1424-1. Before driving
4-1.Before driving
■Starting the engine
P.152, 156
■Driving
1 With the brake pedal depressed,
shift the shift position to D.
(P.164, 171)
Check that the shift position indicator
shows D.
2 If the parking brake is in manual
mode, release the parking brake.
(P.176)
3 Gradually release the brake pedal
and gently depress the accelerator
pedal to accelerate the vehicle.
■Stopping
1 With the shift position in D, depress
the brake pedal.
2 If necessary, set the parking brake.
If the vehicle is to be stopped for an
extended period of time, shift the shift posi-
tion to P. ( P.164, 171)
■Parking the vehicle
1 Stop the vehicle completely.
2 If the parking brake is in manual
mode, set the parking brake.
(P.176)
3 Shift the shift position to P. ( P.165,
171)
Check that the shift position indicator shows P.
4
Press the engine switch
5 Slowly release the brake pedal.
6 Lock the door, making sure that you
have the electronic key on your
person.
If parking on a hill, block the wheels as
needed.
■Starting off on a steep uphill
1 Firmly depress the brake pedal and
shift the shift position to D.
The hill-start assist control will be activated.
( P.243)
2 Set the parking brake. ( P.176)
3 Release the brake pedal and gently
depress the accelerator pedal to
accelerate the vehicle.
4 Release the parking brake.
(P.176)
■For fuel-efficient driving (LC500h)
Keep in mind that hybr id vehicles are similar
to conventional vehicles, and it is necessary
to refrain from activi ties such as sudden
acceleration. ( P.249)
■Driving in the rain
●Drive carefully when it is raining, because
visibility will be reduced, the windows
may become fogged-up, and the road
will be slippery.
●Drive carefully when it starts to rain,
because the road surface will be espe-
cially slippery.
●Refrain from high speeds when driving on
an expressway in the rain, because there
may be a layer of wa ter between the tires
and the road surface, preventing the
steering and brakes from operating prop-
erly.
Driving the vehicle
The following procedures should be
observed to ensure safe driving:
Driving procedure
1434-1. Before driving
4
Driving
■Engine speed while driving
In the following conditions, the engine
speed may become high while driving. This
is due to automatic up-shifting control or
down-shifting implementation to meet driv-
ing conditions. It does not indicate sudden
acceleration.
●The vehicle is judged to be driving uphill
or downhill
●When the accelerato r pedal is released
●When the brake pedal is firmly or quickly
depressed
■Restraining the engine
output (Brake Override System)
●When the accelerator and brake pedals
are depressed at the same time, the
engine
restrained.
●A warning message is displayed on the
multi-information display while the sys-
tem is operating. If a warning message is
shown on the multi-information display,
read the message and follow the instruc-
tions.
■Restraining sudden start (Drive-Start
Control)
●When the following unusual operation is
performed, the engine
output may be restrained.
• When the shift position is shifted from R
to D, D to R, N to R, P to D
*or P to R* (D
includes M) with the accelerator pedal
depressed, a warning message appears
on the multi-information display. If a
warning message is shown on the multi-
information display, read the message
and follow the instructions.
• When the accelerator pedal is depressed
too much while the vehicle is in reverse.
*: Depending on the situation, the shift posi-
tion may not be changed.
●While Drive-Start Control is being acti-
vated, your vehicle may have trouble
escaping from the mud or fresh snow. In
such case, deactivate TRAC ( P.244)
to cancel Drive-Start Control so that the
vehicle may become able to escape from
the mud or fresh snow.
■Breaking in your new Lexus
To extend the life of the vehicle, observing
the following precautions is recommended:
●For the first 186 miles (300 km):
Avoid sudden stops.
●For the first 621 miles (1000 km):
• Do not drive at extremely high speeds.
• Avoid sudden acceleration.
• Do not drive continuously in low gears.
• Do not drive at a constant speed for extended periods.
■Drum-in-disc type parking brake system
Your vehicle has a drum-in-disc type park-
ing brake system. This type of brake system
needs bedding-down of the brake shoes
periodically or whenever the parking brake
shoes and/or drum are replaced. Have your
Lexus dealer perform the bedding down
operation.
■Operating your vehicle in a foreign
country
Comply with the relevant vehicle registra-
tion laws and confirm the availability of the
correct fuel. ( P.388)
■Brake pads and discs (vehicles with
manual type head restraint)
The brake pads and discs are designed for
use under high load conditions. Therefore,
brake noise may be generated depending
on the vehicle speed, braking force and
vehicle environment (temperature, humid-
ity, etc.).
