steering LEXUS ES300h 2022 Owner's Manual

1303-4. Adjusting the steering wheel and mirrors
QUsing automatic mode in cold weather
(power type)
When automatic mode is used in cold
weather, the door mirror could freeze up
and automatic stowing and return may not
be possible. In this case, remove any ice and
snow from the door mirror, then either
operate the mirror using manual mode or
move the mirror by hand.
QCustomization (power type)
The automatic mirror folding and extending
operation can be changed.
(Customizable features: P.421)
When the mirror select switch is in the
“L” or “R” position, the outside rear
view mirrors will automatically angle
downwards when the vehicle is revers-
ing in order to give a better view of the
ground.
To disable this function, move the mir-
ror select switch to the neutral position
(between “L” or “R”).
QAdjusting the mirror angle when
the vehicle is reversing
With the shift lever in R, adjust the mir-
ror angle at a desired position. The
adjusted angle will be memorized and
the mirror will automatically tilt to the
memorized angle whenever the shift
lever is shifted to R from next time.
The memorized downward tilt position of
the mirror is linked to the normal position
(angle adjusted with the shift lever in other
than R). Therefore, if the normal position is
changed after adjustment, the tilt position
will also change.
When the normal position is changed,
readjust the angle in reversing.
WARNING
QWhen a mirror is moving
To avoid personal injury and mirror mal-
function, be careful not to get your hand
caught by the moving mirror.
Linked mirror function when
reversing (vehicles with driving
position memory)

1384-1. Before driving
4-1. Be fore driving
QStarting the hybrid system
 P.148
QDriving
1 With the brake pedal depressed,
shift the shift lever to D. ( P.155)
2 If the parking brake is in manual
mode, release the parking brake.
( P.159)
3 Gradually release the brake pedal
and gently depress the accelerator
pedal to accelerate the vehicle.
QStopping
1 With the shift in D, depress the
brake pedal.
2 If necessary, set the parking brake.
If the vehicle is to be stopped for an
extended period of time, shift the shift lever
to P. ( P.155)
QParking the vehicle
1 With the shift lever in D, depress
the brake pedal.
2 Set the parking brake ( P.159),
and shift the shift lever to P
(  P.155).
3 Press the power switch to stop the
hybrid system.
4 Lock the door, making sure that
you have the electronic key on your
person.
If parking on a hill, block the wheels as
needed.
QStarting off on a steep uphill
1 Make sure that the parking brake is
set with the brake pedal depressed,
and then shift the shift lever to D.
2 Release the brake pedal and gently
depress the accelerator pedal.
3 Release the parking brake.
QWhen starting off on a uphill
The hill-start assist control will activate.
(  P.253)
QFor fuel-efficient driving
Keep in mind that hybrid vehicles are simi-
lar to conventional vehicles, and it is neces-
sary to refrain from activities such as
sudden acceleration. ( P.258)
QCoasting (Auto Glide Control)
When Eco drive mode is selected, under
certain conditions, Auto Glide Control will
operate automatically and allow the vehicle
coast, enhancing fuel economy. ( P.220)
QDriving in the rain
ODrive carefully when it is raining, because
visibility will be reduced, the windows
may become fogged-up, and the road
will be slippery.
ODrive carefully when it starts to rain,
because the road surface will be espe-
cially slippery.
ORefrain from high speeds when driving on
an expressway in the rain, because there
may be a layer of water between the tires
and the road surface, preventing the
steering and brakes from operating
properly.
QRestraining the hybrid system output
(Brake Override System)
OWhen the accelerator and brake pedals
are depressed at the same time, the
hybrid system output may be restrained.
OA warning message is displayed on the
multi-information display while the sys-
tem is operating. ( P.366)
Driving the vehicle
The following procedures should be
observed to ensure safe driving:
Driving procedure

