
4TABLE OF CONTENTS
LS500h_OM_(U)_1809
5-4. Using the interior lightsInterior lights list............................. 341
5-5. Using the storage features List of storage features............... 345
Trunk features................................ 350
5-6. Using the other interior features Other interior features .............. 353
Garage door opener.................. 360
6-1. Maintenance and care Cleaning and protecting the vehi-cle exterior ................................... 368
Cleaning and protecting the vehi- cle interior ..................................... 371
6-2. Maintenance Maintenance requirements ..... 375
General maintenance ................ 376
Emission inspection and mainte- nance (I/M) programs ............ 379
6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance Do-it-yourself service precautions........................................................... 380
Hood.................................................. 382
Positioning a floor jack............... 382
Engine compartment.................. 384
12-volt battery................................ 390
Tires ................................................... 392
Replacing the tire .......................... 401
Tire inflation pressure ................. 405
Wheels.............................................. 406
Air conditioning  filter..................408
Electronic key battery ................ 409
Checking and replacing fuses .. 411
Light bulbs ........................................ 4147-1. Essential information
Emergency flashers ..................... 416
If your vehicle has to be stopped in  an emergency ............................. 416
If the vehicle is trapped in rising  water ................................................ 417
7-2. Steps to take in an emergency If your vehicle needs to be towed........................................................... 419
If you think something is wrong .......................................................... 423
If a warning light turns on or a warn- ing buzzer sounds...................... 424
If a warning messa ge is displayed
.......................................................... 434
If you have a flat tire .................... 439
If the hybrid syst em will not start
.......................................................... 440
If you lose your keys..................... 442
If the fuel filler door cannot be  opened ........................................... 442
If the electronic key does not oper- ate properly ................................. 443
If the 12-volt battery is discharged .......................................................... 445
If your vehicle overheats ........... 450
If the vehicle becomes stuck ... 454
8-1. Specifications Mainte
nance data (fuel, oil level, 
etc.) ................................................. 458
Fuel information............................ 468
Tire information ............................ 470
6Maintenance and care
7When trouble arises
8Vehicle specifications 

13Pictorial index
LS500h_OM_(U)_1809
Precautions for winter season .. ...................................................................................P.309
To prevent freezing (windshield wiper de-icer)
*.................................................P.328
Precautions for car wash ............................................................................................... P.369
Fuel filler door .......................................................................................................... P.197
Refueling method ............................................................................................................... P.197
Fuel type/fuel tank capacity ...... ................................................................................... P.459
Tires.......................................................................................................................... ..P.392
Tire size/inflation pressure ............................ ....................................................P.392, 464
Winter tires/tire chains ..................................................................................................P.309
Checking/rotation/tire pressure warning system.............................................. P.392
Coping with flat tires........................................................................................................ P .439
Hood ......................................................................................................................... P. 382
Opening ........................................................................................................................ .......P.382
Engine compartment cover .........................................................................................P.385
Engine oil ..................................................................................................................... .........P.460
Coping with overheating ...............................................................................................P.450
Warning messages .......................................................................................................... P.434
Headlights/cornering lights ................................................................................ P.187
Parking lights/daytime running lights............................................................... P.187
Turn signal lights ......................................................................................................P.182
Tail lights .................................................................................................................... P.187
Stop lights
Hill-start assist control ....................................................................................................P. 302
License plate lights ................................................................................................. P.187
Back-up lights
Changing the shift position to R....................................................................................P.176
Side marker lights ................................................................................................... P.187
*:If equipped
Light bulbs of the exterior lights for driving
(Replacing method: P.414)
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N 

832-1. Instrument cluster
LS500h_OM_(U)_1809
2
Vehicle status information and indicators
■Display items
 Odometer
Displays the total distance the vehicle has 
been driven.
Trip meter A/trip meter B
Displays the distance the vehicle has been 
driven since the meter  was last reset. Trip 
meters A and B can be used to record and 
display different distances independently.
 Distance until next engine oil 
change
Displays the distance the vehicle can be 
driven until an oil change is necessary.
■Changing the display
Each time the “ODO TRIP” switch is 
pressed, the displayed item will be  changed. When the trip meter is dis-
played, pressing and holding the switch 
will reset the trip meter.
■Pop-up display
Distance until the next engine oil 
change will displayed when a warning 
message indicating that oil mainte-
nance should be performed soon or is 
required is displayed.
The brightness of the instrument panel 
lights can be adjusted.
1 Darker
2 Brighter
■Brightness of the meters (day mode and 
night mode)
The brightness of the meters changes 
between day mode and night mode.
●Day mode: When the tail lights are off or 
WARNING
For example, there is a lag between the 
driver’s shifting and the new gear number 
appearing on the display. This lag could 
cause the driver to downshift again, 
causing rapid and excessive engine brak-
ing and possibly an accident resulting in 
death or injury.
NOTICE
■To prevent damage to the engine and 
its components
●Do not let the indicator needle of the 
tachometer enter the red zone, which 
indicates the maximum engine speed.
●The engine may be overheating if the 
engine coolant temperature gauge is 
in the red zone (H). In this case, imme-
diately stop the vehicle in a safe place, 
and check the engine after it has 
cooled completely. ( P.450)
Odometer and trip meter dis-
play
Changing the instrument panel 
light brightness 