WARNING
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or
serious injury.
■When starting the vehicle
LC500: Always keep your foot on the
brake pedal while stopped with the
engine running. This prevents the vehicle
from creeping.
LC500h: Always keep your foot on the
brake pedal while stopped with the
“READY” indicator is illuminated. This
prevents the vehicle from creeping.
1464-1. Before driving
WARNING
■When the vehicle is stopped
●LC500: Do not race the engine.
If the shift position is any position other
than P or N, the vehicle may acceler-
ate suddenly and unexpectedly, caus-
ing an accident.
LC500h: Do not depress the acceler-
ator pedal unnecessarily.
If the shift position is any position other
than P or N, the vehicle may acceler-
ate suddenly and unexpectedly, caus-
ing an accident.
●LC500: In order to prevent accidents
due to the vehicle rolling away, always
keep depressing the brake pedal while
the engine is running, and apply the
parking brake as necessary.
LC500h: In order to prevent acci-
dents due to the vehicle rolling away,
always keep depressing the brake
pedal while stopped with the
“READY” indicator is illuminated, and
apply the parking brake as necessary.
●If the vehicle is stopped on an incline,
in order to prevent accidents caused
by the vehicle rolling forward or back-
ward, always depress the brake pedal
and securely apply the parking brake
as needed.
●Avoid revving or racing the engine.
Running the engine at high speed
while the vehicle is stopped may cause
the exhaust system to overheat, which
could result in a fire if combustible
material is nearby.
■When the vehicle is parked
●Do not leave glasses, cigarette lighters,
spray cans, or soft drink cans in the
vehicle when it is in the sun.
Doing so may result in the following:
• Gas may leak from a cigarette lighter or spray can, and may lead to a fire.
• The temperature inside the vehicle may cause the plastic lenses and plas-
tic material of glasses to deform or
crack.
• Soft drink cans may fracture, causing the contents to spray over the interior
of the vehicle, and may also cause a
short circuit in the vehicle’s electrical
components.
●Do not leave cigarette lighters in the
vehicle. If a cigare tte lighter is in a
place such as the glove box or on the
floor, it may be lit accidentally when
luggage is loaded or the seat is
adjusted, causing a fire.
●Do not attach adhesive discs to the
windshield or windows. Do not place
containers such as air fresheners on
the instrument panel or dashboard.
Adhesive discs or containers may act
as lenses, causing a fire in the vehicle.
●Do not leave a door or window open if
the curved glass is coated with a met-
allized film such as a silver-colored
one. Reflected sunlight may cause the
glass to act as a lens, causing a fire.
1474-1. Before driving
4
Driving
WARNING
●LC500: Always apply the parking
brake, shift the shift position to P, stop
the engine and lock the vehicle.
Do not leave the vehicle unattended
while the engine is running.
If the vehicle is parked with the shift
position in P but the parking brake is
not set, the vehicle may start to move,
possibly leading to an accident.
LC500h: Always apply the parking
brake, shift the shift position to P, stop
the hybrid system and lock the vehicle.
Do not leave the vehicle unattended
while the “READY” indicator is illumi-
nated.
If the vehicle is parked with the shift
position in P but the parking brake is
not set, the vehicle may start to move,
possibly leading to an accident.
●LC500: Do not touch the exhaust
pipes while the engine is running or
immediately after turning the engine
off.
Doing so may cause burns.
LC500h: Do not touch the exhaust
pipes while the “READY” indicator is
illuminated or immediately after turn-
ing the hybrid system off.
Doing so may cause burns.
■When taking a nap in the vehicle
Always turn the engine
off. Otherwise, if yo u accidentally move
the shift lever or de press the accelerator
pedal, this could cause an accident or fire
due to engine
ing. Additionally, if the vehicle is parked
in a poorly ventilated area, exhaust gases
may collect and enter the vehicle, lead-
ing to death or a serious health hazard.
■When braking
●When the brakes are wet, drive more
cautiously.
Braking distance increases when the
brakes are wet, and this may cause one
side of the vehicle to brake differently
than the other side. Also, the parking
brake may not securely hold the vehi-
cle.
●If the electronically controlled brake
system does not operate, do not follow
other vehicles closely and avoid hills or
sharp turns that require braking.
In this case, braking is still possible, but
the brake pedal should be depressed
more firmly than usual. Also, the brak-
ing distance will in crease. Have your
brakes fixed immediately.
●The brake system consists of 2 or more
individual hydraulic systems; if one of
the systems fails, the other(s) will still
operate. In this case, the brake pedal
should be depressed more firmly than
usual and the braking distance will
increase. Have your brakes fixed
immediately.