1404-1. Before driving
WARNING
ODuring 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 diffi-
cult 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.358
OUse engine braking (downshift) to
maintain a safe sp eed when driving
down a steep hill.
Using the brakes continuously may
cause the brakes to overheat and lose
effectiveness. ( P.154)
ODo not adjust the positions of the
steering wheel, the seat, or the inside
or outside rear view mirrors while driv-
ing.
Doing so may result in a loss of vehicle
control.
OAlways check that all passengers’
arms, heads or other parts of their
body are not outside the vehicle.
ODo not drive in excess of the speed
limit. Even if the legal speed limit per-
mits 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 fail-
ure, 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.
QWhen driving on slippery road sur-
faces
OSudden braking, acceleration and
steering may cause tire slippage and
reduce your ability to control the vehi-
cle.
OSudden acceleration, engine braking
due to shifting, or changes in engine
speed could cause the vehicle to skid,
resulting in an accident.
OAfter driving through a puddle, lightly
depress the brake pedal to make sure
that the brakes are functioning prop-
erly. Wet brake pads may prevent the
brakes from functioning properly. If
the brakes on only one side are wet
and not functioning properly, steering
control may be affected.
QWhen shifting the shift lever
ODo not let the vehicle roll backward
while the shift lever is in a driving posi-
tion, or roll forward while the shift lever
is in R.
Doing so may result in an accident or
damage to the vehicle.
ODo not shift the shift lever to P while
the vehicle is moving.
Doing so can damage the transmission
and may result in a loss of vehicle con-
trol.
ODo not shift the shift lever to R while
the vehicle is moving forward.
Doing so can damage the transmission
and may result in a loss of vehicle con-
trol.
ODo not shift the shift lever to a driving
position while the vehicle is moving
backward.
Doing so can damage the transmission
and may result in a loss of vehicle con-
trol.
OShifting the shift lever to N while the
vehicle is moving will disengage the
hybrid system. Engine braking is not
available when N is selected.
OBe careful not to shift the shift lever
with the accelerator pedal depressed.
Shifting the shift lever to a gear other
than P or N may lead to unexpected
rapid acceleration of the vehicle that
may cause an accident and result in
death or serious injury.

1424-1. Before driving
WARNING
QWhen taking a nap in the vehicle
Always turn the hybrid system off. Oth-
erwise, if you accidentally move the shift
lever or depress the accelerator pedal,
this could cause an accident or fire due
to hybrid system overheating. Addition-
ally, if the vehicle is parked in a poorly
ventilated area, exhaust gases may col-
lect and enter the vehicle, leading to
death or a serious health hazard.
QWhen braking
OWhen the brakes are wet, drive more
cautiously.
Braking distance increases when the
brakes are wet, and this may cause
one side of the vehicle to brake differ-
ently than the other side. Also, the
parking brake may not securely hold
the vehicle.
OIf the electronically controlled brake
system does not operate, do not follow
other vehicles closely and avoid hills or
sharp turns that require braking.
In this case, braking is still possible, but
the brake pedal should be depressed
more firmly than usual. Also, the brak-
ing distance will in crease. Have your
brakes fixed immediately.
OThe brake system consists of 2 or
more individual hydraulic systems; if
one of the systems fails, the other(s)
will still operate. In this case, the brake
pedal should be depressed more
firmly than usual and the braking dis-
tance will increase. Have your brakes
fixed immediately.
NOTICE
QWhen driving the vehicle
ODo not depress the accelerator and
brake pedals at the same time while
driving, as this may restrain the hybrid
system output.
ODo not use the accelerator pedal or
depress the accelerator and brake
pedals at the same time to hold the
vehicle on a hill.
QAvoiding damage to vehicle parts
ODo not turn the steering wheel fully in
either direction and hold it there for an
extended period of time.
Doing so may damage the power
steering motor.
OWhen driving over bumps in the road,
drive as slowly as possible to avoid
damaging the wheels, underside of the
vehicle, etc.
QIf you get a flat tire while driving
A flat or damaged tire may cause the fol-
lowing situations. Hold the steering
wheel firmly and gradually depress the
brake pedal to slow down the vehicle.
OIt may be difficult to control your vehi-
cle.
OThe vehicle will make abnormal
sounds or vibrations.
OThe vehicle will lean abnormally.
Information on what to do in case of a flat
tire ( P.379)
QWhen encountering flooded roads
Do not drive on a road that has flooded
after heavy rain etc. Doing so may cause
the following serious damage to the vehi-
cle:
OEngine stalling
OShort in electrical components
OEngine damage caused by water
immersion
In the event that you drive on a flooded
road and the vehicle is flooded, be sure
to have your Lexus dealer check the fol-
lowing:
OBrake function

