ES300h_OM_OM33D45U_(U)
1574-1. Before driving
4
Driving
WARNING
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.
■When starting the vehicle
Always keep your foot on the brake pedal while stopped with the “READY” indicator is
illuminated. This prevents the vehicle from creeping.
■When driving the vehicle
●Do not drive if you are unfamiliar with the location of the brake and accelerator ped-
als to avoid depressing the wrong pedal.
• Accidentally depressing the accelerator pedal instead of the brake pedal will
result in sudden acceleration that may lead to an accident.
• When backing up, you may twist your body around, leading to a difficulty in oper-
ating the pedals. Make sure to operate the pedals properly.
• Make sure to keep a correct driving po sture even when moving the vehicle only
slightly. This allows you to depress th e brake and accelerator pedals properly.
• Depress the brake pedal using your right foot. Depressing the brake pedal using your left foot may delay re sponse in an emergency, resulting in an accident.
●The driver should pay extra attention to pedestrians when the vehicle is powered only
by the electric motor (traction motor). As there is no engine noise, the pedestrians
may misjudge the vehicle’s movement. Even with the vehicle proximity notification
system active, people may no t realize the vehicle is approaching when the surround-
ing area is noisy and so forth. Therefore, take extra care while driving.
●Do not drive the vehicle over or stop the vehicle near flammable materials.
The exhaust system and exhaust gases can be extremely hot. These hot parts may
cause a fire if there is any flammable material nearby.
●During normal driving, do not turn off the hybrid system. 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.
In the event of an emergency, such as if it becomes impossible to stop the vehicle in
the normal way: → P. 497
●Use engine braking (downshift) to maintain a safe speed when driving down a steep
hill.
Using the brakes continuously may cause th e brakes to overheat and lose effective-
ness. ( →P. 176)
●Do not adjust the positions of the steering wheel, the seat, or the inside or outside rear
view mirrors while driving.
Doing so may result in a loss of vehicle control.
●Always check that all passengers’ arms, heads or other parts of their body are not
outside the vehicle.
●Do not drive in excess of the speed limit. Even if the legal speed limit permits it, do not
drive over 85 mph (140 km/h) unless your vehicle has high-speed capability tires.
Driving over 85 mph (140 km/h ) may result in tire failure, loss of control and possible
injury. Be sure to consult a tire dealer to determine whether the tires on your vehicle
are high-speed capability tires or no t before driving at such speeds.
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ES300h_OM_OM33D45U_(U)4-5. Using the driving support systems
WARNING
●If the part of the windshield
in front of the camera sensor is fogged up or covered with
condensation or ice, use the windshield defogger to remove the fog, condensation or
ice. ( →P. 388)
●If water droplets cannot be properly removed from the area of the windshield in front
of the camera sensor by th e windshield wipers, replace the wiper insert or wiper
blade.
If the wiper inserts or wiper blades need to be replaced, contact your Lexus dealer.
●Do not attach window tinting to the windshield.
●Replace the windshield if it is damaged or cracked.
If the windshield needs to be re placed, contact your Lexus dealer.
●Do not get the camera sensor wet.
●Do not allow bright lights to shine into the camera sensor.
●Do not dirty or damage the camera sensor.
When cleaning the inside of the windshield , do not allow glass cleaner to contact the
lens. Also, do not touch the lens.
If the lens is dirty or damaged, contact your Lexus dealer.
●Do not subject the camera sensor to a strong impact.
●Do not change the installation position or direction of the camera sensor or remove it.
●Do not disassemble the camera sensor.
●Do not modify any components of the vehi cle around the camera sensor (inside rear
view mirror, et c.) or ceiling.
●Do not attach any accessories that may obstruct the camera sensor to the hood, front
grille or front bumper. Contact your Lexus dealer for details.
●If a surfboard or other long object is to be mounted on the roof, make sure that it will
not obstruct the camera sensor.
●Do not modify the head lights or other lights.
●Do not attach objects, such as stickers, trans-
parent stickers, etc., and so forth, to the outer
side of the windshield in front of the camera
sensor (shaded area in the illustration).
