
172 4-2. Driving procedures
LS500_OM_(U)_1810 force to be selected.
Except F SPORT models
F SPORT models
1 Upshifting
2 DownshiftingThe selected shift rang e, from D1 to D10,
will be displayed on the meter.
To return to normal D position driving, the
“+” paddle shift switch must be held down
for a period of time.
A lower shift range will provide greater
engine braking forces than a higher shift
range.
■
Automatic deactivation of shift range
selection in the D position
Shift range selection in the D position will
be deactivated in the following situations:
●
When the vehicle comes to a stop
●
If the accelerator pedal is depressed for
more than a certain period of time
●
When the shift position is shifted to a position other than D. ●
When pressing and holding the “+” pad-
dle shift switch ■
Downshifting restriction warning
buzzer
To help ensure safety and driving perfor-
mance, downshifting operation may some-
times be restricted. In some circumstances,
downshifting may not be possible even
when the paddle shift sw itch is operated. (A
buzzer will sound twice.)
To enter M mode, shift the shift position
to M. Gears can be selected by oper-
ating the paddle shift switches, allowing
you to drive in the gear of your choos-
ing.
Except F SPORT models
F SPORT models
1 Upshifting
2 Downshifting The gear changes once every time the
paddle shift switch is operated.
The selected gear, from M1 to M10, will be
fixed and displayed on the meter.
When in the M position, the gear will
not change unless the paddle shift
switches are operated.
However, even when in the M position,
the gears will be automatically Meter dis-
play Function
D2 - D10 A gear in the range between
D1 and the selected shift
range is automatically cho-
sen depending on vehicle
speed and driving condi-
tions
D1 Setting the shift range at D1A
B
Selecting gears in the M position
A
B

1734-2. Driving procedures
LS500_OM_(U)_1810 4
Driving changed in the following situations:
When vehicle speed drops (down-
shift only).
When it is necessary to protect the
engine or automatic transmission
when the engine coolant tempera-
ture is low, the automatic transmis-
sion fluid temperature is high or low,
or other reasons.
Also, the gear will not shift when the
vehicle speed is low, even if an upshift
operation is performed. ■
Downshifting restriction warning
buzzer
To help ensure safety and driving perfor-
mance, downshifting operation may some-
times be restricted. In some circumstances,
downshifting may not be possible even
when the paddle shift switch is operated. (A
buzzer will sound twice.)
1 Right turn
2 Lane change to the right (move the
lever partway and release it) The right hand signals will flash 3 times.
3 Lane change to the left (move the
lever partway and release it) The left hand signals will flash 3 times.
4 Left turn ■
Turn signals can be operated when
The engine switch is in IGNITION ON
mode.
■
If the indicator flashes faster than usual
Check that a light bulb in the front or rear
turn signal lights has not burned out.
■
If the turn signals stop flashing before a
lane change has been performed
Operate the lever again.Turn signal lever
Operating instructions

1754-2. Driving procedures
LS500_OM_(U)_1810 4
Driving 2 Pull the switch to release the park-
ing brake• Operate the parking brake switch while
depressing the brake pedal.
• Using the parking brake automatic
release function, the parking brake can
be released by depressing the accelera-
tor pedal. When using this function,
slowly depress the accelerator pedal.
Make sure that the pa rking brake indicator
light turn off. ■
Turns automatic mode on
While the vehicle is stopped, press and
hold the parking brake switch until a
message is shown on the multi-infor-
mation display.
When the automatic mode is turned
on, the parking brake operates as fol-
lows.
When the shift position is shifted
from P, the parking brake will be
released, and the parking brake
indicator light will turn off.
When the shift position is shifted to
P, the parking brake will be set, and
the parking brake indicator light will
turn on.
Operate the shift lever and P position
switch with the vehicle stopped and the
brake pedal depressed. ■
Turns automatic mode off
While the vehicle is stopped, pull and
hold the parking brake switch until a
message is shown on the multi-infor-
mation display.
■
Parking brake operation ●
When the engine switch is not in IGNI-
TION ON mode, the parking brake can-
not be released using the parking brake
switch. ●
When the engine switch is not in IGNI-
TION ON mode, auto matic mode (auto-
matic brake setting an d releasing) is not
available. ■
Parking brake automatic release func-
tion ●
When the shift position is shifted from P,
the parking brake will be released in
automatic mode. ●
When all of the follo wing conditions are
met in manual mode, the parking brake
can be released by depressing the accel-
erator pedal.
• The driver’s door is closed
• The driver is wearing the seat belt
• The shift position is in D, M or R
■
If “EPB Frequently Operated Wait a
Minute” is displayed on the multi-infor-
mation display
If the parking brake is operated repeatedly
over a short period of time, the system may
restrict operation to prevent overheating. If
this happens, refrain from operating the
parking brake. Normal operation will return
after about 1 minute.