1454-1. Before driving
4
Driving
Cargo capacity
Total load capacity (vehicle capac-
ity weight) (P.402)
When 2 people with the combined
weight of A lb. (kg) are riding in your
vehicle, which has a total load capacity
(vehicle capacity weight) of B lb. (kg),
the available amount of cargo and lug-
gage load capacity will be C lb. (kg) as
follows:
B
*2 lb. (kg) - A*1 lb. (kg) = C*3 lb. (kg)
*1: A = Weight of people
*2: B = Total load capacity
*3: C = Available cargo and luggage load In this condition, if 3 more passengers with
the combined weight of D lb. (kg) get on,
the available cargo and luggage load will
be reduced E lb. (kg) as follows:
C lb. (kg) - D*4 lb. (kg) = E*5 lb. (kg)
*4: D = Additional weight of people
*5: E = Available cargo and luggage load
As shown in the example above, if the
number of occupants increases, the
cargo and luggage load will be
reduced by an amount that equals the
increased weight due to the additional
occupants. In other words, if an
increase in the number of occupants
causes an excess of the total load
capacity (combined weight of occu-
pants plus cargo and luggage load),
you must reduce the cargo and lug-
gage on your vehicle.
WARNING
QCapacity and distribution
ODo not exceed the maximum axle
weight rating or the total vehicle
weight rating.
OEven 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 deterioration of steering or
braking control which may cause
death or serious injury.
Calculation formula for your
vehicle
A
B

1464-1. Before driving
QTotal load capacity and seating capacity
These details are also described on the tire
and loading information label. ( P.338)
Vehicle load limits
Vehicle load limits include total
load capacity, seating capacity,
towing capacity and cargo capac-
ity.
 Total load capacity (vehicle
capacity weight): P.402
Total load capacity means the com-
bined weight of occupants, cargo
and luggage.
 Seating capacity: P.402
Seating capacity means the maxi-
mum 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.
WARNING
QOverloading the vehicle
Do not overload the vehicle.
It may not only cause damage to the tires,
but also degrade steering and braking
ability, resulting in an accident.
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 wheel-
chair, scooter, bicycle, etc. Your
vehicle is not designed for trailer
towing or for the use of tow hitch
mounted carriers.

1494-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
system. In this case, try to start the hybrid
system again after the temperature of the
hybrid battery increases due to the out-
side temperature increase etc.
QSounds and vibrations specific to a
hybrid vehicle
 P.60
QIf the 12-volt battery is discharged
The hybrid system cannot be started using
the smart access system with push-button
start. Refer to P.391 to restart the hybrid
system.
QElectronic key battery depletion
 P.100
QConditions affecting operation
 P.117
QNotes for the entry function
 P.117
QSteering lock function
OAfter turning the power switch off and
opening and closing the doors, the steer-
ing wheel will be locked due to the steer-
ing lock function. Operating the power
switch again automatically cancels the
steering lock.
OWhen the steering lock cannot be
released, “Push Power Switch while
Turning Steering Wheel in Either Direc-
tion” will be displayed on the multi-infor-
mation display.
Check that the shift lever is set in P. Press
the power switch shortly and firmly while
turning the steering wh eel left and right.
OTo prevent the steering lock motor from
overheating, the motor may be sus-
pended if the hybrid system is turned on
and off repeatedly in a short period of
time. In this case, refrain from operating
the power switch. After about 10 sec- onds, the steering lock motor will resume
functioning.
QIf there is a malfunction in the smart
access system with push-button start
If “Access System with Elec. Key Malfunc-
tion See Owner’s Manual” is displayed on
the multi-information display, the system
may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle
inspected by your Lexus dealer immedi-
ately.
QIf the “READY” indicator does not
come on
In the event that the “READY” indicator
does not come on even after performing
the proper procedures for starting the vehi-
cle, contact your Lexus dealer immediately.
QIf the hybrid system is malfunctioning
 P.65
QElectronic key battery
 P.347
QOperation of the power switch
OIf the switch is not pressed shortly and
firmly, the power switch mode may not
change or the hybrid system may not
start.
OIf attempting to restart the hybrid system
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 seconds
before restarting the hybrid system.
QCustomization
If the smart access system with push-button
start has been deactivated in a customized
setting, refer to P.421.
WARNING
QWhen starting the hybrid system
Always start the hybrid system while sit-
ting 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 result-
ing in death or serious injury.

