
150 3-4. Adjusting the steering wheel and mirrors
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) nor “R”.
To set the mirror angle used when the vehi-
cle is reversing, adjust the mirror angle at a
desired position with the shift position in R.
The adjusted angle will be memorized and
the mirror will automatically tilt to the mem-
orized angle whenever the shift position is
shifted to R from next time.
The memorized downward tilt position of
the mirror is linked to the normal position
(angle adjusted with the shift position in
other than R). Therefore, if the normal posi-
tion is changed after adjustment, the tilt
position will also change.
When the normal position is changed, read-
just the angle in reversing.
■
Using the switch
Press the switch to fold the mirrors. Press it again to extend them to the original
position.
■
Setting automatic mode
Automatic mode allows the folding or
extending of the mirrors to be linked to locking/unlocking of the doors.
Press the “AUTO” switch to set auto-
matic mode. The indicator will come on.
Pressing the switch on ce more will return
to manual mode.
■
When disconnecting and reconnecting
12-volt battery terminals
The automatic folding/extending mirror
function will return to off as default. To turn
the function on, press the switch again to
select on. ■
Using automatic mode in cold weather
When automatic mode is used in cold
weather, the door mirror could freeze up
and automatic stowing and return may not
be possible. In this case, remove any ice and
snow from the door mirror, then either
operate the mirror using manual mode or
move the mirror by hand. ■
Customization
Some functions can be customized.
( → P.481)WARNING■
When the mirror defoggers are oper-
ating
Do not touch the rear view mirror sur-
faces, as they can become very hot and
burn you.
Folding and extending the mir-
rors
WARNING
■
When a mirror is moving
To avoid personal injury and mirror mal-
function, be careful not to get your hand
caught by the moving mirror. A

1594-1. Before driving
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 4
Driving ●
When the brake pedal is depressed■
Restraining the hybr id system output
(Brake Override System)●
When the accelerator and brake pedals
are depressed at the same time, the
hybrid system output may be restrained.●
A warning message is displayed on the
multi-information display while the sys-
tem is operating.■
Restraining sudden start (Drive-Start
Control)●
When the following unusual operation is
performed, the hybrid system output may
be restrained.
• When the shift position is shifted from R
to D, D to R, N to R, P to D *
, or P to R *
(D
includes M) with the accelerator pedal
depressed, a warning message appears
on the multi-information display. If a
warning message is shown on the
multi-information disp lay, read the mes-
sage and follow the instruction.
• When the accelerator pedal is depressed
too much while the vehicle is in reverse. *
: Depending on the situation, the shift
position may not be changed.●
While Drive-Start Control is being acti-
vated, your vehicle may have trouble
escaping from the mud or fresh snow. In
such case, deactivate TRAC ( → P.304)
to cancel Drive-Start Control so that the
vehicle may become able to escape from
the mud or fresh snow.■
Breaking in your new Lexus
To extend the life of the vehicle, observing
the following precautions is recommended:
●
For the first 186 miles (300 km):
Avoid sudden stops.
●
For the first 621 miles (1000 km):
• Do not drive at extremely high speeds.
• Avoid sudden acceleration.
• Do not drive continuously in low gears.
• Do not drive at a constant speed for
extended periods.
■
Drum-in-disc type parking brake system
Your vehicle has a drum-in-disc type park-
ing brake system. This type of brake system needs bedding-down of the brake shoes
periodically or whenever the parking brake
shoes and/or drum are replaced. Have your
Lexus dealer perform the bedding down
operation. ■
Brake pads and discs (F SPORT models)
The brake pads and discs are designed for
use under high load conditions. Therefore,
brake noise may be generated depending
on the vehicle speed, braking force and
vehicle environment (temperature, humid-
ity, etc.). ■
Operating your vehicle in a foreign
country
Comply with the relevant vehicle registra-
tion laws and confirm the availability of the
correct fuel. ( → P.461)
WARNING
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or
serious injury. ■
When starting the vehicle
Always keep your foot on the brake
pedal while stopped with the “READY”
indicator is illuminated. This prevents the
vehicle from creeping. ■
When driving the vehicle ●
Do not drive if you are unfamiliar with
the location of the brake and accelera-
tor pedals to avoid depressing the
wrong pedal.
• Accidentally depressing the accelera-
tor pedal instead of the brake pedal
will result in sudden acceleration that
may lead to an accident.
• When backing up, you may twist your
body around, leading to a difficulty in
operating the pedals. Make sure to
operate the pedals properly.

1634-1. Before driving
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 4
Driving NOTICE■
When driving the vehicle●
Do not depress the accelerator and
brake pedals at the same time during
driving, as this may restrain the hybrid
system output.●
Do not use the accelerator pedal or
depress the accelerator and brake
pedals at the same time to hold the
vehicle on a hill.■
When parking the vehicle
Always set the parking brake, and shift
the shift position to P. Failure to do so
may cause the vehicle to move or the
vehicle may accelerate suddenly if the
accelerator pedal is accidentally
depressed. ■
Avoiding damage to vehicle parts●
Do not turn the steering wheel fully in
either direction and hold it there for an
extended period of time.
Doing so may damage the power
steering motor.●
When driving over bumps in the road,
drive as slowly as possible to avoid
damaging the wheels, underside of the
vehicle, etc.
■
If you get a flat tire while driving
A flat or damaged ti re may cause the fol-
lowing situations. Hold the steering
wheel firmly and gradually depress the
brake pedal to slow down the vehicle.
●
It may be difficult to control your vehi-
cle.
●
The vehicle will make abnormal
sounds or vibrations.
●
The vehicle will lean abnormally.
Information on what to do in case of a flat
tire ( → P.442) ■
When encountering flooded roads
Do not drive on a road that has flooded
after heavy rain etc. Doing so may cause
the following serious damage to the vehi-
cle: ●
Engine stalling ●
Short in electrical components ●
Engine damage caused by water
immersion
In the event that you drive on a flooded
road and the vehicle is flooded, be sure
to have your Lexus dealer check the fol-
lowing: ●
Brake function ●
Changes in quantity and quality of oil
and fluid used for the engine, hybrid
transmission, transfer (AWD models),
differential, etc. ●
Lubricant condition for the propeller
shaft, bearings and suspension joints
(where possible), and the function of
all joints, bearings, etc.
If the shift control system is damaged by
flooding, it may not be possible to shift
the shift position to P, or from P to other
positions. In this case, contact your Lexus
dealer.
■
When parking the vehicle
Always set the parking brake, and shift
the shift position to P. Failure to do so
may cause the vehicle to move or the
vehicle may accelerate suddenly if the
accelerator pedal is accidentally
depressed.

168 4-2. Driving procedures
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 4-2.Driving procedures
1 Press the parking brake switch to
check that the parking brake is set.
( → P.181)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 hybrid system can-
not be started.
When the shift position is N, the hybrid sys-
tem cannot start. Shift the shift position to P
when starting the hybrid system. ( → P.176)
3 Press the power switch shortly and
firmly.When operating the power switch, one
short, firm press is enough. It is not neces-
sary to press and hold the switch.
If the “READY” indicator turns on, the
hybrid system will operate normally.
Continue depressing the brake pedal until
the “READY” indicator is illuminated.
The hybrid system can be started from any
power switch mode. 4 Check that the “READY” indicator
is illuminated. The vehicle cannot be driven if the
“READY” indicator is off. ■
Power switch illumination
According to the situation, the power
switch illumination operates as follows. ●
When a door is opened, or the power
switch mode is changed from ACCES-
SORY or ON mode to off, the power
switch illumination slowly blinks. ●
When depressing the brake pedal with
carrying the electronic key on your per-
son, the power switch illumination rapidly
blinks. ●
When the power switch is in ACCES-
SORY or ON mode, the power switch
illumination illuminates. ■
If the hybrid system does not start ●
The immobilizer system may not have
been deactivated. ( → P.66)
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. ■
When the ambient temperature is low,
such as during winter driving conditions ●
When starting the hybrid system, the
flashing time of the “READY” indicator
may be long. Leave the ve hicle as it is until
the “READY” indicator is steady on, as
steady means the vehicle is able to move. ●
When the hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery) is extremely cold (below approxi-
mately -22°F [-30°C]) under the
influence of the outside temperature, it
may not be possible to start the hybrid
system. In this case, try to start the hybrid
system again after the temperature of the
hybrid battery increases due to the out-
side temperature increase etc.
■
Sounds and vibrations specific to a
hybrid vehicle
→ P.59Power (ignition) switch Performing the following opera-
tions when carryin g the electronic
key on your person starts the hybrid
system or changes power switch
modes.
Starting the hybrid system

1694-2. Driving procedures
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 4
Driving ■
If the 12-volt battery is discharged
The hybrid system cannot be started using
the smart access system with push-button
start. Refer to P.447 to restart the hybrid
system. ■
Electronic key battery depletion
→ P.104■
Conditions affe cting operation
→ P.120■
Notes for the entry function
→ P.121■
Steering lock function●
After turning the power 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 power
switch again automatically cancels the
steering lock.●
When the steering lock cannot be
released, “Push Power Switch While
Turning Steering Whee l in Either Direc-
tion” will be displayed on the multi-infor-
mation display.
Press the power switch shortly and firmly
while turning the steering wheel left and
right.
●
To prevent the steering lock motor from
overheating, the motor may be sus-
pended if the hybrid system is turned on
and off repeatedly in a short period of
time. In this case, refrain from operating
the power switch. After about 10 sec-
onds, the steering lock motor will resume
functioning.
■
If the “READY” indicator does not come
on
In the event that the “READY” indicator
does not come on even after performing
the proper procedures for starting the vehi- cle, contact your Lexus dealer immediately. ■
If the hybrid system is malfunctioning
→ P.64 ■
Electronic key battery
→ P.413 ■
Operation of the power switch ●
If the switch is no t pressed shortly and
firmly, the power switch mode may not
change or the hybrid system may not
start. ●
If attempting to restart the hybrid system
immediately after turning the power
switch off, the hybrid system may not start
in some cases. After turning the power
switch off, please wait a few seconds
before restarting the hybrid system. ■
Customization
If the smart access system with push-button
start has been deactivated in a customized
setting, refer to P.445.
WARNING■
When starting the hybrid system
Always start the hybrid system while sit-
ting in the driver’s seat. Do not depress
the accelerator pedal while starting the
hybrid system under any circumstances.
Doing so may cause an accident result-
ing in death or serious injury.
■
Caution while driving
If hybrid system failure occurs while the
vehicle is moving, do not lock or open the
doors until the vehicle reaches a safe and
complete stop. Activation of the steering
lock in this circumstance may lead to an
accident, resulting in death or serious
injury.
NOTICE
■
When starting the hybrid system
If the hybrid system becomes difficult to
start, have your vehicle checked by your
Lexus dealer immediately.

170 4-2. Driving procedures
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 1 Stop the vehicle completely.
2 If the parking brake is in manual
mode, set the parking brake.
( → P.181)
3 Shift the shift position to P. ( → P.176)Check that the shift position indicator
shows P. ( → P.176)
4 Press the power switch.The hybrid system will stop, and the meter
display will be extinguished (the shift posi-
tion indicator 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. ■
Automatic P position selection function
→ P.177 Modes can be changed by pressing
the power switch with the brake pedal
released. (The mode changes each
time the switch is pressed.)NOTICE■
Symptoms indicating a malfunction
with the power switch
If the power 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 hybrid system WARNING■
Stopping the hybrid system in an
emergency ●
If you want to stop the hybrid system in
an emergency while driving the vehi-
cle, press and hold the power switch
for more than 2 seconds, or press it
briefly 3 times or more in succession.
( → P.420)
However, do not touch the power
switch while driving except in an emer-
gency. Turning the hybrid system off
while driving will not cause loss of
steering or braking control, however,
power assist to the st eering 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 power 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 hybrid system
after an emergency shutdown, press
the power switch.
Changing power switch modes

1714-2. Driving procedures
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 4
Driving
1 OffThe emergency flashers can be used.
2 ACCESSORY modeSome electrical components such as the
audio system can be used.
“ACCESSORY” will be displayed on the
meter.
3 ON modeAll 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 ON mode
(with hybrid system not operating) for more
than an hour with the shift position in P, the
power switch will automatically turn off.
However, this function cannot entirely pre-
vent the 12-volt battery discharge. Do not
leave the vehicle with the power switch in
ACCESSORY or ON mode for long peri-
ods of time when the hybrid system is not
operating. ■
When the shift control system malfunc-
tions
When attempting to turn the power switch
off while there is a ma lfunction in the shift
control system, the power 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 power switch again. If there is a mal-
function in the system, have the vehicle
inspected by your Lexus dealer immedi-
ately.
NOTICE■
To prevent 12-volt battery discharge ●
Do not leave the power switch in
ACCESSORY or ON mode for long
periods of time without the hybrid sys-
tem on. ●
If “ACCESSORY” or “IGNITION
ON” is displayed on the meter, the
power switch is not off. Exit the vehicle
after turning the power switch off.

1754-2. Driving procedures
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 4
Driving ■
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 hybrid transmission
If the transmission fluid temperature is high,
“Transmission Fluid Temp High See
Owner’s Manual” will be displayed on the
multi-information display and the vehicle
will go into transmission protection mode
automatically. Have the vehicle inspected
by your Lexus dealer. ■
When driving with the 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 the dynamic radar cruise
control with full-spe ed 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.298)■
Restraining sudden start (Drive-Start
Control)
→ P.159■
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 required. In this case,
change the shift positi on following the mes-
sages on the multi- information display. ■
After recharging/reconnecting the
12-volt battery
→ P.393 ■
Customization
Some functions can be customized.
( → P.481)
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 sp in or skid, resulting
in an accident.
NOTICE■
Hybrid battery (t raction battery)
charge
If the shift position is in N, the hybrid bat-
tery (traction battery) will not be
charged. To help prevent the battery
from discharging, avoid leaving the N
position selected for an extended period
of time. ■
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 system appears on the
multi-information display.
●
The display indicates that no shift posi-
tion is selected for more than a few
seconds.