
274 4-5. Using the driving support systems
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) ■
Outside rear view mirror indicator visi-
bility
In strong sunlight, the outside rear view mir- ror indicator may be difficult to see. ■
Hearing the RCTA buzzer
The RCTA buzzer may be difficult to hear
over loud noises, such as if the audio system
volume is high. ■
When “RCTA NOT AVAILABLE” is
shown on the multi-information display
Water, snow, mud, etc., may be attached to
the rear bumper around the sensors.
( → P.262) Removing the water, snow, mud,
etc., from the attached to the rear bumper
around the sensors to normal.
Additionally, the function may not function
normally when used in extremely hot or
cold environments. ■
Rear side radar sensors
→ P.262
■
Operation of the RCTA function
The RCTA function uses rear side radar sensors to detect vehicles approaching
from the right or left at the rear of the ve hicle and alerts the driver of the presence
of such vehicles by flashing the outside rear view mirror indi cators and sounding a
buzzer.
Approaching vehicles
Detection areas of approaching vehicles ■
RCTA icon display
When a vehicle approaching from the
right or left at the rear of the vehicle is detected, the following will be dis-
played on the Center Display.
Example (Lexus parking assist mon-WARNING■
Cautions regarding the use of the
function
The driver is solely responsible for safe
driving. Always driv e safely, taking care
to observe your surroundings.
The RCTA function is only a supplemen-
tary function which alerts the driver that a
vehicle is approaching from the right or
left at the rear of the vehicle. As the
RCTA function may not function cor-
rectly under certain conditions, the
driver’s own visual confirmation of safety
is necessary. Over reli ance on this func-
tion may lead to an accident resulting
death or serious injury.
RCTA function
A
B

296 4-5. Using the driving support systems
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) ■
Parking Support Brake function (rear
pedestrians) will operate when
The function will oper ate when the PKSB
OFF indicator is not illuminated or flashing
( → P.73, 74) and all of the following condi-
tions are met: ●
Hybrid system output restriction control
• The Parking Support Brake is enabled.
• The vehicle speed is 10 mph (15 km/h) or
less.
• The shift position is in R.
• The rear camera sensor detects a pedes-
trian behind the vehicle while backing up
and the system determines that the possi-
bility of colliding with the detected
pedestrian is high.●
Brake control
• Hybrid system output restriction control
is operating.
• The Parking Support Brake determines
that an emergency brake operation is
necessary to avoid a collision with a
pedestrians.■
The Parking Support Brake function
(rear pedestrians) will stop operating
when
The function will stop operating if any of the
following conditions are met:
●
Hybrid system output restriction control
• The Parking Support Brake is disabled.
• The collision becomes avoidable with
normal brake operation.
• The pedestrian is no longer detected
behind your vehicle.
●
Brake control
• The Parking Support Brake is disabled.
• Approximately 2 seconds have elapsed
since the vehicle was stopped by brake control.
• The brake pedal is depressed after the
vehicle is stopped by brake control.
• The pedestrian is no longer detected
behind your vehicle. ■
Detection area of the Parking Support
Brake function (rear pedestrians)
The detection area of the Parking Support
Brake function (rear pedestrians) differs
from the detection area of the RCD func-
tion ( → P.278). Therefore, even if the RCD
function detects a vehicle and provides an
alert, the Parking Support Brake function
(rear-crossing vehicles) may not start oper-
ating. ■
Situations in which the system may not
operate properly ●
Some pedestrians, such as the following,
may not be detected by the Parking Sup-
port Brake function (rear pedestrians),
preventing the function from operating
properly:
• Pedestrians who are bending forward or
squatting
• Pedestrians who are lying down
• Pedestrians who are running
• Pedestrians who suddenly enter the
detection area
• Pedestrians riding a bicycle, skateboard,
or other light vehicle
• Pedestrians wearing oversized clothing
such as a rain coat, long skirt, etc., making
their silhouette obscure
• Pedestrians whose body is partially hid-
den by an object, such as a cart or
umbrella
• Pedestrians which are obscured by dark-
ness, such as at night ●
In some situations, such as the following,
pedestrians may not be detected by the
Parking Support Brake function (rear
pedestrians), preventing the function
from operating properly:
• When backing up in inclement weather
(rain, snow, fog, etc.)
• When the rear camera is obscured (dirt,
snow, ice, etc. are at tached) or scratched
• When a very bright light, such as the sun,
or the headlights of another vehicle,
shines directly into the rear camera
• When backing up in a place where the
surrounding brightness changes sud-WARNING■
If the Parking Support Brake function
(rear pedestrians) operates unneces-
sarily
Depress the brake pedal immediately
after the Parking Support Brake function
(rear pedestrians) operates. (Operation
of the function is canceled by depressing
the brake pedal.)