A: From the top of the windshield to approxi-
mately 1 cm (0.4 in.) below the bottom of the
camera sensor
B: Approximately 20 cm (7.9 in.) (Approxi-
mately 10 cm [4.0 in.] to the right and left
from the center of the camera sensor)
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ES300h_OM_OM33D45U_(U)4-5. Using the driving support systems
• After the hybrid system has started the vehicle has not been driven for a certain
amount of time
• While making a left/right turn and for a few seconds after making a left/right turn
• While driving on a curve and for a few seconds after driving on a curve
• If your vehicle is skidding
• If the wheels are misaligned
• If a wiper blade is blocking the camera sensor
• The vehicle is wobbling.
• The vehicle is being driven at extremely high speeds.
• When driving on a hill
• If the radar sensor or ca mera sensor is misaligned
●In some situations such as the following, sufficient braking forc e may not be obtained,
preventing the system from performing properly:
• If the braking functions cannot operate to their full extent, such as when the brake parts are extremely cold, extremely hot, or wet
• If the vehicle is not properly maintained (brakes or tires are excessively worn,
improper tire inflation pressure, etc.)
• When the vehicle is being driven on a gravel road or other slippery surface
●Some pedestrians such as the following may not be detected by the radar sensor and
camera sensor, preventing the system from operating properly:
• Pedestrians shorter than approximately 3.2 ft. (1 m) or taller than approximately 6.5
ft. (2 m)
• Pedestrians wearing oversized clothing (a ra in coat, long skirt, etc.), making their sil-
houette obscure
• Pedestrians who are carrying large baggage, holding an umbrella, etc., hiding part
of their body
• Pedestrians who are bending forward or squatting
• Pedestrians who are pushing a stroller , wheelchair, bicycle or other vehicle
• Groups of pedestrians which are close together
• Pedestrians who are wearing white and look extremely bright
• Pedestrians in the dark, such as at night or while in a tunnel
• Pedestrians whose clothing appears to be nearly the same color or brightness as
their surroundings
• Pedestrians near walls, fences , guardrails, or large objects
• Pedestrians who are on a metal object (manhole cover, steel plate, etc.) on the road
• Pedestrians who are walking fast
• Pedestrians who are changing speed abruptly
• Pedestrians running out from be hind a vehicle or a large object
• Pedestrians who are extremely close to the side of the vehicle (outside rear view mirror, etc.)
• If the front of the vehicle is raised or low-
ered
264
ES300h_OM_OM33D45U_(U)4-5. Using the driving support systems
BSM (Blind Spot Monitor)∗
The Blind Spot Monitor is a system that has 2 functions;
●The Blind Spot Monitor function
Assists the driver in making th
e decision when changing lanes
●The Rear Cross Traffic Alert function
Assists the driver when backing up
These functions use same sensors.
BSM main switch
Pressing the switch turns the system on or of f. When the switch is set to on, the switch’s
indicator illuminates. Common switch fo r Blind Spot Monitor function and Rear
Cross Traffic Alert function.
Outside rear view mirror indicator
Blind Spot Monitor function:
When a vehicle is detected in the blind sp ot, the outside rear view mirror indicator
comes on while the turn signal lever is not operated. If the turn signal lever is operated
toward the detected side, the outsid e rear view mirror indicator flashes.
Rear Cross Traffic Alert function:
When a vehicle approaching from the right or left rear of the vehicle is detected, the
outside rear view mi rror indicators flash.
Rear Cross Traffic Alert buzzer (Rea r Cross Traffic Alert function only)
When a vehicle approaching from the right or left rear of the vehicle is detected, a
buzzer sounds from behind the rear seat.
∗: If equipped
Summary of the Blind Spot Monitor
1
2
3
ES300h_OM_OM33D45U_(U)
2654-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
■The outside rear view mirror indicators visibility
When under strong sunlight, the outside rear view mirror indicator may be difficult to
see.
■Rear Cross Traffic Alert buzzer hearing
Rear Cross Traffic Alert function may be diffic ult to hear over loud noises such as high
audio volume.
