2016 Lexus IS300h engine

1984-1. Before driving
IS300h_EE(OM53D56E)
CAUTION
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.
■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, 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.
■When shifting the shift lever
●Do not let the vehicle roll backward while the shift lever is in a driving position, or roll
forward while the shift lever is in R.
Doing so may result in an accident or damage to the vehicle.
●Do not shift the shift lever to P while the vehicle is moving.
Doing so can damage the transmission and may result in a loss of vehicle control.
●Do not shift the shift lever to R while the vehicle is moving forward.
Doing so can damage the transmission and may result in a loss of vehicle control.
●Do not shift the shift lever to a driving position while the vehicle is moving backward.
Doing so can damage the transmission and may result in a loss of vehicle control.
●Shifting the shift lever to N while the vehicle is moving will disengage the hybrid sys-
tem. Engine braking is not available when N is selected.
●Be careful not to shift the shift lever with the accelerator pedal depressed. Shifting the
shift lever to a gear other than P or N may lead to unexpected rapid acceleration of
the vehicle that may cause an accident and result in death or serious injury.
■If you hear a squealing or scraping noise (brake pad wear indicators)
Have the brake pads checked and replaced by any authorized Lexus dealer or
repairer, or another duly qualified and equi pped professional as soon as possible.
Rotor damage may result if the pads are not replaced when needed.
Moderate levels of brake pad and disc wear allow enhanced braking power. As a
result, the discs may wear more quickly than conventional brake discs. Therefore, when
replacing the brake pads, Lexus recommends that you also have the thickness of the
discs measured.
It is dangerous to drive the vehicle when the wear limits of the brake pads and/or those
of the brake discs are exceeded.

1994-1. Before driving
4
Driving
IS300h_EE(OM53D56E)
CAUTION
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.
■When the vehicle is stopped
●Do not depress the accelerator pedal unnecessarily.
If the shift lever is any position 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 stopped with the “READY” indicator on, 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 while the vehicle is stopped may cause the exhaust
system to overheat, which could result in a fire if combustible material is nearby.
■When the vehicle is parked
●Do not leave glasses, cigarette lighters, spra y cans, or soft drink cans in the vehicle
when it is in the sun.
Doing so may result in the following:
• Gas may leak from a cigarette lighter or spray can, and may lead to a fire.
• The temperature inside the vehicle may cause the plastic lenses and plastic mate-
rial of glasses to deform or crack.
• Soft drink cans may fracture, causing the contents to spray over the interior of the vehicle, and may also cause a short circuit in the vehicle’s electrical components.
●Do not leave cigarette lighters in the vehicle. If a cigarette lighter is in a place such as
the glove box or on the floor, it may be lit accidentally when luggage is loaded or the
seat is adjusted, causing a fire.
●Do not attach adhesive discs to the windshield or windows. Do not place containers
such as air fresheners on the instrument panel or dashboard. Adhesive discs or con-
tainers may act as lenses, causing a fire in the vehicle.
●Do not leave a door or window open if the curved glass is coated with a metallized
film such as a silver-colored one. Reflected sunlight may cause the glass to act as a
lens, causing a fire.
●Always apply the parking brake, shift the shift lever to P, stop the hybrid system and
lock the vehicle.
Do not leave the vehicle unattended while the hybrid system is operating.
●Do not touch the exhaust pipes while the hybrid system is operating or immediately
after turning the hybrid system off.
Doing so may cause burns.

2014-1. Before driving
4
Driving
IS300h_EE(OM53D56E)
NOTICE
■When driving the vehicle
●Do not depress the accelerator and brake pedals at the same time during driving, as
this may restrain driving torque.
●Do not use the accelerator pedal or depress the accelerator and brake pedals at the
same time to hold the vehicle on a hill.
■When parking the vehicle
Always shift the shift lever to P. Failure to do so may cause the vehicle to move or the
vehicle may accelerate suddenly if the accelerator pedal is accidentally depressed.
■Avoiding damage to vehicle parts
●Do not turn the steering wheel fully in either direction and hold it there for an
extended period of time.
Doing so may damage the power steering motor.
●When driving over bumps in the road, drive as slowly as possible to avoid damaging
the wheels, underside of the vehicle, etc.
■If you get a flat tire while driving
A flat or damaged tire may cause the following situations. Hold the steering wheel
firmly and gradually depress the brake pedal to slow down the vehicle.
●It may be difficult to control your vehicle.
●The vehicle will make abnormal sounds or vibrations.
●The vehicle will lean abnormally.
Information on what to do in case of a flat tire ( →P. 545, 559)
■When encountering flooded roads
Do not drive on a road that has flooded after heavy rain etc. Doing so may cause the
following serious damage to the vehicle:
●Engine stalling
●Short in electrical components
●Engine damage caused by water immersion
In the event that you drive on a flooded road and the vehicle is flooded, be sure to have
any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped pro-
fessional check the following:
●Brake function
●Changes in quantity and quality of oil and fluid used for the engine, hybrid transmis-
sion, differential, etc.
●Lubricant condition for the propeller shaft, bearings and suspension joints (where
possible), and the function of all joints, bearings, etc.

