ESP Lexus ES300h 2017 Owner's Guide

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Driving
■When starting off on a uphill
The hill-start assist control will activate. (→P. 2 76 )
■For fuel-efficient driving
Keep in mind that hybrid vehicles are similar to conventional vehicles, and it is necessary
to refrain from activities such as sudden acceleration. ( →P. 2 8 2 )
■Driving in the rain or adverse weather conditions
●Drive carefully, because visibility may be reduced, the windows may become fogged-
up, and the road will be slippery.
●Drive carefully when it gets wet or icy, becau se the road surface will be especially slip-
pery.
●Slow down when water is present on the roadway, because there may be a layer of
water between the tires and the road surface, preventing the steering and brakes from
operating properly.
■Restraining the hybrid system output (Brake Override System)
●When the accelerator and brake pedals are depressed at the same time, the hybrid sys-
tem output may be restrained.
●A warning message is displayed on the mult i-information display while the system is
operating. If a warning mess age is shown on the multi-information display, read the
message and follow the instructions.
■Restraining sudden start (Drive-Start Control)
●When the following unusual operation is performed, the hybrid system output may be
restrained.
• When the shift lever is shifted from R to D, D to R, N to R, P to D, or P to R (D includes S) with the accelerator pedal depressed, a warning message appears on
the multi-information display. If a warnin g message is shown on the multi-informa-
tion display, read the message and follow the instructions.
• When the accelerator pedal is depressed t oo much while the vehicle is in reverse.
●While Drive-Start Control is being activated, your vehicle may have trouble escaping
from the mud or fresh snow. In such case, deactivate TRAC ( →P. 277) to cancel Drive-
Start Control so that the vehicle may become able to escape from the mud or fresh
snow.

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Driving
WA R N I N G
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.
■When starting the vehicle
Always keep your foot on the brake pedal while stopped with the “READY” indicator is
illuminated. This prevents the vehicle from creeping.
■When driving the vehicle
●Do not drive if you are unfamiliar with th e location of the brake and accelerator ped-
als to avoid depressing the wrong pedal.
• Accidentally depressing the accelerator pedal instead of the brake pedal will result in sudden acceleration that may lead to an accident.
• When backing up, you may twist your body around, leading to a difficulty in oper- ating the pedals. Make sure to operate the pedals properly.
• Make sure to keep a correct driving posture even when moving the vehicle only slightly. This allows you to depress the brake and accelerator pedals properly.
• Depress the brake pedal using your right foot. Depressing the brake pedal using
your left foot may delay response in an emergency, resulting in an accident.
●The driver should pay extra attention to pedestrians when the vehicle is powered only
by the electric motor (traction motor). As there is no engine noise, the pedestrians
may misjudge the vehicle’s movement. Even with the vehicle proximity notification
system active, people may not realize the vehicle is approaching when the surround-
ing area is noisy and so forth. Ther efore, take extra care while driving.
●Do not drive the vehicle over or stop the vehicle near flammable materials.
The exhaust system and exhaust gases can be extremely hot. These hot parts may
cause a fire if there is any flammable material nearby.
●During normal driving, do not turn off the hybrid system. 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.
In the event of an emergency, such as if it becomes impossible to stop the vehicle in
the normal way: → P. 4 9 9
●Use engine braking (downshift) to maintain a safe speed when driving down a steep
hill.
Using the brakes continuously may cause the brakes to overheat and lose effective-
ness. (→P. 1 76 )
●Do not adjust the positions of the steering wheel, the seat, or the inside or outside rear
view mirrors while driving.
Doing so may result in a loss of vehicle control.
●Always check that all passengers’ arms, heads or other parts of their body are not
outside the vehicle.
●Do not drive in excess of the speed limit. Even if the legal speed limit permits it, do not
drive over 85 mph (140 km/h) unless your vehicle has high-speed capability tires.
Driving over 85 mph (140 km/h) may result in tire failure, loss of control and possible
injury. Be sure to consult a tire dealer to determine whether the tires on your vehicle
are high-speed capability tires or not before driving at such speeds.

