2018 LEXUS LS500H cooling

60 1-3. Hybrid system
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) seats, when the hybrid system is started
or stopped.●
Sounds may be heard from the hybrid
battery (traction battery) behind the rear
seats when the hybrid system starts or
stops.●
Sounds from the hybrid system may be
heard when the trunk lid is open.●
Sounds may be heard from the transmis-
sion when the gasoline engine starts or
stops, when driving at low speeds, or
during idling.●
Engine sounds may be heard when
accelerating sharply.●
Sounds may be heard due to regenera-
tive braking when the brake pedal is
depressed or as the accelerator pedal is
released.●
Vibration may be felt or sounds may be
heard when the gasoline engine starts or
stops.●
Cooling fan sounds may be heard from
the air intake vents on the both sides of
the rear seatback.■
Maintenance, repair, recycling, and dis-
posal
Contact your Lexus dealer regarding main-
tenance, repair, recycling and disposal. Do
not dispose of the vehicle yourself. ■
Customization
Some functions can be customized.
( → P.481)
When driving with the gasoline engine
stopped, a sound, which changes in
accordance with the driving speed, will
be played in order to warn people
nearby of the vehicle’s approach. The
sound will stop when the vehicle speed
exceeds approximately 15 mph (25
km/h). ■
Vehicle proximity notification system
In the following cases, the vehicle proximity
notification system may be difficult for sur-
rounding people to hear. ●
In very noisy areas ●
In the wind or the rain
Also, as the vehicle proximity notification
system is installed on the front of the vehicle,
it may be more difficult to hear from the rear
of the vehicle compared to the front. ■
Customization
Some functions can be customized.
( → P.481)
Vehicle proximity notification
system

64 1-3. Hybrid system
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) There are air intake vents on each side
of the rear seatback with the purpose
of cooling the hybrid battery (traction
battery). If the vents become blocked,
hybrid battery output may be reduced. When a certain level of impact is
detected by the impact sensor, the
emergency shut off system blocks the
high voltage current and stops the fuel
pump to minimize the risk of electrocu-
tion and fuel leakage. If the emergency
shut off system activates, your vehicle
will not restart. To restart the hybrid
system, contact your Lexus dealer.
A message is automatically displayed
when a malfunction occurs in the
hybrid system or an improper opera-
tion is attempted.
If a warning message is shown on the
multi-information display, read the
message and follow the instructions.
■
If a warning light comes on, a warning
message is displayed, or the 12-volt bat-
tery is disconnected
The hybrid system may not start. In this
case, try to start the system again. If the
“READY” indicator does not come on, con-Hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery) air intake vents
NOTICE■
Hybrid battery (traction battery) air
intake vents●
Make sure not to block the air intake
vent with anything, such as a seat
cover, plastic cover, or luggage. If the
vents become blocked, the hybrid bat-
tery (traction battery) input and output
may be restricted, leading to a reduc-
tion in hybrid battery (traction battery)
output and a malfunction.
●
When dust etc. has accumulated in the
air intake vent, periodically clean it
with a vacuum cleaner to prevent the
vent from clogging.
●
A filter is installed to the air intake vent.
When the filter remains noticeably
dirty even after cleaning the air intake
vent, filter cleaning or replacement is
recommended. When cleaning or
replacing the filter, contact your Lexus
dealer.
Refer to P.374 for details on how to
clean the filters. ●
Do not get water or foreign materials
in the air intake vent s as this may cause
a short circuit and damage the hybrid
battery (traction battery).
Emergency shut off system
Hybrid warning message

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

3074-6. Driving tips
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 4
Driving 4-6.Driving tips
When using Eco drive mode, the
torque corresponding to the accelera-
tor pedal depression amount can be
generated more smoothly than it is in
normal conditions. In addition, the
operation of the air conditioning sys-
tem (heating/cooling) will be mini-
mized, improving the fuel economy.
( → P.298)
The Eco-friendly driving is possible by
keeping the indicate of Hybrid System
Indicator within Eco area. ( → P.78, 83)
Shift the shift position to D when
stopped at a traffic light, or driving in
heavy traffic etc. Shift the shift position
to P when parking. When using the N
position, there is no positive effect on
fuel consumption. In the N position, the
gasoline engine operates but electric-
ity cannot be generated. Also, when
using the air conditio ning system, etc.,
the hybrid battery (traction battery)
power is consumed.  Drive your vehicle smoothly. Avoid
abrupt acceleration and decelera-
tion. Gradual acceleration and
deceleration will make more effec-
tive use of the electric motor (trac-
tion motor) without having to use
gasoline engine power.
 Avoid repeated acceleration.
Repeated acceleration consumes
hybrid battery (traction battery)
power, resulting in poor fuel con-
sumption. Battery power can be
restored by driving with the acceler-
ator pedal slightly released.
Make sure to operate the brakes gently
and in a timely manner. A greater
amount of electrical energy can be
regenerated when slowing down.
Repeated acceleration and decelera-
tion, as well as long waits at traffic
lights, will lead to bad fuel economy.
Check traffic reports before leaving
and avoid delays as much as possible.
When driving in a traffic jam, gently
release the brake pedal to allow the
vehicle to move forward slightly while
avoiding overuse of the accelerator
pedal. Doing so can help control
excessive gasoline consumption.Hybrid vehicle driving tips For economical and ecological
driving, pay attention to the follow-
ing points:
Using Eco drive mode
Use of Hybrid System Indicator
Changing the shift position Accelerator pedal/brake pedal
operation
When braking
Delays

