
9
systems of the SRS airbag, seat belt 
pretensioner and Pop Up Hood micro 
gas generator system removed and 
disposed of by a qualified service shop 
or by your Lexus dealer before you 
scrap your vehicle.
Special handling may apply, See 
www.dtsc.ca.gov/
hazardouswaste/perchlorate.
Your vehicle has components that may 
contain perchlorate. These compo-
nents may include airb ag, seat belt pre-
tensioners, Pop Up Hood system, and 
wireless remote control batteries.
Perchlorate Material
WARNING
■General precautions while driving
Driving under the infl uence: Never drive 
your vehicle when un der the influence of 
alcohol or drugs that  have impaired your 
ability to operate your vehicle. Alcohol 
and certain drugs delay reaction time, 
impair judgment and reduce coordina-
tion, which could lead to an accident that 
could result in death or serious injury.
Defensive driving:  Always drive defen-
sively. Anticipate mistakes that other 
drivers or pedestrians might make and 
be ready to avoid accidents.
Driver distraction: Always give your full 
attention to driving. Anything that dis-
tracts the driver, such as adjusting con-
trols, talking on a cellular phone or 
reading can result in a collision with 
resulting death or serious injury to you, 
your occupants or others.
■General precaution regarding chil-
dren’s safety
Never leave children unattended in the 
vehicle, and never allow children to have 
or use the key.
Children may be able  to start the vehicle 
or shift the vehicle into neutral. There is 
also a danger that children may injure 
themselves by playing with the windows 
or other features of the vehicle. In addi-
tion, heat build-up or extremely cold 
temperatures inside the vehicle can be 
fatal to children. 

621-4. Hybrid system
1-4.Hybrid system
The illustration is an example for explanation and may differ from the actual item.
Gasoline engine
Electric motor (traction motor)
■When stopped/during start off
The gasoline engine stops
* when the 
vehicle is stopped. During start off, the 
electric motor (traction motor) drives 
the vehicle. When the accelerator 
pedal is only lightly depressed, such as 
when traveling on a level surface or  down a gentle slope, the engine is 
stopped* and the electr
ic motor (trac-
tion motor) is used.
When the shift position is in N, the 
hybrid battery (traction battery) is not 
being charged.
Hybrid system features (LC500h)
Your vehicle is a hybrid vehicle. It has characteristics different from conven-
tional vehicles. Be sure you are closely  familiar with the characteristics of your 
vehicle, and operate it with care.
The hybrid system combines the use of a  gasoline engine and an electric motor 
(traction motor) according to driving conditions, improving fuel efficiency and 
reducing exhaust emissions.
In addition to the conventional system,  exclusive control is performed for four 
driving conditions (starting off, acce lerating, low-speed driving and high-
speed cruising) to optimize the drive fo rce and fuel efficiency, allowing for a 
more powerful drive and a higher fuel efficiency.
System components
A
B 

651-4. Hybrid system
1
For safety and security
The illustration is an example for explanation and may differ from the actual item.
Warning label
Power control unit
Electric motor (traction motor)
Hybrid battery (traction battery)
Service plug
High voltage cables (orange)
Air conditioning compressor
■Running out of fuel
When the vehicle has run out of fuel and the 
hybrid system cannot be  started, refuel the 
vehicle with at least enough gasoline to 
make the low fuel level warning light 
(  P.351) go off. If th ere is only a small 
amount of fuel, the hybrid system may not 
be able to start. (The standard amount of  fuel is about 3.3 gal. [12.6 L, 2.8 Imp.gal.], 
when the vehicle is on a level surface. This 
value may vary when the vehicle is on a 
slope. Add extra fuel when the vehicle is 
inclined.)
■Electromagnetic waves
●High voltage parts and cables on hybrid 
vehicles incorporate electromagnetic 
Hybrid system precautions (LC500h)
Take care when handling the hybrid system,
 as it is a high voltage system (about 
650 V at maximum) as well as contains  parts that become extremely hot when 
the hybrid system is operating. Obey th e warning labels attached to the vehi-
cle.
System components
A
B
C
D
E
F
G 

1444-1. Before driving
WARNING
■When driving the vehicle
●Do not drive if you are unfamiliar with 
the location of the brake and accelera-
tor pedals to avoid depressing the 
wrong pedal.
• Accidentally depressing the accelera- tor pedal instead of the brake pedal 
will result in sudden acceleration that 
may lead to an accident.
• When backing up, you may twist your  body around, leading to a difficulty in 
operating the pedals. Make sure to 
operate the pedals properly.
• Make sure to keep a correct driving  posture even when moving the vehicle 
only slightly. This allows you to depress 
the brake and accelerator pedals 
properly.
• Depress the brake pedal using your  right foot. Depressing the brake pedal 
using your left foot may delay 
response in an emergency, resulting in 
an accident.
●LC500h: The driver  should pay extra 
attention to pedestrians when the vehi-
cle is powered only by the electric 
motor (traction motor). As there is no 
engine noise, the pedestrians may mis-
judge the vehicle’s movement. Even 
though the vehicle is equipped with the 
vehicle proximity notification system, 
drive with care as pedestrians in the 
vicinity may still not notice the vehicle if 
the surrounding area is noisy.
●Do not drive the vehicle over or stop 
the vehicle near flammable materials. 
The exhaust system and exhaust gases 
can be extremely hot. These hot parts 
may cause a fire if there is any flamma-
ble material nearby.
●During normal driving, do not turn off 
the engine 
the engine 
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. 
In the event of an emergency, such as if 
it becomes impossible to stop the vehi-
cle in the normal way:  P.338
●Use engine braking (downshift) to 
maintain a safe speed when driving 
down a steep hill. 
Using the brakes continuously may 
cause the brakes to overheat and lose 
effectiveness. ( P.162, 169)
●Do not adjust the positions of the 
steering wheel, the  seat, or the inside 
or outside rear view mirrors while driv-
ing. 
Doing so may result in a loss of vehicle 
control.
●Always check that all passengers’ 
arms, heads or other parts of their 
body are not outside the vehicle.
●Do not drive in excess of the speed 
limit. Even if the legal speed limit per-
mits it, do not drive over 85 mph (140 
km/h) unless your vehicle has high-
speed capability tires. Driving over 85 
mph (140 km/h) may re sult in tire fail-
ure, loss of control and possible injury. 
Be sure to consult a tire dealer to 
determine whether the tires on your 
vehicle are high-speed capability tires 
or not before driving at such speeds.
■When driving on slippery road sur-
faces
●Sudden braking, acceleration and 
steering may cause tire slippage and 
reduce your ability to control the vehi-
cle. 

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 

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. 

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.
*