Lexus LS500 (2022 year). Manual in english - page 10

 

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Lexus LS500 (2022 year). Manual in english - page 10

 

 

167

4-2. Driving procedures

LEXUS LS500 Owner's Manual

4

Driving

4-2.Driving procedures

1

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

P.178)

The parking brake indicator will come on.

2

Firmly depress the brake pedal.

 and a message will be displayed on 

the multi-information display. 

If it is not displayed, the engine cannot be 

started.

3

Press the engine switch shortly and 
firmly.

When operating the engine switch, one 

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

sary to press and hold the switch.
The engine will crank until it starts or for up 

to 30 seconds, whichever is less.
Continue depressing the brake pedal until 

the engine is completely started.
The engine can be started from any engine 

switch mode.

Engine switch illumination

According to the situation, the engine 

switch illumination operates as follows.

When a door is opened, or the engine 

switch mode is changed from ACCES-

SORY or IGNITION ON mode to off, 

the engine switch illumination slowly 

blinks.

When depressing the brake pedal with 

carrying the electronic key on your per-

son, the engine switch illumination rapidly 

blinks.

When the engine switch is in ACCES-

SORY or IGNITION ON mode, the 

engine switch illumination illuminates.

If the engine does not start

The engine immobilizer system may not 

have been deactivated. (

P.62) 

Contact your Lexus dealer.

If a message related to start-up is shown 

on the multi-information display, read the 

message and follow the instructions.

If the battery is discharged

The engine cannot be started using the 

smart access system with push-button start. 

Refer to P.442to restart the engine.

Electronic key battery depletion

P.92

Conditions affecting operation

P.109

Notes for the entry function

P.110

Steering lock function

After turning the engine switch off and 

opening and closing the doors, the steer-

ing wheel will be locked due to the steer-

ing lock function. Operating the engine 

switch again automatically cancels the 

steering lock.

When the steering lock cannot be 

released, “Push Engine Switch While 

Turning Steering Wheel in Either Direc-

tion” will be displayed on the multi-infor-

mation display. 

Press the engine switch shortly and firmly 

Engine (ignition) switch

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

Starting the engine

168

4-2. Driving procedures

LEXUS LS500 Owner's Manual

while turning the steering wheel left and 

right.

To prevent the steering lock motor from 

overheating, operation of the motor may 

be suspended if the engine is turned on 

and off repeatedly in a short period of 

time. In this case, refrain from operating 

the engine switch. After about 10 sec-

onds, the steering lock motor will resume 

functioning.

When “Check Fuel Cap” is displayed on 

the multi-information display

P.194

Electronic key battery

P.408

Operation of the engine switch

If the switch is not pressed shortly and 

firmly, the engine switch mode may not 

change or the engine may not start.

If attempting to restart the engine imme-

diately after turning the engine switch off, 

the engine may not start in some cases. 

After turning the engine switch off, please 

wait a few seconds before restarting the 

engine.

Customization

If the smart access system with push-button 

start has been deactivated in a customized 

setting, refer to P.440.

1

Stop the vehicle completely.

2

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

P.178)

3

Press the P position switch. 
(

P.172)

Check that the shift position indicator 

shows P and the parking brake indicator is 

illuminated.

4

Press the engine switch.

The engine will stop, and the meter display 

will be extinguished (the shift position indi-

cator will be extinguished a few seconds 

after the meter display).

5

Release the brake pedal and check 
that “ACCESSORY” or “IGNI-

WARNING

When starting the engine

Always start the engine while sitting in 

the driver’s seat. Do not depress the 

accelerator pedal while starting the 

engine under any circumstances. 

Doing so may cause an accident result-

ing in death or serious injury.

Caution while driving

If engine failure occurs while the vehicle 

is moving, do not lock or open the doors 

until the vehicle reaches a safe and com-

plete stop. Activation of the steering lock 

in this circumstance may lead to an acci-

dent, resulting in death or serious injury.

NOTICE

When starting the engine

Do not race a cold engine.

If the engine becomes difficult to start 

or stalls frequently, have your vehicle 

checked by your Lexus dealer immedi-

ately.

Symptoms indicating a malfunction 

with the engine switch

If the engine 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 engine

169

4-2. Driving procedures

LEXUS LS500 Owner's Manual

4

Driving

TION ON” is not shown on the 
meter.