1624-1. Before driving
LS500h_OM_(U)_1809
WARNING
• Make sure to keep a correct driving posture even when moving the vehicle 
only slightly. This allows you to depress 
the brake and accelerator pedals 
properly.
• Depress the brake pedal using your  right foot. Depressing the brake pedal 
using your left foot may delay 
response in an emergency, resulting in 
an accident.
●The driver should pay extra attention 
to pedestrians when the vehicle is 
powered only by the electric motor 
(traction motor). As  there is no engine 
noise, the pedestrians may misjudge 
the vehicle’s movement. Even with the 
vehicle proximity notification system 
activate, drive with care as pedestrians 
in the vicinity may still not notice the 
vehicle if the surrounding area is noisy.
●Do not drive the vehicle over or stop 
the vehicle near flammable materials.
The exhaust system and exhaust gases 
can be extremely hot. These hot parts 
may cause a fire if there is any flamma-
ble material nearby.
●During normal driving, do not turn off 
the hybrid system. Turning the hybrid 
system off while driving will not cause 
loss of steering or braking control, 
however, power assist to the steering 
will be lost. This will make it more diffi-
cult to steer smoothly, so you should 
pull over and stop the vehicle as soon 
as it is safe to do so.
In the event of an emergency, such as if 
it becomes impossible to stop the vehi-
cle in the normal way:  P.416
●Use engine braking (downshift) to 
maintain a safe speed when driving 
down a steep hill.
Using the brakes continuously may 
cause the brakes to overheat and lose 
effectiveness. ( P.176)
●Do not adjust the positions of the 
steering wheel, the  seat, or the inside 
or outside rear view mirrors while driv-
ing.
Doing so may result in a loss of vehicle 
control.
●Always check that all passengers’ 
arms, heads or other parts of their 
body are not outside the vehicle.
●Do not drive in excess of the speed 
limit. Even if the legal speed limit per-
mits it, do not drive over 85 mph (140 
km/h) unless your vehicle has 
high-speed capability tires. Driving 
over 85 mph (140 km /h) may result in 
tire failure, loss of control and possible 
injury. Be sure to consult a tire dealer 
to determine whether the tires on your 
vehicle are high-speed capability tires 
or not before driving at such speeds.
■When driving on slippery road sur-
faces
●Sudden braking, acceleration and 
steering may cause tire slippage and 
reduce your ability to control the vehi-
cle.
●Sudden acceleration, engine braking 
due to shifting, or changes in engine 
speed could cause the vehicle to skid.
●After driving through a puddle, lightly 
depress the brake pedal to make sure 
that the brakes are functioning prop-
erly. Wet brake pads may prevent the 
brakes from functioning properly. If the 
brakes on only one side are wet and 
not functioning properly, steering con-
trol may be affected.
■When shifting the shift position
●Do not let the vehicle roll backward 
while a forward driving position is 
selected, or roll forw ard while the shift 
position is in R.
Doing so may result in an accident or 
damage to the vehicle. 

3074-6. Driving tips
LS500h_OM_(U)_1809
4
Driving
4-6.Driving tips
When using Eco drive mode, the 
torque corresponding to the accelera-
tor pedal depression amount can be 
generated more smoothly than it is in 
normal conditions. In addition, the 
operation of the air conditioning sys-
tem (heating/cooling) will be mini-
mized, improving the fuel economy. 
(  P.297)
The Eco-friendly driving is possible by 
keeping the indicate of Hybrid System 
Indicator within Eco area. ( P.82, 87)
Shift the shift position to D when 
stopped at a traffic light, or driving in 
heavy traffic etc. Shift the shift position 
to P when parking. When using the N 
position, there is no positive effect on 
fuel consumption. In the N position, the 
gasoline engine operates but electric-
ity cannot be generated. Also, when 
using the air conditio ning system, etc., 
the hybrid battery (traction battery) 
power is consumed. 
Drive your vehicle smoothly. Avoid 
abrupt acceleration and decelera-
tion. Gradual acceleration and 
deceleration will make more effec-
tive use of the electric motor (trac-
tion motor) without having to use 
gasoline engine power.
 Avoid repeated acceleration. 
Repeated acceleration consumes 
hybrid battery (traction battery) 
power, resulting in poor fuel con-
sumption. Battery power can be 
restored by driving with the acceler-
ator pedal slightly released.
Make sure to operate the brakes gently 
and in a timely manner. A greater 
amount of electrical energy can be 
regenerated when slowing down.
Repeated acceleration and decelera-
tion, as well as long waits at traffic 
lights, will lead to bad fuel economy. 
Check traffic reports before leaving 
and avoid delays as much as possible. 
When driving in a traffic jam, gently 
release the brake pedal to allow the 
vehicle to move forward slightly while 
avoiding overuse of the accelerator 
pedal. Doing so can help control 
excessive gasoline consumption.
Hybrid vehicle driving tips
For economical and ecological 
driving, pay attention to the follow-
ing points:
Using Eco drive mode
Use of Hybrid System Indicator
Changing the shift position
Accelerator pedal/brake pedal 
operation
When braking
Delays 

