1564-2. 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 hybrid system can-
not be started.
When the shift position is N, the hybrid sys-
tem cannot start. Shift the shift position to P
when starting the hybrid system. ( P.171)
3 Press the power switch shortly and
firmly.
When operating the power switch, one
short, firm press is enough. It is not neces-
sary to press and hold the switch.
If the “READY” indicator turns on, the
hybrid system will operate normally.
Continue depressing the brake pedal until
the “READY” indicator is illuminated.
The hybrid system can be started from any power switch mode.
4
Check that the “READY” indicator
is illuminated.
If the “READY” indicator changes from a
flashing light to a solid light and the buzzer
sounds, the hybrid system is starting nor-
mally.
The vehicle will not move when the
“READY” indicator is off.
The vehicle can move when the “READY”
indicator is on even if the engine is
stopped. (The gasoline engine starts or
stops automatically in accordance with the
state of the vehicle.)
■Power switch illumination
According to the situation, the power
switch illumination operates as follows.
●When a door is opened, or the power
switch mode is changed from ACCES-
SORY or ON mode to off, the power
switch illumination slowly blinks.
●When depressing the brake pedal with
carrying the electronic key on your per-
son, the power switch illumination rapidly
blinks.
●When the power switch is in ACCES-
SORY or ON mode, the power switch
illumination illuminates.
■If the hybrid system does not start
●The 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-
Power (ignition) switch
(LC500h)
Performing the following opera-
tions when carrying the electronic
key on your person starts the hybrid
system or changes power switch
modes.
Starting the hybrid system
1584-2. Driving procedures
switch off, please wait a few seconds
before restarting the hybrid system.
■Customization
If the smart access sy stem with push-button
start has been deactivated in a customized
setting, refer to P.367.
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.171)
Check that the shift position indicator
shows P. ( P.171)
4 Press the power switch.
The hybrid system will stop, and the meter
display will be extinguished (the shift posi-
tion indicator will be extinguished a few
seconds after the meter display).
5Check that “ACCESSORY” or
“IGNITION ON” is not shown on
the meter.
■Automatic hybrid system shut off fea-
ture
●The vehicle is equipped with a feature
that automatically shuts off the hybrid sys-
tem when the shift position is in P with the
hybrid system operating for an extended
period.
●The hybrid system 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 hybrid system
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 hybrid system shut off feature will
be disabled. The timer for the automatic
hybrid system shut off feature will be re-
enabled if the driver ’s door is opened.
■Automatic P position selection function
P.172
WARNING
■When starting the hybrid system
Always start the hybr id system while sit-
ting in the driver’s seat. Do not depress
the accelerator pedal while starting the
hybrid system under any circumstances.
Doing so may cause an accident result-
ing in death or serious injury.
■Caution while driving
If hybrid system failure occurs while the
vehicle is moving, do not lock or open the
doors until the vehicle reaches a safe and
complete stop. Activation of the steering
lock in this circumst ance may lead to an
accident, resulting in death or serious
injury.
NOTICE
■When starting the hybrid system
If the hybrid system becomes difficult to
start, have your vehicle checked by your
Lexus dealer immediately.
■Symptoms indicating a malfunction
with the power switch
If the power 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 hybrid system
1594-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
Modes can be changed by pressing
the power 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.
3ON mode
All electrical components can be used.
“IGNITION ON” will be displayed on the
meter.
WARNING
■Stopping the hybrid system in an
emergency
●If you want to stop the hybrid system in
an emergency while driving the vehi-
cle, press and hold the power switch
for more than 2 seconds, or press it
briefly 3 times or more in succession.
( P.338)
However, do not touch the power
switch while driving except in an emer-
gency. Turning the hybrid system 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 power 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 hybrid system
after an emergency shutdown, press
the power 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 hybrid system.
●Do not leave the vehicle with the
hybrid system operating 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 hybrid system operat-
ing in an area with snow build-up, or
where it is snowing. If snowbanks build
up around the vehicle while the hybrid
system is operating, exhaust gases
may collect and enter the vehicle.
