681-2. Hybrid system
GS450h_OM_OM30G62U_(U)
■Conditions in which the gasoline engine may not stop
The gasoline engine starts and stops automati cally. However, it may not stop automati-
cally in the following conditions:
●During gasoline engine warm-up
●During hybrid battery (traction battery) charging
●When the temperature of the hybrid battery (traction battery) is high or low
●When the heater is switched on
■Charging the hybrid battery (traction battery)
As the gasoline engine charges the hybrid battery (traction battery), the battery does not
need to be charged from an ou tside source. However, if the vehicle is left parked for a
long time the hybrid battery (traction batter y) will slowly discharge. For this reason, be
sure to drive the vehicle at least once every few months for at least 30 minutes or 10
miles (16 km). If the hybrid battery (traction battery) beco mes fully discharged and you
are unable to start the hybrid system, contact your Lexus dealer.
■Charging the 12-volt battery
→ P. 459
■After the 12-volt battery has discharged or when the terminal has been removed and
installed during exchange, etc.
The gasoline engine may not stop even if the vehicle is being driven by the hybrid battery
(traction battery). If this continues fo r a few days, contact your Lexus dealer.
■Sounds and vibrations specific to a hybrid vehicle
There may be no engine sound or vibration even though the vehicle is able to move with
the “READY” indicator is illuminated. For sa fety, apply the parking brake and make sure
to shift the shift lever to P when parked.
The following sounds or vibrations may occu r when the hybrid system is operating and
are not a malfunction:
●Motor sounds may be heard from the engine compartment.
●Sounds may be heard from the hybrid battery (traction battery) behind the rear seats
when the hybrid system starts or stops.
●Relay operating sounds such as a snap or so ft clank will be emitted from the hybrid bat-
tery (traction battery), behind the rear se ats, when the hybrid system is started or
stopped.
●Sounds from the hybrid system may be heard when the trunk lid is open.
●Sounds may be heard from the transmission wh en the gasoline engine starts or stops,
when driving at low spee ds, or during idling.
●Engine sounds may be heard when accelerating sharply.
●Sounds may be heard due to regenerative braking when the brake pedal is depressed
or as the accelerator pedal is released.
●Vibration may be felt when the ga soline engine starts or stops.
●Cooling fan sounds may be heard from the air intake vents on the both sides of the rear
seatback.
701-2. Hybrid system
GS450h_OM_OM30G62U_(U)
Hybrid system precautions
The illustration is an example for explanation and may differ from the actual item.
There are air intake vents on the both
sides of the rear seatback for the pur-
pose of cooling the hybrid battery
(traction battery). When the air intake
vents are blocked, battery operations
will be restricted, leading to poor fuel
economy.
Take care when handling the hybrid system, as it is a high voltage system
(about 650 V at maximum) as well as contains parts that become extremely
hot when the hybrid system is operating. Obey the warning labels attached to
the vehicle.
Warning label
Power control unit
Electric motor (traction motor)
Hybrid battery (traction battery) Service plug
High voltage cables (orange)
Air conditioning compressor
Hybrid battery (traction battery) air intake vents
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
GS450h_OM_OM30G62U_(U)
1373-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors and trunk
3
Operation of each component
■Electronic Key Battery-Saving Function
When battery-saving mode is set, battery depletion is minimized by stopping the elec-
tronic key from receiving radio waves.
