
1083-1. Key information
LS500h_OM_(U)_1809
3-1.Key information
The following keys are provided with 
the vehicle.
Electronic keys
• Operating the smart access system with push-button start ( 
P.123)
• Operating the wireless remote control  function ( 
P.110)
Mechanical keys
Key number plate
Card key (electronic key) (if 
equipped)
Operating the smart access system with 
push-button start ( P.123)
■Card key (if equipped)
●The card key is not waterproof.
●The mechanical key that  is stored inside 
the card key should be used only if a 
problem arises, such as when the card  key does not operate properly.
●If it is difficult to take out the mechanical 
key, push down the lock release button 
using a pen tip etc. If it is still difficult to 
pull it out, use a coin etc.
●To store the mechanical key in the card 
key, insert it while pressing the lock 
release button.
●If the battery cover is not installed and the 
battery falls out or if the battery was 
removed because the key got wet, rein-
stall the battery with the positive terminal 
facing the Lexus emblem.
■When riding in an aircraft
When bringing an electronic key onto an 
aircraft, make sure you do not press any 
buttons on the electronic key while inside 
the aircraft cabin. If you are carrying an 
electronic key in your bag etc., ensure that 
the buttons are not likely to be pressed acci-
dentally. Pressing a button may cause the 
electronic key to emit radio waves that 
could interfere with the operation of the air-
craft.
■Electronic key battery depletion
●The standard battery life is 1 to 2 years. 
(The card key battery life is about a year 
and a half.)
●If the battery becomes low, an alarm will 
sound in the cabin and a message will be 
shown on the multi-information display 
when the hybrid system is stopped.
Keys
The keys
A
B
C
D 

1133-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors and trunk
LS500h_OM_(U)_1809
3
Before driving
To prevent unintended triggering of the 
alarm, unlock the doors using the wireless 
remote control and open and close a door 
once after the settings have been changed. 
(If a door is not opened within 60 seconds 
after   is pressed, the doors will be 
locked again and the alarm will automati-
cally be set.)
In a case that the alarm is triggered, imme-
diately stop the alarm. ( P.73)
■Impact detection door lock release sys-
tem
In the event that the vehicle is subject to a 
strong impact, all the doors are unlocked. 
Depending on the force of the impact or the 
type of accident, however, the system may 
not operate.
■Operation signals
A buzzer sounds and the emergency flash-
ers flash to indicate that the doors have 
been locked/unlocked. (Locked: once; 
Unlocked: twice)
A buzzer sounds to indicate that the win-
dows and moon roof are operating.
■Security feature
If a door is not opened  within approximately 
60 seconds after the vehicle is unlocked,  the security feature automatically locks the 
vehicle again.
■When the doors cannot be locked by the 
lock sensor on the upper part of the 
door handle
When the doors cannot be locked even if 
the lock sensor on th e upper part of the 
door handle is touched by a finger, touch 
the lock sensor with the palm.
If you are wearing gloves, remove them.
■Open door warning buzzer
If an attempt to lock the doors is made when 
a door is not fully closed, a buzzer sounds 
continuously for 5 seconds. Fully close the 
door to stop the buzzer, and lock the vehi-
cle once more.
■Setting the alarm
Locking the doors will set the alarm system. 
(  P.73)
■Conditions affecting the operation of 
the smart access system with push-but-
ton start or wireless remote control
 P.125
■If the smart access system with 
push-button start or  the wireless remote 
control does not operate properly
Use the mechanical key to lock and unlock 
the doors. ( P.443)
Replace the key battery with a new one if it 
is depleted. ( P.409)
■If the 12-volt batte ry is discharged
The doors cannot be locked and unlocked 
using the smart access system with 
push-button start or wireless remote con-
trol. Lock or unlock the doors using the 
mechanical key. ( P.443)
■Customization
Some functions can be customized. 
Multi-information  display/BeepUnlocking function
Exterior: Beeps 3  times
Interior: Pings once
Holding the driver’s 
door handle unlocks 
only the driver’s 
door.
Holding any of the 
passenger door 
handles unlocks all 
the doors.
Exterior: Beeps  twice
Interior: Pings once
Holding a door han-
dle unlocks all the 
doors. 

