Lexus ES (2022 year). Manual in english - page 10

 

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Lexus ES (2022 year). Manual in english - page 10

 

 

179

4

4-1. Before driving

Dr

ivin
g

Q

Restraining the hybrid system output 

(Brake Override System)

O

When the accelerator and brake pedals 

are depressed at the same time, the 

hybrid system output may be restrained.

O

A warning message is displayed on the 

multi-information display while the sys-

tem is operating. (

P.408)

Q

Breaking in your new Lexus

To extend the life of the vehicle, observing 

the following precautions is recommended:

O

For the first 300 km (186 miles):

Avoid sudden stops.

O

For the first 1000 km (621 miles):

• Do not drive at extremely high speeds.

• Avoid sudden acceleration.

• Do not drive continuously in low gears.

• Do not drive at a constant speed for 

extended periods.

Q

Operating your vehicle in a foreign 

country

Comply with the relevant vehicle registra-

tion laws and confirm the availability of the 

correct fuel. (

P.456)

WARNING

Observe the following precautions. 

Failure to do so may result in death or 

serious injury.

Q

When starting the vehicle

Always keep your foot on the brake 

pedal while stopped with the “READY” 

indicator is illuminated. This prevents the 

vehicle from creeping.

Q

When driving the vehicle

O

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.

O

The driver should pay extra attention 

to pedestrians when the vehicle is 

powered only by the electric motor 

(traction motor). As there is minimal 

motor noise, pedestrians may mis-

judge the vehicle’s movement. Even if 

the Acoustic Vehicle Alerting system 

is operating, drive with care as pedes-

trians in the vicinity may still not notice 

the vehicle if the surrounding area is 

noisy.

O

Do not drive the vehicle over or stop 

the vehicle near flammable materials 

such as leaves, paper or rags.

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.

O

During normal driving, do not turn off 

the hybrid system. 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 diffi-

cult 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 

vehicle in the normal way: 

P.398

180

4-1. Before driving

WARNING

O

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.191)

O

Do not adjust the positions of the 

steering wheel, the seat, the inside rear 

view mirror or outside rear view mir-

rors (if equipped), or Digital Side-view 

Monitor display range (if equipped) 

while driving.

Doing so may result in a loss of vehicle 

control.

O

Always check that all passengers’ 

arms, heads or other parts of their 

body are not outside the vehicle.

Q

When driving on slippery road sur-

faces

O

Sudden braking, acceleration and 

steering may cause tire slippage and 

reduce your ability to control the vehi-

cle.

O

Sudden acceleration, engine braking 

due to shifting, or changes in engine 

speed could cause the vehicle to skid, 

resulting in an accident.

O

After driving through a puddle, lightly 

depress the brake pedal to make sure 

that the brakes are functioning prop-

erly. Wet brake pads may prevent the 

brakes from functioning properly. If 

the brakes on only one side are wet 

and not functioning properly, steering 

control may be affected.

Q

When shifting the shift lever

O

Do not let the vehicle roll backward 

while the shift lever is in a driving posi-

tion, or roll forward while the shift lever 

is in R. 

Doing so may result in an accident or 

damage to the vehicle.

O

Do not shift the shift lever to P while 

the vehicle is moving. 

Doing so can damage the transmission 

and may result in a loss of vehicle con-

trol.

O

Do not shift the shift lever to R while 

the vehicle is moving forward. 

Doing so can damage the transmission 

and may result in a loss of vehicle con-

trol.

O

Do not shift the shift lever to a driving 

position while the vehicle is moving 

backward. 

Doing so can damage the transmission 

and may result in a loss of vehicle con-

trol.

O

Shifting the shift lever to N while the 

vehicle is moving will disengage the 

hybrid system. Engine braking is not 

available when N is selected.

O

Be careful not to shift the shift lever 

with the accelerator pedal depressed. 

Shifting the shift lever to a gear other 

than P or N may lead to unexpected 

rapid acceleration of the vehicle that 

may cause an accident and result in 

death or serious injury.