324 5-3. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) ■
Changing the air flow mode
→ P.326 ■
Switching between outside air and
recirculated air modes
Press the outside/recirculated air
mode switch. The mode changes as follows each time
the switch is pressed.
automatic mode → (outside air
mode) → (recirculated air mode)
→ automatic mode
When the system is switched to automatic
mode, the air conditioning system operates
automatically. ■
Defogging the windshield
Defoggers are used to defog the wind-
shield and front side windows.
Press the windshield defogger switch. Set the outside/reci rculated air mode
switch to outside air mode if the recircu-
lated air mode is used. (It may switch auto-
matically.)
To defog the windshield and the side win-
dows quickly, turn the air flow and tem-
perature up.
To return to the previous mode, press the
windshield defogger switch again when the
windshield is defogged.
■
Defogging the rear window and
outside rear view mirrors
Defoggers are used to defog the rear
window, and to remove raindrops, dew
and frost from the outside rear view
mirrors.
Press the rear window and outside rear
view mirror defoggers switch.
The defoggers will automatically turn off after a while. The operation time changes
according to the ambient temperature and
vehicle speed. ■
Windshield wiper de-icer (if
equipped)
→ P.329 ■
When the outside temperature exceeds
75°F (24°C) and the air conditioning
system is on ●
In order to reduce the air conditioning
power consumption, the air conditioning
system may switch to recirculated air
mode automatically. This may also
reduce fuel consumption. ●
It is possible to switch to outside air mode
at any time by pressing the outside/recir-
culated air mode switch. ■
Fogging up of the windows
The windows will easily fog up when the
humidity in the vehicle is high. Turning “A/C”
on will dehumidify the air from the outlets
and defog the windshield effectively. ●
If you turn “A/C” off, the windows may fog
up more easily. ●
The windows may fog up if the recircu-
lated air mode is used. ■
Outside/recirculated air mode ●
When driving on dusty roads such as tun-
nels or in heavy traffic, set the out-
side/recirculated air mode switch to the
recirculated air mode. This is effective in
preventing outside air from entering the
vehicle interior. During cooling opera-
tion, setting the recirc ulated air mode will
also cool the vehicle interior effectively.
●
Outside/recirculated air mode may auto-
matically switch depending on the tem-
perature setting or the inside
temperature.
■
Registering air conditioning settings to
electronic keys
●
Unlocking the vehicle using an electronic
key and turning the power switch to ON
mode will recall that key’s registered air
conditioning settings.

