Page 161 of 436

1614-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
is discharged. Check the 12-volt battery in
this situation. (P.361)
■Driving mode
P.216
■Snow mode
Snow mode can be selected to suit the
conditions when dr iving on slippery
road surfaces, such as on snow.
Turn the switch backward.
The snow mode indicator comes on. Turn the switch backward again to
return to normal mode.
■Snow mode automatic deactivation
Snow mode is automatically deactivated if
the engine switch is turned off after driving
in snow mode.
To drive using temporary shift range
selection, operate the “-” or “+” paddle
shift switch.
When the “-” paddle shift switch is
operated, the shift range switches to a
range that enables engine braking
force that is suitable to driving condi-
tions. When the “+” paddle shift switch
is operated, the shift range switches to
a range that is one range higher than
the current range.
Changing the shift range allows
restriction of the highest gear, prevent-
ing unnecessary upshifting and
enabling the level of engine braking
force to be selected.
WARNING
■P position switch
●Do not press the P position switch
while the vehicle is moving.
If the P position switch is pressed when
driving at very low speeds (for exam-
ple, directly before stopping the vehi-
cle), the vehicle may stop suddenly
when the shift position switches to P,
which could lead to an accident.
●In order to prevent the shift position
from accidentally being changed, do
not touch the P position switch or shift
lever when not using them.
NOTICE
■Notes regarding shift lever and P
position switch operation
Avoid repeatedly operating the shift
lever and P position switch in quick suc-
cession.
The system protection function may acti-
vate and it will not be temporarily possi-
ble to shift the shift position other than P.
If this happens, plea se wait for a while
before attempting to change the shift
position again.
Selecting the driving mode
Selecting shift ranges in the D
position
Page 162 of 436

1624-2. Driving procedures
1Upshifting
2 Downshifting
The selected shift rang e, from D1 to D10,
will be displaye d in the meter.
To return to normal D position driving, the
“+” paddle shift switch must be held down
for a period of time.
A lower shift range will provide greater
engine braking forces than a higher shift
range.
■Automatic deactivation of shift range
selection in the D position
Shift range selection in the D position will
be deactivated in the following situations:
●When the vehicle comes to a stop
●If the accelerator pedal is depressed for
more than a certain period of time
●When the shift lever is moved to D again
●When pressing and holding the “+” pad-
dle shift switch
■Downshifting restriction warning
buzzer
To help ensure safety and driving perfor- mance, downshifting operation may some-
times be restricted. In
some circumstances,
downshifting may not be possible even
when the paddle shift switch is operated. (A
buzzer will sound twice.)
To enter M mode, shift the shift position
to M. Gears can be selected by oper-
ating the paddle shift switches, allowing
you to drive in the gear of your choos-
ing.
1 Upshifting
2 Downshifting
The gear changes once every time the
paddle shift switch is operated.
The selected gear, from M1 to M10, will be
fixed and displayed in the meter.
When in the M position, the gear will
not change unless the paddle shift
switches are operated.
However, even when in the M position,
the gears will be automatically
changed in the following situation:
When vehicle speed drops (down-
shift only).
When it is necessary to protect the
engine or automatic transmission
when the engine coolant tempera-
ture is low, the automatic transmis-
Meter dis-
playFunction
D2 - D10
A gear in the range between D1 and the selected shift
range is automatically cho- sen depending on vehicle
speed and driving conditions
D1Setting the shift range at D1
Selecting gears in the M position
Page 163 of 436

1634-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
sion fluid temperature is high or low,
or other reasons.
Also, the gear will not shift when the
vehicle speed is low, even if an upshift
operation is performed.
■Downshifting restriction warning
buzzer
To help ensure safety and driving perfor-
mance, downshifting operation may some-
times be restricted. In some circumstances,
downshifting may not be possible even
when the paddle shift switch is operated. (A
buzzer will sound twice.)
*1: To improve fuel efficiency and reduce
noise, set the shift position in D for nor-
mal driving. You can choose gear range
suitable for your driving situation by
operating the paddle shift switches.
*2: Any gear range can be fixed when driv-ing in M mode.
■For the shift positions
●When the power switch is off, the shift
position cannot be changed.
●When the power switch is in ON mode
(the hybrid system is not operating), the
shift position can only be changed to N.
●When the “READY” indicator is on, the
shift position can be changed from P to D,
N or R.
●When the “READY” indicator is flashing,
the shift position cannot be changed from
P to another position even if the shift lever
is operated. Wait until the “READY” indi-
Hybrid transmission
(LC500h)
Select the shift position depending
on your purpose and situation.
Shift position purpose and func-
tions
Shift posi-
tionObjective or function
PParking the vehicle/starting the hybrid system
RReversing
NNeutral (Condition in which
the power is not transmitted)
DNormal driving*1
MM mode driving*2 ( P.168)
Page 164 of 436

