
351
4
4-6. Driving tips
Driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F00E_(EE)
Hybrid vehicle driving tips
◆Using Eco drive mode
When using Eco drive mode, the torque corresponding to the accelerator
pedal depression amount can be generated more smoothly than it is in normal
conditions. In addition, the operation of the air conditioning system (heating/
cooling) will be minimized, improving the fuel economy. (
→P. 3 3 0 )
◆Use of Hybrid System Indicator
The Eco-friendly driving is possible by keeping the indicate of Hybrid System
Indicator within Eco area. ( →P. 1 0 8 , 1 2 3 )
◆Shift lever operation
Shift the shift lever to D when stopped at a traffic light, or driving in heavy traf-
fic etc. Shift the shift lever to P when parking. When using the N, there is no
positive effect on fuel consumption. In the N, the gasoline engine operates but
electricity cannot be generated. Also, wh en using the air conditioning system,
etc., the hybrid battery (traction battery) power is consumed.
◆Accelerator pedal/brake pedal operation
●Drive your vehicle smoothly. Avoid abrupt acceleration and deceleration.
Gradual acceleration and deceleration will make more effective use of the
electric motor (traction motor) without having to use gasoline engine
power.
●Avoid repeated acceleration. Repeated acceleration consumes hybrid bat-
tery (traction battery) power, resulting in poor fuel consumption. Battery
power can be restored by driving with the accelerator pedal slightly
released.
◆When braking
Make sure to operate the brakes gently and in a timely manner. A greater
amount of electrical energy can be regenerated when slowing down.
For economical and ecological driving, pay attention to the following points:

3755-2. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
5
Interior features
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F00E_(EE)
■Outside/recirculated air mode
●When driving on dusty roads such as tunnels or in heavy traffic, set the outside/recircu-
lated air mode button to the recirculated air mode. This is effective in preventing out-
side air from entering the vehicle interior. During cooling operation, setting the
recirculated air mode will also cool the vehicle interior effectively.
●Outside/recirculated air mode may automatically switch depending on the tempera-
ture setting or the inside temperature.
■Automatic mode for air intake control
In automatic mode, the system detects exhaust gas and other pollutants and automati-
cally 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.
■Operation of the air conditioning system in Eco drive mode
In the Eco drive mode, the air conditioning system is controlled as follows to prioritize
fuel efficiency:
●Engine speed and compressor operation controlled to restrict heating/cooling capac-
ity
●Fan speed restricted when automatic mode is selected
To improve air conditioning performance, perform the following operations:
●Adjust the fan speed
●Turn off Eco drive mode (→P. 3 3 0 )
■When the S-FLOW mode operates
If air flows to the driver’s seat only, the temperature setting for the front passenger’s seat
is not displayed.
■When the outside temperature is low
The dehumidification function may not operate even when “A/C” on the option control
screen is selected.
■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 and outside the vehicle may enter into and accu-
mulate in the air conditioning system. This may then cause odor to be emitted from the
vents.
●To reduce potential odors from occurring:
• It is recommended that the air conditioning 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 immediately after the air conditioning system is started in automatic mode.

381
5
5-2. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
Interior features
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F00E_(EE)
Heated steering wheel∗/seat heaters∗/seat ventilators∗
∗: If equipped
Heated steering wheel and seat heaters heat the side grips of the steering
wheel and seats, respectively. Seat ventilators maintain good airflow by blow-
ing air from the seats.
WA R N I N G
●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
●To prevent damage to the seat heaters/seat ventilators, do not put heavy objects that
have an uneven surface on the seat and do not stick sharp objects (needles, nails, etc.)
into the seat.
●To prevent 12-volt battery discharge, do not use the functions when the hybrid system
is off.

3845-2. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F00E_(EE)
■Seat ventilators (without seat heaters) (if equipped)
Seat ventilator switches
Level indicator lights
The seat ventilator fan speed level is
displayed.
●Modes and indicators
The mode changes each time the switch is pressed as follows:
■The seat heaters/seat ventilators can be used when
The power switch is in ON mode.
■Seat heater control (vehicles without automatic mode)
The seat heater automatically changes operations. If the power switch is turned off while
the seat heater is operating, the starting operation of the heater differs depending on the
amount of time that elapses before it is turned back on.
■Automatic operation of the seat heater during Eco drive mode
Eco drive mode controls the heating operations and fan speed of the air conditioning
system to enhance fuel efficiency. If the driv ing mode select switch is switched to Eco
drive mode in cold temperatures, the seat heater may be automatically operated to assist
heating performance.
1
2
ModeLevel indicator lights
OffOff
Hi3
Mid2
Lo1
Current operation
Starting operation mode and amount of time elapsed
until power switch in ON mode
0 to 15 minutesOver 15 minutes
HiHiHi
MidMidHi
LoLoHi

4917-2. Steps to take in an emergency
7
When trouble arises
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F00E_(EE)
Indicates that the parking brake system is overheatingA buzzer also sounds.
→ Do not use the parking brake until the message dis-
appears.
Indicates an engine malfunction
A buzzer also sounds.
→ Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Lexus
dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and
equipped professional.
Indicates an engine malfunction
A buzzer also sounds.
→ Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Lexus
dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and
equipped professional.
Indicates a malfunction in:
• The SRS airbag system; or
• The seat belt pretensioner system
A buzzer also sounds.
→ Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Lexus
dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and
equipped professional.
Wa r n i n g m e s s a g eDetails/Actions

