
254 4-5. Using the driving support systems
LS500_OM_(U)_1810 the farther away the vehicle will be detected, caus ing the outside rear view mirror indi-
cator to illuminate or flash.■
The Blind Spot Monitor is operational 
when
The Blind Spot Monitor is operational when 
all of the following conditions are met: ●
The Blind Spot Monitor is on.●
The shift position is in a position other 
than R.●
The vehicle speed is greater than approx-
imately 10 mph (16 km/h).■
The Blind Spot Monitor will detect a 
vehicle when
The Blind Spot Monitor will detect a vehicle 
present in the detection area in the follow-
ing situations: ●
A vehicle in an adj acent lane overtakes 
your vehicle.●
You overtake a vehicle in an adjacent lane 
slowly.●
Another vehicle enters the detection 
area when it changes lanes.■
Conditions under wh ich the Blind Spot 
Monitor will not detect a vehicle
The Blind Spot Monitor is not designed to 
detect the following types of vehicles and/or 
objects: ●
Small motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians, 
etc. *
●
Vehicles traveling in the opposite direc-
tion●
Guardrails, walls, signs, parked vehicles 
and similar stationary objects *
●
Following vehicles th at are in the same 
lane *
●
Vehicles traveling 2 lanes away from your 
vehicle *
●
Vehicles which are being overtaken rap-
idly by your vehicle *
*
: Depending on the conditions, detection 
of a vehicle and/or object may occur. ■
Conditions under which the Blind Spot 
Monitor may not function correctly ●
The Blind Spot Monitor may not detect 
vehicles correctly in the following situa-
tions:
• When the sensor is misaligned due to a 
strong impact to the sensor or its sur-
rounding area
• When mud, snow, ice, a sticker, etc. is 
covering the sensor or surrounding area 
on the rear bumper
• When driving on a road surface that is 
wet with standing  water during bad 
weather, such as heavy rain, snow, or fog
• When multiple vehicles are approaching 
with only a small gap between each vehi-
cle
• When the distance between your vehicle 
and a following vehicle is short
• When there is a significant difference in 
speed between your vehicle and the vehi-
cle that enters the detection area
• When the difference in speed between 
your vehicle and another vehicle is 
changing
• When a vehicle enters a detection area 
traveling at about the same speed as your 
vehicle
• As your vehicle starts from a stop, a vehi-
cle remains in the detection area
• When driving up and down consecutive 
steep inclines,  such as hills, dips in the 
road, etc.
• When driving on roads with sharp bends, 
consecutive curves, or uneven surfaces
• When vehicle lanes are wide, or when 
driving on the edge  of a lane, and the 
vehicle in an adjacent lane is far away 
from your vehicle
• When an accessory (such as a bicycle 
carrier) is installed to the rear of the vehi-
cle
• When there is a significant difference in 
height between your vehicle and the 
vehicle that enters the detection area
• Immediately after the Blind Spot Monitor 
is turned on
●
Instances of the Blind Spot Monitor 
unnecessarily detecting a vehicle and/or 
object may increase in  the following situ- 

2634-5. Using the driving support systems
LS500_OM_(U)_1810 4
Driving ■
Buzzer operation and distance to 
an object
A buzzer sounds when the sensors are 
operating.
 The buzzer beeps faster as the vehi-
cle approaches an object. When the 
vehicle comes within the following 
distance of the object, the buzzer 
sounds continuously: Approximately 1.0 ft. (30 cm)
 When 2 or more objects are 
detected simultaneously, the buzzer 
sounds for the nearest object. If one 
or more objects come within 
approximately 1.0 ft. (30 cm) of the 
vehicle, the buzzer will repeat a long 
tone, followed by fast beeps.
 Automatic buzzer mute function: 
After a buzzer begins sounding, if 
the distance between the vehicle 
and the detected object does not 
become shorter, the buzzer will be 
muted automatically. (However, if 
the distance between the vehicle 
and object is 1.0 ft. (30 cm) or less, 
this function will not operate.)
The buzzer sounds volume can be 
adjusted. (  P.256) *
: If equipped
Meter control switches Turning the RCTA function on/off.
When the RCTA function is disabled, the 
RCTA OFF indicator illuminates.
Outside rear view mirror indicators When a vehicle approaching from the right 
or left at the rear of  the vehicle is detected, 
both outside rear view mirror indicators 
will flash.
Center DisplayRCTA (Rear cross traffic 
alert) function *
The RCTA function uses the BSM 
rear side radar sensors installed 
behind the rear bumper. This func-
tion is intended to  assist the driver 
in checking areas that are not easily 
visible when backing up.
System components
A
B
C 

