towing Lexus GS450h 2008 Using the audio system / LEXUS 2008 GS450H OWNER'S MANUAL (OM30A96U)

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
3
GS_HV_U
December 12, 2007 3:33 pm
2-2. Instrument cluster..................... 148Gauges and meters ..................... 148
Indicators and warning 
lights................................................. 152
Multi-information display........... 155
2-3. Operating the lights and 
windshield wipers ................... 158
Headlight switch ............................ 158
Fog light switch ................................ 161
Windshield wipers and 
washer............................................. 162
Headlight cleaner switch ........... 165
2-4. Using other driving 
systems ....................................... 166
Cruise control ................................ 166
Dynamic radar cruise 
control............................................. 169
Intuitive parking assist ................. 180
Rear view monitor system ......... 195
AVS (Adaptive Variable 
Suspension System) .................. 199
Driving assist systems................ 200
PCS (Pre-Collision 
System) .......................................... 206
2-5. Driving information .................. 210 Cargo and luggage ...................... 210
Vehicle load limits ......................... 214
Winter driving tips ........................ 215
Trailer towing ................................. 220
Dinghy towing ................................ 221 3-1. Using the touch screen .......... 224
Touch screen ................................. 224
Setting the touch screen ........... 227
3-2. Using the air conditioning 
system and defogger ............ 232
Automatic air conditioning 
system ............................................ 232
Rear window and outside rear 
view mirror defoggers ............ 240
3-3. Using the audio system............ 241 Audio system type ........................ 241
Using the radio.............................. 244
Using the cassette player ......... 253
Using the CD player................... 257
Playing MP3 and WMA discs.................................. 262
Using the DVD player ............... 266
Playing DVD 
video/audio ................................. 269
Playing video CD .......................... 281
DVD player and DVD 
video disc information ............ 285
Optimal use of the 
audio/video system .................. 297
Using the AUX adapter ............ 302
Using the steering 
switches ........................................ 303
3Interior features

31
1-1. Hybrid system
1
Before driving
GS_HV_U
July 3, 2008 12:32 pm
CAUTION
■Road accident cautions
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of injury.
●Pull your vehicle off the road, put the shift lever in “P”, apply the parking brake,
turn the hybrid system off.
●Do not touch the high voltage parts, cables and connectors.
●If electric wires are exposed inside or outside your vehicle, an electric shock may
occur. Never touch exposed electric wires.
●If a fluid leak occurs, do not touch it as it may be strong alkaline electrolyte from
the hybrid battery (traction battery). If it comes into contact with your skin or
eyes, wash it off immediately with a large amount of water or if possible, boric
acid solution. Seek immediate medical attention.
●If a fire occurs in the hybrid vehicle, le ave the vehicle as soon as possible. Never
use a fire extinguisher that is not meant for electric fires. Using even a small
amount of water may be dangerous.
●If your vehicle needs to be towed, do so with the rear wheels raised. If the wheels
with the electric motor (t raction motor) are on the ground when towing, the
motor may continue to generate electricit y. This may cause an electricity leakage
leading to a fire. (
P. 4 8 2 )
●Carefully inspect the ground under the vehicle. If you find that liquid has leaked
onto the ground, the fuel system may have been damaged. Leave the vehicle as
soon as possible.

When driving2
127
GS_HV_U
December 12, 2007 3:33 pm
2-1. Driving procedures ........ 128Driving the vehicle.................. 128
Power (ignition) switch .......... 138
Transmission.............................. 142
Turn signal lever ....................... 146
Parking brake ........................... 147
2-2. Instrument cluster ......... 148 Gauges and meters ................ 148
Indicators and warning 
lights ......................................... 152
Multi-information display ..... 155 2-3. Operating the lights and

windshield wipers ........ 158
Headlight switch ..................... 158
Fog light switch .......................... 161
Windshield wipers and 
washer ...................................... 162
Headlight cleaner switch ..... 165
2-4. Using other driving 
systems .......................... 166
Cruise control.......................... 166
Dynamic radar cruise 
control ...................................... 169
Intuitive parking assist ........... 180
Rear view monitor 
system...................................... 195
AVS (Adaptive Variable 
Suspension System) ............ 199
Driving assist systems ........... 200
PCS (Pre-Collision 
System) .................................. 206
2-5. Driving information........ 210 Cargo and luggage ................ 210
Vehicle load limits ................... 214
Winter driving tips .................. 215
Trailer towing .......................... 220
Dinghy towing.......................... 221

