brake Lexus GS300h 2013 Owner's Guide

2564-2. Driving procedures
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
Switching to EV drive mode when the gasoline engine is cold
If the hybrid system is started while the gasoline engine is cold, the gasoline
engine will start automatically in order to warm up. In this case, you will
become unable to switch to EV drive mode.
Automatic cancelation of EV drive mode
When driving in EV drive mode, the gasoline engine may automatically
restart in the following situations. When EV drive mode is canceled, a buzzer
will sound and the EV drive mode indicator will flash and go off.
The hybrid battery (traction battery) becomes low.
The remaining battery level indicated in the “Energy monitor” display is
low.
(P. 131)
GS450h: Vehicle speed becomes more than about 40 km/h (25 mph).
GS300h: Vehicle speed becomes more than about 45 km/h (28 mph).
The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly or the vehicle is on a hill etc.
When it is possible to inform the driver of automatic cancelation in advance,
a prior notice screen will appear on the multi-information display.
Possible driving distance when driving in EV drive mode
EV drive mode’s possible driving distance ranges from a few hundred meters
to approximately 1 km (0.6 mile). Driving is possible at speeds of less than
approximately 40 km/h (25 mph) for GS450h or 45 km/h (28 mph) for
GS300h. However, depending on vehicle conditions, there are situations
when EV drive mode cannot be used.
(The distance that is possible depends on the hybrid battery [traction battery]
level and driving conditions.)
Fuel economy
Your Lexus is designed to achieve the best possible fuel economy during nor-
mal driving (using the gasoline engine and electric motor [traction motor]).
Driving in EV drive mode more than necessary may lower fuel economy. To prevent gasoline engine warm up in
order to reduce noises, start the hybrid
system without starting the gasoline
engine, pressing the power switch with
fully depressing the brake pedal and
pressing the EV drive mode switch.

2584-2. Driving procedures
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
Hybrid transmission
While the power switch is in ON mode, move the shift lever
with the brake pedal depressed.
When shifting the shift lever between P and D, make sure that the vehi-
cle is completely stopped.
Shifting the shift lever

269
4 4-2. Driving procedures
Driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
Parking brake
Sets the parking brake
The parking brake indicator light
will come on. (P. 270)
Press and hold the parking brake
switch if an emergency occurs and
it is necessary to operate the park-
ing brake while driving.
Releases the parking brake
Operate the parking brake switch
while depressing the brake pedal.
Make sure that the parking brake
indicator light goes off.
A selections can be made as desired from the following modes.
Manual mode
1
2

2704-2. Driving procedures
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
The parking brake is set or released automatically according to shift
lever operation.
Turns automatic mode on/off
When the shift lever is moved
out of P, the parking brake will
be released.
When the shift lever is moved
into P, the parking brake will
be set.
Operate the shift lever with the
brake pedal depressed.
Parking brake operation
When the power switch is not in ON mode, the parking brake cannot be
released using the parking brake switch.
When the power switch is not in ON mode, automatic mode (automatic
brake setting and releasing) is not available.
If the parking brake is operated repeatedly over a short period of time, the
system may restrict operation to prevent overheating. If this happens,
refrain from operating the parking brake. Normal operation will return after
about 1 minute.
Parking brake operation sound
When the parking brake operates, a motor sound (whirring sound) may be
heard. This does not indicate a malfunction.
Parking brake indicator light
Depending on the power switch mode, the parking brake indicator light will
come on and stay on as described below:
ON mode: Comes on until the parking brake is released.
Not in ON mode: Stays on for approximately 15 seconds.
When the power switch is turned off with the parking brake set, the parking
brake indicator light will stay on for about 15 seconds. This does not indi-
cate a malfunction.
Automatic mode

271
4 4-2. Driving procedures
Driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
When there is a malfunction in the system
Warning lights and/or warning message will turn on or flash. (P. 830, 838)
Depending on the condition, the parking brake indicator light may flash.
Usage in winter time
P. 4 3 4
NOTICE
When parking the vehicle
Before you leave the vehicle, set the parking brake, shift the shift lever to P
and make sure that the vehicle does not move.
When the system malfunctions
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and check the warning messages.
When the parking brake cannot be released due to a malfunction
Use the parking brake release tool to manually release the parking brake.
(P. 905)
Driving the vehicle with the parking brake set will lead to brake compo-
nents overheating, which may affect braking performance and increase
brake wear.