264 4-5. Using the driving support systems
LS500_OM_(U)_1810 If a vehicle approaching from the right or 
left at the rear of the vehicle is detected, 
the RCTA icon (  P.265) for the detected 
side will be displayed on the Center Dis-
play. This illustration  shows an example of a 
vehicle approaching from both sides of the 
vehicle.
RCTA buzzerIf a vehicle approaching from the right or 
left at the rear of the vehicle is detected, a 
buzzer will sound. The buzzer also sounds 
for approximately 1 second immediately 
after the RCTA function is turned on.
Use the meter control switches to 
enable/disable the RCTA function. 
(  P.81)
1 Press   or   to select  .
2 Press   or   to select “PKSA” 
and then press  .
3 Press   or   to select “RCTA” 
and then press  .When the RCTA function is disabled, the 
RCTA OFF indicator (  P.68) illuminates. 
(Each time the engine switch is turned off 
then changed to IGNITION ON mode, 
the RCTA function will be enabled auto-
matically.) ■
Outside rear view mirror indicator visi-
bility
In strong sunlight, the outside rear view mir-
ror indicator may be difficult to see. ■
Hearing the RCTA buzzer
The RCTA buzzer may be difficult to hear 
over loud noises, such as if the audio system 
volume is high. ■
When “RCTA Not Available” is shown 
on the multi-information display
Water, snow, mud, etc., may be attached to 
the rear bumper around the sensors. 
(  P.252) Removing the water, snow, mud, 
etc., from the attached to the rear bumper 
around the sensors to normal.
Additionally, the function may not function 
normally when used in extremely hot or 
cold environments.
■
Rear side radar sensors
 P.252
■
Operation of the RCTA function
The RCTA function uses rear side radar sensors to detect vehicles approaching 
from the right or left at the rear of the ve hicle and alerts the driver of the presence 
of such vehicles by flashing the outside  rear view mirror indi cators and sounding a 
buzzer.Turning the RCTA function 
on/off D WARNING■
Cautions regarding the use of the 
function
The driver is solely responsible for safe 
driving. Always drive  safely, taking care 
to observe your surroundings.
The RCTA function is only a supplemen-
tary function which alerts the driver that a 
vehicle is approaching from the right or 
left at the rear of  the vehicle. As the 
RCTA function may not function cor-
rectly under certai n conditions, the 
driver’s own visual confirmation of safety 
is necessary. Over re liance on this func-
tion may lead to an accident resulting 
death or serious injury.
 RCTA function 

3135-3. Using the air conditio ning system and defogger
LS500_OM_(U)_1810 5
Interior features 5-3.Using the air conditioning system and defogger
Left-hand side temperature control switch
Automatic mode switch
Off switch
Fan speed decreases switch
Fan speed increases switch
Windshield defogger switch
Rear window defogger and outside  rear view mirror defoggers switch
Outside/recirculated air mode switch
Right-hand side temp erature control switch■
Adjusting the temperature
Operate the temperature control 
switch upwards to increase the tem-
perature and downwards to decrease 
the temperature. ■
Setting the fan speed
Operate the   switch to increase the 
fan speed and the   switch to 
decrease the fan speed.
Press the off switch to turn the fan off.Front automatic air conditioning system Air outlets and fan speed are automati cally adjusted according to the tem-
perature setting.
Press the “MENU” button on  the Remote Touch to display the main menu and 
move the cursor to   to display the  climate control shortcut buttons. Then, 
select   to display the air conditioning control screen.
The air conditioning system can be displa yed and operated on the side display.
Air conditioning controls
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I 