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ES300h_OM_OM33C75U_(U)4-5. Using the driving support systems
Lexus Safety System+∗
◆PCS (Pre-Collision System)
→
P. 2 0 5
◆LDA (Lane Departure Alert with steering control)
→P. 2 1 7
◆Dynamic radar cruise control
→P. 2 2 6
◆Automatic High Beam
→P. 1 8 5
∗: If equipped
The Lexus Safety System+ consists of the following drive assist systems and
contributes to a safe and co mfortable driving experience:
WA R N I N G
■Lexus Safety System+
The Lexus Safety System+ is designed to operate under the assumption that the driver
will drive safely, and is designed to help reduce the impact to the occupants and the
vehicle in the case of a collision or assist the driver in normal driving conditions.
As there is a limit to the degree of reco gnition accuracy and control performance that
this system can provide, do not overly rely on this system. The driver is always responsi-
ble for paying attention to the vehicle’s surroundings and driving safely.

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Driving
The pre-collision system is equipped with a sophisticated computer that will
record certain data, such as: • Accelerator status
•Brake status
• Vehicle speed
• Operation status of the pre-collision system functions
• Information (such as the distance and relative speed between your vehicle
and the vehicle ahead or other objects)
• Images from the camera sensor (available only when the pre-collision braking
function or the pre-collision braking assist function was operating)
The pre-collision system does not record conversations, sounds or images of the
inside of the vehicle.
●Data usage
Lexus may use the data recorded in this computer to diagnose malfunctions,
conduct research and development, and improve quality.
Lexus will not disclose the recorded data to a third party except: • With the consent of the vehicle owner or with the consent of the lessee if the vehicle is leased
• In response to an official request by the police, a court of law or a govern- ment agency
• For use by Lexus in a lawsuit
• For research purposes where the data is not tied to a specific vehicle or vehicle owner
●Recorded images can be erased using a specialized device.
The Image recording function can be disabled. However, if the function is dis-
abled, data from when the pre-collision system operates will not be available.
Vehicle data recording

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ES300h_OM_OM33C75U_(U)4-5. Using the driving support systems
◆Pre-collision braking
When the system determines that the possi
bility of a frontal collision is high,
the system warns the driver. If the system determines that the possibility of a
frontal collision is extremely high, the brakes are automatically applied to help
avoid the collision or reduce the collision speed.
WA R N I N G
■Limitations of the pre-collision system
●The driver is solely responsible for safe driving. Always drive safely, taking care to
observe your surroundings.
Do not use the pre-collision system instead of normal braking operations under any
circumstances. This system will not preven t collisions or lessen collision damage or
injury in every situation. Do not overly rely on this system. Failure to do so may lead to
an accident, resulting in death or serious injury.
●Although this system is designed to help avoid a collision or help reduce the impact of
the collision, its effectiveness may change according to various conditions, therefore
the system may not always be able to achieve the same level of performance.
Read the following conditions carefully. Do not overly rely on this system and always
drive carefully.
• Conditions under which the system may operate even if there is no possibility of a
collision: →P. 2 1 1
• Conditions under which the system may not operate properly: →P. 2 1 4
●Do not attempt to test the operation of the pre-collision system yourself, as the system
may not operate properly, possibly leading to an accident.
■Pre-collision braking
●When the pre-collision br aking function is operating, a large amount of braking force
will be applied.
●If the vehicle is stopped by the operation of the pre-collision braking function, the pre-
collision braking function operation will be canceled after approximately 2 seconds.
Depress the brake pedal as necessary
●The pre-collision braking function may not operate if certain operations are per-
formed by the driver. If the accelerator pedal is being depressed strongly or the steer-
ing wheel is being turned, the system may de termine that the driver is taking evasive
action and possibly prevent the pre-collis ion braking function from operating.
●In some situations, while the pre-collision br aking function is operating, operation of
the function may be canceled if the accele rator pedal is depressed strongly or the
steering wheel is turned and the system dete rmines that the driver is taking evasive
action.
●If the brake pedal is being depressed, the system may determine that the driver is tak-
ing evasive action and possibly delay the op eration timing of the pre-collision braking
function.

