Lexus ES300h (2023 year). Manual in english

153

4-2. Driving procedures

Driving

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-

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 68°F (20°C) for a long

period of time etc.

●

The gasoline engine is warming up.

●

The hybrid battery (traction battery) is

low.

The remaining hybrid battery [traction

battery] level indicated in the energy

monitor display is low. (



P.95)

●

Vehicle speed is high.

●

The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly

or the vehicle is on a hill etc.

●

The windshield defogger is in use.

■

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 after a short period of

time in order to warm up. In this case, you

will become unable to switch to EV drive

mode.
After the hybrid system has started and the

“READY” indicator has illuminated, press

the EV drive mode switch before the gaso-

line engine starts to switch to EV drive

mode.

■

Automatic cancelation of EV drive

mode

When driving in EV drive mode, the gaso-

line engine may automatically restart in the

following situations. When EV drive mode

is canceled, a buzzer will sound, the EV

drive mode indicator will flash and go off

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

154

4-2. Driving procedures

and a message will be shown on the multi-

information display.

●

The hybrid battery (traction battery)

becomes low.

The remaining hybrid battery [traction

battery] level indicated in the energy

monitor display is low. (



P.95)

●

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.

: To improve fuel efficiency and reduce

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

: By selecting shift ranges using S mode,

you can control accelerating force and
engine braking forces.

■

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 activate

because dynamic radar cruise control with

full speed range will not be canceled.

●

While driving in the D position or S mode,

downshifting to S5 or S4. (



P.203)

●

When switching the driving mode to

sport mode while driving in the D posi-

tion. (



P.218)

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. 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

Normal driving

S mode driving

(



P.157)

155

4-2. Driving procedures

Driving

■

Restraining sudden start (Drive-Start

Control)



P.143

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

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

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

Shift the shift lever normally.

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

WARNING

■

When driving on slippery road sur-

faces

Do not accelerate or shift the shift lever

suddenly.

Sudden changes in engine braking may

cause the vehicle to spin or skid, resulting

in an accident.

NOTICE

■

Hybrid battery (traction battery)

charge

If the shift lever is in N, the hybrid battery

(traction battery) will not be charged

even when the engine is running. There-

fore, if the vehicle is left with the shift

lever in N for a certain period of time, the

hybrid battery (traction battery) will dis-

charge, and this may result in the vehicle

not being able to start.

Shifting the shift lever

156

4-2. Driving procedures

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

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

■

Shift lock system

The shift lock system is a system to prevent

accidental operation of the shift lever in

starting.
The shift lever can be shifted from P only

when the power switch is in ON mode the

brake pedal is depressed and the shift

release button is pushed.

■

If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P

First, check whether the brake pedal is

being depressed.

If the shift lever cannot be shifted even

though the brake pedal is depressed and

the shift release button is pushed, there may

be a problem with the shift lock system.

Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus

dealer immediately.

The following steps may be used as an

emergency measure to ensure that the shift

lever can be shifted.
Releasing the shift lock:

If the parking brake is in manual mode,

set the parking brake. (



P.159)

Turn the power switch off.

Depress the brake pedal.

Slide the lid towards the rear of the

vehicle and hold it.

If you remove your hand and slide the lid

again, the lid will fully close.

Slide the shift lock cover to the position

where you can see the hole

Insert the flathead screwdriver into the

hole and press and hold the shift lock

override button and then push the but-

ton on the shift knob

To prevent damage to the shift lock over-

ride button, cover the tip of the screwdriver

with a rag.
The shift lever can be shifted while the but-

ton is pressed



P.218

WARNING

■

To prevent an accident when releas-

ing the shift lock

Before pressing the shift lock override

button, make sure to set the parking

brake and depress the brake pedal.

If the accelerator pedal is accidentally

depressed instead of the brake pedal

when the shift lock override button is

pressed and the shift lever is shifted out

of P, the vehicle may suddenly start, pos-

sibly leading to an accident resulting in

death or serious injury.

Selecting the driving mode

157

4-2. Driving procedures

Driving

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

Upshifting

Downshifting

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

■

When the “-” paddle shift switch is oper-

ated with the shift lever in the D position

The shift range is downshifted to a range

that enables engine braking force that is

suitable to driving conditions.

■

Automatic deactivation of shift range

selection in the D position

Shift range selection in the D position will

be deactivated in the following situations:

●

The “+” paddle shift switch is held down

for a period of time

●

When the vehicle comes to a stop

●

If the accelerator pedal is depressed for

more than a certain period of time

●

When the shift lever is shifted to a posi-

tion other than D

■

Downshifting restriction warning

buzzer

To help ensure safety and driving perfor-

mance, downshifting operation may some-

times be restricted. In some circumstances,

downshifting may not be possible even

when the shift lever or paddle shift switch is

operated. (A buzzer will sound twice.)

