
150 4-1. Before driving
LS500_OM_OM50F54U_(U) 4-1.Before driving
■
Starting the engine
→ P.160 ■
Driving
1 With the brake pedal depressed,
shift the shift position to D.
( → P.163)Check that the shift position indicator
shows D.
2 If the parking brake is in manual
mode, release the parking brake.
( → P.170)
3 Gradually release the brake pedal
and gently depress the accelerator
pedal to accelerate the vehicle. ■
Stopping
1 With the shift position in D, depress
the brake pedal.
2 If necessary, set the parking brake.If the vehicle is to be stopped for an
extended period of time, shift the shift posi-
tion to P. ( → P.166)
■
Parking the vehicle
1 With the shift position in D, depress
the brake pedal to stop the vehicle
completely.
2 If the parking brake is in manual
mode, set the parking brake.
( → P.170)
3 Shift the shift position to P.
( → P.166) 4 Press the engine switch to stop the
engine.
5 Slowly release the brake pedal.
6 Lock the door, making sure that you
have the electronic key on your
person. If parking on a hill, block the wheels as
needed. ■
Starting off on a steep uphill
1 Make sure that the parking brake is
set and shift the shift position to D. Hill-start assist control will operate.
( → P.294)
2 Gently depress the accelerator
pedal.
3 Release the parking brake. ■
Driving in the rain ●
Drive carefully when it is raining, because
visibility will be reduced, the windows
may become fogged-up, and the road
will be slippery. ●
Drive carefully when it starts to rain,
because the road surface will be espe-
cially slippery. ●
Refrain from high speeds when driving on
an expressway in the rain, because there
may be a layer of wa ter between the tires
and the road surface, preventing the
steering and brakes from operating prop-
erly.
■
Engine speed while driving
In the following conditions, the engine
speed may become high while driving. This
is due to automatic up-shifting control or
down-shifting implementation to meet driv-
ing conditions. It does not indicate sudden
acceleration.
●
The vehicle is judged to be driving uphill
or downhill
●
When the accelerato r pedal is released
●
When the brake pedal is depressedDriving the vehicle The following procedures should be
observed to ensure safe driving:
Driving procedure

154 4-1. Before driving
LS500_OM_OM50F54U_(U) WARNING●
In order to prevent accidents due to
the vehicle rolling away, always keep
depressing the brake pedal while the
engine is running, and apply the park-
ing brake as necessary.●
If the vehicle is stopped on an incline,
in order to prevent accidents caused
by the vehicle rolling forward or back-
ward, always depress the brake pedal
and securely apply the parking brake
as needed.●
Avoid revving or racing the engine.
Running the engine at high speed
while the vehicle is stopped may cause
the exhaust system to overheat, which
could result in a fire if combustible
material is nearby.■
When the vehicle is parked●
Do not leave glasses, cigarette lighters,
spray cans, or soft drink cans in the
vehicle when it is in the sun.
Doing so may result in the following:
• Gas may leak from a cigarette lighter
or spray can, and may lead to a fire.
• The temperature inside the vehicle
may cause the plastic lenses and plas-
tic material of glasses to deform or
crack.
• Soft drink cans may fracture, causing
the contents to spray over the interior
of the vehicle, and may also cause a
short circuit in the vehicle’s electrical
components.
●
Do not leave cigarette lighters in the
vehicle. If a cigarette lighter is in a
place such as the glove box or on the
floor, it may be lit accidentally when
luggage is loaded or the seat is
adjusted, causing a fire.
●
Do not attach adhesive discs to the
windshield or windows. Do not place
containers such as air fresheners on
the instrument pane l or dashboard.
Adhesive discs or containers may act
as lenses, causing a fire in the vehicle. ●
Do not leave a door or window open if
the curved glass is coated with a met-
allized film such as a silver-colored
one. Reflected sunlight may cause the
glass to act as a lens, causing a fire. ●
Always apply the parking brake, shift
the shift position to P, stop the engine
and lock the vehicle.
Do not leave the vehicle unattended
while the engine is running.
If the vehicle is parked with the shift
position in P but the parking brake is
not set, the vehicle may start to move,
possibly leading to an accident. ●
Do not touch the exhaust pipes while
the engine is running or immediately
after turning the engine off.
Doing so may cause burns. ■
When taking a nap in the vehicle
Always turn the engine off. Otherwise, if
you accidentally move the shift lever or
depress the accelerator pedal, this could
cause an accident or fire due to engine
overheating. Additionally, if the vehicle is
parked in a poorly ventilated 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 in creases 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 vehi-
cle.
●
Vehicles without Lexus Safety Sys-
tem+A: If the brake booster device
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 brak-
ing distance will in crease. Have your
brakes fixed immediately.