176 4-2. Driving procedures
LS500_OM_(U)_1810 ■
If “EPB Activation Stopped Incom-
pletely” or “EPB Unavailable” is dis-
played on the multi-information display
Operate the parking brake switch. If the
message does not disappear after operat-
ing the switch several times, the system may
be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle
inspected by your Lexus dealer. ■
Parking brake operation sound
When the parking brake operates, a motor
sound (whirring sound) may be heard. This
does not indicate a malfunction. ■
Parking brake operation●
Depending on the engine switch mode,
the parking brake indi cator light will turn
on and stay on as described below:
IGNITION ON mode: Comes on until
the parking brake is released.
Not in IGNITION ON mode: Stays on
for approximately 15 seconds. ●
When the engine switch is turned off with
the parking brake set, the parking brake
indicator light will stay on for about 15
seconds. This does not indicate a mal-
function.■
When the parking brake switch mal-
functions
Automatic mode (automatic brake setting
and releasing) will be turned on automati-
cally. ■
Parking the vehicle
P.154■
Parking brake engaged warning buzzer
A buzzer will sound if the vehicle is driven
with the parking brake engaged. “EPB
Applied” is displayed on the multi-informa-
tion display. (with the vehicle reached a
speed of 3 mph [5 km/h])
■
If the brake system warning light comes
on
P.415
■
Usage in winter time
P.300 WARNING■
When parking the vehicle
Do not leave a child in the vehicle alone.
The parking brake may be released unin-
tentionally and there is the danger of the
vehicle moving that may lead to an acci-
dent resulting in death or serious injury.
NOTICE■
When parking the vehicle
Before you leave the vehicle, set the
parking brake, shift the shift position to P
and make sure that the vehicle does not
move. ■
When the system malfunctions
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and
check the warning messages. ■
When the parking brake cannot be
released due to a malfunction
Driving the vehicle with the parking
brake set will lead to brake components
overheating, which may affect braking
performance and increase brake wear.
Have the vehicle inspected by your
Lexus dealer immediately if this occurs.

178 4-2. Driving procedures
LS500_OM_(U)_1810 ■
If “Brake Hold Fault Depress Brake to
Deactivate Visit Your Dealer” or “Brake
Hold Malfunction Visit Your Dealer” is
displayed on the mu lti-information dis-
play
The system may be ma lfunctioning. Have
the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer. ■
Warning messages and buzzers
Warning messages and buzzers are used to
indicate a system malfunction or to inform
the driver of the need for caution. If a warn-
ing message is shown on the multi-informa-
tion display, read the message and follow
the instructions. ■
If the brake hold operated indicator
flashes
P.422
WARNING■
When the vehicle is on a steep incline
When using the brake hold system on a
steep incline exercise caution. The brake
hold function may not hold the vehicle in
such a situation. ■
When stopped on a slippery road
The system cannot stop the vehicle when
the gripping ability of the tires has been
exceeded. Do not use the system when
stopped on a slippery road.
NOTICE
■
When parking the vehicle
The brake hold system is not designed
for use when parking the vehicle for a
long period of time. Turning the engine
switch off while the system is holding the
brake may release the brake, which
would cause the vehicle to move. When
operating the engine switch, depress the
brake pedal, shift the shift position to P
and set the parking brake.

1794-3. Operating the lights and wipers
LS500_OM_(U)_1810 4
Driving 4-3.Operating the lights and wipers
Operating the switch turns on
the lights as follows:
U.S.A.
Canada
1 The side marker, parking, tail,
license plate, instrument panel
lights, and daytime running lights
( P.179) turn on.
2 The headlights and all lights
listed above (except daytime run-
ning lights) turn on.
3 The headlights, daytime run-
ning lights ( P.179) and all the lights listed above turn on and off
automatically.
4 (U.S.A.) Off
(Canada) The daytime run-
ning lights turn on. ( P.179)■
AUTO mode can be used when
The engine switch is in IGNITION ON
mode. ■
Daytime running light system ●
The daytime running lights illuminate
using the same lights as the parking lights
and illuminate brighter than the parking
lights. ●
To make your vehicle more visible to
other drivers during daytime driving, the
daytime running lights turn on automati-
cally when all of the following conditions
are met. (The daytime running lights are
not designed for use at night.)
• The engine is running
• The parking brake is released
• The headlight switch is in the (Can-
ada only), or *
position*
: When the surroundings are bright
The daytime running lights remain on after
they illuminate, even if the parking brake is
set again. ●
For the U.S.A.: Daytime running lights
can be turned off by operating the switch. ●
Compared to turning on the headlights,
the daytime running light system offers
greater durability and consumes less
electricity, so it can help improve fuel
economy.
■
Headlight control sensorHeadlight switch The headlights can be operated
manually or automatically.
Operating instructions
A
B