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.

306 4-5. Using the driving support systems
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) WARNING■
Stopping distance when the ABS is
operating may exceed that of normal
conditions
The ABS is not designed to shorten the
vehicle’s stopping di stance. Always main-
tain a safe distance from the vehicle in
front of you, especially in the following
situations: ●
When driving on dirt, gravel or
snow-covered roads●
When driving with tire chains●
When driving over bumps in the road●
When driving over roads with potholes
or uneven surfaces■
TRAC/VSC may not operate effec-
tively when
Directional control and power may not
be achievable while driving on slippery
road surfaces, even if the TRAC/VSC
system is operating. Drive the vehicle
carefully in conditions where stability and
power may be lost. ■
Hill-start assist control does not oper-
ate effectively when●
Do not overly rely on hill-start assist
control. Hill-start assist control may
not operate effectively on steep
inclines and roads covered with ice.
●
Unlike the parking brake, hill-start
assist control is not intended to hold
the vehicle stationary for an extended
period of time. Do not attempt to use
hill-start assist control to hold the vehi-
cle on an incline, as doing so may lead
to an accident.
■
When the TRAC/ABS/VSC is acti-
vated
The slip indicator light flashes. Always
drive carefully. Re ckless driving may
cause an accident. Exercise particular
care when the indicator light flashes. ■
When the TRAC/VSC systems are
turned off
Be especially careful and drive at a speed
appropriate to the road conditions. As
these are the systems to help ensure
vehicle stability and driving force, do not
turn the TRAC/VSC systems off unless
necessary. ■
Secondary Collision Brake
Do not overly rely on the Secondary Col-
lision Brake. This system is designed to
help reduce the possibility of further
damage due to a secondary collision,
however, that effect changes according
to various conditions. Overly relying on
the system may result in death or serious
injury. ■
Replacing tires
Make sure that all ti res are of the speci-
fied size, brand, tread pattern and total
load capacity. In addition, make sure that
the tires are inflated to the recom-
mended tire inflation pressure level.
The ABS, TRAC and VSC systems will
not function correctly if different tires are
installed on the vehicle.
Contact your Lexus dealer for further
information when replacing tires or
wheels.
■
Handling of tires and the suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or
modifying the suspensi on will affect the
driving assist systems, and may cause a
system to malfunction.

310 4-6. Driving tips
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) Perform the following according to the
driving conditions:
Do not try to forcib ly open a window
or move a wiper that is frozen. Pour
warm water over the frozen area to
melt the ice. Wipe away the water
immediately to prevent it from
freezing.
To ensure proper operation of the
climate control system fan, remove
any snow that has accumulated on
the air inlet vents in front of the
windshield.
Check for and remove any excess
ice or snow that may have accumu-
lated on the exterior lights, vehicle’s
roof, chassis, around the tires or on
the brakes.
Remove any snow or mud from the
bottom of your shoes before getting
in the vehicle.
Accelerate the vehicle slowly, keep a
safe distance between you and the
vehicle ahead, and drive at a reduced
speed suitable to road conditions. Park the vehicle and shift the shift posi-
tion to P without setting the parking
brake. The parking brake may freeze
up, preventing it from being released. If
the vehicle is parked without setting
the parking brake, make sure to block
the wheels.
Failure to do so may be dangerous
because it may cause the vehicle to
move unexpectedly, possibly leading to
an accident.
Vehicles with front and rear tires of
the same size
Use the correct tire chain size when
mounting the tire chains.
Chain size is regulated for each tire
size.
Side chain (0.12 in. [3 mm] in diam-
eter)
Cross chain (0.16 in. [4 mm] in
diameter)
Vehicles with front and rear tires of
differing sizes
Tire chains cannot be mounted.
Snow tires should be used instead.NOTICE■
Repairing or replacing snow tires
Request repairs or replacement of snow
tires from Lexus dealers or legitimate tire
retailers.
This is because the removal and attach-
ment of snow tires affects the operation
of the tire pressure warning valves and
transmitters.
Before driving the vehicle
When driving the vehicle When parking the vehicle
Selecting tire chains
A
B

