
641-4. 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.405)
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
shielding, and therefore emit approxi-
mately the same amount of electromag-
netic waves as conventional gasoline 
powered vehicles or home electronic 
appliances.
●Your vehicle may cause sound interfer-
ence in some third party-produced radio 
parts.
■Hybrid battery (traction battery)
The hybrid battery (traction battery) has a 
limited service life.  The lifespan of the 
hybrid battery (traction battery) can 
change in accordance with driving style and 
driving conditions.
■Starting the hybrid system in an 
extremely cold environment
When the hybrid battery (traction battery) 
is extremely cold (below approximately -
22°F [-30°C]) under the influence of the 
outside temperature, it may not be possible 
to start the hybrid system. In this case, try to 
start the hybrid system again after the tem-
perature of the hybrid battery increases due 
to the outside temperature increase etc.
WARNING
■High voltage precautions
This vehicle has high voltage DC and AC 
systems as well as a 12-volt system. DC 
and AC high voltage is very dangerous 
and can cause severe burns and electric 
shock that may result in death or serious 
injury.
●Never touch, disassemble, remove or 
replace the high voltage parts, cables 
or their connectors.
●The hybrid system will become hot 
after starting as the system uses high 
voltage. Be careful of both the high 
voltage and the high temperature, and 
always obey the  warning labels 
attached to the vehicle.
●Never try to open the service plug 
access hole located behind the rear 
seats. The service pl ug is used only 
when the vehicle is serviced and is 
subject to high voltage.
■Road accident cautions
Observe the following precautions to 
reduce the risk of de ath or serious injury:
●Stop the vehicle in a safe place to pre-
vent subsequent accidents. While 
depressing the brake pedal, apply the 
parking brake and sh ift the shift posi-
tion to P to stop the hybrid system. 
Then, slowly release the brake pedal.
●Do not touch the high voltage parts, 
cables and connectors.
●If electric wires ar e exposed inside or 
outside your vehicle, an electric shock 
may occur. Never touch exposed elec-
tric wires.
●Do not touch the battery if liquid is 
leaking from or adhering to it. 
If electrolyte (carbonic-based organic 
electrolyte) from the hybrid battery 
(traction battery) comes into contact 
with the eyes or skin, it could cause 
blindness or skin wounds. In the 
unlikely event that it comes into con-
tact with the eyes or skin, wash it off 
immediately with a large amount of 
water, and seek immediate medical 
attention. 

772-1. Instrument cluster
2
Vehicle status information and indicators
Warning lights inform the driver of mal-
functions in the indicated vehicle sys-
tems.
*1: These lights turn on when the engine switch 
IGNITION ON mode 
Warning lights
(U.S.A.)
Brake system warning light*1 
(  P.347)
(red)
(Canada)
Brake system warning light*1 
(  P.347)
Charging system warning 
light
*2 (  P.347)
Low engine oil pressure 
warning light
*2 (  P.347)
(U.S.A.)
Malfunction indicator lamp*1 
(  P.348)
(Canada)
Malfunction indicator lamp*1 
(  P.348)
SRS warning light
*1 
(  P.348)
(U.S.A.)
ABS warning light*1 
(  P.348)
(Canada)
ABS warning light*1 
(  P.348)
(red)
Electric power steering sys-
tem warning light
*1 ( P.348)
(yellow)
Electric power steering sys-
tem warning light
*1 ( P.348)
(Flashes or 
illuminates)
PCS warning light*1 
(  P.349)
(orange)
LKA indicator*2 ( P.349)
Slip indicator
*1 (  P.349)
Brake Override System 
warning light 
(  P.350)/Drive-Start Con-
trol warning light
*2 (  P.350)
Brake hold operated indica-
tor
*1, 3 (  P.350)
(U.S.A.)
Parking brake indicator*3 
(  P.350)
(Canada)
Parking brake indicator*3 
(  P.350)
(yellow)
Brake system warning light*1 
(  P.351)
Low fuel level warning light 
(  P.351)
Driver’s and front passen-
ger’s seat belt  reminder light 
(  P.351)
Rear passengers’  seat belt 
reminder lights
*4 (  P.351)
Master warning light
*1 
(  P.352)
Tire pressure warning light
*1, 3 
(  P.352)
High coolant temperature 
warning light
*2 (  P.352)
(if equipped)
Hybrid system overheat 
warning light
*2( P.353) 

