Lexus LC500h (2021 year). Manual in english

157

4-2. Driving procedures

Driving

cal key, the hybrid system cannot be

started using the smart access system

with push-button start. Refer to P.368 to

start the hybrid system. However, if the

electronic key is carried inside the vehicle

and the doors are locked (



P.112),

hybrid system can be started.

■

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.

●

When the hybrid battery (traction bat-

tery) is extremely cold (below approxi-

mately -22°F [-30°C]) under the

influence of the outside temperature, it

may not be possible to start the hybrid

system. In this case, try to start the hybrid

system again after the temperature of the

hybrid battery increases due to the out-

side temperature increase etc.

■

Sounds and vibrations specific to a

hybrid vehicle



P.64

■

If the 12-volt battery is discharged

The hybrid system cannot be started using

the smart access system with push-button

start. Refer to P.370 to restart the hybrid

system.

■

Electronic key battery depletion



P.106

■

Conditions affecting operation



P.119

■

Notes for the entry function



P.120

■

Steering lock function

●

After turning the power switch off and

opening and closing the doors, the steer-

ing wheel will be locked due to the steer-

ing lock function. Operating the power

switch again automatically cancels the

steering lock.

●

When the steering lock cannot be

released, “Push power switch while turn-

ing steering wheel in either direction” will

be displayed on the multi-information dis-

play.

Press the power switch shortly and firmly

while turning the steering wheel left and

right.

●

To prevent the steering lock motor from

overheating, the motor may be sus-

pended if the hybrid system is turned on

and off repeatedly in a short period of

time. In this case, refrain from operating

the power switch. After about 10 sec-

onds, the steering lock motor will resume

functioning.

■

If there is a malfunction in the smart

access system with push-button start

If “Access System with Elec. Key Malfunc-

tion” is displayed on the multi-information

display, the system may be malfunctioning.

Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus

dealer immediately.

■

If the “READY” indicator does not come

In the event that the “READY” indicator

does not come on even after performing

the proper procedures for starting the vehi-

cle, contact your Lexus dealer immediately.

■

If the hybrid system is malfunctioning



P.68

■

Electronic key battery



P.330

■

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

158

4-2. Driving procedures

switch off, please wait a few seconds

before restarting the hybrid system.

■

Customization

If the smart access system with push-button

start has been deactivated in a customized

setting, refer to P.367.

Stop the vehicle completely.

If the parking brake is in manual
mode, set the parking brake.
(



P.176)

Shift the shift position to P. (



P.171)

Check that the shift position indicator

shows P. (



P.171)

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).

Check 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 hybrid 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 circumstance 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

159

4-2. Driving procedures

Driving

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.
“ACCESSORY” will be displayed on the
meter.

ON 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

160

4-2. 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

161

4-2. Driving procedures

Driving

mation display.

●

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 32°F (0°C) 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.98)

●

Vehicle speed is high.

●

The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly

or the vehicle is on a hill etc.

●

The windshield defogger is in use.

●

When the shift position is in M.

■

Switching to EV drive mode when the

gasoline engine is cold

If the hybrid system is started while the gas-

oline engine is cold, the gasoline engine will

start automatically in order to warm up. In

this case, you will become unable to switch

to EV drive mode.
To prevent gasoline engine warm up in

order to reduce noises, start the hybrid sys-

tem without starting the gasoline engine,

pressing the power switch with fully

depressing the brake pedal and pressing

the EV drive mode switch.

■

Automatic cancelation of EV drive

mode

When driving in EV drive mode, the gaso-

line engine may automatically restart in the

following 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.98)

●

Vehicle speed is 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-infor-

mation display.

■

Possible driving distance when driving in

EV drive mode

EV drive mode’s possible driving distance

ranges from a few hundred meters to

approximately 0.6 mile (1 km). 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

The hybrid system is designed to achieve

the best possible fuel economy during nor-

mal driving (using the gasoline engine and

electric motor [traction motor]). Driving in

EV drive mode more than necessary may

lower fuel economy.

