951-2. Hybrid system
1
For safety and security
LS600h/LS600hL_EE(OM50G20E)
NOTICE
■Hybrid battery air vents
●Do not put foreign objects over the air vents. The hybrid battery (traction battery)
may overheat and be damaged.
●Clean the air vents regularly to prevent the hybrid battery (traction battery) from
overheating.
●Do not wet or allow foreign substances to enter the air vents as this may cause a
short circuit and damage the hybrid battery (traction battery).
●Do not carry large amounts of water such as water cooler bottles in the vehicle. If
water spills onto the hybrid battery (traction battery), the battery may be dam-
aged. Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or
another duly qualified and equipped professional.
1202. Instrument cluster
LS600h/LS600hL_EE(OM50G20E)
■Tachometer
Hybrid System Indicator switches to the tachometer when driving mode is in sport
mode.
■Engine speed
On hybrid vehicles, engine speed is precisely controlled in order to help improve
fuel efficiency and reduce exhaust emissions etc.
There are times when the engine speed that is displayed may differ even when vehi-
cle operation and driving conditions are the same.
■Outside temperature display
In the following situations, the correct outside temperature may not be displayed, or
the display may take longer than normal to change.
●When stopped, or driving at low speeds (less than 20 km/h [12 mph])
●When the outside temperature has changed suddenly (at the entrance/exit of a
garage, tunnel, etc.)
■Customization
Settings (e.g. on/off operation of ECO lamp) can be changed.
(Customizable features P. 636)
NOTICE
■To prevent damage to the engine and its components
●Do not let the indicator needle of the tachometer enter the red zone, which indi-
cates the maximum engine speed.
●The engine may be overheating if the engine coolant temperature gauge is in the
red zone (H). In this case, immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place, and check
the engine after it has cooled completely. ( P. 611)
2424-1. Before driving
LS600h/LS600hL_EE(OM50G20E)
CAUTION
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.
■When taking a nap in the vehicle
Always turn the hybrid system off. Otherwise, if you accidentally move the shift
lever or depress the accelerator pedal, this could cause an accident or fire due to
hybrid system overheating. Additionally, if the vehicle is parked in a poorly venti-
lated area, exhaust gases may collect and enter the vehicle, leading to death or a
serious health hazard.
■When braking
●When the brakes are wet, drive more cautiously.
Braking distance increases when the brakes are wet, and this may cause one side
of the vehicle to brake differently than the other side. Also, the parking brake may
not securely hold the vehicle.
●If the electronically controlled brake system does not operate, do not follow other
vehicles closely and avoid hills or sharp turns that require braking.
In this case, braking is still possible, but the brake pedal should be depressed
more firmly than usual. Also, the braking distance will increase. Have your brakes
fixed immediately.
●The brake system consists of 2 or more individual hydraulic systems; if one of the
systems fails, the other(s) will still operate. In this case, the brake pedal should be
depressed more firmly than usual and the braking distance will increase. Have
your brakes fixed immediately.
■If the vehicle becomes stuck
Do not spin the wheels excessively when any of the tires is up in the air, or the vehi-
cle is stuck in sand, mud, etc. This may damage the driveline components or propel
the vehicle forward or backward, causing an accident.
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.
2644-2. Driving procedures
LS600h/LS600hL_EE(OM50G20E)
The parking brake is set or released automatically according to shift lever
operation.
Turns automatic mode on/off
When automatic mode is turned on,
the indicator on the switch comes
on and it operates in the following
manner:
●When the shift lever is moved into
P, the parking brake will be set.
●When the shift lever is moved out
of P, the parking brake will be
released.
Operate the shift lever with the brake
pedal depressed.
■Parking the vehicle
P. 234
■Parking brake operation
●When the power switch is not in ON mode, the parking brake cannot be released
using the parking brake switch.
●When the power switch is not in ON mode, automatic mode (automatic brake set-
ting and releasing) is not available.
●If the parking brake is operated repeatedly over a short period of time, the system
may restrict operation to prevent overheating. If this happens, refrain from operat-
ing the parking brake. Normal operation will return after about 1 minute.