180 4-3. Operating the lights and wipers
LS500_OM_(U)_1810 The sensor may not function properly if an
object is placed on th e sensor, or anything
that blocks the sensor is affixed to the wind-
shield.
Doing so interferes with the sensor detect-
ing the level of ambient light and may cause
the automatic headlight system to malfunc-
tion. ■
Automatic light off system●
When the headlights are on: The head-
lights and tail lights tu rn off 30 seconds
after the driver’s door is opened and
closed if the engine switch is turned to
ACCESSORY mode or turned off. (The
lights turn off immediately if on the
key is pressed after all the doors are
closed.)●
When only the tail lights are on: The tail
lights turn off automatically if the engine
switch is turned to ACCESSORY mode
or turned off and the driver’s door is
opened.
To turn the lights on again, turn the engine
switch to IGNITION ON mode, or turn the
light switch off once and then back to
or . ■
Light reminder buzzer
A buzzer sounds when the engine switch is
turned off or turned to ACCESSORY
mode and the driver’s door is opened while
the lights are turned on. ■
Automatic headlight leveling system
The level of the headlights is automatically
adjusted according to the number of pas-
sengers and the loading condition of the
vehicle to ensure that the headlights do not
interfere with other road users.
■
Windshield wiper linked headlight illu-
mination
When driving during daytime with the
headlight switch turned to , if the wind-
shield wipers are used, the headlights will
turn on automatically after several seconds
to help enhance the visibility of your vehicle.
■
Battery-saving function
In order to prevent the battery of the vehicle from discharging, if the headlights and/or
tail lights are on when the engine switch is
turned off the battery saving function will
operate and automatically turn off all the
lights after approximately 20 minutes.
When the engine switch is turned to IGNI-
TION ON mode, the battery-saving func-
tion will be disabled.
When any of the following are performed,
the battery-saving function is canceled
once and then reactivated. All the lights will
turn off automatically 20 minutes after the
Battery- saving function has been reacti-
vated: ●
When the headlight switch is operated●
When a door is opened or closed ■
Welcome light illumination control
The parking lights and tail lights automati-
cally turn on at night when the doors are
unlocked using the entr y function or wire-
less remote control if the light switch is in
the position. ■
Customization
Some functions can be customized.
( P.466)
1 With the headlights on, push the NOTICE■
To prevent battery discharge
Do not leave the lights on longer than
necessary when the engine is not run-
ning.
Turning on the high beam head-
lights

1834-3. Operating the lights and wipers
LS500_OM_(U)_1810 4
Driving vehicle ahead that is using fog lights with-
out its headlights turned on is detected.●
House lights, street lig hts, traffic signals,
and illuminated billboards or signs and
other reflective objects may cause the
high beams to change to the low beams,
or the low beams to remain on.●
The following factors may affect the
amount of time taken for the high beams
to turn on or off:
• The brightness of the headlights, fog
lights, and tail lights of vehicles ahead
• The movement and direction of vehicles
ahead
• When a vehicle ahead only has opera-
tional lights on one side
• When a vehicle ahead is a two-wheeled
vehicle
• The condition of the road (gradient,
curve, condition of th e road surface, etc.)
• The number of passengers and amount of
luggage in the vehicle●
The high beams may turn on or off unex-
pectedly.●
Bicycles or similar vehicles may not be
detected.●
In the following situations the system may
not be able to correctly detect the sur-
rounding brightness le vel. This may cause
the low beams to remain on or the high
beams to flash or dazzle pedestrians or
vehicles ahead. In such a case, it is neces-
sary to manually switch between the high
and low beams.
• When driving in inclement weather
(heavy rain, snow, fog, sandstorms, etc.)
• When the windshield is obscured by fog,
mist, ice, dirt, etc.
• When the windshield is cracked or dam-
aged
• When the camera sensor is deformed or
dirty
• When the temperature of the camera
sensor is extremely high
• When the surrounding brightness level is
equal to that of head lights, tail lights or
fog lights
• When headlights or tail lights of vehicles
ahead are turned off, dirty, changing
color, or not aimed properly
• When the vehicle is hit by water, snow,
dust, etc. from a preceding vehicle • When driving through an area of inter-
mittently changing brightness and dark-
ness
• When frequently and repeatedly driving
ascending/descending roads, or roads
with rough, bumpy or uneven surfaces
(such as stone-paved roads, gravel roads,
etc.)
• When frequently and repeatedly taking
curves or driving on a winding road
• When there is a highly reflective object
ahead of the vehicle, such as a sign or
mirror
• When the back of a preceding vehicle is
highly reflective, such as a container on a
truck
• When the vehicle’s headlights are dam-
aged or dirty, or are not aimed properly
• When the vehicle is listing or titling due to
a flat tire, a trailer being towed, etc.
• When the headlights are changed
between the high beams and low beams
repeatedly in an abnormal manner
• When the driver believes that the high
beams may be flashing or dazzling
pedestrians or other drivers ■
Temporarily lowering sensor sensitivity
The sensitivity of the sensor can be tempo-
rarily lowered.
1 Turn the engine switch off while the fol-
lowing conditions are met.
●
The headlight switch is in or . ●
The headlight switch lever is in high beam
position. ●
Automatic High Beam switch is on.
2 Turn the engine switch to IGNITION
ON mode.
3 Within 30 seconds after step 2 , repeat
pulling the headlight switch lever to the
original position then pushing it to the
high beam position quickly 10 times,
then leave the lever in high beam posi-
tion.
4 If the sensitivity is changed, the AHB
indicator is turn on and off 3 times.
Automatic High Beam (headlights) may
turn on even when the vehicle is stopped.