Lexus CT (2021 year). Manual in english

259

4-1. Before driving

ivi

WARNING

Observe the following precautions.

Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.

■

When driving on slippery road surfaces

●

Sudden braking, acceleration and steering may cause tire slippage and reduce your

ability to control the vehicle.

●

Sudden acceleration, engine braking due to shifting, or changes in engine speed

could cause the vehicle to skid.

●

After driving through a puddle, lightly depress the brake pedal to make sure that the

brakes are functioning properly. Wet brake pads may prevent the brakes from func-

tioning properly. If the brakes on only one side are wet and not functioning properly,

steering control may be affected.

■

When shifting the shift position

●

Do not let the vehicle roll backward while a forward driving position 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 control.

●

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 control.

●

Do not shift the shift position to a driving position while the vehicle is moving back-

ward.

Doing so can damage the transmission and may result in a loss of vehicle control.

●

Moving 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 position with the accelerator pedal depressed.

Changing the shift position to any positions other than P or N may lead to unex-

pected rapid acceleration 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 position dis-

played on the shift position indicator inside the meter.

■

If you hear a squealing or scraping noise (brake pad wear indicators)

Have the brake pads checked and replaced by any authorized Lexus retailer or Lexus

authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer as soon as possible.

Rotor damage may result if the pads are not replaced when needed.
Front brakes only: Moderate levels of brake pad and disc wear allow enhanced front

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 dangerous to drive the vehicle when the wear limits of the brake pads and/or those

of the brake discs are exceeded.

260

4-1. Before driving

WARNING

Observe the following precautions.

Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.

■

When the vehicle is stopped

●

Do not depress the accelerator pedal unnecessarily.

If the shift position is any position other than P or N, the vehicle may accelerate sud-

denly and unexpectedly, causing an accident.

●

In order to prevent accidents 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 backward, 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 plastic mate-

rial 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 cigarette 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 con-

tainers 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 metallized

film such as a silver-colored one. Reflected sunlight may cause the glass to act as a

lens, causing a fire.

●

Always apply the parking brake, shift the shift position to P, stop the hybrid system and

lock the vehicle.

Do not leave the vehicle unattended while the “READY” indicator is illuminated.

If the vehicle is parked with the shift position in P but the parking brake is not set, the

vehicle may start to move, possibly leading to an accident.

●

Do not touch the exhaust pipe while the “READY” indicator is illuminated or immedi-

ately after turning the hybrid system off.

Doing so may cause burns.

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4-1. Before driving

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WARNING

Observe the following precautions.

Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.

■

When taking a nap in the vehicle

Always turn the hybrid system off. Otherwise, if you accidentally move the shift lever or

depress the accelerator pedal, this could cause an accident or fire due to hybrid system

overheating. Additionally, if the vehicle is parked in a poorly ventilated area, exhaust

gases may collect and enter the vehicle, leading to death or a serious health hazard.

■

When braking

●

When the brakes are wet, drive more cautiously.

Braking distance increases when the brakes are wet, and this may cause one side of

the vehicle to brake differently than the other side. Also, the parking brake may not

securely hold the vehicle.

●

If the electronically controlled assist function does not operate, do not follow other

vehicles closely and avoid downhill or sharp turns that require braking.

In this case, braking is still possible, but the brake pedal should be depressed more

firmly than usual. Also, the braking distance will increase. Have your brakes fixed

immediately.

●

The brake system consists of 2 or more individual hydraulic systems; if one of the sys-

tems fails, the other(s) will still operate. In this case, the brake pedal should be

depressed more firmly than usual and the braking distance will increase. Have your

brakes fixed immediately.

NOTICE

■

When driving the vehicle

●

Do not depress the accelerator and brake pedals at the same time during driving, as

this may restrain the hybrid system output.

●

Do not use the accelerator pedal or depress the accelerator and brake pedals at the

same time to hold the vehicle on a hill.

■

When parking the vehicle

Always set the parking brake, and shift the shift position to P. Failure to do so may cause

the vehicle to move or the vehicle may accelerate suddenly if the accelerator pedal is

accidentally depressed.

■

Avoiding damage to vehicle parts

●

Do not turn the steering wheel fully in either direction and hold it there for an

extended period of time.

Doing so may damage the power steering motor.

●

When driving over bumps in the road, drive as slowly as possible to avoid damaging

the wheels, underside of the vehicle, etc.

262

4-1. Before driving

NOTICE

■

If you get a flat tire while driving

A flat or damaged tire may cause the following situations. Hold the steering wheel

firmly and gradually depress the brake pedal to slow down the vehicle.

●

It may be difficult to control your vehicle.

