2018 LEXUS LS500 ignition

1634-2. Driving procedures
LS500_OM_OM50F54U_(U) 4
Driving ■
When the shift control system malfunc-
tions
When attempting to turn the engine switch
off while there is a malfunction in the shift
control system, the engine switch mode
may change to ACCESSORY mode. In this
case, ACCESSORY mode may be turned
off by applying the parking brake and press-
ing the engine switch again. If there is a mal-
function in the system, have the vehicle
inspected by your Lexus dealer immedi-
ately.
*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.
In addition, if an attempt is made to change NOTICE■
To prevent battery discharge●
Do not leave the engine switch in
ACCESSORY or IGNITION ON
mode for long period s of time without
the engine running.●
If “ACCESSORY” or “IGNITION
ON” is displayed on the meter, the
engine switch is not off.
Exit the vehicle after turning the
engine switch off. Automatic transmission Select the shift position depending
on your purpose and situation.
Shift position purpose and func-
tions Shift posi-
tion Objective or function
P Parking the vehicle/starting
the engine
R Reversing
N Neutral
(Condition in which the
power is not transmitted)
D
Normal driving *1
M
M mode driving *2
( → P.168)

166 4-2. Driving procedures
LS500_OM_OM50F54U_(U) 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 battery drops while
the shift position is in a position other than
P *
: When the engine switch is pressed while
driving at extremely slow speeds, such
as immediately before stopping the vehi-
cle, the shift position may automatically
change to P. Make su re that the vehicle
is completely stopped before pressing
the engine switch.
■
If the shift position cannot be shifted
from P
There is a possibility th at the battery is dis-WARNING■
For the shift lever●
Do not remove the sh ift 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

1694-2. Driving procedures
LS500_OM_OM50F54U_(U) 4
Driving  When vehicle speed drops (down-
shift only).
 When it is necessary to protect the
engine or automatic transmission
when the engine coolant tempera-
ture is low, the automatic transmis-
sion 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 Right turn
2 Lane change to the right (move the
lever partway and release it) The right hand signals will flash 3 times.
3 Lane change to the left (move the
lever partway and release it) The left hand signals will flash 3 times.
4 Left turn ■
Turn signals can be operated when
The engine switch is in IGNITION ON
mode.
■
If the indicator flashes faster than usual
Check that a light bulb in the front or rear
turn signal lights has not burned out.
■
If the turn signals stop flashing before a
lane change has been performed
Operate the lever again.Turn signal lever
Operating instructions

172 4-2. Driving procedures
LS500_OM_OM50F54U_(U) this happens, refrain from operating the
parking brake. Normal operation will return
after about 1 minute. ■
If “EPB Activation Stopped Incom-
pletely” or “EPB unavailable” is dis-
played on the multi-information display
Operate the parking brake switch. If the
message does not disappear after operat-
ing the switch several times, the system may
be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle
inspected by your Lexus dealer. ■
Parking brake operation sound
When the parking brake operates, a motor
sound (whirring sound) may be heard. This
does not indicate a malfunction. ■
Parking brake operation●
Depending on the engine switch mode,
the parking brake indi cator light will turn
on and stay on as described below:
IGNITION ON mode: Comes on until
the parking brake is released.
Not in IGNITION ON mode: Stays on
for approximately 15 seconds. ●
When the engine 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 mal-
function.■
When the parking brake switch mal-
functions
Automatic mode (automatic brake setting
and releasing) will be turned on automati-
cally. ■
Parking the vehicle
→ P.150
■
Parking brake engaged warning buzzer
A buzzer will sound if the vehicle is driven
with the parking brake engaged. “EPB
Applied” is displayed on the multi-informa-
tion display. (with the vehicle reached a
speed of 3 mph [5 km/h])
■
If the brake system warning light comes
on
→ P.418
■
Usage in winter time
→ P.299 WARNING■
When parking the vehicle
Do not leave a child in the vehicle alone.
The parking brake may be released unin-
tentionally and there is the danger of the
vehicle moving that may lead to an acci-
dent resulting in death or serious injury.
NOTICE■
When parking the vehicle
Before you leave the vehicle, set the
parking brake, shift the shift position 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
Driving the vehicle with the parking
brake set will lead to brake components
overheating, which may affect braking
performance and increase brake wear.
Have the vehicle inspected by your
Lexus dealer immediately if this occurs.