330 5-3. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) switch to (recirculated air) mode.
Pollen is filtered even if the micro dust and
pollen filter is turned off.
1 Press the automatic mode switch or
select “AUTO” on the sub function
menu. ( → P.326)
2 Press the outside/recirculated air
mode switch to switch to automatic
air intake mode.The air conditioning system automatically
switches between outside air and recircu-
lated air modes.
3 Adjust the temperature setting.
4 To stop the operation, press the off
switch or select “OFF” on the sub
function menu. ( → P.326)If the fan speed settin g or air flow modes
are operated, the automatic mode indica-
tor goes off. However, automatic mode for
functions other than th at operated is main-
tained.
■
Using automatic mode
Fan speed is adjusted automatically accord-
ing to the temperature setting and the
ambient conditions.
Therefore, the fan may stop for a while until
warm or cool air is ready to flow immedi-
ately after the automatic mode switch is
pressed or “AUTO” is selected.
Cool air may blow around the upper body
even when the heater is on due to sunlight. ■
Windshield fog detection function
When automatic mode is set, the humidity
sensor detects fog on the windshield and
controls the air condit ioning system to pre-
vent fog. ■
Automatic mode for air intake control
In automatic mode, the system detects
exhaust gas and other pollutants and auto-
matically switches between outside air and
recirculated air modes.
When the dehumidification function is off,
and the fan is operating, turning automatic
mode on will activate the dehumidification
function.
In S-FLOW mode, priority for the air-
flow is given to the front seats, reducing
the airflow and air co nditioning effect
on the rear seats.
The system determines whether or not WARNING■
To prevent burns (vehicles with wind-
shield wiper de-icer)
Do not touch the glass at lower part of
the windshield or to the side of the front
pillars when the wind shield wiper de-icer
is on.
Using automatic mode NOTICE■
Humidity sensor
In order to detect fog on the windshield,
a sensor which monitors the temperature
of the windshield, the surround humidity,
etc. is installed.
Follow these points to avoid damaging
the sensor: ●
Do not disassemble the sensor ●
Do not spray glass cleaner on the sen-
sor or subject it to strong impacts ●
Do not stick anything on the sensor
S-FLOW mode

344 5-5. Using the storage features
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U)
Vehicles with power rear seat
Glove box ( → P.344)
Auxiliary boxes ( → P.347)
Cup holders ( → P.345)
Console box ( → P.346)
Coin holder ( → P.118)
1 Open (push button)
2 Unlock with the mechanical key
3 Lock with the mechanical keyA
B
C
D
E
WARNING■
Items that should not be left in the
storage spaces
Do not leave glasses, lighters or spray
cans in the storage spaces, as this may
cause the following when cabin tempera-
ture becomes high:
●
Glasses may be deformed by heat or
cracked if they come into contact with
other stored items.
●
Lighters or spray cans may explode. If
they come into contact with other
stored items, the lighter may catch fire
or the spray can may release gas,
causing a fire hazard. Glove box

3455-5. Using the storage features
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 5
Interior features ■
Glove box light
The glove box light turns on when the tail
lights are on. ■
Trunk opener main switch
The trunk opener main switch is located in
the glove box. ( → P.118)■
Removing the partition
The partition inside the glove box can be
removed by pulling it.
Push the button.
Front
Press in and release the button.
Rear (vehicles without power rear
seat)
Pull the armrest down then push in the
cup holder trim to extend the cup hold-
ers.
Rear (vehicles with power rear seat)
Press in and release the button.WARNING■
Caution while driving
Keep the glove box closed. In the event
of sudden braking or sudden swerving,
an accident may occur due to an occu-
pant being struck by the open glove box
or the items stored inside.
Coin holder WARNING■
Caution while driving
Keep the coin holder closed.
Injuries may result in the event of an acci-
dent or sudden braking.
Cup holders