LEXUS ES 350 (2019 year). Instruction — part 9

134

4-1. Before driving

Cargo capacity

Total load capacity (vehicle capac-
ity weight) (

P.382)

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:

B

*2

lb. (kg) - A

*1

lb. (kg) = C

*3

lb. (kg)

*1

: A = Weight of people

*2

: B = Total load capacity

*3

: 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

*4

lb. (kg) = E

*5

lb. (kg)

*4

: D = Additional weight of people

*5

: 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

A
B

135

4-1. Before driving

4

D

riv

ing

■

Total load capacity and seating capacity

These details are also described on the tire

and loading information label. (

P.325)

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.382

Total load capacity means the com-
bined weight of occupants, cargo
and luggage.
 Seating capacity: 5 occupants

(Front 2, Rear 3)

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.

136

4-1. Before driving

Dinghy towing

Your vehicle is not designed to be
dinghy towed (with 4 wheels on the
ground) behind a motor home.

NOTICE

■

To avoid serious damage to your vehi-

cle

Do not tow your vehicle with the four

wheels on the ground.

137

4-2. Driving procedures

4

D

riv

ing

4-2.Driving procedures

1

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

P.146)

Parking brake indicator will come on.

2

Check that the shift lever is in P.

3

Firmly depress the brake pedal.

and a message will be displayed on

the multi-information display.

If it is not displayed, the engine cannot be

started.

4

Press the engine switch shortly and
firmly.

When operating the engine switch, one

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

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

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

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

switch mode.

■

Engine switch illumination

According to the situation, the engine

switch illumination operates as follows.

●

When a door is opened, or the engine

switch mode is changed from ACCES-

SORY or IGNITION ON mode to off,

the engine switch illumination slowly

blinks.

●

When depressing the brake pedal with

carrying the electronic key on your per-

son, the engine switch illumination rapidly

blinks.

●

When the engine switch is in ACCES-

SORY or IGNITION ON mode, the

engine switch illumination illuminates.

■

If the engine does not start

●

The engine immobilizer system may not

have been deactivated. (

P.54)

Contact your Lexus dealer.

●

If a message related to start-up is shown

on the multi-information display, read the

message and follow the instructions.

■

If the battery is discharged

The engine cannot be started using the

smart access system with push-button start.

Refer to P.374 to restart the engine.

■

Electronic key battery depletion

P.86

Engine (ignition) switch

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

Starting the engine

138

4-2. Driving procedures

■

Conditions affecting operation

P.101

■

Notes for the entry function

P.102

■

Steering lock function

●

After turning the engine switch off and

opening and closing the doors, the steer-

ing wheel will be locked due to the steer-

ing lock function. Operating the engine

switch again automatically cancels the

steering lock.

●

When the steering lock cannot be

released, “Push Engine Switch while

Turning Steering Wheel in Either Direc-

tion” will be displayed on the multi-infor-

mation display.

Check that the shift lever is set in P. Press

the engine switch shortly and firmly while

turning the steering wheel left and right.

●

To prevent the steering lock motor from

overheating, operation of the motor may

be suspended if the engine is turned on

and off repeatedly in a short period of

time. In this case, refrain from operating

the engine switch. After about 10 sec-

onds, the steering lock motor will resume

functioning.

■

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.

■

Electronic key battery

P.330

■

Operation of the engine switch

●

If the switch is not pressed shortly and

firmly, the engine switch mode may not

change or the engine may not start.

●

If attempting to restart the engine imme-

diately after turning the engine switch off,

the engine may not start in some cases.

After turning the engine switch off, please

wait a few seconds before restarting the

engine.

■

Customization

If the smart access system with push-button

start has been deactivated in a customized

setting, refer to P.400.

WARNING

■

When starting the engine

Always start the engine while sitting in

the driver’s seat. Do not depress the

accelerator pedal while starting the

engine under any circumstances.

Doing so may cause an accident result-

ing in death or serious injury.

■

Caution while driving

If engine failure occurs while the vehicle

is moving, do not lock or open the doors

until the vehicle reaches a safe and com-

plete stop. Activation of the steering lock

in this circumstance may lead to an acci-

dent, resulting in death or serious injury.

NOTICE

■

When starting the engine

●

Do not race a cold engine.

●

If the engine becomes difficult to start

or stalls frequently, have your vehicle

checked by your Lexus dealer immedi-

ately.

■

Symptoms indicating a malfunction

with the engine switch

If the engine switch seems to be operat-

ing somewhat differently than usual, such

as the switch sticking slightly, there may

be a malfunction. Contact your Lexus

dealer immediately.

139

4-2. Driving procedures

4

D

riv

ing

1

Stop the vehicle completely.

2

Set the parking brake (

P.146),

and shift the shift lever to P
(

P.142).

3

Press the engine switch.

