2018 LEXUS LS500H sport mode

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.

178 4-2. Driving procedures
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) Except F SPORT models
F SPORT models ■
Snow mode automatic deactivation
Snow mode is automatically deactivated if
the power switch is tu rned off after driving
in snow mode.
To drive using temporary shift range
selection, operate the “-” or “+” paddle
shift switch.
When the “-” paddle shift switch is
operated, the shift range switches to a
range that enables engine braking
force that is suitable to driving condi-
tions. When the “+” paddle shift switch
is operated, the shift range switches to
a range that is one range higher than
the current range.
Changing the shift range allows
restriction of the highest gear, prevent-
ing unnecessary upshifting and
enabling the level of engine braking
force to be selected. Except F SPORT models
F SPORT models
1 Upshifting
2 Downshifting The 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 pe dal is depressed for
more than a certai n period of time
●
When the shift position is shifted to a
position other than D.Selecting shift ranges in the D
position A
B
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 D1 A
B

1794-2. Driving procedures
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 4
Driving ●
When the “+” paddle shift switch is
pressed and held■
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.)
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 DownshiftingThe 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:  When vehicle speed drops (down-
shift only).
 When vehicle speed increases
(upshift only).
 When the accelerator pedal is firmly
depressed.
 When it is necessary to protect the
transmission when the transmission
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 restrictions 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.)Selecting gears in the M position
A
B

212 4-5. Using the driving support systems
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) ■
Enabling/disabling the pre-colli-
sion system
The pre-collision system can be
enabled/disabled on ( → P.86) of
the multi-information display. The system is automa tically enabled each
time the power switch is turned to ON
mode
If the system is disabled, the PCS warn-
ing light will turn on and a message will
be displayed on the multi-information
display.
If the pre-collision sy stem is disabled,
the pedestrian alert system will also be
disabled. At this time, the FCTA (Front
Cross Traffic Alert) ( → P.227) system
will also be disabled.
■
Enabling/Disabling the pedestrian
alert system
The pedestrian alert can be
enabled/disabled on ( → P.86) of
the multi-information display. At this
time, the FCTA (Front Cross Traffic
Alert) system will also be enabled/dis-
abled.WARNING●
When your vehicle is towing another
vehicle●
When transporting the vehicle via
truck, boat, train or similar means of
transportation●
When the vehicle is raised on a lift with
the hybrid system on and the tires are
allowed to rotate freely●
When inspecting the vehicle using a
drum tester such as a chassis dyna-
mometer or speedometer tester, or
when using an on vehicle wheel bal-
ancer●
When a strong impact has been
applied to the front bumper, rear
bumper or front grille, due to an acci-
dent or other situation●
If the vehicle cannot be driven in a sta-
ble manner, such as when the vehicle
has been in an accident or is malfunc-
tioning●
When the vehicle is driven in a sporty
manner or off-road●
When the tires are not properly
inflated
●
When the tires are very worn
●
When tires of a size other than speci-
fied are installed
●
When tire chains are installed
●
When a compact spare tire or an
emergency tire puncture repair kit is
used
●
If equipment (snow plow, etc.) that may
obstruct a sensor is temporarily
installed to the vehicle Changing settings of the pre-col-
lision system

222 4-5. Using the driving support systems
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) ■
Enabling/disabling the pre-colli-
sion system
The pre-collision system can be
enabled/disabled on ( → P.86) of
the multi-information display. The system is automa tically enabled each
time the power switch is turned to ON
mode
If the system is disabled, the PCS warn-
ing light will turn on and a message will
be displayed on the multi-information
display.
■
Changing the pre-collision warn-
ing timing
The pre-collision warning timing can
be changed on ( → P.86) of the
multi-information display. The operation timing setting is retained
when the power switch is turned off.
1 Far The warning will begin to operate earlier
than with the default timing.
2 MiddleWARNING●
When transporting the vehicle via
truck, boat, train or similar means of
transportation●
When the vehicle is raised on a lift with
the hybrid system on and the tires are
allowed to rotate freely●
When inspecting the vehicle using a
drum tester such as a chassis dyna-
mometer or speedometer tester, or
when using an on vehicle wheel bal-
ancer●
When a strong impact is applied to the
front bumper or front grille, due to an
accident or other reasons●
If the vehicle cannot be driven in a sta-
ble manner, such as when the vehicle
has been in an accident or is malfunc-
tioning●
When the vehicle is driven in a sporty
manner or off-road●
When the tires are not properly
inflated●
When the tires are very worn●
When tires of a size other than speci-
fied are installed●
When tire chains are installed
●
When a compact spare tire or an
emergency tire puncture repair kit is
used
●
If equipment (snow plow, etc.) that may
obstruct the radar sensor or camera
sensor is temporarily installed to the
vehicle
Changing settings of the pre-col-
lision system

