2018 LEXUS LS500H brake

174 4-2. Driving procedures
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) *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 power switch is off or in
ACCESSORY mode, the shift position
cannot be changed.
●
When the power switch is in ON mode
(the hybrid system is not operating), the
shift position can only be changed to N.
●
When the “READY” indicator is on, the
shift position can be changed from P to D,
N or R.
●
When the “READY” indicator is flashing,
the shift position cannot be changed from
P to another position even if the shift lever
is operated. Wait until the “READY” indi-
cator changes from a flashing to a solid light, and then operate the shift lever
again. ●
The shift position can only be changed to
M directly from D.
In addition, if an attempt is made to change
the shift position by mo ving 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 posi tion 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.Hybrid 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 hybrid system
R Reversing
N Neutral (Condition in which
the power is not transmitted)
D
Normal driving *1
M
M mode driving *2
( → P.179)

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.

176 4-2. Driving procedures
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) Shift leverOperate 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 indicatorMeter 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: The current shift posi tion is illuminated.
When selecting the sh ift position, make
sure that the shift position has been
changed to the desired position by check-
ing the shift position indicator provided on
the instrument cluster.
P position switch
■
When shifting the shift position to P
Fully stop the vehicle and set the park-
ing brake, and then press the P position
switch. When the shift position is changed to P, the
switch illuminates.
Check that the shift position indicator
shows P.Shifting the shift lever
A
B WARNING■
For the shift lever ●
Do not remove the shift lever knob or
use anything but a genuine Lexus shift
lever knob. Also, do not hang anything
on the shift lever.
Doing so could prevent the shift lever
from returning to position, causing
unexpected accidents to occur when
the vehicle is in motion. ●
In order to prevent the shift position
from accidentally being changed, do
not touch the shift lever when not using
them.
P position switch C

1774-2. Driving procedures
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 4
Driving ■
Shifting the shift position from P to
other positions
 While depressing the brake pedal
firmly, operate the shift lever. If the
shift lever is operated without
depressing the brake pedal, the
buzzer will sound and the shifting
operation will be disabled.
 When selecting the shift position,
make sure that the shift position has
been changed to the desired posi-
tion by checking the shift position
indicator provided on the instru-
ment cluster.
 The shift position cannot be
changed from P to M directly. ■
Automatic P position selection function
In the following situations, the shift position
is automatically changed to P. ●
When pressing the power switch with the
vehicle stopped while the power switch is
in ON mode and the shift position is in a
position other than P (after the shift posi-
tion has changed to P, the power switch
will turn off) *
●
When the vehicle is stopped after the
hybrid system has been stopped in an
emergency while driving●
When voltage of the 12-volt battery
drops while the shift po sition is in a posi-
tion other than P *
: When the power switch is pressed while
driving at extremely slow speeds, such
as immediately before stopping the vehi-
cle, the shift position may automatically
change to P. Make sure that the vehicle
is completely stoppe d before pressing
the power switch.
■
If the shift position cannot be shifted
from P
There is a possibility that the 12-volt battery is discharged. Check the 12-volt battery in
this situation. ( → P.447)
■
Driving mode
→ P.298 ■
Snow mode
Snow mode can be se lected to suit the
conditions when driving on slippery
road surfaces, such as on snow.
Turn the snow mode switch backward. The snow mode indicator illuminates.
Turn the snow mode switch backward
again to return to normal mode. WARNING■
P position switch ●
Do not press the P position switch
while the vehicle is moving.
If the P position switch is pressed when
driving at very low speeds (for exam-
ple, directly before stopping the vehi-
cle), the vehicle may stop suddenly
when the shift position switches to P,
which could lead to an accident. ●
In order to prevent the shift position
from accidentally being changed, do
not touch the P position switch or shift
lever when not using them.
NOTICE■
Notes regarding shift lever and P
position switch operation
Avoid repeatedly operating the shift
lever and P position switch in quick suc-
cession.
The system protection function may acti-
vate and it will not be temporarily possi-
ble to shift the shift position other than P.
If this happens, please wait for a while
before attempting to change the shift
position again.
Selecting the driving mode