■

If “EV Mode Unavailable” is shown on

the multi-information display

The EV drive mode is not available. The rea-

son the EV drive mode is not available (the

vehicle is idling, battery charge is low, vehi-

cle speed is higher than the EV drive mode

operating speed range or accelerator pedal

is depressed too much) may be displayed.

Use the EV drive mode when it becomes

available.

■

If “EV Mode Deactivated” is shown on

the multi-information display

The EV drive mode has been automatically

canceled. The reason the EV drive mode is

not available (the battery charge is low,

vehicle speed is higher than the EV drive

mode operating speed range or accelera-

162

4-2. Driving procedures

tor pedal is depressed too much) may be

displayed. Drive the vehicle for a while

before attempting to turn on the EV drive

mode again.

: 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.

: Any gear range can be fixed when driv-

ing in M mode.

■

For the shift positions

●

When the engine switch is off or in

ACCESSORY mode, the shift position

cannot be changed.

●

When the engine switch is in IGNITION

ON mode, the shift position can only be

changed to N.

●

When the engine is running, the shift

position can be changed from P to D, N

or R.

●

The shift position can only be changed to

M directly from D.

WARNING

■

Caution while driving

When driving in EV drive mode, pay spe-

cial attention to the area around the vehi-

cle. 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. Therefore, take extra

care while driving even if the vehicle

proximity notification system is active.

Automatic transmission
(LC500)

Select the shift position depending
on your purpose and situation.

Shift position purpose and func-
tions

Shift posi-

tion

Objective or function

Parking the vehicle/starting

the engine

Reversing

Neutral

(Condition in which the

power is not transmitted)

Normal driving

M mode driving

(



P.168)

163

4-2. Driving procedures

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.

●

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.

• When an attempt is made to select the D

position by moving the shift lever when
the vehicle is moving in reverse.

• 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.

: 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

■

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 automatically 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. reverse warning buzzer) can

be changed. (Customizable features:



P.405)

164

4-2. 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 shift 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.

Shifting the shift lever

165

4-2. Driving procedures

Driving

Shift lever display:
The current shift position is illuminated.
When selecting the shift position, make
sure that the shift position has been
changed to the desired position by check-
ing the shift position indicator provided on
the instrument cluster.

P position switch

■

When shifting the shift position to P

Fully stop the vehicle and set the park-
ing brake, and then press the P position
switch.

When the shift position is changed to P, the
switch illuminates.
Check that the shift position indicator
shows P.

■

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 posi-
tion by checking the shift position
indicator provided on the instru-
ment cluster.



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

■

Automatic P position selection function

In the following situations, the shift position

is automatically changed to P.

●

When pressing the engine switch with the

vehicle stopped while the engine switch is

in IGNITION ON mode and the shift

position is in a position other than P (after

the shift position has changed to P, the
engine switch will turn off)

●

When the driver’s door is opened and all

of the following conditions are met, while

the shift position is in a position other than

• The engine switch is in IGNITION ON

mode.

• The driver is no wearing the seat belt.

• The brake pedal is not depressed.
To start off the vehicle after the shift position
is changed to P, operate the shift lever
again.

●

When the vehicle is stopped after the

engine has been stopped in an emer-

gency while driving

●

When voltage of the 12-volt battery

drops while the shift position is in a posi-

tion other than P

WARNING

■

For the shift lever

●

Do not remove the shift lever knob or

use anything but a genuine Lexus shift

lever knob. Also, do not hang anything

on the shift lever.

Doing so could prevent the shift lever

from returning to position, causing

unexpected accidents to occur when

the vehicle is in motion.

●

In order to prevent the shift position

from accidentally being changed, do

not touch the shift lever when not using

them.

P position switch

166

4-2. Driving procedures

: When the engine 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
engine switch.

■

When the engine switch is changed to

ACCESSORY mode with the shift posi-

tion held in N

●

Performing the following operations

allows the engine switch to be set to

ACCESSORY mode with the shift posi-

tion held in N.

Operate the shift lever and change the

shift position to N when the engine is

running.

Return the shift lever to its regular posi-
tion (

Operate the shift lever to N and hold it

there until the buzzer sounds.

Press the engine switch within 5 sec-

onds after the buzzer sounds.

