Lexus ES300h (2023 year). Manual in english

137

Driving

4-1. Before driving

Driving the vehicle.....................

138

Cargo and luggage...................

144

Vehicle load limits......................

146

Trailer towing...............................

146

Dinghy towing .............................

147

4-2. Driving procedures

Power (ignition) switch ............

148

EV drive mode ............................

153

Hybrid transmission ..................

154

Turn signal lever..........................

158

Parking brake ..............................

159

Brake Hold.....................................

161

4-3. Operating the lights and wipers

Headlight switch.........................

163

AHB (Automatic High Beam)

.........................................................

166

Windshield wipers and washer

.........................................................

169

4-4. Refueling

Opening the fuel tank cap......

174

4-5. Using the driving support sys-

tems

Lexus Safety System + 2.5.....

177

PCS (Pre-Collision System)...

181

LTA (Lane Tracing Assist).......

191

RSA (Road Sign Assist)..........

200

Dynamic radar cruise control

with full-speed range ............

203

BSM (Blind Spot Monitor) .....

213

Driving Mode Select switch ..

218

PKSA (Parking Support Alert)

.......................................................

220

Intuitive parking assist..............

222

RCTA (Rear Cross Traffic Alert)

function.......................................

229

RCD (Rear Camera Detection)

function.......................................

235

PKSB (Parking Support Brake)

.......................................................

238

Parking Support Brake function

(static objects).........................

245

Parking Support Brake function

(rear-crossing vehicles) ......

248

Parking Support Brake function

(rear pedestrians) ..................

250

Driving assist systems..............

252

4-6. Driving tips

Hybrid Electric Vehicle driving

tips................................................

257

Winter driving tips....................

259

138

4-1. Before driving

4-1.Before driving

■

Starting the hybrid system



P.148

■

Driving

With the brake pedal depressed,
shift the shift lever to D. (



P.155)

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



P.159)

Gradually release the brake pedal
and gently depress the accelerator
pedal to accelerate the vehicle.

■

Stopping

With the shift in D, depress the
brake pedal.

If necessary, set the parking brake.

If the vehicle is to be stopped for an

extended period of time, shift the shift lever

to P. (



P.155)

■

Parking the vehicle

With the shift lever in D, depress
the brake pedal.

Set the parking brake (



P.159),

and shift the shift lever to P
(



P.155).

Press the power switch to stop the
hybrid system.

Lock the door, making sure that
you have the electronic key on your
person.

If parking on a hill, block the wheels as

needed.

■

Starting off on a steep uphill

Make sure that the parking brake is
set with the brake pedal depressed,
and then shift the shift lever to D.

Release the brake pedal and gently
depress the accelerator pedal.

Release the parking brake.

■

When starting off on a uphill

The hill-start assist control will activate.

(



P.252)

■

For fuel-efficient driving

Keep in mind that Hybrid Electric Vehicles

are similar to conventional vehicles, and it is

necessary to refrain from activities such as

sudden acceleration. (



P.257)

■

Coasting (Auto Glide Control)

When Eco drive mode is selected, under

certain conditions, Auto Glide Control will

operate automatically and allow the vehicle

coast, enhancing fuel economy. (



P.219)

■

Driving in the rain

●

Drive carefully when it is raining, because

visibility will be reduced, the windows

may become fogged-up, and the road

will be slippery.

●

Drive carefully when it starts to rain,

because the road surface will be espe-

cially slippery.

●

Refrain from high speeds when driving on

an expressway in the rain, because there

may be a layer of water between the tires

and the road surface, preventing the

steering and brakes from operating

properly.

■

Restraining the hybrid system output

(Brake Override System)

●

When the accelerator and brake pedals

are depressed at the same time, the

hybrid system output may be restrained.

●

A warning message is displayed on the

multi-information display while the sys-

tem is operating.