Q

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. It is danger-

ous to drive the vehicle when the wear 

limits of the brake pads and/or those of 

the brake discs are exceeded.

Q

When the vehicle is stopped

O

Do not depress the accelerator pedal 

unnecessarily.

If the shift lever is in any position other 

than P or N, the vehicle may acceler-

ate suddenly and unexpectedly, caus-

ing an accident.

181

4

4-1. Before driving

Dr

ivin
g

WARNING

O

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.

O

If the vehicle is stopped on an incline, 

in order to prevent accidents caused 

by the vehicle rolling forward or back-

ward, always depress the brake pedal 

and securely apply the parking brake 

as needed.

O

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.

Q

When the vehicle is parked

O

Do not leave glasses, cigarette light-

ers, 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 plas-

tic material 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.

O

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.

O

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 containers may act 

as lenses, causing a fire in the vehicle.

O

Do not leave a door or window open if 

the curved glass is coated with a met-

allized film such as a silver-colored 

one. Reflected sunlight may cause the 

glass to act as a lens, causing a fire.

O

Always apply the parking brake, shift 

the shift lever to P, stop the hybrid sys-

tem and lock the vehicle.

Do not leave the vehicle unattended 

while the “READY” indicator is illumi-

nated.

If the vehicle is parked with the shift 

lever in P but the parking brake is not 

set, the vehicle may start to move, pos-

sibly leading to an accident.

O

Do not touch the exhaust pipes while 

the “READY” indicator is illuminated 

or immediately after turning the hybrid 

system off.

Doing so may cause burns.

Q

When taking a nap in the vehicle

Always turn the hybrid system off. Oth-

erwise, if you accidentally move the shift 

lever or depress the accelerator pedal, 

this could cause an accident or fire due 

to hybrid system overheating. Addition-

ally, if the vehicle is parked in a poorly 

ventilated area, exhaust gases may col-

lect and enter the vehicle, leading to 

death or a serious health hazard.

Q

When braking

O

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 differ-

ently than the other side. Also, the 

parking brake may not securely hold 

the vehicle.

182

4-1. Before driving

When the following unusual operation 

WARNING

O

If the electronically controlled brake 

system does not operate, do not follow 

other vehicles closely and avoid hills 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 brak-

ing distance will increase. Have your 

brakes fixed immediately.

O

The brake system consists of 2 or 

more individual hydraulic systems; if 

one of the systems fails, the other(s) 

will still operate. In this case, the brake 

pedal should be depressed more 

firmly than usual and the braking dis-

tance will increase. Have your brakes 

fixed immediately.

NOTICE

Q

When driving the vehicle

O

Do not depress the accelerator and 

brake pedals at the same time while 

driving, as this may restrain the hybrid 

system output.

O

Do not use the accelerator pedal or 

depress the accelerator and brake 

pedals at the same time to hold the 

vehicle on a hill.

Q

Avoiding damage to vehicle parts

O

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.

O

When driving over bumps in the road, 

drive as slowly as possible to avoid 

damaging the wheels, underside of the 

vehicle, etc.

Q

If you get a flat tire while driving

A flat or damaged tire may cause the fol-

lowing situations. Hold the steering 

wheel firmly and gradually depress the 

brake pedal to slow down the vehicle.

O

It may be difficult to control your vehi-

cle.

O

The vehicle will make abnormal 

sounds or vibrations.

O

The vehicle will lean abnormally.

Information on what to do in case of a flat 

tire (

P.420, 432)

Q

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 vehi-

cle:

O

Engine stalling

O

Short in electrical components

O

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 reli-

able repairer check the following:

O

Brake function

O

Changes in quantity and quality of oil 

and fluid used for the engine, hybrid 

transmission, etc.

O

Lubricant condition for the bearings 

and suspension joints (where possi-

ble), and the function of all joints, bear-

ings, etc.

