Lexus ES300h 2018 Owner's Manual (OM33D45U)

5018-2. Steps to take in an emergency
ES300h_OM_OM33D45U_(U)
8
When trouble arises
■While towing
If the hybrid system is off, the power assist for the brakes and steering will not function,
making steering and br aking more difficult.
■Wheel nut wrench
Wheel nut wrench is installed in trunk. ( →P. 514)
WARNING
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.
■When towing the vehicle
■While towing
●When towing using cables or chains, avoid sudden starts, etc. which place excessive
stress on the eyelet, cables or chains. The towing eyelet, cables or chains may
become damaged, broken debris may hit people and cause serious damage.
●Do not turn the power switch off.
There is a possibility that the steering w heel is locked and cannot be operated.
■Installing towing eyelet to the vehicle
Make sure that towing eyelet is installed securely.
If not securely installed, towing ey elets may come loose during towing.
NOTICE
■To prevent damage to the vehicle when towing using a wheel-lift type truck
●Do not tow the vehicle from the rear when the power switch is off. The steering lock
mechanism is not strong enough to hold the front wheels straight.
●When raising the vehicle, ensure adequate ground cleara nce for towing at the oppo-
site end of the raised vehicle. Without ad equate clearance, the vehicle could be dam-
aged while being towed.
■To prevent damage to the vehicle wh en towing with a sling-type truck
Do not tow with a sling-type truck, either from the front or rear.
■To prevent damage to the ve hicle during emergency towing
Do not secure cables or chains to the suspension components.
Be sure to transport the vehicle with the front
wheels raised or with all four wheels raised off
the ground. If the vehicle is towed with the front
wheels contacting the ground, the drivetrain
and related parts may be damaged or electric-
ity generated by the operation of the motor
may cause a fire to o ccur depending on the
nature of the damage or malfunction.

502
ES300h_OM_OM33D45U_(U)8-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If you think something is wrong
●Fluid leaks under the vehicle.
(Water dripping from the air conditioning after use is normal.)
●Flat-looking tires or uneven tire wear
●Engine coolant temperature gauge needle
continually points higher than nor-
mal.
●Changes in exhaust sound
●Excessive tire squeal when cornering
●Strange noises related to the suspension system
●Pinging or other noises related to the hybrid system
●Engine missing, stumbling or running roughly
●Appreciable loss of power
●Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when braking
●Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when driving on a level road
●Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling, pedal almost touches the floor
If you notice any of the following symptoms, your vehicle probably needs
adjustment or repair. Contact your Lexus dealer as soon as possible.
Visible symptoms
Audible symptoms
Operational symptoms

503
ES300h_OM_OM33D45U_(U)8-2. Steps to take in an emergency
8
When trouble arises
If a warning light turns on or a warning buzzer
sounds
Calmly perform the following actions if any of the warning lights comes on or
flashes. If a light comes on or flashes, but then goes off, this does not necessar-
ily indicate a malfunction in the system
. However, if this continues to occur,
have the vehicle inspecte d by your Lexus dealer.
Warning light and warning buzzer list
Warning lightWarning light/Details/Actions
(U.S.A.)
(Canada)
Brake system warning light (red indicator) and warning buzzer
Indicates that:
• The brake fluid level is low; or
• The brake system is malfunctioning
→ Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact your
Lexus dealer. Continuing to drive the vehicle may be dangerous.
Brake system warning light (yellow indicator)
Indicates a malfunction in:
• The regenerative brake system; or
• The electronically controlled brake system
→ Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
(U.S.A.)
(Canada)
Malfunction indicator lamp Indicates a malfunction in:
• The hybrid system;
• The electronic engine control system;
• The electronic throttle control system; or
• The electronic hybrid transmission control system
→ Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
SRS warning light
Indicates a malfunction in:
• The SRS airbag system;
• The front passenger occupant classification system; or
• The seat belt pretensioner system
→ Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
(U.S.A.)
(Canada)
ABS warning light Indicates a malfunction in:
• The ABS; or
• The brake assist system
→ Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.