314 5-3. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
LS500_OM_(U)_1810 ■
Changing the air flow mode
 P.316 ■
Switching between outside air and 
recirculated air modes
Press the outside/recirculated air 
mode switch. The mode changes as follows each time 
the switch is pressed.
automatic mode    (outside air 
mode)    (recirculated air mode) 
  automatic mode 
When the system is switched to automatic 
mode, the air conditioning system operates 
automatically. ■
Defogging the windshield
Defoggers are used to defog the wind-
shield and front side windows.
Press the windshield defogger switch. Set the outside/reci rculated air mode 
switch to outside air mode if the recircu-
lated air mode is used. (It may switch auto-
matically.)
To defog the windshield and the side win-
dows quickly, turn the air flow and tem-
perature up.
To return to the previous mode, press the 
windshield defogger switch again when the 
windshield is defogged.
■
Defogging the rear window and 
outside rear view mirrors 
Defoggers are used to defog the rear 
window, and to remove raindrops, dew 
and frost from the outside rear view 
mirrors.
Press the rear window and outside rear 
view mirror defoggers switch.
The defoggers will automatically turn off  after a while. The operation time changes 
according to the ambient temperature and 
vehicle speed. ■
Windshield wiper de-icer (if 
equipped)
 P.319 ■
When the outside temperature exceeds 
75°F (24°C) and the air conditioning 
system is on ●
In order to reduce the air conditioning 
power consumption, the air conditioning 
system may switch to recirculated air 
mode automatically. This may also 
reduce fuel consumption. ●
It is possible to switch to outside air mode 
at any time by pressing the outside/recir-
culated air mode switch. ■
Fogging up of the windows
The windows will easily fog up when the 
humidity in the vehicle is high. Turning 
“A/C” on will dehumidify the air from the 
outlets and defog the windshield effectively.  ●
If you turn “A/C” off, the windows may 
fog up more easily.  ●
The windows may fog up if the recircu-
lated air mode is used. ■
Outside/recirculated air mode ●
When driving on dusty roads such as tun-
nels or in heavy traffic, set the out-
side/recirculated air mode switch to the 
recirculated air mode. This is effective in 
preventing outside air from entering the 
vehicle interior. During cooling opera-
tion, setting the recirc ulated air mode will 
also cool the vehicle interior effectively.
●
Outside/recirculated air mode may auto-
matically switch depending on the tem-
perature setting or the inside 
temperature.
■
Registering air conditioning settings to 
electronic keys
●
Unlocking the vehicle using an electronic 
key and turning the  engine switch to 
IGNITION ON mode will recall that 
key’s registered air conditioning settings. 

3155-3. Using the air conditio ning system and defogger
LS500_OM_(U)_1810 5
Interior features ●
When the engine switch is turned off, the 
current air conditioning settings will auto-
matically be registered to the electronic 
key that was used to unlock the vehicle.●
The system may not operate correctly if 
more than one electr onic key is in the 
vicinity or if the smart access system with 
push-button start is used to unlock a pas-
senger door.●
The doors that can recall the air condi-
tioning setting *
 when unlocked using the 
smart access system with push-button 
start can be changed. For details, contact 
your Lexus dealer. *
: The doors that can recall the driving 
position memory are changed at the 
same time.■
Operation of the air conditioning sys-
tem in Eco drive mode
In Eco drive mode, the air conditioning sys-
tem is controlled as follows to prioritize fuel 
efficiency: ●
Engine speed and compressor operation 
controlled to restri ct heating/cooling 
capacity●
Fan speed restricted when automatic 
mode is selected
To improve air condit ioning performance, 
perform the following operations: ●
Turn off eco air conditioning mode 
(  P.316) ●
Adjust the fan speed●
Turn off Eco drive mode (  P.289)
■
When the outside temperature falls to 
nearly 32°F (0°C)
The dehumidification function may not 
operate even when “A/C” is selected. 
■
Ventilation and air conditioning odors
●
To let fresh air in, set the air conditioning 
system to the outside air mode.
●
During use, various odors from inside and 
outside the vehicle may enter into and 
accumulate in the air conditioning sys-
tem. This may then cause odor to be 
emitted from the vents.
●
To reduce potential odors from occur- ring:
• It is recommended that the air condition-
ing system be set to outside air mode 
prior to turning the vehicle off.
• The start timing of the blower may be 
delayed for a short pe riod of time imme-
diately after the air conditioning system is 
started in automatic mode or with the 
micro dust and pollen filter on. ●
When parking, the system automatically 
switches to outside air mode to encour-
age better air circulation throughout the 
vehicle, helping to reduce odors that 
occur when starting the vehicle. ■
Using the voice command system
Air conditioning system can be operated 
using voice commands.  For details, refer to 
the “NAVIGATION AND MULTIMEDIA 
SYSTEM OWNER’S MANUAL”.  ■
Air conditioning filter
 P.398 ■
Customization
Some functions can be customized. 
(  P.466)
WARNING■
To prevent the windshield from fog-
ging up
Do not use the windshield defogger 
switch during cool air operation in 
extremely humid weather. The difference 
between the temperature of the outside 
air and that of the windshield can cause 
the outer surface of the windshield to fog 
up, blocking your vision.
■
When the outside rear view mirror 
defoggers are operating
Do not touch the outside rear view mir-
ror surfaces, as they can become very 
hot and burn you. 

