
1153-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors and trunk
3
Before driving
■Battery-saving function
The battery-saving fu nction will be acti-
vated in order to prevent the electronic key 
battery and the 12-volt battery from being 
discharged while the vehicle is not in opera-
tion for a long time.
●In the following situations, the smart 
access system with pu sh-button start may 
take some time to unlock the doors.
• The electronic key has been left within 
approximately 6 ft. (2 m) of the outside of 
the vehicle for 10 minutes or longer.
• The smart access system with push-but-
ton start has not been used for 5 days or 
longer.
●If the smart access system with push-but-
ton start has not been  used for 14 days or 
longer, the doors cannot be unlocked at 
the passenger door. In this case, push the 
depression on the front edge the driver’s 
door handle, or use the wireless remote 
control or mechanical key, to unlock the 
doors.
■Turning an electronic key to battery-
saving mode
When battery-saving mode is set, battery 
depletion is minimized by stopping the elec-
tronic key from re ceiving radio waves.
Press   twice while pressing and 
holding  . Confirm that the elec-
tronic key indicator flashes 4 times.
While the battery-saving mode is set, the 
smart access system with push-button start 
cannot be used. To cancel the function, 
press any of the electronic key buttons.
■Conditions affe cting operation
The smart access system with push-button 
start uses weak radio waves. In the following 
situations, the communication between the 
electronic key and the vehicle may be  affected, preventing 
the smart access sys-
tem with push-button start, wireless remote 
control and engine immobilizer system 
erly. 
(Ways of coping:  P.355)
●When the electronic key battery is 
depleted
●Near a TV tower, electric power plant, 
gas station, radio stat ion, large display, 
airport or other fac ility that generates 
strong radio waves or electrical noise
●When carrying a portable radio, cellular 
phone, cordless phone or other wireless 
communication device
●When the electronic key is in contact 
with, or is covered by the following metal-
lic objects
• Cards to which aluminum foil is attached
• Cigarette boxes that have aluminum foil  inside
• Metallic wallets or bags
•Coins
• Hand warmers made of metal
• Media such as CDs and DVDs
●When other wireless keys (that emit radio 
waves) are being used nearby
●When carrying the electronic key 
together with the following devices that 
emit radio waves
• Another vehicle’s electronic key or a  wireless key that emits radio waves
• Personal computers or personal digital 
assistants (PDAs)
• Digital audio players
• Portable game systems
●If window tint with  a metallic content or 
metallic objects are attached to the rear 
window
●When the electronic key is placed near a 
battery charger or electronic devices
■Note for the entry function
●Even when the electronic key is within the 
effective range (detection areas), the sys-
tem may not operate properly in the fol-
lowing cases:
• The electronic key is too close to the win-
dow or outside door handle, near the 
ground, or in a high place when the doors 
are locked or unlocked. 

1173-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors and trunk
3
Before driving
●Do not leave the electronic key inside the 
trunk.
The key confinement prevention function 
may not operate, depending on the loca-
tion of the key (the inside edge of the 
trunk), conditions (inside a metal bag, 
close to metallic objects) and the radio 
waves in the surrounding area. ( P.112)
■If an electronic key does not work prop-
erly
●Locking and unlocking the doors and 
opening the trunk:  P.355
●Starting the engine 
 P.356
■Customization
Settings (e. g. smart access system with  push-button start) can be changed. 
(Customizable features: 
P.391)
If the smart access system with push-button 
start has been deactivated in a customized 
setting, refer to the explanations for the fol-
lowing operations.
●Locking and unloc king the doors and 
opening the trunk:
Use the wireless remote control or 
mechanical key. ( P.106, 111, 355)
●Starting the engine 
changing engine switch 
modes: P.356
●Stopping the engine  
 P.148, 151
■Certification for the smart access  system with push-button start
For vehicles sold in the U.S.A., Hawaii and Puerto Rico 