1754-3. Operating the lights and wipers
LS500_OM_OM50F54U_(U) 4
Driving 4-3.Operating the lights and wipers
Turning the end of the lever turns on
the lights as follows:
U.S.A.
Canada
1 The side marker, parking, tail,
license plate, instrument panel
lights, and daytime running lights
( → P.175) turn on.
2 The headlights and all lights
listed above (except daytime run-
ning lights) turn on.
3 The headlights, daytime run-
ning lights ( → P.175) and all the lights listed above turn on and off
automatically.
4 (U.S.A.) Off
(Canada) The daytime run-
ning lights turn on. ( → P.175)■
AUTO mode can be used when
The engine switch is in IGNITION ON
mode. ■
Daytime running light system ●
The daytime running lights illuminate
using the same lights as the parking lights
and illuminate brighter than the parking
lights. ●
To make your vehicle more visible to
other drivers during daytime driving, the
daytime running lights turn on automati-
cally when all of the following conditions
are met. (The daytime running lights are
not designed for use at night.)
• The engine is running
• The parking brake is released
• The headlight switch is in the (Can-
ada only), or *
position*
: When the surroundings are bright
The daytime running lights remain on after
they illuminate, even if the parking brake is
set again. ●
For the U.S.A.: Daytime running lights
can be turned off by operating the switch. ●
Compared to turning on the headlights,
the daytime running light system offers
greater durability and consumes less
electricity, so it can help improve fuel
economy.
■
Headlight control sensorHeadlight switch The headlights can be operated
manually or automatically.
Operating instructions
A
B

176 4-3. Operating the lights and wipers
LS500_OM_OM50F54U_(U) The sensor may not function properly if an
object is placed on th e sensor, or anything
that blocks the sensor is affixed to the wind-
shield.
Doing so interferes with the sensor detect-
ing the level of ambient light and may cause
the automatic headlight system to malfunc-
tion. ■
Automatic light off system●
When the headlights are on: The head-
lights and tail lights tu rn off 30 seconds
after the driver’s door is opened and
closed if the engine switch is turned to
ACCESSORY mode or turned off. (The
lights turn off immediately if on the
key is pressed after all the doors are
closed.)●
When only the tail lights are on: The tail
lights turn off automatically if the engine
switch is turned to ACCESSORY mode
or turned off and the driver’s door is
opened.
To turn the lights on again, turn the engine
switch to IGNITION ON mode, or turn the
light switch off once and then back to
or . ■
Light reminder buzzer
A buzzer sounds when the engine switch is
turned off or turned to ACCESSORY
mode and the driver’s door is opened while
the lights are turned on. ■
Automatic headlight leveling system
The level of the headlights is automatically
adjusted according to the number of pas-
sengers and the loading condition of the
vehicle to ensure that the headlights do not
interfere with other road users.
■
Windshield wiper linked headlight illu-
mination
When driving during daytime with the
headlight switch turned to , if the wind-
shield wipers are used, the headlights will
turn on automatically after several seconds
to help enhance the visibility of your vehicle.
■
Battery-saving function
In order to prevent the battery of the vehicle from discharging, if the headlights and/or
tail lights are on when the engine switch is
turned off the battery saving function will
operate and automatically turn off all the
lights after approximately 20 minutes.
When the engine switch is turned to IGNI-
TION ON mode, the battery-saving func-
tion will be disabled.
When any of the following are performed,
the battery-saving function is canceled
once and then reactivated. All the lights will
turn off automatically 20 minutes after the
Battery- saving function has been reacti-
vated: ●
When the headlight switch is operated●
When a door is opened or closed ■
Welcome light illumination control
The front position and tail lights automati-
cally turn on at night when the doors are
unlocked using the entr y function or wire-
less remote control if the light switch is in
the position. ■
Customization
Some functions can be customized.
( → P.468)
1 With the headlights on, push the NOTICE■
To prevent battery discharge
Do not leave the lights on longer than
necessary when the engine is not run-
ning.
Turning on the high beam head-
lights

