
621-4. 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 position 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 trunk lid is open.
●Sounds may be heard  from the transmis-
sion when the gasoline engine starts or 
stops, when 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 vents  under the rear seats.
■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.395)
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. The 
sound will stop when the vehicle speed 
exceeds approximately 22 mph (35 
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.
■If “Proximity Notification System Mal-
function Visit Your Dealer” is displayed 
on the multi-information display
The system may be ma lfunctioning. Have 
the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer.
Vehicle proximity notification 
system 

661-4. Hybrid system
There are air intake vents under the 
rear seats for the purpose of cooling 
the hybrid battery (traction battery). If 
the vents become blocked, the hybrid 
battery input and output may be 
restricted, leading to a reduction in 
hybrid battery (traction battery) out-
put.When a certain level of impact is 
detected by the impact sensor, the 
emergency shut off system blocks the 
high voltage current and stops the fuel 
pump to minimize the risk of electrocu-
tion and fuel leakage. If the emergency 
shut off system activates, your vehicle 
will not restart. To restart the hybrid 
system, contact your Lexus dealer.
A message is automatically displayed 
when a malfunction occurs in the 
hybrid system or an improper opera-
tion is attempted.
If a warning message is shown on the 
multi-information display, read the 
message and follow the instructions.
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 vents
NOTICE
■Hybrid battery (traction battery) air 
intake vents
●Make sure not to block the air intake 
vent with anything, such as a seat 
cover, plastic cover, or luggage. If the 
vents become blocked, the hybrid bat-
tery (traction battery) input and output 
may be restricted, leading to a reduc-
tion in hybrid battery (traction battery) 
output and a malfunction.
●When dust etc. has accumulated in the 
air intake vent, periodically clean it 
with a vacuum cleaner to prevent the 
vent from clogging.
●Filters are installed to the air intake 
vent. When the filters remain notice-
ably dirty even after cleaning the air 
intake vent, filter cleaning or replace-
ment is recommended. When clean-
ing or replacing the filters, contact 
your Lexus dealer. 
Refer to P.283 for details on how to 
clean the filters.
●Do not get water or foreign materials 
in the air intake vent s as this may cause 
a short circuit and damage the hybrid 
battery (traction battery).
Emergency shut off system
Hybrid warning message 

2164-5. Using the driving support systems
1Normal mode/Custom mode
Normal mode and custom mode are 
selected by pressing the driving mode 
select switch. Each  time the switch is 
pressed, the driving mode changes 
between normal mode and custom mode. 
When custom mode is selected, the “Cus-
tom” indicator comes on.
Press the switch to change the driving 
mode to normal mode when not in normal 
mode.
•Normal mode 
Provides an optimal ba lance of fuel econ-
omy, quietness, and dynamic performance. 
Suitable for city driving.
When the shift position is in D, an appropri-
ate gear for sporty driving may automati- cally be selected according to driver 
performance and driving conditions.
• Custom mode 
Allows you to drive with the power train, 
chassis and air conditioning system func-
tions set to your preferred settings. 
Custom mode settings can only be 
changed on the drive mode customization 
display of the Center Display. (
P.247)
2 Comfort mode
By controlling the suspension, riding com-
fort is further enhanced. Suitable for city 
driving.
When not in comfort mode and the driving 
mode select switch is turned forward, the 
“Comfort” indicator comes on.
3Eco drive mode
Helps the driver acce lerate in an eco-
friendly manner and  improve fuel economy 
through moderate thro ttle characteristics 
and by controlling the operation of the air 
conditioning system (heating/cooling).
When in comfort mode, if the driving mode 
select switch is turned forward, the “Eco” 
indicator comes on.
4 Sport mode
•SPORT S mode
Controls the transmission and engine to 
provide quick, powerful acceleration. This 
mode is suitable for when agile driving 
response is desired,  such as when driving 
on roads with many curves.
When not in SPORT S mode, if the driving 
mode select switch is turned backward, the 
“Sport S” indicator comes on.
•SPORT S+ mode
Provides earlier downshift timing than 
SPORT S mode in order  to maintain a high 
engine speed and provides faster gear 
changes. This mode also changes the 
steering feel, susp ension control and 
VDIM control, making it suitable for pow-
Driving mode select switch
The driving modes can be selected 
to suit driving condition.
Selecting the driving mode 

2404-6. Driving tips
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.216)
The Eco-friendly driving is possible by 
keeping the indicate of Hybrid System 
Indicator within Eco area. ( P.78)
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 
(LC500h)
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 