5048-2. Steps to take in an emergency
ES300h_OM_OM33D45U_(U)
Electric power steering system warning light (warning buzzer)
Indicates a malfunction in the EPS (Electric Power Steering) sys-
tem
→ Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
(Flashes or illuminates)
PCS warning light
Indicates a malfunction in the PCS (Pre-Collision System) or that
the system is temporarily unavailable due to the vehicle being
extremely hot/cold, or dirt around a front sensor, etc.
(→ P. 215, 509)
→ Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-information dis-
play. ( →P. 215, 509)
If the PCS (Pre-Collision System ) or VSC (Vehicle Stability Con-
trol) system is disabled, the PC S warning light will illuminate.
→ P. 215
Slip indicator light
Indicates a malfunction in:
• The VSC system;
• The TRAC system; or
• The hill-start assist control system
→ Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
The light will flash when the ABS, VSC or TRAC is operating.
Low fuel level warning light Indicates that remaining fuel is approximately 2.6 gal. (9.7 L,
2.1 Imp.gal.) or less
→ Refuel the vehicle.
Seat belt reminder light (warning buzzer)*
Warns the driver and/or front passenger to fasten their seat belts
→ Fasten the seat belt.
If the front passenger’s seat is occupied, the front passenger’s
seat belt also needs to be fastened to make the warning light
(warning buzzer) turn off.
Master warning light
A buzzer sounds and the warning light comes on and flashes to
indicate that the master warnin g system has detected a malfunc-
tion.
→ P. 509
Warning lightWarning light/Details/Actions

5058-2. Steps to take in an emergency
ES300h_OM_OM33D45U_(U)
8
When trouble arises
*: Driver’s and front passenger’s seat belt warning buzzer: The driver’s seat belt warning buzzer sounds to alert the driver that his or her seat belt
is not fastened. Once the power switch is turned to ON mode, the buzzer sounds for
6 seconds. If the vehicle reaches a speed of 12 mph (20 km/h), the buzzer sounds
once. If the seat belt is st ill unfastened after 30 seconds, the buzzer will sound inter-
mittently for 10 seconds. Then, if the seat belt is still unfastened, the buzzer will sound
in a different tone for 20 more seconds.
The front passenger’s seat belt warning buzzer sounds to alert the front passenger
that his or her seat belt is not fastened. Th e buzzer sounds once if the vehicle reaches
a speed of 12 mph (20 km/h). If the seat belt is still unfastened after 30 seconds, the
buzzer will sound intermittently for 10 seconds. Then, if the seat belt is still unfastened,
the buzzer will sound in a different tone for 20 more seconds.
■SRS warning light
This warning light system monitors the airbag sensor assembly, front impact sensors, side
impact sensors (front door), side impact se nsors (front), side impact sensors (rear),
driver’s seat position sensor, driver’s seat belt buckle switch, front passenger occupant
classification system (ECU and sensors), “AIR BAG ON” indicator light, “AIR BAG OFF”
indicator light, front passenger’s seat belt buckle switch, seat belt pretensioner assem-
blies, airbags, interconnectin g wiring and power sources.
( → P. 38)
Tire pressure warning light
When the light comes on:
Low tire inflation pressure such as
• Natural causes ( →P. 506)
•Flat tire ( →P. 513)
→ Adjust the tire inflation pres sure to the specified level.
The light will turn off after a few minutes. In case the light does
not turn off even if the tire inflation pressure is adjusted, have the
system checked by your Lexus dealer.
When the light comes on af ter blinking for 1 minute:
Malfunction in the tire pr essure warning system (→P. 506)
→ Have the system checked by your Lexus dealer.
(Flashes)
(If equipped)
“AFS OFF” indicator
Indicates a malfunction in the adaptive front-lighting system
→Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
Warning lightWarning light/Details/Actions

