
1634-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
In addition, if an attempt is made to change 
the shift position by moving 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 position 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.
■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 automatic transmission
If the automatic transmission fluid tempera-
ture is high, “Transmission Fluid Temp High 
See Owner’s Manual” will be displayed on 
the multi-information display and the vehi-
cle 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
Even when performing the following 
actions with the intent of enabling engine 
braking, engine braking will not be acti-
vated because dynamic radar cruise con-
trol with full-speed range will not be 
canceled.
●While driving in the D position, down-
shifting to 9, 8, 7, 6, 5 or 4.
●When switching the driving mode to 
sport mode while driving in D position. 
(  P.224)
■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 M cancels the function.)
■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 position 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) 

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. 

3597-2. Steps to take in an emergency
7
When trouble arises
■If a message that indicates the need for the shift lever operation is shown
To prevent the shift lever from being operated incorrectly or the vehicle from moving unex-
pectedly, a message that requires  shifting the shift lever may be shown on the multi-informa-
tion display. In that case, follow the instruction of the me ssage and shift the shift lever.
■If a message that indicates the malfunction of front camera is displayed
The following systems may be suspended un til the problem shown in the message is 
resolved. ( P.198, 347)
●PCS (Pre-Collision System)
●LKA (Lane-Keeping Assist)
●Automatic High Beam
●Dynamic radar cruise control with full-speed range
■If “Engine Stopped Steering  Power Low” (LC500) or “H ybrid System Stopped Steer-
ing Power Low” (LC500h) is shown
The steering wheel may become extremely heavy. If the steering wheel becomes heavier 
than usual when operating, hold firmly and operate using more force than usual.
■If “Warming Up Maximum Vehicle Speed: 65MPH” is shown (LC500h)
The transmission is being warmed up and the ve hicle is unable to be driven over 65 mph 
(110 km/h). Wait until th e transmission warms up.
■If “Stop the vehicle in a safe place Shift to P position” is shown (LC500h)
There may be a malfunction in th e hybrid system or the shift position may be shifted to N for 
a long time. Immediately stop the vehicle and contact your Lexus dealer.
■If “Oil Maintenance Required Soon” is shown (LC500h)
The engine oil is scheduled to be changed. Check the engine oil, and change if necessary. 
After changing the engine oil,  the message should be reset. (P.295)
■If “Maintenance Required Soon” is shown
Indicates that all maintenance according to th e driven distance on the maintenance sched-
ule
* should be performed soon. The message  is shown approximately 4500 miles (7200 
km) after the message has been reset. If necessary, perform maintenance.
*: Refer to the separate “Sched uled Maintenance” or “Owner’s  Manual Supplement” for the 
maintenance interval app licable to your vehicle.
■If “Engine Oil Level Low Add or Replace” is shown
The engine oil level is low. Chec k the level of engine oil, and add if necessary. This message 
may appear if the vehicle is stopped on a slope. Move the vehicle to a level surface and 
check to see if the message disappears.
■If a message that indicates the need for referring to Owner’s Manual is shown
●If any of the following messages is shown on  the multi-information display, follow the 
instructions.
• “Engine Coolant Temp High” ( P.376, 379)
•“Battery low” ( P.369)
• “Transmission Fluid Temp High” ( P.163, 170)
●If any of the following messages is shown on the multi-information di splay, it may indicate 
a malfunction. Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
• “Access System with  Elec. Key Malfunction”