
2274-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
• When the engine switch 
TION ON mode 
■If “Clean Parking Assist Sensor” is dis-
played on the multi-information display
A sensor may be dirty or covered with snow 
or ice. In such cases,  if it is removed from 
the sensor, the system should return to nor-
mal.
Also, due to the sensor being frozen at low 
temperatures, a malfunction display may 
appear or an obstacle may not be detected. 
If the sensor thaws out, the system should 
return to normal.
■If “Parking Assist Malfunction” or “Park-
ing Assist Malfunction Visit Your 
Dealer” is displayed on the multi-infor-
mation display
There is a malfunction and the device may 
not be working properly.
Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus 
dealer.
■Sensor detectio n information
●The sensor’s detection areas are limited 
to the areas around the vehicle’s front and 
rear bumpers.
●Certain vehicle conditions and the sur-
rounding environment may affect the 
ability of the sensor to correctly detect 
obstacles. Particular instances where this 
may occur are listed below.
• There is dirt, snow or ice on the sensor.  (Wiping the sensors will resolve this 
problem.)
• The sensor is frozen. (Thawing the area  will resolve this problem.) 
In especially cold weather, if a sensor is 
frozen the screen may show an abnormal 
display, or obstacles may not be 
detected.
• The sensor is covered in any way.
• The vehicle is leaning considerably to one  side.
• On an extremely bumpy road, on an  incline, on gravel, or on grass.
• The vicinity of the vehicle is noisy due to 
vehicle horns, motorcycle engines, air 
brakes of large vehicles, or other loud 
noises producing ultrasonic waves.
• There is another vehicle equipped with  parking assist sensor in the vicinity.
• The sensor is coated with a sheet of spray  or heavy rain.
• The vehicle is equipped with a fender  pole or wireless antenna.
• Towing eyelets are installed.
• The bumper or sensor receives a strong 
impact.
• The vehicle is approaching a tall or 
curved curb.
• In harsh sunlight or intense cold weather.
• The area directly under the bumpers is  not detected.
• If obstacles draw too  close to the sensor.
• A non-genuine Lexus suspension (low-
ered suspension etc.) is installed.
• People may not be detected if they are  wearing certain types of clothing.
In addition to the examples above, there are 
instances in which, be cause of their shape, 
signs and other objects may be judged by 
the sensor to be closer than they are.
●The shape of the obstacle may prevent 
the sensor from detecting it. Pay particu-
lar attention to the following obstacles:
• Wires, fences, ropes, etc.
• Cotton, snow and other materials that 
absorb sound waves
• Sharply-angled objects
• Low obstacles
• Tall obstacles with upper sections pro- jecting outwards in the direction of your 
vehicle
●The following situations may occur 
during use.
• Depending on the shape of the obstacle  and other factors, the detection distance 
may shorten, or detection may be impos-
sible.
• Obstacles may not be detected if they 
are too close to the sensor.
• There will be a short delay between  obstacle detection and display. Even at 
slow speeds, there is  a possibility that the 
obstacle will come within the sensor’s 
detection areas befo re the display is 
shown and the warning beep sounds.
• Thin posts or object s lower than the sen-
sor may not be detected when 
approached, even if they have been 
detected once.
• It might be difficult to hear beeps due to  

2434-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
■ECB (Electronically Controlled 
Brake System)
The electronically controlled system 
generates braking force correspond-
ing to the brake operation
■ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the 
brakes are applied suddenly, or if the 
brakes are applied while driving on a 
slippery road surface
■Brake assist
Generates an increased level of brak-
ing force after the brake pedal is 
depressed when the system detects a 
panic stop situation
■VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)
Helps the driver to  control skidding 
when swerving sudden ly or turning on 
slippery road surfaces
■TRAC (Traction Control)
Helps to maintain drive power and pre-
vent the drive wheels from spinning 
when starting the vehicle or accelerat- ing on slippery roads
■Active Cornering Assist (ACA) (if 
equipped)
Helps to prevent the vehicle from drift-
ing to the outer side by performing 
inner wheel brake control when 
attempting to accele rate while turning
■Hill-start assist control
Helps to reduce the backward move-
ment of the vehicle when starting on an 
uphill
■VGRS (Variable Gear Ratio Steer-
ing) (if equipped)
Adjusts the front wheel turning angle in 
accordance with the vehicle speed and 
steering wheel movement
■DRS (Dynamic Rear Steering) (if 
equipped)
Contributes to the turning characteris-
tics and responsiveness of the vehicle 
by slightly adjusting the rear wheel 
angle of the vehicle in accordance with 
steering wheel movement
■EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce 
the amount of effort needed to turn the 
steering wheel
■AVS (Adaptive Variable Suspen-
sion System)
By independently controlling the 
damping force of th e shock absorbers 
for each of the 4 wheels according to 
the road and driving conditions, this 
system helps riding comfort with supe-
rior vehicle stability, and helps good 
vehicle posture.
Also, the damping force changes 
Driving assist systems
To keep driving safety and perfor-
mance, the following systems oper-
ate automatically in response to 
various driving situations. Be aware, 
however, that these systems are 
supplementary and should not be 
relied upon too heavily when oper-
ating the vehicle.
Summary of the driving assist 
systems 

