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4-2. Driving procedures
To enter S mode, shift the shift lever to S. Shift ranges can be selected by operat-
ing the shift lever or paddle shift switches, allowing you to drive in the shift range
of your choosing.
Upshifting
Downshifting
The selected shift range, from S1 to S8,
will be displayed in the meter.
The initial shift range in S mode is auto-
matically set to between S2 and S6
according to vehicle speed.
■Shift ranges and their functions
●You can choose from 8 levels of accelerating force and engine braking
force.
●A lower shift range will provide greater accelerating force and engine
braking force than a higher shift rang e, and the engine revolutions will also
increase.
●If you accelerate while in ranges 1 to 7, the shift range may automatically
range up in accordance with the vehicle’s speed.
Selecting shift ranges in the S position
1
2
GS450h_OM_OM30E99U_(U)
1914-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
■Automatic deactivation of shift range selection in the D position
Shift range selection in the D position will be deactivated in the following situations:
●When the vehicle comes to a stop
●If the accelerator pedal is depressed for more than a certain period of time
●When the shift lever is shifted to other than D
■Downshifting restrictions warning buzzer
To help ensure safety and driving performa nce, downshifting operation may sometimes
be restricted. In some circumstances, downshifting may not be possible even when the
shift lever or paddle shift switch is operated. (A buzzer will sound twice.)
■Snow mode automatic deactivation
Snow mode is automatically deactivated if th e power switch is turned off after driving in
snow mode.
■When driving with cruise control or dynamic radar cruise control with full-speed range
activated
Even when performing the following actions with the intent of enabling engine braking,
engine braking will not activate because cruise control, dynamic radar cruise control or
dynamic radar cruise control with full-speed range will not be canceled.
●While driving in the D position or S mode, downshifting to 7, 6, 5 or 4. ( P. 2 4 1 , 2 5 3 )
●When switching the driving mode to sport mode while driving in D position. ( P. 2 5 6 )
■Restraining sudden start (Drive-Start Control)
●When the following unusual op eration is performed, the hybrid system output may be
restrained.
• When the shift lever is shifted from R to D, D to R, N to R, P to D, or P to R (D
includes S) with the accelerator pedal depressed, a warning message appears on
the multi-information display. ( P. 4 0 6 )
• When the accelerator pedal is depressed to o much while the vehicle is in reverse.
■If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P
P. 448
WA R N I N G
■When driving on slippery road surfaces
Be careful of downshifting and sudden accele ration, as this could result in the vehicle
skidding to the side or spinning.
NOTICE
■Hybrid battery (traction battery) charge
If the shift lever is in N, the hybrid batter y (traction battery) will not be charged even
when the engine is running. Therefore, if the ve hicle is left with the shift lever in N for a
long period of time, the hybrid battery (tr action battery) will discharge, and this may
result in the vehicle not being able to start.
GS450h_OM_OM30E99U_(U)
2574-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
Sport mode•SPORT S mode
Assists acceleration response by controlling the transmission and engine.
When not in SPORT S mode and the driving mode select switch is turned to the
right, the “SPORT S” indicator comes on in the multi-information display, and the
Hybrid System Indicator changes to the tachometer. ( P. 9 1 )
•SPORT S+ mode
Helps to ensure steering performanc e and driving stability by simulta-
neously controlling the steering and su spension in addition to the hybrid
system. Suitable for sporty driving.
When in SPORT S mode and the driving mode select switch is turned to the right,
the “SPORT S+” indicator comes on in the multi-information display.
■Operation of the air conditioning system in Eco drive mode
Eco drive mode controls the heating/cooling operations and fan speed of the air condi-
tioning system to enhance fuel efficiency. To improve air conditioning performance, per-
form the following operations:
●Turn off eco air conditioning mode ( P. 2 8 7 )
●Adjust the fan speed ( P. 2 8 6 )
●Turn off Eco drive mode
■Automatic operation of the seat heater during Eco drive mode
Eco drive mode controls the he ating operation and fan speed of the air conditioning sys-
tem to enhance fuel efficiency. If the driving mode select switch is switched to Eco drive
mode in cold temperatures, the seat heater wi ll be automatically operated to assist heat-
ing performance.
■Automatic deactivation of sport mode and customized mode
If the power switch is turned off after driv ing in sport mode or customized mode, the
drive mode will be changed to normal mode.
■Driving mode pop-up display (12.3-inch display only)
When the driving mode is changed, the selected driving mode will be temporarily dis-
played on the side display. ( P. 2 8 3 )
3
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4-5. Using the driving support systems
■ECB operation sound
ECB operating sound may be heard in the following cases, but it does not indicate that a
malfunction has occurred.
●Operating sound heard from the engine compartment when the brake pedal is oper-
ated.
●Motor sounds of the brake system heard from the front part of the vehicle when the
driver’s door is opened.
●Operating sound heard from the engine compartment when one or two minutes
passed after the stop of the hybrid system.
■EPS, VGRS and DRS operation sound
When the steering wheel is operated, a motor sound (whirring sound) may be heard.
This does not indicate a malfunction.
■Automatic reactivation of TRAC and VSC systems
After turning the TRAC and VSC systems off, the systems will be automatically re-
enabled in the following situations:
●When the power switch is turned off
●If only the TRAC system is turned off, the TRAC will turn on when vehicle speed
increases
If both TRAC and VSC systems are turned off, automatic re-enabling will not occur
when vehicle speed increases.
■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.