2724-2. Driving procedures
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
Brake Hold
Turns the brake hold system on
The brake hold standby indicator
(green) comes on. While the sys-
tem is holding the brake, the brake
hold operated indicator (yellow)
comes on.
Brake hold system operating conditions
The brake hold system cannot be turned on in the following conditions:
The trunk or hood is not closed.
The driver’s door is not closed.
The driver is not wearing the seat belt.
If any of the conditions above are detected when the brake hold system is
enabled, the system will turn off and the brake hold standby indicator light
will go off. In addition, if any of the conditions are detected while the system
is holding the brake, a warning buzzer will sound and a message will be
shown on the multi-information display. The parking brake will then be set
automatically.
Brake hold function
If the brake pedal is left released for a period of about 3 minutes after the
system has started holding the brake, the parking brake will be set automat-
ically. In this case, a warning buzzer sounds and a message is shown on the
multi-information display.
To turn the system off while the system is holding the brake, firmly depress
the brake pedal and press the button again.
The brake hold system keeps the brake applied when the shift lever
is in D, S or N with the system on and the brake pedal has been
depressed to stop the vehicle. The system releases the brake when
the accelerator pedal is depressed with the shift lever in D or S to
allow smooth start off.

2734-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
The brake hold function may not hold the vehicle when the vehicle is on a
steep incline. In this situation, it may be necessary for the driver to apply
the brakes. The multi-information display will inform the driver of this situ-
ation.

2744-2. Driving procedures
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
When the parking brake is set automatically while the system is holding the
brakes
The parking brake will not be released automatically. Release the parking
brake by operating the parking brake switch, making sure that the parking
brake indicator light goes off. (P. 269)
When there is a malfunction in the system
Warning lights and/or warning messages will turn on or flash. (P. 832, 843)
CAUTION
When the vehicle is on a steep incline
When using the brake hold system on a steep incline exercise caution. The
brake hold function may not hold the vehicle in such a situation.
When stopped on a slippery road
The system cannot stop the vehicle when the gripping ability of the tires
has been exceeded. Do not use the system when stopped on a slippery road.
NOTICE
When parking the vehicle
The brake hold system is not designed for use when parking the vehicle for
a long period of time. Turning the power switch off while the system is
holding the brake may release the brake, which would cause the vehicle to
move. When operating the power switch, depress the brake pedal, set the
parking brake and shift the shift lever to P.

2754-3. Operating the lights and wipers
4
Driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
Daytime running light system
To make your vehicle more visible to other drivers, the front position lights
turn on automatically whenever the hybrid system is started and the parking
brake is released. Daytime running lights are not designed for use at night.
Headlight control sensor
Automatic light off system
When the light switch is in : The headlights turn off automatically if the
power switch is turned to ACCESSORY mode or turned off.
When the light switch is in : The headlights and all lights turn off auto-
matically if the power switch is turned to ACCESSORY mode or turned off.
To turn the lights on again, turn the power switch to ON mode, or turn the
light switch off once and then back to or .
If any of the doors or trunk lid is kept open, the lights automatically turn off
after 20 minutes.
Light reminder buzzer
A buzzer sounds when the power switch is turned off or turned to ACCES-
SORY mode and the driver’s door is opened while the lights are turned on.
Automatic headlight leveling system
The level of the headlights is automatically adjusted according to the number
of passengers and the loading condition of the vehicle to ensure that the
headlights do not interfere with other road users. The sensor may not function properly if
an object is placed on the sensor, or any-
thing that blocks the sensor is affixed to
the windshield.
Doing so interferes with the sensor
detecting the level of ambient light and
may cause the automatic headlight system
to malfunction.

2994-5. Using the driving support system
4
Driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
To change the set speed, operate the lever until the desired set speed
is obtained.
Increases the speed
Decreases the speed
Fine adjustment: Momentarily
move the lever in the desired direc-
tion.
Large adjustment: Hold the lever
in the desired direction.
The set speed will be increased or decreased as follows:
Fine adjustment: By approximately 1.6 km/h (1 mph) each time the lever
is operated.
Large adjustment: The set speed can be increased or decreased continually
until the lever is released.
Pulling the lever toward you
cancels the constant speed
control.
The speed setting is also canceled
when the brakes are applied.
Pushing the lever up resumes
the constant speed control.
Resuming is available when the
vehicle speed is more than approx-
imately 40 km/h (25 mph).
Adjusting the set speed
1
2
Canceling and resuming the constant speed control
1
2