NOTICE
■When driving the vehicle
●Do not depress the accelerator and
brake pedals at th e same time while
driving, as this may restrain the engine
●Do not use the accelerator pedal or
depress the accelerator and brake
pedals at the same time to hold the
vehicle on a hill.
■Avoiding damage to vehicle parts
●Do not turn the steering wheel fully in
either direction and hold it there for an
extended period of time.
Doing so may damage the power
steering motor.
●When driving over bumps in the road,
drive as slowly as possible to avoid
damaging the wheels, underside of the
vehicle, etc.
■If you get a flat tire while driving
A flat or damaged tire may cause the fol-
lowing situations. Hold the steering
wheel firmly and gradually depress the
brake pedal to slow down the vehicle.
●It may be difficult to control your vehi-
cle.
1484-1. Before driving
Cargo capacity depends on the total
weight of the occupants.
(Cargo capacity) = (Total load capac-
ity) (Total weight of occupants)
NOTICE
●The vehicle will make abnormal
sounds or vibrations.
●The vehicle will lean abnormally.
Information on what to do in case of a flat
tire ( P.362)
■When encountering flooded roads
Do not drive on a road that has flooded
after heavy rain etc. Doing so may cause
the following serious damage to the vehi-
cle:
●Engine stalling
●Short in electrical components
●Engine damage caused by water
immersion
In the event that you drive on a flooded
road and the vehicle is flooded, be sure
to have your Lexus dealer check the fol-
lowing:
●Brake function
●Changes in quantity and quality of oil
and fluid used for the engine, transmis-
sion, differential, etc.
●Lubricant condition for the propeller
shaft, bearings and suspension joints
(where possible), and the function of
all joints, bearings, etc.
If the shift control system is damaged by
flooding, it may not be possible to shift
the shift position to P, or from P to other
positions. In this case, contact your Lexus
dealer.
■When parking the vehicle
Always set the parking brake, and shift
the shift position to P. Failure to do so
may cause the vehicle to move or the
vehicle may accelerate suddenly if the
accelerator pedal is accidentally
depressed.
Cargo and luggage
Take notice of the following infor-
mation about storage precautions,
cargo capacity and load:
WARNING
■Things that must not be carried in the
trunk
The following things may cause a fire if
loaded in the trunk:
●Receptacles containing gasoline
●Aerosol cans
■Storage precautions
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may prevent the pedals
from being depressed properly, may
block the driver’s vision, or may result in
items hitting the driver or passengers,
possibly causing an accident.
●Stow cargo and luggage in the trunk
whenever possible.
●Do not place cargo or luggage in or on
the following locations.
• At the feet of the driver
• On the front passenger or rear seats (when stacking items)
• On the package tray
• On the instrument panel
•On the dashboard
• In front of the Center Display
●Secure all items in the occupant com-
partment.
Capacity and distribution
1524-2. Driving procedures
4-2.Driving procedures
1Press the parking brake switch to
check that the parking brake is set.
(P.176)
The parking brake indicator will come on.
2 Firmly depress the brake pedal.
and a message will be displayed on
the multi-information display.
If it is not displayed, the engine cannot be
started.
3 Press the engine switch shortly and
firmly.
When operating the engine switch, one
short, firm press is enough. It is not neces-
sary to press and hold the switch.
The engine will crank until it starts or for up
to 30 seconds, whichever is less.
Continue depressing the brake pedal until
the engine is completely started.
The engine can be started from any engine switch mode.
■Engine switch illumination
According to the situation, the engine
switch illumination operates as follows.
●When a door is opened, or the engine
switch mode is changed from ACCES-
SORY or IGNITION ON mode to off,
the engine switch illumination slowly
blinks.
●When depressing the brake pedal with
carrying the electronic key on your per-
son, the engine switch illumination rapidly
blinks.
●When the engine sw itch is in ACCES-
SORY or IGNITION ON mode, the
engine switch illumination illuminates.
■If the engine does not start
●The engine immobilizer system may not
have been deactivated. ( P.70)
Contact your Lexus dealer.
●If a message related to start-up is shown
on the multi-information display, read the
message and follow the instructions.
●If the door is unlock ed with the mechani-
cal key, the engine cannot be started
using the smart access system with push-
button start. Refer toP.368 to start the
engine. However, if the electronic key is
carried inside the vehicle and the doors
are locked ( P.112), engine can be
started.