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

Upshifting

Downshifting

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

■

Shift ranges and their functions



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

Selecting shift ranges in the D
position

Selecting shift ranges in S mode

158

4-2. Driving procedures



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



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

■

S mode

●

When the shift range is S4 or lower, hold-

ing the shift lever toward “+” sets the shift

range to S6.

●

To prevent the engine from over-revving,

upshifting may automatically occur.

■

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 shift lever or paddle shift switch is

operated. (A buzzer will sound twice.)

■

If the S indicator does not come on or

the D indicator is displayed even after

shifting the shift lever to S

This may indicate a malfunction in the

hybrid transmission system. Have the vehi-

cle inspected by your Lexus dealer immedi-

ately. (In this situation, the transmission will

operate in the same manner as when the

shift lever is in D.)

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.

Turn signal lever

Operating instructions

159

4-2. Driving procedures

Driving

■

Using the manual mode

The parking brake can be set and
released manually.

U.S.A.

Canada

Press 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.

■

Turning the 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 lever is shifted from
P, the parking brake will be
released, and the parking brake
indicator light will turn off.



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

Operate the shift lever 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 shift lever
operation. Also, even in automatic
mode, the parking brake can be set
or released manually.

Operating instructions

A
B

160

4-2. Driving procedures

■

Turning the 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 power switch is not in ON

mode, the parking brake cannot be

released using the parking brake switch.

●

When the power switch is not in ON

mode, automatic mode (automatic brake

setting and releasing) is not available.

■

Parking brake automatic release func-

tion

●

When the shift lever is shifted from P, the

parking brake will be released in auto-

matic 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 lever is in D, S or R

■

If “Parking Brake Temporarily Unavail-

able” is displayed on the multi-informa-

tion 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.

■

If “Parking Brake Unavailable” or “EPB

Unavailable” is displayed 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 indicator light

●

Depending on the power switch mode,

the parking brake indicator light will turn

on and stay on as described below:

ON mode: Comes on until the parking

brake is released.

Not in ON mode: Stays on for approxi-

mately 15 seconds.

●

When the power 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.138

■

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



P.360

■

Usage in winter time



P.259

161

4-2. Driving procedures

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.

●

“Parking Brake Unavailable” or “EPB

Malfunction Visit Your Dealer” is dis-

played on the multi-information display.

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-

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, shift the

shift lever to P, set the parking brake 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.

Brake Hold

The brake hold system keeps the
brake applied when the shift lever is
in D, S 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 lever in D or S to allow
smooth start off.

Enabling the system

162

4-2. Driving procedures

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 message is

shown on the multi-information display,

read the message and follow the instruc-

tions.

■

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.159)

■

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.

■

If “Brake Hold Fault Depress 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.367

WARNING

■

When the vehicle is on a steep incline

Take care when using the brake hold sys-

tem on a steep incline, exercise caution.

The brake hold function may not hold

brakes in such situations.

Also, the system may not activate

depending on the angle of the slope.

■

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 power

switch off while the system is holding the

brake may release the brake, which

would cause the vehicle to move. When

operating the power switch, depress the

brake pedal, shift the shift lever to P and

set the parking brake.

163

4-3. Operating the lights and wipers

Driving

4-3.Operating the lights and wipers

Operating the

switch turns on

the lights as follows:

U.S.A.

Canada

The side marker, parking

lights/daytime running lights
(



P.163), tail, license plate and

instrument panel lights turn on.

The headlights and all the

lights listed above (except daytime
running lights) turn on.

The headlights, parking

lights/daytime running lights

(



P.163) and all the lights listed

above turn on and off automatically.

(U.S.A.) Off

■

AUTO mode can be used when

The power switch is in ON mode.

■

Daytime running light system

●

The daytime running lights illuminate

using the same lights as the parking lights

and illuminate brighter than the parking

lights.

●

To make your vehicle more visible to

other drivers during daytime driving, the

daytime running lights turn on automati-

cally when all of the following conditions

are met. (The daytime running lights are

not designed for use at night.)

• The hybrid system is operating

• The parking brake is released
• The headlight switch is in the

position

: When the surroundings are bright

The daytime running lights remain on after
they illuminate, even if the parking brake is
set again.

●

For the U.S.A.: Daytime running lights
can be turned off by operating the head-

light switch to

position.

●

Compared to turning on the headlights,

the daytime running light system offers

greater durability and consumes less

electricity, so it can help improve fuel

economy.

■

Headlight control sensor

The sensor may not function properly if an

object is placed on the sensor, or anything

that blocks the sensor is affixed to the wind-

shield.

