engine Lexus ES300h 2016 Owner's Manual Quick Guide (OM33B89U)

12
ES300h_QG_OM33B89U_(U)
Hybrid System
■Hybrid System Indicator
Po w e r a r e a
Shows that an Eco-friendly driving
range is being exceeded (during full
power driving etc.)
Eco area
Shows that the vehicle is being driven
in an Eco-friendly manner.
Hybrid Eco area
Shows that gasoline engine power is
not being used very often.
The gasoline engine will automatically
stop and restart under various condi-
tions.
Charge area
Shows regenerative charging.
● Hybrid System Indicator is displayed when the driving mode is other than the sport
mode.
● By keeping the indicator needle within Ec o area, more Eco-friendly driving can be
achieved.
● Charge area indicates regeneration
* status. Regenerated energy will be used to charge
the battery.
*: When used in this manual, “regeneration” refers to the conversion of energy created by the movement of the vehicle into electrical energy.
Your vehicle is a hybrid vehicle. It has characteristics different from conventional vehicles.
Be sure you are closely familiar with the char acteristics of your vehicle, and operate it
with care.
The hybrid system combines the use of a gaso line engine and an electric motor (traction
motor) according to driving conditions, impr oving fuel efficiency and reducing exhaust
emissions.
For details, refer to the “OWNER’S MANUAL”.
1
2
3
4

13
ES300h_QG_OM33B89U_(U)
■Charging the hybrid ba ttery (traction battery)
As the gasoline engine charges the hybrid batt ery (traction battery), the battery does not
need to be charged from an outside source. However, if the vehicle is left parked for a long
time the hybrid battery (traction battery) will slowly discharge. For this reason, be sure to
drive the vehicle at least once every few months for at least 30 minutes or 10 miles (16 km).
If the hybrid battery (traction battery) becomes fully discharged and you are unable to start
the hybrid system, contact your Lexus dealer.
■ Regenerative braking
In the following situations, kinetic energy is converted to electric energy and deceleration
force can be obtained in conjunction with the recharging of the hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery).
● The accelerator pedal is released while driving with the shift lever in D or S.
● The brake pedal is depressed while driving with the shift lever in D or S.
■Sounds and vibrations specific to a hybrid vehicle
There may be no engine sound or vibration even though the vehicle is able to move with the
“READY” indicator is illuminated. For safety, ap ply the parking brake and make sure to shift
the shift lever to P when parked.
The following sounds or vibrations may occur when the hybrid system is operating and are
not a malfunction:
● Motor sounds may be heard from the engine compartment.
● Sounds may be heard from the hybrid battery (traction battery) behind the rear seats
when the hybrid system starts or stops.
● Relay operating sounds such as a snap or so ft clank will be emitted from the hybrid bat-
tery (traction battery), behind the rear seats, when the hybrid system is started or
stopped.
● Sounds from the hybrid system may be heard when the trunk lid is open.
● Sounds may be heard from the transmission when the gasoline engine starts or stops,
when driving at low speeds, or during idling.
● Engine sounds may be heard when accelerating sharply.
● Sounds may be heard due to regenerative br aking when the brake pedal is depressed or
as the accelerator pedal is released.
● Vibration may be felt when the ga soline engine starts or stops.
● Cooling fan sounds may be heard from th e air intake vent on rear left seat.
■Running out of fuel
When the vehicle has run out of fuel and the hybrid system cannot be started, refuel the
vehicle with at least enough gasoline to make the low fuel level warning light go off. If there is
only a small amount of fuel, the hybrid system may not be able to start. (The standard amount
of fuel is about 3.0 gal. [11.3 L, 2.5 Imp.gal.], when the vehicle is on a level surface. This value
may vary when the vehicle is on a slope. Add extra fuel when the vehicle is inclined.)

29
ES300h_QG_OM33B89U_(U)
EV Drive Mode
Tu r n s E V d r i v e m o d e o n /o f fWhen EV drive mode is turned on, the
EV drive mode indicator will come on.
Pressing the switch when in EV drive
mode will return the vehicle to normal
driving (using the gasoline engine and
electric motor [traction motor]).
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.

30
ES300h_QG_OM33B89U_(U)
Hybrid Transmission
■Shifting the shift lever
While the power switch is in ON mode, mo ve the shift lever with the brake pedal
depressed.
When shifting the shift lever between P and D, make sure that the vehicle is com-
pletely stopped.
■ Shift position purpose
*1: To improve fuel efficiency and reduce noises, set the shift lever in D for normal driving.
*2: By selecting shift ranges using S mode, you can control engine braking forces.
Shift positionObjective or function
PParking the vehicle/starting the hybrid system
RReversing
NNeutral
DNormal driving*1
SS mode driving*2

31
ES300h_QG_OM33B89U_(U)
■Selecting shift ranges in the S position
To enter S mode, shift the shift lever to S. Shift ranges can then be selected by operating the
shift lever, allowing you to drive in the shift range of your choosing.
Upshifting
Downshifting
The selected shift range, from 1 to 6,
will be displayed in the meter.
The initial shift range in S mode is auto-
matically set to 4 to 5 according to
vehicle speed.
1
2
■ Shift ranges and their functions
 You can choose from 6 levels of engine braking force.
 A lower shift range will provide greater engi ne braking force than a higher shift range,
and the engine revolutions will also increase.
 If you accelerate while in ranges 1 to 4, the shift range may automatically range up in
accordance with the vehicle’s speed.