Automatic engine shut off feature

The vehicle is equipped with a feature 

that automatically shuts off the engine 

when the shift position is in P with the 

engine running for an extended period.

The engine 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 engine 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.98) 

from the inside or the mechanical key 

from the outside, the automatic engine 

shut off feature will be disabled. The timer 

for the automatic engine shut off feature 

will be re-enabled if the driver’s door is 

opened.

Locking the door from outside with the 

engine running

1

With the driver’s door open, pull the 

driver’s door handle and insert the 

mechanical key.

2

Turn the mechanical key counterclock-

wise.

3

Pull out the mechanical key and close 

the door.

Automatic P position selection function

P.173

WARNING

Stopping the engine in an emergency

If you want to stop the engine in an 

emergency while driving the vehicle, 

press and hold the engine switch for 

more than 2 seconds, or press it briefly 

3 times or more in succession. 

(

P.416)

However, do not touch the engine 

switch while driving except in an emer-

gency. Turning the engine 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 engine 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 engine after an 

emergency shutdown, press the 

engine 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 engine.

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4-2. Driving procedures

LEXUS LS500 Owner's Manual

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

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

IGNITION ON mode

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

Auto power off function

If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY mode 

for more than 20 minutes or IGNITION 

ON mode (with the engine not running) for 

more than an hour with the shift position in 

P, the engine switch will automatically turn 

off. However, this function cannot entirely 

prevent the battery discharge. Do not leave 

the vehicle with the engine switch in 

ACCESSORY or IGNITION ON mode 

for long periods of time when the engine is 

not running.

When the shift control system malfunc-

tions

When attempting to turn the engine switch 

off while there is a malfunction in the shift 

control system, the engine 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 engine switch again. If there is a mal-

function in the system, have the vehicle 

inspected by your Lexus dealer immedi-

ately.

WARNING

Do not leave the vehicle with the 

engine running 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 engine running in an 

area with snow build-up, or where it is 

snowing. If snowbanks build up around 

the vehicle while the engine is running, 

exhaust gases may collect and enter 

the vehicle.

Changing engine switch modes

NOTICE

To prevent battery discharge

Do not leave the engine switch in 

ACCESSORY or IGNITION ON 

mode for long periods of time without 

the engine running.

If “ACCESSORY” or “IGNITION 

ON” is displayed on the meter, the 

engine switch is not off.

Exit the vehicle after turning the 

engine switch off.

171

4-2. Driving procedures

LEXUS LS500 Owner's Manual

4

Driving

*1

: 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.

*2

: Any gear range can be fixed when driv-

ing in M mode.

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 the D position 

(

P.299)

Sudden start restraint control 

(Drive-Start Control [DSC])

P.163

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 bat-

tery

P.391

Automatic transmission

Select the shift position depending 
on your purpose and situation.

Shift position purpose and func-
tions

Shift posi-

tion

Objective or function

P

Parking the vehicle/starting 

the engine

R

Reversing

N

Neutral

(Condition in which the 

power is not transmitted)

D

Normal driving

*1

M

M mode driving

*2

 (

P.175)

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.

172

4-2. Driving procedures

LEXUS LS500 Owner's Manual

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 the M 
position indicator are displayed in gray.
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

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 illuminates.
Check that the shift position indicator 
shows P.

Changing the shift position in each 

engine switch mode

The shift position cannot be changed 

when the engine switch is in ACCES-

SORY mode or off.

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.

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. (

P.434)

The display indicates that no shift posi-

tion is selected for more than a few 

seconds.

Shift position display and how to 
change the shift position

A

B

C

173

4-2. Driving procedures

LEXUS LS500 Owner's Manual

4

Driving

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 shift-

ing 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 pro-

vided on the instrument cluster.

The shift position cannot be changed 

from P to M directly.

The shift position cannot be changed 

when

In the following situations, a buzzer will 

sound to inform you that the shift position 

cannot be changed. Use the appropriate 

operation to attempt to change the shift 

position again.

When attempting to change the shift 

position from P with the brake pedal not 

depressed

When attempting to change the shift 

position from P with the accelerator 

pedal depressed

When attempting to change the shift 

position from N while stopped or driving 

at an extremely low speed with the brake 

pedal not depressed

When attempting to change the shift 

position from N while stopped or driving 

at an extremely low speed with the accel-

erator pedal depressed

When attempting to change the shift 

position from P or N to M

When the P position switch is pressed 

while driving

When driving at an extremely low speed, 

the shift position may change to P.

