
1634-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
In addition, if an attempt 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 automatic transmission
If the automatic transmission fluid tempera-
ture is high, “Transmission Fluid Temp High 
See Owner’s Manual” will be displayed on 
the multi-information display and the vehi-
cle 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
Even when performing the following 
actions with the intent of enabling engine 
braking, engine braking will not be acti-
vated because dynamic radar cruise con-
trol with full-speed range will not be 
canceled.
●While driving in the D position, down-
shifting to 9, 8, 7, 6, 5 or 4.
●When switching the driving mode to 
sport mode while driving in D position. 
(  P.224)
■Restraining sudden start (Drive-Start 
Control)
 P.143
■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 M cancels the function.)
■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.311
■Customization
Settings (e.g. revers e warning buzzer) can 
be changed. (Customizable features: 
 P.405) 

1684-2. Driving procedures
●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-
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.)Selecting gears in the M position 

1704-2. Driving procedures
■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 fluid 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.143
■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 positi on following the mes-
sages on the multi-information display.
■After recharging/reconnecting the 12-
volt battery
 P.311
■Customization
Settings (e.g. revers e warning buzzer) can 
be changed. 
(Customizable features:  P.405)
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 sp in or skid, resulting 
in an accident.
NOTICE
■Hybrid battery (t raction 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 system appears on the 
multi-information display.
●The display indicates  that no shift posi-
tion is selected for more than a few 
seconds. 

1754-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
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).
 When the accelerator pedal is firmly 
depressed.
 When it is necessary to protect the 
transmission fluid temperature is 
high or low, or other reasons.
 When particulate matter has accu-
mulated in the exhaust filter.
Also, the gear will not shift when the 
vehicle speed is low, even if an upshift 
operation is performed.
■Downshifting restrictions 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 Right turn
2 Lane change to the right (move the 
lever partway and release it)
The right hand signals will flash 3 times.
3Lane change to the left (move the 
lever partway and release it)
The left hand signals will flash 3 times.
4Left turn
■Turn signals can be operated when
The engine switch 
IGNITION ON mode 
■If the indicator flashes faster than usual
Check that a light bulb  in the front or rear 
turn signal lights has not burned out.
■If the turn signals stop flashing before a 
lane change has been performed
Operate the lever again.
Turn signal lever
Operating instructions 

2976-2. Maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
Radiator/con-
denser
The radiator and con-
denser should be free 
from foreign objects. 
( P.309)
Washer fluid
Is there sufficient 
washer fluid? 
( P.310)
Trunk
ItemsCheck points
12-volt battery
Check the battery fluid 
level and connections. 
( P.311)
Vehicle interior
ItemsCheck points
Accelerator 
pedal
• The accelerator 
pedal should move 
smoothly (without 
uneven pedal effort 
or catching).
Automatic trans-
mission “Park” 
mechanism 
(LC500)/Hybrid 
transmission 
“Park” mecha-
nism (LC500h)
•When parked on a slope and the shift 
position is in P, is the 
vehicle securely 
stopped?
ItemsCheck points
Brake pedal
•Does the brake pedal move 
smoothly?
•Does the brake  pedal have appro-
priate clearance 
from the floor?
•Does the brake  pedal have the cor-
rect amount of free 
play?
Brakes
•The vehicle should not pull to one side 
when the brakes are 
applied.
• The brakes should  work effectively.
• The brake pedal  should not feel 
spongy.
• The brake pedal  should not get too 
close to the floor 
when the brakes are 
applied.
Head restraints
•Do the head restraints move 
smoothly and lock 
securely?
Indicators/buzz-
ers•Do the indicators and buzzers function 
properly?
Lights
• Do all the lights come on?
• Are the headlights  aimed correctly?
ItemsCheck points 

