
1654-2. Driving procedures
LS500_OM_(U)_1810 4
Driving 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.■
Electronic key battery
 P.399■
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 the engine switch off, 
the engine may not start in some cases. 
After turning the engine switch off, please 
wait a few seconds before restarting the 
engine.■
Customization
If the smart access sy stem with push-button 
start has been deactivated in a customized 
setting, refer to P.433. 1 Stop the vehicle completely.
2 If the parking brake is in manual 
mode, set the parking brake. 
(  P.174)
3 Shift the shift position to P. 
(  P.170) Check that the shift position indicator 
shows P and the parking brake indicator is 
illuminated.
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 Release the brake pedal and check 
that “ACCESSORY” or “IGNI-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.
Stopping the engine 

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 

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. 

186 4-3. Operating the lights and wipers
LS500_OM_(U)_1810 ●
If the wiper is turned to AUTO mode 
while the engine switch is in IGNITION 
ON mode, the wipers will operate once 
to show that AUTO mode is activated.●
If the temperature of the raindrop sensor 
is 185°F (85°C) or higher, or 5°F 
(-15°C) or lower, automatic operation 
may not occur. In this case, operate the 
wipers in any mode other than AUTO 
mode.■
If no windshield washer fluid sprays
Check that the washer nozzles are not 
blocked if there is wash er fluid in the wind-
shield washer fluid reservoir.
■
Front door opening linked windshield 
wiper stop function
When   is selected and the windshield 
wipers are operating, if a front door is 
opened while the vehicle is stopped and the 
P shift position is sele cted, operation of the 
windshield wipers w ill be stopped to pre-
vent anyone near the vehicle from being 
sprayed by water from the wipers. When 
the front door is closed, wiper operation will 
resume.
■
When stopping the engine in an emer-
gency while driving
If the windshield wipers are operating when 
the engine is stopped, the windshield wipers 
will operate in high speed operation. After 
the vehicle is stopped, operation will return 
to normal when the engi ne switch is turned  to IGNITION ON mode, or operation will 
stop when the driver’s door is opened. ■
Outside rear view mirror defogger acti-
vation linked to windshield wiper opera-
tion
The outside rear view mirror defoggers 
automatically turn on when you operate the 
windshield wipers.
The outside rear view mirror defoggers 
automatically turn off approximately 15 
minutes after the wipers stop.
For details about the outside rear view mir-
ror defoggers:   P.314
WARNING■
Caution regarding the use of wind-
shield wipers in AUTO mode
The windshield wipers may operate 
unexpectedly if the sensor is touched or 
the windshield is subj ect to vibration in 
AUTO mode. Take care that your fingers 
or anything else do not become caught 
in the windshield wipers. ■
Caution regarding the use of washer 
fluid
When it is cold, do  not use the washer 
fluid until the windshield becomes warm. 
The fluid may freeze on the windshield 
and cause low visibility. This may lead to 
an accident, resulting in death or serious 
injury.
NOTICE
■
When there is no washer fluid spray 
from the nozzle
Damage to the washer fluid pump may 
be caused if the lever is pulled toward 
you and held continually.
■
When a nozzle becomes blocked
In this case, contact your Lexus dealer.
Do not try to clear it with a pin or other 
object. The nozzle will be damaged. 

258 4-5. Using the driving support systems
LS500_OM_(U)_1810 When an object is detected, a graphic will 
be displayed on the panoramic view moni-
tor (if equipped).
Use the meter control switches to 
enable/disable the Lexus parking 
assist-sensor. (  P.81)
1 Press   or   to select  .
2 Press   or   to select “PKSA” 
and then press  .
3 Press   or   to select   and 
then press  .
When the intuitive parking assist func-
tion is disabled, the intuitive parking 
assist OFF indicator (  P.68) illumi-
nates.
To re-enable the system when it was  disabled, select   on the multi-infor-
mation display, select   and then On. 
If disabled using this method, the sys-
tem will not be re-enabled by turning 
the engine switch off and then to IGNI-
TION ON mode.
Turning intuitive parking assist 
on/off WARNING■
When using the intuitive parking 
assist
Observe the following precautions. 
Failing to do so may result in the vehicle 
being unable to be driven safely and pos-
sibly cause an accident. ●
Do not use the sensor at speeds in 
excess of 6 mph (10 km/h). ●
The sensors’ detection areas and reac-
tion times are limited. When moving 
forward or reversin g, check the areas 
surrounding the vehicle (especially the 
sides of the vehicl e) for safety, and 
drive slowly, using the brake to control 
the vehicle’s speed. ●
Do not install accessories within the 
sensors’ detection areas. ●
The area directly under the bumpers is 
not detected.
■
When to disable the function
In the following situations, disable the 
function as it may operate even though 
there is no possibility of a collision. ●
The vehicle is equipped with a fender 
pole, wireless antenna or fog lights.
●
The front or rear bumper or a sensor 
receives a strong impact.
●
A non-genuine Lexus suspension 
(lowered suspension, etc.) is installed.
●
Towing eyelets are installed.
●
A backlit licence pl ate is installed. 

