6
Please note that this manual applies to
all models and explains all equipment,
including options. Therefore, you may
find some explanations for equipment
not installed on your vehicle.
All specifications provided in this man- ual are current at the time of printing.
However, because of the Lexus policy
of continual product improvement, we
reserve the right to make changes at
any time without notice.
Depending on specifications, the vehi-
cle shown in the illustrations may differ
from your vehicle in terms of color and
equipment.
Approximately five hours after the
hybrid system is turned off, you may
hear sound coming from under the
vehicle for several minutes. This is the
sound of a fuel evaporation leakage
check and, it does not indicate a mal-
function.
A wide variety of non-genuine spare
parts and accessories for Lexus vehi-
cles are currently available in the mar-
ket. You should know that Toyota does
not warrant these products and is not
responsible for their performance,
repair, or replacement, or for any dam-
age they may cause to, or adverse
effect they may have on, your Lexus
vehicle.
This vehicle should not be modified
with non-genuine Lexus products.
Modification with non-genuine Lexus
products could affect its performance,
safety or durability, and may even vio-
For your information
WARNING
■General precautions while driving
Driving under the influence: Never drive
your vehicle when under the influence of
alcohol or drugs that have impaired your
ability to operate your vehicle. Alcohol
and certain drugs delay reaction time,
impair judgment and reduce coordina-
tion, which could lead to an accident that
could result in death or serious injury.
Defensive driving: Always drive defen-
sively. Anticipate mistakes that other
drivers or pedestrians might make and
be ready to avoid accidents.
Driver distraction: Always give your full
attention to driving. Anything that dis-
tracts the driver, such as adjusting con-
trols, talking on a cellular phone or
reading can result in a collision with
resulting death or serious injury to you,
your occupants or others.
■General precaution regarding chil-
dren’s safety
Never leave children unattended in the
vehicle, and never allow children to have
or use the key.
Children may be able to start the vehicle
or shift the vehicle into neutral. There is
also a danger that children may injure
themselves by playing with the windows,
the moon roof, or other features of the
vehicle. In addition, heat build-up or
extremely cold temperatures inside the
vehicle can be fatal to children.
Main Owner’s Manual
Noise from under vehicle after
turning off the hybrid system
Accessories, spare parts and
modification of your Lexus
7
late governmental regulations. In addi-
tion, damage or performance
problems resulting from the modifica-
tion may not be covered under war-
ranty.
The installation of a mobile two-way
radio system in your vehicle could
affect electronic systems such as:
Hybrid system
Multiport fuel injection sys-
tem/sequential multiport fuel injec-
tion system
Lexus Safety System+2.0
Anti-lock brake system
SRS airbag system
Seat belt pretensioner system
Be sure to check with your Lexus
dealer for precautionary measures or
special instructions regarding installa-
tion of a mobile two-way radio system.
High voltage parts and cables on the
hybrid vehicles emit approximately the
same amount of electromagnetic
waves as the conventional gasoline
powered vehicles or home electronic
appliances despite of their electro-
magnetic shielding.
Unwanted noise may occur in the
reception of the mobile two-way radio.
The vehicle is equipped with sophisti- cated computers that will record cer-
tain data, such as:
The recorded data varies according to
the vehicle grade level and options
with which it is equipped.
These computers do not record con-
versations or sounds, and only record
images outside of the vehicle in certain
situations.
• Engine speed/Elect
ric motor speed
(traction motor speed)
• Accelerator status
•Brake status
• Vehicle speed
• Operation status of the driving assist systems, such as the ABS and
pre-collision system
• Images from the front camera (avail- able only when certain safety sys-
tems are activated, which varies
depending on the vehicle specifica-
tions).
Data Transmission
Your vehicle may transmit the data
recorded in these computers to Lexus
without notification to you.
Data usage
Lexus may use the data recorded in this
computer to diagnose malfunctions, con-
duct research and development, and
improve quality.
Lexus will not disclose the recorded data to
a third party except:
• With the consent of the vehicle owner or
with the consent of the lessee if the vehi-
cle is leased
• In response to an official request by the police, a court of law or a government
agency
Installation of a mobile two-way
radio system
Vehicle data recording
621-4. Hybrid system
1-4.Hybrid system
The illustration is an example for explanation and may differ from the actual item.
Gasoline engine
Front electric motor (traction motor)
Rear electric motor (traction motor)
*
*:AWD models only
■When stopped/during start off
The gasoline engine stops
* when the
vehicle is stopped. During start off, the
electric motor (traction motor) drives
the vehicle. At slow speeds or when traveling down a gentle slope, the
engine is stopped* and the electric
motor (traction motor) is used.
When the shift lever is in N, the hybrid
battery (traction battery) is not being
Hybrid system features
Your vehicle is a hybrid vehicle. It has characteristics different from conven-
tional vehicles. Be sure you are closely familiar with the characteristics of your
vehicle, and operate it with care.
The hybrid system combines the use of a gasoline engine and an electric motor
(traction motor) according to driving conditions, improving fuel efficiency and
reducing exhaust emissions.
