2018 Lexus LC500h engine

1484-2. Driving procedures
LC500_LC500h_OM_OM11405U_(U)mation 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 32°F (0°C) 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.90)
●Vehicle speed is high.
●The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly
or the vehicle is on a hill etc.
●The windshield defogger is in use.
●When the shift position is in M.
■Switching to EV drive mode when the
gasoline engine is cold
If the hybrid system is started while the gas-
oline engine is cold, the gasoline engine will
start automatically in order to warm up. In
this case, you will become unable to switch
to EV drive mode.
To prevent gasoline engine warm up in
order to reduce noises, start the hybrid sys-
tem without starting the gasoline engine,
pressing the power switch with fully
depressing the brake pedal and pressing
the EV drive mode switch.
■Automatic cancelation of EV drive
mode
When driving in EV drive mode, the gaso-
line 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.90)
●Vehicle speed is high.
●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-infor-
mation display.
■Possible driving distan ce when driving in
EV drive mode
EV drive mode’s possible driving distance
ranges from a few hundred meters to
approximately 0.6 mile (1 km). However,
depending on vehicle conditions, there are
situations 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
The hybrid system is designed to achieve
the best possible fuel economy during nor-
mal driving (using the gasoline engine and
electric motor [tractio n motor]). Driving in
EV drive mode more than necessary may
lower fuel economy.
■If “EV Mode Unavailable” is shown on
the multi-information display
The EV drive mode is not available. The rea-
son the EV drive mode is not available (the
vehicle is idling, batter y charge is low, vehi-
cle speed is higher than the EV drive mode
operating speed range or accelerator pedal
is depressed too much) may be displayed.
Use the EV drive mode when it becomes
available.
■If “EV Mode Deactivated” is shown on
the multi-information display
The EV drive mode has been automatically
canceled. The reason the EV drive mode is
not available (the batt ery charge is low,
vehicle speed is higher than the EV drive
mode operating speed range or accelera-

1494-2. Driving procedures
LC500_LC500h_OM_OM11405U_(U)
4
Driving
tor pedal is depressed too much) may be
displayed. Drive the vehicle for a while
before attempting to turn on the EV drive
mode again.
*1: To improve fuel efficiency and reduce noise, set the shift position in D for nor-
mal driving. You can choose gear range
suitable for your driving situation by
operating the paddle shift switches.
*2: Any gear range can be fixed when driv-ing in M mode.
■For the shift positions
●When the engine switch is off or in
ACCESSORY mode, the shift position
cannot be changed.
●When the engine swit ch is in IGNITION
ON mode, the shift position can only be
changed to N.
●When the engine is running, the shift
position can be changed from P to D, N
or R.
●The shift position can only be changed to
M directly from D.
WARNING
■Caution while driving
When driving in EV drive mode, pay spe-
cial 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 th em, so take extra
care while driving. Th erefore, take extra
care while driving even if the vehicle
proximity notification system is active.
Automatic transmission
(LC500)
Select the shift position depending
on your purpose and situation.
Shift position purpose and func-
tions
Shift posi-
tionObjective or function
PParking the vehicle/starting the engine
RReversing
N
Neutral
(Condition in which the
power is not transmitted)
DNormal driving*1
MM mode driving*2 (  P.154)

1504-2. Driving procedures
LC500_LC500h_OM_OM11405U_(U)In addition, if an atte
mpt is made to change
the shift position by moving the shift lever or
by pressing the P position switch in any of
the following situations, the buzzer will
sound and the shifting operation will be dis-
abled or the shift position will automatically
change to N. When this happens, select an
appropriate shift position.
●Situations where the shifting operation
will be disabled:
• When an attempt is made to change the
shift position from P to another position
by moving the shift lever without depress-
ing the brake pedal.
• When an attempt is made to change the shift position from P or N to M by moving
the shift lever.
• When the P position switch is pressed
while the vehicle is running.
*1
●Situations where the shift position will
automatically change to N:
• When an attempt is made to select the R position by moving the shift lever when
the vehicle is moving forward.
*2
• When an attempt is made to select the D
position by moving the shift lever when
the vehicle is moving in reverse.
*3
• When the shift position is changed from R to M
●If N is selected while driving at a certain
speed, even if the shift lever is not held in
the N position, the shift position changes
to N. In this situation, the buzzer sounds
and a confirmation message is displayed
on the multi-information display to inform
the driver that the shift position has
changed to N.
*1: Shift position may be changed to P when
driving at extremely low speeds.
*2: Shift position may be changed to R when driving at low speeds.
*3: Shift position may be changed to D when driving at low speeds.
■Reverse warning buzzer
When shifting into R, a buzzer will sound to
inform the driver that the shift position is in
R.
■To protect the automatic transmission
If the automatic transmission fluid tempera-
ture is high, “Transmission Fluid Temp High
See Owner’s Manual” will be displayed on
the multi-information display and the vehi-
cle will go into transmission protection
mode automatically. Have the vehicle
inspected by your Lexus dealer.
■When driving with dynamic radar cruise
control with full-speed range activated
Even when performing the following
actions with the intent of enabling engine
braking, engine braking will not be acti-
vated because dynamic radar cruise con-
trol with full-speed range will not be
canceled.
●While driving in the D position, down-
shifting to 9, 8, 7, 6, 5 or 4.
●When switching the driving mode to
sport mode while driving in D position.
(  P.208)
■Restraining sudden start (Drive-Start
Control)
 P.131
■AI-SHIFT
The AI-SHIFT automatica lly selects the suit-
able gear according to driver performance
and driving conditions.
The AI-SHIFT automatically operates when
the shift position is in D. (Shifting the shift
position to the M position cancels the func-
tion.)
■If a message about a shift operation is
shown
To prevent the shift position from being
selected incorrectly or the vehicle from
moving unexpectedly, the shift position may
be changed automatically or operating the
shift lever may be requ ired. In this case,
change the shift position following the mes-
sages on the multi-information display.
■After recharging/reconnecting the 12-
volt battery
 P.298
■Customization
Settings (e.g. Reverse warning buzzer) can
be changed. (Customizable features:

