Page 249 of 676

2494-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
LS600h/LS600hL_EE(OM50G20E)
■Auto power off function
If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY mode for more than 20 minutes with the shift
lever in P, the power switch will automatically turn off.
■Sounds and vibrations specific to a hybrid vehicle
P. 88
■Electronic key battery depletion
P. 162
■When the ambient temperature is low, such as during winter driving conditions
It may take time until the “READY” indicator comes on.
■Conditions affecting 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. 96)
Contact any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and
equipped professional.
■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 function. Operating the power switch
again automatically cancels the steering lock.
■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 repe atedly 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.
The green indicator light on the power switch
will flash and a message will be shown on the
multi-information display. Press the power
switch again while turning the steering wheel
left and right.
Page 250 of 676

2504-2. Driving procedures
LS600h/LS600hL_EE(OM50G20E)
■When the power switch indicator flashes in amber
The system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized
Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional imme-
diately.
■If the “READY” indicator does not come on
If the “READY” indicator does not come on when you press the power switch with
the shift lever in P and the brake pedal depressed, contact any authorized Lexus
dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional immediately.
■If the hybrid system is malfunctioning
P. 563
■If the electronic key battery is depleted
P. 532
■If the smart entry & start system has been deactivated in a customized setting
P. 603
CAUTION
■When starting the hybrid system
Always start the hybrid system while sitting 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 resulting 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 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 seconds, or press it briefly 3 times
or more in succession. ( P. 547)
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 dif-
ficult to steer smoothly, so you should pull over and stop the vehicle as soon as it is
safe to do so.
Page 251 of 676
2514-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
LS600h/LS600hL_EE(OM50G20E)
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.
■When starting the hybrid system
●Do not depress the accelerator pedal unnecessarily.
●If the hybrid system becomes difficult to start, have your vehicle checked by any
authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped pro-
fessional 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, there may be a malfunction. Contact any authorized
Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional
immediately.
Page 252 of 676

2524-2. Driving procedures
LS600h/LS600hL_EE(OM50G20E)
Turns EV drive mode on/off
When EV drive mode is turned on, the
EV drive mode indicator will come on.
Pressing the switch when in EV drive
mode will return the vehicle to normal
driving (using the gasoline 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-informa-
tion display.
●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 0C (32F) 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. 131)
●Vehicle speed is about 40 km/h (25 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 pa rking lots etc. without concern for
noises and gas emissions.
Page 253 of 676

2534-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
LS600h/LS600hL_EE(OM50G20E)
■Starting the hybrid system in EV drive mode
If the hybrid system is started when the gasoline engine is cold, the gasoline engine
will automatically start in order to warm up. Follow the procedure below to start the
hybrid system. This will prevent the gasoline engine from warming up, allowing noise
to be minimized.
■Automatic cancelation of EV drive mode
When driving in EV drive mode, the gasoline engine may automatically restart in the
following situations. When EV drive mode is canceled, 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. 131)
●Vehicle speed becomes more than about 40 km/h (25 mph).
●The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly or the vehicle is on a hill etc.
When it is possible to inform 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
approximately 1 km (0.6 mile). Driving is possible at speeds of less than approxi-
mately 40 km/h (25 mph). However, depending on vehicle conditions, there are sit-
uations 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.
Press the power switch while pressing the EV
drive mode switch and firmly depressing the
brake pedal.
Page 254 of 676
2544-2. Driving procedures
LS600h/LS600hL_EE(OM50G20E)
CAUTION
■Caution while driving
When driving in EV drive mode, pay special attention to the area around the vehi-
cle. 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.
Page 255 of 676
2554-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
LS600h/LS600hL_EE(OM50G20E)
While the power switch is in ON mode, move the shift lever with the
brake pedal depressed.
When shifting the shift lever between P and D, make sure that the vehicle is
completely stopped.
*1: To improve fuel efficiency and reduce noises, set the shift lever in D for normal
driving.
*2: By selecting shift ranges using S mode, you can control accelerating forces and
engine braking forces.
Hybrid transmission
Shifting the shift lever
Shift position purpose
Shift positionPurpose and condition
PParking the vehicle/starting the hybrid system
RReversing
NCondition in which the power is not transmitted
DNormal driving*1
SS mode driving*2 ( P. 257)
Page 256 of 676

2564-2. Driving procedures
LS600h/LS600hL_EE(OM50G20E)
To drive using temporary shift range selection, operate the “-” paddle shift
switch while the shift lever is in the D position.
Changing the shift range allows restri ction of the highest shift range, pre-
venting unnecessary upshifting and en abling the level of engine braking
force to be selected.
Also, by controlling the transmission so that engine speed is higher when
compared with normal driving, acceleration response is improved.
The shift range can be selected by operating the “-” and “+” paddle shift
switches.
Upshifting
Downshifting
The selected shift range, from D1 to
D7, will be displayed in the meter.
To return to normal D position driving,
the “+” paddle shift switch must be
held down for a period of time.
■Shift ranges and their functions
A lower shift range will provide greater engine braking forces than a higher shift
range.
Selecting shift ranges in the D position (vehicles with paddle shift
switches)
1
2
Meter displayFunction
D2 - D7
A gear in the range between D1 and the selected shift
range is automatically chosen depending on vehicle
speed and driving conditions
D1Setting the shift at D1