
1514-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
●To prevent the steering lock motor from 
overheating, the motor may be sus-
pended if the hybrid system is turned on 
and off repeatedly in a short period of 
time. In this case, refrain from operating 
the power 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.
■If the “READY” indicator does not come 
on
In the event that the “READY” indicator 
does not come on even after performing 
the proper procedures for starting the vehi-
cle, contact your Lexus dealer immediately.
■If the hybrid system is malfunctioning
 P.67
■Electronic key battery
 P.318
■Operation of the power switch
●If the switch is not pressed shortly and 
firmly, the power switch mode may not 
change or the hybrid system may not 
start.
●If attempting to restart the hybrid system 
immediately after turning the power 
switch off, the hybrid system may not start 
in some cases. After turning the power 
switch off, please wait a few seconds 
before restarting  the hybrid system.
■Customization
If the smart access sy stem with push-button 
start has been deactivated in a customized  setting, refe
r to P.355.
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.164)
Check that the shift position indicator 
shows P. ( P.163)
4 Press the power switch.
WARNING
■When starting the hybrid system
Always start the hybrid system while sit-
ting in the driver’s seat. Do not depress 
the accelerator pedal  while starting the 
hybrid system under any circumstances. 
Doing so may cause an accident result-
ing in death or serious injury.
■Caution while driving
If hybrid system failure occurs while the 
vehicle is moving, do not lock or open the 
doors until the vehicle reaches a safe and 
complete stop. Activation of the steering 
lock in this circumstance may lead to an 
accident, resulting in death or serious 
injury.
NOTICE
■When starting the hybrid system
If the hybrid system becomes difficult to 
start, have your vehicle checked by your 
Lexus dealer immediately.
■Symptoms indicating a malfunction 
with the power switch
If the power 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.
Stopping the hybrid system 

1524-2. Driving procedures
The hybrid system will stop, and the meter 
display will be extinguished (the shift posi-
tion indicator 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.164
Modes can be changed by pressing 
the power 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.
3ON mode
All electrical components can be used.
“IGNITION ON” will be displayed on the 
meter.
■Auto power off function
If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY mode 
for more than 20 minutes or ON mode (the 
hybrid system is not operating) for more 
than an hour with the shift position in P, the 
power switch will automatically turn off. 
However, this function cannot entirely pre-
vent the 12-volt battery discharge. Do not 
leave the vehicle with the power switch in 
ACCESSORY or ON mode for long peri-
ods of time when the hybrid system is not 
operating.
WARNING
■Stopping the hybrid system in an 
emergency
●If you want to stop the hybrid system in 
an emergency while driving the vehi-
cle, press and hold the power switch 
for more than 2 seconds, or press it 
briefly 3 times or more in succession. 
(  P.326)
However, do not touch the power 
switch while driving  except in an emer-
gency. 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 difficult to steer 
smoothly, so you should pull over and 
stop the vehicle as soon  as it is safe to 
do so.
●If the power 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 hybrid system 
after an emergency shutdown, press 
the power switch.
Changing power switch modes 

1534-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
■When the shift control system malfunc-
tions
When attempting to turn the power switch 
off while there is a malfunction in the shift 
control system, the power switch mode may 
change to ACCESSORY mode. In this 
case, ACCESSORY mode may be turned 
off by applying the parking brake and press-
ing the power switch again. If there is a mal-
function in the system, have the vehicle 
inspected by your Lexus dealer immedi-
ately.
Turns EV drive mode on/off
When EV drive mode is turned on, the EV 
drive mode indicator will come on. Press-
ing the switch when in EV drive mode will 
return the vehicle to normal driving (using 
the gasoline engine and electric motor 
[traction motor]).
■Situations in which EV drive mode can-
not be turned on
It may not be possible to turn EV drive 
mode on in the following situations. If it can-
not be turned on, a buzzer will sound and a 
message will be shown  on the multi-infor-
NOTICE
■To prevent 12-volt battery discharge
●Do not leave the power switch in 
ACCESSORY or ON mode for long 
periods of time without the hybrid sys-
tem on.
●If “ACCESSORY” or “IGNITION 
ON” is displayed on the meter, the 
power switch is not off. Exit the vehicle 
after turning the power switch off.
EV drive mode (LC500h)
In EV drive mode, electric power is 
supplied by the hybrid battery 
(traction battery), and only the 
electric motor (traction motor) is 
used to drive the vehicle.
This mode allows you to drive in res-
idential areas early in the morning 
and late at night, or in indoor park-
ing lots etc. without concern for 
noises and gas emissions. 
However, when the vehicle proxim-
ity notification system is active, the 
vehicle may produce sound.
Operating instructions 