1364-1. Before driving
4-1.Before driving
■Starting the engine 
 P.146, 149
■Driving
1 With the brake pedal depressed, 
shift the shift position to D. ( P.157, 
163)
Check that the shift position indicator 
shows D.
2 If the parking brake is in manual 
mode, release the parking brake. 
(P.168)
3 Gradually release the brake pedal 
and gently depress the accelerator 
pedal to accelerate the vehicle.
■Stopping
1 With the shift position in D, depress 
the brake pedal.
2 If necessary, set the parking brake.
If the vehicle is to be stopped for an 
extended period of time, shift the shift posi-
tion to P. ( P.157, 163)
■Parking the vehicle
1 Stop the vehicle completely.
2 If the parking brake is in manual 
mode, set the parking brake. 
(P.168)
3 Shift the shift position to P. 
(P.158, 164)
Check that the shift position indicator  shows P.
4
Press the engine switch 
5 Slowly release the brake pedal.
6 Lock the door, making sure that you 
have the electronic key on your 
person.
If parking on a hill,  block the wheels as 
needed.
■Starting off on a steep uphill
1 Make sure that the parking brake is 
set with the brake pedal depressed, 
and then shift the shift position to D.
The hill-start assist control will be activated. 
( P.232)
2 Release the brake pedal and gently 
depress the accelerator pedal.
3 Release the parking brake.
■For fuel-efficient driving (LC500h)
Keep in mind that hybr id vehicles are similar 
to conventional vehicles, and it is necessary 
to refrain from activi ties such as sudden 
acceleration. ( P.236)
■Driving in the rain
●Drive carefully when it is raining, because 
visibility will be reduced, the windows 
may become fogged-up, and the road 
will be slippery.
●Drive carefully when it starts to rain, 
because the road surface will be espe-
cially slippery.
●Refrain from high speeds when driving on 
an expressway in the rain, because there 
may be a layer of wa ter between the tires 
and the road surface, preventing the 
steering and brakes from operating prop-
erly.
■Engine speed while driving
In the following conditions, the engine 
speed may become high while driving. This 
Driving the vehicle
The following procedures should be 
observed to ensure safe driving:
Driving procedure 

1374-1. Before driving
4
Driving
is due to automatic up-shifting control or 
down-shifting implementation to meet driv-
ing conditions. It does not indicate sudden 
acceleration.
●The vehicle is judged to be driving uphill 
or downhill
●When the accelerator pedal is released
●When the brake pedal is firmly or quickly 
depressed
■Restraining the engine 
output (Brake Override System)
●When the accelerator and brake pedals 
are depressed at the same time, the 
engine 
restrained.
●A warning message is  displayed on the 
multi-information display while the sys-
tem is operating. If  a warning message is 
shown on the multi-information display, 
read the message and follow the instruc-
tions.
■Restraining sudden start (Drive-Start 
Control)
●When the following unusual operation is 
performed, the engine 
output may be restrained.
• When the shift position is shifted from R 
to D, D or M to R, N to R, P to D
*, P to R* 
with the accelerator pedal depressed, a 
warning message appears on the multi-
information display. If a warning message 
is shown on the multi-information display, 
read the message and follow the instruc-
tions.
• When the accelerator  pedal is depressed 
too much while the vehicle is in reverse.
*: Depending on the situation, the shift posi-
tion may not be changed.
●While Drive-Start Control is being acti-
vated, your vehicle may have trouble 
escaping from the mud or fresh snow. In 
such case, deactivate TRAC ( P.233) 
to cancel Drive-Start Control so that the 
vehicle may become able to escape from 
the mud or fresh snow.
■Breaking in your new Lexus
To extend the life of the vehicle, observing 
the following precautions is recommended:
●For the first 186 miles (300 km): 
Avoid sudden stops.
●For the first 621 miles (1000 km):
• Do not drive at extremely high speeds.
• Avoid sudden acceleration.
• Do not drive continuously in low gears.
• Do not drive at a constant speed for  extended periods.
■Drum-in-disc type parking brake system
Your vehicle has a drum-in-disc type park-
ing brake system. This type of brake system 
needs bedding-down of the brake shoes 
periodically or whenever the parking brake 
shoes and/or drum are replaced. Have your 
Lexus dealer perform the bedding down 
operation.
■Operating your vehicle in a foreign 
country
Comply with the relevant vehicle registra-
tion laws and confirm the availability of the 
correct fuel. ( P.373)
■Brake pads and discs
The brake pads and discs are designed for 
use under high load conditions. Therefore, 
brake noise may be generated depending 
on the vehicle speed, braking force and 
vehicle environment (temperature, humid-
ity, etc.).
WARNING
Observe the following precautions. 
Failure to do so may result in death or 
serious injury.
■When starting the vehicle
LC500: Always keep your foot on the 
brake pedal while stopped with the 
engine running. This prevents the vehicle 
from creeping.
LC500h: Always keep your foot on the 
brake pedal while stopped with the 
“READY” indicator is illuminated. This 
prevents the vehicle from creeping. 