2054-1. Before driving
4
Driving
IS300h_EE(OM53D56E)
■Total trailer weight and permissible drawbar loadTotal trailer weight
Weight of the trailer itself plus the
trailer load should be within the max-
imum towing capacity. Exceeding
this weight is dangerous. ( →P. 5 7 8 )
When the total trailer weight is
greater than the vehicle weight, we
recommend the use of a friction sta-
bilizer (sway control device).
Permissible drawbar load
Allocate the trailer load so that the drawbar load is greater than 25 kg (55.1 lb.) or
4% of the towing capacity. Do not let the drawbar load exceed the indicated
weight. ( →P. 5 7 8 )
■Information tag (manufacturer’s label)
Gross vehicle mass
The combined weight of the driver, passengers, towing hitch, total curb mass and
drawbar load should not exceed the gross vehicle mass by more than 100 kg
(220.5 lb.). Exceeding this weight is dangerous.
Maximum permissible rear axle capacity
The weight borne by the rear axle should not exceed the maximum permissible
axle capacity by 15% or more. Exceeding this weight is dangerous.
The values for towing capacity were derived from testing conducted at sea level.
Take note that engine output and towing capacity will be reduced at high altitudes.
Important points rega rding trailer loads
1
2
XTy p e AXTy p e B
1
2

2104-1. Before driving
IS300h_EE(OM53D56E)
■Important points regarding stability
Vehicle movement resulting from uneven road surfaces and strong cross-
winds will affect handling. The vehicle may also be rocked by passing buses or
large trucks. Frequently check behind when moving alongside such vehicles.
As soon as such vehicle movement occurs, immediately start to decelerate
smoothly by slowly applying the brakes. Always steer the vehicle straight
ahead while braking.
■Passing other vehicles
Consider the total combined length of your vehicle and trailer and ensure that
the vehicle-to-vehicle distance is sufficient before executing lane changes.
■Transmission information
To maintain engine braking efficiency, when using engine braking when driv-
ing on a long steep downward grade, do not use the transmission in D. The
vehicle must be driven in gear shift position “4” in S mode. ( →P. 222)
■If the engine overheats
Towing a loaded trailer up a long, steep incline in temperatures exceeding
30 °C (85 °F) may result in the engine overheating. If the engine coolant tem-
perature gauge indicates that the engine is overheating, turn the air condition-
ing off immediately, leave the road and stop the vehicle in a safe place.
( → P. 5 7 1 )
■When parking the vehicle
Always place wheel chocks under the whee ls of both the vehicle and trailer.
Firmly set the parking brake and shift the shift lever to P.

2174-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
IS300h_EE(OM53D56E)
Turns EV drive mode on/off
When EV drive mode is turned on, “EV
MODE” will be displayed on the multi-
information display. Pressing the switch
when in EV drive mode will return the
vehicle to normal driving (using the gas-
oline 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, driven 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 0 °C (32 °F) 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. 1 2 2 )
●Vehicle speed is about 45 km/h (28 mph) or more.
●The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly or the vehicle is on a hill, etc.
●The windshield defogger is in use.
EV drive mode
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 early in the morning and late
at night, or in indoor parking lots etc. without concern for noises and gas emis-
sions.

2184-2. Driving procedures
IS300h_EE(OM53D56E)
■Switching to EV drive mode when the gasoline engine is cold
If the hybrid system is started while the gasoline 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 en gine starts to switch to EV drive mode.
■Automatic cancelation 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 ca nceled, 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. 1 2 2 )
●Vehicle speed becomes more than about 45 km/h (28 mph).
●The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly or the vehicle is on a hill, etc.
When it is possible to info rm 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 2 km (1.2 mile). Driving is possible at speeds of less than approximately 45 km/h
(28 mph). 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 motor [traction motor]). Driving in EV drive
mode more than necessary may lower fuel economy.
CAUTION
■Caution while driving
When driving in EV drive mode, pay special attention to the area around the vehicle.
Because there is no engine noise, pedestrians, 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.

2204-2. Driving procedures
IS300h_EE(OM53D56E)
*1: To improve fuel efficiency and reduce noise, shift the shift lever to D for normal driv-ing.
*2: By selecting shift ranges using S mode, you can control accelerating force and enginebraking force.
■Sport mode/Eco drive mode
→ P. 2 9 3
■Snow mode
Snow mode can be selected to suit the conditions when driving on slippery
road surfaces, such as snow.
Press the switch.
Press the switch again to return to
normal mode.
Shift position purpose
Shift positionObjective or function
PParking the vehicle/starting the hybrid system
RReversing
NNeutral
(Condition in which the power is not transmitted)
DNormal driving*1
SS mode driving*2 ( → P. 222)
Selecting the driving mode