1193-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors and trunk
LS500h_OM_(U)_1809
3
Before driving
■Smart access system with 
push-button start
While carrying the electronic key, 
press the button.
The trunk lid will fully open.
If the button is presse d while the trunk lid is 
opening, the trunk lid will stop moving.
When all the doors are unlocked using 
one of the following  methods, the trunk 
can be opened without the electronic 
key:
 Entry function
 Wireless remote control
 Door lock switches
 Automatic door unlocking system
 Mechanical key
■Wireless remote control
Press and hold the switch.
A buzzer will sound and the trunk lid will 
fully open. If the button is presse
d while the trunk lid is 
opening, the trunk lid  will stop moving.
■Hands Free Power Trunk Lid (if 
equipped)
1 While carrying an electronic key, 
stand within the smart access sys-
tem with push-button start opera-
tion area, approximately 11.8 to 19.7 
in. (30 to 50 cm) from the rear 
bumper.
Hands Free Power Trunk Lid sensor
Hands Free Power Trunk Lid opera-
tion detection area
Smart access system with 
push-button start operation detec-
tion area ( P.124)
2 Perform a kick operation by mov-
ing your foot to within approxi-
mately 3.9 in. (10 cm) of the rear 
bumper and then pulling it back.
• Perform the entire kick operation 
A
B
C 

1213-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors and trunk
LS500h_OM_(U)_1809
3
Before driving
trunk lid with the electr onic key left inside 
the trunk will sound an alarm.
In this case, the trunk lid can be opened 
pressing the trunk release button on the 
trunk lid.
●If the spare electronic key is put in the 
trunk with all the doors locked, the key 
confinement prevention function is acti-
vated so the trunk can be opened. In 
order to prevent theft, take all electronic 
keys with you when  leaving the vehicle.
●If the electronic key is put in the trunk with 
all the doors locked, the key may not be 
detected depending on the location of 
the key and the surrounding radio wave 
conditions. In this case, the key confine-
ment prevention function cannot be acti-
vated, causing the doors to lock when the 
trunk is closed. Make sure to check 
where the key is before closing the trunk.
●The key confinement prevention function 
cannot be activated if any one of the 
doors is unlocked. In this case, open the 
trunk using the trunk opener.
■Overload protection function
The trunk lid will not  operate when exces-
sive load is present on the top of the trunk 
lid.
■Fall-down protection function
While the trunk lid is opening automatically, 
applying excessive force to it will stop the 
opening operation to  prevent the trunk lid 
from rapidly falling down.
■Jam protection function
While the trunk lid is closing automatically, 
the trunk lid will stop closing and open if 
something gets caught.
■Internal trunk release lever
The trunk lid can be  opened by pulling the 
glow-in-the-dark lever located on the inside 
of the trunk lid to the side.
The lever will continue to glow for some 
time after the trunk lid is closed.
■Using the mechanical key
The trunk can be also opened using the 
mechanical key. ( P.443)
If the trunk is unlocked using the mechani-
cal key, the power trunk lid and trunk easy 
closer will not be operational. To return 
them to an operational state, fully close the 
trunk lid by hand.
■If the smart access system with 
push-button start or  the wireless remote 
control does not operate properly
Use the mechanical key to unlock the trunk. 
(  P.443)
Replace the key battery with a new one if it 
is depleted.
■Hands Free Power Trunk Lid operating 
conditions (if equipped)
●When the Hands Free Power Trunk Lid 
(kick sensor) operatio n setting is turned 
on and the power swit ch is turned off
●When an electronic key is carried within 
the operation range
■Situations in which the Hands Free 
Power Trunk Lid may not operate prop-
erly (if equipped)
In the following situations, the Hands Free 
Power Trunk Lid may not operate properly:
●When a foot remain s under the rear 
bumper
●If the rear bumper is strongly hit with a 
foot or is touched for a while
If the rear bumper has been touched for a 
while, wait for a short time before 
attempting to operate the Hands Free 
Power Trunk Lid again.
●When standing excessively close to the 
rear bumper
●When an external radio wave source 
interferes with the communication  