Engine (ignition) switch
(LC500)
Performing the following opera-
tions when carryin g the electronic
key on your person starts the
engine or changes engine switch
modes.
Starting the engine
1544-2. Driving procedures
1Stop the vehicle completely.
2 If the parking brake is in manual
mode, set the parking brake.
(P.176)
3 Shift the shift position to P.
(P.165)
Check that the shift position indicator
shows P. ( P.164)
4 Press the engine switch.
The engine will stop, and the meter display
will be extinguished (the shift position indi-
cator will be extinguished a few seconds
after the meter display).
5 Check that “ACCESSORY” or
“IGNITION ON” is not shown on
the meter.
■Automatic engine shut off feature
●The vehicle is equipped with a feature
that automatically shuts off the engine
when the shift position is in P with the
engine running for an extended period.
●The engine will automatically shut off
after approximately 1 hour if it has been
left running while the shift position is in P.
●The timer for the automatic engine shut
off feature will reset if the brake pedal is
depressed or if the shift position is in a
position other than P.
●After the vehicle is parked, if the door is
locked with the door lock switch ( P.112)
from the inside or the mechanical key (
P.367) from the outside, the auto-
matic engine shut off feature will be dis-
abled. The timer for the automatic engine
shut off feature will be re-enabled if the
driver’s door is opened.
■Automatic P position selection function
P.165
NOTICE
■Symptoms indicating a malfunction
with the engine switch
If the engine switch seems to be operat-
ing somewhat differently than usual, such
as the switch sticking slightly, there may
be a malfunction. Contact your Lexus
dealer immediately.
Stopping the engine
WARNING
■Stopping the engine in an emergency
●If you want to stop the engine in an
emergency while driving the vehicle,
press and hold the engine switch for
more than 2 seconds, or press it briefly
3 times or more in succession.
( P.338)
However, do not touch the engine
switch while driving except in an emer-
gency. Turning the engine off while
driving will not cause loss of steering
or braking control, however, power
assist to the steering will be lost. This
will make it more difficult to steer
smoothly, so you should pull over and
stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to
do so.
●If the engine switch is operated while
the vehicle is running, a warning mes-
sage will be shown on the multi-infor-
mation display and a buzzer sounds.
●When restarting the engine after an
emergency shutdown, press the
engine switch.
■When parking
Exhaust gases include harmful carbon
monoxide (CO), which is colorless and
odorless. Observe the following precau-
tions.
Failure to do so may cause exhaust gases
to enter the vehicle and may lead to an
accident caused by light-headedness, or
may lead to death or a serious health
hazard.
●If the vehicle is in a poorly ventilated
area or a closed area, such as a
garage, stop the engine.
1554-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
Modes can be changed by pressing
the engine switch with the brake pedal
released. (The mode changes each
time the switch is pressed.)
1Off
The emergency flashers can be used.
2ACCESSORY mode
Some electrical components such as the
audio system can be used. “ACCESSORY” will be displayed on the
meter.
3
IGNITION ON mode
All electrical components can be used.
“IGNITION ON” will be displayed on the
meter.
■Auto power off function
If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY mode
for more than 20 minutes or IGNITION
ON mode (the engine is not running) for
more than an hour with the shift position in
P, the engine switch will automatically turn
off. However, this function cannot entirely
prevent the 12-volt battery discharge. Do
not leave the vehicle with the engine switch
in ACCESSORY or IGNITION ON mode
for long periods of time when the engine is
not running.
■When the shift control system malfunc-
tions
When attempting to turn the engine switch
off while there is a ma lfunction in the shift
control system, the engine switch mode
may change to ACCESSO RY mode. In this
case, ACCESSORY mode may be turned
off by applying the parking brake and press-
ing the engine switch ag ain. If there is a mal-
function in the system, have the vehicle
inspected by your Lexus dealer immedi-
ately.
WARNING
●Do not leave the vehicle with the
engine running for a long time. If such
a situation cannot be avoided, park the
vehicle in an open space and ensure
that exhaust fumes do not enter the
vehicle interior.
●Do not leave the engine running in an
area with snow build-up, or where it is
snowing. If snowbanks build up around
the vehicle while the engine is running,
exhaust gases may collect and enter
the vehicle.
Changing engine switch modes
NOTICE
■To prevent 12-volt battery discharge
●Do not leave the engine switch in
ACCESSORY or IGNITION ON
mode for long periods of time without
the engine running.
●If “ACCESSORY” or “IGNITION
ON” is displayed on the meter, the
engine switch is not off.
Exit the vehicle after turning the
engine switch off.