2545-3. Using the air conditioning system
■Outside/recirculated air mode
●Setting to the recirculated air mode tem-
porarily is recommended in preventing 
dirty air from entering the vehicle interior 
and helping to cool the vehicle when the 
outside air temperature is high.
●Outside/recirculated air mode may auto-
matically switch de pending on the tem-
perature setting or the inside 
temperature.
■Registering air condit ioning settings to 
electronic keys
●Unlocking the vehicle using an electronic 
key and turning the engine switch 
conditioning settings.
●When the engine switch 
is turned off, the current air conditioning 
settings will automatically be registered 
to the electronic key that was used to 
unlock the vehicle.
●The system may not operate correctly if 
more than one electr onic key is in the 
vicinity or if the smart access system with 
push-button start is used to unlock the 
passenger door.
●The doors that can recall the air condi-
tioning setting* when unlocked using the 
smart access system with push-button 
start can be changed. For details, contact 
your Lexus dealer.
*: The doors that can recall the driving posi-
tion memory are changed at the same 
time.
■Operation of the air conditioning sys-
tem in Eco drive mode
In Eco drive mode, the air conditioning sys-
tem is controlled as follows to prioritize fuel 
efficiency:
●Engine speed and compressor operation 
controlled to restri ct heating/cooling 
capacity
●Fan speed restricted when automatic 
mode is selected
To improve air condit ioning performance, 
perform the following operations:
●Turn off eco air conditioning mode 
(  P.255)
●Adjust the fan speed
●Turn off Eco drive mode ( P.216)
■When the outside temperature falls to 
nearly 32°F (0°C)
The dehumidification function may not 
operate even when “A/C” is selected.
■Ventilation and air conditioning odors
●To let fresh air in, set the air conditioning 
system to the outside air mode.
●During use, various odors from inside and 
outside the vehicle may enter into and 
accumulate in the air conditioning sys-
tem. This may then cause odor to be 
emitted from the vents.
●To reduce potential odors from occur-
ring:
• It is recommended that the air condition- ing system be set to outside air mode 
prior to turning the vehicle off.
• The start timing of the blower may be  delayed for a short pe riod of time imme-
diately after the air conditioning system is 
started in automatic mode or with the 
micro dust and pollen filter on.
●When parking, the system automatically 
switches to fresh air intake mode to 
encourage better air circulation through-
out the vehicle, helping to reduce odors 
that occur when starting the vehicle.
■Using the voice command system
Air conditioning system can be operated 
using voice commands. For details, refer to 
the “NAVIGATION SYSTEM OWNER’S 
MANUAL”.
■Air conditioning filter
 P.320
■Customization
Settings (e.g. A/C Auto  switch operation) 
can be changed. 
(Customizable features  P.395) 

2565-3. Using the air conditioning system
minates on the control screen.
Sub function menu
When the sub function button on the 
Remote Touch is pressed, the following 
functions can be switched on and off.
: Set Lexus Climate Concierge 
(  P.250)
“AUTO”: Set automatic mode on/off 
(  P.257)
“Off”: Turn the fan off
“A/C”: Set cooling and dehumidification 
function
“DUAL”: Adjust the temperature for driver 
and passenger seats separately (“DUAL” 
mode) ( P.258)
: Set eco air conditioning mode
■Option control screen
Select   on the sub menu to display 
the option control screen.
The functions can be  switched on and off.
When the function is on, the indicator illu-
minates on the screen.
Set Lexus Climate Concierge 
( P.250)
Adjusting the temperature for 
driver and passenger seats sepa-
rately (“DUAL” mode) ( P.258)
Set eco air conditioning mode
Air conditioning and heater output is lim-
ited to prioritize fuel economy.
Cooling and dehumidification func-
tion
Prevent ice from building up on the 
windshield and wiper blades 
(Windshield wiper de-icer) (if 
equipped)
Removing pollen from the air 
(Micro dust and pollen filter)
■Side display
Display the heated steering 
wheel/seat heaters/seat ventilators 
control screen (if equipped) 
( P.260)
Adjust the left-hand side tempera-
ture setting
Adjust the fan speed setting
Adjust the right-hand side tem-
perature setting
Set cooling and dehumidification 
function on/off
Adjust the temperature for the 
driver’s and front passenger’s seats 
separately (“DUAL” mode) 
( P.258)
Select the air flow mode
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
A
B
C
D
E
F
G 