Driving the vehicle

The following procedures should be
observed to ensure safe driving:

Driving procedure

139

4-1. Before driving

Driving

■

Breaking in your new Lexus

To extend the life of the vehicle, observing

the following precautions is recommended:

●

For the first 186 miles (300 km):

Avoid sudden stops.

●

For the first 621 miles (1000 km):

• 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.

■

Operating your vehicle in a foreign

country

Comply with the relevant vehicle registra-

tion laws and confirm the availability of the

correct fuel. (



P.399)

WARNING

Observe the following precautions.

Failure to do so may result in death or

serious injury.

■

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.

■

When driving the vehicle

●

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.

●

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.

●

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.

140

4-1. Before driving

WARNING

●

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.354

●

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.154)

●

Do not adjust the positions of the

steering wheel, the seat, or the inside

or outside rear view mirrors while driv-

ing.

Doing so may result in a loss of vehicle

control.

●

Always check that all passengers’

arms, heads or other parts of their

body are not outside the vehicle.

●

Do not drive in excess of the speed

limit. Even if the legal speed limit per-

mits it, do not drive over 85 mph (140

km/h) unless your vehicle has high-

speed capability tires. Driving over 85

mph (140 km/h) may result in tire fail-

ure, loss of control and possible injury.

Be sure to consult a tire dealer to

determine whether the tires on your

vehicle are high-speed capability tires

or not before driving at such speeds.

■

When driving on slippery road sur-

faces

●

Sudden braking, acceleration and

steering may cause tire slippage and

reduce your ability to control the vehi-

cle.

●

Sudden acceleration, engine braking

due to shifting, or changes in engine

speed could cause the vehicle to skid,

resulting in an accident.

●

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.

■

When shifting the shift lever

●

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.

●

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.

●

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.

●

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.

●

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.

●

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.

141

4-1. Before driving

Driving

WARNING

■

If you hear a squealing or scraping

noise (brake pad wear limit indica-

tors)

Have the brake pads checked and

replaced by your Lexus dealer as soon as

possible. Rotor damage may result if the

pads are not replaced when needed. It is

dangerous to drive the vehicle when the

wear limits of the brake pads and/or

those of the brake discs are exceeded.

■

When the vehicle is stopped

●

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.

●

In order to prevent accidents due to

the vehicle rolling away, always keep

depressing the brake pedal while

stopped with the “READY” indicator is

illuminated, and apply the parking

brake as necessary.

●

If the vehicle is stopped on an incline,

in order to prevent accidents caused

by the vehicle rolling forward or back-

ward, always depress the brake pedal

and securely apply the parking brake

as needed.

●

Avoid revving or racing the engine.

Running the engine at high speed

while the vehicle is stopped may cause

the exhaust system to overheat, which

could result in a fire if combustible

material is nearby.

■

When the vehicle is parked

●

Do not leave glasses, cigarette 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.

●

Do not leave cigarette lighters in the

vehicle. If a cigarette lighter is in a

place such as the glove box or on the

floor, it may be lit accidentally when

luggage is loaded or the seat is

adjusted, causing a fire.

●

Do not attach adhesive discs to the

windshield or windows. Do not place

containers such as air fresheners on

the instrument panel or dashboard.

Adhesive discs or containers may act

as lenses, causing a fire in the vehicle.

●

Do not leave a door or window open if

the curved glass is coated with a met-

allized film such as a silver-colored

one. Reflected sunlight may cause the

glass to act as a lens, causing a fire.

●

Always apply the parking brake, shift

the shift 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.

●

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.

142

4-1. Before driving

WARNING

■

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.

■

When braking

●

When the brakes are wet, drive more

cautiously.

Braking distance increases when the

brakes are wet, and this may cause

one side of the vehicle to brake differ-

ently than the other side. Also, the

parking brake may not securely hold

the vehicle.

●

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.

●

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

■

When driving the vehicle

●

Do not depress the accelerator and

brake pedals at the same time during

driving, as this may restrain the hybrid

system output.