1514-2. Driving procedures
LC500_LC500h_OM_OM11405U_(U)
4
Driving
 P.391)
Shift lever
Operate the shift lever gently and securely
in the direction of the arrow on the shift
position indicator.
To shift to N, slide the shift lever in the
direction of the arrow and hold it.
Release the shift lever after each shifting
operation to allow it to return to its regular
position ( ).
Shifting to M is only possible when the shift
position is in D.
When shifting from P to N, D or R, from N,
D or R to P, from D to R, or from R to D,
ensure that the brake pedal is being
depressed and the vehicle is stationary.
Shift position indicator
Meter display:
The current shift position is highlighted.
When any shift position other than D or M
is selected, the arrow toward M and M
position indicator are displayed in gray.
WARNING
■When driving on slippery road sur-
faces
Do not accelerate or shift the shift posi-
tion suddenly.
Sudden changes in engine braking may
cause the vehicle to spin or skid, resulting
in an accident.
NOTICE
■Situations where sh ift control system
malfunctions are possible
If any of the following situations occurs,
shift control system malfunctions are
possible.
Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe
place on level ground, apply the parking
brake, and then contact your Lexus
dealer.
●When the warning message indicating
the shift control syst em appears on the
multi-information display.
●The display indicates that no shift posi-
tion is selected for more than a few
seconds.
Shifting the shift lever
A
B

1524-2. Driving procedures
LC500_LC500h_OM_OM11405U_(U)Shift lever display:
The current shift position is illuminated.
When selecting the shift position, make
sure that the shift position has been
changed to the desired position by check-
ing the shift position indicator provided on
the instrument cluster.
P position switch
■When shifting the shift position to P
Fully stop the vehicle and set the park-
ing brake, and then press the P position
switch.
When the shift position is changed to P, the
switch illuminates.
Check that the shift position indicator
shows P.
■Shifting the shift position from P to
other positions
 While depressing the brake pedal
firmly, operate the shift lever. If the
shift lever is operated without
depressing the brake pedal, the
buzzer will sound and the shifting
operation will be disabled.
 When selecting the shift position,
make sure that the shift position has
been changed to the desired posi-
tion by checking the shift position
indicator provided on the instru-
ment cluster.
 The shift position cannot be
changed from P to M directly.
■Automatic P position selection function
In the following situations, the shift position
is automatically changed to P.
●When pressing the engine switch with the
vehicle stopped while th e engine switch is
in IGNITION ON mode and the shift
position is in a position other than P (after
the shift position has changed to P, the
engine switch will turn off)
*
●When the vehicle is stopped after the
engine has been stopped in an emer-
gency while driving
●When voltage of the 12-volt battery
drops while the shift po sition is in a posi-
tion other than P
*:When the engine swit ch is pressed while
WARNING
■For the shift lever
●Do not remove the shift lever knob or
use anything but a genuine Lexus shift
lever knob. Also, do not hang anything
on the shift lever.
Doing so could prevent the shift lever
from returning to position, causing
unexpected accidents to occur when
the vehicle is in motion.
●In order to prevent the shift position
from accidentally being changed, do
not touch the shift lever when not using
them.
P position switch
C