The engine switch will be set to ACCES-
SORY mode with the shift position in N.

Make sure to check that the buzzer sounds

and “Holding N Push P Switch When

Done” is displayed on the multi-information

display.

●

To change to a shift position other than N,

press the P position switch. The shift posi-

tion will be changed to P.

: To keep this state, do not operate the

engine switch. If the engine switch is
operated repeatedly, the engine switch
will turn off after the shift position has
automatically changed to P.

■

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.369)

WARNING

■

P position switch

●

Do not press the P position switch

while the vehicle is moving.

If the P position switch is pressed when

driving at very low speeds (for exam-

ple, directly before stopping the vehi-

cle), the vehicle may stop suddenly

when the shift position switches to P,

which could lead to an accident.

●

In order to prevent the shift position

from accidentally being changed, do

not touch the P position switch or shift

lever when not using them.

NOTICE

■

Notes regarding shift lever and P

position switch operation

Avoid repeatedly operating the shift

lever and P position switch in quick suc-

cession.

The system protection function may acti-

vate and it will not be temporarily possi-

ble to shift the shift position other than P.

If this happens, please wait for a while

before attempting to change the shift

position again.

■

When exiting the vehicle (driver’s

seat only)

Check that the shift position indicator

shows P and that the parking brake indi-

cator is illuminated before opening the

door and exiting the vehicle.

■

When changing the engine switch to

ACCESSORY mode with the shift

position held in N

Even if the engine is not running, by oper-

ating the shift lever and the engine

switch, the engine switch may be

changed to ACCESSORY mode with

the shift position held in N. Make sure

that the engine is running before per-

forming the operation.

167

4-2. Driving procedures

Driving

■

Driving mode



P.224

■

Snow mode

Snow mode can be selected to suit the
conditions when driving on slippery
road surfaces, such as on snow.

Turn the

switch backward.

The snow mode indicator comes on.

Turn the

switch backward again to

return to normal mode.

■

Snow mode automatic deactivation

Snow mode is automatically deactivated if

the engine switch is turned off after driving

in snow mode.

To drive using temporary shift range
selection, operate the “-” or “+” paddle
shift switch.
When the “-” paddle shift switch is
operated, the shift range switches to a
range that enables engine braking
force that is suitable to driving condi-
tions. When the “+” paddle shift switch

is operated, the shift range switches to
a range that is one range higher than
the current range.
Changing the shift range allows
restriction of the highest gear, prevent-
ing unnecessary upshifting and
enabling the level of engine braking
force to be selected.

Upshifting

Downshifting

The selected shift range, from D1 to D10,
will be displayed in the meter.
To return to normal D position driving, the
“+” paddle shift switch must be held down
for a period of time.

A lower shift range will provide greater
engine braking forces than a higher shift
range.

■

Automatic deactivation of shift range

selection in the D position

Shift range selection in the D position will

be deactivated in the following situations:

Selecting the driving mode

Selecting shift ranges in the D
position

Meter dis-

play

Function

D2 - D10

A gear in the range between

D1 and the selected shift

range is automatically cho-

sen depending on vehicle

speed and driving conditions

Setting the shift range at D1

168

4-2. Driving procedures

●

When the vehicle comes to a stop

●

If the accelerator pedal is depressed for

more than a certain period of time

●

When the shift lever is moved to D again

●

When pressing and holding the “+” pad-

dle shift switch

■

Downshifting restriction warning

buzzer

To help ensure safety and driving perfor-

mance, downshifting operation may some-

times be restricted. In some circumstances,

downshifting may not be possible even

when the paddle shift switch is operated. (A

buzzer will sound twice.)

To enter M mode, shift the shift position
to M. Gears can be selected by oper-
ating the paddle shift switches, allowing
you to drive in the gear of your choos-
ing.

Upshifting

Downshifting

The gear changes once every time the
paddle shift switch is operated.
The selected gear, from M1 to M10, will be
fixed and displayed in the meter.

When in the M position, the gear will
not change unless the paddle shift
switches are operated.
However, even when in the M position,
the gears will be automatically

changed in the following situation:



When vehicle speed drops (down-
shift only).