192
2-4. Using other driving systems
GS_HV_U
January 4, 2008 10:02 am
●In the following situations, the intuitive parking assist may not function correctly,
possibly leading to an accident.
• There is ice, snow or mud on the sensors. (Wiping the sensors will resolve this
problem.)
• The sensor area is frozen. (Thawing the area will resolve this problem.) 
In especially cold weather, if a sensor is frozen the screen may show an abnor-
mal display, or obstacles may not be detected.
• The vehicle angle is especially wide.
• In harsh sunlight or intense cold weather.
• When driving on bumpy, sloped or gravel roads, or over grass.
• If there is something producing ultrasonic waves nearby, such as another vehicle’s horn, motorcycle engine nois e, air braking sound from heavy-duty
vehicles, or another vehicle using the intuitive parking assist.
• In heavy rain, or if water is splashed on the sensors.
• If a commercial fender pole or radio antenna is installed.
• If towing eyelet is installed on your vehicle.
• If moving towards a high curb or a curb corner.
• Objects such as signs may cause the detection distance to shorten.
• The area directly under the bumpers is not detected. 
Objects lower than the sensor s or thin stakes etc. may be detected initially,
but as they draw closer, they may cease to be detected.
• If obstacles draw too close to the sensor.
■Obstacles that may not be detected correctly
The following obstacles may not be detected.
●Thin objects such as wire, fencing or rope.
●Objects that absorb sound wave s, such as cotton or snow.
●Objects with sharp corners.
●Objects where the upper section projects out over the lower section.
●Low objects.
■If the display flashes and a message is displayed
P. 5 1 2

211
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
GS_HV_U
December 12, 2007 3:50 pm
(4) The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and lug-
gage load capacity.
For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will be
five 150 lb passengers in your vehicl e, the amount of available cargo
and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400 - 750 (5 150) = 650
lbs.)
(5) Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being
loaded on the vehicle.
That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo and luggage
load capacity calculated in Step 4.
(6) If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Co nsult this manual to determine how
this reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your
vehicle. ( P. 214)
Lexus does not recommend towing a tra iler with your vehicle. Your vehicle
is not designed for trailer towing.

214
2-5. Driving information
GS_HV_U
December 12, 2007 3:50 pm
Vehicle load limits
■Total load capacity and seating capacity
These details are also described on the tire and loading information label. 
(  P. 445)
CAUTION
■Overloading the vehicle
Do not overload the vehicle. 
It may not only cause damage to the tire s, but also degrade steering and braking
ability, resulting in an accident.
Vehicle load limits include total load capacity, seating capacity, towing
capacity and cargo capacity.
■ Total load capacity: 815 lb. (370 kg)
Total load capacity means the comb ined weight of occupants, cargo
and luggage.
■ Seating capacity: 5 occupants (Front 2, Rear 3)
Seating capacity means the maximu m number of occupants whose
estimated average weight is 150 lb. (68 kg) per person.
Even if the number of occupants ar e within the seating capacity, do
not exceed the total load capacity.
■ Towing capacity
Lexus does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle.
■ Cargo capacity
Cargo capacity ma y increase or decrease depending on the weight
and the number of occupants.

220
2-5. Driving information
GS_HV_U
December 12, 2007 3:50 pm
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 wheelchair, scooter, bicycle, etc. Your Lexus is not designed
for trailer towing or for the us e of tow hitch mounted carriers.

221
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
GS_HV_U
December 12, 2007 3:50 pm
Dinghy towing
NOTICE
■To avoid serious damage to your vehicle
Do not tow your vehicle with 4 wheels on the ground.
Your vehicle is not designed to be dinghy towed (with 4 wheels on the
ground) behind a motor home.

482
GS_HV_U
December 12, 2007 3:50 pm
5-1. Essential information
If your vehicle needs to be towed
Before towingThe following may indicate a problem with your transmission. Contact
your Lexus dealer before towing.
● The hybrid system is running, but the vehicle will not move.
● The vehicle makes an abnormal sound.
Emergency towing
If a tow truck is not available, in an emergency your vehicle may be tem-
porarily towed using a cable or ch ain secured to the emergency towing
eyelet. This should only attempted on hard, surfaced roads for short dis-
tances below 18 mph (30 km/h). 
A driver must be in the vehicle to s teer and operate the brakes. The vehi-
cle’s wheels, drive train, axles, steering and brakes must be in good condi-
tion.
If towing is necessary, we recommen d having your vehicle towed by your
Lexus dealer or a commercial towing service, using a lift-type truck or a flat
bed truck. 
Use a safety chain system for all towing , and abide by all state/provincial
and local laws.
If towing from the rear, the wheels and axle on the ground must be in good
condition.
If they are damaged, use a to wing dolly or flat bed truck.

5
When trouble arises
483
5-1. Essential information
GS_HV_U
December 12, 2007 3:50 pm
Towing eyelet
■Emergency towing procedureRelease the parking brake.
Put the shift lever in “N”.
The “POWER” switch must be in the ACCESSORY mode (hybrid system
off) or the ON mode (hybrid system on).
CAUTION
■While towing
●Use extreme caution when towing the vehicle. 
Avoid sudden starts or erratic driving maneuvers which place excessive stress on
the emergency towing eyelet and the cable or chain.
●If the hybrid system is not running, the power assist for the brakes and steering
will not function, making steeri ng and braking more difficult.
NOTICE
■To prevent causing serious damage to the transmission
Never tow this vehicle from the front with the rear wheels on the ground. 
This may cause serious dama ge to the transmission.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3