367
LS500h_OM_(U)_1809
6
6
Maintenance and care
Maintenance and care
.6-1. Maintenance and careCleaning and protecting the vehi-cle exterior ................................ 368
Cleaning and protecting the vehi- cle interior .................................. 371
6-2. Maintenance Maintenance requirements........................................................ 375
General maintenance ............. 376
Emission inspection and mainte- nance (I/M) programs ......... 379
6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance Do-it-yourself service precautions........................................................ 380
Hood............................................... 382
Positioning a floor jack............ 382
Engine compartment............... 384
12-volt battery............................. 390
Tires ................................................ 392
Replacing the tire ....................... 401
Tire inflation pressure .............. 405
Wheels........................................... 406
Air conditioning  filter...............408
Electronic key battery ............. 409
Checking and replacing fuses .......................................................... 411
Light bulbs ..................................... 414 

3896-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
LS500h_OM_(U)_1809
6
Maintenance and care
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 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 needs frequent refilling, 
there may be a serious problem.
Adding the washer fluid
WARNING
■When adding washer fluid
Do not add washer fluid when the hybrid 
system is hot or operating as washer fluid 
contains alcohol and may catch fire if 
spilled on the engine, etc.
NOTICE
■Do not use any fluid other than 
washer fluid
Do not use soapy water or engine anti-
freeze instead of  washer fluid.
Doing so may cause streaking on the 
vehicle’s painted surfaces, as well as 
damaging the pump leading to problems 
of the washer fluid not spraying. 

4367-2. Steps to take in an emergency
LS500h_OM_(U)_1809
In some situations, the master warning  light and warning buzzer may not oper-
ate as specified. In this case, follow the instructions displayed in the warning 
message.
 If a warning light comes on or flashes at  the same time that a warning message is 
displayed, take corrective actio n according to the warning light. ( P.424)
*: A buzzer sounds the first time a message  is shown on the multi-information display.
■Warning messages
The warning messages explained below 
may differ from the actual messages 
according to operation conditions and vehi-
cle specifications.
■Warning buzzer
In some cases, the bu zzer may not be heard 
due to being in a noisy location or audio 
sound.
■If “Engine Oil Level Low Add or 
Replace” is displayed
The engine oil level is  low. Check the level 
of the engine oil, and add if necessary.
This message may appear if the vehicle is 
stopped on a slope. Move the vehicle to a 
level surface and check to see if the mes-
sage disappears.
■If “Hybrid System Stopped Steering 
Power Low” is displayed
This message is displayed if the hybrid sys-
tem is stopped while driving.
When steering wheel operations are 
heavier than usual, grip the steering wheel 
firmly and operate it using more force than 
usual.
■If “Hybrid System Overheated Output 
Power Reduced” is displayed
This message may be displayed when driv-
ing under severe operat ing conditions. (For 
example, when driving up a long steep hill.) 
Handling method:  P.450
■If “Warming Up Maximum Vehicle 
Speed: 65 MPH” is displayed
The transmission is being warmed up and 
the vehicle is unable to be driven over 65 
mph (110 km/h). Wait until the transmission 
warms up.
■If “Stop the Vehicle in a Safe Place Shift 
to P position” is displayed
There may be a malfunction in the hybrid 
system or the shift position may be shifted to 
N for a long time. I mmediately stop the 
vehicle and contact your Lexus dealer.
■If “Traction Battery Needs to be Pro-
tected Refrain From the Use of N Posi-
tion” is displayed
This message may be displayed when the 
shift position is in N.
As the hybrid battery (traction battery) can-
not be charged when the shift position is in 
N, shift the shift positi on to P when the vehi-
cle is stopped.
Comes onDoes not sound
Indicates a condition, such as malfunction of electri-
cal components, their cond ition, or indicates the 
need for maintenance
FlashesDoes not sound
Indicates a situation, such as when an operation has 
been performed incorrectly, or indicates how to 
perform an operation correctly
Warning buzzer*Warning