2444-5. Using the driving support systems
depending on the selected driving 
mode. (P.224)
■LDH (Lexus Dynamic Handling 
system) (if equipped)
Provides integrated control of the 
VGRS, DRS and EPS. Contributes to 
turning characteristics at low speeds, 
responsiveness at medium speeds and 
safety at high speeds by controlling the 
steering angle of the front and rear 
wheels in accordance with the steering 
wheel operation and vehicle speed
■VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Inte-
grated Management)
Provides integrated control of the 
ABS, brake assist, TRAC, VSC, hill-
start assist control, EPS, VGRS (if 
equipped) and DRS (if equipped) sys-
tems
Helps to maintain vehicle stability when 
swerving on slippery road surfaces by 
controlling the brakes, engine 
equipped), and steering ratio (if 
equipped)
■Secondary Collision Brake
When the SRS airbag sensor detects a 
collision and the system operates, the 
brakes and brake lights are automati-
cally controlled to reduce the vehicle 
speed and help redu ce the possibility 
of further damage due to a secondary 
collision
■When the 
TRAC/VSC/ABS/VGRS*/DRS* sys-
tems are operating
The slip indicator light will flash while the  TRAC/VSC/ABS/VGRS
*/DRS* systems 
are operating.
*: Only when controlled by the VDIM sys-
tem.
■Disabling the TRAC system
If the vehicle gets stuck in mud, dirt or snow, 
the TRAC system may reduce power from 
the engine 
Pressing the   switch  to turn the sys-
tem off may make it easier for you to rock 
the vehicle in order to free it.
To turn the TRAC system off, quickly press 
and release the   switch.
“Traction Control Turned Off” will be shown 
on the multi-information display. 
Press the   switch again to turn the sys-
tem back on.
■Turning off both TRAC and VSC sys-
tems
To turn the TRAC and VSC systems off, 
press and hold the   switch for more 
than 3 seconds while the vehicle is stopped.
The VSC OFF indicator light will come on 
and the “Traction Control Turned Off” will 
be shown on the multi-information display.
* 