Q

When parking the vehicle

Always set the parking brake, and shift 

the shift lever to P. Failure to do so may 

cause the vehicle to move or the vehicle 

may accelerate suddenly if the accelera-

tor pedal is accidentally depressed.

Sudden start restraint control 
(Drive-Start Control [DSC])

183

4

4-1. Before driving

Dr

ivin
g

is performed with the accelerator 
pedal depressed, the hybrid system 
output may be restrained.

When the shift lever is shifted to R

*

.

When the shift lever is shifted from P 
or R to forward drive shift position 
such as D

*

.

When the system operates, a message 
appears on the multi-information dis-
play. Read the message and follow the 
instruction.

*

: Depending on the situation, the shift 

position may not be changed.

Q

Drive-Start Control (DSC)

When the TRC is turned off (

P.304), 

sudden start restraint control also does not 

operate. If your vehicle have trouble escap-

ing from the mud or fresh snow due to sud-

den start restraint control operation, 

deactivate TRC (

P.304) so that the vehi-

cle may become able to escape from the 

mud or fresh snow.

Cargo and luggage

Take notice of the following infor-
mation about storage precautions, 
cargo capacity and load:

WARNING

Q

Things that must not be carried in the 

trunk

The following things may cause a fire if 

loaded in the trunk:

O

Receptacles containing gasoline

O

Aerosol cans

Q

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.

O

Stow cargo and luggage in the trunk 

whenever possible.

O

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 package tray
• On the instrument panel
• On  the  dashboard
• In front of Center Display

O

Secure all items in the occupant com-

partment.

Q

Load and distribution

O

Do not overload your vehicle.

184

4-1. Before driving

WARNING

O

Do not apply loads unevenly. 

Improper loading may cause deterio-

ration of steering or braking control 

which may cause death or serious 

injury.

Trailer towing

Lexus does not recommend towing 
a trailer with your vehicle. Lexus 
also does not recommend the 
installation of a tow hitch or the use 
of a tow hitch carrier for a wheel-
chair, scooter, bicycle, etc. Your 
vehicle is not designed for trailer 
towing or for the use of tow hitch 
mounted carriers.

185

4

4-2. Driving procedures

Dr

ivin
g

4-2.Driving procedures

1

Press the parking brake switch to 
check that the parking brake is set. 
(

P.196)

Parking brake indicator will come on.

2

Check that the shift lever is in P.

3

Firmly depress the brake pedal.

 and a message will be displayed on 

the multi-information display.
If it is not displayed, the hybrid system can-

not be started.

4

Press the power switch shortly and 
firmly.

When operating the power switch, one 

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

sary to press and hold the switch.
If the “READY” indicator turns on, the 

hybrid system will operate normally.
Continue depressing the brake pedal until 

the “READY” indicator is illuminated.
The hybrid system can be started from any 

power switch mode.

5

Check that the “READY” indicator 
is illuminated.

The vehicle will not move when the 

“READY” indicator is off.

Q

Power switch illumination

According to the situation, the power 

switch illumination operates as follows.

O

When a door is opened, or the power 

switch mode is changed from ACCES-

SORY or ON mode to off, the power 

switch illumination slowly blinks.

O

When depressing the brake pedal with 

carrying the electronic key on your per-

son, the power switch illumination rapidly 

blinks.

O

When the power switch is in ACCES-

SORY or ON mode, the power switch 

illumination illuminates.

Q

If the hybrid system does not start

O

The immobilizer system may not have 

been deactivated. (

P.85)

Contact any authorized Lexus retailer or 

Lexus authorized repairer, or any reliable 

repairer.

O

If a message related to start-up is shown 

on the multi-information display, read the 

message and follow the instructions.

O

If the door is unlocked with the mechani-

cal key, the hybrid system cannot be 

started using the smart entry & start sys-

tem. Refer to P.443 to start the hybrid 

system. However, if the electronic key is 

carried inside the vehicle and the doors 

are locked (

P.131), the hybrid system 

Power (ignition) switch

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

Starting the hybrid system

186

4-2. Driving procedures

can be started.