1574-1. Before driving
LS500_OM_OM50F54U_(U) 4
Driving gage load capacity calculated in Step
4.
(6) If your vehicle will be towing a
trailer, load from your trailer will be
transferred to your vehicle. Consult
this manual to determine how this
reduces the available cargo and lug-
gage load capacity of your vehicle.
( → P.158)Lexus does not recommend towing a
trailer with your vehicle. Your vehicle is not
designed for trailer towing.
Cargo capacity
Total load capacity (vehicle capac-
ity weight) ( → P.448)
When 2 people with the combined
weight of A lb. (kg) are riding in your
vehicle, which has a total load capacity
(vehicle capacity weight) of B lb. (kg),
the available amount of cargo and lug-
gage load capacity will be C lb. (kg) as
follows:
B *2
lb. (kg) - A *1
lb. (kg) = C *3
lb. (kg)*1
: A =Weight of people *2
: B =Total load capacity *3
: C =Available cargo and luggage load
In this condition, if 3 more passengers with
the combined weight of D lb. (kg) get on,
the available cargo and luggage load will
be reduced E lb. (kg) as follows:
C lb. (kg) - D *4
lb. (kg) = E *5
lb. (kg)*4
: D =Additional weight of people *5
: E =Available cargo and luggage load
As shown in the example above, if the
number of occupant s increases, the
cargo and luggage load will be
reduced by an amount that equals the
increased weight due to the additional
occupants. In other words, if an
increase in the number of occupants
causes an excess of the total load
capacity (combined weight of occu-
pants plus cargo and luggage load),
you must reduce the cargo and lug-
gage on your vehicle.Calculation formula for your
vehicle
A
B WARNING■
Things that must not be carried in the
trunk
The following things may cause a fire if
loaded in the trunk:
●
Receptacles containing gasoline
●
Aerosol cans
■
Storage precautions
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may prevent the pedals
from being depressed properly, may
block the driver’s vision, or may result in
items hitting the driver or passengers,
possibly causing an accident.
●
Stow cargo and luggage in the trunk
whenever possible.

160 4-2. Driving procedures
LS500_OM_OM50F54U_(U) 4-2.Driving procedures
1 Press the parking brake switch to
check that the parking brake is set.
( → P.170)The parking brake indicator will come on.
2 Firmly depress the brake pedal. and a message will be displayed on
the multi-information display.
If it is not displayed, the engine cannot be
started.
3 Press the engine switch shortly and
firmly.When operating the engine switch, one
short, firm press is enough. It is not neces-
sary to press and hold the switch.
The engine will crank until it starts or for up
to 30 seconds, whichever is less.
Continue depressing the brake pedal until
the engine is completely started.
The engine can be started from any engine
switch mode. ■
Engine switch illumination
According to the situation, the engine
switch illumination operates as follows. ●
When a door is opened, or the engine
switch mode is changed from ACCES-
SORY or IGNITION ON mode to off,
the engine switch illumination slowly
blinks. ●
When depressing the brake pedal with
carrying the electronic key on your per-
son, the engine switch illumination rapidly
blinks. ●
When the engine sw itch is in ACCES-
SORY or IGNITION ON mode, the
engine switch illumination illuminates. ■
If the engine does not start ●
The engine immobilizer system may not
have been deactivated. ( → P.58)
Contact your Lexus dealer. ●
If a message related to start-up is shown
on the multi-information display, read the
message and follow the instructions. ■
If the battery is discharged
The engine cannot be started using the
smart access system with push-button start.
Refer to P.438 to restart the engine. ■
Electronic key battery depletion
→ P.92 ■
Conditions affecting operation
→ P.108 ■
Notes for the entry function
→ P.109
■
Steering lock function
●
After turning the engine switch off and
opening and closing the doors, the steer-
ing wheel will be lock ed due to the steer-
ing lock function. Operating the engine
switch again automatically cancels the
steering lock.
●
When the steering lock cannot be
released, “Push Engine Switch While
Turning Steering Whee l in Either Direc-
tion” will be displayed on the multi-infor-
mation display.
Press the engine switch shortly and firmly Engine (ignition) switch Performing the following opera-
tions when carryin g the electronic
key on your person starts the
engine or changes engine switch
modes.
Starting the engine