2454-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
Press the   switch again to turn the sys-
tem back on.
*: PCS (Pre-Collision System) will also be disabled (only Pre-Collision warning is 
available). The PCS warning light will 
come on and a message will be displayed 
on the multi-information display. 
( P.206)
■When the message is displayed on the 
multi-information display showing that 
TRAC has been disabled even if the 
 switch has not been pressed
TRAC is temporary deactivated. If the infor-
mation continues to show, contact your 
Lexus dealer.
■Operating conditions of hill-start assist 
control
When the following four conditions are met, 
the hill-start assist control will operate:
●The shift position is in a position other 
than P or N (when starting off for-
ward/backward on an  upward incline).
●The vehicle is stopped.
●The accelerator pedal is not depressed.
●The parking brake is not engaged.
■Automatic system cancelation of hill-
start assist control
The hill-start assist control will turn off in any 
of the following situations:
●The shift position is shifted to P or N.
●The accelerator pedal is depressed.
●The parking brake is engaged.
●2 seconds at maximum elapsed after the 
brake pedal is released.
■VGRS is disabled when
VGRS may stop operating in the following 
situations. 
In this event, the steering wheel may move 
from its straight forward position, but it will 
return when the system restarts.
●When the steering wheel is operated for 
an extended period  of time while the  vehicle is stopped or is moving very 
slowly 
(on vehicles with LDH, DRS is disabled 
together with VGRS)
●When the steering wheel has been held 
fully to the left or right
The center position of the steering wheel 
may change when VGRS is disabled. How-
ever, the position will return to normal after 
VGRS is reactivated.
■When the 12-volt battery is discon-
nected (vehicles with VGRS)
The steering wheel may move from its 
straight forward position, but this will be 
corrected automatically when driving.
■Sounds and vibrations caused by the 
ABS, brake assist, VSC, TRAC, hill-start 
assist control and VGRS systems
●A sound may be heard from the engine 
compartment when the brake pedal is 
depressed repeatedly, when the engine 
vehicle begins to move. This sound does 
not indicate that a malfunction has 
occurred in any of these systems.
●Any of the following conditions may 
occur when the above systems are oper-
ating. None of these indicates that a mal-
function has occurred.
• Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle 
body and steering.
• A motor sound may be heard also after  the vehicle comes to a stop.
■ECB operating sound
ECB operating sound may be heard in the 
following cases, but it does not indicate that 
a malfunction has occurred.
●Operating sound heard from the engine 
compartment when the brake pedal is 
operated.
●Motor sound of the brake system heard 
from the front part of the vehicle when 
the driver’s door is opened.
●Operating sound heard from the engine 
compartment when one or two minutes 
passed after the stop of the engine 

2474-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
WARNING
●When driving over roads with potholes 
or uneven surfaces
■TRAC/VSC may not operate effec-
tively when
Directional control and power may not 
be achievable while driving on slippery 
road surfaces, even if the TRAC/VSC 
system is operating. 
Drive the vehicle carefully in conditions 
where stability and power may be lost.
■Active Cornering Assist does not 
operate effectively when
●Do not overly rely  on Active Corner-
ing Assist. Active Cornering Assist 
may not operate effectively when 
accelerating down slopes or driving on 
slippery road surfaces.
●When Active Cornering Assist fre-
quently operates, Active Cornering 
Assist may temporarily stop operating 
to ensure proper operation of the 
brakes, TRAC and VSC.
■Hill- start assist control does not 
operate effectively when
●Do not overly rely on hill-start assist 
control. Hill-start assist control may 
not operate effectively on steep 
inclines and roads covered with ice.
●Unlike the parking brake, hill-start 
assist control is not intended to hold 
the vehicle stationary for an extended 
period of time. Do not attempt to use 
hill-start assist control to hold the vehi-
cle on an incline, as doing so may lead 
to an accident.
■When the TRAC/ABS/ 
VSC/VGRS*/DRS* is activated
The slip indicator light flashes. Always 
drive carefully. Re ckless driving may 
cause an accident. Exercise particular 
care when the indicator light flashes.
*: Only when controlled by the VDIM 
system.
■When the TRAC/VSC systems are 
turned off
Be especially careful and drive at a speed 
appropriate to the road conditions. As 
these are the systems to help ensure 
vehicle stability and driving force, do not 
turn the TRAC/VSC systems off unless 
necessary.
■Replacing tires
Make sure that all ti res are of the speci-
fied size, brand, tread pattern and total 
load capacity. In addition, make sure that 
the tires are inflated to the recom-
mended tire inflation pressure level.
The ABS, TRAC and VSC systems will 
not function correctly if different tires are 
installed on the vehicle. 
Contact your Lexus dealer for further 
information when replacing tires or 
wheels.
■Handling of tires and the suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or 
modifying the suspensi on will affect the 
driving assist systems, and may cause a 
system to malfunction.
■Secondary Collision Brake
Do not rely solely upon the Secondary 
Collision Brake. This system is designed 
to help reduce the possibility of further 
damage due to a secondary collision, 
however, that effect changes according 
to various conditions. Overly relying on 
the system may result in death or serious 
injury. 