●

Do not use the accelerator pedal or

depress the accelerator and brake

pedals at the same time to hold the

vehicle on a hill.

■

Avoiding damage to vehicle parts

●

Do not turn the steering wheel fully in

either direction and hold it there for an

extended period of time.

Doing so may damage the power

steering motor.

●

When driving over bumps in the road,

drive as slowly as possible to avoid

damaging the wheels, underside of the

vehicle, etc.

■

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.

●

It may be difficult to control your vehi-

cle.

●

The vehicle will make abnormal

sounds or vibrations.

●

The vehicle will lean abnormally.

Information on what to do in case of a flat

tire (



P.375)

■

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:

●

Engine stalling

●

Short in electrical components

●

Engine damage caused by water

immersion

In the event that you drive on a flooded

road and the vehicle is flooded, be sure

to have your Lexus dealer check the fol-

lowing:

●

Brake function

143

4-1. Before driving

Driving

When the following unusual operation
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.

■

Drive-Start Control (DSC)

●

When the TRAC is turned off (



P.253),

sudden start restraint control also does

not operate. If your vehicle have trouble

escaping from the mud or fresh snow due

to sudden start restraint control opera-

tion, deactivate TRAC (



P.253) so that

the vehicle may become able to escape

from the mud or fresh snow.

NOTICE

●

Changes in quantity and quality of oil

and fluid used for the engine, hybrid

transmission, etc.

●

Lubricant condition for the bearings

and suspension joints (where possi-

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

ings, etc.

■

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])

144

4-1. Before driving

Cargo capacity depends on the total
weight of the occupants.
(Cargo capacity) = (Total load capac-
ity)



(Total weight of occupants)

Steps for Determining Correct Load
Limit



(1) Locate the statement “The com-
bined weight of occupants and cargo
should never exceed XXX kg or XXX
lbs.” on your vehicle’s placard.
(2) Determine the combined weight of
the driver and passengers that will be
riding in your vehicle.
(3) Subtract the combined weight of
the driver and passengers from XXX
kg or XXX lbs.
(4) The resulting figure equals the
available amount of cargo and luggage
load capacity.
For example, if the “XXX” amount
equals 1400 lbs. and there will be five
150 lb passengers in your vehicle, the
amount of available cargo and luggage
load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400

−

750



150) = 650 lbs.)

(5) Determine the combined weight of
luggage and cargo being loaded on
the vehicle. That weight may not safely
exceed the available cargo and lug-
gage load capacity calculated in Step
4.
(6) If your vehicle will be towing a
trailer, load from your trailer will be
transferred to your vehicle. Consult
this manual to determine how this
reduces the available cargo and lug-
gage load capacity of your vehicle.
(



P.146)

Lexus does not recommend towing a
trailer with your vehicle. Your vehicle is not
designed for trailer towing.

Cargo and luggage

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

WARNING

■

Things that must not be carried in the

trunk

The following things may cause a fire if

loaded in the trunk:

●

Receptacles containing gasoline

●

Aerosol cans

■

Storage precautions

Observe the following precautions.

Failure to do so may prevent the pedals

from being depressed properly, may

block the driver’s vision, or may result in

items hitting the driver or passengers,

possibly causing an accident.

●

Stow cargo and luggage in the trunk

whenever possible.

●

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 the Center Display

●

Secure all items in the occupant com-

partment.

Capacity and distribution

145

4-1. Before driving

Driving

Cargo capacity

Total load capacity (vehicle capac-
ity weight) (



P.398)

When 2 people with the combined
weight of A lb. (kg) are riding in your
vehicle, which has a total load capacity
(vehicle capacity weight) of B lb. (kg),
the available amount of cargo and lug-
gage load capacity will be C lb. (kg) as
follows:

lb. (kg) - A

lb. (kg) = C

lb. (kg)

: A = Weight of people

: B = Total load capacity

: C = Available cargo and luggage load

In this condition, if 3 more passengers with
the combined weight of D lb. (kg) get on,
the available cargo and luggage load will
be reduced E lb. (kg) as follows:

