steering Lexus ES300h 2015 Do-it-yourself maintenance / (OM33B99U) Owner's Guide

ES350_300h_OM_OM33B99U_(U)
1974-1. Before driving
4
Driving
NOTICE
■When driving the vehicle
●Do not depress the accelerator and brake pedals at the same time during driving,
as this may restrain driving torque.
●Do not use the accelerator pedal or depress the accelerator and brake pedals at
the same time to hold the vehicle on a hill.
■When parking the vehicle
Always shift the shift lever to P. Failure to do so may cause the vehicle to move or
the vehicle may accelerate suddenly if the accelerator pedal is accidentally
depressed.
■Avoiding damage to vehicle parts
●Do not turn the steering wheel fully in either direction and hold it there for an
extended period of time.
Doing so may damage th e power steering motor.
●When driving over bumps in the road, drive as slowly as possible to avoid damag-
ing the wheels, underside of the vehicle, etc.
■If you get a flat tire while driving
A flat or damaged tire may cause the following situations. Hold the steering wheel
firmly and gradually depress the brake pedal to slow down the vehicle.
●It may be difficult to control your vehicle.
●The vehicle will make abnormal sounds or vibrations.
●The vehicle will lean abnormally.
Information on what to do in case of a flat tire ( P. 6 5 9 )

ES350_300h_OM_OM33B99U_(U)
2014-1. Before driving
4
Driving
CAUTION
■Things that must not be carried in the trunk
The following things may cause a fire if loaded in the trunk:
●Receptacles containing gasoline
●Aerosol cans
■Storage precautions
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may prevent the pedals from being depressed properly, may block
the driver’s vision, or may result in items hitting the driver or passengers, possibly
causing an accident.
●Stow cargo and luggage in the trunk whenever possible.
●Do not place cargo or luggage in or on the following locations.
• At the feet of the driver
• On the front passenger or rear seats (when stacking items)
• On the package tray
• On the instrument panel
•On the dashboard
• In front of the navigation system scr een or Lexus Display Audio system screen
●Secure all items in the occupant compartment.
■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 dete-
rioration of steering or braking control which may cause death or serious injury.

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ES350_300h_OM_OM33B99U_(U)
4-1. Before driving
Vehicle load limits
◆Total load capacity (vehicle capacity weight): P. 7 0 0
Total load capacity me ans the combined weight of occupants, cargo
and luggage.
◆Seating capacity: 5 occupants (Front 2, Rear 3)
Seating capacity means the maximum 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.
■Total load capacity and seating capacity
These details are also described on the tire and loading information label. ( P. 577)
Vehicle load limits include total load capacity, seating capacity, towing
capacity and cargo capacity.
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.

208
ES350_300h_OM_OM33B99U_(U)
4-2. Driving procedures
■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 “START STOP ENGINE” switch will automatically turn off. However, this func-
tion cannot entirely prevent 12-volt batter y discharge. Do not leave the vehicle with
the “START STOP ENGINE” switch in ACCESSORY or IGNITION ON mode for
long periods of time when the engine is not running.
■Electronic key battery depletion
P. 1 3 8
■Conditions affecting operation
P. 1 3 4
■Notes for the entry function
P. 1 3 5
■If the engine does not start
●The engine immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. ( P. 8 4 )
Contact your Lexus dealer.
●Check that the shift lever is securely set in P. The engine may not start if the shift
lever is displaced out of P. “Shift to P position to Start” will be displayed on the multi-
information display.
■Steering lock
After turning the “START STOP ENGINE” switch off and opening and closing the
doors, the steering wheel will be locked due to the steering lock function. Operating
the “START STOP ENGINE” switch again automatically cancels the steering lock.

ES350_300h_OM_OM33B99U_(U)
2094-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
■When the steering lock cannot be released
■Steering lock motor overheating prevention
To prevent the steering lock motor from overheating, 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. After about 10 seconds, the steering lock motor
will resume functioning.
■When “Check Access System with Elec. Key” is displayed on the multi-information
display
The system may be malfunctio ning. Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer
immediately.
■If the electronic key battery is depleted
 P. 5 8 4
■Operation of the “START STOP ENGINE” switch
●When operating the “START STOP ENGINE” switch, one short, firm press is
enough. If the switch is pressed improper ly, the engine may not start or the “START
STOP ENGINE” switch mode may not chan ge. It is not necessary to press and
hold the switch.
●If attempting to restart the engine immediately after turning the “START STOP
ENGINE” switch off, the en gine may not start in some cases. After turning the
“START STOP ENGINE” switch off, please wait a few seconds before restarting
the engine.
■If the smart access system with push-but ton start has been deactivated in a cus-
tomized setting
 P. 6 7 7
■Odometer and trip meter display
When the “START STOP ENGINE” switch is turned off, the odometer or trip meter
display will extinguish afte r approximately 30 seconds.
“Steering Lock active” will be displayed on
the multi-information display.
Check that the shift lever is set in P. Press the
“START STOP ENGINE” switch while turning
the steering wheel left and right.

