2018 LEXUS LS500H traction control

9
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) tensioners, Pop Up Hood system, and
wireless remote control batteries. WARNING■
General precautions while driving
Driving under the infl uence: Never drive
your vehicle when un der the influence of
alcohol or drugs that have impaired your
ability to operate your vehicle. Alcohol
and certain drugs delay reaction time,
impair judgment and reduce coordina-
tion, which could lead to an accident that
could result in death or serious injury.
Defensive driving: Always drive defen-
sively. Anticipate mistakes that other
drivers or pedestrians might make and
be ready to avoid accidents.
Driver distraction: Always give your full
attention to driving. Anything that dis-
tracts the driver, such as adjusting con-
trols, talking on a cellular phone or
reading can result in a collision with
resulting death or serious injury to you,
your occupants or others. ■
General precaution regarding chil-
dren’s safety
Never leave children unattended in the
vehicle, and never allow children to have
or use the key.
Children may be able to start the vehicle
or shift the vehicle into neutral. There is
also a danger that children may injure
themselves by playing with the windows,
the moon roof, or other features of the
vehicle. In addition, heat build-up or
extremely cold temperatures inside the
vehicle can be fatal to children.

611-3. Hybrid system
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 1
For safety and security
The illustration is an example for explana-
tion and may differ from the actual item.
Warning label
Power control unit
Electric motor (traction motor)
Hybrid battery (traction battery)
Service plug
High voltage cables (orange)
Air conditioning compressor ■
Running out of fuel
When the vehicle has run out of fuel and the
hybrid system cannot be started, refuel the
vehicle with at least enough gasoline to
make the low fuel level warning light
( → P.430) go off. If there is only a small
amount of fuel, the hybrid system may not be able to start. (The standard amount of
fuel is about 3.4 gal. [13 L, 2.8 Imp. gal.],
when the vehicle is on a level surface. This
value may vary when the vehicle is on a
slope. Add extra fuel when the vehicle is
inclined.) ■
Electromagnetic waves ●
High voltage parts and cables on hybrid
vehicles incorporate electromagnetic
shielding, and therefore emit approxi-
mately the same amount of electromag-
netic waves as conventional gasoline
powered vehicles or home electronic
appliances.
●
Your vehicle may cause sound interfer-
ence in some third party-produced radio
parts.
■
Hybrid battery (traction battery)
The hybrid battery (traction battery) has a
limited service life. The lifespan of the
hybrid battery (traction battery) can Hybrid system precautions Take care when handling the hybrid system, as it is a high voltage system (about
650 V at maximum) as well as contains parts that become extremely hot when
the hybrid system is operating. Obey th e warning labels attached to the vehi-
cle.
System components
A
B
C
D
E
F
G

78 2-1. Instrument cluster
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) Displays warning messages if a malfunction occurs ( → P.437)■
Hybrid System Indicator
Charge areaShows regeneration *
status.
Regenerated energy will be used to charge
the hybrid battery (traction battery).
Hybrid Eco areaShows that gasoline engine power is not
being used very often.
The gasoline engine will automatically stop
and restart under various conditions.
Eco areaShows that the vehicle is being driven in an
Eco-friendly manner.
By keeping the bar display within Eco area,
more Eco-friendly driv ing can be achieved.
Power areaShows that an Eco-friendly driving range is
being exceeded (durin g full power driving
etc.) *
: When used in this manual, regeneration
refers to the conversion of energy cre-
ated by the movement of the vehicle into
electrical energy.
■
Engine speed
On hybrid vehicles, engine speed is pre-
cisely controlled in order to help improve
fuel efficiency and reduce exhaust emis-
sions etc.
There are times when the engine speed that
is displayed may differ even when vehicle operation and driving conditions are the
same. ■
Hybrid System Indicator is displayed
when
The Hybrid System Indicator is displayed in
the following situations: ●
The shift position is in D or M. ●
The driving mode is other than sport
mode.
However, the Hybrid System Indicator will
not be displayed when the analog and digi-
tal speedometers are both enabled on
of the multi-information display. ( → P.90)■
Outside temperature display ●
In the following situations, the correct
outside temperature may not be dis-
played, or the display may take longer
than normal to change:
• When stopped, or driving at low speeds
(less than 12 mph [20 km/h])
• When the outside temperature has
changed suddenly (at the entrance/exit of
a garage, tunnel, etc.) ●
When “--” or “E” is displayed, the system
may be malfunctioning. Take your vehicle
to your Lexus dealer. ■
Liquid crystal display
→ P.87 ■
Customization
The gauges and meters can be customized
on of the multi-information display.
( → P.90)A
B
C
D
WARNING
■
The information display at low tem-
peratures
Allow the interior of the vehicle to warm
up before using the liquid crystal infor-
mation display. At extremely low tem-
peratures, the information display
monitor may respond slowly, and display
changes may be delayed.

