
2084-1. Before driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F92E_(EE)
Cargo and luggage
Take notice of the following information about storage precautions, cargo
capacity and load:
WARNING
■Things that must not be carried in the trunk
The following things may cause a fire if loaded in the trunk:
●Receptacles containing gasoline
●Aerosol cans
■Storage precautions
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may prevent the pedals fr om being depressed properly, may block the
driver’s vision, or may result in items hitting the driver or passengers, possibly causing
an accident.
●Stow cargo and luggage in the trunk whenever possible.
●Do not place cargo or luggage in or on the following locations.

2144-1. Before driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F92E_(EE) Your vehicle will handle differently when towing a trailer
. In order to avoid acci-
dent, death or serious injury, keep the following in mind when towing:
■Checking connections between trailer and lights
Stop the vehicle and check the operation of the connection between the
trailer and lights after driving for a brief period as well as before starting off.
■Practicing driving with a coupled trailer ●Get the feel for turning, stopping an d reversing with the trailer coupled by
practicing in an area with no or light traffic.
● When reversing with a coupled trailer, hold the section of the steering
wheel nearest to you and rotate clockwise to turn the trailer left or counter-
clockwise to turn it right. Always rotate a little at a time to prevent steerin g
error. Have someone guide you when reversing to lessen the risk of an
accident.
■Increasing vehicle-to-vehicle distance
At a speed of 10 km/h (6 mph), the distance to the vehicle runni ng ahead of
you should be equivalent to or greater than the combined length of your v ehi-
cle and trailer. Avoid sudden braking that may cause skidding. Otherwise, the
vehicle may spin out of control. This is especially true when driving on wet or
slippery road surfaces.
■Sudden acceleration/steering input/cornering
Executing sharp turns when towing may result in the trailer colliding with your
vehicle. Decelerate well in advance when approaching turns and take them
slowly and carefully to avoid sudden braking.
■Important points regarding turning
The wheels of the trailer will travel closer to the inside of the curve than the
wheels of the vehicle. To make allowance for this, take the turns wider than you
would normally do.
■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.
Guidance

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4-2. Driving procedures
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Driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F92E_(EE) If the hybrid system is stopped with the shift lever in a position other than P, the
power switch will not be turned off but instead be turned to ACCESSORY
mode. Perform the following procedure to turn the switch off:
Check that the parking brake is set.
Shift the shift lever to P.
Check that “Turn Off Vehicle” is displayed on the multi-information display
and then press the power switch once.
Check that “Turn Off Vehicle” on the multi-information display is off.
■Auto power off function
If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY mode for more than 20 mi nutes or ON mode (the
hybrid system is not operating) for more than an hour with the shift lever in P, the power
switch will automatically turn off. However, this function cannot entirely prevent 12-volt
battery discharge. Do not leave the vehicle with the power switch in ACCESSORY or
ON mode for long periods of time when the hybrid system is not operating.
■Sounds and vibrations specific to a hybrid vehicle P. 79
■Electronic key battery depletion P. 136
■When the ambient temperature is low, su ch as during winter driving conditions
When starting the hybrid system, the flashing time of the “READY” indicator may be
long. Leave the vehicle as it is until the “REA DY” indicator is steady on, as steady means
the vehicle is able to move.
■Conditions affecting operation P. 155
■Notes for the push-start function P. 157
■If the hybrid system does not start
●The immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. ( P. 85)
Contact any authorized Lexus retailer or Le xus authorized repairer, or any reliable
repairer.
●Check that the shift lever is securely set in P. The hybrid system may not start if the shift
lever is displaced out of P. “Shift to P posi tion to Start” will be displayed on the multi-
information display.
■Steering lock
After turning the power switch off and opening and closing the doors, the steering wheel
will be locked due to the steering lock func tion. Operating the power switch again auto-
matically cancels the steering lock.
When stopping the hybrid system with the shift lever in a position other
than P
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2204-2. Driving procedures
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F92E_(EE)
■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
hybrid system is turned on and off repeatedly in a short period of time. In this case, refrain
from operating the hybrid system. After abou t 10 seconds, the steering lock motor will
resume functioning.
■When “Check Entry & Start System” will be displayed on the multi-information display
The system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Lexus
retailer or Lexus authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer immediately.
■If the “READY” indicator does not come on
In the event that the “READY” indicator does not come on even after performing the
proper procedures for starting the vehicle, contact any authorized Lexus retailer or
Lexus authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer immediately.
■If the hybrid system is malfunctioning
P. 466
■If the electronic key battery is depleted P. 435
■Operation of the power switch
●If the switch is not pressed shortly and firmly, the power switch mode may not change or
the hybrid system may not start.
●If attempting to restart the hybrid system immediately after turning the power switch off,
the hybrid system may not start in some cases. After turning the power switch off,
please wait a few seconds before restarting the hybrid system.
■If the smart entry & start system has be en deactivated in a customized setting
P. 527
“Steering Lock active” will be displayed on the
multi-information display.
Check that the shift lever is set in P. Press the
power switch while turning the steering wheel
left and right.