●

The vehicle will make abnormal sounds or vibrations.

●

The vehicle will lean abnormally.

Information on what to do in case of a flat tire (



P. 690, 703)

■

When encountering flooded roads

Do not drive on a road that has flooded after heavy rain etc. Doing so may cause the

following serious damage to the vehicle:

●

Engine stalling

●

Short in electrical components

●

Engine damage caused by water immersion

In the event that you drive on a flooded road and the vehicle is flooded, be sure to have

any authorized Lexus retailer or Lexus authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer

check the following:

●

Brake function

●

Changes in quantity and quality of oil and fluid used for the engine, transmission, etc.

●

Lubricant condition for the bearings and suspension joints (where possible), and the

function of all joints, bearings, etc.

If the shift control system is damaged by flooding, it may not be possible to shift the shift

position to P, or from P to other positions. When the shift position cannot be changed

from P to any other position, the front wheels will lock, and you will be unable to tow the

vehicle with the front wheels on the ground, as the front wheels may be locked. In this

case, transport the vehicle with both front wheels or all four wheels lifted.

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4-1. Before driving

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Cargo and luggage

Take notice of the following information about storage precautions, cargo
capacity and load.

WARNING

■

Things that must not be carried in the luggage compartment

The following things may cause a fire if loaded in the luggage compartment:

●

Receptacles containing gasoline

●

Aerosol cans

■

Storage precautions

Observe the following precautions.

Failure to do so may prevent the pedals from being depressed properly, may block the

driver’s vision, or may result in items hitting the driver or passengers, possibly causing

an accident.

●

Stow cargo and luggage in the luggage compartment whenever possible.

●

Do not stack cargo and luggage in the luggage compartment higher than the seat-

backs.

●

When you fold down the rear seats, long items should not be placed directly behind

the front seats.

●

Never allow anyone to ride in the luggage compartment. It is not designed for pas-

sengers. They should ride in their seats with their seat belts properly fastened.

●

Do not place cargo or luggage in or on the following locations.
• At the feet of the driver

• On the front passenger or rear seats (when stacking items)

• On the luggage cover (if equipped)

• On the instrument panel

• On the dashboard

●

Secure all items in the occupant compartment.

■

Load and distribution

●

Do not overload your vehicle.

●

Do not apply loads unevenly.

Improper loading may cause deterioration of steering or braking control which may

cause death or serious injury.

265

4-2. Driving procedures

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Power (ignition) switch

Check that the parking brake is set.
Firmly depress the brake pedal.

Check that the power switch indicator turns green. If the indicator does not turn

green, the hybrid system cannot be started.
When the shift position is N, the hybrid system cannot start. Shift the shift position to P

when starting the hybrid system. (



P. 272)

Press the power switch shortly and
firmly.

When operating the power switch, one

short, firm press is enough. It is not nec-

essary to press and hold the switch.
Continue depressing the brake pedal

until the hybrid system is completely

started.
The hybrid system can be started from

any power switch mode.

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 normally.

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.)

Performing the following operations when carrying the electronic key on your
person starts the hybrid system or changes power switch modes.

Starting the hybrid system

266

4-2. Driving procedures

Stop the vehicle completely.
Set the parking brake. (



P. 277)

Shift the shift position to P.
(



P. 272)

Check that the shift position indicator

shows P. (



P. 271)

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).

Slowly release the brake pedal and check that the indicator on the power
switch is off.

Modes can be changed by pressing the power switch with the brake pedal
released. (The mode changes each time the switch is pressed.)

Off

The emergency flashers can be used.

ACCESSORY mode

Some electrical components such as the

audio system can be used.
The power switch indicator turns amber.

ON mode

All electrical components can be used.
The power switch indicator turns amber.

Stopping the hybrid system

Changing power switch modes

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4-2. Driving procedures

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■

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 prevent

the 12-volt battery discharge. Do not leave the vehicle with the power switch in ACCES-

SORY or ON mode for long periods of time when the hybrid system is not operating.

■

Sounds and vibrations specific to a hybrid vehicle



P. 72

■

Electronic key battery depletion



P. 120

■

When the ambient temperature is low, such as during winter driving conditions

When starting the hybrid system, the flashing time of the “READY” indicator may be

long. Leave the vehicle as it is until the “READY” indicator is steady on, as steady means

the vehicle is able to move.

■

Conditions affecting operation



P. 134

■

Note for the entry function



P. 135

■

If the hybrid system does not start

The immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. (



P. 78)

Contact any authorized Lexus retailer or Lexus authorized repairer, or any reliable

repairer.