1544-2. Driving procedures
mation display.
●The temperature of the hybrid system is 
high. 
The vehicle has been left in the sun, 
driven on a hill, driven at high speeds, etc.
●The temperature of the hybrid system is 
low. 
The vehicle has been left in temperatures 
lower than about 32°F (0°C) for a long 
period of time etc.
●The gasoline engine is warming up.
●The hybrid battery (traction battery) is 
low. 
The remaining battery level indicated in 
the “Energy monitor” display is low. 
( P.96)
●Vehicle speed is high.
●The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly 
or the vehicle is on a hill etc.
●The windshield defogger is in use.
●When the shift position is in M.
■Switching to EV drive mode when the 
gasoline engine is cold
If the hybrid system is  started while the gas-
oline engine is cold, the gasoline engine will 
start automatically in order to warm up. In 
this case, you will become unable to switch 
to EV drive mode.
To prevent gasoline engine warm up in 
order to reduce noises, start the hybrid sys-
tem without starting the gasoline engine, 
pressing the power switch with fully 
depressing the brake pedal and pressing 
the EV drive mode switch.
■Automatic cancelation of EV drive 
mode
When driving in EV drive mode, the gaso-
line engine may automatically restart in the 
following situations. When EV drive mode  is canceled, a buzzer will sound and the EV 
drive mode indicator will flash and go off.
●The hybrid battery (traction battery) 
becomes low. 
The remaining battery level indicated in 
the “Energy monitor” display is low. 
(
 P.96)
●Vehicle speed is high.
●The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly 
or the vehicle is on a hill etc.
When it is possible to inform the driver of 
automatic cancelation in advance, a prior 
notice screen will appear on the multi-infor-
mation display.
■Possible driving distan ce when driving in 
EV drive mode
EV drive mode’s possible driving distance 
ranges from a few hundred meters to 
approximately 0.6 mile (1 km). However, 
depending on vehicle conditions, there are 
situations when EV drive mode cannot be 
used. 
(The distance that is possible depends on 
the hybrid battery [traction battery] level 
and driving conditions.)
■Fuel economy
The hybrid system is designed to achieve 
the best possible fuel economy during nor-
mal driving (using the gasoline engine and 
electric motor [tractio n motor]). Driving in 
EV drive mode more than necessary may 
lower fuel economy.
■If “EV Mode Unavailable” is shown on 
the multi-information display
The EV drive mode is not available. The rea-
son the EV drive mode  is not available (the 
vehicle is idling, batter y charge is low, vehi-
cle speed is higher than the EV drive mode 
operating speed range or accelerator pedal 
is depressed too much) may be displayed. 
Use the EV drive mode when it becomes 
available.
■If “EV Mode Deactivated” is shown on 
the multi-information display
The EV drive mode has been automatically 
canceled. The reason the EV drive mode is 
not available (the batt ery charge is low, 
vehicle speed is higher than the EV drive 
mode operating speed range or accelera- 

1564-2. Driving procedures
In addition, if an attempt is made to change 
the shift position by moving 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 position 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.
■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 automatic transmission
If the automatic transmission fluid tempera-
ture is high, “Transmission Fluid Temp High 
See Owner’s Manual” will be displayed on 
the multi-information display and the vehi-
cle will go into transmission protection 
mode automatically. Have the vehicle 
inspected by your Lexus dealer.
■When driving with 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 dynamic radar cruise con-
trol with full-speed 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 D position. 
(  P.213)
■Restraining sudden start (Drive-Start 
Control)
 P.137
■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 M cancels the function.)
■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 position following the mes-
sages on the multi-information display.
■After recharging/reconnecting the 12-
volt battery
 P.299
■Customization
Settings (e.g. revers e warning buzzer) can 
be changed. (Customizable features: 
 P.391) 

1574-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
Shift lever
Operate 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 indicator
Meter display:
The current shift position is highlighted.
When any shift position other than D or M 
is selected, the arrow toward M and M 
position indicator are displayed in gray.
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 spin or skid, resulting 
in an accident.
NOTICE
■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 syst em appears on the 
multi-information display.
●The display indicates  that no shift posi-
tion is selected for more than a few 
seconds.
Shifting the shift lever
A
B 

1584-2. Driving procedures
Shift lever display:
The current shift position is illuminated.
When selecting the shift 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 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 engine switch with the 
vehicle stopped while th e engine switch is 
in IGNITION ON mode and the shift 
position is in a position other than P (after 
the shift position has changed to P, the 
engine switch will turn off)
*
●When the vehicle is stopped after the 
engine has been stopped in an emer-
gency 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 engine swit ch is pressed while 
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 

1624-2. Driving procedures
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 atte mpt is made to change 
the shift position by moving 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 position 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.
■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 flui d 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 dynamic radar cruise 
control with full-speed range activated
●When dynamic radar cruise control with 
full-speed range is operating, the system 
does not respond to paddle shift switch 
operations.
●Even when the drivin g mode is switched 
to sport mode with the intent of enabling 
engine braking, dynamic radar cruise 
control with full-speed range is not can-
celed and engine braking is not activated.
■Restraining sudden start (Drive-Start 
Control)
 P.137
■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 position following the mes-
sages on the multi-information display.
■After recharging/reconnecting the 12-
volt battery
 P.299