Lexus GS300h 2013 Manual Online

801-2. Hybrid system
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
Hybrid system features
Gasoline engine
Electric motor (traction motor)
Your vehicle is a hybrid vehicle. It has characteristics different
from conventional vehicles. Be sure you are closely familiar with
the characteristics of your vehicle, and operate with care.
The hybrid system combines the use of a gasoline engine and an
electric motor (traction motor) according to driving conditions,
improving fuel efficiency and reducing exhaust emissions.
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811-2. Hybrid system
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GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
For safety and security
When stopped/during start off
The gasoline engine stops when the vehicle is stopped. During
start off, the electric motor (traction motor) drives the vehicle. At
slow speeds or when traveling down a gentle slope, the engine is
stopped and the electric motor (traction motor) is used.
During normal driving
The gasoline engine is predominantly used. The electric motor
(traction motor) charges the hybrid battery (traction battery) as
necessary.
When accelerating sharply
When the accelerator pedal is depressed heavily, the power of the
hybrid battery (traction battery) is added to that of the gasoline
engine via the electric motor (traction motor).
When braking (regenerative braking)
The electric motor (traction motor) charges the hybrid battery
(traction battery).

821-2. Hybrid system
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
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 battery).
The accelerator pedal is released while driving with the shift position in D
or S.
The brake pedal is depressed while driving with the shift position in D or S.
EV indicator
Conditions in which the gasoline engine may not stop
The gasoline engine starts and stops automatically. However, it may not stop
automatically in the following conditions:
During gasoline engine warm-up
During hybrid battery (traction battery) charging
When the temperature of the hybrid battery (traction battery) is high or low
When the heater is switched on
Charging the hybrid battery (traction battery)
As the gasoline engine charges the hybrid battery (traction battery), the bat-
tery does not need to be charged from an outside source. However, if the
vehicle is left parked for a long time the hybrid battery will slowly dis-
charge. For this reason, be sure to drive the vehicle at least once every few
months for at least 30 minutes or 16 km (10 miles). If the hybrid battery
becomes fully discharged and you are unable to jump-start the vehicle with
the 12-volt battery, contact any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or
another duly qualified and equipped professional.
If the shift lever is in N, the hybrid battery (traction battery) will not be
charged. Always put the shift lever in P when the vehicle is stopped. When
driving in heavy traffic, operate the vehicle with the shift lever in D or S to
avoid discharging the battery.
Charging the 12-volt battery
P. 9 1 2 The EV indicator comes on when the
vehicle is driven using only the electric
motor (traction motor) or the gasoline
engine is stopped.

831-2. Hybrid system
1
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
For safety and security
After the 12-volt battery has discharged or has been changed or removed
The gasoline engine may not stop even if the vehicle is running on the hybrid
battery (traction battery). If this continues for a few days, contact any autho-
rized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped profes-
sional.
Sounds and vibrations specific to a hybrid vehicle
There may be no engine sounds or vibration even though the vehicle is able
to move. For safety, apply the parking brake and make sure to shift the shift
position 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.
Sounds from the hybrid system may be heard when the trunk lid is open.
Sounds may be heard from the hybrid transmission when the hybrid system
starts or stops.
Engine sounds may be heard when accelerating sharply.
Sounds may be heard due to regenerative braking when the brake pedal is
depressed.
Vibration may be felt when the gasoline engine starts or stops.
Cooling fan sounds may be heard from the air intake vents on the both sides
of the rear seatback.
Maintenance, repair, recycling, and disposal
Contact any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified
and equipped professional regarding maintenance, repair, recycling and dis-
posal. Do not dispose of the vehicle yourself.
Customization
Settings (e.g. on/off operation of the EV indicator) can be changed.
(Customizable features: P. 942)

841-2. Hybrid system
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
Hybrid system precautions
Take care when handling the hybrid system, as it contains a high
voltage system (about 650 V at maximum) as well as parts that
become extremely hot when the hybrid system is operating. Obey
the caution labels attached to the vehicle.
Caution label
Power control unit
Electric motor (traction
motor)
Hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery)Service plug
High voltage cables (orange)
Air conditioning compressor1
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851-2. Hybrid system
1
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
For safety and security
There are air intake vents on the
both sides of the rear seatback
for the purpose of cooling the
hybrid battery (traction battery).
If the vents become blocked, the
hybrid battery may overheat,
leading to a reduction in hybrid
battery output.
When a certain level of impact is detected by the impact sensor, the
emergency shut off system blocks off the high voltage current and
stops the fuel pump to minimize the risk of electrocution and fuel
leakage. If the emergency shut off system activates, your vehicle
will not restart. To restart the hybrid system, contact any authorized
Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped
professional.
A message is automatically displayed when a malfunction occurs in
the hybrid system or an improper operation is attempted.
If a warning message is shown
on the multi-information display,
read the message and follow the
instructions.
(P. 838)
Hybrid battery (traction battery) air vents
Emergency shut off system
Hybrid warning message