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4-2. Driving procedures
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Driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F92E_(EE)
WARNING
■When starting the hybrid system
Always start the hybrid system while sittin g in the driver’s seat. Do not depress the
accelerator pedal while starting the hybrid system under any circumstances.
Doing so may cause an accident resu lting in death or serious injury.
■Caution while driving
If hybrid system failure occurs while the vehicle is moving, do not lock or open the
doors until the vehicle reaches a safe and complete stop. Activation of the steering lock
in this circumstance may lead to an accide nt, resulting in death or serious injury.
■Stopping the hybrid system in an emergency
If you want to stop the hybrid system in an emergency while driving the vehicle, press
and hold the power switch for more than 2 seconds, or press it briefly 3 times or more
in succession. ( P. 453)
However, do not touch the power switch while driving except in an emergency. Turning
the hybrid system off while driving will not cause loss of steering or braking control,
however, power assist to the steering will be lost. This will make it more difficult to steer
smoothly, so you should pull over and stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
NOTICE
■To prevent 12-volt battery discharge
●Do not leave the power switch in ACCESSORY or ON mode for long periods of
time without the hybrid system on.
●If “POWER ON” is displayed on the multi-information display, the power switch is not
off. Exit the vehicle after turning the power switch off.
●Do not stop the hybrid system when the shift lever is in a position other than P. If the
hybrid system is stopped in another shift lever position, the power switch will not be
turned off but instead be turned to ACCESSORY mode. If the vehicle is left in
ACCESSORY mode, 12-volt battery discharge may occur.
■When starting the hybrid system
If the hybrid system becomes difficult to start, have your vehicle checked by any autho-
rized Lexus retailer or Lexus authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer immediately.
■Symptoms indicating a malfunction with the power switch
If the power switch seems to be operating so mewhat differently than usual, such as the
switch sticking slightly, there may be a malfunction. Contact any authorized Lexus
retailer or Lexus authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer immediately.

