Page 474 of 784

4746-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
ES350_300h_OM_OM33B99U_(U)
■Automatic mode for air intake control
In automatic mode, the system detects exhaust gas and other pollutants and auto-
matically switches between outside air and recirculated air modes.
When the dehumidification function is off, and the fan is operating, turning automatic
mode on will activate the dehumidification function.
■Micro dust an d pollen filter
●In order to prevent the windshield from fogging up when the outside air is cold, the
following may occur:
• Outside air mode does not switch to (recirculated air) mode.
• The dehumidification function operates.
• The operation cancels after approximately 1 minute.
●In rainy weather, the windows may fog up. Press .
●In extremely humid weather, the windows may fog up.
●The pollens are filtered out even if the mi cro dust and pollen filter is turned off.
■Operation of the air conditioning system in Eco drive mode
●In the Eco drive mode, the air conditioning system is controlled as follows to priori-
tize fuel efficiency
• Engine speed and compressor operation co ntrolled to restrict heating/cooling
capacity
• Fan speed restricted when automatic mode is selected
●To improve air conditioning performa nce, perform the following operations
• Adjust the fan speed
• Turn off Eco drive mode
■Ventilation and air conditioning odors
●To let fresh air in, set the air conditioning system to the outside air mode.
●During use, various odors from inside an d outside the vehicle may enter into and
accumulate in the air condit ioning system. This may then cause odor to be emitted
from the vents.
●To reduce potential odors from occurring:
• It is recommended that the air conditio ning system be set to outside air mode
prior to turning the vehicle off.
• The start timing of the blower may be delayed for a short period of time immedi- ately after the air conditioning system is started in automatic mode.
Page 475 of 784

ES350_300h_OM_OM33B99U_(U)
4756-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
6
Interior features
■Air conditioning filter
P. 5 8 2
■Customization
Settings (e.g. A/C automatic mode sw itch operation) can be changed.
(Customizable features: P. 7 3 9 )
CAUTION
■To prevent the windshield from fogging up
●Do not use during cool air operation in extremely humid weather. The dif-
ference between the temperature of the outside air and that of the windshield can
cause the outer surface of the windshie ld to fog up, blocking your vision.
■To prevent burns
●Do not touch the rear view mirror surfaces when the outside rear view mirror
defoggers are on.
●Do not touch the glass at lower part of th e windshield or to the side of the front
pillars when the windshield wiper de-icer is on. (vehicles with windshield wiper
de-icer)
●Do not place anything on the instrument
panel which may cover the air outlets. Oth-
erwise, air flow may be obstructed, pre-
venting the windshield defoggers from
defogging.
Page 476 of 784
4766-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
ES350_300h_OM_OM33B99U_(U)
NOTICE
■Humidity sensor (if equipped)
●Do not spray the glass cleaner on the sensor or subject it to strong impacts
●Do not stick anything on the sensor
■To prevent 12-volt battery discharge
Do not leave the air conditioning system on longer than necessary when the
engine is off.
In order to detect fog on the windshield, a
sensor which monitors the temperature of
the windshield, the surround humidity, etc. is
installed. (P. 4 7 3 )
Follow these points to avoid damaging the
sensor:
●Do not disassemble the sensor
Page 477 of 784

477
ES350_300h_OM_OM33B99U_(U)
6-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
6
Interior features
Heated steering wheel/seat heaters/
seat ventilators
: If equipped
Heated steering wheel and seat heaters heat the side grips of the steer-
ing wheel and seats, respectively. Seat ventilators maintain good air-
flow by blowing air from the seats.
CAUTION
●Care should be taken to prevent injury if anyone in the following categories
comes in contact with the steering wheel and seats when the heater is on:
• Babies, small children, the elderly, the sick and the physically challenged
• Persons with sensitive skin
• Persons who are fatigued
• Persons who have taken alcohol or drugs that induce sleep (sleeping drugs, cold remedies, etc.)
●Observe the following precautions to prevent minor burns or overheating:
• Do not cover the seat with a blanket or cushion when using the seat heater.
• Do not use seat heater more than necessary.
NOTICE
●Do not put heavy objects that have an unev en surface on the seat and do not stick
sharp objects (needles, nail s, etc.) into the seat.
●To prevent 12-volt battery discharge, do not use the functions when the hybrid
system is off.
Page 478 of 784
4786-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
ES350_300h_OM_OM33B99U_(U)
Turns the heated steering wheel on/
off
The indicator light comes on when the
heated steering wheel is operating.
●The heated steering wheel can be used when the “START STOP ENGINE”
<“POWER”> switch is in IGNITION ON mode.
●The heated steering wheel will automatically turn off after about 30 minutes.
Heats the seat
The indicator light comes on.
The higher the number of dots, the
warmer the seat becomes.
Blows air from the seat
The indicator light comes on.
The higher the number of dots, the
stronger the airflow becomes.
The seat heaters and ventilators can be used when the “START STOP ENGINE”
<“POWER”> switch is in IGNITION ON mode.
Heated steering wheel
Seat heaters and ventilators
1
2
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521
ES350_300h_OM_OM33B99U_(U)
7Maintenance and care
7-1. Maintenance and careCleaning and protecting the vehicle exterior................. 522
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle interior .................. 526
7-2. Maintenance Maintenance requirements............................. 529
General maintena nce .............. 532
Emission inspection and maintenance (I/M)
programs .................................... 536
7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance Do-it-yourself service precautions ................................ 537
Hood ................................................ 541
Positioning a floor jack ............. 542
Engine compartment ............... 545
12-volt battery (hybrid vehicles) ...................... 562
Tires .................................................. 566
Tire inflation pressure ................577
Wheels .......................................... 580
Air conditioning filter ...............582
Electronic key battery ..............584
Checking and replacing fuses ..............................................586
Light bulbs.....................................598
Page 540 of 784
540
ES350_300h_OM_OM33B99U_(U)
7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
CAUTION
■When working near the electric cooling fans or radiator grille
Be sure the “START STOP ENGINE” <“POWER”> switch is off.
With the “START STOP ENGINE” <“PO WER”> switch in IGNITION ON
mode, the electric cooling fans may automatically start to run if the air conditioning
is on and/or the coolant temperature is high. ( P. 555)
■Safety glasses
Wear safety glasses to prevent flying or falling material, fluid spray, etc. from get-
ting in your eyes.
NOTICE
■If you remove the air cleaner filter
Driving with the air cleaner filter removed may cause excessive engine wear due to
dirt in the air.
Page 582 of 784
582
ES350_300h_OM_OM33B99U_(U)
7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Air conditioning filter
Turn the “START STOP ENGINE” <“POWER”> switch off.
Open the glove box. Lift and
remove the partition.
Remove the glove box cover.
Remove the filter cover.
The air conditioning filter must be changed regularly to maintain air
conditioning efficiency.
Removal method
1
2
3
4