1644-2. Driving procedures
cator changes from a flashing to a solid
light, and then operate the shift lever
again.
●The shift position can only be changed to
M directly from D.
In addition, if an atte mpt is made to change
the shift position by moving the shift lever or
by pressing the P position switch in any of
the following situations, the buzzer will
sound and the shifting operation will be dis-
abled or the shift position will automatically
change to N. When this happens, select an
appropriate shift position.
●Situations where the shifting operation
will be disabled:
• When an attempt is made to change the shift position from P to another position
by moving the shift lever without depress-
ing the brake pedal.
• When an attempt is made to change the shift position from P or N to M by moving
the shift lever.
• When the P position switch is pressed
while the vehicle is running.
*1
●Situations where the shift position will
automatically change to N:
• When an attempt is made to select the R
position by moving the shift lever when
the vehicle is moving forward.
*2
• When an attempt is made to select the D position by moving the shift lever when
the vehicle is moving in reverse.
*3
• When the shift position is changed from R to M
●If N is selected while driving at a certain
speed, even if the shift lever is not held in
the N position, the shift position changes
to N. In this situation, the buzzer sounds
and a confirmation message is displayed
on the multi-information display to inform
the driver that the shift position has
changed to N.
*1: Shift position may be changed to P when
driving at extremely low speeds.
*2: Shift position may be changed to R when driving at low speeds.
*3: Shift position may be changed to D when driving at low speeds.
■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 flui d 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 dynamic radar cruise
control with full-speed range activated
●When dynamic radar cruise control with
full-speed range is operating, the system
does not respond to paddle shift switch
operations.
●Even when the drivin g mode is switched
to sport mode with the intent of enabling
engine braking, dynamic radar cruise
control with full-speed range is not can-
celed and engine braking is not activated.
■Restraining sudden start (Drive-Start
Control)
P.139
■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 position following the mes-
sages on the multi-information display.
■After recharging/reconnecting the 12-
volt battery
P.303
Page 165 of 436

1654-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
■Customization
Settings (e.g. revers e warning buzzer) can
be changed.
(Customizable features: P.395)
Shift lever
Operate the shift lever gently and securely
in the direction of the arrow on the shift
position indicator.
To shift to N, slide the shift lever in the
direction of the arrow and hold it.
Release the shift lever after each shifting
operation to allow it to return to its regular
position ( ).
Shifting to M is only possible when the shift
position is in D.
When shifting from P to N, D or R, from N,
D, M or R to P, from D or M to R, or from R
to D, ensure that the brake pedal is being
depressed and the vehicle is stationary.
Shift position indicator
Meter display:
The current shift position is highlighted.
When any shift position other than D or M
is selected, the arrow toward M and M
position indicator are displayed in gray.
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 spin or skid, resulting
in an accident.
NOTICE
■Hybrid battery (traction 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 syst em appears on the
multi-information display.
●The display indicates that no shift posi-
tion is selected for more than a few
seconds.
Shifting the shift lever
A
B
Page 166 of 436