3597-2. Steps to take in an emergency
7
When trouble arises
■If a message that indicates the need for the shift lever operation is shown
To prevent the shift lever from being operated incorrectly or the vehicle from moving unex-
pectedly, a message that requires  shifting the shift lever may be shown on the multi-informa-
tion display. In that case, follow the instruction of the me ssage and shift the shift lever.
■If a message that indicates the malfunction of front camera is displayed
The following systems may be suspended un til the problem shown in the message is 
resolved. ( P.198, 347)
●PCS (Pre-Collision System)
●LKA (Lane-Keeping Assist)
●Automatic High Beam
●Dynamic radar cruise control with full-speed range
■If “Engine Stopped Steering  Power Low” (LC500) or “H ybrid System Stopped Steer-
ing Power Low” (LC500h) is shown
The steering wheel may become extremely heavy. If the steering wheel becomes heavier 
than usual when operating, hold firmly and operate using more force than usual.
■If “Warming Up Maximum Vehicle Speed: 65MPH” is shown (LC500h)
The transmission is being warmed up and the ve hicle is unable to be driven over 65 mph 
(110 km/h). Wait until th e transmission warms up.
■If “Stop the vehicle in a safe place Shift to P position” is shown (LC500h)
There may be a malfunction in th e hybrid system or the shift position may be shifted to N for 
a long time. Immediately stop the vehicle and contact your Lexus dealer.
■If “Oil Maintenance Required Soon” is shown (LC500h)
The engine oil is scheduled to be changed. Check the engine oil, and change if necessary. 
After changing the engine oil,  the message should be reset. (P.295)
■If “Maintenance Required Soon” is shown
Indicates that all maintenance according to th e driven distance on the maintenance sched-
ule
* should be performed soon. The message  is shown approximately 4500 miles (7200 
km) after the message has been reset. If necessary, perform maintenance.
*: Refer to the separate “Sched uled Maintenance” or “Owner’s  Manual Supplement” for the 
maintenance interval app licable to your vehicle.
■If “Engine Oil Level Low Add or Replace” is shown
The engine oil level is low. Chec k the level of 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 message disappears.
■If a message that indicates the need for referring to Owner’s Manual is shown
●If any of the following messages is shown on  the multi-information display, follow the 
instructions.
• “Engine Coolant Temp High” ( P.376, 379)
•“Battery low” ( P.369)
• “Transmission Fluid Temp High” ( P.163, 170)
●If any of the following messages is shown on the multi-information di splay, it may indicate 
a malfunction. Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
• “Access System with  Elec. Key Malfunction” 

3918-1. Specifications
8
Vehicle specifications
■Spark plug
■12-volt battery
LC500
LC500h
*: The fluid capacity is a reference quantity.If replacement is necessary, contact your Lexus dealer.
Ignition system
LC500LC500h
MakeDENSO FK20HBR-J8DENSO FK20HBR8
Gap0.031 in. (0.8 mm)0.031 in. (0.8 mm)
NOTICE
■Iridium-tipped spark plugs
Use only iridium-tipped spark plugs.  Do not adjust the spark plug gap.
Electrical system
Open voltage at 68°F (20°C):12.3 V or higher
(Turn the engine switch off and turn on the headlights 
for 20 to 30 seconds.)
Charging rates
Quick charge
Slow charge
15 A max.
5 A max.
Open voltage at 68°F (20°C):12.0 V or higher
(Turn the power switch off and turn on the high beam 
headlights for 30 seconds.)
Charging rates
Quick charge
Slow charge
15 A max.
5 A max.
Automatic transmission (LC500)
Fluid capacity*9.3 qt. (8.8 L, 7.7 Imp.qt.)
Fluid typeToyota Genuine ATF WS 

3928-1. Specifications
*: The fluid capacity is a reference quantity.If replacement is necessary, contact your Lexus dealer.
*: Your Lexus vehicle is filled with “Toyota Genu ine Differential Gear Oil” at the factory.
Use Lexus approved “Toyota Genu ine Differential Gear Oil” or an equivalent of match-
ing quality to satisfy the above  specification. Please contact your Lexus dealer for further 
details.
NOTICE
■Automatic transmission fluid type
Using transmission fluid other than the above type may cause abnormal noise or vibra-
tion, or damage the transmission of your vehicle.
Hybrid transmission (LC500h)
Fluid capacity*7.2 qt. (6.8 L, 6.0 Imp.qt.)
Fluid typeToyota Genuine ATF WS
NOTICE
■Hybrid transmission fluid type
Using transmission fluid other than the above type may cause abnormal noise or vibra-
tion, or ultimately damage the transmission of your vehicle.
Differential
Oil capacity0.90 qt. (0.85 L, 0.75 Imp.qt.)
Oil type and viscosity
Without LSD (Limited Slip Differential)
Toyota Genuine Differential gear oil LT 
75W-85 GL-5 or equivalent
*
With LSD (Limited Slip Differential)
Toyota Genuine Differential gear oil LX 
75W-85 GL-5 or equivalent
*
Brakes
Pedal clearance*15.2 in. (132 mm) Min.
Pedal free play0.04   0.24 in. (1.0   6.0 mm)
Brake pad wear limit0.04 in. (1.0 mm)