2584-2. Driving procedures
LS600h/LS600hL_EE(OM50G20E)
■Sport mode/Comfort mode/Eco drive mode
P. 334
■Snow mode
Snow mode can be selected to suit the conditions when driving on slip-
pery road surfaces, such as on snow.
Press the switch.
The snow mode indicator light will
come on.
Press the switch again to return to
normal mode.
■When the “-” paddle shift switch is operated in the D position (vehicles with paddle
shift switches)
The shift range is downshifted to a range that enables engine braking force that is
suitable to driving conditions.
■Automatic deactivation of shift range select ion in the D position (vehicles with pad-
dle shift switches)
Shift range selection in the D position will be deactivated in the following situations:
●When the vehicle comes to a stop
●If the “+” paddle shift switch is operated when the shift range is in range 7
●If the accelerator pedal is depressed for more than a certain period of time
●When the shift lever is shifted to other than D
■S mode
●When the shift range is 6 or lower, holdin g the shift lever toward “+” sets the shift
range to 8.
●When the shift lever is moved toward “-”, the shift range is downshifted to a range
that enables engine braking force that is suitable to driving conditions.
Selecting the driving mode
2594-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
LS600h/LS600hL_EE(OM50G20E)
■Downshifting restrictions warning buzzer
To help ensure safety and driving performance, downshifting operation may some-
times be restricted. In some circumstances, downshifting may not be possible even
when the shift lever or paddle shift switch (if equipped) is operated. (A buzzer will
sound twice.)
■When driving with cruise control, dynamic radar cruise control or dynamic radar
cruise control with full speed range activated
Even when performing the following actions with the intent of enabling engine brak-
ing, 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 D or S mode, downshifting to 7, 6, 5 or 4. ( P. 289, 293, 307)
●When switching the driving mode to sport mode while driving in D position.
( P. 334)
■Snow mode automatic deactivation
Snow mode is automatically deactivated if th e power switch is turned off after driving
in snow mode.
■Shift lock system
The shift lock system is a system to prevent accidental operation of the shift lever in
starting.
The shift lever can be shifted from P only when the power switch is in ON mode and
the brake pedal is being depressed.
■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 pedal, there may be a
problem with the shift lock system. Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized
Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional imme-
diately.
The following steps may be used as an emergency measure to ensure that the shift
lever can be shifted.
Releasing the shift lock:
Turn the power switch to ON mode ( P. 248) and check that the parking brake is
set.
Turn the power switch off.
Depress the brake pedal.
1
2
3
2614-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
LS600h/LS600hL_EE(OM50G20E)
CAUTION
■When driving on slippery road surfaces
Be careful of downshifting and sudden acceleration, as this could result in the vehi-
cle skidding to the side or spinning.
■To prevent an accident when releasing the shift lock
Before pressing the shift lock override button, make sure to set the parking brake
and depress the brake pedal.
If the accelerator pedal is accidentally depressed 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.
NOTICE
■Hybrid battery (traction battery) charge
If the shift lever is in N, the hybrid battery (traction battery) will not be charged
even when the engine is running. Therefore, if the vehicle is left with the shift lever
in N for a long period of time, the hybrid battery (traction battery) will discharge,
and this may result in the vehicle not being able to start.
3424-5. Using the driving support systems
LS600h/LS600hL_EE(OM50G20E)
■Hill-start assist control is operational when
●The system has detected that the vehicle is moving backward.
●The shift lever is in the D or S position.
●The brake pedal is not depressed.
■VGRS is disabled when
VGRS may stop operating in the following situations.
In this event, the steering wheel may move from its straight forward position, but it
will return when the system restarts.
●When the steering wheel is operated for an extended period of time while the vehi-
cle is stopped or is moving very slowly
●When the steering wheel has been held fully to the left or right
●When the 12-volt battery is low or the voltage temporarily drops
The center position of the steering wheel may change when VGRS is disabled. How-
ever, the position will return to normal after VGRS is reactivated.
■Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, TRC, VSC, hill-start assist
control and VGRS systems
●A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the brake pedal is
depressed repeatedly, when the hybrid system is started or just after the vehicle
begins to move. This sound does not indicate that a malfunction has occurred in
any of these systems.
●Any of the following conditions may occur when the above systems are operating.
