LEXUS ES 300H (2019 year). Instruction — part 9

134

4-1. Before driving

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.

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.

135

4-2. Driving procedures

4

Driving

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 hybrid system can-

not be started.

4

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.

5

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.60)

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.

■

Sounds and vibrations specific to a

hybrid vehicle

P.54

■

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.384 to restart the hybrid

system.

■

Electronic key battery depletion

P.88

■

Conditions affecting operation

P.103

■

Notes for the entry function

P.104

■

Steering lock function

●

After turning the power switch off and

opening and closing the doors, the steer-

ing wheel will be locked due to the steer-

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

136

4-2. Driving procedures

ing lock function. Operating the power

switch again automatically cancels the

steering lock.

●

When the steering lock cannot be

released, “Push Power Switch while Turn-

ing Steering Wheel in Either Direction”

will be displayed on the multi-information

display.

Check that the shift lever is set in P. Press

the power switch shortly and firmly while

turning the steering wheel left and right.

●

To prevent the steering lock motor from

overheating, the motor may be sus-

pended if the hybrid system is turned on

and off repeatedly in a short period of

time. In this case, refrain from operating

the power switch. After about 10 sec-

onds, the steering lock motor will resume

functioning.

■

If 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.

■

If the hybrid system is malfunctioning

P.59

■

Electronic key battery

P.339

■

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.412.

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.

■

Caution while driving

If hybrid system failure occurs while the

vehicle is moving, do not lock or open the

doors until the vehicle reaches a safe and

complete stop. Activation of the steering

lock in this circumstance may lead to an

accident, resulting in death or serious

injury.

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.

137

4-2. Driving procedures

4

Driving

1

Stop the vehicle completely.

2

Set the parking brake (

P.146),

and shift the shift lever to P
(

P.142).

3

Press the power 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 power 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

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

Stopping the hybrid system

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.350)

However, do not touch the power

switch while driving except in an emer-

gency. Turning the hybrid system off

while driving will not cause loss of

steering or braking control, however,

power assist to the steering will be lost.

This will make it more difficult to steer

smoothly, so you should pull over and

stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to

do so.

●

If the power switch is operated while

the vehicle is running, a warning mes-

sage will be shown on the multi-infor-

mation display and a buzzer sounds.

●

When restarting the hybrid system

after an emergency shutdown, press

the power switch.

Changing power switch modes

138

4-2. Driving procedures

leave the vehicle with the power switch in

ACCESSORY or ON mode for long peri-

ods of time when the hybrid system is not

operating.

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:

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 power
switch once.

4

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.

139

4-2. Driving procedures

4

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 32°F (0°C) for a long

period of time etc.

●

The gasoline engine is warming up.

●

The hybrid battery (traction battery) is

low.

The remaining battery level indicated in

the energy monitor display is low.

(

P.81)

●

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 and 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 vehicle proxim-
ity notification system is active, the
vehicle may produce sound.

Operating instructions

140

4-2. Driving procedures

●

The hybrid battery (traction battery)

becomes low.

The remaining battery level indicated in

the energy monitor display is low.

(

P.81)

●

Vehicle speed is high.

●

The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly

or the vehicle is on a hill etc.

When it is possible to inform the driver of

automatic cancelation in advance, a prior

notice screen will appear on the multi-infor-

mation display.

■

Possible driving distance when driving in

EV drive mode

EV drive mode’s possible driving distance

ranges from a few hundred meters to

approximately 0.6 mile (1 km). However,

depending on vehicle conditions, there are

situations when EV drive mode cannot be

used.

(The distance that is possible depends on

the hybrid battery [traction battery] level

and driving conditions.)

■

Fuel economy

The hybrid system is designed to achieve

the best possible fuel economy during nor-

mal driving (using the gasoline engine and

electric motor [traction motor]). Driving in

EV drive mode more than necessary may

lower fuel economy.

■

If “EV Mode Unavailable” is shown on

the multi-information display

The EV drive mode is not available. The rea-

son the EV drive mode is not available (the

vehicle is idling, battery charge is low, vehi-

cle speed is higher than the EV drive mode

operating speed range or accelerator pedal

is depressed too much) may be displayed.

Use the EV drive mode when it becomes

available.

■

If “EV Mode Deactivated” is shown on

the multi-information display

The EV drive mode has been automatically

canceled. The reason the EV drive mode is

not available (the battery charge is low,

vehicle speed is higher than the EV drive

mode operating speed range or accelera-

tor pedal is depressed too much) may be

displayed. Drive the vehicle for a while

before attempting to turn on the EV drive

mode again.

WARNING

■

Caution while driving

When driving in EV drive mode, pay spe-

cial attention to the area around the vehi-

cle. Because there is no engine noise,

pedestrians, people riding bicycles or

other people and vehicles in the area

may not be aware of the vehicle starting

off or approaching them, so take extra

care while driving. Therefore, take extra

care while driving even if the vehicle

proximity notification system is active.

141

4-2. Driving procedures

4

Driving

*1

: To improve fuel efficiency and reduce

noise, set the shift lever in D for normal
driving. You can choose shift range suit-
able for your driving situation by oper-
ating the paddle shift switches.

*2

: 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 radar cruise control with full speed

range will not be canceled.

●

While driving in the D position or S mode,

downshifting to 5 or 4. (

P.187)

●

When switching the driving mode to

sport mode while driving in the D posi-

tion. (

P.202)

■

Restraining sudden start (Drive-Start

Control)

P.127

■

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 S cancels the function.)

Hybrid 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 hybrid system

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.

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.

142

4-2. Driving procedures

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.

*

: 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.

Shifting the shift lever

143

4-2. Driving procedures

4

Driving

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:

1

If the parking brake is in manual mode,

set the parking brake. (

P.146)

2

Turn the power 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 shift range,
preventing 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 D6,
will be displayed in 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.

1

Upshifting

2

Downshifting

The selected shift range, from S1 to S6, will
be displayed in the meter.

The initial shift range in S mode is set
automatically to S5 or S4 according to
vehicle’s speed.

■

Shift ranges and their functions

 You can choose from 6 levels of

accelerating force and engine brak-
ing force.

 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 1 to

4, the shift range may automatically
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.

Selecting shift ranges in S mode

145

4-2. Driving procedures

4

Driving

■

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.)

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 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

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

Driving

■

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.126

■

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.358

■

Usage in winter time

P.242

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

Driving

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.365

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 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.