1814-2. Driving procedures
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 4
Driving ■
Using the manual mode
The parking brake can be set and
released manually.
U.S.A.
Canada
1 Push the switch to set the parking
brakeThe parking brake indicator light will turn
on.
Press and hold the parking brake switch if
an emergency occurs and it is necessary to
operate the parking brake while 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.434) ■
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.Parking brake The parking brake can be set or
released automatically or manually.
In automatic mode, the parking
brake can be set or released auto-
matically according to the shift
lever operation. Also, even in auto-
matic mode, the parking brake can
be set or released manually.
Operating instructions
A
B

182 4-2. Driving procedures
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 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 power switch is not in ON
mode, the parking brake cannot be
released using the parking brake switch.●
When the power switch is not in ON
mode, automatic mode (automatic brake
setting and 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 foll owing 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
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 power switch mode,
the parking brake indicator light will turn
on and stay on as described below:
ON mode: Comes on until the parking
brake is released.
Not in ON mode: Stays on for approxi-
mately 15 seconds. ●
When the power 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.158 ■
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.427
■
Usage in winter time
→ P.309

1834-2. Driving procedures
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 4
Driving
Press the brake hold switch to turn the
system on The brake hold standby indicator (green)
comes on. While the system is holding
the brakes, the brake hold operated indica-
tor (yellow) comes on.
■
Brake hold system operating conditions
The brake hold system cannot be turned on
in the following conditions:
●
The driver’s door is not closed.
●
The driver is not wearing the seat belt.
If any of the conditions above are detected
when the brake hold system is enabled, the
system will turn off and the brake hold
standby indicator light will go off. In addi-
tion, if any of the co nditions are detected
while the system is holding the brake, a
warning buzzer will sound and a message 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. Brake Hold The brake hold system keeps the
brake applied when the shift posi-
tion is in D, M or N with the system
on and the brake pedal has been
depressed to stop the vehicle. The
system releases the brake when the
accelerator pedal is depressed with
the shift position in D or M to allow
smooth start off.
Enabling the system A
B

184 4-2. Driving procedures
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) will be shown on the multi-information dis-
play. The parking brake will then be set
automatically. ■
Brake hold function●
If the brake pedal is left released for a
period of about 3 minutes after the sys-
tem has started holding the brake, the
parking brake will be set automatically. In
this case, a warning buzzer sounds and a
message is shown on the multi-informa-
tion display.●
To turn the system off while the system is
holding the brake, firmly depress the
brake pedal and press the button again.●
The brake hold function may not hold the
vehicle when the vehicle is on a steep
incline. In this situation, it may be neces-
sary for the driver to apply the brakes. A
warning buzzer will sound and the
multi-information display will inform the
driver of this situation. If a warning mes-
sage is shown on the multi-information
display, read the message and follow the
instructions.■
When the parking brake is set automati-
cally while the system is holding the
brakes
Perform any of the follo wing operations to
release the parking brake. ●
Depress the accelerator pedal. (The
parking brake will not be released auto-
matically if the seat belt is not fastened.)●
Operate the parking brake switch with
the brake pedal depressed.
Make sure that the pa rking brake indicator
light goes off. ( → P.181)
■
When an inspection at your Lexus
dealer is necessary
When the brake hold standby indicator
(green) does not illuminate even when the
brake hold switch is pressed with the brake
hold system operating conditions met, the
system may be malfun ctioning. Have the
vehicle inspected at your Lexus dealer. ■
If “Brake Hold Fault Depress Brake to
Deactivate Visit Your Dealer” or “Brake
Hold Malfunction Visit Your Dealer” is
displayed on the multiinformation dis-
play
The system may be ma lfunctioning. Have
the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer. ■
Warning messages and buzzers
Warning messages and buzzers are used to
indicate a system malfunction or to inform
the driver of the need for caution. If a warn-
ing message is shown on the multi-informa-
tion display, read the message and follow
the instructions. ■
If the brake hold operated indicator
flashes
→ P.434
WARNING■
When the vehicle is on a steep incline
When using the brake hold system on a
steep incline exercise caution. The brake
hold function may not hold the vehicle in
such a situation. ■
When stopped on a slippery road
The system cannot stop the vehicle when
the gripping ability of the tires has been
exceeded. Do not use the system when
stopped on a slippery road.
NOTICE
■
When parking the vehicle
The brake hold system is not designed
for use when parking the vehicle for a
long period of time. Turning the power
switch off while the system is holding the
brake may release the brake, which
would cause the vehicle to move. When
operating the power switch, depress the
brake pedal, shift the shift position to P
and set the parking brake.