
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)