2846-1. Maintenance and care
3Remove dust using a vacuum 
cleaner etc. to clean the filter.
Also, remove dust on the grille as well as on 
the filter using a vacuum cleaner.
4Install the filter in its original posi-
tion, and then install the grille.
5 Start the hybrid system and check 
that the warning message on the 
multi-information display disap-
pears.
It may take several minutes before the 
warning message disappears.
■Scheduled maintenance of the air 
intake filters is  necessary when
In some situations such as when the vehicle 
is used frequently or in  heavy traffic or dusty 
areas, the air intake filters may need to be 
cleaned more regularly.
For details, refer to  “Owner’s Manual Sup-
plement” or “Scheduled Maintenance”.
■Air intake vents maintenance
●If the vehicle is driven with the air intake 
vents clogged, charging/discharging of 
the hybrid battery (traction battery) may 
become limited and the fuel consumption 
may increase.
●Depending on the conditions under 
which the vehicle is used, the air intake 
vents may need to be cleaned more reg-
ularly.
■Cleaning the air intake vents
●Dust in the air intake  vents may interfere 
with the cooling of the hybrid battery 
(traction battery). If  charging/discharging  of the hybrid battery (traction battery) 
becomes limited, the distance that the 
vehicle can be driven using the electric 
motor (traction moto
r) may be reduced 
and the fuel economy may be reduced.
Inspect and clean the air intake vents 
periodically.
●Improper handling may result in damage 
to the air intake vent covers or filters. If 
you have any concerns about cleaning 
the filters, contact your Lexus dealer.
●The necessary cleaning interval of the air 
intake vents will diff er according to the 
vehicle usage environment.
■If “Maintenance required for Traction 
battery cooling parts See owner’s man-
ual” is displayed on the multi-informa-
tion display
●If this warning message is displayed on 
the multi-information display, remove the 
air intake vent covers and clean the filters. 
(  P.283)
●After cleaning the air intake vents, start 
the hybrid system and check that the 
warning message is no longer displayed.
After the hybrid system  is started, it may 
be necessary to drive the vehicle up to 
approximately 20 minutes before the 
warning message disapp ears. If the warn-
ing message does not disappear after 
driving for appropri ately 20 minutes, 
have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus 
dealer.
WARNING
■When cleaning the hybrid battery 
(traction battery) ai r intake vents/fil-
ters
●Do not use water or other liquids to 
clean the air intake vents/filters. If 
water is applied to  the hybrid battery 
(traction battery) or other compo-
nents, a malfunction or fire may occur.
●When the air intake vent covers (under 
the both sides of the rear seat) are to 
be removed, make sure to turn the 
power switch off to stop the hybrid sys-
tem. 

2856-1. Maintenance and care
6
Maintenance and care
Remove dirt using a water-damp-
ened soft cloth or synthetic chamois.
 Wipe the surface with a dry soft 
cloth to remove any remaining 
moisture.
■Cleaning the areas with satin-finish 
metal accents
The metal areas use a layer of real metal for 
the surface. It is necessary to clean them 
regularly. If dirty area s are left uncleaned for 
long periods of time, they may be difficult to 
clean.
 Remove dirt and dust using a vac-
uum cleaner.
 Wipe off any excess dirt and dust 
with a soft cloth dampened with 
diluted detergent.
Use a diluted water solution of approxi-
mately 5% neutral wool detergent.
Wring out any excess water from 
the cloth and thoroughly wipe off all 
remaining traces of detergent.
 Wipe the surface with a dry soft 
NOTICE
■When cleaning the air intake vents
When cleaning the air intake vents, make 
sure to only use a vacuum to suck out 
dust and clogs. If a compressed air blow 
gun, etc. is used to blow out dust and 
clogs, the dust or clogs may be pushed 
into the air intake ve nts, which may affect 
the performance of the hybrid battery 
(traction battery) and cause a malfunc-
tion.
■To prevent damage to the vehicle
●Do not allow water or foreign matter to 
enter the air intake vents when the 
cover is removed.
●Carefully handle the removed filters so 
that it will not be damaged.
If the filters are damaged, have them 
replaced with new filters by your Lexus 
dealer.
●Make sure to reinst all the filters and 
cover to their original positions after 
cleaning.
●Do not install anything to the air intake 
vents other than the exclusive filters for 
this vehicle or use the vehicle without 
the filters installed.
■If “Maintenance required for traction 
battery cooling parts See owner’s 
manual” is displayed on the multi-
information display
If the vehicle is continuously driven with 
the warning message (indicating that 
charging/discharging  of the hybrid bat-
tery [traction battery] may become lim-
ited) displayed, the hybrid battery 
(traction battery) may malfunction. If the 
warning message is displayed, clean the 
air intake vents immediately.
Cleaning the areas  with satin-fin-
ish metal accents
Cleaning the leather areas