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Driving
WA R N I N G
■Before using LDA system
Do not rely solely upon the LDA system. The LDA system does not automatically drive
the vehicle or reduce the amount of attention that must be paid to the area in front of
the vehicle. The driver must always assume full responsibility for driving safely by pay-
ing careful attention to the surrounding cond itions and operating the steering wheel to
correct the path of the vehicle. Also, the driver must take adequate breaks when
fatigued, such as from driving for a long period of time.
Failure to perform appropriate driving operat ions and pay careful attention may lead to
an accident, resulting in death or serious injury.
■To avoid operating LDA system by mistake
When not using the LDA system, use the LDA switch to turn the system off.
■Situations unsuitable for LDA system
Do not use the LDA system in the following situations.
The system may not operate properly and lead to an accident, resulting in death or
serious injury.
●A spare tire, tire chains, etc. are equipped.
●When the tires have been excessively worn, or when the tire inflation pressure is low.
●Tires which differ by structure, manufacturer, brand or tread pattern are used.
●Objects or patterns that could be mistaken for white (yellow) lines are present on the
side of the road (guardrails, curbs, reflective poles, etc.).
●Vehicle is driven on a snow-covered road.
●White (yellow) lines are difficult to see due to rain, snow, fog, dust, etc.
●Asphalt repair marks, white (yellow) line marks, etc. are present due to road repair.
●Vehicle is driven in a temporary lane or restricted lane due to construction work.
●Vehicle is driven on a road surface which is slippery due to rainy weather, fallen snow,
freezing, etc.
●Vehicle is driven in traffic lanes other than on highways and freeways.
●Vehicle is driven in a construction zone.
●Vehicle is towing a trailer or another vehicle.
■Preventing LDA system malfunctions and operations performed by mistake
●Do not modify the headlights or place stickers, etc. on the surface of the lights.
●Do not modify the suspension etc. If the suspension etc. needs to be replaced, con-
tact your Lexus dealer.
●Do not install or place anything on the hood or grille. Also, do not install a grille guard
(bull bars, kangaroo bar, etc.).
●If your windshield needs repairs, contact your Lexus dealer.

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Driving
WA R N I N G
■Before using dynamic radar cruise control
Driving safely is the sole responsibility of the driver. Do not rely solely on the system,
and drive safely by always paying careful attention to your surroundings.
The dynamic radar cruise control provides driving assistance to reduce the driver’s
burden. However, there are limitations to the assistance provided.
Even when the system is functioning normally, the condition of the preceding vehicle as
detected by the system may differ from the condition observed by the driver. There-
fore, the driver must always remain alert, assess the danger of each situation and drive
safely. Relying on this system or assuming the system ensures safety while driving can
lead to an accident, resulting in death or serious injury.
■Cautions regarding the driving assist systems
Observe the following precautions, as there are limitations to the assistance provided
by the system.
Failure to do so may cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
●Assisting the driver to measure following distance
The dynamic radar cruise control is only intended to help the driver in determining
the following distance between the driver’s own vehicle and a designated vehicle
traveling ahead. It is not a mechanism that a llows careless or inattentive driving, and it
is not a system that can assist the driver in low-visibility conditions. It is still necessary
for driver to pay close attention to the vehicle’s surroundings.
●Assisting the driver to judg e proper following distance
The dynamic radar cruise control determines whether the following distance
between the driver’s own vehicle and a design ated vehicle traveling ahead is within a
set range. It is not capable of making any other type of judgement. Therefore, it is
absolutely necessary for the driver to remain vigilant and to determine whether or not
there is a possibility of dang er in any given situation.
●Assisting the driver to operate the vehicle
The dynamic radar cruise control has limited capability to prevent or avoid a collision
with a vehicle traveling ahead. Therefore, if there is ever any danger, the driver must
take immediate and direct control of the vehicle and act appropriately in order to
ensure the safety of all involved.
■To avoid inadvertent dynamic radar cruise control activation
Switch the dynamic radar cruise control off using the “ON/OFF” button when not in
use.