298 4-5. Using the driving support systems
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) Except F SPORT models
F SPORT models
1 Normal mode/Custom modeNormal mode and custom mode are
selected by pressing the driving mode
select switch. Each time the switch is
pressed, the driving mode changes
between normal mode and custom mode.
When normal mode is selected, the normal
mode indicator comes on.
When custom mode is selected, the cus-
tom mode indicator comes on.
Press the switch to change the driving
mode to normal mode when not in normal
mode.
•Normal mode Provides an optimal ba lance of fuel econ-
omy, quietness, and dynamic performance.
Suitable for city driving.
When the shift position is in D, an appropri-
ate gear for sporty driving may automati-
cally be selected according to driver
performance and driving conditions.
• Custom mode
Allows you to drive with the powertrain,
chassis and air conditioning system func-
tions set to your preferred settings. Cus-
tom mode settings can only be changed on
the drive mode custom ization di splay of
the Center Display. ( → P.316)
2 Comfort mode By controlling the suspension, riding com-
fort is further enhanced. Suitable for city
driving.
When not in comfort mode and the driving
mode select switch is turned backward, the
comfort mode indicator comes on.
3 Eco drive mode Helps the driver ac celerate in an
eco-friendly manner and improve fuel
economy through moderate throttle char-
acteristics and by controlling the operation
of the air conditioning system (heat-
ing/cooling).
When in comfort mode, if the driving mode
select switch is turned backward, the Eco
drive mode indicator comes on.
4 Sport mode • Sport S mode
Controls the hybrid system to provide
quick, powerful acceleration. This mode is
suitable for when agile driving response is
desired, such as when driving on roads
with many curves.
When not in Sport S mode, if the driving
mode select switch is turned forward, the
Sport S mode indicator comes on.
•Sport S+ modeDriving mode select switch The driving modes can be selected
to suit driving condition.
Selecting a drive mode
A
B

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

422 7-2. Steps to take in an emergency
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 7-2.Steps to take in an emergency
If your vehicle needs to be
towed If towing is ne cessary, we recom-
mend having your vehicle towed by
your Lexus dealer or commercial
towing service, using a wheel-lift
type truck or flatbed truck.
Use a safety chain system for all
towing, and abide by all state/pro-
vincial and local laws. WARNING
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or
serious injury. ■
When towing the vehicle 
2WD models
Be sure to transport the vehicle with all
four wheels raised off the ground. If the
vehicle is towed with the tires contacting
the ground, the driv etrain and related
parts may be damaged, an accident may
occur due to a change in direction of the
vehicle or electricity generated by the
operation of the motor may cause a fire
to occur depending on the nature of the
damage or malfunction. 
AWD models
Be sure to transport the vehicle with all
four wheels raised off the ground. If the
vehicle is towed with the tires contacting
the ground, the driv etrain or related
parts may be damaged, the vehicle may
fly off the truck, or electricity generated
by the operation of the motor may cause
a fire to occur depending on the nature
of the damage or malfunction.
■
While towing ●
When towing using cables or chains,
avoid sudden starts, etc. which place
excessive stress on the towing eyelets,
cables or chains. The towing eyelets,
cables or chains may become dam-
aged, broken debris may hit people,
and cause serious damage.
●
Make sure to disable all functions of
the vehicle height control of the elec-
tronically modulated air suspension.
Otherwise, the vehicle height may
change and part of your body may be
caught under the vehicle, possibly
causing injury. ( → P.301)
●
Do not turn the power switch off.
This may lead to an accident as the
rear wheels will be locked by the park-
ing lock.
Also, there is a possibility that the
steering wheel is locked and cannot be
operated.