3255-3. Using the air conditio ning system and defogger
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 5
Interior features ●
When the power switch is turned off, the
current air conditioning settings will auto-
matically be registered to the electronic
key that was used to unlock the vehicle.●
The system may not operate correctly if
more than one electr onic key is in the
vicinity or if the smart access system with
push-button start is used to unlock a pas-
senger door.●
The doors that can recall the air condi-
tioning setting *
when unlocked using the
smart access system with push-button
start can be changed. For details, contact
your Lexus dealer. *
: The doors that can recall the driving
position memory are changed at the
same time.■
Operation of the air conditioning sys-
tem in Eco drive mode
In Eco drive mode, the air conditioning sys-
tem is controlled as follows to prioritize fuel
efficiency: ●
Engine speed and compressor operation
controlled to restri ct heating/cooling
capacity●
Fan speed restricted when automatic
mode is selected
To improve air condit ioning performance,
perform the following operations: ●
Turn off eco air conditioning mode
( → P.326) ●
Adjust the fan speed●
Turn off Eco drive mode ( → P.298)
■
When the outside temperature falls to
nearly 32°F (0°C)
The dehumidification function may not
operate even when “A/C” is selected.
■
Ventilation and air conditioning odors
●
To let fresh air in, set the air conditioning
system to the outside air mode.
●
During use, various odors from inside and
outside the vehicle may enter into and
accumulate in the air conditioning sys-
tem. This may then cause odor to be
emitted from the vents.
●
To reduce potential odors from occur- ring:
• It is recommended that the air condition-
ing system be set to outside air mode
prior to turning the vehicle off.
• The start timing of the blower may be
delayed for a short pe riod of time imme-
diately after the air conditioning system is
started in automatic mode or with the
micro dust and pollen filter on. ●
When parking, the system automatically
switches to outside air mode to encour-
age better air circulation throughout the
vehicle, helping to reduce odors that
occur when starting the vehicle. ■
Using the voice command system
Air conditioning system can be operated
using voice commands. For details, refer to
the “NAVIGATION AND MULTIMEDIA
SYSTEM OWNER’S MANUAL”. ■
Air conditioning filter
→ P.411 ■
Customization
Some functions can be customized.
( → P.481)
WARNING■
To prevent the windshield from fog-
ging up
Do not use the windshield defogger
switch during cool air operation in
extremely humid weather. The difference
between the temperature of the outside
air and that of the windshield can cause
the outer surface of the windshield to fog
up, blocking your vision.
■
When the outside rear view mirror
defoggers are operating
Do not touch the outside rear view mir-
ror surfaces, as they can become very
hot and burn you.

3275-3. Using the air conditio ning system and defogger
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 5
Interior features “A/C”: Set cooling and dehumidification
function
“DUAL”: Adjust the temperature for driver
and passenger seats separately (“DUAL”
mode) ( → P.331)
: Set eco air conditioning mode
Vehicles with 4-ZONE climate con-
trol
Sub menu Selecting the sub menu item to switch the
main screen.
: Display the front air conditioning
control screen
: Display the heated steering
wheel/front seat heater/front seat ventila-
tor control screen
: Display the rear air conditioning con-
trol screen
: Display the rear seat heater/rear seat
ventilator control screen
: Display the Lexus Climate Con-
cierge control screen
: Display the option control screen
Adjust the left side seat tempera-
ture setting
Select the right side seat air flow
mode : Air flows to the upper body
: Air flows to the upper body and feet
: Air flows to the feet
: Air flows to the feet and the wind-
shield defogger operates
Select the left side seat air flow
mode
Adjust the fan speed setting
Function on/off indicators When the function is on, the indicator illu-
minates on the control screen.
Sub function menu When the sub function button on the
Remote Touch is pressed, the following
functions can be switched on and off.
: Set Lexus Climate Concierge
( → P.321)
“AUTO”: Set automatic mode on/off
( → P.330)
“OFF”: Turn the fan off
“A/C”: Set cooling and dehumidification
function
“4-ZONE”: Adjust the temperature for the
driver, front passenger and left and right
rear passenger se ats separately
(“4-ZONE” mode) ( → P.331)
: Set eco air conditioning mode
Adjust the right side seat tempera-
ture setting ■
Option control screen
Select on the sub menu to display
the option control screen.
The functions can be switched on and off.A
B
C D
E
F
G
H

328 5-3. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) When the function is on, the indicator illu-
minates on the screen. 
Vehicles with DUAL-ZONE climate
control
Set Lexus Climate Concierge
( → P.321)
Adjusting the temperature for
driver and passenger seats sepa-
rately (“DUAL” mode) ( → P.331)
Set eco air conditioning modeAir conditioning and heater output is lim-
ited to prioritize fuel economy.
Cooling and dehumidification func-
tion
Select the S-FLOW mode
( → P.330)
Prevent ice from building up on the
windshield and wiper blades
(Windshield wiper de-icer) (if
equipped)
Removing pollen from the air
(Micro dust and pollen filter) 
Vehicles with 4-ZONE climate con-
trol
Set Lexus Climate Concierge
( → P.321)
Adjust the temperature for driver,
passenger and rear seats sepa-
rately (“4-ZONE” mode) ( → P.331)
Set eco air conditioning mode Air conditioning and heater output is lim-
ited to prioritize fuel economy.
Cooling and dehumidification func-
tion
Select the S-FLOW mode
( → P.330)
Prevent ice from building up on the
windshield and wiper blades
(Windshield wiper de-icer) (if
equipped)
Removing pollen from the air
(Micro dust and pollen filter) A
B
C
D
E
F
G A
B
C
D
E
F
G