The shift position automatically changes 

to N when

In the following situations, a buzzer will 

sound to inform you that the shift position 

has been changed to N. Use the appropri-

ate operation to attempt to change the shift 

position again.

When attempting to change the shift 

position to R while the vehicle is moving 

forward

When driving at a low speed, the shift posi-
tion may change to R.

When attempting to change the shift 

position to D while the vehicle is moving 

backward

When driving at a low speed, the shift posi-
tion may change to D.

When attempting to change the shift 

position from R to M

If the N shift position is selected while 

driving

If the shift lever is moved to N while driving 

above a certain speed, the shift position will 

change to N without holding the shift lever 

in the N position. In this situation, a buzzer 

will sound and a message will be displayed 

on the multi-information display to inform 

you that the shift position has been changed 

to N.

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)

*

If the driver’s door is opened and all of the 

following conditions are met, while the 

shift position is in a position other than P

• The engine switch is in IGNITION ON 

mode.

• The driver is not wearing the seat belt.

• The brake pedal is not depressed.
To start off the vehicle after the shift posi-
tion 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 battery drops while 

the shift position is in a position other than 

P.

174

4-2. Driving procedures

LEXUS LS500 Owner's Manual

*

: When the engine switch is pressed while 

driving at extremely slow speeds, such 
as immediately before stopping the vehi-
cle, the shift position may automatically 
change to P. Make sure that the vehicle 
is completely stopped before pressing 
the engine switch.

If the shift position cannot be shifted 

from P

There is a possibility that the battery is dis-

charged. Check the battery in this situation. 

(

P.443)

Customization

Some functions can be customized. 

(

P.474)

Driving mode

P.299

Snow mode

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

The snow mode indicator illuminates.
Turn the snow mode switch backward 
again to return to normal mode.

Except F SPORT models

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

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 example, 

directly before stopping the vehicle), 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 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.

Selecting the driving mode

A

175

4-2. Driving procedures

LEXUS LS500 Owner's Manual

4

Driving

F SPORT models

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.

Except F SPORT models
F SPORT models

1

Upshifting

2

Downshifting

The selected shift range, from D1 to D10, 

will be displayed on 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:

When the vehicle comes to a stop

If the accelerator pedal is depressed for 

more than a certain period of time

When the shift position is shifted to a 

position other than D.

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 

Selecting shift ranges in the D 
position

B

A
B

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 condi-

tions

D1

Setting the shift range at D1

Selecting gears in the M position

176

4-2. Driving procedures

LEXUS LS500 Owner's Manual

you to drive in the gear of your choos-
ing.

Except F SPORT models
F SPORT models

1

Upshifting

2

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 on 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 situations:

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.)

Performing the following opera-
tions allows the engine switch to be 
set to ACCESSORY mode with the 
shift position held in N.

1

Operate the shift lever and change 
the shift position to N when the 
engine is running.

2

Return the shift lever to its regular 

position (

).

3

Operate the shift lever to N and 
hold it there until the buzzer 
sounds.

4

Press the engine switch within 5 
seconds 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 position will be changed to 
P.

Even if the engine is not running, by 
operating the shift lever and the 

A
B

When the engine switch is 
changed to ACCESSORY mode 
with the shift position held in N

177

4-2. Driving procedures

LEXUS LS500 Owner's Manual

4

Driving

engine switch, the engine switch 
may be changed to ACCESSORY 
mode with the shift position held in 
N. Make sure that the engine is run-
ning before performing the opera-
tion.

*

: 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.

1

Right turn

2

Lane change to the right (move the 
lever partway and release it)

The right hand signals will flash 3 times.

3

Lane change to the left (move the 
lever partway and release it)

The left hand signals will flash 3 times.

4

Left turn

Turn signals can be operated when

The engine switch is in IGNITION ON 

mode.

If the indicator flashes faster than usual

Check that a light bulb in the front or rear 

turn signal lights has not burned out.

If the turn signals stop flashing before a 

lane change has been performed

Operate the lever again.