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ES350_300h_OM_OM33B99U_(U)
4-2. Driving procedures
CAUTION
■When starting the engine
Always start the engine while sitting in the driver’s seat. Do not depress the accel-
erator pedal while starting the engine under any circumstances.
Doing so may cause an accident resulting 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 complete stop. Activation of the steering lock in
this circumstance may lead to an accident, resulting in death or serious injury.
■Stopping the engine in an emergency
If you want to stop the engine in an emergency while driving the vehicle, press and
hold the “START STOP ENGINE” switch for more than 2 seconds, or press it
briefly 3 times or more in succession. (P. 6 1 5 )
However, do not touch the “START STOP ENGINE” switch while driving except in
an emergency. Turning the en gine off while driving will not cause loss of steering or
braking control, but the power assist to 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.

ES350_300h_OM_OM33B99U_(U)
2154-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
■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
prevent 12-volt battery discharge. Do not leave the vehicle with the “POWER”
switch in ACCESSORY or ON mode for long periods of time when the hybrid sys-
tem is not operating.
■Sounds and vibrations specific to a hybrid vehicles
 P. 76
■Electronic key battery depletion
P. 1 3 8
■When the ambient temperature is low, such as during winter driving conditions
It may take time until the “READY” indicator comes on.
■Conditions affecting operation
P. 1 3 4
■Notes for the entry function
P. 1 3 5
■If the hybrid system does not start
●The immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. ( P. 8 6 )
Contact your Lexus dealer.
●Check that the shift lever is securely set in P. The hybrid system may not start if the
shift lever is displaced out of P. “Shift to P position when starting” will be displayed
on the multi-information display.
■Steering lock
After turning the “POWER” switch off and opening and closing the doors, the steer-
ing wheel will be locked due to the stee ring lock function. Operating the “POWER”
switch again automatically cancels the steering lock.

216
ES350_300h_OM_OM33B99U_(U)
4-2. Driving procedures
■When the steering lock cannot be released
■Steering lock motor overheating prevention
To prevent the steering lock motor from overheating, the motor may be suspended if
the hybrid system is turned on and off repeatedly in a short period of time. In this
case, refrain from operating the hybrid sy stem. After about 10 seconds, the steering
lock motor will resume functioning.
■When “Check Access System with Elec. Key” is displayed on the multi-information
display
The system may be malfunctio ning. Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer
immediately.
■If the “READY” indicator does not come on
If the “READY” indicator does not come on when you press the “POWER” switch
with the shift lever in P and the brake pedal depressed, contact your Lexus dealer
immediately.
■If the hybrid system is malfunctioning
 P. 6 3 7
■If the electronic key battery is depleted
P. 5 8 4
■Operation of the “POWER” switch
●When operating the “POWER” switch, one shor t, firm press is enough. If the switch
is pressed improperly, the hybrid system may not start or the “POWER” switch
mode may not change. It is not necessary to press and hold the switch.
●If attempting to restart the hybrid syst em 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 se conds before restarting the hybrid sys-
tem.
■If the smart access system with push-but ton start has been deactivated in a cus-
tomized setting
 P. 6 7 7
“Steering Lock active” will be displayed on
the multi-information display.
Check that the shift lever is set in P. Press the
“POWER” switch while
turning the steering
wheel left and right.

ES350_300h_OM_OM33B99U_(U)
2174-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
■Odometer and trip meter display
When the “POWER” switch is turned off, the odometer or trip meter display will
extinguish after approximately 30 seconds.
CAUTION
■When starting the hybrid system
Always start the hybrid system while sitting 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 resulting 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.
■Stopping the hybrid system in an emergency
If you want to stop the hybrid system in an emergency while driving the vehicle,
press and hold the “POWER” switch for more than 2 seconds, or press it briefly 3
times or more in succession. ( P. 615)
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.

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ES350_300h_OM_OM33B99U_(U)
4-2. Driving procedures
Horn
To sound the horn, press on or close
to the mark.
■After adjusting the steering wheel (manual adjustment type)
Make sure that the steering wheel is securely locked.
The horn may not sound if the steering wheel is not securely locked. (P. 1 6 9 )