Q

Sounds and vibrations specific to a 

hybrid vehicle

P.79

Q

If the 12-volt battery is discharged

The hybrid system cannot be started using 

the smart entry & start system. Refer to 

P.444 to restart the hybrid system.

Q

Electronic key battery depletion

P.124

Q

Conditions affecting operation

P.141

Q

Notes for the entry function

P.142

Q

Steering lock function

O

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.

O

When the steering lock cannot be 

released, “Push POWER Switch while 

Turning the Steering Wheel in Either 

Direction” will be displayed on the multi-

information display. 

Check that the shift lever is set in P. Press 

the power switch shortly and firmly while 

turning the steering wheel left and right.

O

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 hybrid system. After about 10 sec-

onds, the steering lock motor will resume 

functioning.

Q

If there is a malfunction in the smart 

entry & start system

If “Entry & Start System Malfunction See 

Owner’s Manual” is displayed on the multi-

information display, the system may be mal-

functioning. Have the vehicle inspected by 

any authorized Lexus retailer or Lexus 

authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer 

immediately.

Q

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 vehi-

cle, contact any authorized Lexus retailer 

or Lexus authorized repairer, or any reli-

able repairer immediately.

Q

If the hybrid system is malfunctioning

P.84

Q

Electronic key battery

P.389

Q

Operation of the power switch

O

If the switch is not pressed shortly and 

firmly, the power switch mode may not 

change or the hybrid system may not 

start.

O

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.

Q

Customization

If the smart entry & start system has been 

deactivated in a customized setting, refer to 

P.443.

WARNING

Q

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.

187

4

4-2. Driving procedures

Dr

ivin
g

1

Stop the vehicle completely.

2

Set the parking brake (

P.196), 

and shift the shift lever to P 
(

P.192).

3

Press the power switch.

4

Release the brake pedal and check 
that “ACCESSORY” or “IGNI-
TION ON” is not shown on the 
meter.

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

WARNING

Q

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

Q

When starting the hybrid system

If the hybrid system becomes difficult to 

start, have your vehicle checked by any 

authorized Lexus retailer or Lexus 

authorized repairer, or any reliable 

repairer immediately.

Q

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 any autho-

rized Lexus retailer or Lexus authorized 

repairer, or any reliable repairer immedi-

ately.

Stopping the hybrid system

WARNING

Q

Stopping the hybrid system in an 

emergency

O

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.398)

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.

O

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.

O

When restarting the hybrid system 

after an emergency shutdown, shift the 

shift lever to N and press the power 

switch shortly and firmly.

Changing power switch modes

188

4-2. Driving procedures

1

Off

*

The emergency flashers can be used.

2

ACCESSORY mode

Some electrical components such as the 
audio system can be used.
“ACCESSORY” will be displayed on the 
meter.

3

ON mode

All electrical components can be used.
“IGNITION ON” will be displayed on the 
meter.

*

: If the shift lever is in a position other than 

P when turning off the hybrid system, the 
power switch will be turned to ACCES-
SORY mode, not to off.

Q

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 lever 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.

If the hybrid system is stopped with the 
shift lever in a position other than P, the 
power switch will not be turned off but 
instead be turned to ACCESSORY 
mode. Perform the following proce-
dure to turn the switch off:

1

Check that the parking brake is set.

2

Shift the shift lever to P.

3

Check that “Turn Power Off” is dis-
played on the multi-information dis-
play and then press the power 
switch once.

4

Check that “Turn Power Off” on 
the multi-information display is off.

When stopping the hybrid sys-
tem with the shift lever in a posi-
tion other than P

NOTICE

Q

To prevent 12-volt battery discharge

O

Do not leave the power switch in 

ACCESSORY or ON mode for long 

periods of time without the hybrid sys-

tem on.