1794-3. Operating the lights and wipers
LS500_OM_OM50F54U_(U) 4
Driving vehicle ahead that is using fog lights with-
out its headlights turned on is detected.●
House lights, street lig hts, traffic signals,
and illuminated billboards or signs and
other reflective objects may cause the
high beams to change to the low beams,
or the low beams to remain on.●
The following factors may affect the
amount of time taken for the high beams
to turn on or off:
• The brightness of the headlights, fog
lights, and tail lights of vehicles ahead
• The movement and direction of vehicles
ahead
• When a vehicle ahead only has opera-
tional lights on one side
• When a vehicle ahead is a two-wheeled
vehicle
• The condition of the road (gradient,
curve, condition of th e road surface, etc.)
• The number of passengers and amount of
luggage in the vehicle●
The high beams may turn on or off unex-
pectedly.●
Bicycles or similar vehicles may not be
detected.●
In the following situations the system may
not be able to correctly detect the sur-
rounding brightness le vel. This may cause
the low beams to remain on or the high
beams to flash or dazzle pedestrians or
vehicles ahead. In such a case, it is neces-
sary to manually switch between the high
and low beams.
• When driving in inclement weather
(heavy rain, snow, fog, sandstorms, etc.)
• When the windshield is obscured by fog,
mist, ice, dirt, etc.
• When the windshield is cracked or dam-
aged
• When the camera sensor is deformed or
dirty
• When the temperature of the camera
sensor is extremely high
• When the surrounding brightness level is
equal to that of head lights, tail lights or
fog lights
• When headlights or tail lights of vehicles
ahead are turned off, dirty, changing
color, or not aimed properly
• When the vehicle is hit by water, snow,
dust, etc. from a preceding vehicle • When driving through an area of inter-
mittently changing brightness and dark-
ness
• When frequently and repeatedly driving
ascending/descending roads, or roads
with rough, bumpy or uneven surfaces
(such as stone-paved roads, gravel roads,
etc.)
• When frequently and repeatedly taking
curves or driving on a winding road
• When there is a highly reflective object
ahead of the vehicle, such as a sign or
mirror
• When the back of a preceding vehicle is
highly reflective, such as a container on a
truck
• When the vehicle’s headlights are dam-
aged or dirty, or are not aimed properly
• When the vehicle is listing or titling due to
a flat tire, a trailer being towed, etc.
• When the headlights are changed
between the high beams and low beams
repeatedly in an abnormal manner
• When the driver believes that the high
beams may be flashing or dazzling
pedestrians or other drivers ■
Temporarily lowering sensor sensitivity
The sensitivity of the sensor can be tempo-
rarily lowered.
1 Turn the engine switch off while the fol-
lowing conditions are met.
●
The headlight switch is in or . ●
The headlight switch lever is in high beam
position. ●
Automatic High Beam switch is on.
2 Turn the engine switch to IGNITION
ON mode.
3 Within 30 seconds after step 2 , repeat
pulling the headlight switch lever to the
original position then pushing it to the
high beam position quickly 10 times,
then leave the lever in high beam posi-
tion.
4 If the sensitivity is changed, the AHB
indicator is turn on and off 3 times.
Automatic High Beam (headlights) may
turn on even when the vehicle is stopped.

1814-3. Operating the lights and wipers
LS500_OM_OM50F54U_(U) 4
Driving 1 (U.S.A.) or (Canada)
Off
2 Rain-sensing wiper operationThe wipers will operate automatically when
the sensor detects falling rain. The system
automatically adjusts wiper timing in
accordance with rain volume and vehicle
speed.
3 (U.S.A.) or (Canada)
Low speed wiper operation
4 (U.S.A.) or (Canada)
High speed wiper operation
5 (U.S.A.) or (Canada)
Temporary operation
When is selected, the sensor sen-
sitivity can be adjusted by turning the
switch ring.
6 Increases the sensitivity
7 Decreases the sensitivity 8 Washer/wiper dual operation Wipers will automatically operate a couple
of times after th e washer squirts.
(After operating several times, the wipers
operate once more time after a short delay
to prevent dripping. However, the dripping
prevention does not operate while the
vehicle is moving.)
Vehicles with headlight cleaners:
When the engine swit ch is in IGNITION
ON mode and the headlights are on, if the
lever is pulled, the he adlight cleaners will
operate once. After this, the headlight
cleaners will operate every 5th time the
lever is pulled.
■
The windshield wiper and washer can be
operated when
The engine switch is in IGNITION ON
mode. ■
Effects of vehicle speed on wiper opera-
tion
Even when the wipers are not in AUTO
mode, vehicle speed affects the time until
the drip prevention wiper sweep occurs.
With low speed windsh ield wiper operation
selected, wiper operation will be switched
from low speed to intermittent wiper opera-
tion only when the vehicle is stationary.
(However, when the sensor sensitivity is
adjusted to the highes t level, the mode can-
not be switched.) ■
Raindrop sensor ●
The raindrop sensor judges the amount
of raindrops.
An optical sensor is adopted. It may not
operate properly when sunlight from the
rising or setting of the sun intermittently
strikes the windshield, or if bugs etc. are
present on the windshield.