■Operating conditions of hill-start assist control
When the following four conditions are met, the hill-start assist control will operate;
●The shift lever is in a position other than N or P (when starting off forward/backward on
an upward incline).
●The vehicle is stopped.
●The accelerator pedal is not depressed.
●The parking brake is not engaged.
■Automatic system cancelation of hill-start assist control
The hill-start assist control will be canceled in any of the following situations;
●The shift lever is shifted to N or P.
●The accelerator pedal is depressed.
●The parking brake is engaged.
●Approximately 2 seconds elapse after the brake pedal is released.
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4-6. Driving tips
Hybrid vehicle driving tips
◆Using Eco drive mode
When using Eco drive mode, the torque corresponding to the accelerator
pedal depression amount can be generate d 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. 2 5 6 )
◆Use of Hybrid System Indicator
The Eco-friendly driving is possible by keeping the indicate of Hybrid System
Indicator within Eco area. ( P. 9 0 )
◆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) withou t 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:
GS450h_OM_OM30E99U_(U)
2734-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
◆Delays
Repeated acceleration and deceleration, as well as long waits at traffic lights,
will lead to bad fuel economy. Check traffic reports before leaving and avoid
delays as much as possible. When driving in a traffic jam, gently release the
brake pedal to allow the vehicle to move forward slightly while avoiding over-
use of the accelerator pedal. Doing so can help control excessive gasoline
consumption.
◆Highway driving
Control and maintain the vehicle at a co nstant speed. Before stopping at a toll
booth or similar, allow plenty of time to release the accelerator and gently
apply the brakes. A greater amount of electrical energy can be regenerated
when slowing down.
◆Air conditioning
Use the air conditioning only when necessary. Doing so can help reduce
excessive gasoline consumption.
In summer: When the ambient temperature is high, use the recirculated air
mode. Doing so will help to reduce th e burden on the air conditioning system
and reduce fuel consumption as well.
In winter: Because the gasoline engine will not automatically cut out until it
and the interior of the vehicle are warm, it will consume fuel. Also, fuel con-
sumption can be improved by avoiding overuse of the heater.
◆Checking tire inflation pressure
Make sure to check the tire inflation pressure frequently. Improper tire infla-
tion pressure can cause poor fuel economy.
Also, as snow tires can cause large amou nts of friction, their use on dry roads
can lead to poor fuel economy. Use ti res that are appropriate for the season.
◆Luggage
Carrying heavy luggage will lead to poor fuel economy. Avoid carrying
unnecessary luggage. Installing a large roof rack will also cause poor fuel
economy.
◆Warming up before driving
Since the gasoline engine starts up and cuts out automatically when cold,
warming up the engine is unnecessary. Moreover, frequently driving short dis-
tances will cause the engine to repeated ly warm up, which can lead to excess
fuel consumption.
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4-6. Driving tips
Winter driving tips
●Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside temperatures. •Engine oil
• Engine/power control unit coolant
• Washer fluid
●Have a service technician inspect the condition of the 12-volt battery.
●Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set of tire chains for
the rear tires.
*
Ensure that all tires are the specified size and brand, and that chains match the size
of the tires.
*: Tire chains cannot be mounted on vehicles with front and rear tires of differing
sizes and vehicles with LDH and 19-inch tires.
Perform the following according to the driving conditions:
●Do not try to forcibly open a window or move a wiper that is frozen. Pour
warm water over the frozen area to melt the ice. Wipe away the water imme-
diately to prevent it from freezing.
●To ensure proper operation of the climate control system fan, remove any
snow that has accumulated on the air inlet vents in front of the windshield.
●Check for and remove any excess ice or snow that may have accumulated on
the exterior lights, vehicle’s roof, chassis, around the tires or on the brakes.
●Remove any snow or mud from the bottom of your shoes before getting in the
vehicle.
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving the vehi-
cle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropriate to the prevail-
ing weather conditions.
Preparation for winter
Before driving the vehicle
GS450h_OM_OM30E99U_(U)
2774-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
WA R N I N G
■Driving with snow tires
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in a loss of vehicle control and cause death or serious injury.
●Use tires of the specified size.
●Maintain the recommended level of air pressure.
●Do not drive in excess of 75 mph (120 km/h), regardless of the type of snow tires
being used.
●Use snow tires on all, not just some wheels.
■Driving with tire chains (vehic les with front and rear tires of the same size except for
the vehicles with LDH and 19 inch tires)
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in the vehicle being unable to be driven safely, and may
cause death or serious injury.
●Do not drive in excess of the speed limit specified for the tire chains being used, or 30
mph (50 km/h), whichever is lower.
●Avoid driving on bumpy road surfaces or over potholes.
●Avoid sudden acceleration, ab rupt steering, sudden braking and shifting operations
that cause sudden engine braking.
●Slow down sufficiently before entering a cu rve to ensure that vehicle control is main-
tained.
●Do not use LKA (Lane-Keeping Assist) system. (if equipped)
NOTICE
■Repairing or replacing snow tires
Request repairs or replacement of snow tires from Lexus dealers or legitimate tire
retailers.
This is because the removal and attachment of snow tires affects the operation of the
tire pressure warning valves and transmitters.
■Fitting tire chains (vehicles with front and rear tires of the same size except for the
vehicles with LDH and 19 inch tires)
The tire pressure warning valves and transmitters may not function correctly when tire
chains are fitted.
■When standing the windshield wipers up
Raise the wipers in line with the windshield. ( P. 2 76 )
Failure to do so may result in dama ge to the wipers and/or the hood.