2484-6. Driving tips
4-6.Driving tips
When using Eco drive mode, the 
torque corresponding to the accelera-
tor pedal depression amount can be 
generated more smoothly than it is in 
normal conditions. In addition, the 
operation of the air conditioning sys-
tem (heating/cooling) will be mini-
mized, improving the fuel economy. 
( P.224)
The Eco-friendly driving is possible by 
keeping the indicate of Hybrid System 
Indicator within Eco area. ( P.80)
Shift the shift position to D when 
stopped at a traffic light, or driving in 
heavy traffic etc. Shift the shift position 
to P when parking. When using the N 
position, there is no positive effect on 
fuel consumption. In the N position, the 
gasoline engine operates but electric-
ity cannot be generated. Also, when 
using the air conditio ning system, etc., 
the hybrid battery (traction battery) 
power is consumed. 
Drive your vehicle smoothly. Avoid 
abrupt acceleration and decelera-
tion. Gradual acceleration and 
deceleration will make more effec-
tive use of the electric motor (trac-
tion motor) without having to use 
gasoline engine power.
 Avoid repeated acceleration. 
Repeated acceleration consumes 
hybrid battery (traction battery) 
power, resulting in poor fuel con-
sumption. Battery power can be 
restored by driving with the acceler-
ator pedal slightly released.
Make sure to operate the brakes gently 
and in a timely manner. A greater 
amount of electrical energy can be 
regenerated when slowing down.
Repeated acceleration and decelera-
tion, as well as long waits at traffic 
lights, will lead to bad fuel economy. 
Check traffic reports before leaving 
and avoid delays as much as possible. 
When driving in a traffic jam, gently 
release the brake pedal to allow the 
vehicle to move forward slightly while 
avoiding overuse of the accelerator 
pedal. Doing so can help control 
excessive gasoline consumption.
Hybrid vehicle driving tips 
(LC500h)
For economical and ecological 
driving, pay attention to the follow-
ing points:
Using Eco drive mode
Use of Hybrid System Indicator
Changing the shift position
Accelerator pedal/brake pedal 
operation
When braking
Delays 

2514-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
any snow that has accumulated on 
the air inlet vents in front of the 
windshield.
 Check for and remove any excess 
ice or snow that may have accumu-
lated on the exterior lights, vehicle’s 
roof, chassis, around the tires or on 
the brakes.
 Remove any snow or mud from the 
bottom of your shoes before getting 
in the vehicle.
■To protect the windshield wipers
 P.188
Accelerate the vehicle slowly, keep a 
safe distance between you and the 
vehicle ahead, and drive at a reduced 
speed suitable to road conditions.
Park the vehicle and shift the shift posi-
tion to P without setting the parking 
brake. The parking brake may freeze 
up, preventing it from being released. If 
the vehicle is parked without setting 
the parking brake, make sure to block 
the wheels. 
Failure to do so may be dangerous 
because it may cause the vehicle to 
move unexpectedly, possibly leading to 
an accident.
Tire chains cannot be mounted.
Snow tires should be used instead.
To enable the windshield wipers to be 
lifted when heavy snow or icy condi-
tions are expected, change the rest 
position of the windshield wipers from 
the retracted position below the hood 
to the service position using the wiper 
lever. ( P.189)
When driving the vehicle
When parking the vehicle
Selecting tire chains
Windshield wipers 

2745-5. Using the storage features
1Using with half-open: Slide the 
armrest as far back while pressing 
the button.
Press the button to close.
2Using with fully open: Lift the arm-
rest while pulling the knob.
■Console box light
The console box light turns on when the tail 
lights are on.
■Using the auxiliary box
Do not place cups, beverage cans, etc. in 
the auxiliary box.
To open, press down and release the 
cup holder lid.
Console box/auxiliary box
WARNING
■When closing the console box
Take care to prevent your fingers etc. 
from being caught.
NOTICE
■To prevent damage  to the console 
box
●Do not pull the knob while sliding the 
armrest.
●Do not apply excessive force to the 
armrest.
Cup holder
WARNING
■Items unsuitable for the cup holder
Do not place anything other than a cup 
or beverage can in the cup holder. Even 
when the lid is closed, items must not be 
stored in the cup holder.
Other items may be thrown out of the 
holder in the event of an accident or sud-
den braking, causing  injury. If possible, 
cover hot drinks to prevent burns.
NOTICE
■To prevent damage to the cup holder 
and air conditioning control switches
●Do not apply excessive force to the 
cup holder.
●Take care when placing  a tall bottle in 
the cup holder. When the bottle is 
taken out or the brakes are suddenly 
applied, the bottle may hit the air con-
ditioning control switches, causing 
damage to the switches or parts of the 
air conditioning system.