When it is necessary to protect the
engine or automatic transmission
when the engine coolant tempera-
ture is low, the automatic transmis-
sion fluid temperature is high or low,
or other reasons.

Also, the gear will not shift when the
vehicle speed is low, even if an upshift
operation is performed.

■

Downshifting restriction warning

buzzer

To help ensure safety and driving perfor-

mance, downshifting operation may some-

times be restricted. In some circumstances,

downshifting may not be possible even

when the paddle shift switch is operated. (A

buzzer will sound twice.)

Selecting gears in the M position

169

4-2. Driving procedures

Driving

: 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.

: 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 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.

●

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.

• When an attempt is made to select the D

position by moving the shift lever when
the vehicle is moving in reverse.

• 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.

: 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.

Hybrid transmission
(LC500h)

Select the shift position depending
on your purpose and situation.

Shift position purpose and func-
tions

Shift posi-

tion

Objective or function

Parking the vehicle/starting

the hybrid system

Reversing

Neutral (Condition in which

the power is not transmitted)

Normal driving

M mode driving

(



P.174)

170

4-2. Driving procedures

■

Reverse warning buzzer

When shifting into R, a buzzer will sound to

inform the driver that the shift position is in

■

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 driving 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 automatically 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 position following the mes-

sages on the multi-information display.

■

After recharging/reconnecting the 12-

volt battery



P.311

■

Customization

Settings (e.g. reverse 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 spin or skid, resulting

in an accident.

NOTICE

■

Hybrid battery (traction 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 shift 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.

171

4-2. Driving procedures

Driving

Shift lever

position (

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.

P position switch

■

When shifting the shift position to P

Fully stop the vehicle and set the park-
ing brake, and then press the P position
switch.

When the shift position is changed to P, the
switch illuminates.
Check that the shift position indicator
shows P.

Shifting the shift lever

WARNING

■

For the shift lever

●

Do not remove the shift lever knob or

use anything but a genuine Lexus shift

lever knob. Also, do not hang anything

on the shift lever.

Doing so could prevent the shift lever

from returning to position, causing

unexpected accidents to occur when

the vehicle is in motion.

●

In order to prevent the shift position

from accidentally being changed, do

not touch the shift lever when not using

them.

P position switch

172

4-2. Driving procedures

■

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 posi-
tion by checking the shift position
indicator provided on the instru-
ment cluster.



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

■

Automatic P position selection function

In the following situations, the shift position

is automatically changed to P.

●

When pressing the power switch with the

vehicle stopped while the power switch is

in ON mode and the shift position is in a

position other than P (after the shift posi-

tion has changed to P, the power switch
will turn off)

●

When the driver’s door is opened and all

of the following conditions are met, while

the shift position is in a position other than

• The power switch is in ON mode.

• The driver is no wearing the seat belt.

• The brake pedal is not depressed.
To start off the vehicle after the shift position
is changed to P, operate the shift lever
again.

●

When the vehicle is stopped after the

hybrid system has been stopped in an

emergency while driving

●

When voltage of the 12-volt battery

drops while the shift position is in a posi-

tion other than P

: When the power switch is pressed while

■

When the power switch is changed to

ACCESSORY mode with the shift posi-

tion held in N

●

Performing the following operations

allows the power switch to be set to

ACCESSORY mode with the shift posi-

tion held in N.

Operate the shift lever and change the

shift position to N when the hybrid sys-

tem is operating.

Return the shift lever to its regular posi-
tion (

Operate the shift lever to N and hold it

there until the buzzer sounds.

Press the power switch within 5 sec-

onds after the buzzer sounds.

The power switch will be set to ACCES-
SORY mode with the shift position in N.

Make sure to check that the buzzer sounds

and “Holding N Push P Switch When

Done” is displayed on the multi-information

display.

●

To change to a shift position other than N,

press the P position switch. The shift posi-

tion will be changed to P.

: To keep this state, do not operate the

power switch. If the power switch is oper-
ated repeatedly, the power switch will
turn off after the shift position has auto-
matically changed to P.

■

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.369)

Lexus LC500h (2021 year). Manual in english - page 9