1614-2. Driving procedures
LS500_OM_OM50F54U_(U) 4
Driving while turning the steering wheel left and
right.
●
To prevent the steering lock motor from
overheating, operation of the motor may
be suspended if the engine is turned on
and off repeatedly in a short period of
time. In this case, refrain from operating
the engine switch. After about 10 sec-
onds, the steering lock motor will resume
functioning.■
Electronic key battery
→ P.403■
Operation of the engine switch●
If the switch is not pressed shortly and
firmly, the engine switch mode may not
change or the engine may not start.●
If attempting to restart the engine imme-
diately after turning the engine switch off,
the engine may not start in some cases.
After turning the engine switch off, please
wait a few seconds before restarting the
engine.■
Customization
If the smart access sy stem with push-button
start has been deactivated in a customized
setting, refer to P.436. 1 Stop the vehicle completely.
2 If the parking brake is in manual
mode, set the parking brake.
( → P.170)
3 Shift the shift position to P.
( → P.166) Check that the shift position indicator
shows P. ( → P.165)
4 Press the engine switch. The engine will stop, and the meter display
will be extinguished (the shift position indi-
cator will be extinguished a few seconds
after the meter display).
5 Release the brake pedal and check
that “ACCESSORY” or “IGNI-
TION ON” is not shown on the
meter.WARNING
■
When starting the engine
Always start the engine while sitting in
the driver’s seat. Do not depress the
accelerator pedal while starting the
engine under any circumstances.
Doing so may cause an accident result-
ing in death or serious injury. ■
Caution while driving
If engine failure occurs while the vehicle
is moving, do not lock or open the doors
until the vehicle reaches a safe and com-
plete stop. Activation of the steering lock
in this circumstance may lead to an acci-
dent, resulting in death or serious injury.
NOTICE■
When starting the engine ●
Do not race a cold engine. ●
If the engine becomes difficult to start
or stalls frequently, have your vehicle
checked by your Lexus dealer immedi-
ately. ■
Symptoms indicating a malfunction
with the engine switch
If the engine switch seems to be operat-
ing somewhat differently than usual, such
as the switch sticking slightly, there may
be a malfunction. Contact your Lexus
dealer immediately.
Stopping the engine