NOTICE

Keeping the shift position in N when 

changing to ACCESSORY mode

When you wish to keep the shift position 

in N when changing the engine switch to 

ACCESSORY mode, make sure that the 

engine is running before operating the 

engine switch.

If the engine switch mode is changed 

without the engine running, the shift posi-

tion may change to P.

Turn signal lever

Operating instructions

178

4-2. Driving procedures

LEXUS LS500 Owner's Manual

Customization

Some functions can be customized. 

(

P.474)

Using the manual mode

The parking brake can be set and 
released manually.

U.S.A.
Canada

1

Push the switch to set the parking 
brake

The parking brake indicator light will turn 
on.
Press and hold the parking brake switch if 
an emergency occurs and it is necessary to 
operate the parking brake while driving.

Parking brake

The parking brake can be set or 
released automatically or manually.

In automatic mode, the parking 
brake can be set or released auto-
matically according to the shift 
lever operation. Also, even in auto-
matic mode, the parking brake can 
be set or released manually.

Operating instructions

A
B

179

4-2. Driving procedures

LEXUS LS500 Owner's Manual

4

Driving

2

Pull the switch to release the park-
ing brake

• Operate the parking brake switch while 

depressing the brake pedal.

• Using the parking brake automatic 

release function, the parking brake can 
be released by depressing the accelera-
tor pedal. When using this function, 
slowly depress the accelerator pedal.

Make sure that the parking brake indicator 
light turn off.

Turns automatic mode on

While the vehicle is stopped, press and 
hold the parking brake switch until a 
message is shown on the multi-infor-
mation display.

When the automatic mode is turned 
on, the parking brake operates as fol-
lows.

When the shift position is shifted 
from P, the parking brake will be 
released, and the parking brake 
indicator light will turn off.

When the shift position is shifted to 
P, the parking brake will be set, and 
the parking brake indicator light will 
turn on.

Operate the shift lever and P position 
switch with the vehicle stopped and the 
brake pedal depressed.

Turns automatic mode off

While the vehicle is stopped, pull and 
hold the parking brake switch until a 
message is shown on the multi-infor-
mation display.

Parking brake operation

When the engine switch is not in IGNI-

TION ON mode, the parking brake can-

not be released using the parking brake 

switch.

When the engine switch is not in IGNI-

TION ON mode, automatic mode (auto-

matic brake setting and releasing) is not 

available.

Parking brake automatic release func-

tion

When the shift position is shifted from P, 

the parking brake will be released in 

automatic mode.

When all of the following conditions are 

met in manual mode, the parking brake 

can be released by depressing the accel-

erator pedal.

• The driver’s door is closed

• The driver is wearing the seat belt

• The shift position is in D, M or R

If “EPB Frequently Operated Wait a 

Minute” is displayed on the multi-infor-

mation display

If the parking brake is operated repeatedly 

over a short period of time, the system may 

restrict operation to prevent overheating. If 

this happens, refrain from operating the 

parking brake. Normal operation will return 

after about 1 minute.

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4-2. Driving procedures

LEXUS LS500 Owner's Manual

If “EPB Activation Stopped Incom-

pletely” or “EPB Unavailable” is dis-

played on the multi-information display

Operate the parking brake switch. If the 

message does not disappear after operat-

ing the switch several times, the system may 

be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle 

inspected by your Lexus dealer.

Parking brake operation sound

When the parking brake operates, a motor 

sound (whirring sound) may be heard. This 

does not indicate a malfunction.

Parking brake operation

Depending on the engine switch mode, 

the parking brake indicator light will turn 

on and stay on as described below: 

IGNITION ON mode: Comes on until 

the parking brake is released.

Not in IGNITION ON mode: Stays on 

for approximately 15 seconds.

When the engine switch is turned off with 

the parking brake set, the parking brake 

indicator light will stay on for about 15 

seconds. This does not indicate a mal-

function.

When the parking brake switch mal-

functions

Automatic mode (automatic brake setting 

and releasing) will be turned on automati-

cally.

Parking the vehicle

P.157

Parking brake engaged warning buzzer

A buzzer will sound if the vehicle is driven 

with the parking brake engaged. “EPB 

Applied” is displayed on the multi-informa-

tion display. (with the vehicle reached a 

speed of 3 mph [5 km/h])

If the brake system warning light comes 

on

P.425

Usage in winter time

P.309

WARNING

When parking the vehicle

Do not leave a child in the vehicle alone. 

