1714-2. Driving procedures
LS500h_OM_(U)_1809
4
Driving
■If the 12-volt battery is discharged
The hybrid system cannot be started using
the smart access system with push-button
start. Refer to P.445 to restart the hybrid
system.
■Electronic key battery depletion
P.108
■Conditions affe cting operation
P.125
■Notes for the entry function
P.125
■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
Turning Steering Whee l in Either Direc-
tion” will be displayed on the multi-infor-
mation display.
Press the power switch shortly and firmly
while turning the steering wheel left and
right.
●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 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.69
■Electronic key battery
P.409
■Operation of the power switch
●If the switch is no t 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 system with push-button
start has been deactivated in a customized
setting, refer to P.443.
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.
WARNING
■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.
1724-2. Driving procedures
LS500h_OM_(U)_1809
1Stop the vehicle completely.
2 If the parking brake is in manual
mode, set the parking brake.
(P.183)
3 Shift the shift position to P.
(P.178)
Check that the shift position indicator
shows P and the parking brake indicator is
illuminated.
4 Press the power switch.
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 Release the brake pedal and check
that “ACCESSORY” or “IGNI-
TION ON” is not shown on the
meter.
■Automatic P position selection function
P.179
Modes can be changed by pressing
the power switch with the brake pedal
released. (The mode changes each
time the switch is pressed.)
■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
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.416)
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 st eering 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
1774-2. Driving procedures
LS500h_OM_(U)_1809
4
Driving
■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 fluid 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 the 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 the dynamic radar cruise
control with full-spe ed 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 the D position
( P.297)
■Restraining sudden start (Drive-Start
Control)
P.161
■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 positi on following the mes-
sages on the multi-information display.
■After recharging/reconnecting the
12-volt battery
P.390
■Customization
Some functions can be customized.
( P.479)
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 sp in or skid, resulting
in an accident.
NOTICE
■Hybrid battery (t raction battery)
charge
If the shift position is in N, the hybrid bat-
tery (traction battery) will not be
charged. To help prevent the battery
from discharging, avoid leaving the N
position selected for an extended period
of time.
■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 system appears on the
multi-information display.
●The display indicates that no shift posi-
tion is selected for more than a few
seconds.
1854-2. Driving procedures
LS500h_OM_(U)_1809
4
Driving
Press the brake hold switch to turn the
system on
The brake hold standby indicator (green) comes on. While the system is holding
the brakes, the brake hold operated indica-
tor (yellow) comes on.
■Brake hold system operating conditions
The brake hold system cannot be turned on
in the following conditions:
●The driver’s door is not closed.
●The driver is not wearing the seat belt.
If any of the conditions above are detected
when the brake hold system is enabled, the
system will turn off and the brake hold
standby indicator light will go off. In addi-
tion, if any of the conditions are detected
while the system is holding the brake, a
warning buzzer will sound and a message
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.
Brake Hold
The brake hold system keeps the
brake applied when the shift posi-
tion is in D, M or N with the system
on and the brake pedal has been
depressed to stop the vehicle. The
system releases the brake when the
accelerator pedal is depressed with
the shift position in D or M to allow
smooth start off.
Enabling the system
A
B
1864-2. Driving procedures
LS500h_OM_(U)_1809will be shown on the multi-information dis-
play. The parking brake will then be set
automatically.
■Brake hold function
●If the brake pedal is left released for a
period of about 3 minutes after the sys-
tem has started holding the brake, the
parking brake will be set automatically. In
this case, a warning buzzer sounds and a
message is shown on the multi-informa-
tion display.
●To turn the system off while the system is
holding the brake, firmly depress the
brake pedal and press the button again.
●The brake hold function may not hold the
vehicle when the vehicle is on a steep
incline. In this situation, it may be neces-
sary for the driver to apply the brakes. A
warning buzzer will sound and the
multi-information display will inform the
driver of this situation. If a warning mes-
sage is shown on the multi-information
display, read the message and follow the
instructions.
■When the parking brake is set automati-
cally while the system is holding the
brakes
Perform any of the follo wing operations to
release the parking brake.
●Depress the accelerator pedal. (The
parking brake will not be released auto-
matically if the seat belt is not fastened.)
●Operate the parking brake switch with
the brake pedal depressed.
Make sure that the pa rking brake indicator
light goes off. ( P.183)
■When an inspection at your Lexus
dealer is necessary
When the brake hold standby indicator
(green) does not illuminate even when the
brake hold switch is pressed with the brake
hold system operating conditions met, the
system may be malfun ctioning. Have the
vehicle inspected at your Lexus dealer.
■If “Brake Hold Fault Depress Brake to
Deactivate Visit Your Dealer” or “Brake
Hold Malfunction Visit Your Dealer” is
displayed on the multi-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.431
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 power
switch off while the system is holding the
brake may release the brake, which
would cause the vehicle to move. When
operating the power switch, depress the
brake pedal, shift the shift position to P
and set the parking brake.