Doing so interferes with the sensor detect-

ing the level of ambient light and may cause

the automatic headlight system to malfunc-

tion.

Headlight switch

The headlights can be operated
manually or automatically.

Turning on the headlights

A
B

164

4-3. Operating the lights and wipers

■

Automatic light off system

●

When the headlights come on: The head-
lights and tail lights turn off 30 seconds
after the driver’s door is opened and
closed if the power switch is turned to
ACCESSORY mode or turned off. (The
lights turn off immediately if

the key is pressed after all the doors are
locked.)

●

When only the tail lights come on: The tail

lights turn off automatically if the power

switch is turned to ACCESSORY mode

or turned off and the driver’s door is

opened.

For the U.S.A.: To turn the lights on again,
turn the power switch to ON mode, or turn
the light switch off once and then back to

For Canada: To turn the lights on again, turn
the power switch to ON mode, or turn the

light switch to

position once and then

back to

■

Light reminder buzzer

A buzzer sounds when the power switch is

turned off or turned to ACCESSORY

mode and the driver’s door is opened while

the lights are turned on.

■

Automatic headlight leveling system (if

equipped)

The level of the headlights is automatically

adjusted according to the number of pas-

sengers and the loading condition of the

vehicle to ensure that the headlights do not

interfere with other road users.

■

Windshield wiper linked headlight illu-

mination

When driving during daytime with the

headlight switch turned to

, if the wind-

shield wipers are used, the headlights will
turn on automatically after several seconds
to help enhance the visibility of your vehicle.

■

12-volt battery-saving function

In order to prevent the 12-volt battery of the

vehicle from discharging, if the headlights

and/or tail lights are on when the power

switch is turned off the 12-volt battery sav-

ing function will operate and automatically

turn off all the lights after approximately 20

minutes.

When the power switch is turned to ON

mode, the 12-volt battery-saving function

will be disabled.
When any of the following are performed,

the 12-volt battery-saving function is can-

celed once and then reactivated. All the

lights will turn off automatically 20 minutes

after the 12-volt battery-saving function has

been reactivated:

●

When the headlight switch is operated

●

When a door is opened or closed

■

Welcome light illumination control

The parking lights, tail lights and license
plate lights automatically turn on at night
when the doors are unlocked using the
entry function or wireless remote control if

the light switch is in the

position.

■

If “Headlight System Malfunction Visit

Your Dealer” is displayed



P.373

■

Customization

Settings (e.g. light sensor sensitivity) can be

changed.

(Customizable features:



P.417)

165

4-3. Operating the lights and wipers

Driving

With the headlights on, push the
lever away from you to turn on the
high beams.

Pull the lever toward you to the center
position to turn the high beams off.

Pull the lever toward you and
release it to flash the high beams
once.

You can flash the high beams with the
headlights on or off.

When any of the following conditions is
met, while the headlights (low beam)
are on, the cornering lights will addi-
tionally turn on and light up the direc-
tion of movement for the vehicle. This is
to ensure excellent visibility when
either driving at intersections or park-
ing at night.



The steering wheel is operated



The turn signal lever is operated



The shift position is in R (both left
and right side cornering lights)

■

Cornering light control

●

The lights illuminate when the vehicle

speed is approximately 19 mph (30

km/h) or less. However, the lights turn off

when the vehicle speed increases to

approximately 22 mph (35 km/h) or

more.

●

After the lights remain illuminated for 30

minutes, they automatically turn off.

NOTICE

■

To prevent 12-volt battery discharge

Do not leave the lights on longer than

necessary when the hybrid system is not

operating.

Turning on the high beam head-
lights

Cornering lights

166

4-3. Operating the lights and wipers

Press the Automatic High Beam
switch.

Turn the headlight switch to the

position.

The Automatic High Beam indicator will

come on when the system is operating.

■

High beam automatic turning on or off

conditions

●

When all of the following conditions are

met, the high beam will be automatically

turned on (after approximately 1 second):

• Vehicle speed is above approximately 21

mph (34 km/h) or more.

• The area ahead of the vehicle is dark.

• There are no vehicles ahead with head-

lights or tail lights turned on.

• There are few streetlights on the road

ahead.

●

If any of the following conditions are met,

the high beam will be automatically

turned off:

• Vehicle speed drops below approxi-

mately 17 mph (27 km/h).

• The area ahead of the vehicle is not dark.

• Vehicles ahead have headlights or tail

lights turned on.

• There are many streetlights on the road

ahead.

■

Front camera detection information

●

The high beam may not be automatically

turned off in the following situations:

• When oncoming vehicles suddenly

appear from a curve

• When the vehicle is cut in front of by

another vehicle

• When vehicles ahead are hidden from

sight due to repeated curves, road divid-

ers or roadside trees

• When vehicles ahead appear from the

faraway lane on wide road

• When vehicles ahead have no lights

●

The high beam may be turned off if a

vehicle ahead that is using fog lights with-

out using the headlights is detected.