The parking brake may be released unin-

tentionally and there is the danger of the 

vehicle moving that may lead to an acci-

dent resulting in death or serious injury.

NOTICE

When parking the vehicle

Before you leave the vehicle, set the 

parking brake, shift the shift position to P 

and make sure that the vehicle does not 

move.

When the system malfunctions

Stop the vehicle in a safe place and 

check the warning messages.

When the parking brake cannot be 

released due to a malfunction

Driving the vehicle with the parking 

brake set will lead to brake components 

overheating, which may affect braking 

performance and increase brake wear.
Have the vehicle inspected by your 

Lexus dealer immediately if this occurs.

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4-2. Driving procedures

LEXUS LS500 Owner's Manual

4

Driving

Turns the brake hold system on

The brake hold standby indicator (green) 

 comes on. While the system is holding 

the brake, the brake hold operated indica-
tor (yellow) 

 comes on.

Brake hold system operating conditions

The brake hold system cannot be turned on 

in the following conditions:

The driver’s door is not closed.

The driver is not wearing the seat belt.

If any of the conditions above are detected 

when the brake hold system is enabled, the 

system will turn off and the brake hold 

standby indicator light will go off. In addi-

tion, if any of the conditions are detected 

while the system is holding the brake, a 

warning buzzer will sound and a message 

will be shown on the multi-information dis-

play. The parking brake will then be set 

automatically.

Brake hold function

If the brake pedal is left released for a 

period of about 3 minutes after the sys-

tem has started holding the brake, the 

parking brake will be set automatically. In 

this case, a warning buzzer sounds and a 

message is shown on the multi-informa-

tion display.

To turn the system off while the system is 

holding the brake, firmly depress the 

brake pedal and press the button again.

The brake hold function may not hold the 

vehicle when the vehicle is on a steep 

incline. In this situation, it may be neces-

sary for the driver to apply the brakes. A 

warning buzzer will sound and the 

multi-information display will inform the 

driver of this situation. If a warning mes-

sage is shown on the multi-information 

display, read the message and follow the 

instructions.

When the parking brake is set automati-

cally while the system is holding the 

brakes

Perform any of the following operations to 

release the parking brake.

Depress the accelerator pedal. (The 

parking brake will not be released auto-

matically if the seat belt is not fastened.)

Operate the parking brake switch with 

the brake pedal depressed.

Make sure that the parking brake indicator 

light goes off. (

P.178)

When an inspection at your Lexus 

dealer is necessary

When the brake hold standby indicator 

(green) does not illuminate even when the 

brake hold switch is pressed with the brake 

hold system operating conditions met, the 

system may be malfunctioning. Have the 

vehicle inspected at your Lexus dealer.

Brake Hold

The brake hold system keeps the 
brake applied when the shift posi-
tion is in D, M or N with the system 
on and the brake pedal has been 
depressed to stop the vehicle. The 
system releases the brake when the 
accelerator pedal is depressed with 
the shift position in D or M to allow 
smooth start off.

Enabling the system

A

B

182

4-2. Driving procedures

LEXUS LS500 Owner's Manual

If “Brake Hold Malfunction Press Brake 

to Deactivate Visit Your Dealer” or 

“Brake Hold Malfunction Visit Your 

Dealer” is displayed on the multi-infor-

mation display

The system may be malfunctioning. Have 

the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer.

Warning messages and buzzers

Warning messages and buzzers are used to 

indicate a system malfunction or to inform 

the driver of the need for caution. If a warn-

ing message is shown on the multi-informa-

tion display, read the message and follow 

the instructions.

If the brake hold operated indicator 

flashes

P.431

WARNING

When the vehicle is on a steep incline

When using the brake hold system on a 

steep incline exercise caution. The brake 

hold function may not hold the vehicle in 

such a situation.

When stopped on a slippery road

The system cannot stop the vehicle when 

the gripping ability of the tires has been 

exceeded. Do not use the system when 

stopped on a slippery road.

NOTICE

When parking the vehicle

The brake hold system is not designed 

for use when parking the vehicle for a 

long period of time. Turning the engine 

switch off while the system is holding the 

brake may release the brake, which 

would cause the vehicle to move. When 

operating the engine switch, depress the 

brake pedal, shift the shift position to P 

and set the parking brake.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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