2324-5. Using the driving support systems
LS500h_OM_(U)_1809left/right turn immediat
ely in front of your
vehicle
●When a pedestrian is approaching your
vehicle
●When an oncoming vehicle makes a
left/right turn
●When your vehicle enters an intersection
before a vehicle approaching from the
left or right in front of your vehicle
●When stopped at traffic light and a vehi-
cle approaches from the left or right in
front of your vehicle
●When driving in a lo cation where there
are objects which reflect radar, such as
vehicles, guardrails, walls, traffic signs,
etc.
●When making a left/rig ht turn in front of
an approaching vehicle
●When passing an oncoming vehicle
●When being overtaken by another vehi-
cle
●When driving next to another vehicle or a
pedestrian
●When a vehicle or pedestrian
approaches the side of your vehicle
Some objects, such as the following, may be
detected and cause the FCTA system to
operate:
●Pedestrians
■Situations in which the system may not
operate properly
In some situations, such as the following, a
vehicle may not be detected by a front side
radar sensor, preventing the system from
operating properly:
●If the front end or si de of an approaching
vehicle is small (sports cars, etc.)
●If the front end of an approaching vehicle is low (low-slung sports cars, etc.)
●If the ground clearance of an approach-
ing vehicle is extremely high
●If the shape of an approaching vehicle is
unusual (tractors, motorcycles with side-
cars, etc.)
●If a vehicle suddenly enters the detection
area on the left or right in front of your
vehicle from a parking lot, etc.
●If an approaching vehicle moves sud-
denly (sudden steering, acceleration,
deceleration, etc.)
●When driving in inclement weather such
as heavy rain, fog, snow or a sandstorm
●After the hybrid system has been started
and the vehicle has not been driven for a
certain amount of time
●When driving on a road with a grade that
changes sharply (sha
rp incline/decline)
●When driving around a sharp curve or on
an undulating road
●If a vehicle is approach ing from the left or
right of the front of your vehicle diago-
nally
●When a vehicle is approaching from the
left or right in front of your vehicle from
far away
●When there is an object between your
vehicle and an approaching vehicle
●When driving in a location where there
are objects which reflect radar, such as
guardrails, walls, vehicles, etc.
●When a group of vehicles which are close
together approach
●Immediately after the FCTA system has
been enabled
2484-5. Using the driving support systems
LS500h_OM_(U)_1809
This mode employs a radar to detect the presence of vehicles up to approximately
328 ft. (100 m) ahead, determines the cu rrent vehicle-to-vehicle following dis-
tance, and operates to maintain a suitab le following distance from the vehicle
ahead. The desired vehicle-to-vehicle distance can also be set by operating the
vehicle-to-vehicle distance switch.
When driving on downhill slopes, the vehicl e-to-vehicle distance may become shorter.
Example of constant speed cruising
When there are no vehicles ahead
The vehicle travels at the speed set by the driver.
Example of deceleration cruising and follow-up cruising
When a preceding vehicle driving slower than the set speed appears
When a vehicle is detected running ahead of you, the system automatically decelerates
your vehicle. When a greater reduction in vehicle speed is necessary, the system applies
the brakes (the stop lights will come on at this time). The system will respond to changes in
the speed of the vehicle ahead in order to maintain the vehicle-to-vehicle distance set by
the driver. Approach warning warns you when th e system cannot decelerate sufficiently to
prevent your vehicle from closing in on the vehicle ahead.
When the vehicle ahead of you stops, your vehi cle will also stop (vehicle is stopped by sys-
tem control). After the vehicle ahead starts off, pressing the “+RES” switch or depressing
the accelerator pedal (start-off operation) will resume follow-up cruising. If the start-off
operation is not performed, system contro l continues to keep your vehicle stopped.
When the turn signal lever is operated and your vehicle moves to a left lane while driving at
50 mph (80 km/h) or more, the vehicle will quickly accelerate to help to overtake a pass-
ing vehicle.
Example of acceleration
Driving in vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode
A
B
C
2514-5. Using the driving support systems
LS500h_OM_(U)_1809
4
Driving
After the vehicle ahead of you starts
off, press the “+RES” switch.
Your vehicle will also resume follow-up
cruising if the accelerator pedal is
depressed after the vehicle ahead of
you starts off. 1
Pressing the cancel switch cancels
the speed control.The speed control is also canceled when
the brake pedal is depressed. (When the
vehicle has been stopped by system con-
trol, depressing the brake pedal does not
cancel the setting.)
2Pressing the “+RES” switch
resumes the cruise control and
returns vehicle speed to the set
speed.
When your vehicle is too close to a
vehicle ahead, and sufficient automatic
deceleration via the cruise control is
not possible, the display will flash and
the buzzer will sound to alert the driver.
An example of this would be if another
driver cuts in front of you while you are
following a vehicle. Depress the brake
pedal to ensure an appropriate vehi-
cle-to-vehicle distance.
MediumApproximately 130 ft. (40 m)
ShortApproximately 100 ft. (30 m)
Resuming follow-up cruising
when the vehicle has been
stopped by system control (vehi-
cle-to-vehicle distance control
mode)
Distance optionsVehicle-to-vehicle dis- tanceCanceling and resuming the
speed control
Approach warning (vehi-
cle-to-vehicle distance control
mode)