O

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.

189

4

4-2. Driving procedures

Dr

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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]).

Q

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 

NOTICE

O

Do not stop the hybrid system when 

the shift lever is in a position other than 

P. If the hybrid system is stopped in 

another shift lever position, the power 

switch will not be turned off but instead 

be turned to ACCESSORY mode. If 

the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY 

mode, 12-volt battery discharge may 

occur.

EV drive mode

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.
When the Acoustic Vehicle Alert-
ing System is active, the vehicle 
may produce sound.

Operating instructions

190

4-2. Driving procedures

message will be shown on the multi-infor-

mation display.

O

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.

O

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.

O

The gasoline engine is warming up.

O

The hybrid battery (traction battery) is 

low.

The remaining hybrid battery [traction 

battery] level indicated in the energy 

monitor display is low. (

P.118)

O

Vehicle speed is high.

O

The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly 

or the vehicle is on a hill etc.

O

The windshield defogger is in use.

Q

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.
After the hybrid system has started and the 

“READY” indicator has illuminated, press 

the EV drive mode switch before the gaso-

line engine starts to switch to EV drive 

mode.

Q

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, the EV 

drive mode indicator will flash and go off 

and a message will be shown on the multi-

information display.

O

The hybrid battery (traction battery) 

becomes low.

The remaining hybrid battery [traction 

battery] level indicated in the energy 

monitor display is low. (

P.118)

O

Vehicle speed is high.

O

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.

Q

Possible driving distance when driving 

in EV drive mode

EV drive mode’s possible driving distance 

ranges from a few hundred meters to 

approximately 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.)

Q

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.

WARNING

Q

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. Therefore, take 

extra care while driving even if the 

Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System is 

active.

191

4

4-2. Driving procedures

Dr

ivin
g

*1

: To improve fuel efficiency and reduce 

noise, set the shift lever in D for normal 
driving. You can choose shift range 
suitable for your driving situation by 
operating the paddle shift switches.

*2

: By selecting shift ranges using S mode, 

you can control accelerating force and 
engine braking forces.

Q

When driving with dynamic radar cruise 

control with full-speed range (if 

equipped) or cruise control (if 

equipped) activated

Even when performing the following 

actions with the intent of enabling engine 

braking, engine braking will not activate 

because dynamic radar cruise control with 

full-speed range or cruise control will not 

be canceled.

O

While driving in the D position or S mode, 

downshifting to S5 or S4. (

P.193, 194)

O

When switching the driving mode to 

sport mode while driving in the D posi-

tion. (

P.267)

Q

Restraining sudden start (Drive-Start 

Control)

P.182

Hybrid transmission

Select the shift position depending 
on your purpose and situation.

Shift position purpose and func-
tion

Shift position

Objective or function

P

Parking the vehicle/start-

ing the hybrid system

R

Reversing

N

Neutral

D

Normal driving

*1

S

S mode driving

*2

 

(

P.194)

WARNING

Q

When driving on slippery road sur-

faces

Do not accelerate or shift the shift lever 

suddenly. 

Sudden changes in engine braking may 

cause the vehicle to spin or skid, resulting 

in an accident.

NOTICE

Q

Hybrid battery (traction battery) 

charge

If the shift lever is in N, the hybrid battery 

(traction battery) will not be charged 

even when the engine is running. There-

fore, if the vehicle is left with the shift 

lever in N for a certain period of time, the 

hybrid battery (traction battery) will dis-

charge, and this may result in the vehicle 

not being able to start.

192

4-2. Driving procedures

 While the power switch is in ON mode and the brake pedal depressed

*

shift the shift lever while pushing the shift release button on the shift knob.

 Shift the shift lever while pushing the shift release button on the shift knob.

 Shift the shift lever normally.

When shifting the shift lever between P and D, make sure that the vehicle is completely 
stopped and the brake pedal is depressed.