■Conditions affecting operation
The smart access system with push-button st art uses weak radio waves. In the following
situations, the communication between the electronic key and the vehicle may be
affected, preventing the smar t access system with push-but ton start, wireless remote
control and immobilizer system from operating properly. (Ways of coping: → P. 454)
●When the electronic key battery is depleted
●Near a TV tower, electric power plant, gas st ation, radio station, large display, airport or
other facility that generates strong radio wave s or electrical noise
●When the electronic key is in contact with, or is covered by the following metallic
objects
• Cards to which aluminum foil is attached
• Cigarette boxes that have aluminum foil inside
• Metallic wallets or bags
•Coins
• Hand warmers made of metal
• Media such as CDs and DVDs
●When other wireless keys (that emit radio waves) are being used nearby
●When carrying the electronic key together with the following devices that emit radio
waves
• When carrying a portable radio, cellular phone, cordless phone or other wireless
communication device
• Another vehicle’s electronic key or a wireless key that emits radio waves
• Personal computers or person al digital assistants (PDAs)
• Digital audio players
• Portable game systems
●If window tint with a metallic content or me tallic objects are attached to the rear win-
dow
●When the electronic key is placed near a battery charger or electronic devices
Press twice while pressing and holding
. Confirm that the electronic key indica-
tor flashes 4 times.
While the battery-saving mode is set, the smart
access system with push -button start cannot be
used. To cancel the function, press any of the
electronic key buttons.
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GS450h_OM_OM30G62U_(U)
4-5. Using the driving support systems
Driving mode select switch
Normal mode/Customized mode
Normal mode and customized mode are selected by pressing the driving
mode select switch. Each time the switch is pressed, the driving mode
changes between normal mode and customized mode. When customized
mode is selected, the “Customize” or “CUSTOMIZE” indicator will be illumi-
nated.
Press the switch to change the driving mode to normal mode when Eco drive mode or
sport mode is selected.
• Normal mode
For normal driving.
• Customized mode
Allows you to drive with the power train, chassis and air conditioning system func-
tions set to your preferred settings.
Customized mode settings can only be changed on the drive mode customization
display of the Remote Touch screen. ( →P. 502)
Eco drive mode
Use Eco drive mode to help achieve low fuel consumption during trips that
involve frequent accelerating.
When not in Eco drive mode and the driving mode select switch is turned to the left,
the “ECO” or “ECO MODE” indicator come s on in the multi-information display.
The driving modes can be selected to suit driving condition.
Except
F SPORT models
F SPORT models
1
2
GS450h_OM_OM30G62U_(U)
2594-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
Sport mode•SPORT S mode
Assists acceleration response by co ntrolling the transmission and engine.
When not in SPORT S mode and the driving 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. 93)
•SPORT S+ mode
Helps to ensure steering performanc e and driving stability by simultane-
ously controlling the steering and suspension in addition to the hybrid sys-
tem. Suitable for sporty driving.
When in SPORT S mode and the driving mode select switch is turned to the right,
the “SPORT S+” indicator comes on in the multi-information display.
■Operation of the air conditioning system in Eco drive mode
Eco drive mode controls the heating/cooling operations and fan speed of the air condi-
tioning system to enhance fuel efficiency. To improve air conditioning performance, per-
form the following operations:
●Turn off eco air conditioning mode (→P. 289)
●Adjust the fan speed ( →P. 288)
●Turn off Eco drive mode
■Automatic operation of the seat heater during Eco drive mode
Eco drive mode controls the heating operatio n and fan speed of the air conditioning sys-
tem to enhance fuel efficiency. If the driving mode select switch is switched to Eco drive
mode in cold temperatures, the seat heater will be automatically operated to assist heat-
ing performance.
■Automatic deactivation of sport mode and customized mode
If the power switch is turned off after driv ing in sport mode or customized mode, the
drive mode will be changed to normal mode.
■Driving mode pop-up display
When the driving mode is changed, the sele cted driving mode will be temporarily dis-
played on the side display. ( →P. 285)
3
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GS450h_OM_OM30G62U_(U)
4-6. Driving tips
Hybrid vehicle driving tips
◆Using Eco drive mode
When using Eco drive mode, the torque corresponding to the accelerator
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 economy. ( →P. 258)
◆Use of Hybrid System Indicator
The Eco-friendly driving is possible by keeping the indicate of Hybrid System
Indicator within Eco area. ( →P. 92)
◆Shift lever operation
Shift the shift lever to D when stopped at a traffic light, or driving in heavy traf-
fic etc. Shift the shift lever to P when parking. When using the N, there is no
positive effect on fuel consumption. In the N, the gasoline engine operates but
electricity cannot be generated. Also, wh en using the air conditioning system,
etc., the hybrid battery (tractio n battery) power is consumed.
