LEXUS ES300h 2022 Owners Manual

1494-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
system. In this case, try to start the hybrid
system again after the temperature of the
hybrid battery increases due to the out-
side temperature increase etc.
QSounds and vibrations specific to a
hybrid vehicle
 P.60
QIf the 12-volt battery is discharged
The hybrid system cannot be started using
the smart access system with push-button
start. Refer to P.391 to restart the hybrid
system.
QElectronic key battery depletion
 P.100
QConditions affecting operation
 P.117
QNotes for the entry function
 P.117
QSteering lock function
OAfter turning the power switch off and
opening and closing the doors, the steer-
ing wheel will be locked due to the steer-
ing lock function. Operating the power
switch again automatically cancels the
steering lock.
OWhen the steering lock cannot be
released, “Push Power Switch while
Turning Steering Wheel in Either Direc-
tion” will be displayed on the multi-infor-
mation display.
Check that the shift lever is set in P. Press
the power switch shortly and firmly while
turning the steering wh eel left and right.
OTo 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.
QIf 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.
QIf 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.
QIf the hybrid system is malfunctioning
 P.65
QElectronic key battery
 P.347
QOperation of the power switch
OIf the switch is not pressed shortly and
firmly, the power switch mode may not
change or the hybrid system may not
start.
OIf 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.
QCustomization
If the smart access system with push-button
start has been deactivated in a customized
setting, refer to P.421.
WARNING
QWhen 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.

1504-2. Driving procedures
1Stop the vehicle completely.
2 Set the parking brake ( P.159),
and shift the shift lever to P
(  P.155).
3 Press the power switch.
4 Release the brake pedal and check
that “ACCESSORY” or “IGNI-
TION ON” is not shown on the
meter.
QAutomatic hybrid system shut off fea-
ture
OThe vehicle is equipped with a feature
that automatically shuts off the hybrid sys-
tem when the shift lever is in P with the
hybrid system operating for an extended
period.
OThe hybrid system will automatically shut
off after approximately 1 hour if it has
been left running while the shift lever is in
P.
OThe timer for the automatic hybrid system
shut off feature will reset if the brake
pedal is depressed or if the shift lever is in
a position other than P.
OAfter the vehicle is parked, if the door is
locked with the door lock switch
( P.106) from the inside or the mechan-
ical key from the outside, the automatic
hybrid system shut off feature will be dis-
abled. The timer for the automatic hybrid
system shut off feature will be re-enabled
if the driver’s door is opened.
QLocking the door from outside with the
hybrid system operating
1 With the driver’s door open, pull the
driver’s door handle and insert the
mechanical key.
2 Turn the mechanical key counterclock-
wise.
3 Pull out the mechanical key and close
the door.
WARNING
QCaution 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
QWhen starting the hybrid system
If the hybrid system becomes difficult to
start, have your vehicle checked by your
Lexus dealer immediately.
QSymptoms indicating a malfunction
with the power switch
If the power switch seems to be operat-
ing somewhat differently than usual, such
as the switch sticking slightly, there may
be a malfunction. Contact your Lexus
dealer immediately.
Stopping the hybrid system

1514-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
Modes can be changed by pressing
the power switch with the brake pedal
released. (The mode changes each
time the switch is pressed.)
1Off
*
The emergency flashers can be used.
2ACCESSORY mode
Some electrical components such as the
audio system can be used.
“ACCESSORY” will be displayed on the
meter.
3ON mode
All electrical components can be used.
“IGNITION ON” will be displayed on the
meter.
WARNING
QStopping the hybrid system in an
emergency
OIf 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.358)
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.
OIf 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.
OWhen restarting the hybrid system
after an emergency shutdown, shift the
shift lever to N and press the power
switch shortly and firmly.
QWhen parking
Exhaust gases include harmful carbon
monoxide (CO), which is colorless and
odorless. Observe the following precau-
tions.
Failure to do so may cause exhaust gases
to enter the vehicle and may lead to an
accident caused by light-headedness, or
may lead to death or a serious health
hazard.
OIf the vehicle is in a poorly ventilated
area or a closed area, such as a
garage, stop the hybrid system.
ODo not leave the vehicle with the
hybrid system operating for a long
time. If such a situation cannot be
avoided, park the vehicle in an open
space and ensure that exhaust fumes
do not enter the vehicle interior.
ODo not leave the hybrid system oper-
ating in an area with snow build-up, or
where it is snowing. If snowbanks build
up around the vehicle while the hybrid
system is operating, exhaust gases
may collect and enter the vehicle.
Changing power switch modes