5068-2. Steps to take in an emergency
ES300h_OM_OM33D45U_(U)
■Front passenger detection sensor, seat belt reminder and warning buzzer
●If luggage is placed on the front passenger seat, the front passenger detection sensor
may cause the warning light to flash and the warning buzzer to sound even if a passen-
ger is not sittin g in the seat.
●If a cushion is placed on the seat, the sens or may not detect a passenger, and the warn-
ing light may not operate properly.
■Electric power steering system warning light (warning buzzer)
When the 12-volt battery charge becomes insu fficient or the voltage temporarily drops,
the electric power steering system warning light may come on and the warning buzzer
may sound.
■If the malfunction indicator lamp comes on while driving
First check the following:
●Is the fuel tank empty?
If it is, fill the fu el tank immediately.
●Is the fuel tank cap loose?
If it is, tighten it securely.
The light will go off after several driving trips.
If the light does not go off even after severa l trips, contact your Lexus dealer as soon as
possible.
■When the tire pressure warning light comes on
Check the tire inflation pressu re and adjust to the appropriate level. Pushing the tire
pressure warning reset switch will not tu rn off the tire pressure warning light.
■The tire pressure warning light may come on due to natural causes
The tire pressure warning light may come on due to natural causes such as natural air
leaks and tire inflation pressure changes caus ed by temperature. In this case, adjusting
the tire inflation pressure will turn off the warning light (after a few minutes).
■When a tire is replaced with a spare tire
The compact spare tire is not equipped with a tire pressure warning valve and transmit-
ter. If a tire goes flat, the tire pressure warning light will not turn off even though the flat
tire has been replaced with the spare tire.
■Conditions that the tire pressure wa rning system may not function properly
→ P. 465
■If the tire pressure warning light freque ntly comes on after blinking for 1 minute
If the tire pressure warning light frequently comes on after blinking for 1 minute when the
power switch is turned to ON mode, ha ve it checked by your Lexus dealer.
■Warning buzzer
In some cases, the buzzer may not be heard because of noisy place or an audio sound.

5078-2. Steps to take in an emergency
ES300h_OM_OM33D45U_(U)
8
When trouble arises
WARNING
■If both the ABS and the brake sy stem warning lights remain on
Stop your vehicle in a safe place immediat ely and contact your Lexus dealer. The vehi-
cle will become extremely unstable during br aking, and the ABS system may fail, which
could cause an accident resultin g in death or serious injury.
■When the electric power steering system warning light comes on
The steering wheel may become extremely heavy.
If the steering wheel becomes heavier than usual when operating, hold firmly and oper-
ate using more force than usual.
■If the tire pressure warning light comes on
Be sure to observe the following precaution s. Failure to do so could cause a loss of
vehicle control and result in death or serious injury.
●Stop your vehicle in a safe place as soon as possible. Adjust the tire inflation pressure
immediately.
●If the tire pressure warning light comes on even after tire inflation pressure adjust-
ment, it is probable that you have a flat tire . Check the tires. If a tire is flat, change it
with the spare tire and have the flat tire repaired by the nearest Lexus dealer.
●Avoid abrupt maneuvering and braking. If the vehicle tires deteriorate, you could lose
control of the steering wheel or the brakes.
■If a blowout or sudden air leakage should occur
The tire pressure warning system may not activate immediately.

5088-2. Steps to take in an emergency
ES300h_OM_OM33D45U_(U)
WARNING
■Maintenance of the tires
Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly when cold and
inflated to the inflation pressure recomm ended by the vehicle manufacturer on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label (tire and load information label). (If your
vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire
inflation pressure label [tire and load in formation label], you should determine the
proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle ha s been equipped with a tire pressure moni-
toring system (TPMS-tire pressure warning system) that illuminates a low tire pressure
telltale (tire pressure warning light) when on e or more of your tires is significantly
under-inflated. Accordingly, when the low ti re pressure telltale (tire pressure warning
light) illuminates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate
them to the proper pressure. Driving on a si gnificantly under-inflated tire causes the
tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure . Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency
and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS (tire pressure wa rning system) is not a substitute for proper
tire maintenance, and it is th e driver’s responsibility to ma intain correct tire pressure,
even if under-inflation has not reached the le vel to trigger illumination of the TPMS low
tire pressure telltale (tir e pressure warning light).
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS (tire pressure warning system) mal-
function indicator to indicate when the system is not operating properly. The TPMS
(tire pressure warning system) malfunction indi cator is combined with the low tire pres-
sure telltale (tire pressure warning light). When the system detects a malfunction, the
telltale will flash for approximately one mi nute and then remain continuously illumi-
nated. This sequence will cont inue upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the
malfunction exists. When the malfunction in dicator is illuminated, the system may not
be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended.
TPMS (tire pressure warning system) malfun ctions may occur for a variety of reasons,
including the installation of replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that
prevent the TPMS (tire pressure warning system) from functioning properly. Always
check the TPMS (tire pressure warning system) malfunction telltale after replacing one
or more tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the replacement or alternate
tires and wheels allow the TPMS (tire pressu re warning system) to continue to function
properly.
NOTICE
■To ensure the tire pressure warning system operates properly
Do not install tires with different specifications or makers, as the tire pressure warning
system may not operate properly.