4

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

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

1

Off

*

The emergency flashers can be used.

2

ACCESSORY mode

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

3

IGNITION ON mode

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

*

: If the shift lever is in a position other than

P when turning off the engine, the
engine 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 IGNITION

ON mode (the engine is not running) for

more than an hour with the shift lever in P,

the engine switch will automatically turn off.

However, this function cannot entirely pre-

vent the battery discharge. Do not leave the

vehicle with the engine switch in ACCES-

Stopping the engine

WARNING

■

Stopping the engine in an emergency

●

If you want to stop the engine in an

emergency while driving the vehicle,

press and hold the engine switch for

more than 2 seconds, or press it briefly

3 times or more in succession.

(

P.340)

However, do not touch the engine

switch while driving except in an emer-

gency. Turning the engine off while

driving will not cause loss of steering

or braking control, but the power assist

these systems will be lost. This will

make it more difficult to steer and

brake, so you should pull over and stop

the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.

●

If the engine switch is operated while

the vehicle is running, a warning mes-

sage will be shown on the multi-infor-

mation display and a buzzer sounds.

●

When restarting the engine after an

emergency shutdown, press the

engine switch.

Changing engine switch modes

140

4-2. Driving procedures

SORY or IGNITION ON mode for long

periods of time when the engine is not run-

ning.

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

1

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

P.146)

2

Shift the shift lever to P.

3

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

4

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

When stopping the engine with
the shift lever in a position other
than P

NOTICE

■

To prevent battery discharge

●

Do not leave the engine switch in

ACCESSORY or IGNITION ON

mode for long periods of time without

the engine running.

●

If “ACCESSORY” or “IGNITION

ON” is displayed on the meter, the

engine switch is not off.

Exit the vehicle after turning the

engine switch off.

●

Do not stop the engine when the shift

lever is in a position other than P. If the

engine is stopped in another shift lever

position, the engine switch will not be

turned off but instead be turned to

ACCESSORY mode. If the vehicle is

left in ACCESSORY mode, battery

discharge may occur.

141

4-2. Driving procedures

4

D

riv

ing

*1

: Shifting to the D position allows the sys-

tem to select a gear suitable for the
driving conditions. Setting the shift lever
to the D position is recommended for
normal driving. You can choose shift
range suitable for your driving situation
by operating the paddle shift switches.

*2

: Selecting shift ranges using S mode

restricts the upper limit of the possible
gear ranges, controls engine braking
force, and prevents unnecessary
upshifting.

■

When driving with dynamic radar cruise

control with full-speed range activated

Even when performing the following

actions with the intent of enabling engine

braking, engine braking will not be acti-

vated because dynamic radar cruise con-

trol with full-speed range will not be

canceled.

●

While driving in the D position or S mode,

downshifting to 7, 6, 5 or 4. (

P.187)

●

When switching the driving mode to

sport mode while driving in D position.

(

P.202)

■

Restraining sudden start (Drive-Start

Control)

P.129

■

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 lever is in D. (Shifting the shift lever

to the S position or using the paddle shift

cancels the function.)

Automatic transmission

Select the shift position depending
on your purpose and situation.

Shift position purpose and func-
tions

Shift posi-

tion

Objective or function

P

Parking the vehicle/starting

the engine

R

Reversing

N

Neutral

D

Normal driving

*1

S

S mode driving

*2

(

P.144)

WARNING

■

When driving on slippery road sur-

faces

Do not accelerate or shift gears sud-

denly.

Sudden changes in engine braking may

cause the vehicle to spin or skid, resulting

in an accident.

142

4-2. Driving procedures

While the engine switch is in IGNITION ON mode and the brake pedal

depressed

*

, shift the shift lever while pushing the shift release button on the shift

knob.

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

Shift the shift lever normally.

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

*

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

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

■

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 engine switch is in IGNITION

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.

Shifting the shift lever

143

4-2. Driving procedures

4

D

riv

ing

The following steps may be used as an

emergency measure to ensure that the shift

lever can be shifted.
Releasing the shift lock:

1

If the parking brake is in manual mode,

set the parking brake. (

P.146)

2

Turn the engine switch off.

3

Depress the brake pedal.

4

Press down and release the cup holder

lid to open.

5

Pry the cover up with a flathead screw-

driver or equivalent tool.

To prevent damage to the cover, cover the

tip of the screwdriver with a rag.

6

Press and hold the shift lock override

button and then push the button on the

shift knob.

The shift lever can be shifted while the but-

ton is pressed

P.202

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 gear, prevent-
ing unnecessary upshifting and
enabling the level of engine braking
force to be selected.

1

Upshifting

2

Downshifting

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

Selecting shift ranges in the D
position

144

4-2. Driving procedures

The selected shift range, from D1 to D8,
will be displayed in the meter.

■

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
gear of your choosing.