357
LS500_OM_(U)_1810 6 6
Maintenance and care Maintenance and care .
6-1. Maintenance and care
Cleaning and protecting the vehi-
cle exterior ................................ 358
Cleaning and protecting the vehi-
cle interior .................................. 361
6-2. Maintenance
Maintenance requirements
........................................................ 364
General maintenance ............. 365
Emission inspection and mainte-
nance (I/M) programs ......... 368
6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself service precautions
........................................................ 369
Hood................................................ 371
Positioning a floor jack............. 371
Engine compartment............... 373
Battery ........................................... 380
Tires ................................................ 382
Replacing the tire ....................... 391
Tire inflation pressure .............. 395
Wheels........................................... 396
Air conditioning  filter............... 398
Electronic key battery ............. 399
Checking and replacing fuses
......................................................... 401
Light bulbs .................................... 404 

3796-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
LS500_OM_(U)_1810 6
Maintenance and care ■
Checking fluid level
The brake fluid level should be 
between the “MAX” and “MIN” lines 
on the tank.
■
Adding fluid
Make sure to check the fluid type and 
prepare the necessary item.
 Fluid type FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 
brake fluid
FMVSS No.116 DOT 4 or SAE J1704 
brake fluid
 Item Clean funnel
■
Brake fluid can absorb moisture from 
the air
Excess moisture in the brake fluid can cause 
a dangerous loss of braking efficiency. Use 
only newly opened brake fluid. If any washer does  not work or the 
warning message appears on the 
multi-information display, the washer 
tank may be empty. Add washer fluid.WARNING■
When the engine is hot
Do not touch the radiator, condenser, 
intercooler radiator or intercooler sub 
radiator as they may be hot and cause 
serious injuries, such as burns.
Checking and adding the brake 
fluid WARNING■
When filling the reservoir
Take care as brake fluid can harm your 
hands and eyes and damage painted sur-
faces.
If fluid gets on your hands or in your eyes, 
flush the affected area with clean water 
immediately.
If you still experience discomfort, see a 
doctor.
NOTICE■
If the fluid level is low or high
It is normal for the brake fluid level to go 
down slightly as the brake pads wear out 
or when the fluid leve l in the accumulator 
is high.
If the reservoir need s frequent refilling, 
there may be a serious problem.
Adding the washer fluid
WARNING
■
When adding washer fluid
Do not add washer fluid when the engine 
is hot or running as washer fluid contains 
alcohol and may catch fire if spilled on 
the engine, etc. 

3856-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
LS500_OM_(U)_1810 6
Maintenance and care before serious problems arise.
 The tire pressure detected by the 
tire pressure warning system can be 
displayed on the multi-information 
display. (  P.80)
 If the tire pressure drops below a 
predetermined level, the driver is 
warned by a screen display and a 
warning light. (  P.419)
■
Routine tire inflation pressure checks
The tire pressure warning system does not 
replace routine tire inflation pressure 
checks. Make sure to check tire inflation 
pressure as part of  your routine of daily 
vehicle checks.
■
Tire inflation pressure
●
It may take a few minutes to display the 
tire inflation pressure after the engine 
switch is turned to IGNITION ON mode. 
It may also take a few minutes to display 
the tire inflation pres sure after inflation 
pressure has been adjusted.
●
Tire inflation pressu re changes with tem-
perature. The displayed values may also  be different from the values measured 
using a tire pressure gauge. ■
Situations in which  the tire pressure 
warning system may not operate prop-
erly ●
In the following cases,  the tire pressure 
warning system may not operate prop-
erly.
• If non-genuine Lexus wheels are used.
• If a tire has been replaced with a tire that 
is not an OE (Original Equipment) tire.
• If a tire has been replaced with a tire that 
is not of the specified size.
• If tire chains, etc. are installed.
• An auxiliary-supported run-flat tire is 
equipped.
• If a window tint that affects the radio wave 
signals is installed.
• If there is a lot of snow or ice on the vehi-
cle, particularly around the wheels or 
wheel housings.
• If the tire inflation pressure is much higher 
than the specified level.
• If wheels not equipped with tire pressure 
warning valves and transmitter are used.
• If the ID code on the tire pressure warn-
ing valves and transmitters is not regis-
tered in the tire pressure warning 
computer. ●
Performance may be af fected in the fol-
lowing situations.
• When driving near a  TV tower, electric 
power plant, gas stat ion, radio station, 
large display, airport or  other facility that 
generates strong radi o waves or electri-
cal noise
• When carrying a portable radio, cellular 
phone, cordless phone or other wireless 
communication device
If tire position information is not correctly 
displayed due to the radio wave conditions, 
the display may be corrected by changing 
the location of the vehicle as the radio wave 
conditions may change.
●
When the vehicle is stopped, the time 
taken for the warning to start or turn off 
may be longer.
●
When the inflation pressure of a tire 
drops rapidly, for example when a tire has 
burst, the warning may not operate.