*

: For the vehicle be able to be shifted from P, the brake pedal must be depressed before 

the shift release button is pushed. If the shift release button is pushed first, the shift lock 
will not be released.

Q

Shift lock system

The shift lock system is a system to prevent 

accidental operation of the shift lever in 

starting.
The shift lever can be shifted from P only 

when the power switch is in ON mode, the 

brake pedal is depressed and the shift 

release button is pushed.

Q

If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P

First, check whether the brake pedal is 

being depressed.

If the shift lever cannot be shifted even 

Shifting the shift lever

193

4

4-2. Driving procedures

Dr

ivin
g

though the brake pedal is depressed and 

the shift release button is pushed, there may 

be a problem with the shift lock system. 

Have the vehicle inspected by your any 

authorized Lexus retailer or Lexus autho-

rized repairer, or any reliable repairer 

immediately.

The following steps may be used as an 

emergency measure to ensure that the shift 

lever can be shifted.
Releasing the shift lock:

1

If the parking brake is in manual mode, 

set the parking brake. (

P.196)

2

Turn the power switch off.

3

Depress the brake pedal.

4

Press down and release the cup holder 

lid to open.

5

Pry the cover up with a flathead screw-

driver or equivalent tool.

To prevent damage to the cover, cover the 

tip of the screwdriver with a rag.

6

Press and hold the shift lock override 

button and then push the button on the 

shift knob.

The shift lever can be shifted while the both 

buttons are pressed.

P.267

To drive using temporary shift range 
selection, operate the “-” paddle shift 
switch. The shift range can then be 
selected by operating the “-” and “+” 
paddle shift switches.
Changing the shift range allows 
restriction of the highest shift range, 
preventing unnecessary upshifting and 
enabling the level of engine braking 
force to be selected.

1

Upshifting

WARNING

Q

To prevent an accident when releas-

ing the shift lock

Before pressing the shift lock override 

button, make sure to set the parking 

brake and depress the brake pedal.

If the accelerator pedal is accidentally 

depressed instead of the brake pedal 

when the shift lock override button is 

pressed and the shift lever is shifted out 

of P, the vehicle may suddenly start, pos-

sibly leading to an accident resulting in 

death or serious injury.

Selecting the driving mode

Selecting shift ranges in the D 
position

194

4-2. Driving procedures

2

Downshifting

The selected shift range, from D1 to D6, 
will be displayed on the meter.

Q

When the “-” paddle shift switch is oper-

ated with the shift lever in the D position

The shift range is downshifted to a range 

that enables engine braking force that is 

suitable to driving conditions.

Q

Automatic deactivation of shift range 

selection in the D position

Shift range selection in the D position will 

be deactivated in the following situations:

O

The “+” paddle shift switch is held down 

for a period of time

O

When the vehicle comes to a stop

O

If the accelerator pedal is depressed for 

more than a certain period of time

O

When the shift lever is shifted to a posi-

tion other than D

Q

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 shift lever or paddle shift switch is 

operated. (A buzzer will sound twice.)

To enter S mode, shift the shift lever to 
S. Shift ranges can be selected by 
operating the shift lever or paddle shift 
switches, allowing you to drive in the 
shift range of your choosing.

1

Upshifting

2

Downshifting

The selected shift range, from S1 to S6, will 
be displayed on the meter.
The initial shift range in S mode is set auto-
matically to S5 or S4 according to vehicle 
speed.

Q

Shift ranges and their functions

You can choose from 6 levels of 
accelerating force and engine brak-
ing force.

A lower shift range will provide 
greater accelerating force and 
engine braking force than a higher 
shift range, and the engine revolu-
tions will also increase.

If you accelerate while in ranges S1 
to S4, the shift range may automati-
cally increase in accordance with 
the vehicle’s speed.

Q

S mode

O

When the shift range is S4 or lower, hold-

ing the shift lever toward “+” sets the shift 

range to S6.

O

To prevent the engine from over-revving, 

Selecting shift ranges in the S 
mode

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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