782-1. Instrument cluster
indicate that a system check is being 
performed. They will turn off after the 
engine 
after a few seconds. There may be a 
malfunction in a system if a light does 
not come on, or turn off. Have the vehi-
cle inspected by your Lexus dealer.
*2: This light illuminates on the multi-infor-mation display.
*3: The light flashes to indicate a malfunc-tion.
*4: This light illuminates on the center  panel.
The indicators inform the driver of the 
operating state of the vehicle’s various 
systems.
■Operation indicators
WARNING
■If a safety system  warning light does 
not come on
Should a safety system light such as the 
ABS and SRS warning light not come on 
when you start the engine 
are not available to he lp protect you in an 
accident, which could result in death or 
serious injury. Have the vehicle inspected 
by your Lexus dealer immediately if this 
occurs.
Indicators
Turn signal indicator 
(  P.175)
(U.S.A.)
Headlight indicator ( P.181)
(Canada)
Tail light indicator ( P.181)
Headlight high beam indica-
tor ( P.183)
Automatic High Beam indica-
tor
*1 ( P.184)
Cruise control indicator
*2 
(  P.214)
Dynamic radar cruise control 
indicator
*2 (  P.214)
Cruise control “SET” indica-
tor
*2 (  P.214)
(white)
LKA indicator*2 ( P.207)
(green)
LKA indicator*2 ( P.207)
(orange)
LKA indicator*2, 3 ( P.207)
(if equipped)
Intuitive parking assist indica-
tor ( P.225)
Slip indicator
*1, 3 (  P.244)
VSC OFF indicator
*1 
(  P.244)
PCS warning light
*1, 4 
(  P.200)
BSM (Blind Spot Monitor) 
outside rear view mirror indi-
cators
*5, 6 (  P.231)
BSM (Blind Spot Monitor) 
indicator ( P.231)
RCTA (Rear Cross Traffic 
Alert) indicator ( P.231)
Brake hold standby indica-
tor
*1 (  P.179)
Brake hold operated indica-
tor
*1 (  P.179)
Security indicator
*7 (  P.70, 
72) 

792-1. Instrument cluster
2
Vehicle status information and indicators
*1: These lights turn on when the engine switch 
IGNITION ON mode 
indicate that a system check is being 
performed. They will turn off after the 
engine 
after a few seconds. There may be a 
malfunction in a syst em if a light does 
not come on, or turn  off. Have the vehi-
cle inspected by your Lexus dealer.
*2: This light illuminates on the multi-infor- mation display.
*3: The light flashes to indicate that the sys-tem is operating.
*4: The light comes on when the system is  turned off.
*5: In order to confirm operation, the BSM outside rear view mirror indicators illu-
minate in the following situations: 
When the engine switch 
is turned to IGNITION ON mode 
turned on. 
When the BSM main switch is turned 
on while the engine switch 
If the system is func tioning correctly, the 
BSM outside rear view mirror indica-
tors will turn off after a few seconds. 
If the BSM outside rear view mirror indi-
cators do not illuminate or do not turn 
off, there may be a  malfunction in the 
system. 
Smart access system with 
push-button start indicator
*2 
(  P.152, 156)
(if equipped)
“READY” indicator ( P.156)
Low outside temperature 
indicator
*2, 8 (  P.82)
(if equipped)
Eco Driving Indicator Light*1 
(  P.80)
(if equipped)
EV indicator ( P.63)
(U.S.A.)
Parking brake indicator 
( P.176)
(Canada)
Parking brake indicator 
( P.176)
Snow mode indicator 
(  P.166, 173)
(if equipped)
EV drive mode indicator 
( P.160)
“Normal” indicator
*2 
(  P.224)
“Eco” indicator
*2 (  P.224)
“Sport S” indicator
*2 
(  P.224)
“Sport S+” indicator
*2 
(  P.224)
“Comfort” indicator
*2 
(  P.224)
“Custom” indicator*2 
(  P.224)
(U.S.A.)
“AIR BAG ON/OFF” 
indicator
*7 ( P.39)
(Canada)
“AIR BAG ON/OFF” 
indicator
*7 ( P.39) 

141
4
4
Driving
Driving
4-1. Before drivingDriving the vehicle ..................... 142
Cargo and luggage ................... 148
Vehicle load limits ...................... 150
Trailer towing ................................ 151
Dinghy towing .............................. 151
4-2. Driving procedures Engine (ignition) switch (LC500)......................................................... 152
Power (ignition) switch (LC500h) ......................................................... 156
EV drive mode (LC500h)..... 160
Automatic transmission (LC500) ......................................................... 162
Hybrid transmission (LC500h) ......................................................... 169
Turn signal lever.......................... 175
Parking brake .............................. 176
Brake Hold.................................... 179
4-3. Operating the lights and wipers Headlight switch .......................... 181
Automatic High Beam ............. 184
Windshield wipers and washer ......................................................... 187
4-4. Refueling Opening the fuel tank cap....... 191
4-5. Using the driving support sys- tems
Lexus Safety System + ............. 194
PCS (Pre-Collision System). 200
LKA (Lane-Keeping Assist) . 207Dynamic radar cruise control with 
full-speed range........................ 214
Driving mode select switch ...224
Intuitive parking assist ............. 225
BSM (Blind Spot Monitor) ..... 231
Active rear wing ........................ 240
Driving assist systems.............. 243
4-6. Driving tips Hybrid vehicle driving tips (LC500h)................................. 249
Winter driving tips ..................... 251 

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.