Brake Lexus GS300h 2015 Owner's Guide

2234-2. Driving procedures
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Driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F00E_(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 fol-
lowing situations. When EV drive mode is ca nceled, 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. 1 2 6 )
●Vehicle speed is high.
●The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly or the vehicle is on a hill etc.
When it is possible to info rm 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 approxi-
mately 1 km (0.6 mile). 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
The hybrid system is designed to achieve the best possible fuel economy during normal
driving (using the gasoline engine and elec tric 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.
WA R N I N G
■Caution while driving
When driving in EV drive mode, pay special attention to the area around the vehicle.
Because there is no engine noise, pedestrians, people riding bicycles or other people
and vehicles in the area may not be aware of the vehicle starting off or approaching
them, so take extra care while driving.

2244-2. Driving procedures
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F00E_(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 vehicle is com-
pletely stopped.
*1: To improve fuel efficiency and reduce noises , set the shift lever in D for normal driving.
*2: By selecting shift ranges using S mode, you can control accelerating forces and
engine braking forces.
Shifting the shift lever
Shift position purpose
Shift positionObjective or function
PParking the vehicle/starting the hybrid system
RReversing
NNeutral
(Condition in which the power is not transmitted)
DNormal driving*1
SS mode driving*2 ( → P. 2 2 7 )

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4-2. Driving procedures
Driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F00E_(EE)
Parking brake
Sets the parking brake
The parking brake indicator light will
come on. (
→P. 232)
Press and hold the parking brake switch
if an emergency occurs and it is neces-
sary to operate the parking 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.
The parking brake is set or released automatically according to shift lever opera-
tion.
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.
A selections can be made as de sired from the following modes.
Manual mode
1
2
Automatic mode

2324-2. Driving procedures
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F00E_(EE)
■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.
●Vehicles with towing package: In situations such as when parking while towing a trailer,
the maximum amount of braking force can be used by pressing the parking brake
switch with the parking brake already set.
●Vehicles without towing package: In situations such as when parking on a steep slope*,
the maximum amount of braking force can be used by pressing the parking brake
switch with the parking brake already set.
*: Use wheel chocks when parking on a steep slope.
■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 indi-
cator light will stay on for about 15 seco nds. This does not indicate a malfunction.
■When there is a malfunction in the system
Warning lights and/or warning message will turn on or flash. (→P. 4 7 8 , 4 8 2 )
Depending on the condition, the park ing brake indicator light may flash.
■Parking brake engaged warning buzzer
→P. 4 8 8
■Usage in winter time
→P. 3 5 4

2334-2. Driving procedures
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Driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F00E_(EE)
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. 5 4 6 )
Driving the vehicle with the parking brake set will lead to brake components overheat-
ing, which may affect braking performance and increase brake wear.

2344-2. Driving procedures
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F00E_(EE)
Brake Hold
Turns the brake hold system on
The brake hold standby indicator
(green) comes on. While the system is
holding the brake, the brake hold oper-
ated indicator (yellow) comes on.
■Brake hold system operating conditions
The brake hold system cannot be turn ed on in the following conditions:
●The driver’s door is not closed.
●The driver is not wearing the seat belt.
●“EPB Activation Stopped Incompletely” or “Electronic Parking Brake Malfunction Visit
Your Dealer” is displayed on the multi-information display.
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 sy stem is holding the brake, a warning buzzer
will sound and a message will be shown on th e 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, th e parking brake will be set automatically. 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 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. A warning
buzzer will sound and the multi-information di splay will inform the driver of this situa-
tion. ( →P. 4 8 2 )
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 peda l has been depressed to stop the vehi-
cle. The system releases the brake wh en the accelerator pedal is depressed
with the shift lever in D or S to allow smooth start off.

2354-2. Driving procedures
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Driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F00E_(EE)
■When the parking brake is set automatically while the system is holding the brakes
The parking brake will not be released automatically. Perform one of the following proce-
dures to release the parking brake and confirm that the parking brake indicator light
turns off. ( →P. 2 3 1 )
●With the brake pedal depressed, operate the parking brake switch.
●Fasten your seat belt, check that the shift leve r is in either D or R and slowly depress the
accelerator pedal.
■Warning message and buzzers
Warning messages and buzzers are used to in dicate a system malfunction or to inform
the driver of the need for caution. ( →P. 4 8 2 )
WA R N I N G
■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 o ff 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.

2394-3. Operating the lights and wipers
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Driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F00E_(EE)
■Daytime running light system
To make your vehicle more visible to other drivers during daytime driving, the daytime
running lights turn on automatically whenever the hybrid system is started and the park-
ing brake is released with the headlight switch is in the “AUTO” position. (Illuminate
brighter than the front position lights.)
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 automatically if the
power switch is turned to ACCESSORY mode or turned off.
To turn the lights on again, turn the power swit ch to ON mode, or turn the light switch off
once and then back to or .
■Light reminder buzzer
A buzzer sounds when the power switch is turned off or turned to ACCESSORY 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 passen-
gers and the loading condition of the vehicle to ensure that the headlights do not inter-
fere with other road users.
■If the “AFS OFF” indicator flashes
It may indicate a malfunction in the system. Contact any authorized Lexus dealer or
repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional.
■Customization
Settings (e.g. light sensor se nsitivity) can be changed.
(Customizable features: →P. 5 8 8 )
The sensor may not function properly if an
object is placed on the sensor, or anything 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.
NOTICE
■To prevent 12-volt battery discharge
Do not leave the lights on longer than necessary when the hybrid system is off.

2614-5. Using the driving support systems
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Driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F00E_(EE)
The pre-crash safety 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-crash safety system functions
• Information (such as the distance and relative speed between your vehicle
and the vehicle ahead or other objects)
The pre-crash safety system does not record conversations, sounds or pictures.
●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
Vehicle data recording

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4-5. Using the driving support systems
Driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F00E_(EE)
PCS (Pre-Crash Safety system)∗
◆Pre-crash warning
When the system determines that
the possibility of a frontal collision is
high, a buzzer will sound and a warn-
ing message will be displayed on the
multi-information display to urge the
driver to take evasive action.
◆Pre-crash brake assist
When the system determines that the possibility of a frontal collision is high,
the system applies greater braking force in relation to how strongly the brake
pedal is depressed.
∗: If equipped
The pre-crash safety system uses a radar sensor and camera sensor to detect
vehicles and pedestrians
*1 in front of your vehicle. When the system deter-
mines that the possibility of a frontal collision with a vehicle or pedestrian is
high, a warning operates to urge the dr iver to take evasive action and the
potential brake pressure is increased to help the driver avoid the collision. If
the system determines that the possibility of a frontal collision with a vehicle or
pedestrian is extremely high, the brakes are automatically applied
*2 to help
avoid the collision or help reduce the impact of the collision.
The pre-crash safety system can be disabled/enabled and the warning timing
can be changed. ( →P. 2 7 2 )
*1: Depending on the region in which the vehicle was sold, the pedestrian detection
function may not be available. Contact any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or
another duly qualified and equipped professional for details.
*2: Depending on the region in which the vehicle was sold, the pre-crash braking func-tion (automatic braking function) may not be available. Contact any authorized
Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional for
details.