
2104-1. Before driving
IS300h_EE(OM53D89E)
Trailer towing (vehicles without a towing package)
Lexus does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle. Lexus also does
not recommend the installation of a to w hitch or the use of a tow hitch carrier
for a wheelchair, scooter, bicycle, etc. Yo ur vehicle is not designed for trailer
towing or for the use of to w hitch mounted carriers.

2114-1. Before driving
4
Driving
IS300h_EE(OM53D89E)
◆Weight limits
Check the allowable towing capacity, GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass), MPAC
(Maximum Permissible Axle Capacity), and permissible draw bar load before
towing. ( P. 644)
◆Towing hitch/bracket
Lexus recommends the use of the Lexus hi tch/bracket for your vehicle. Other
products of a suitable nature and comparable quality may also be used.
◆To prevent an accident
The handling of the vehicle will feel diff erent when towing a trailer. Beware of
the 3 most common causes of towing-rel ated accidents: driver error, exces-
sive speed, and overloading.
Trailer towing (vehicles with a towing package)
The strain of towing a trailer will have a negative impact on the running perfor-
mance, handling, fuel consumption and endurance of your vehicle. Use the
vehicle features in the correct manner and operate the vehicle with care for
safer driving and optimal comfort. Dama ge and/or malfunctions that occur as
a result of towing performed for comme rcial purposes are not covered by the
Lexus warranty.
Ask your local authorized Lexus retailer or Lexus authorized repairer, or any
reliable repairer for furthe r details before towing, as there are additional legal
requirements in some countries.

2154-1. Before driving
4
Driving
IS300h_EE(OM53D89E)
■Tire information
●Increase the tire inflation pressure to 20.0 kPa (0.2 kgf/cm2 or bar, 3 psi) greater than
the recommended value when towing. ( P. 652)
●Increase the air pressure of the trailer tires in accordance with the total trailer weight
and according to the values recommended by the manufacturer of your trailer.
■Break-in schedule
Lexus recommends that vehicles fitted with new power train components should not be
used for towing trailers for the first 800 km (500 miles).
■Safety checks before towing
●Check that the maximum load limit for the towing hitch/bracket hitch ball is not
exceeded. Bear in mind that the coupling weight of the trailer will add to the load
exerted on the vehicle. Also make sure that you will not be towing a load that exceeds the maximum permissible axle capacity.
●Ensure that the trailer load is secure.
●Supplementary outside rear view mirrors shou ld be added to the vehicle if the traffic behind cannot be clearly seen with standa rd mirrors. Adjust the extending arms of
these mirrors on both sides of the vehicle so that they always provide maximum visibility
of the road behind.
■Maintenance
●Maintenance must be performed more frequently when using the vehicle for towing
due to the greater weight burden placed on the vehicle compared to normal driving.
●Retighten all bolts securing the hitching ball and bracket after towing for approximately
1000 km (600 miles).
NOTICE
■When the rear bumper strengthening material is aluminum
Ensure the steel bracket part does not come directly in contact with that area.
When steel and aluminum come into contact, there is a reaction similar to corrosion,
which will weaken the section concerned and may result in damage. Apply a rust inhib- itor to parts that will come in contact when attaching a steel bracket.

2174-1. Before driving
4
Driving
IS300h_EE(OM53D89E)
■Important points regarding stability
Vehicle movement resulting from unev en road surfaces and strong cross-
winds will affect handling. The vehicle ma y also be rocked by passing buses or
large trucks. Frequently check behind when moving alongside such vehicles.
As soon as such vehicle movement o ccurs, 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 su fficient 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. 229)
■If the engine overheats
Towing a loaded trailer up a long, steep incline in temperatures exceeding
30 C (85F) 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. 636)
■When parking the vehicle
Always place wheel chocks under the wheels of both the vehicle and trailer.
Firmly set the parking brake an d shift the shift lever to P.

2184-1. Before driving
IS300h_EE(OM53D89E)
WARNING
■To avoid accident or injury
Do not tow a trailer when a tire installed is repaired with the emergency tire puncture
repair kit.
■Vehicle speed in towing
Observe the legal maximum speeds for trailer towing.
■Before descending hills or long declines
Reduce speed and downshift. However, never downshift suddenly while descending steep or long downhill grades.
■Operation of the brake pedal
Do not hold the brake pedal depressed often or for long periods of time. Doing so may result in the brake ov erheating or reduce braking effects.
NOTICE
■For vehicles with an emergency tire puncture repair kit (if equipped)
Do not tow anything if a tire that has been repaired using the emergency tire puncture
repair kit is installed. The load on the ti re may cause unexpected damage to the tire.

2214-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
IS300h_EE(OM53D89E)
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 proc edure to turn the switch off:
Check that the parking brake is set.
Shift the shift lever to P.
Check that “Turn Off Vehicle” is disp layed on the multi-information display
and then press the power switch once.
Check that “Turn Off Vehicle” on th e multi-information display is off.
■Auto power off function
If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY mode for more than 20 minutes 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 of f. 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. 80
■Electronic key battery depletion
P. 141
■When the ambient temperature is low, such 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 “READY” indicator is steady on, as steady means
the vehicle is able to move.
■Conditions affe cting operation
P. 159
■Notes for the entry function
P. 160
■If the hybrid system does not start
●The immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. (P. 86)
Contact any authorized Lexus retailer or Le xus authorized repairer, or any reliable
repairer.
●Check that the shift lever is se curely set in P. The hybrid system may not start if the shift
lever is displaced out of P. “T o Start Vehicle, Put Shift Lever into P” will be displayed on
the multi-information display.
When stopping the hybrid system with the shift lever in a position other
than P
1
2
3
4

2224-2. Driving procedures
IS300h_EE(OM53D89E)
■Steering lock
After turning the power switch off and openin g 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 the steering lock cannot be released
■Steering lock motor overheating prevention
To prevent the steering lock motor from overheating, operation of the motor may be sus-
pended if the hybrid system is turned on an d off repeatedly in a short period of time. In this case, refrain from operating the hybrid system. After about 10 seconds, the steering
lock motor will resume functioning.
■When “Smart Entry & Start System Malfunction See Owner's Manual” is displayed on the multi-information display
The system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Lexus
retailer or Lexus authoriz ed 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. 585
■If the electronic key battery is depleted
P. 549
■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 been deactivated by a customized setting
P. 628
“Steering Wheel Lock Pr ess Power Switch while
Turning Wheel” will be displayed on the multi- information display.
Check that the shift lever is in P. Press the power
switch while turning the steering wheel left and right.

2234-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
IS300h_EE(OM53D89E)
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 hy brid system under any circumstances.
Doing so may cause an accident resu lting in death or serious injury.
■Caution while driving
If hybrid system failure occu rs 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 accident, 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 se conds, or press it briefly 3 times or more
in succession. ( P. 567)
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 stee ring 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 “ACCESSORY” or “IGNITION ON” is di splayed on the meters while the hybrid
system is not operating, 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 ba ttery discharge may occur.
■When starting the hybrid system
If the hybrid system becomes difficult to st art, have your vehicle checked by any autho-
rized Lexus retailer or Lexus authorized repa irer, or any reliable repairer immediately.
■Symptoms indicating a malfunction with the power switch
If the power switch seems to be operating somewhat differently than usual, such as the
switch sticking slightly, th ere may be a malfunction. Contact any authorized Lexus
retailer or Lexus authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer immediately.