5 8 4
■Operation of the “START STOP ENGINE” switch
●When operating the “START STOP ENGINE” switch, one short, firm press is
enough. If the switch is pressed improper ly, the engine may not start or the “START
STOP ENGINE” switch mode may not chan ge. It is not necessary to press and
hold the switch.
●If attempting to restart the engine immediately after turning the “START STOP
ENGINE” switch off, the en gine may not start in some cases. After turning the
“START STOP ENGINE” switch off, please wait a few seconds before restarting
the engine.
■If the smart access system with push-but ton start has been deactivated in a cus-
tomized setting
 P. 6 7 7
■Odometer and trip meter display
When the “START STOP ENGINE” switch is turned off, the odometer or trip meter
display will extinguish afte r approximately 30 seconds.
“Steering Lock active” will be displayed on
the multi-information display.
Check that the shift lever is set in P. Press the
“START STOP ENGINE” switch while turning
the steering wheel left and right.

ES350_300h_OM_OM33B99U_(U)
3174-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
■Reduced effectiveness of the EPS system
The effectiveness of the EPS system is reduced to prevent the system from overheat-
ing when there is frequent steering input over an extended period of time. The steer-
ing wheel may feel heavy as a result. Should this occur, refrain from excessive
steering input or stop the vehicle and turn the engine off. The effec-
tiveness will improve after a short while.
CAUTION
■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 roads.
■Stopping distance when the ABS is operating may exceed that of normal condi-
tions
The ABS is not designed to shorten the ve hicle’s stopping distance. Always main-
tain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, especially in the following situa-
tions:
●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 drive carefully. Reckless driving may cause
an accident. Exercise particular care when the indicator light flashes.
■When the TRAC/VSC systems are turned off
Be especially careful and drive at a spee d appropriate to the road conditions. As
these are the systems help ensure vehicle st ability and driving force, do not turn the
TRAC/VSC systems off unless necessary.

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8When trouble arises
8-1. Essential informationEmergency flashers.................... 614
If your vehicle has to be stopped in an emergency ..... 615 8-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If your vehicle needs to be towed .................................. 617
If you think something is wrong ................ 624
Fuel pump shut off system (gasoline vehicles) .................. 625
If a warning light turns on or a warning buzzer sounds ..... 626
If a warning message is displayed ................................ 636
If you have a flat tire................... 659
If the engine will not start (gasoline vehicles) ...................672
If the hybrid system will not start (hybrid vehicles) ............. 674
If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P ...................... 676
If the electronic key does not operate properly ......................677
If the 12-volt battery is discharged (gasoline
vehicles) ..................................... 680
If the 12-volt battery is discharged (hybrid
vehicles) ......................................684
If your vehicle overheats (gasoline vehicles) ................. 688
If your vehicle overheats (hybrid vehicles) ....................... 691
If the vehicle becomes stuck ..............................................697