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Driving
This mode employs a radar sensor to detect the presence of vehicles up to
approximately 328 ft. (100 m) ahead, determines the current vehicle-to-vehicle
following distance, and operates to maintain a suitable following distance from
the vehicle ahead.
Note that vehicle-to-vehicle distance will close in when traveling on long downhill
slopes.
Example of constant speed cruising
When there are no vehicles ahead
The vehicle travels at the speed set by the driver. The desired vehicle-to-vehicle dis-
tance can also be set by operating the vehicle-to-vehicle distance button.
Example of deceleration cruising and follow-up cruising
When a preceding vehicle driving slower than the set speed appears
When a vehicle is detected running ahead of you, the system automatically deceler-
ates your vehicle. When a greater reduction in vehicle speed is necessary, the system
applies the brakes (the stop lights will come on at this time). The system will respond to
changes in the speed of the vehicle ahead in order to maintain the vehicle-to-vehicle
distance set by the driver. Approach warning warns you when the system cannot
decelerate sufficiently to prevent your vehicle from closing in on the vehicle ahead.
Example of acceleration
When there are no longer any preceding vehicles driving slower than the set
speed
The system accelerates until the set speed is reached. The system then returns to con-
stant speed cruising.
Driving in vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode
1
2
3

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Driving
■Buzzer operation and distance to an obstacle
A buzzer sounds when the sensors are operating.
●The buzzer beeps faster as the vehicle approaches an obstacle. When the
vehicle comes within the following distance of the obstacle, the buzzer
sounds continuously:• Front center sensors: Approximately 1.0 ft. (30 cm)
• Corner sensors: Approximately 1.0 ft. (30 cm)
• Rear center sensors: Approximately 1.1 ft. (35 cm)
●When 2 or more obstacles are detected simultaneously, the buzzer system
responds to the nearest obstacle. If on e or both come within the above dis-
tances, the beep will repeat a long tone, followed by fast beeps.
Approximately 3.3 ft. (100 cm)
Approximately 4.9 ft. (150 cm)
Approximately 2.0 ft. (60 cm)
The diagram shows the detection range
of the sensors. Note that the sensors
cannot detect obstacles that are
extremely close to the vehicle.
The range of the sensors may change
depending on the shape of the object
etc.
Detection range of the sensors
1
2
3

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Driving
■The intuitive parking assist can be operated when
●Front center sensors:
• The power switch is in ON mode.
• The shift lever is in a position other than P or R.
• The vehicle speed is less than about 6 mph (10 km/h).
●Front corner sensors:
• The power switch is in ON mode.
• The shift lever is in a position other than P.
• The vehicle speed is less than about 6 mph (10 km/h).(At any speed when the shift lever is in R)
●Rear corner and rear center sensors:
• The power switch is in ON mode.
• The shift lever is in R.
■Intuitive parking assist display
When an obstacle is detected while the Lexus parking assist monitor is in use, the warn-
ing indicator will appear in the upper part of the screen even if the display setting has
been set to off.
■Sensor detection information
●The sensor’s detection areas are limited to the areas around the vehicle’s front corners
and rear bumper.
●Certain vehicle conditions and the surrou nding environment may affect the ability of
the sensor to correctly detect obstacles. Particular instances where this may occur are
listed below.
• There is dirt, snow or ice on the sensor . (Wiping the sensors will resolve this prob-
lem.)
• The sensor is frozen. (Thawing th e area will resolve this problem.)
In especially cold weather, if a sensor is frozen the screen may show an abnormal
display, or obstacles may not be detected.
• The sensor is covered in any way.
• The vehicle is leaning co nsiderably to one side.
• On an extremely bumpy road, on an incline, on gravel, or on grass.
• The vicinity of the vehicle is noisy due to vehicle horns, motorcycle engines, air
brakes of large vehicles, or other loud noises producing ultrasonic waves.
• There is another vehicle equipped with parking assist sensors in the vicinity.
• The sensor is coated with a sheet of spray or heavy rain.
• The vehicle is equipped with a fender pole or wireless antenna.
• Towing eyelets are installed.
• The bumper or sensor receives a strong impact.
• The vehicle is approaching a tall or curved curb.
• In harsh sunlight or intense cold weather.
• The area directly under the bumpers is not detected.
• If obstacles draw too close to the sensor.
• A non-genuine Lexus suspension (lowered suspension etc.) is installed.
• People may not be detected if they are wearing certain types of clothing.
In addition to the examples above, there are instances in which, because of their shape,
signs and other objects may be judged by the sensor to be closer than they are.