1414-1. Before driving
4
Driving
WARNING
●LC500: Always apply the parking 
brake, shift the shift position to P, stop 
the engine and lock the vehicle. 
Do not leave the vehicle unattended 
while the engine is running.
If the vehicle is parked with the shift 
position in P but the parking brake is 
not set, the vehicle may start to move, 
possibly leading to an accident.
LC500h: Always apply the parking 
brake, shift the shift position to P, stop 
the hybrid system and lock the vehicle.
Do not leave the vehicle unattended 
while the “READY” indicator is illumi-
nated.
If the vehicle is parked with the shift 
position in P but the parking brake is 
not set, the vehicle may start to move, 
possibly leading to an accident.
●LC500: Do not touch the exhaust 
pipes while the engine is running or 
immediately after turning the engine 
off. 
Doing so may cause burns.
LC500h: Do not touch the exhaust 
pipes while the “READY” indicator is 
illuminated or immediately after turn-
ing the hybrid system off.
Doing so may cause burns.
■When taking a nap in the vehicle
Always turn the engine 
off. Otherwise, if yo u accidentally move 
the shift lever or de press the accelerator 
pedal, this could cause an accident or fire 
due to engine 
ing. Additionally, if the vehicle is parked 
in a poorly ventilated area, exhaust gases 
may collect and enter the vehicle, lead-
ing to death or a serious health hazard.
■When braking
●When the brakes are wet, drive more 
cautiously. 
Braking distance increases when the 
brakes are wet, and this may cause one 
side of the vehicle to brake differently 
than the other side. Also, the parking 
brake may not securely hold the vehi-
cle.
●If the electronically controlled brake 
system does not operate, do not follow 
other vehicles closely and avoid hills or 
sharp turns that require braking. 
In this case, braking is still possible, but 
the brake pedal should be depressed 
more firmly than usual. Also, the brak-
ing distance will in crease. Have your 
brakes fixed immediately.
●The brake system consists of 2 or more 
individual hydraulic systems; if one of 
the systems fails, the other(s) will still 
operate. In this case, the brake pedal 
should be depressed more firmly than 
usual and the braking distance will 
increase. Have your brakes fixed 
immediately.
NOTICE
■When driving the vehicle
●Do not depress the accelerator and 
brake pedals at th e same time while 
driving, as this may restrain the engine 
●Do not use the accelerator pedal or 
depress the accelerator and brake 
pedals at the same time to hold the 
vehicle on a hill.
■Avoiding damage to vehicle parts
●Do not turn the steering wheel fully in 
either direction and hold it there for an 
extended period of time. 
Doing so may damage the power 
steering motor.
●When driving over bumps in the road, 
drive as slowly as possible to avoid 
damaging the wheels, underside of the 
vehicle, etc.
■If you get a flat tire while driving
A flat or damaged tire may cause the fol-
lowing situations. Hold the steering 
wheel firmly and gradually depress the 
brake pedal to slow down the vehicle.
●It may be difficult to control your vehi-
cle. 

1474-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
■Conditions affecting operation
 P.115
■Notes for the entry function
 P.115
■Steering lock function
●After turning the engine switch off and 
opening and closing the doors, the steer-
ing wheel will be lock ed due to the steer-
ing lock function. Operating the engine 
switch again automatically cancels the 
steering lock.
●When the steering lock cannot be 
released, “Push engine switch while turn-
ing the steering wheel in either direction” 
will be displayed on the multi-information 
display. 
Press the engine switch shortly and firmly 
while turning the steering wheel left and 
right.
●To prevent the steering lock motor from 
overheating, operation of the motor may 
be suspended if the engine is turned on 
and off repeatedly in  a short period of 
time. In this case, refrain from operating 
the engine switch. After about 10 sec-
onds, the steering lock motor will resume 
functioning.
■If there is a malfun ction in the smart 
access system with push-button start
If “Access System with Elec. Key Malfunc-
tion” is displayed on the multi-information 
display, the system may be malfunctioning. 
Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus 
dealer immediately.
■Electronic key battery
 P.318
■Operation of the engine switch
●If the switch is not pressed shortly and 
firmly, the engine switch mode may not  change or the engine may not start.
●If attempting to restart the engine imme-
diately after turning th
e engine switch off, 
the engine may not start in some cases. 
After turning the engine switch off, please 
wait a few seconds be fore restarting the 
engine.
■Customization
If the smart access system with push-button 
start has been deactivated in a customized 
setting, refe r to P.355.
WARNING
■When starting the engine
Always start the engine while sitting in 
the driver’s seat. Do not depress the 
accelerator pedal while starting the 
engine under any circumstances. 
Doing so may cause an accident result-
ing in death or serious injury.
■Caution while driving
If engine failure occurs while the vehicle 
is moving, do not lock or open the doors 
until the vehicle reaches a safe and com-
plete stop. Activation of the steering lock 
in this circumstance may lead to an acci-
dent, resulting in death or serious injury.
NOTICE
■When starting the engine
●Do not race a cold engine.
●If the engine becomes difficult to start 
or stalls frequently, have your vehicle 
checked by your Lexus dealer immedi-
ately.
■Symptoms indicating a malfunction 
with the engine switch
If the engine switch seems to be operat-
ing somewhat differently than usual, such 
as the switch sticking slightly, there may 
be a malfunction. Contact your Lexus 
dealer immediately. 