1504-2. Driving procedures
1Stop the vehicle completely.
2 Set the parking brake ( P.159),
and shift the shift lever to P
(  P.155).
3 Press the power switch.
4 Release the brake pedal and check
that “ACCESSORY” or “IGNI-
TION ON” is not shown on the
meter.
QAutomatic hybrid system shut off fea-
ture
OThe vehicle is equipped with a feature
that automatically shuts off the hybrid sys-
tem when the shift lever is in P with the
hybrid system operating for an extended
period.
OThe hybrid system will automatically shut
off after approximately 1 hour if it has
been left running while the shift lever is in
P.
OThe timer for the automatic hybrid system
shut off feature will reset if the brake
pedal is depressed or if the shift lever is in
a position other than P.
OAfter the vehicle is parked, if the door is
locked with the door lock switch
( P.106) from the inside or the mechan-
ical key from the outside, the automatic
hybrid system shut off feature will be dis-
abled. The timer for the automatic hybrid
system shut off feature will be re-enabled
if the driver’s door is opened.
QLocking the door from outside with the
hybrid system operating
1 With the driver’s door open, pull the
driver’s door handle and insert the
mechanical key.
2 Turn the mechanical key counterclock-
wise.
3 Pull out the mechanical key and close
the door.
WARNING
QCaution 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.
NOTICE
QWhen starting the hybrid system
If the hybrid system becomes difficult to
start, have your vehicle checked by your
Lexus dealer immediately.
QSymptoms indicating a malfunction
with the power switch
If the power switch seems to be operat-
ing somewhat differently than usual, such
as the switch sticking slightly, there may
be a malfunction. Contact your Lexus
dealer immediately.
Stopping the hybrid system

1514-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
Modes can be changed by pressing
the power switch with the brake pedal
released. (The mode changes each
time the switch is pressed.)
1Off
*
The emergency flashers can be used.
2ACCESSORY mode
Some electrical components such as the
audio system can be used.
“ACCESSORY” will be displayed on the
meter.
3ON mode
All electrical components can be used.
“IGNITION ON” will be displayed on the
meter.
WARNING
QStopping the hybrid system in an
emergency
OIf you want to stop the hybrid system in
an emergency while driving the vehi-
cle, press and hold the power switch
for more than 2 seconds, or press it
briefly 3 times or more in succession.
(  P.358)
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.
OIf the power switch is operated while
the vehicle is running, a warning mes-
sage will be shown on the multi-infor-
mation display and a buzzer sounds.
OWhen restarting the hybrid system
after an emergency shutdown, shift the
shift lever to N and press the power
switch shortly and firmly.
QWhen parking
Exhaust gases include harmful carbon
monoxide (CO), which is colorless and
odorless. Observe the following precau-
tions.
Failure to do so may cause exhaust gases
to enter the vehicle and may lead to an
accident caused by light-headedness, or
may lead to death or a serious health
hazard.
OIf the vehicle is in a poorly ventilated
area or a closed area, such as a
garage, stop the hybrid system.
ODo not leave the vehicle with the
hybrid system operating for a long
time. If such a situation cannot be
avoided, park the vehicle in an open
space and ensure that exhaust fumes
do not enter the vehicle interior.
ODo not leave the hybrid system oper-
ating in an area with snow build-up, or
where it is snowing. If snowbanks build
up around the vehicle while the hybrid
system is operating, exhaust gases
may collect and enter the vehicle.
Changing power switch modes

1654-3. Operating the lights and wipers
4
Driving
1With the headlights on, push the
lever away from you to turn on the
high beams.
Pull the lever toward you to the center
position to turn the high beams off.
2Pull the lever toward you and
release it to flash the high beams
once.
You can flash the high beams with the
headlights on or off.
When any of the following conditions is
met, while the headlights (low beam)
are on, the cornering lights will addi-
tionally turn on and light up the direc-
tion of movement for the vehicle. This is
to ensure excellent visibility when
either driving at intersections or park-
ing at night.
The steering wheel is operated 
The turn signal lever is operated
 The shift position is in R (both left
and right side cornering lights)
QCornering light control
OThe lights illuminate when the vehicle
speed is approximately 19 mph (30
km/h) or less. However, the lights turn off
when the vehicle speed increases to
approximately 22 mph (35 km/h) or
more.
OAfter the lights remain illuminated for 30
minutes, they automatically turn off.
NOTICE
QTo prevent 12-volt battery discharge
Do not leave the lights on longer than
necessary when the hybrid system is not
operating.
Turning on the high beam head-
lights
Cornering lights