5567-2. Steps to take in an emergency
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F00E_(EE)
If your vehicle overheats
●The needle of the engine coolant temperature gauge ( →P. 104) enters the
red zone or a loss of hybrid system power is experienced. (For example, the
vehicle speed does not increase.)
●“Engine Coolant Temp High Stop in a Safe Place See Owner’s Manual” or
“Hybrid System Overheated Reduced Output Power” ( →P. 482) is shown on
the multi-information display.
●Steam comes out from under the hood.
■If the needle of the engine coolant temperature gauge enters the red zone
or “Engine Coolant Temp High Stop in a Safe Place See Owner’s Manual” is
shown on the multi-information display
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and turn off the air conditioning system, and
then stop the hybrid system.
If you see steam:
Carefully lift the hood after the steam subsides.
If you do not see steam:
Carefully lift the hood.
After the hybrid system has cooled down sufficiently, inspect the hoses and
cooling system for leaks.
Radiator
Cooling fans
If a large amount of coolant leaks,
immediately contact any autho-
rized Lexus dealer or repairer, or
another duly qualified and
equipped professional.
The following may indicate that your vehicle is overheating.
Correction procedures
1
2
3
1
2

604Alphabetical index
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F00E_(EE)
Cargo hooks........................................... 394
CD player
*
Chains .......................................................355
Child restraint system ............................ 56Baby seats, definition .......................... 57
Baby seats, installation ....................... 66
Child seats, definition.......................... 57
Child seats, installation....................... 66
Installing CRS with ISOFIX rigid anchors........................................ 69
Installing CRS with seat belts.......... 66
Installing CRS with top strap .......... 70
Junior seats, definition ........................ 57
Junior seats, installation .....................68
Child safety................................................. 55 12-volt battery
precautions........................... 430, 555
Airbag precautions .............................. 45
Child restraint system......................... 56
How your child should
wear the seat belt ..................... 39, 40
Installing child restraints .................... 65
Moon roof precautions ................... 198
Power window lock switch.............193
Power window precautions .......... 195
Rear door child-protectors ............143
Removed electronic key battery precautions ....................... 452
Seat belt comfort guide ..................... 39
Seat belt precautions .......................... 42
Seat heater precautions .................. 381
Trunk precautions ..............................149
Child-protectors ................................... 143 Cleaning.........................................406, 410
Aluminum wheels.............................. 407
Exterior ................................................... 406
Interior.......................................................410
Seat belts ................................................... 411
Clock ...............................................105, 398
Coat hooks.............................................. 402
Condenser ..............................................427
Console box ........................................... 390
Console box light ...................................391
Coolant..................................................... 425 Capacity..................................................572
Checking ............................................... 425
Preparing and checking
before winter.................................... 354
Cooling system ..................................... 425
Engine overheating .......................... 556
Hybrid system overheating.......... 556
Consumption screen ........................... 126
Cruise control Cruise control ......................................327
Dynamic radar cruise control ....... 315
Dynamic radar cruise control with full-speed range ................... 303
Cup holders ..............................................391
Curtain shield airbags .......................... 43
Customizable features........................ 581

606Alphabetical index
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F00E_(EE)
Dynamic radar cruise control with full-speed range .......................303
Function ..................................................303
Warning message.............................482
Dynamic Rear Steering (DRS)........345 Function ..................................................345
Warning message.............................482
DVD player
*
Eco drive mode .....................................330
Electric motor (traction motor) ......... 75
Electric Power Steering (EPS)........345 Function ..................................................345
Warning light ....................................... 477
Warning message.............................482
Electronic key.......................................... 134 Battery-saving function.................... 155
If the electronic key does not operate properly ........................... 548
Replacing the battery.........................451
Emergency, in case of
If a warning buzzer sounds .......... 476
If a warning light turns on............... 476
If a warning message is displayed ............................................ 482
If the 12-volt battery is discharged.......................................... 551
If the electronic key does not operate properly ........................... 548
If the hybrid system will not start ........................................................543
If the parking brake cannot be released........................................546 If the shift lever cannot be
shifted from P................................... 545
If you have a flat tire................517, 528
If you think something is wrong .............................................. 475
If your vehicle becomes stuck .... 563
If your vehicle has to be stopped in an emergency ......... 469
If your vehicle needs to be towed ............................................ 470
If your vehicle overheats................ 556
Emergency brake signal.................... 345
Emergency flashers............................. 468
Emergency tire puncture
repair kit ................................................ 528
Energy monitor ....................................... 126
Engine ....................................................... 568 Accessory mode ................................. 218
Compartment ....................................... 419
Engine switch ........................................ 217
Hood ......................................................... 417
How to start the hybrid
system.................................................... 217
Identification number.......................568
Ignition switch (power switch) .................................. 217
Overheating ........................................ 556
Power switch ......................................... 217
Engine compartment cover ...............421
Engine coolant....................................... 425 Capacity..................................................572
Checking ............................................... 425
Preparing and checking before winter.................................... 354
E