Lexus LS500h (2022 year). Manual in english

171

4-2. Driving procedures

LEXUS LS500h Owner's Manual

Driving

4-2.Driving procedures

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



P.185)

The parking brake indicator will come on.

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.
When the shift position is N, the hybrid sys-

tem cannot start. Shift the shift position to P

when starting the hybrid system. (



P.179)

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.

Check that the “READY” indicator
is illuminated.

The vehicle cannot be driven if the

“READY” indicator is off.

■

Power switch illumination

According to the situation, the power

switch illumination operates as follows.

●

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.

●

When depressing the brake pedal with

carrying the electronic key on your per-

son, the power switch illumination rapidly

blinks.

●

When the power switch is in ACCES-

SORY or ON mode, the power switch

illumination illuminates.

■

If the hybrid system does not start

●

The immobilizer system may not have

been deactivated. (



P.72)

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.

■

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 electric vehicle



P.65

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

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4-2. Driving procedures

LEXUS LS500h Owner's Manual

■

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.481to restart the hybrid sys-

tem.

■

Electronic key battery depletion



P.100

■

Conditions affecting operation



P.118

■

Notes for the entry function



P.118

■

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

Turning Steering Wheel in Either Direc-

tion” will be displayed on the multi-infor-

mation display.

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 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.70

■

When “Check Fuel Cap” is displayed on

the multi-information display



P.201

■

Electronic key battery



P.445

■

Operation of the power switch

●

If the switch is not pressed shortly and

firmly, the power switch mode may not

change or the hybrid system may not

start.

●

If attempting to restart the hybrid system

immediately after turning the power

switch off, the hybrid system may not start

in some cases. After turning the power

switch off, please wait a few seconds

before restarting the hybrid system.

■

Customization

If the smart access system with push-button

start has been deactivated in a customized

setting, refer to P.479.

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.

WARNING

■

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.

173

4-2. Driving procedures

LEXUS LS500h Owner's Manual

Driving

Stop the vehicle completely.

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



P.185)

Press the P position switch.
(



P.179)

Check that the shift position indicator

shows P and the parking brake indicator is

illuminated.

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).

Release the brake pedal and check
that “ACCESSORY” or “IGNI-
TION 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.106) from the inside or the mechani-

cal key from the outside, the automatic

hybrid system shut off feature will be dis-

abled. The timer for the automatic hybrid

system shut off feature will be re-enabled

if the driver’s door is opened.

■

Locking the door from outside with the

hybrid system operating

With the driver’s door open, pull the

driver’s door handle and insert the

mechanical key.

Turn the mechanical key counterclock-

wise.

Pull out the mechanical key and close

the door.

■

Automatic P position selection function



P.181

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

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4-2. Driving procedures

LEXUS LS500h Owner's Manual

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.454)

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

175

4-2. Driving procedures

LEXUS LS500h Owner's Manual

Driving

■

Auto power off function

If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY mode

for more than 20 minutes or ON mode

(with hybrid system 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

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 Acoustic Vehi-
cle Alerting System is active, the
vehicle may produce sound.

Operating instructions

176

4-2. Driving procedures

LEXUS LS500h Owner's Manual

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.93)

●

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.93)

●

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-

177

4-2. Driving procedures

LEXUS LS500h Owner's Manual

Driving

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.

■

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 the 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 the dynamic radar cruise

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 Acoustic

Vehicle Alerting System is active.

Hybrid transmission

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.183)

178

4-2. Driving procedures

LEXUS LS500h Owner's Manual

control 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.331)

■

Sudden start restraint control

(Drive-Start Control [DSC])



P.166

■

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.424

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. (



P.472)

●

The display indicates that no shift posi-

tion is selected for more than a few

seconds.

179

4-2. Driving procedures

LEXUS LS500h Owner's Manual

Driving

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 power

switch mode

●

The shift position cannot be changed

when the power switch is in ACCES-

SORY mode or off.

●

When the power switch is in ON mode, if

the “READY” indicator is not illuminated,

the shift position can only be changed to

●

When the “READY” indicator is illumi-

nated, 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 any other position, even if the shift

lever is operated. Operate the shift lever

again after the “READY” indicator

changes from flashing to illuminated.

■

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.

Shift position display and how to
change the shift position

180

4-2. Driving procedures

LEXUS LS500h Owner's Manual

●

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 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)

●

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 power switch is in 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

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

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 power switch.

■

If the shift position cannot be shifted

from P

There is a possibility that the 12-volt battery

is discharged. Check the 12-volt battery in

this situation. (



P.482)

181

4-2. Driving procedures

LEXUS LS500h Owner's Manual

Driving

■

Customization

Some functions can be customized.

(



P.513)

■

Driving mode



P.331

■

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.

■

Snow mode automatic deactivation

Snow mode is automatically deactivated if

the power switch is turned off after driving

in snow mode.

To drive using temporary shift range
selection, operate the “-” or “+” paddle

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.

NOTICE

■

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

Selecting shift ranges in the D
position

182

4-2. Driving procedures

LEXUS LS500h Owner's Manual

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 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 the “+” paddle shift switch is

pressed and held

■

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

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

Setting the shift range at D1

Selecting gears in the M position

183

4-2. Driving procedures

LEXUS LS500h Owner's Manual

Driving

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 vehicle speed increases
(upshift only).



When the accelerator pedal is firmly
depressed.



When it is necessary to protect the
transmission when the transmission
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 restrictions 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 power switch to be
set to ACCESSORY mode with the
shift position held in N.

Operate the shift lever and change
the shift position to N when the
hybrid system is operating.

Return the shift lever to its regular

position (

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

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



Even if the hybrid system is not
operating, by operating the shift
lever and the power switch, the
power switch may be changed to
ACCESSORY mode with the shift
position held in N. Make sure that
the hybrid system is operating
before performing the operation.

: To keep this state, do not operate the

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

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

184

4-2. Driving procedures

LEXUS LS500h Owner's Manual

Right turn

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

The right hand signals will flash 3 times.

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

The left hand signals will flash 3 times.

Left turn

■

Turn signals can be operated when

The power switch is in 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.

■

Customization

Some functions can be customized.

(



P.513)

Turn signal lever

Operating instructions

185

4-2. Driving procedures

LEXUS LS500h Owner's Manual

Driving

■

Using the manual mode

The parking brake can be set and
released manually.

U.S.A.
Canada

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.

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.

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

Lexus LS500h (2022 year). Manual in english - page 10