None of these indicates that a malfunction has occurred.
• Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.
• A motor sound may be heard after the vehicle comes to a stop.
●The steering wheel may be moved slightly or a sound may be heard when the
hybrid system is started or stopped. None of these indicate that a malfunction has
occurred.
■EPS operation sound
When the steering wheel is operated, a motor sound (whirring sound) may be heard.
This does not indicate a malfunction.
■Reactivation of the TRC/VSC systems
Even after the TRC/VSC systems have been turned off, turning the hybrid system off
and then on again will automatically reactivate the TRC/VSC systems.
3834-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
LS600h/LS600hL_EE(OM50G20E)
■Air conditioning
Use the air conditioning only when necessary. Doing so can help con-
trol excessive gasoline consumption.
In summer: In high temperatures, use the recirculated air mode. Doing
so will help to reduce the burden on the air conditioner and reduce fuel
consumption as well.
In winter: Because the gasoline engine will not automatically cut out
until the gasoline engine and the interior of the vehicle are warm, it will
consume fuel. Also, fuel consumption can be improved by avoiding
overuse of the heater.
■Checking tire inflation pressure
Make sure to check the tire inflation pressure frequently. Improper tire
inflation pressure can cause poor fuel consumption.
Also, as snow tires can cause large amounts of friction, their use on dry
roads can lead to poor fuel consumption. Use a tire that is appropriate
for the season.
■Luggage
Carrying heavy luggage can lead to poor fuel consumption. Avoid car-
rying unnecessary luggage. Installing a large roof rack can also cause
poor fuel consumption.
■Warming up before driving
Since the gasoline engine starts up and cuts out automatically when
cold, warming up the engine is unnecessary. Moreover, frequently driv-
ing short distances will cause the engi ne to repeatedly warm up, which
can lead to poor fuel consumption.
3844-6. Driving tips
LS600h/LS600hL_EE(OM50G20E)
●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.
Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving
the vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropriate
to the prevailing weather conditions.
Preparation for winter
3874-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
LS600h/LS600hL_EE(OM50G20E)
CAUTION
■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 at speeds in excess of the speed limit or the speed limit specified for
the snow tires being used.
●Use snow tires on all, not just some wheels.
■Driving with tire chains
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 50 km/h (30 mph), whichever is lower.
●Avoid driving on bumpy road surfaces or over potholes.
●Avoid sudden acceleration, abrupt steering, sudden braking and shifting opera-
tions that cause sudden engine braking.
●Slow down sufficiently before entering a curve to ensure that vehicle control is
maintained.
●Do not use LKA (Lane-Keeping Assist) system. (if equipped)
NOTICE
■Repairing or replacing snow tires
Request repairs or replacement of snow ti res 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
The tire pressure warning valves and transmitters may not function correctly when
tire chains are fitted.
4145-3. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
LS600h/LS600hL_EE(OM50G20E)
■Operation of the air conditioning system in Eco drive mode
●In the Eco drive mode, the air conditioning system is controlled as follows to priori-
tize fuel efficiency
• Engine speed and compressor operation controlled to restrict heating/cooling
capacity
• Fan speed restricted when automatic mode is selected
●To improve air conditioning performance, perform the following operations
• Adjust the fan speed
• Turn off Eco drive mode
■Using the automatic mode
Fan speed is adjusted automatically in accordance with the temperature setting and
ambient conditions. As a result, the following may occur:
●Immediately after the “AUTO” switch is pressed, the fan may stop for a while until
warm or cool air is ready to flow.
●Cool air may flow to the area around the upper body when the heater is on.
■Fogging up of the windows
●The windows will easily fog up when the humidity in the vehicle is high. Selecting
“A/C” on will dehumidify the air from the outlets and defog the windshield effec-
tively.
●If you turn “A/C” off, the windows may fog up more easily.
●The windows may fog up if the recirculated air mode is used.
■Outside/recirculated air mode
●When driving on dusty roads such as tunnels or in heavy traffic, set the outside/
recirculated air mode button to the recirculated air mode. This is effective in pre-
venting outside air from entering the vehicle interior. During cooling operation, set-
ting the recirculated air mode will also cool the vehicle interior effectively.
●Outside/recirculated air mode may automatically switch depending on the tem-
perature setting or the inside temperature.