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

182 4-3. Operating the lights and wipers
LS500_OM_OM50F54U_(U) ●
If the wiper is turned to AUTO mode
while the engine switch is in IGNITION
ON mode, the wipers will operate once
to show that AUTO mode is activated.●
If the temperature of the raindrop sensor
is 185°F (85°C) or higher, or 5°F
(-15°C) or lower, automatic operation
may not occur. In this case, operate the
wipers in any mode other than AUTO
mode.■
If no windshield washer fluid sprays
Check that the washer nozzles are not
blocked if there is wash er fluid in the wind-
shield washer fluid reservoir.
■
Front door opening linked windshield
wiper stop function
When is selected and the windshield
wipers are operating, if a front door is
opened while the vehicle is stopped and the
P shift position is sele cted, operation of the
windshield wipers w ill be stopped to pre-
vent anyone near the vehicle from being
sprayed by water from the wipers. When
the front door is closed, wiper operation will
resume.
■
When stopping the engine in an emer-
gency while driving
If the windshield wipers are operating when
the engine is stopped, the windshield wipers
will operate in high speed operation. After
the vehicle is stopped, operation will return
to normal when the engi ne switch is turned to IGNITION ON mode, or operation will
stop when the driver’s door is opened. ■
Outside rear view mirror defogger acti-
vation linked to windshield wiper opera-
tion
The outside rear view mirror defoggers
automatically turn on when you operate the
windshield wipers.
The outside rear view mirror defoggers
automatically turn off approximately 15
minutes after the wipers stop.
For details about the outside rear view mir-
ror defoggers: → P.314
WARNING■
Caution regarding the use of wind-
shield wipers in AUTO mode
The windshield wipers may operate
unexpectedly if the sensor is touched or
the windshield is subj ect to vibration in
AUTO mode. Take care that your fingers
or anything else do not become caught
in the windshield wipers. ■
Caution regarding the use of washer
fluid
When it is cold, do not use the washer
fluid until the windshield becomes warm.
The fluid may freeze on the windshield
and cause low visibility. This may lead to
an accident, resulting in death or serious
injury.
NOTICE
■
When there is no washer fluid spray
from the nozzle
Damage to the washer fluid pump may
be caused if the lever is pulled toward
you and held continually.
■
When a nozzle becomes blocked
In this case, contact your Lexus dealer.
Do not try to clear it with a pin or other
object. The nozzle will be damaged.

202 4-5. Using the driving support systems
LS500_OM_OM50F54U_(U) WARNING■
Pre-collision braking●
When the pre-collision braking func-
tion is operating, a large amount of
braking force will be applied.●
If the vehicle is stopped by the opera-
tion of the pre-collision braking func-
tion, the pre-collision braking function
operation will be canceled after
approximately 2 seco nds. Depress the
brake pedal as necessary.●
The pre-collision braking function may
not operate if certain operations are
performed by the driver. If the acceler-
ator pedal is being depressed strongly
or the steering wheel is being turned,
the system may determine that the
driver is taking evasive action and may
prevent the pre-collision braking func-
tion from operating.●
In some situations, while the pre-colli-
sion braking function is operating,
operation of the function may be can-
celed if the accelerator pedal is
depressed strongly or the steering
wheel is turned and the system deter-
mines that the driver is taking evasive
action.
●
If the brake pedal is being depressed,
the system may determine that the
driver is taking evasive action and pos-
sibly delay the operation timing of the
pre-collision braking function.
■
Active steering assist●
The steering wheel may turn automati-
cally when active steering assist is
operating.
●
As active steering assist operation will
be canceled when the system deter-
mines that a collision has been
avoided, operate the steering wheel as
necessary. ●
In the following situations, the system
may determine that th e driver is taking
evasive action. In this case, the active
steering assist may not operate or may
be canceled.
• If the accelerator pedal is being
depressed strongly or the steering
wheel is being operat ed. In this case
the system may determine that the
driver is taking evasive action and the
pre-collision braking may not operate.
• In some situations, while the active
steering assist is operating, operation
of the function may be canceled if the
accelerator pedal is depressed
strongly or the steering wheel is turned
and the system determines that the
driver is taking evasive action.
• When the active steering assist is
operating, if the stee ring wheel is held
firmly or is operated in the opposite
direction to that which the system is
generating torque, the function may be
canceled.
• If the brake pedal is depressed, the sys-
tem may determine that the driver is
taking evasive action and the active
steering assist operation may be
delayed.
■
Pre-collision seat belts with comfort
function
If the pre-collision se at belts have oper-
ated and the seat belts are locked in a
retracted position, immediately stop the
vehicle in a safe place, release and
retract the seat belts to unlock them and
then fasten them again.
Also, if a seat belt ca n be loosened, it can
be unlocked by slightly retracting it with-
out releasing it.
■
When to disable the pre-collision sys-
tem
In the following situations, disable the
system, as it may not operate properly,
possibly leading to an accident resulting
in death or serious injury:
●
When the vehicle is being towed