Lexus ES300h 2015 Opening, closing and locking the doors and trunk / Owner's Manual (OM33B99U)

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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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.

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4-1. Before driving
4
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 wheelchair, scooter, bicycle, etc. Your vehicle is
not designed for trailer towing or for the use of tow hitch mounted car-
riers.

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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 vehicle
Do not tow your vehicle with the four wheels on the ground.

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ES350_300h_OM_OM33B99U_(U)
4-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
Engine (ignition) switch (gasoline vehicles)
Check that the parking brake is set.
Check that the shift lever is set in P.
Firmly depress the brake pedal.
will be displayed on the multi-information display.
If it is not displayed, the engine cannot be started.
Press the “START STOP
ENGINE” 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
“START STOP ENGINE” switch
mode.
Performing the following operations when carrying the electronic key
on your person starts the engine or changes “START STOP ENGINE”
switch modes.
Starting the engine
1
2
3
4

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4-2. Driving procedures
Stop the vehicle.
Shift the shift lever to P.
Set the parking brake. (P. 231)
Press the “START STOP ENGINE” switch.
Release the brake pedal and check that “POWER ON” on the multi-
information display is off.
Modes can be changed by pressing the “START STOP ENGINE” switch
with brake pedal released. (The mode changes each time the switch is
pressed.)
Off*
The emergency flashers can be used.
The multi-information display will not
be displayed.
ACCESSORY mode
Some electrical components such as
the audio system can be used.
“POWER ON” will be displayed on
the multi-information display.
IGNITION ON mode
All electrical components can be
used.
“POWER ON” will be displayed on
the multi-information display.
*: If the shift lever is in a position other
than P when turning off the engine, the
“START STOP ENGINE” switch will
be turned to ACCESSORY mode,
not to off.
Stopping the engine
Changing “START STOP ENGINE” switch modes
1
2
3
4
5

ES350_300h_OM_OM33B99U_(U)
2074-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
If the engine is stopped with the shift lever in a position other than P, the
“START STOP ENGINE” switch will not be turned off but instead be
turned to ACCESSORY mode. Perfo rm the following procedure to turn
the switch off:
Check that the parking brake is set.
Shift the shift lever to P.
Check that “POWER ON” and “Turn Power OFF” are displayed alter-
nately on the multi-information d isplay and then press the “START
STOP ENGINE” switch once.
Check that “POWER ON” and “Tur n Power OFF” on the multi-infor-
mation display are off.
When stopping the engine with the shift lever in a position other
than P
1
2
3
4

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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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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.