Changing power switch modes
1604-2. Driving procedures
■Auto power off function
If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY mode
for more than 20 minutes or ON mode (the
hybrid system is not operating) for more
than an hour with the shift position in P, the
power switch will automatically turn off.
However, this function cannot entirely pre-
vent the 12-volt battery discharge. Do not
leave the vehicle with the power switch in
ACCESSORY or ON mode for long peri-
ods of time when the hybrid system is not
operating.
■When the shift control system malfunc-
tions
When attempting to turn the power switch
off while there is a malfunction in the shift
control system, the power switch mode may
change to ACCESSORY mode. In this
case, ACCESSORY mode may be turned
off by applying the parking brake and press-
ing the power switch again. If there is a mal-
function in the system, have the vehicle
inspected by your Lexus dealer immedi-
ately.
Turns EV drive mode on/off
When EV drive mode is turned on, the EV
drive mode indicator will come on. Press-
ing the switch when in EV drive mode will
return the vehicle to normal driving (using
the gasoline engine and electric motor
[traction motor]).
■Situations in which EV drive mode can-
not be turned on
It may not be possible to turn EV drive
mode on in the following situations. If it can-
not be turned on, a buzzer will sound and a
message will be shown on the multi-infor-
NOTICE
■To prevent 12-volt battery discharge
●Do not leave the power switch in
ACCESSORY or ON mode for long
periods of time without the hybrid sys-
tem on.
●If “ACCESSORY” or “IGNITION
ON” is displayed on the meter, the
power switch is not off. Exit the vehicle
after turning the power switch off.
EV drive mode (LC500h)
In EV drive mode, electric power is
supplied by the hybrid battery
(traction battery), and only the
electric motor (traction motor) is
used to drive the vehicle.
This mode allows you to drive in res-
idential areas early in the morning
and late at night, or in indoor park-
ing lots etc. without concern for
noises and gas emissions.
However, when the vehicle proxim-
ity notification system is active, the
vehicle may produce sound.
Operating instructions
1644-2. Driving procedures
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
■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
1664-2. Driving procedures
*: When the engine 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 be fore pressing the
engine switch.
■When the engine swit ch is changed to
ACCESSORY mode with the shift posi-
tion held in N
●Performing the following operations
allows the engine switch to be set to
ACCESSORY mode with the shift posi-
tion held in N.
1 Operate the shift lever and change the
shift position to N when the engine is
running.
2 Return the shift lever to its regular posi-
tion ( ).
3 Operate the shift lever to N and hold it
there until the buzzer sounds.
4 Press the engine switch within 5 sec-
onds after the buzzer sounds.
The engine switch will be set to ACCES-
SORY mode with the shift position in N.
*
Make sure to check th at the buzzer sounds
and “Holding N Push P Switch When
Done” is displayed on the multi-information
display.
●To change to a shift position other than N,
press the P position switch. The shift posi-
tion will be changed to P.
*: To keep this state, do not operate the
engine switch. If the engine switch is
operated repeatedly, the engine switch
will turn off after the shift position has
automatically changed to P.
■If the shift position cannot be shifted
from P
There is a possibility that the 12-volt battery
is discharged. Check the 12-volt battery in
this situation. ( P.369)
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, please wait for a while
before attempting to change the shift
position again.
■When exiting the vehicle (driver’s
seat only)
Check that the shift position indicator
shows P and that the parking brake indi-
cator is illuminated before opening the
door and exiting the vehicle.
■When changing the engine switch to
ACCESSORY mode with the shift
position held in N
Even if the engine is not running, by oper-
ating the shift lever and the engine
switch, the engine switch may be
changed to ACCESSORY mode with
the shift position held in N. Make sure
that the engine is running before per-
forming the operation.
1694-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
*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- 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 attempt is made to change
the shift position by mo ving 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 posi tion 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.
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.174)
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.