■When “Blind Spot Monitor Unavailable” is shown on the multi-information display
Water, snow mud, etc., may be built up in the vicinity of the sensor area of bumper.
( → P. 266) Removing the water, snow, mud, etc., from the vicinity of the sensor area
bumper should return it to normal. Also, the sensor may not function normally when
used in extremely hot or cold weather.
■When “Blind Spot Monitor System Malfunct ion Visit Your Dealer” is shown on the
multi-information display
There may be a sensor malfunction or voltage abnormality. Have the vehicle inspected at
a Lexus dealer.
■Certification for the B lind Spot Monitor system
For vehicles sold in the U.S.A.
For vehicles sold in Canada
ES300h_OM_OM33D45U_(U)
2674-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
The Blind Spot Monitor function uses radar sensors to detect vehicles that are
traveling in an adjacent lane in the area that is not reflected in the outside rear
view mirror (the blind spot ), and advises the driver of the vehicles existence via
the outside rear view mirror indicator.
The areas that vehicles can be detected in are outlined below.
The range of the detection area
extends to:
Approximately 11.5 ft. (3.5 m) from
the side of the vehicle
The first 1.6 ft. (0.5 m) from the side of
the vehicle is not in the detection area
Approximately 9.8 ft. (3 m) from the
rear bumper
Approximately 3.3 ft. (1 m) forward
of the rear bumper
The Blind Spot Monitor function
The Blind Spot Monitor function detection areas
1
2
3
WARNING
■Cautions regarding the use of the system
The driver is solely responsible for safe driving. Always drive safely, taking care to
observe your surroundings.
The Blind Spot Monitor function is a supp lementary function which alerts the driver
that a vehicle is present in the blind spot. Do not overly rely on the Blind Spot Monitor
function. The function cannot judg e if it is safe to change lanes, therefore over reliance
could cause an accident resultin g in death or serious injury.
According to conditions, the system does have operational limitations. Therefore the
driver’s own visual confirmation of safety is necessary.
ES300h_OM_OM33D45U_(U)
2694-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
The Rear Cross Traffic Alert functions when your vehicle is in reverse. It can
detect other vehicles approaching from the right or left rear of the vehicle. It uses
radar sensors to alert the driver of the other vehicle’s existence through flashing
the outside rear view mirror indicators and sounding a buzzer.
The Rear Cross Traffic Alert function
Approaching vehicles Detection areas12
WARNING
■Cautions regarding the use of the system
The driver is solely responsible for safe driving. Always drive safely, taking care to
observe your surroundings.
The Rear Cross Traffic Alert function is only an assist and is not a replacement for care-
ful driving. Driver must be careful when ba cking up, even when using Rear Cross Traffic
Alert function. The driver’s own visual conf irmation of behind you and your vehicle is
necessary and be sure there are no pedestrians, other vehicles etc. before backing up.
Failure to do so could caus e death or serious injury.
According to conditio ns, the system may not function correctly. Therefore the driver’s
own visual confirmation of safety is necessary.
3886-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
ES300h_OM_OM33D45U_(U)
■Adjusting the temperature for driv er and passenger seats separately
(“DUAL” mode)
To turn on the “DUAL” mode, perfor m any of the following procedures:
●Press the “DUAL” button.
●Select “DUAL” on the option control screen.
●Adjust the passenger’s side temperature setting.
The indicator comes on when the “DUAL” mode is on.
■Switching between outside air and recirculated air modes
Press .
The mode switches among (recirculated air mode), automatic and
(outside air mode) modes each time the button is pressed.
When the system is switched to automatic mode, the air conditioning system oper-
ates automatically.
■Defogging the windshield
Defoggers are used to defog the wi ndshield and front side windows.
Press .
Set to outside air mode if the reci rculated air mode is used. (It may
switch automatically.)
To defog the windshield and the side wind ows early, turn the air flow and tempera-
ture up.
To return to the previous mode, press again when the windshield is
defogged.
■Defogging the rear window and outside rear view mirrors
Defoggers are used to defog the rear window and to remove raindrops, dew
and frost from the outside rear view mirrors.
Press .
The defoggers will automatically turn off after a period of time.
Other functions