■

When the power switch indicator flashes in amber

The system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Lexus

retailer or Lexus authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer immediately.

■

If the “READY” indicator does not come on

In the event that the “READY” indicator does not come on even after performing the

proper procedures for starting the vehicle, contact any authorized Lexus retailer or

Lexus authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer immediately.

■

If the hybrid system is malfunctioning



P. 676

■

If the electronic key battery is depleted



P. 636

■

Operation of the power switch

●

If the switch is not pressed shortly and firmly, the power switch mode may not change or

the hybrid system may not start.

●

If attempting to restart the hybrid system immediately after turning the power switch off,

the hybrid system may not start in some cases. After turning the power switch off,

please wait a few seconds before restarting the hybrid system.

268

4-2. Driving procedures

■

Automatically P position selection function



P. 274

■

When the shift control system malfunctions

The power switch will not be able to be turned off. In such a case, the switch can be

turned off after applying the parking brake.

Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Lexus retailer or Lexus authorized

repairer, or any reliable repairer immediately.

WARNING

■

When starting the hybrid system

Always start the hybrid system while sitting 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 resulting in death or serious injury.

■

Stopping the hybrid system in an emergency

If you want to stop the hybrid system in an emergency while driving the vehicle, press

and hold the power switch for more than 2 seconds, or press it briefly 3 times or more

in succession. (



P. 657)

However, do not touch the power switch while driving except in an emergency. 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.

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 system on.

●

If the hybrid system is off, but the indicator on the power switch is illuminated, this indi-

cates that the power switch is still turned on. When exiting the vehicle, always check

that the power switch is off.

■

When starting the hybrid system

If the hybrid system becomes difficult to start, have your vehicle checked by any autho-

rized Lexus retailer or Lexus authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer immediately.

■

Symptoms indicating a malfunction with the power switch

If the power switch seems to be operating somewhat differently than usual, such as the

switch sticking slightly, there may be a malfunction. Contact any authorized Lexus

retailer or Lexus authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer immediately.

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4-2. Driving procedures

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EV drive mode

Turns EV drive mode on/off

When EV drive mode is turned on, the

EV drive mode indicator will come on.

Pressing 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 cannot be turned on

It may not be possible to turn EV drive mode on in the following situations. If it cannot be

turned on, a buzzer will sound and a message will be shown on the multi-information dis-

play.

●

The temperature of the hybrid system is high.

The vehicle has been left in the sun, driven on a hill, driven at high speeds, etc.

●

The temperature of the hybrid system is low.

The vehicle has been left in temperatures lower than about 0



C (32



F) for a long

period of time etc.

●

The gasoline engine is warming up.

●

The hybrid battery (traction battery) is low.

The remaining battery level indicated in the “Energy Monitor” display is low. (



P. 109)

●

Vehicle speed is high.

●

The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly or the vehicle is on a hill etc.

●

The windshield defogger is in use.

In EV drive mode, the electric motor (traction motor), powered by the hybrid
battery (traction battery), is used to drive the vehicle.
This mode allows you to drive in residential areas late at night, or in indoor
parking lots etc. without concern for noises and exhaust gas emissions.

270

4-2. Driving procedures

■

Switching to EV drive mode when the gasoline engine is cold

If the hybrid system is started while the gasoline engine is cold, the gasoline engine will

start automatically after a short period of time in order to warm up. In this case, you will

become unable to switch to EV drive mode.

After the hybrid system has started and the “READY” indicator has illuminated, press the

EV drive mode switch before the gasoline engine starts to switch to EV drive mode.

■

Automatic cancellation of EV drive mode

When driving in EV drive mode, the gasoline engine may automatically restart in the fol-

lowing situations. When EV drive mode is canceled, a buzzer will sound and the EV drive

mode indicator will flash and go off.

●

The hybrid battery (traction battery) becomes low.

The remaining battery level indicated in the “Energy monitor” display is low. (



P. 109)

●

Vehicle speed becomes high.

●

The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly or the vehicle is on a hill etc.

When it is possible to inform the driver of automatic cancelation in advance, a prior

notice screen will appear on the multi-information display.

■

Possible driving distance when driving in EV drive mode

EV drive mode’s possible driving distance ranges from a few hundred meters to approxi-

mately 1 km (0.6 mile). However, depending on vehicle conditions, there are situations

when EV drive mode cannot be used. (The distance that is possible depends on the

hybrid battery [traction battery] level and driving conditions.)

■

Fuel economy

Your Lexus is designed to achieve the best possible fuel economy during normal driving

(using the gasoline engine and electric motor [traction motor]). Driving in EV drive

mode more than necessary may lower fuel economy.