1534-2. Driving procedures
LC500_LC500h_OM_OM11405U_(U)
4
Driving
driving at extremely slow speeds, such as
immediately before stopping the vehicle,
the shift position may automatically
change to P. Make sure that the vehicle is
completely stopped be fore pressing the
engine switch.
■If the shift position cannot be shifted
from P
There is a possibility that the 12-volt battery
is discharged. Check the 12-volt battery in
this situation. ( P.357)
■Driving mode
 P.208
■Snow mode
Snow mode can be se lected to suit the
conditions when driving on slippery
road surfaces, such as on snow.
Turn backward.
The snow mode indicator illuminates.
Turn backward again to return to
normal mode.
■Snow mode automatic deactivation
Snow mode is automatically deactivated if
the engine switch is turned off after driving
in snow mode.
To drive using temporary shift range
selection, operate the “-” or “+” paddle
shift switch.
When the “-” paddle shift switch is
operated, the shift range switches to a
range that enables engine braking
force that is suitable to driving condi-
tions. When the “+” paddle shift switch
is operated, the shift range switches to
a range that is one range higher than
the current range.
Changing the shift range allows
restriction of the highest gear, prevent-
WARNING
■P position switch
●Do not press the P position switch
while the vehicle is moving.
If the P position switch is pressed when
driving at very low speeds (for exam-
ple, directly before stopping the vehi-
cle), the vehicle may stop suddenly
when the shift position switches to P,
which could lead to an accident.
●In order to prevent the shift position
from accidentally being changed, do
not touch the P position switch or shift
lever when not using them.
NOTICE
■Notes regarding shift lever and P
position switch operation
Avoid repeatedly operating the shift
lever and P position switch in quick suc-
cession.
The system protection function may acti-
vate and it will not be temporarily possi-
ble to shift the shift position other than P.
If this happens, plea se wait for a while
before attempting to change the shift
position again.
Selecting the driving mode
Selecting shift ranges in the D
position

1544-2. Driving procedures
LC500_LC500h_OM_OM11405U_(U)
ing unnecessary upshifting and
enabling the level of engine braking
force to be selected.
1Upshifting
2 Downshifting
The selected shift rang e, from D1 to D10,
will be displaye d in the meter.
To return to normal D position driving, the
“+” paddle shift switch must be held down
for a period of time.
A lower shift range will provide greater
engine braking forces than a higher shift
range.
■Automatic deactivation of shift range
selection in the D position
Shift range selection in the D position will
be deactivated in the following situations:
●When the vehicle comes to a stop
●If the accelerator pedal is depressed for
more than a certain period of time
●When the shift lever is moved to D again
●When pressing and holding the “+” pad- dle shift switch
■Downshifting restriction warning
buzzer
To help ensure safety and driving perfor-
mance, downshifting operation may some-
times be restricted. In some circumstances,
downshifting may not be possible even
when the paddle shift switch is operated. (A
buzzer will sound twice.)
To enter M mode, shift the shift position
to M. Gears can be selected by oper-
ating the paddle shift switches, allowing
you to drive in the gear of your choos-
ing.
1 Upshifting
2 Downshifting
The gear changes once every time the
paddle shift switch is operated.
The selected gear, from M1 to M10, will be
fixed and displayed in the meter.
When in the M position, the gear will
not change unless the paddle shift
switches are operated.
However, even when in the M position,
the gears will be automatically
changed in the following situation:
When vehicle speed drops (down-
shift only).
 When a gear change is necessary to
Meter dis-
playFunction
D2 - D10
A gear in the range between D1 and the selected shift
range is automatically cho- sen depending on vehicle
speed and driving conditions
D1Setting the shift range at D1
Selecting gears in the M position

1554-2. Driving procedures
LC500_LC500h_OM_OM11405U_(U)
4
Driving
protect the engine or automatic
transmission when the engine cool-
ant temperature is low, the auto-
matic transmission fluid
temperature is high or low, or other
reasons.
Also, the gear will not shift when the
vehicle speed is low, even if an upshift
operation is performed.
■Downshifting restriction warning
buzzer
To help ensure safety and driving perfor-
mance, downshifting operation may some-
times be restricted. In some circumstances,
downshifting may not be possible even
when the paddle shift switch is operated. (A
buzzer will sound twice.)
*1: To improve fuel efficiency and reduce
noise, set the shift position in D for nor-
mal driving. You can choose gear range
suitable for your driving situation by
operating the paddle shift switches.
*2: Any gear range can be fixed when driv-ing in M mode.
■For the shift positions
●When the power switch is off, the shift
position cannot be changed.
●When the power switch is in ON mode
(the hybrid system is not operating), the
shift position can only be changed to N.
●When the “READY” indicator is on, the
shift position can be changed from P to D,
N or R.
●When the “READY” indicator is flashing,
the shift position cannot be changed from
P to another position even if the shift lever
is operated. Wait until the “READY” indi-
Hybrid transmission
(LC500h)
Select the shift position depending
on your purpose and situation.
Shift position purpose and func-
tions
Shift posi-
tionObjective or function
PParking the vehicle/starting the hybrid system
RReversing
NNeutral (Condition in which
the power is not transmitted)
DNormal driving*1
MM mode driving*2 (  P.160)