1524-2. Driving procedures
*: 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.
QAuto power off function
If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY mode
for more than 20 minutes or ON mode (the
hybrid system is not operating) for more
than an hour with the shift lever in P, the
power switch will automatically turn off.
However, this function cannot entirely pre-
vent the 12-volt battery discharge. Do not
leave the vehicle with the power switch in
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.159)
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
QTo prevent 12-volt battery discharge
ODo not leave the power switch in
ACCESSORY or ON mode for long
periods of time without the hybrid sys-
tem on.
OIf “ACCESSORY” or “IGNITION
ON” is displayed on the meter, the
power switch is not off. Exit the vehicle
after turning the power switch off.
ODo 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.

1534-2. 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]).
QSituations 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.
OThe temperature of the hybrid system is
high.
The vehicle has been left in the sun,
driven on a hill, driven
at high speeds, etc.
OThe 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.
OThe gasoline engine is warming up.
OThe hybrid battery (traction battery) is
low.
The remaining hybrid battery [traction
battery] level indicated in the energy
monitor display is low. ( P.95)
OVehicle speed is high.
OThe accelerator pedal is depressed firmly
or the vehicle is on a hill etc.
OThe windshield defogger is in use.
QSwitching 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.
QAutomatic 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

1544-2. Driving procedures
and a message will be shown on the multi-
information display.
OThe hybrid battery (traction battery)
becomes low.
The remaining hybrid battery [traction
battery] level indicated in the energy
monitor display is low. (P.95)
OVehicle speed is high.
OThe 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.
QPossible 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.)
QFuel 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.
*1: 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.
*2: By selecting shift ranges using S mode, you can control accelerating force and
engine braking forces.
QWhen 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 brak ing will not activate
because dynamic radar cruise control with
full speed range will not be canceled.
OWhile driving in the D position or S mode,
downshifting to S5 or S4. ( P.204)
OWhen switching the driving mode to
sport mode while driving in the D posi-
tion. ( P.219)
WARNING
QCaution 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- tionObjective or function
PParking the vehicle/starting the hybrid system
RReversing
NNeutral
DNormal driving*1
SS mode driving*2 ( P.157)

1554-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
QRestraining 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.
WARNING
QWhen 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
QHybrid 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

1564-2. Driving procedures
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.
QShift 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.
QIf the shift lever canno t 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:
1 If the parking brake is in manual mode,
set the parking brake. ( P.159)
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.219
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.
WARNING
QTo 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

1574-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
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.
1Upshifting
2 Downshifting
The selected shift range, from D1 to D6,
will be displayed on the meter.
QWhen 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.
QAutomatic deactivation of shift range
selection in the D position
Shift range selection in the D position will
be deactivated in the following situations:
OThe “+” paddle shift switch is held down
for a period of time
OWhen the vehicle comes to a stop
OIf the accelerator pedal is depressed for
more than a certain period of time
OWhen the shift lever is shifted to a posi-
tion other than D
QDownshifting 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 auto-
matically to S5 or S4 according to vehi-
cle’s speed.
QShift 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 S1
to S4, the shift range may automati-
cally increase in accordance with
Selecting shift ranges in S mode

1584-2. Driving procedures
the vehicle’s speed.
QS mode
OWhen the shift range is S4 or lower, hold-
ing the shift lever toward “+” sets the shift
range to S6.
OTo prevent the engine from over-revving,
upshifting may automatically occur.
QDownshifting 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.)
QIf 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.
3Lane change to the left (move the
lever partway and release it)
The left hand signals will flash 3 times.
4Left turn
QTurn signals can be operated when
The power switch is in ON mode.
QIf the indicator flashes faster than usual
Check that a light bulb in the front or rear
turn signal lights has not burned out.
QIf the turn signals stop flashing before a
lane change has been performed
Operate the lever again.
Turn signal lever
Operating instructions