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4-2. Driving procedures
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Driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F92E_(EE)
■If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P
First, check whether the brake pedal is being depressed.
If the shift lever cannot be shifted with your foot on the brake p edal, there may be a prob-
lem with the shift lock system. Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Lexus
retailer or Lexus authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer immediately.
The following steps may be used as an emergency measure to ensure that the shift lever
can be shifted.
Releasing the shift lock:
Press the parking brake switch to check that the parking brake is set. ( P. 232)
Parking brake indicat or will come on.
Turn the power switch to off.
Depress the brake pedal.
Pry the cover up with a flathead screwdriver
or equivalent tool.
To prevent damage to the cover, cover the tip
of the screwdriver with a rag.
Press the shift lock override button.
The shift lever can be shifted while the button
is pressed.
WARNING
■When driving on slippery road surfaces
Be careful of downshifting and sudden acceler ation, as this could result in the vehicle
skidding to the side or spinning.
■To prevent an accident when releasing the shift lock
Before pressing the shift lock override butt on, make sure to set the parking brake and
depress the brake pedal.
If the accelerator pedal is accidentally depress instead of the brake pedal when the shift
lock override button is pressed and the shift lever is shifted out of P, the vehicle may
suddenly start, possibly leading to an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
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2404-3. Operating the lights and wipers
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F92E_(EE)
■Daytime running light system
To make your vehicle more visible to other drivers during daytime driving, the daytime
running lights turn on automatically whenever the hybrid system is started and the park-
ing brake is released with the headlight sw itch is in the “AUTO” position. (Illuminate
brighter than the front position lights.)
Daytime running lights are not designed for use at night.
■Headlight control sensor
■Automatic light off system
●When the light switch is in : The headlig hts turn off automatically if the power
switch is turned to ACCESSORY mode or turned off.
●When the light switch is in : The headlights and all lights turn off automatically if the
power switch is turned to ACCESSORY mode or turned off.
To turn the lights on again, turn the power switch to ON mode, or turn the light switch off
once and then back to or .
■Light reminder buzzer
A buzzer sounds when the power switch is turned off or turned to ACCE SSORY mode
and the driver’s door is opened while the lights are turned on.
■Automatic headlight leveling system
The level of the headlights is automatically adjusted according to the number of passen-
gers and the loading condition of the vehicle to ensure that the headlights do not inter-
fere with other road users.
■If the “AFS OFF” indicator flashes
It may indicate a malfunction in the system. Contact any authorized Lexus retailer or
Lexus authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer.
■Customization
Settings (e.g. light sensor se nsitivity) can be changed.
(Customizable features: P. 568)
The sensor may not function properly if an
object is placed on the sensor, or anything that
blocks the sensor is affixed to the windshield.
Doing so interferes with the sensor detecting
the level of ambient light and may cause the
automatic headlight system to malfunction.
NOTICE
■To prevent 12-volt battery discharge
Do not leave the lights on longer than ne
cessary when the hybrid system is off.

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4-3. Operating the lights and wipers
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Driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F92E_(EE)
■The windshield wiper and washer can be operated when
The power switch is in ON mode.
■Dripping prevention wiper sweep
After washing and wiping operation several times, the wipers operate one more time
after a short delay to prevent dripping.
However, the last sweep will not happen while the vehicle is moving.
■Effects of vehicle speed on wiper operation
●Intermittent windshield wipers interval changes when the vehicle is stopped.
●With low speed operation selected, wiper op eration will be switched from low speed to
intermittent operation only when the vehicle is stationary.
■Raindrop sensor (vehicles with rain-sensing windshield wipers)
●If AUTO mode is selected while the power sw itch is in ON mode, the wipers will oper-
ate once to show that AUTO mode is activated.
●If the temperature of the raindrop sensor is 85°C (185°F) or higher, or -30°C
(-22°F) or lower, automatic operation may not occur. In this case, operate the wip-
ers in any mode other than AUTO mode.
■When the windshield wipers are in temporary operation
AUTO mode cannot be activated even if is pressed.
■If no windshield washer fluid sprays
Check that the washer nozzles are not blocked if there is washer fluid in the windshield
washer fluid reservoir.
●The raindrop sensor judges the amount of raindrops.
An optical sensor is adopted. It may not oper-
ate properly when sunlight from the rising or
setting of the sun intermittently strikes the
windshield, or if bugs etc. are present on the
windshield.
WARNING
■Caution regarding the use of windshield wipers in AUTO mode
The windshield wipers may operate unexpectedly if the sensor is touched or the wind-
shield is subject to vibration in AUTO mode. Take care that your fingers or anything
else do not become caught in the windshield wipers.
■Caution regarding the use of washer fluid
When it is cold, do not use the washer fluid until the windshield becomes warm. The
fluid may freeze on the windshield and cause low visibility. This may lead to an accident,
resulting in death or serious injury.