352 5-6. Using the other interior features
LS500_OM_(U)_1810 ■
Before programming HomeLink ®
 During programming, it is possible 
that garage doors, gates, or other 
devices may operate. For this rea-
son, make sure  that people and 
objects are clear of the garage door 
or other devices to prevent injury or 
other potential harm.
 It is recommended that a new bat-
tery be placed in the remote control 
transmitter for more accurate pro-
gramming.
 Garage door opener motors manu-
factured after 1995 may be 
equipped with rolling code protec-
tion. If this is the case, you may need 
a stepladder or other sturdy, safe 
device to reach the “Learn” or 
“Smart” button on the garage door 
opener motor. ■
Programming HomeLink ®
Steps  1  through  3  must be performed 
within 60 seconds, otherwise the indi-
cator light will stop flashing and pro-
gramming will not be able to be 
completed.
1 Press and release the HomeLink ®
 
button you want to program and  check that the HomeLink ®
 indica-
tor light flashes (orange).
2 Point the remote control transmit-
ter for the device at the rear view 
mirror, 1 to 3 in. (25 to 75 mm) 
from the HomeLink ®
 buttons.Keep the HomeLink ®
 indicator light in 
view while programming.
3 Program a device. 
Programming a device other than 
an entry gate (for  U.S.A. owners)
Press and hold the  handheld transmit-
ter button until the HomeLink ®
 indica-
tor light changes from slowly flashing 
orange to rapidly flashing green (roll-
ing code) or continuously lit green 
(fixed code), then release the button.
Programming an entry gate (for 
U.S.A. owners)/Programming a 
device in the Canadian market
Press and release the remote control WARNING■
When operating or programming 
HomeLink ®
Never allow a child to operate or play 
with the HomeLink ®
 buttons.
Programming the HomeLink ® 

472 8-2. Customization
LS500_OM_(U)_1810 *
:If equipped ■
Driving position memory (  P.130)
■
Outside rear view mirrors (  P.140)Door linked rear seat with 
ottoman seatback position for 
exiting *
More upright 
than upright posi-
tion Upright position — — O —
Shift-linked rear seat reclining 
function On Off — — — O
Function Default setting Customized set-
ting
Selecting doors linked to the 
memory recall function Driver’s door All doors — — — O
Driver’s seat slide movement 
when exiting the vehicle Full Off
O — — O
Partial
Driver’s seat height move-
ment when exiting the vehicle Off Full
O — — O
Partial
Steering wheel movement Tilt only Off
O — — OTelescopic only
Tilt and telescopic
Function Default setting Customized set-
ting
Automatic mirror folding and 
extending operation Linked to the 
locking/ unlock-
ing of the doors Off
— — — OLinked to opera-
tion of the engine 
switchFunction Default setting Customized set-
ting A B C D
A B C D
A B C D