1

Upshifting

2

Downshifting

The initial shift range in S mode is set
automatically to 4, 5 or 6 according to
vehicle’s speed. However, the initial
shift range may be set to 3 if AI-SHIFT
has operated while the shift lever was
in the D position. (

P.141)

A lower shift range will provide greater
engine braking forces than a higher
shift range.

■

S mode

●

When the shift range is 7 or lower, hold-

ing the shift lever toward “+” sets the shift

range to 8.

●

To prevent the engine from over-revving,

upshifting may automatically occur.

●

To protect the automatic transmission, a

function is adopted that automatically

selects a higher shift range when the fluid

temperature is high.

■

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.)

Selecting shift ranges in S mode

Meter display

Function

S2 - S8

A gear in the range
between 1 and the
selected gear is
automatically cho-
sen depending on
vehicle speed and
driving conditions

S1

Setting the gear at 1

145

4-2. Driving procedures

4

D

riv

ing

■

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 auto-

matic transmission system. Have the vehicle

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.)

1

Right turn

2

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

The right hand signals will flash 3 times.

3

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

The left hand signals will flash 3 times.

4

Left turn

■

Turn signals can be operated when

The engine switch is in IGNITION ON

mode.

■

If the indicator flashes faster than usual

Check that a light bulb in the front or rear

turn signal lights has not burned out.

■

If the turn signals stop flashing before a

lane change has been performed

Operate the lever again.

Turn signal lever

Operating instructions

146

4-2. Driving procedures

■

Using the manual mode

The parking brake can be set and
released manually.

U.S.A.

Canada

1

Push the switch to set the parking
brake

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

2

Pull the switch to release the park-
ing brake

• Operate the parking brake switch while

depressing the brake pedal.

• Using the parking brake automatic

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

Make sure that the parking brake indicator
light turn off.

■

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

147

4-2. Driving procedures

4

D

riv

ing

■

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 engine switch is not in IGNI-

TION ON mode, the parking brake can-

not be released using the parking brake

switch.

●

When the engine switch is not in IGNI-

TION ON mode, automatic mode (auto-

matic brake setting and releasing) is not

available.

■

Parking brake automatic release func-

tion

●

When the shift 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 engine switch mode,

the parking brake indicator light will turn

on and stay on as described below:

IGNITION ON mode: Comes on until

the parking brake is released.

Not in IGNITION ON mode: Stays on

for approximately 15 seconds.

●

When the engine switch is turned off with

the parking brake set, the parking brake

indicator light will stay on for about 15

seconds. This does not indicate a mal-

function.

■

When the parking brake switch mal-

functions

Automatic mode (automatic brake setting

and releasing) will be turned on automati-

cally.

■

Parking the vehicle

P.128

■

Parking brake engaged warning buzzer

A buzzer will sound if the vehicle is driven

with the parking brake engaged. “EPB

applied” is displayed on the multi-informa-

tion display (with the vehicle reached a

speed of 3 mph [5 km/h]).

■

If the brake system warning light comes

on

P.348

■

Usage in winter time

P.240

148

4-2. Driving procedures

Press the brake hold switch to turn the
system on

The brake hold standby indicator

comes on. While the system is holding the
brake, the brake hold operated indicator

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

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

A

B

149

4-2. Driving procedures

4

D

riv

ing

standby indicator light will go off. In addi-

tion, if any of the conditions are detected

while the system is holding the brake, a

warning buzzer will sound and a message

will be shown on the multi-information dis-

play. The parking brake will then be set

automatically.

■

Brake hold function

●

If the brake pedal is left released for a

period of about 3 minutes after the sys-

tem has started holding the brake, the

parking brake will be set automatically. In

this case, a warning buzzer sounds and a

message is shown on the multi-informa-

tion display.

●

To turn the system off while the system is

holding the brake, firmly depress the

brake pedal and press the button again.

●

The brake hold function may not hold the

vehicle when the vehicle is on a steep

incline. In this situation, it may be neces-

sary for the driver to apply the brakes. A

warning buzzer will sound and the multi-

information display will inform the driver

of this situation. If a warning 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.146)

■

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-information dis-

play

The system may be malfunctioning. Have

the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer.

■

Warning message 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.355

WARNING

■

When the vehicle is on a steep incline

When using the brake hold system on a

steep incline exercise caution. The brake

hold function may not hold the vehicle in

such a situation.

■

When stopped on a slippery road

The system cannot stop the vehicle when

the gripping ability of the tires has been

exceeded. Do not use the system when

stopped on a slippery road.

NOTICE

■

When parking the vehicle

The brake hold system is not designed

for use when parking the vehicle for a

long period of time. Turning the engine

switch off while the system is holding the

brake may release the brake, which

would cause the vehicle to move. When

operating the engine switch, depress the

brake pedal, shift the shift lever to P and

set the parking brake.