System components
A
B
C
631-4. Hybrid system
1
For safety and security
charged.
*: When the hybrid battery (traction bat-tery) requires charging or the engine is
warming up, etc., the gasoline engine will
not automatically stop. ( P.63)
■During normal driving
The gasoline engine is predominantly
used. The electric motor (traction
motor) charges the hybrid battery
(traction battery) as necessary.
■When accelerating sharply
When the accelerator pedal is
depressed heavily, the power of the
hybrid battery (traction battery) is
added to that of the gasoline engine via
the electric motor (traction motor).
■When braking (regenerative brak-
ing)
The wheels operate the electric motor
(traction motor) as a power generator,
and the hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery) is charged.
■Regenerative braking
In the following situations, kinetic energy is
converted to electric energy and decelera-
tion force can be obta ined in conjunction
with the recharging of the hybrid battery
(traction battery).
●The accelerator pedal is released while
driving with the shift lever in D or S.
●The brake pedal is depressed while driv-
ing with the shift lever in D or S.
■EV indicator
The EV indicator comes on when the vehi-
cle is driven using only the electric motor
(traction motor) or th e gasoline engine is
stopped.
■Conditions in which the gasoline engine
may not stop
The gasoline engine starts and stops auto-
matically. However, it may not stop auto-
matically in the following conditions
*:
●During gasoline engine warm-up
●During hybrid battery (traction battery)
charging
●When the temperature of the hybrid bat-
tery (traction battery) is high or low
●When the heater is switched on
*: Depending on the circumstances, the gasoline engine may also not stop auto-
matically in other situations.
■Charging the hybrid battery (traction
battery)
As the gasoline engine charges the hybrid
battery (traction battery), the battery does
not need to be charged from an outside
source. However, if the vehicle is left parked
for a long time the hybrid battery (traction
battery) will slowly discharge. For this rea-
son, be sure to drive the vehicle at least
once every few months for at least 30 min-
utes or 10 miles (16 km ). If the hybrid bat-
tery (traction battery) becomes fully
discharged and you are unable to start the
hybrid system, contact your Lexus dealer.
■Charging the 12-volt battery
P.408
■After the 12-volt battery has discharged
or when the terminal has been removed
and installed during exchange, etc.
The gasoline engine may not stop even if
the vehicle is being driven by the hybrid bat-
tery (traction battery). If this continues for a
few days, contact your Lexus dealer.
641-4. Hybrid system
■Sounds and vibrations specific to a
hybrid vehicle
There may be no engine sound or vibration
even though the vehicle is able to move with
the “READY” indicator is illuminated. For
safety, apply the parking brake and make
sure to shift the shift lever to P when parked.
The following sounds or vibrations may
occur when the hybrid system is operating
and are not a malfunction:
●Motor sounds may be heard from the
engine compartment.
●Sounds may be heard from the hybrid
battery (traction battery) behind the rear
seats when the hybrid system starts or
stops.
●Relay operating sounds such as a snap or
soft clank will be emitted from the hybrid
battery (traction battery), behind the rear
seats, when the hybrid system is started
or stopped.
●Sounds from the hybrid system may be
heard when the back door is open.
●Sounds may be heard from the hybrid
transmission when the gasoline engine
starts or stops, wh en driving at low
speeds, or during idling.
●Engine sounds may be heard when
accelerating sharply.
●Sounds may be heard due to regenera-
tive braking when the brake pedal is
depressed or as the accelerator pedal is
released.
●Vibration may be felt when the gasoline
engine starts or stops.
●Cooling fan sounds may be heard from
the air intake vent under the right side of
the rear seat.
■Maintenance, repair, recycling, and dis-
posal
Contact your Lexus dealer regarding main-
tenance, repair, recycling and disposal. Do
not dispose of the vehicle yourself.
■Customization
Settings (e.g. on/off operation of the EV
indicator) can be changed.
(Customizable features: P.435)
When driving with the gasoline engine
stopped, a sound, which changes in
accordance with the driving speed, will
be played in order to warn people
nearby of the vehicle’s approach. This
sound may be heard inside the vehicle.
The sound will stop when the vehicle
speed exceeds approximately 15 mph
(25 km/h).
■Vehicle proximity notification system
In the following cases, the vehicle proximity
notification system may be difficult for sur-
rounding people to hear.
●In very noisy areas
●In the wind or the rain
Also, as the vehicle proximity notification
system is installed on the front of the vehicle,
it may be more difficult to hear from the rear
of the vehicle compared to the front.
Vehicle proximity notification
system
651-4. Hybrid system
1
For safety and security
The illustration is an example for explanation and may differ from the actual item.
Warning label
Hybrid battery (traction battery)
Rear electric motor (traction motor)
*
Service plug
High voltage cables (orange)
Front electric motor (traction motor)
Power control unit
Air conditioning compressor
Rear inverter
*
Hybrid system precautions
Take care when handling the hybrid system, as it is a high voltage system (about
650 V at maximum) as well as contains parts that become extremely hot when
the hybrid system is operating. Obey th e warning labels attached to the vehi-
cle.
