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
162 4-2. Driving procedures
LS500_OM_OM50F54U_(U) ■
Automatic P position selection function
→ P.166
Modes can be changed by pressing
the engine switch with the brake pedal
released. (The mode changes each
time the switch is pressed.) 1 Off The emergency flashers can be used.
2 ACCESSORY mode Some electrical components such as the
audio system can be used.
“ACCESSORY” will be displayed on the
meter.
3 IGNITION ON mode All electrical components can be used.
“IGNITION ON” will be displayed on the
meter.
■
Auto power off function
If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY mode
for more than 20 minutes or IGNITION
ON mode (with the engine not running) for
more than an hour with the shift position in
P, the engine switch will automatically turn
off. However, this function cannot entirely
prevent the battery discharge. Do not leave
the vehicle with the engine switch in
ACCESSORY or IGNITION ON mode
for long periods of time when the engine is
not running.WARNING■
Stopping the engine in an emergency●
If you want to stop the engine in an
emergency while driving the vehicle,
press and hold the engine switch for
more than 2 seconds, or press it briefly
3 times or more in succession.
( → P.410)
However, do not touch the engine
switch while driving except in an emer-
gency. Turning the engine 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.●
If the engine switch is operated while
the vehicle is running, a warning mes-
sage will be shown on the multi-infor-
mation display and a buzzer sounds.●
When restarting the engine after an
emergency shutdown, press the
engine switch.
Changing engine switch modes
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)
164 4-2. Driving procedures
LS500_OM_OM50F54U_(U) 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 the D position
( → P.289)■
Restraining sudden start (Drive-Start
Control)
→ P.151 ■
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 bat-
tery
→ P.384
■
Customization
Some functions can be customized.
( → P.468)
1654-2. Driving procedures
LS500_OM_OM50F54U_(U) 4
Driving
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, M or R to P, from D or M 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 the M
position indicator are displayed in gray.
Shift lever display: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
168 4-2. Driving procedures
LS500_OM_OM50F54U_(U) Except F SPORT models
F SPORT models
1 Upshifting
2 DownshiftingThe selected shift rang e, from D1 to D10,
will be displayed on 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 position is shifted to a
position other than D. ●
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 sw itch 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.
Except F SPORT models
F SPORT models
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 on 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 situations:Meter dis-
play Function
D2 - D10 A gear in the range between
D1 and the selected shift
range is automatically cho-
sen depending on vehicle
speed and driving condi-
tions
D1 Setting the shift range at D1A
B
Selecting gears in the M position
A
B
1714-2. Driving procedures
LS500_OM_OM50F54U_(U) 4
Driving 2 Pull the switch to release the park-
ing brake• Operate the parking brake switch while
depressing the brake pedal.
• Using the parking brake automatic
release function, the parking brake can
be released by depressing the accelera-
tor pedal. When using this function,
slowly depress the accelerator pedal.
Make sure that the pa rking brake indicator
light turn off.
If the parking brake indicator light
flashes, operate the switch again.
( → P.425) ■
Turns automatic mode on
While the vehicle is stopped, press and
hold the parking brake switch until a
message is shown on the multi-infor-
mation display
When the automatic mode is turned
on, the parking brake operates as fol-
lows.
When the shift position is shifted
from P, the parking brake will be
released, and the parking brake
indicator light will turn off.
When the shift position is shifted to
P, the parking brake will be set, and
the parking brake indicator light will
turn on. Operate the shift lever and P position
switch with the vehicle stopped and the
brake pedal depressed. ■
Turns automatic mode off
While the vehicle is stopped, pull and
hold the parking brake switch until a
message is shown on the multi-infor-
mation display
■
Parking brake operation ●
When the engine switch is not in IGNI-
TION ON mode, the parking brake can-
not be released using the parking brake
switch. ●
When the engine switch is not in IGNI-
TION ON mode, auto matic mode (auto-
matic brake setting an d releasing) is not
available. ■
Parking brake automatic release func-
tion ●
When the shift position is shifted from P,
the parking brake will be released in
automatic mode. ●
When all of the follo wing conditions are
met in manual mode, the parking brake
can be released by depressing the accel-
erator pedal.
• The driver’s door is closed
• The driver is wearing the seat belt
• The shift position is in D, M or R
■
If “EPB Frequently Operated Wait a
Minute” is displayed on the multi-infor-
mation display
If the parking brake is operated repeatedly
over a short period of time, the system may
restrict operation to prevent overheating. If
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.