1253-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors and trunk
LS500h_OM_(U)_1809
3
Before driving
take some time to unlock the doors.
• The electronic key has been left in an  area of approximately  6 ft. (2 m) of the 
outside of the vehicle for 10 minutes or 
longer.
• The smart access system with push-but-
ton start has not been used for 5 days or 
longer.
●If the smart access system with push-but-
ton start has not been  used for 14 days or 
longer, the doors cannot be unlocked at 
any doors except the driver’s door. In this 
case, take hold of the driver’s door han-
dle, or use the wireless remote control or 
the mechanical key, to unlock the doors.
■Turning an electronic key to bat-
tery-saving mode
When battery-saving mode is set, battery 
depletion is minimized by stopping the elec-
tronic key from re ceiving radio waves.
Press   twice while pressing and holding  . Confirm that the electronic key indica-
tor flashes 4 times.
While the battery-saving mode is set, the 
smart access system with push-button start 
cannot be used. To cancel the function, 
press any of the electronic key buttons.
■Conditions affe cting operation
The smart access system with push-button 
start uses weak radio waves. In the following 
situations, the communication between the 
electronic key and the vehicle may be 
affected, preventing  the smart access sys-
tem with push-button start, wireless remote 
control and immobilizer system from oper-
ating properly. (Ways of coping:  P.443)
●When the electronic key battery is 
depleted
●Near a TV tower, electric power plant, 
gas station, radio stat ion, large display,  airport or other fac
ility that generates 
strong radio waves or electrical noise
●When carrying a portable radio, cellular 
phone, cordless phone or other wireless 
communication device
●When the electronic key is in contact 
with, or is covered by the following metal-
lic objects
• Cards to which aluminum foil is attached
• Cigarette boxes that have aluminum foil  inside
• Metallic wallets or bags
•Coins
• Hand warmers made of metal
• Media such as CDs and DVDs
●When other wireless keys (that emit radio 
waves) are being used nearby
●When carrying the electronic key 
together with the following devices that 
emit radio waves
• Another vehicle’s electronic key or a  wireless key that emits radio waves
• Personal computers or personal digital 
assistants (PDAs)
• Digital audio players
• Portable game systems
●If window tint with  a metallic content or 
metallic objects are attached to the rear 
window
●When the electronic key is placed near a 
battery charger or electronic devices
●When the vehicle is parked in a pay park-
ing spot where radio waves are emitted.
■Note for the entry function
●Even when the electronic key is within the 
effective range (detection areas), the sys-
tem may not operate properly in the fol-
lowing cases:
• The electronic key is too close to the win- dow or outside door handle, near the 
ground, or in a high place when the doors 
are locked or unlocked.
• The electronic key is near the ground or  in a high place, or too close to the center 
of the rear bumper when the trunk is 
opened.
• The electronic key is on the instrument  panel, rear package tray or floor, or in the 
door pockets or glove box when the 
hybrid system is started or power switch  

1273-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors and trunk
LS500h_OM_(U)_1809
3
Before driving
may not operate, depending on the loca-
tion of the key (the inside edge of the 
trunk), conditions (inside a metal bag, 
close to metallic objects) and the radio 
waves in the surrounding area. ( P.120)
■If the smart access system with 
push-button start does not operate 
properly
●Locking and unlocking the doors and 
trunk:  P.443
●Starting the hybrid system:  P.444
■Customization
Some functions can be customized. 
(  P.479)
■If the smart access system with 
push-button start has been deactivated 
in a customized setting
●Locking and unloc king the doors and 
opening the trunk:
Use the wireless remote control or 
mechanical key. ( P.112, 119, 443)
●Starting the hybrid system and changing 
power switch modes:  P.444
●Stopping the hybrid system:  P.172
■Certification for the smart access  system with push-button start
For vehicles sold in the U.S.A., Hawaii, Guam and Puerto Rico 

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. 

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.