AHB (Automatic High
Beam)

The Automatic High Beam uses an
in-vehicle front camera to assess
the brightness of streetlights, the
lights of vehicle ahead, etc., and
automatically turns the high beam
on or off as necessary.

WARNING

■

Limitations of the Automatic High

Beam

Do not rely on the Automatic High

Beam. Always drive safely, taking care to

observe your surroundings and turning

the high beam on or off manually if nec-

essary.

■

To prevent incorrect operation of the

Automatic High Beam system

Do not overload the vehicle.

Activating the Automatic High
Beam system

167

4-3. Operating the lights and wipers

Driving

●

House lights, street lights, traffic signals,

and illuminated billboards or signs may

cause the high beam to switch to the low

beams, or the low beams to remain on.

●

The following factors may affect the

amount of time taken to turn the high

beam on or off:

• The brightness of headlights, fog lights,

and tail lights of vehicles ahead

• The movement and direction of vehicles

ahead

• When a vehicle ahead only has opera-

tional lights on one side

• When a vehicle ahead is a two-wheeled

vehicle

• The condition of the road (gradient,

curve, condition of the road surface etc.)

• The number of passengers and amount of

luggage

●

The high beam may be turned on or off

when the driver does not expect it.

●

Bicycles or similar objects may not be

detected.

●

In the situations shown below, the system

may not be able to accurately detect sur-

rounding brightness levels. This may

cause the low beams to remain on or the

high beams to cause problems for pedes-

trians, vehicles ahead or other parties. In

these cases, manually switch between the

high and low beams.

• In bad weather (rain, snow, fog, sand-

storms etc.)

• The windshield is obscured by fog, mist,

ice, dirt etc.

• The windshield is cracked or damaged

• The front camera is deformed or dirty

• When the temperature of the front cam-

era is extremely high

• Surrounding brightness levels are equal

to those of headlights, tail lights or fog

lights

• When headlights or tail lights of vehicles

ahead are turned off, dirty, changing

color, or not aimed properly

• When the vehicle is hit by water, snow,

dust, etc. from a preceding vehicle

• When driving through an area of inter-

mittently changing brightness and dark-

ness

• When frequently and repeatedly driving

ascending/descending roads, or roads

with rough, bumpy or uneven surfaces

(such as stone-paved roads, gravel roads

etc.)

• When frequently and repeatedly taking

curves or driving on a winding road

• There is a highly reflective object ahead

of the vehicle, such as a sign or a mirror

• The back of a vehicle ahead is highly

reflective, such as a container on a truck.

• The vehicle’s headlights are damaged or

dirty

• The vehicle is listing or tilting, due to a flat

tire, a trailer being towed etc.

• The high beam and low beam are repeat-

edly being switched between in an

abnormal manner

• The driver believes that the high beam

may be causing problems or distress to

other drivers or pedestrians nearby

■

Temporarily lowering sensor sensitivity

The sensitivity of the sensor can be tempo-

rarily lowered.

Turn the power switch off while the fol-

lowing conditions are met.

• The headlight switch is in

• The headlight switch lever is in low beam

position.

• Automatic High Beam switch is on.

Turn the power switch to ON mode.

Within 60 seconds after

, repeat pull-

ing the headlight switch lever to the

original position then pushing it to the

high beam position quickly 10 times,

then leave the lever in high beam posi-

tion.

If the sensitivity is changed, the Auto-

matic High Beam indicator turns on and

off 3 times.

Automatic High Beam (headlights) may

turn on even the vehicle is stopped.

■

If “Headlight System Malfunction Visit

Your Dealer” is displayed



P.373

168

4-3. Operating the lights and wipers

■

Switching to high beam

Push the lever away from you.

The Automatic High Beam indicator will
turn off and the high beam indicator will
turn on.
Pull the lever to its original position to acti-
vate the Automatic High Beam system
again.

■

Switching to low beam

Press the Automatic High Beam
switch.

The Automatic High Beam indicator will
turn off.
Press the switch to activate the Automatic
High Beam system again.

■

Temporarily switching to the low
beams

Pull the lever toward you and then

return it to its original position.
The high beams are on while the lever
is pulled toward you. However, after
the lever is returned to its original posi-
tion, the low beams remain on for a
certain amount of time. Afterwards, the
Automatic High Beam will be activated
again.

■

Temporarily switching to the low beams

It is recommended to switch to the low

beams when the high beam may cause

problems or distress to other drivers or

pedestrians nearby.

Turning the high beam on/off
manually

Lexus ES300h (2023 year). Manual in english - page 9