C lb. (kg) - D

lb. (kg) = E

lb. (kg)

: D = Additional weight of people

: E = Available cargo and luggage load

As shown in the example above, if the
number of occupants increases, the
cargo and luggage load will be
reduced by an amount that equals the
increased weight due to the additional
occupants. In other words, if an
increase in the number of occupants
causes an excess of the total load
capacity (combined weight of occu-
pants plus cargo and luggage load),
you must reduce the cargo and lug-
gage on your vehicle.

WARNING

■

Capacity and distribution

●

Do not exceed the maximum axle

weight rating or the total vehicle

weight rating.

●

Even if the total load of occupant’s

weight and the cargo load is less than

the total load capacity, do not apply

the load unevenly. Improper loading

may cause deterioration of steering or

braking control which may cause

death or serious injury.

Calculation formula for your
vehicle

146

4-1. Before driving

■

Total load capacity and seating capacity

These details are also described on the tire

and loading information label. (



P.334)

Vehicle load limits

Vehicle load limits include total
load capacity, seating capacity,
towing capacity and cargo capac-
ity.



Total load capacity (vehicle
capacity weight):



P.398

Total load capacity means the com-
bined weight of occupants, cargo
and luggage.



Seating capacity:



P.398

Seating capacity means the maxi-
mum number of occupants whose
estimated average weight is 150 lb.
(68 kg) per person.



Towing capacity

Lexus does not recommend towing
a trailer with your vehicle.



Cargo capacity

Cargo capacity may increase or
decrease depending on the weight
and the number of occupants.

WARNING

■

Overloading the vehicle

Do not overload the vehicle.

It may not only cause damage to the tires,

but also degrade steering and braking

ability, resulting in an accident.

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.

148

4-2. Driving procedures

4-2.Driving procedures

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



P.159)

Parking brake indicator will come on.

Check that the shift lever is in P.

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.

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 will not move when 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.67)

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 door is unlocked with the mechani-

cal key, the hybrid system cannot be

started using the smart access system

with push-button start. Refer to P.386 to

start the hybrid system. However, if the

electronic key is carried inside the vehi-

cle and the doors are locked (



P.106),

the hybrid system can be started.

■

When the ambient temperature is low,

such as during winter driving conditions

(for vehicles sold in except Canada)

●

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

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

149

4-2. Driving procedures

Driving

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.60

■

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.387 to restart the hybrid

system.

■

Electronic key battery depletion



P.100

■

Conditions affecting operation



P.117

■

Notes for the entry function



P.118

■

If there is a malfunction in the smart

access system with push-button start

If “Access System with Elec. Key Malfunc-

tion See Owner’s Manual” is displayed on

the multi-information display, the system

may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle

inspected by your Lexus dealer immedi-

ately.

■

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 your Lexus dealer immediately.

■

When “Check Fuel Cap” is displayed on

the multi-information display



P.175

■

If the hybrid system is malfunctioning



P.65

■

Electronic key battery



P.343

■

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.417.

Stop the vehicle completely.

Set the parking brake (



P.159),

and shift the shift lever to P
(



P.155).

Press the power switch.

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

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.

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

150

4-2. Driving procedures

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 lever 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 lever is in

●

The timer for the automatic hybrid system

shut off feature will reset if the brake

pedal is depressed or if the shift lever 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 mechan-

ical 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.

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.354)

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, shift the

shift lever to N and press the power

switch shortly and firmly.

151

4-2. Driving procedures

Driving

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

Off

The emergency flashers can be used.

ACCESSORY mode

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

ON mode

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

: 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.

■

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

WARNING

■

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 oper-

ating 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

152

4-2. Driving procedures

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:

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



P.159)

Shift the shift lever to P.

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

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

■

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.

●

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.

Lexus ES300h (2023 year). Manual in english - page 8