861-2. Hybrid system
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
If a warning light comes on, a warning message is displayed, or the 12-volt
battery is disconnected
The hybrid system may not start. In that case, try to start the system again. If
the “READY” indicator does not come on, contact any authorized Lexus
dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional.
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 (P. 833) go off. If there is only a small amount of fuel, the
hybrid system may not be able to start. (The minimum amount of fuel to add
to make the low fuel level warning light go out is about 9.9 L [2.6 gal., 2.2
Imp.gal.], when the vehicle is on a level surface. This value may vary when
the vehicle is on a slope.)
Electromagnetic waves
High voltage parts and cables on the hybrid vehicles incorporate electro-
magnetic shielding, and therefore emit approximately the same amount of
electromagnetic waves as conventional gasoline powered vehicles or home
electronic appliances.
Your vehicle may cause sound interference in some third party-produced
radio parts.
Hybrid battery (traction battery)
The hybrid battery (traction battery) has a limited service life. The lifespan of
the hybrid battery (traction battery) can change in accordance with driving
style and driving conditions.
Declaration of conformity
This model conforms to hydrogen emissions according to regulation ECE100
(Battery electric vehicle safety).

871-2. Hybrid system
1
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
For safety and security
CAUTION
High voltage precautions
The vehicle has high voltage DC and AC systems as well as a 12-volt sys-
tem. DC and AC high voltage is very dangerous and can cause severe burns
and electric shock that may result in death or serious injury.
Never touch, disassemble, remove or replace the high voltage parts,
cables or their connectors.
The hybrid system will become hot after starting as the system uses high
voltage. Be careful of both the high voltage and the high temperature, and
always obey the caution labels attached to the vehicle.
Never try to open the service plug
access hole located behind the rear
seats. The service plug is used only
when the vehicle is serviced and is sub-
ject to high voltage.

881-2. Hybrid system
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
CAUTION
Road accident cautions
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of death or serious
injury:
Pull your vehicle off the road, apply the parking brake, shift the shift lever
to P, and turn the hybrid system off.
Do not touch the high voltage parts, cables and connectors.
If electric wires are exposed inside or outside your vehicle, an electric
shock may occur. Never touch exposed electric wires.
If a fluid leak occurs, do not touch the fluid as it may be strong alkaline
electrolyte from the hybrid battery (traction battery). If it comes into con-
tact with your skin or eyes, wash it off immediately with a large amount of
water or, if possible, boric acid solution. Seek immediate medical atten-
tion.
If a fire occurs in the hybrid vehicle, leave the vehicle as soon as possible.
Never use a fire extinguisher that is not meant for electric fires. Using
even a small amount of water may be dangerous.
If your vehicle needs to be towed, do so with rear wheels raised. If the
wheels connected to the electric motor (traction motor) are on the ground
when towing, the motor may continue to generate electricity. This may
cause an electricity leakage leading to a fire. (P. 822)
Carefully inspect the ground under the vehicle. If you find that liquid has
leaked onto the ground, the fuel system may have been damaged. Leave
the vehicle as soon as possible.

891-2. Hybrid system
1
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
For safety and security
CAUTION
Hybrid battery (traction battery)
Your vehicle contains a sealed nickel-metal hydride battery. Never resell,
hand over or modify the hybrid battery. To prevent accidents, hybrid bat-
teries that have been removed from a disposed vehicle are collected
through any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified
and equipped professional. Do not dispose of the battery yourself.
Unless the battery is properly collected, the following may occur, result-
ing in death or serious injury:
• The hybrid battery may be illegally disposed of or dumped, and some-
one may touch a high voltage part, resulting in an electric shock.
• The hybrid battery is intended to be used exclusively with your hybrid
vehicle. If the hybrid battery is used outside of your vehicle or modified
in any way, accidents such as electric shock, heat generation, smoke
generation, an explosion and electrolyte leakage may occur.
When reselling or handing over your vehicle, the possibility of an acci-
dent is extremely high because the person receiving the vehicle may not
be aware of these dangers.
If your vehicle is disposed of without the hybrid battery having been
removed, there is a danger of serious electric shock if high voltage parts,
cables and their connectors are touched. In the event that your vehicle
must be disposed of, the hybrid battery must be disposed of by any autho-
rized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped pro-
fessional. If the hybrid battery is not disposed of properly, it may cause
electric shock that can result in death or serious injury.