1484-2. Driving procedures
1Stop the vehicle completely.
2 If the parking brake is in manual 
mode, set the parking brake. 
(P.168)
3 Shift the shift position to P. 
(P.158)
Check that the shift position indicator 
shows P. ( P.157)
4 Press the engine switch.
The engine will stop, and the meter display 
will be extinguished (the  shift position indi-
cator will be extinguished a few seconds 
after the meter display).
5 Check that “ACCESSORY” or 
“IGNITION ON” is not shown on 
the meter.
■Automatic P position selection function
 P.158
Modes can be changed by pressing 
the engine switch with the brake pedal 
released. (The mode changes each 
time the switch is pressed.)
1 Off
The emergency flashers can be used.
2ACCESSORY mode
Some electrical components such as the 
audio system can be used.
“ACCESSORY” will be displayed on the 
meter.
3IGNITION ON mode
All electrical components can be used.
“IGNITION ON” will be displayed on the 
Stopping the engine
WARNING
■Stopping the engine in an emergency
●If you want to stop the engine in an 
emergency while driving the vehicle, 
press and hold the engine switch for 
more than 2 seconds, or press it briefly 
3 times or more in succession. 
( P.326)
However, do not touch the engine 
switch while driving  except in an emer-
gency. Turning the engine 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 difficult to steer 
smoothly, so you should pull over and 
stop the vehicle as soon  as it is safe to 
do so.
●If the engine switch  is operated while 
the vehicle is running, a warning mes-
sage will be shown on the multi-infor-
mation display and a buzzer sounds.
●When restarting the engine after an 
emergency shutdown, press the 
engine switch.
Changing engine switch modes 

1504-2. Driving procedures
power switch mode.
4Check that the “READY” indicator 
is illuminated.
If the “READY” indicator changes from a 
flashing light to a solid light and the buzzer 
sounds, the hybrid system is starting nor-
mally.
The vehicle will not move when the 
“READY” indicator is off.
The vehicle can move when the “READY” 
indicator is on even if the engine is 
stopped.(The gasoline engine starts or 
stops automatically in accordance with the 
state of the vehicle.)
■Power switch illumination
According to the situation, the power 
switch illumination operates as follows.
●When a door is opened, or the power 
switch mode is changed from ACCES-
SORY or ON mode to off, the power 
switch illumination slowly blinks.
●When depressing the brake pedal with 
carrying the electron ic key on your per-
son, the power switch illumination rapidly 
blinks.
●When the power swit ch is in ACCES-
SORY or ON mode, the power switch 
illumination illuminates.
■If the hybrid system does not start
●The immobilizer system may not have 
been deactivated. ( P.69) 
Contact your Lexus dealer.
●If a message related to start-up is shown 
on the multi-information display, read the 
message and follow  the instructions.
■When the ambient temperature is low, 
such as during winter driving conditions
●When starting the hybrid system, the 
flashing time of the “READY” indicator 
may be long. Leave the ve hicle as it is until 
the “READY” indicator is steady on, as 
steady means the vehicle is able to move.
●When the hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery) is extremely cold (below approxi-
mately -22°F [-30°C]) under the 
influence of the outside temperature, it 
may not be possible to start the hybrid 
system. In this case, try to start the hybrid 
system again after the temperature of the 
hybrid battery increases due to the out-
side temperature increase etc.
■Sounds and vibrations specific to a 
hybrid vehicle
 P.63
■If the 12-volt batte ry is discharged
The hybrid system cannot be started using 
the smart access syst em with push-button 
start. Refer to P.358 to restart the hybrid 
system.
■Electronic key battery depletion
 P.102
■Conditions affecting operation
 P.115
■Notes for the entry function
 P.115
■Steering lock function
●After turning the power switch off and 
opening and closing the doors, the steer-
ing wheel will be lock ed due to the steer-
ing lock function. Operating the power 
switch again automatically cancels the 
steering lock.
●When the steering lock cannot be 
released, “Push power switch while turn-
ing the steering wheel  in either direction” 
will be displayed on the multi-information 
display. 
Press the power switch shortly and firmly 
while turning the steering wheel left and 
right.