◆Accelerator pedal/brake pedal operation
●Drive your vehicle smoothly. Avoid ab rupt acceleration and deceleration.
Gradual acceleration and deceleration will make more effective use of the
electric motor (traction motor) withou t having to use gasoline engine power.
●Avoid repeated acceleration. Repeated acceleration consumes hybrid bat-
tery (traction battery) po wer, resulting in poor fuel consumption. Battery
power can be restored by driving with the accelerator pedal slightly released.
◆When braking
Make sure to operate the brakes gently and in a timely manner. A greater
amount of electrical energy can be regenerated when slowing down.
For economical and ecological driving, pay attention to the following points:
GS450h_OM_OM30G62U_(U)
2754-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
◆Delays
Repeated acceleration and deceleration, as well as long waits at traffic lights,
will lead to bad fuel economy. Check traffic reports before leaving and avoid
delays as much as possible. When drivin g in a traffic jam, gently release the
brake pedal to allow the vehicle to move forward slightly while avoiding over-
use of the accelerator pedal. Doing so can help control excessive gasoline
consumption.
◆Highway driving
Control and maintain the vehicle at a co nstant speed. Before stopping at a toll
booth or similar, allow plenty of ti me to release the accelerator and gently
apply the brakes. A greater amount of electrical energy can be regenerated
when slowing down.
◆Air conditioning
Use the air conditioning only when necessary. Doing so can help reduce
excessive gasoline consumption.
In summer: When the ambient temperature is high, use the recirculated air
mode. Doing so will help to reduce the burden on the air conditioning system
and reduce fuel consumption as well.
In winter: Because the gasoline engine will not automatically cut out until it
and the interior of the vehicle are warm , it will consume fuel. Also, fuel con-
sumption can be improved by av oiding overuse of the heater.
◆Checking tire inflation pressure
Make sure to check the tire inflation pr essure frequently. Improper tire infla-
tion pressure can cause poor fuel economy.
Also, as snow tires can cause large amou nts of friction, their use on dry roads
can lead to poor fuel economy. Use tires that are appropriate for the season.
◆Luggage
Carrying heavy luggage will lead to poor fuel economy. Avoid carrying
unnecessary luggage. Installing a large roof rack will also cause poor fuel
economy.
◆Warming up before driving
Since the gasoline engine starts up an d cuts out automatically when cold,
warming up the engine is unnecessary. Moreover, frequently driving short dis-
tances will cause the engine to repeated ly warm up, which can lead to excess
fuel consumption.
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GS450h_OM_OM30G62U_(U)
4-6. Driving tips
Winter driving tips
●Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside temperatures.
•Engine oil
• Engine/power cont rol 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.
*: Tire chains cannot be mounted on vehicles with front and rear tires of differing
sizes and vehicles with LDH and 19-inch tires.
Perform the following according to the driving conditions:
●Do not try to forcibly open a window or move a wiper that is frozen. Pour
warm water over the frozen area to me lt the ice. Wipe away the water imme-
diately to prevent it from freezing.
●To ensure proper operation of the c limate control system fan, remove any
snow that has accumulated on the air inlet vents in front of the windshield.
●Check for and remove any excess ice or snow that may have accumulated on
the exterior lights, vehicle’s roof, chassi s, around the tires or on the brakes.
●Remove any snow or mud from the bottom of your shoes before getting in the
vehicle.
Carry out the necessary preparations an d inspections before driving the vehi-
cle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropriate to the prevail-
ing weather conditions.
Preparation for winter
Before driving the vehicle