
1454-1. Before driving
4
Driving
WARNING
●Sudden acceleration, engine braking 
due to shifting, or changes in engine 
speed could cause the vehicle to skid, 
resulting in an accident.
●After driving through a puddle, lightly 
depress the brake pedal to make sure 
that the brakes are functioning prop-
erly. Wet brake pads may prevent the 
brakes from functioning properly. If the 
brakes on only one side are wet and 
not functioning properly, steering con-
trol may be affected.
■When shifting the shift position
●LC500: Do not let the vehicle roll 
backward while a forward driving posi-
tion is selected, or roll forward while 
the shift position is in R. 
Doing so may cause the engine to stall 
or lead to poor brake and steering 
performance, resulting in an accident 
or damage to the vehicle. 
LC500h: Do not let the vehicle roll 
backward while a forward driving posi-
tion is selected, or roll forward while 
the shift position is in R. 
Doing so may result in an accident or 
damage to the vehicle.
●Do not shift the shift position to P while 
the vehicle is moving. 
Doing so can damage the transmission 
and may result in a loss of vehicle con-
trol.
●Do not shift the shift position to R while 
the vehicle is moving forward. 
Doing so can damage the transmission 
and may result in a loss of vehicle con-
trol.
●Do not shift the shift position to a driv-
ing position while the vehicle is moving 
backward. 
Doing so can damage the transmission 
and may result in a loss of vehicle con-
trol.
●LC500: Changing the shift position to 
N while the vehicle is moving will dis-
engage the engine from the transmis-
sion. Engine braking is not available 
when N is selected. 
LC500h: Changing the shift position 
to N while the vehicle is moving will 
disengage the hybrid system. Engine 
braking is not available with the hybrid 
system disengaged.
●Be careful not to change the shift posi-
tion with the accelerator pedal 
depressed. Changing the shift posi-
tion to any positions other than P or N 
may lead to unexpected rapid acceler-
ation of the vehicle that may cause an 
accident and result in death or serious 
injury. 
After changing the shift position, make 
sure to confirm the current shift posi-
tion displayed on the shift position indi-
cator inside the meter.
■Brake pad wear
If any of the following situations occurs, 
have the brake pads visually checked and 
replaced by your Lexus dealer as soon as 
possible.
●If the thickness of the brake pads 
exceeds the brake pad wear limit when 
visually checking all four brake pads 
(for the brake pad wear limit, refer to 
P.392)
●If “Brake Pad Wear Visit Your Dealer” 
is displayed (only the right-side pads 
can be detected)
Rotor damage may result if the pads are 
not replaced when needed. Moderate 
levels of the brake pad and disc wear 
allow enhanced braking power. As a 
result, the discs may wear more quickly 
than conventional brake discs. Therefore, 
when replacing the brake pads, Lexus 
recommends that you also have the 
thickness of the discs measured. It is dan-
gerous to drive the vehicle when the 
wear limits of the brake pads and/or 
those of the brake discs are exceeded. 

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. 

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. 

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 

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 

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)