WARNING

■

Caution while driving

When driving in EV drive mode, pay special attention to the area around the vehicle.

Because there is no engine noise, pedestrians, people riding bicycles or other people

and vehicles in the area may not be aware of the vehicle starting off or approaching

them, so take extra care while driving.

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4-2. Driving procedures

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Hybrid transmission

Shift lever

Operate the shift lever gently and ensure correct shifting operation.
Release the shift lever after each shifting operation to allow it to return to the posi-

tion.

When shifting from P to N, D or R, from D to R, or from R to D, ensure that the brake

pedal is being depressed and the vehicle is stationary.

Shift position indicator

The current shift position is illuminated.
When any shift position other than D or B is selected, the arrow toward B and B posi-

tion indicator disappear from the shift position indicator.

When selecting the shift position, make sure that the shift position has been
changed to the desired position by checking the shift position indicator provided
on the instrument cluster.

Shifting the shift lever

When shifting to the D or R, move the shift lever along the shift gate.

To shift to the N, slide the shift lever to the left and hold it. The shift position

will change to N.

To shift to the B, pull the shift lever down.

Shifting to B is only possible when shift position D is selected.

272

4-2. Driving procedures

: For good fuel economy and noise reduction, the D position should usually be used.



P. 368

■

When shifting the shift position to P

Fully stop the vehicle and set the
parking brake, and then press the P
position switch.

When the shift position is changed to

P, the switch indicator comes on.
Check that the P position is illumi-

nated on the shift position indicator.

■

Shifting the shift position from P to other positions

●

While depressing the brake pedal firmly, operate the shift lever. If the shift
lever is operated without depressing the brake pedal, the buzzer will sound
and the shifting operation will be disabled.

●

When selecting the shift position, make sure that the shift position has been
changed to the desired position by checking the shift position indicator
provided on the instrument cluster.

●

The shift position cannot be changed from P to B directly.

Shift position purpose

Shift position

Objective or function

Parking the vehicle/starting the hybrid system

Reversing

Neutral

(Condition in which the power is not transmitted)

Normal driving

Applying engine braking or strong braking when the accelera-

tor pedal has been released on steep downward slopes etc.

Selecting a driving mode

P position switch

273

4-2. Driving procedures

ivi

■

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. The shift position will be changed to N even if the

shift lever is shifted to D or R and held in that position.

●

When the “READY” indicator is on, the shift position can be changed from P to D, N or

●

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” indicator

changes from a flashing to a solid light, and then operate the shift lever again.

●

The shift position can only be changed to B directly from D.

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 disabled 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 depressing the brake pedal.

• When an attempt is made to change the shift position from P or N to B by moving

the shift lever.

●

Situations where the shift position will automatically change to N:
• When the P position switch is pressed while the vehicle is running.

• When an attempt is made to select the R position by moving the shift lever when the

vehicle is moving forward.

• When an attempt is made to select the D position by moving the shift lever when the

vehicle is moving in reverse.

• When an attempt is made to change the shift position from R to B by moving the shift

lever.

: Shift position may be changed to P when driving at extremely low speeds.

: Shift position may be changed to R when driving at low speeds.

: 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.

■

About engine braking

When shift position B is selected, releasing the accelerator pedal will apply engine brak-

ing.
• When the vehicle is driven at high speeds, compared to ordinary gasoline-fueled vehi-

cles, the engine braking deceleration is felt less than that of other vehicles.

• The vehicle can be accelerated even when shift position B is selected.

If the vehicle is driven continuously in the B position, fuel efficiency will become low. Usu-

ally, select the D position.

274

4-2. Driving procedures

■

When driving with cruise control or dynamic radar cruise control activated

Even if switching the driving mode to sport mode with the intent of enabling engine brak-

ing, engine braking will not activate because cruise control or dynamic radar cruise con-

trol will not be canceled.

■

Automatically P position selection function

When the shift position is in a position other than P, pressing the power switch with the

vehicle stopped completely will cause the shift position to change to P automatically, and

then the power switch will turn off.

: When the power switch is pressed while driving at extremely slow speeds, such as

immediately before stopping the vehicle, the shift position may automatically change
to P. Make sure that the vehicle is completely stopped before pressing the power
switch.

■

If the shift position cannot be shifted from P

There is a possibility that the 12-volt battery is discharged. Check the 12-volt battery in

this situation. (



P. 718)

■

After recharging/reconnecting the 12-volt battery



P. 608

■

Customization

Settings (e.g. Reverse warning buzzer) can be changed.

(Customizable features:



P. 742)

Lexus CT (2021 year). Manual in english - page 9