System components
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
661-4. Hybrid system
*: AWD models only
■Running out of fuel
When the vehicle has run out of fuel and the
hybrid system cannot be started, refuel the
vehicle with at least enough gasoline to
make the low fuel level warning light
( P.390) go off. If th ere is only a small
amount of fuel, the hybrid system may not
be able to start. (The standard amount of
fuel is about 1.8 gal. [7.0 L, 1.5 Imp.gal.],
when the vehicle is on a level surface. This
value may vary when the vehicle is on a
slope. Add extra fuel when the vehicle is
inclined.)
■Electromagnetic waves
●High voltage parts and cables on hybrid
vehicles incorporate electromagnetic
shielding, and ther efore emit approxi-
mately the same amount of electromag-
netic waves as conventional gasoline
powered vehicles or home electronic
appliances.
●Your vehicle may cause sound interfer-
ence in some third party-produced radio
parts.
■Hybrid battery (traction battery)
The hybrid battery (traction battery) has a
limited service life. The lifespan of the
hybrid battery (traction battery) can
change in accordance with driving style and
driving conditions.
WARNING
■High voltage precautions
This vehicle has high voltage DC and AC
systems as well as a 12-volt system. DC
and AC high voltage is very dangerous
and can cause severe burns and electric
shock that may result in death or serious
injury.
●Never touch, disassemble, remove or
replace the high voltage parts, cables
or their connectors.
●The hybrid system will become hot
after starting as the system uses high
voltage. Be careful of both the high
voltage and the high temperature, and
always obey the warning labels
attached to the vehicle.
●Never try to open the service plug
access hole located underneath the
rear seats. The service plug is used
only when the vehicle is serviced and is
subject to high voltage.
■Road accident cautions
Observe the following precautions to
reduce the risk of death or serious injury:
●Pull your vehicle off the road, shift the
shift lever to P, apply the parking brake,
and turn the hybrid system off.
●Do not touch the high voltage parts,
cables and connectors.
●If electric wires are exposed inside or
outside your vehicle, an electric shock
may occur. Never touch exposed elec-
tric wires.
●If a fluid leak occurs, do not touch the
fluid as it may be st rong alkaline elec-
trolyte from the hybrid battery (trac-
tion battery). If it comes into contact
with your skin or eyes, wash it off
immediately with a large amount of
water or, if possible, boric acid solu-
tion. Seek immediate medical atten-
tion.
671-4. Hybrid system
1
For safety and security
There is an air intake vent under the
right side of the rear seat for the pur-
pose of cooling the hybrid battery
(traction battery). If the vent becomes
blocked, the hybrid battery (traction
WARNING
●If a fire occurs in the hybrid vehicle,
leave the vehicle as soon as possible.
Never use a fire extinguisher that is not
meant for electric fires. Using even a
small amount of water may be danger-
ous.
●If your vehicle needs to be towed, do
so with front wheels (2WD models) or
four wheels (AWD models) raised. If
the wheels connected to the electric
motor (traction motor) are on the
ground when towing, the motor may
continue to generate electricity. This
may cause a fire. ( P.381)
●Carefully inspect the ground under the
vehicle. If you find that liquid has
leaked onto the ground, the fuel sys-
tem may have been damaged. Leave
the vehicle as soon as possible.
■Hybrid battery (traction battery)
●Never resell, hand over or modify the
hybrid battery. To prevent accidents,
hybrid batteries that have been
removed from a disposed vehicle are
collected through Lexus dealers. Do
not dispose of the battery yourself.
Unless the battery is properly collected,
the following may occur, resulting in
death or serious injury:
• The hybrid battery may be illegally dis- posed of or dumped, and it is hazard-
ous to the environment or someone
may touch a high voltage part, result-
ing in an electric shock.
• The hybrid battery is intended to be used exclusively with your hybrid vehi-
cle. If the hybrid battery is used outside
of your vehicle or modified in any way,
accidents such as electric shock, heat
generation, smoke generation, an
explosion and electrolyte leakage may
occur.
When reselling or handing over your
vehicle, the possibility of an accident is
extremely high because the person
receiving the vehicle may not be aware
of these dangers.
●If your vehicle is disposed of without
the hybrid battery having been
removed, there is a danger of serious
electric shock if hi gh voltage parts,
cables and their connectors are
touched. In the event that your vehicle
must be disposed of, the hybrid battery
must be disposed of by your Lexus
dealer or a qualified service shop. If
the hybrid battery is not disposed of
properly, it may cause electric shock
that can result in death or serious
injury.
NOTICE
■Hybrid battery (traction battery)
Do not carry large amounts of water
such as water cooler bottles in the vehi-
cle. If water spills onto the hybrid battery
(traction battery), the battery may be
damaged. Have the vehicle inspected by
your Lexus dealer.
Hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery) air intake vent