972-1. Instrument cluster
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 2
Vehicle status information and indicators ■
Center Display
Press the “MENU” button on the
Remote Touch, then select on the
menu screen. If a screen other than “Energy Monitor” is displayed, select “Energy”. ■
Multi-information display
Press the or meter control
switch and select , and then press
or to select the energy monitor
display.Energy monitor When the vehicle is powered by the electric motor (traction motor)
Center Display
Multi-information display
When the vehicle is powered by both the gaso line engine and the electric motor (traction
motor)
Center Display
Multi-information display
When the vehicle is powered by the gasoline engine
Center Display
Multi-information display

160 4-1. Before driving
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) WARNING
• Make sure to keep a correct driving
posture even when moving the vehicle
only slightly. This allows you to depress
the brake and accelerator pedals
properly.
• Depress the brake pedal using your
right foot. Depressing the brake pedal
using your left foot may delay
response in an emergency, resulting in
an accident.●
The driver should pay extra attention
to pedestrians when the vehicle is
powered only by the electric motor
(traction motor). As there is no engine
noise, the pedestrians may misjudge
the vehicle’s movement. Even with the
vehicle proximity notification system
activate, drive with care as pedestrians
in the vicinity may still not notice the
vehicle if the surrounding area is noisy.●
Do not drive the vehicle over or stop
the vehicle near flammable materials.
The exhaust system and exhaust gases
can be extremely hot. These hot parts
may cause a fire if there is any flamma-
ble material nearby.●
During normal driving, do not turn off
the hybrid system. Turning the hybrid
system off while driving will not cause
loss of steering or braking control,
however, power assist to the steering
will be lost. This will make it more diffi-
cult to steer smoothly, so you should
pull over and stop the vehicle as soon
as it is safe to do so.
In the event of an emergency, such as if
it becomes impossible to stop the vehi-
cle in the normal way: → P.420
●
Use engine braking (downshift) to
maintain a safe speed when driving
down a steep hill.
Using the brakes continuously may
cause the brakes to overheat and lose
effectiveness. ( → P.174) ●
Do not adjust the positions of the
steering wheel, the seat, or the inside
or outside rear view mirrors while driv-
ing.
Doing so may result in a loss of vehicle
control. ●
Always check that all passengers’
arms, heads or other parts of their
body are not outside the vehicle. ●
Do not drive in excess of the speed
limit. Even if the legal speed limit per-
mits it, do not drive over 85 mph (140
km/h) unless your vehicle has
high-speed capability tires. Driving
over 85 mph (140 km /h) may result in
tire failure, loss of control and possible
injury. Be sure to consult a tire dealer
to determine whether the tires on your
vehicle are high-speed capability tires
or not before driving at such speeds. ■
When driving on slippery road sur-
faces ●
Sudden braking, acceleration and
steering may cause tire slippage and
reduce your ability to control the vehi-
cle. ●
Sudden acceleration, engine braking
due to shifting, or changes in engine
speed could cause the vehicle to skid.
●
After driving through a puddle, lightly
depress the brake pedal to make sure
that the brakes are functioning prop-
erly. Wet brake pads may prevent the
brakes from functioning properly. If the
brakes on only one side are wet and
not functioning properly, steering con-
trol may be affected.
■
When shifting the shift position
●
Do not let the vehicle roll backward
while a forward driving position is
selected, or roll forw ard while the shift
position is in R.
Doing so may result in an accident or
damage to the vehicle.

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.

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.