■Parking brake operation sound
When the parking brake operates, a motor sound (whirring sound) may be heard.
This does not indicate a malfunction.
Automatic mode
2654-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
LS600h/LS600hL_EE(OM50G20E)
■Parking brake indicator light
●Depending on the power switch mode, the parking brake indicator light will come
on and stay on as described below:
ON mode: Comes on until the parking brake is released.
Not in ON mode: Stays on for approximately 15 seconds.
●When the power switch is turned off with the parking brake set, the parking brake
indicator light will stay on for about 15 seconds. This does not indicate a malfunc-
tion.
■Parking brake engaged warning buzzer
A buzzer will sound if the vehicle is driven at a speed of approximately 5 km/h (3
mph) or more with the parking brake engaged.
■When there is a malfunction in the system
Warning lights and/or warning message will turn on or flash. ( P. 555, 563)
Depending on the condition, the parking brake indicator light may flash.
■Usage in winter time
P. 384
NOTICE
■When parking the vehicle
Before you leave the vehicle, set the parking brake, shift the shift lever to P and
make sure that the vehicle does not move.
■When the system malfunctions
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and check the warning messages.
■When the parking brake cannot be released due to a malfunction
Use the parking brake release tool to manually release the parking brake.
( P. 599)
Driving the vehicle with the parking brake set will lead to brake components over-
heating, which may affect braking performance and increase brake wear.
3354-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
LS600h/LS600hL_EE(OM50G20E)
Sport mode
• SPORT S mode
Assists acceleration response by controlling the hybrid system. Suit-
able for when powerful acceleration is desirable.
When not in SPORT S mode and the driv ing mode select switch is turned to
the right, the “SPORT S” indicator comes on in the multi-information display,
and the Hybrid System Indicator changes to the tachometer. ( P. 115)
• SPORT S+ mode
Helps to ensure steering performance and driving stability by simul-
taneously controlling the steering and suspension in addition to the
hybrid system. Suitable for sporty driving.
When in SPORT S mode and the driving mo de select switch is turned to the
right, the “SPORT S+” indicator comes on in the multi-information display.
■Operation of the air conditioni ng system in Eco drive mode
Eco drive mode controls the heating/cooling operations and fan speed of the air
conditioning system to enhance fuel efficiency ( P. 399). To improve air condition-
ing performance, adjust the fan speed or turn off Eco drive mode.
■Sport mode automatic deactivation
Sport mode is automatically deactivated if the power switch is turned off after driving
in sport mode.
■Driving mode pop-up display
When the driving mode is changed, the selected driving mode will be temporarily
displayed on the side display. ( P. 396)
4
382
LS600h/LS600hL_EE(OM50G20E)
4-6. Driving tips
■Using Eco drive mode
When using Eco drive mode, the torque corresponding to the acceler-
ator pedal depression amount can be generated more smoothly than it
is in normal conditions. In addition, the operation of the air conditioning
system (heating/cooling) will be minimized, improving the fuel econ-
omy. ( P. 334)
■Use of Hybrid System Indicator
The Eco-friendly driving is possible by keeping the indicate of Hybrid
System Indicator within Eco area. ( P. 119)
■When braking the vehicle
Make sure to operate the brakes gently and in good time. A greater
amount of electrical energy can be retained when slowing down.
■Delays
Repeated acceleration and deceleration, as well as long waits at traffic
lights, will lead to bad fuel consumption. Check traffic reports before
leaving and avoid delays as much as possible. When encountering a
delay, gently release the brake peda l to allow the vehicle to move for-
ward slightly while avoiding overuse of the accelerator pedal. Doing so
can help control excessive gasoline consumption.
■Highway driving
Control your speed and keep at a constant speed. Also, before stop-
ping at a toll booth or similar, allow plenty of time to release the acceler-
ator and gently apply the brakes. A greater amount of electrical energy
can be retained when slowing down.
Hybrid vehicle driving tips
For economical and ecological driving, pay attention to the following
points: