2018 LEXUS LS500H power steering

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

210 4-5. Using the driving support systems
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) ■
Active steering assist
If the system determines that the possi-
bility of a collision with an object, such
as a guardrail, or pedestrian is high,
even though the brakes are applied,
and that the collision may be avoidable
through steering control, the system
will steer the vehicle automatically to
help avoid the collision or help reduce
the impact of the collision. ■
Pre-collision seat belts (front seat
only)
If the system determines that the possi-
bility of a frontal collision is high, the
system will retract the seat belts. Addi-
tionally, the system may retract the seat
belts if the brakes are applied suddenly
or control of the vehicle is lost. ■
Pre-collision seatbacks (front pas-
senger’s seat / power rear seat [if
equipped])
If the system determines that the possi-
bility of a frontal collision is high, it may
move the seatbacks of the front pas-
senger’s seat and power rear seats to
the upright position automatically, if
reclined. If a seat is being ad justed, it may not be
moved by the pre-collision seat function.
■
Suspension control
When the system determines that the
possibility of a frontal collision is high,
the Adaptive Variable Suspension Sys-
tem ( → P.303) will control the damp-
ing force of the shock absorbers to
help maintain an appropriate vehicle
posture. ■
Steering control
When the system determines that the
possibility of a frontal collision is high
and the driver is op erating the steering
wheel, the LDH system ( → P.303) will
control the turning angle of the front
and rear wheels and effort necessary
to turn the steering wheel to help
enhance steering responsiveness. WARNING■
Limitations of the pre-collision system ●
The driver is solely responsible for safe
driving. Always drive safely, taking
care to observe your surroundings.
Do not use the pre-collision system
instead of normal braking operations
under any circumstances. This system
will not prevent collisions or lessen col-
lision damage or injury in every situa-
tion. Do not overly rely on this system.
Failure to do so may lead to an acci-
dent, resulting in death or serious
injury. ●
Although this system is designed to
help avoid a collision or help reduce
the impact of the collision, its effective-
ness may change according to various
conditions, therefore the system may
not always be able to achieve the same
level of performance.
Read the following conditions care-
fully. Do not overly rely on this system
and always drive carefully.
• Conditions under which the system
may operate even if there is no possi-
bility of a collision: → P.214
• Conditions under which the system
may not operate properly: → P.216
●
Do not attempt to test the operation of
the pre-collision system yourself, as the
system may not operate properly, pos-
sibly leading to an accident.

278 4-5. Using the driving support systems
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 2 Press or to select “PKSA”
and then press .
3 Press or to select “RCD”
and then press .When the RCD function is disabled, the
RCD OFF icon ( → P.72) illuminates on the
multi-information display.
If the rear camera detection function
detects a pedestrian in the detection
area, the buzzer and pedestrian detec-
tion will operate as follows:
If a pedestrian is detected in area
Buzzer: Sounds repeatedly
Pedestrian detection icon: Blinks 3
times and then stays on
If a pedestrian is detected in area
Buzzer (When the vehicle is sta-
tionary): Sounds 3 times
Buzzer (When the vehicle is back-
ing up, when a pedestrian
approaches the rear of the vehicle): Sounds repeatedly
Pedestrian detection icon: Blinks 3
times and then stays on
If the system determines that your
vehicle may collide with a pedes-
trian in area
Buzzer: Sounds repeatedly
Pedestrian detection icon: Blinks 3
times and then stays on ■
The rear camera dete ction function is
operational when ●
The power switch is in ON mode. ●
RCD function is on. ●
The shift position is in R. ■
Setting the buzzer volume
The buzzer volume can be adjusted on the
multi-information display. ( → P.266)■
If “Rear Camera Detection Unavailable
Remove the Dirt of Rear Camera” is dis-
played on the multi-information display
A rear camera lens ma y be dirty or covered
with snow or ice. In such cases, if it is
removed from the rear camera lens, the sys-
tem should return to normal. (It may be nec-
essary to drive the vehicle for some time
before the system returns to normal.) ■
If “Rear Camera Detection Unavail-
able” is displayed on the multi-informa-
tion display ●
If this message is displayed after the
12-volt battery has been disconnected
and reconnected, fully turn the steering
wheel to the left and then the right on
level ground.
●
If this message is di splayed only when the
R shift position is selected, the rear cam-
era lens may be dirty. Clean the rear
camera lens.
■
Situations in which the system may not
operate properly
●
Some pedestrians, such as the following,
may not be detected by the rear camera
detection function, preventing the func-
tion from operating properly:When a pedestrian is detected
A
A
B
B C
C

2994-5. Using the driving support systems
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 4
Driving Helps to ensure stee ring performance and
driving stability by simultaneously con-
trolling the steering and suspension in
addition to the hybrid system. Suitable for
sportier driving.
When in Sport S mode, if the driving mode
select switch is turned forward, the Sport
S+ mode indicator comes on. ■
If the driving mode se lect switch is oper-
ated while the opening screen is being
displayed
If the driving mode sele ct switch is operated
while the opening screen is being displayed,
the driving mode will be changed and the
meter display will change accordingly after
the opening screen operation has com-
pleted. ■
Operation of the air conditioning sys-
tem in Eco drive mode
Eco drive mode controls the heating/cool-
ing operations and fan speed of the air con-
ditioning system to enhance fuel efficiency.
To improve air condit ioning performance,
perform the following operations: ●
Turn off eco air conditioning mode
( → P.327)●
Adjust the fan speed ( → P.323)●
Turn off Eco drive mode■
Automatic deactivation of sport mode
and custom mode
If the power switch is turned off after driving
in sport mode or custom mode, the drive
mode will be changed to normal mode.
■
Driving mode pop-up display
When the driving mode is changed, the
selected driving mode will be temporarily
displayed on the side display. ( → P.317) *
: If equipped
■
Situations in which the vehicle height
control may not operate properly ●
In the following situations, the vehicle
height may change slowly or may not
change to the correct height:
• When the vehicle comes into contact
with snow, ice, stone, etc.
• When the ambient temperature is low
• When the accumulator tank pressure is
low ●
In the following situations, the vehicle
height may not change:
• If the hood or trunk is not fully closed
• If the brake pedal depressed and the
vehicle is stopped
• When the vehicle is on a significantly
uneven or undulating road
• When the vehicle is on a slanted road or a
slope
■
Operating sound of the air suspension
compressor and valves
When the vehicle height is changed, such
as due to passengers entering the vehicle or
cargo being loaded, or when the vehicle
height is changed using the vehicle height
adjustment switch, the air suspension com-
pressor and valves may operate and a
sound may be heard. This does not indicate Electronically modulated air
suspension *
The height of the vehicle when driv-
ing can be selected using the vehi-
cle height adjustment switch. The
selected height level will be main-
tained regardless of the number of
passengers or weight of cargo.
Additionally, settings of the follow-
ing functions can be changed:
 Access mode control
 Parking height control
 Vehicle height control

3034-5. Using the driving support systems
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 4
Driving vehicle speed and that helps reduce
the possibility of further damage due to
a secondary collision. ■
TRAC (Traction Control)
Helps to maintain drive power and pre-
vent the drive wheels from spinning
when starting the vehicle or accelerat-
ing on slippery roads ■
Hill-start assist control
Helps to reduce the backward move-
ment of the vehicle when starting on an
uphill ■
VGRS (Variable Gear Ratio Steer-
ing) (if equipped)
Adjusts the front wheel turning angle in
accordance with the vehicle speed and
steering wheel movement ■
DRS (Dynamic Rear Steering) (if
equipped)
Contributes to the turning characteris-
tics and responsiveness of the vehicle
by adjusting the rear wheel angle of the
vehicle in accordance with steering
wheel movement. ■
EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce
the amount of effort needed to turn the
steering wheel. ■
Adaptive Variable Suspension Sys-
tem
By independently controlling the
damping force of the shock absorbers
for each of the 4 wheels according to
the road and driving conditions, this
system helps riding comfort with supe-
rior vehicle stabilit y, and helps good vehicle posture.
Also, the damping force changes
depending on the selected driving
mode. ( → P.298) ■
LDH (Lexus Dynamic Handling
system) (if equipped)
Provides integrated control of the
VGRS, DRS and EPS. Contributes to
turning characteristics at low speeds,
responsiveness at medium speeds and
safety at high speeds by controlling the
steering angle of the front and rear
wheels in accordance with the steering
wheel operation and vehicle speed. ■
VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Inte-
grated Management)
Provides integrated control of the
ABS, brake assist, TRAC, VSC,
hill-start assist control, EPS, VGRS (if
equipped), DRS (if equipped) and
Adaptive Variable Suspension System
Helps to maintain vehicle stability when
swerving on slippery road surfaces by
controlling the brakes, hybrid system
output, steering assist, and steering
ratio ■
When the TRAC/VSC/ABS systems are
operating
The slip indicator light will flash while the
TRAC/VSC/ABS systems are operating.

304 4-5. Using the driving support systems
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) ■
Disabling the TRAC system
If the vehicle gets stuck in mud, dirt or snow,
the TRAC system may reduce power from
the hybrid system to the wheels. Pressing
the switch to turn the system off may
make it easier for you to rock the vehicle in
order to free it.
To turn the TRAC system off, quickly press
and release the switch.
The “Traction Control Turned Off” will be
shown on the multi-information display.
Press the switch again to turn the sys-
tem back on.
■
Disabling both TRAC and VSC systems
To turn the TRAC and VSC systems off,
press and hold the switch for more
than 3 seconds while the vehicle is stopped.
The VSC OFF indicator light will come on
and the “Traction Cont rol Turned Off” will
be shown on the mult i-information display. *
Press the switch again to turn the sys-
tem back on. *
: On vehicles with PCS (Pre-Collision
System), PCS will also be disabled (only
Pre-Collision warning is available). The
PCS warning light will come on and a
message will be displayed on the
multi-information display. ( → P.219,
226)
■
When the message is displayed on the
multi-information display showing that
TRAC has been disabled even if the
switch has not been pressed
TRAC cannot be operated. Contact your Lexus dealer. ■
Operating conditions of hill-start assist
control
When the following four conditions are met,
the hill-start assist control will operate:●
The shift position is in a position other
than P or N (when stating off for-
ward/backward on an upward incline) ●
The vehicle is stopped ●
The accelerator pedal is not depressed ●
The parking brake is not engaged ■
Automatic system cancelation of
hill-start assist control
The hill-start assist control will turn off in any
of the following situations: ●
Shift the shift position to P or N ●
The accelerator pedal is depressed ●
The parking brake is engaged ●
2 seconds at maximum elapsed after the
brake pedal is released ■
VGRS is disabled when
VGRS may stop operat ing in the following
situations.
In this event, the steering wheel may move
from its straight forward position, but it will
return when the system restarts. ●
When the steering wheel is operated for
an extended period of time while the
vehicle is stopped or is moving very
slowly (on vehicles with LDH, DRS is dis-
abled together with VGRS) ●
When the steering wheel has been held
fully to the left or right
The center position of the steering wheel
may change when VGRS is disabled. How-
ever, the position will return to normal after
VGRS is reactivated.
■
When the 12-volt battery is discon-
nected (vehicles with VGRS)
The steering wheel may move from its
straight forward position, but this will be
corrected automatically when driving.

3054-5. Using the driving support systems
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 4
Driving ■
Sounds and vibrations caused by the
ABS, brake assist, VS C, TRAC, hill-start
assist control and VGRS systems●
A sound may be heard from the engine
compartment when the brake pedal is
depressed repeatedly, when the hybrid
system is started or just after the vehicle
begins to move. This sound does not indi-
cate that a malfunction has occurred in
any of these systems.●
Any of the following conditions may
occur when the above systems are oper-
ating. None of these indicates that a mal-
function has occurred.
• Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle
body and steering.
• A motor sound may be heard also after
the vehicle comes to a stop.■
ECB operating sound
ECB operating sound may be heard in the
following cases, but it does not indicate that
a malfunction has occurred. ●
Operating sound heard from the engine
compartment when the brake pedal is
operated.●
Motor sound of the brake system heard
from the front part of the vehicle when
the driver’s door is opened.●
Operating sound heard from the engine
compartment when one or two minutes
passed after the stop of the hybrid sys-
tem.■
EPS, VGRS and DRS operation sound
When the steering wheel is operated, a
motor sound (whirring sound) may be
heard. This does not indicate a malfunction.
■
Automatic reactivation of TRAC and
VSC systems
After turning the TRAC and VSC systems
off, the systems will be automatically
re-enabled in the following situations:
●
When the power switch is turned off
●
If only the TRAC system is turned off, the
TRAC will turn on when vehicle speed
increases
If both the TRAC and VSC systems are
turned off, automatic re-enabling will not
occur when vehicle speed increases. ■
Reduced effectiveness of the EPS sys-
tem
The effectiveness of the EPS system is
reduced to prevent the system from over-
heating when there is frequent steering
input over an extended period of time. The
steering wheel may feel heavy as a result.
Should this occur, re frain from excessive
steering input or stop the vehicle and turn
the hybrid system off. The EPS system
should return to normal within 10 minutes. ■
Secondary Collision Brake operating
conditions
The vehicle speed is approximately 6 mph
(10 km/h) or more and the airbag sensor
detects a collision. (The Secondary Colli-
sion Brake will not operate when the vehicle
speed is below approximately 6 mph [10
km/h].) ■
Secondary Collision Brake automatic
cancellation
The Secondary Collision Brake is automati-
cally canceled in the following situations: ●
The vehicle speed drops below approxi-
mately 6 mph (10 km/h) ●
A certain amount of time elapses during
operation ●
The accelerator pedal is depressed a
large amount ■
When “Check VGRS System” or
“CHECK DRS” is displayed on the
multi-information display
The VGRS or DRS may not operate prop-
erly. Have the vehicle inspected by your
Lexus dealer.
WARNING
■
The ABS does not operate effectively
when
●
The limits of tire gripping performance
have been exceeded (such as exces-
sively worn tires on a snow covered
road).
●
The vehicle hydroplanes while driving
at high speed on wet or slick roads.

3094-6. Driving tips
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 4
Driving  Use fluids that are appropriate to
the prevailing outside temperatures. •Engine oil
• Engine/power control unit coolant
•Washer fluid
 Have a service technician inspect
the condition of the 12-volt battery.
 Have the vehicle fitted with four
snow tires or purchase a set of tire
chains for the rear tires. *
Ensure that all tires are the specified size
and brand, and that chains match the size
of the tires. *
: Tire chains cannot be mounted on vehi-
cles with front and rear tires of differing
sizes.Winter driving tips Carry out the necessary prepara-
tions and inspections before driving
the vehicle in winter. Always drive
the vehicle in a manner appropriate
to the prevailing weather condi-
tions.
Preparation for winter
WARNING
■
Driving with snow tires
Observe the following precautions to
reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in a loss of
vehicle control and cause death or seri-
ous injury.
●
Use tires of the specified size.
●
Maintain the recommended level of air
pressure. ●
Do not drive in excess of 75 mph (120
km/h), regardless of the type of snow
tires being used. ●
Use snow tires on all, not just some
wheels. ■
When installing tire chains
Before installing tire chains, make sure to
disable all functions of the vehicle height
control of the electronically modulated
air suspension. Otherwise, the vehicle
height may change while installing the
tire chains and part or your body may be
caught under the vehicle, possibly caus-
ing injury. ( → P.301)■
Driving with tire chains
Observe the following precautions to
reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in the vehicle
being unable to be driven safely, and may
cause death or serious injury. ●
Do not drive in excess of the speed
limit specified for the tire chains being
used, or 30 mph (50 km/h), which-
ever is lower. ●
Avoid driving on bumpy road surfaces
or over potholes. ●
Avoid sudden acceleration, abrupt
steering, sudden br aking and shifting
operations that cause sudden engine
braking.
●
Slow down sufficiently before entering
a curve to ensure that vehicle control is
maintained.
●
Do not use LTA (Lane Tracing Assist)
system. (if equipped)
●
Do not use LKA (Lane-Keeping
Assist) system. (if equipped)