1664-2. Driving procedures
Shift lever display:
The current shift position is illuminated.
When selecting the shift position, make
sure that the shift position has been
changed to the desired position by check-
ing the shift position indicator provided on
the instrument cluster.
P position switch
■When shifting the shift position to P
Fully stop the vehicle and set the park-
ing brake, and then press the P position
switch.
When the shift position is changed to P, the
switch illuminates.
Check that the shift position indicator
shows P.
■Shifting the shift position from P to
other positions
While depressing the brake pedal
firmly, operate the shift lever. If the
shift lever is operated without
depressing the brake pedal, the
buzzer will sound and the shifting
operation will be disabled.
When selecting the shift position,
make sure that the shift position has
been changed to the desired posi-
tion by checking the shift position
indicator provided on the instru-
ment cluster.
The shift position cannot be
changed from P to M directly.
■Automatic P position selection function
In the following situations, the shift position
is automatically changed to P.
●When pressing the power switch with the
vehicle stopped while the power switch is
in ON mode and the shift position is in a
position other than P (after the shift posi-
tion has changed to P, the power switch
will turn off)
*
●When the vehicle is stopped after the
hybrid system has been stopped in an
emergency while driving
●When voltage of the 12-volt battery
drops while the shift po sition is in a posi-
tion other than P
*: When the power switch is pressed while
driving at extremely slow speeds, such as
immediately before stopping the vehicle,
the shift position may automatically
change to P. Make sure that the vehicle is
completely stopped before pressing the
power switch.
■If the shift position cannot be shifted
from P
There is a possibility that the 12-volt battery
WARNING
■For the shift lever
●Do not remove the sh ift lever knob or
use anything but a genuine Lexus shift
lever knob. Also, do not hang anything
on the shift lever.
Doing so could prevent the shift lever
from returning to position, causing
unexpected accidents to occur when
the vehicle is in motion.
●In order to prevent the shift position
from accidentally being changed, do
not touch the shift lever when not using
them.
P position switch
C
Page 167 of 436

1674-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
is discharged. Check the 12-volt battery in
this situation. (P.361)
■Driving mode
P.216
■Snow mode
Snow mode can be selected to suit the
conditions when dr iving on slippery
road surfaces, such as on snow.
Turn the switch backward.
The snow mode indicator comes on. Turn the switch backward again to
return to normal mode.
■Snow mode automatic deactivation
Snow mode is automatically deactivated if
the power switch is turned off after driving
in snow mode.
To drive using temporary shift range
selection, operate the “-” or “+” paddle
shift switch.
When the “-” paddle shift switch is
operated, the shift range switches to a
range that enables engine braking
force that is suitable to driving condi-
tions. When the “+” paddle shift switch
is operated, the shift range switches to
a range that is one range higher than
the current range.
Changing the shift range allows
restriction of the highest shift range,
preventing unnecessary upshifting and
enabling the level of engine braking
force to be selected.
WARNING
■P position switch
●Do not press the P position switch
while the vehicle is moving.
If the P position switch is pressed when
driving at very low speeds (for exam-
ple, directly before stopping the vehi-
cle), the vehicle may stop suddenly
when the shift position switches to P,
which could lead to an accident.
●In order to prevent the shift position
from accidentally being changed, do
not touch the P position switch or shift
lever when not using them.
NOTICE
■Notes regarding shift lever and P
position switch operation
Avoid repeatedly operating the shift
lever and P position switch in quick suc-
cession.
The system protection function may acti-
vate and it will not be temporarily possi-
ble to shift the shift position other than P.
If this happens, plea se wait for a while
before attempting to change the shift
position again.
Selecting the driving mode
Selecting shift ranges in the D
position
Page 168 of 436

1684-2. Driving procedures
1Upshifting
2 Downshifting
The selected shift rang e, from D1 to D10,
will be displaye d in the meter.
To return to normal D position driving, the
“+” paddle shift switch must be held down
for a period of time.
A lower shift range will provide greater
engine braking forces than a higher shift
range.
■Automatic deactivation of shift range
selection in the D position
Shift range selection in the D position will
be deactivated in the following situations:
●When the vehicle comes to a stop
●If the accelerator pedal is depressed for
more than a certain period of time
●When the shift lever is moved to D again
●When the “+” paddle shift switch is
pressed and held
●When dynamic radar cruise control with
full-speed range is operating
■Downshifting restriction warning
buzzer
To help ensure safety and driving perfor-
mance, downshifting operation may some-
times be restricted. In some circumstances,
downshifting may not be possible even
when the paddle shift switch is operated. (A
buzzer will sound twice.)
To enter M mode, shift the shift position
to M. Gears can be selected by oper-
ating the paddle shift switches, allowing
you to drive in the gear of your choos-
ing.
1 Upshifting
2 Downshifting
The gear changes once every time the
paddle shift switch is operated.
The selected gear, from M1 to M10, will be
fixed and displayed in the meter.
When in the M position, the gear will
not change unless the paddle shift
switches are operated.
However, even when in the M position,
the gears will be automatically
changed in the following situation:
When vehicle speed drops (down-
shift only).
When vehicle speed increases
(upshift only).
Meter dis-
playFunction
D2 - D10
A gear in the range between D1 and the selected shift
range is automatically cho- sen depending on vehicle
speed and driving conditions
D1Setting the shift range at D1
Selecting gears in the M position