509
ES300h_OM_OM33D45U_(U)8-2. Steps to take in an emergency
8
When trouble arises
If a warning message is displayed
Master warning light
The master warning light also comes on
or flashes in order to
indicate that a mes-
sage is currently being displayed on the
multi-information display.
Multi-information display
If any of the warning messages are show n again after the following actions have
been performed, contact your Lexus dealer.
The warning lights and warning buzzers operate as follows depending on the
content of the message. If a message indicates the need for inspection by a
dealer, have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
The multi-information display shows warn ings of system malfunctions, incor-
rectly performed operations, and messag es that indicate a need for mainte-
nance. When a message is shown, perform the correction procedure
appropriate to the message.
1
2
Messages and warnings
System
warning light
Warning buzzer*Warning
Comes on ⎯
Sounds Indicates an important situation, such
as when a system related to driving is
malfunctioning or that danger may
result if the correction procedure is not
performed
⎯Comes on
or flashesSounds
Indicates an important situation, such
as when the systems shown on the
multi-information display may be mal-
functioning
Flashes⎯Sounds
Indicates a situation, such as when
damage to the vehicle or danger may
result

5108-2. Steps to take in an emergency
ES300h_OM_OM33D45U_(U)
*: A buzzer sounds the first time a message is shown on the multi-information display.
■If “Hybrid System Overheated Reduced Output Power” is shown
This message may be displayed when driving under severe operating conditions.
(For example, when driving up a long steep hill.)
Handling method: →P. 531
■If “Maintenance Required for Hybrid Batter y Cooling Parts at Your Dealer” is shown
The filter may be clogged, the air intake vent may be blocked or there may be a gap in
duct. Have maintenance performed on the hy brid battery (traction battery) cooling
component at your Lexus dealer.
■If “Hybrid Battery Low Shift Out of N to Recharge” is shown
Message is displayed when the remaining char ge for the hybrid battery (traction battery)
is low.
As the hybrid battery (tractio n battery) can not be charged when the shift lever is in N,
when stopped for long periods of time shift the shift lever to P.
■If “Hybrid Battery Low Hybrid System St opped Shift to P and Restart” is shown
Message is displayed when the remaining char ge for the hybrid battery (traction battery)
is low, because vehicle has been sh ifted N for a long period of time.
When operating the vehicle, restart the hybrid system.
■If “Shift to P Before Ex iting Vehicle” is shown
Message is displayed when the driver’s door is opened without turning the power switch
to OFF with the shift lever in any position other than P.
Shift the shift lever to P.
■If “Shift Is in N Release Accelerator Before Shifting” is shown
Message is displayed when th e accelerator pedal has been depressed and the shift lever
is in N. Release the accel erator pedal and shift the shift lever to D or R.
■If “Maintenance Required Soon” is shown (U.S.A. only)
Indicates that all maintenance according to the driven distance on the maintenance
schedule
* should be performed soon.
Comes on approximately 4500 miles (7200 km) after the message has been reset.
If necessary, perform maintenance.
*: Refer to the separate “Scheduled Maintena nce” or “Owner’s Manual Supplement” for
the maintenance interval applicable to your vehicle.
Comes on⎯Does not sound
Indicates a condition, such as malfunc-
tion of electrical components, their
condition, or indicates the need for
maintenance
Flashes⎯Does not sound
Indicates a situation, such as when an
operation has been performed incor-
rectly, or indicates how to perform an
operation correctly
System
warning
lightWarning buzzer*Warning