parking brake Lexus GS450h 2008 Scheduled Maintenace Guide / LEXUS 2008 GS450H OWNER'S MANUAL (OM30A96U)

TABLE OF CONTENTSIndex
2
GS_HV_U
December 12, 2007 3:33 pm
1-1. Hybrid system ............................... 22Hybrid system ................................... 22
1-2. Key information ........................... 33 Keys ...................................................... 33
1-3. Opening, closing and locking 
the doors and trunk .................. 35
Smart access system with  push-button start .......................... 35
Wireless remote control .............. 47
Doors................................................... 50
Trunk..................................................... 55
1-4. Adjustable components 
(seats, mirrors, 
steering wheel) .......................... 58
Front seats ......................................... 58
Driving position memory 
system ............................................... 60
Head restraints................................. 64
Seat belts ............................................ 66
Steering wheel.................................. 73
Inside rear view mirror .................. 74
Outside rear view mirrors ........... 75 1-5. Opening and closing the

windows and moon roof .......... 77
Power windows................................ 77
Moon roof ......................................... 80
1-6. Refueling ....................................... 83 Opening the fuel tank cap........... 83
1-7. Theft deterrent system.............. 88 Immobilizer system ....................... 88
Alarm.................................................... 90
Theft prevention labels 
(U.S.A.) ............................................. 92
1-8. Safety information ....................... 93 Correct driving posture ............... 93
SRS airbags ....................................... 95
Front passenger occupant 
classification system .................. 107
Child restraint sy stems ................. 113
Installing child restraints ............... 117
2-1. Driving procedures................... 128 Driving the vehicle ........................ 128
Power (ignition) switch ............... 138
Transmission ................................... 142
Turn signal lever............................. 146
Parking brake ................................. 147
1Before driving
2When driving

12
GS_HV_U
December 12, 2007 3:50 pm
Pictorial indexInstrument panel
Headlight switch
Turn signal lever
Fog light switch P. 158
P. 146
P. 161
Gauges and meters P. 148
Multi-information display P. 155Windshield wipers and
washer switch
P. 162
“POWER” switch P. 138
Parking brake pedal P. 147
Trunk opener main switch
P. 55
Glove box
P. 356
Hood lock release lever P. 417
Trunk opener P. 55
Fuel filler door opener P. 83

31
1-1. Hybrid system
1
Before driving
GS_HV_U
July 3, 2008 12:32 pm
CAUTION
■Road accident cautions
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of injury.
●Pull your vehicle off the road, put the shift lever in “P”, apply the parking brake,
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 it as it may be strong alkaline electrolyte from
the hybrid battery (traction battery). If it comes into contact with your skin or
eyes, wash it off immediately with a large amount of water or if possible, boric
acid solution. Seek immediate medical attention.
●If a fire occurs in the hybrid vehicle, le ave 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 the rear wheels raised. If the wheels
with the electric motor (t raction motor) are on the ground when towing, the
motor may continue to generate electricit y. This may cause an electricity leakage
leading to a fire. (
P. 4 8 2 )
●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.

When driving2
127
GS_HV_U
December 12, 2007 3:33 pm
2-1. Driving procedures ........ 128Driving the vehicle.................. 128
Power (ignition) switch .......... 138
Transmission.............................. 142
Turn signal lever ....................... 146
Parking brake ........................... 147
2-2. Instrument cluster ......... 148 Gauges and meters ................ 148
Indicators and warning 
lights ......................................... 152
Multi-information display ..... 155 2-3. Operating the lights and

windshield wipers ........ 158
Headlight switch ..................... 158
Fog light switch .......................... 161
Windshield wipers and 
washer ...................................... 162
Headlight cleaner switch ..... 165
2-4. Using other driving 
systems .......................... 166
Cruise control.......................... 166
Dynamic radar cruise 
control ...................................... 169
Intuitive parking assist ........... 180
Rear view monitor 
system...................................... 195
AVS (Adaptive Variable 
Suspension System) ............ 199
Driving assist systems ........... 200
PCS (Pre-Collision 
System) .................................. 206
2-5. Driving information........ 210 Cargo and luggage ................ 210
Vehicle load limits ................... 214
Winter driving tips .................. 215
Trailer towing .......................... 220
Dinghy towing.......................... 221

128
GS_HV_U
May 13, 2008 3:11 pm
2-1. Driving procedures
Driving the vehicle
Starting on a steep inclineFirmly set the parking brake and shift the shift lever to “D”.
Gently depress the accelerator pedal.
Release the parking brake.
The following procedures should be observed to ensure safe driving.
■ Starting the hybrid system ( P. 1 3 8 )
■ Driving
With the brake pedal depressed, shift the shift lever to “D”. 
( P. 1 4 2 )
Release the parking brake. ( P. 1 4 7 )
Gradually release the brake peda l and gently push the accel-
erator pedal to accelerate the vehicle.
■ Stopping
With the shift lever in “D”, push the brake pedal.
If necessary, set the parking brake.
When the vehicle is stopped for an extended period of time, shift the
shift lever to “P”. (
P. 1 4 2 )
■Parking the vehicle
With the shift lever in “D”, push the brake pedal.
Set the parking brake. ( P. 1 4 7 )
Shift the shift lever to “P”. ( P. 1 4 2 )
Stop the hybrid system.
Lock the door, making sure that you have the electronic key on
your person.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP1
STEP2
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
STEP5
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3

132
2-1. Driving procedures
GS_HV_U
May 13, 2008 3:11 pm
CAUTION
■When driving the vehicle
●Do not shift the shift lever to “N” while the vehicle is moving.
Doing so may cause the engine brake not to operate properly and lead to an
accident.
●Do not turn the hybrid system off while driving. 
The power steering and brake actuator will not operate properly if the hybrid sys-
tem is off.
●Use engine braking (downshift) to maintain a safe speed when driving down a
steep hill. 
Using the brakes continuously may cause the brakes to overheat and lose effec-
tiveness. ( P. 144)
●When stopped on an inclined surface, use the brake pedal and parking brake to
prevent the vehicle from rolling backwa rd or forward and causing an accident.
●Be careful when driving on slippery surfaces, as the vehicle may spin or skid when
downshifting, rapidly accelerating, braking or turning.
●Do not adjust the position of the steering wheel, the seat, or the inside or outside
rear view mirrors while driving. 
Doing so may result in a loss of vehicle control that can cause accidents that may
result in death or serious injury.
●Always check that all passengers’ arms, heads or other parts of their bodies are
not outside the vehicle, as this may result in death or serious injury.
●Do not drive in excess of the speed limit. Even if the legal speed limit permits 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 failure, 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.
●The driver should pay attention to pedest rians when the vehicle is powered only
by the electric motor (traction motor). Because there is no engine sounds, the
pedestrians may misjudge the vehicle’s movement.

134
2-1. Driving procedures
GS_HV_U
May 13, 2008 3:11 pm
CAUTION
■When the vehicle is parked
●Do not leave glasses, cigarette lighters, spray cans, or soft drink cans in the vehi-
cle when it is in the sun. 
Failure to do so may result in the following:
• Gas may leak from a cigarette lighter or spray can, and may lead to a fire.
• The temperature inside the vehicle may cause the plastic lenses and plastic material of eye glasses to deform or crack.
• Soft drink cans may fracture, causing the contents to spray over the interior of the vehicle, and may also cause a short circuit in the vehicle’s electrical com-
ponents.
●Always apply the parking brake, shift the sh ift lever to “P”, stop the hybrid system
and lock the vehicle. 
Do not leave the vehicle unattended while the hybrid system is operating.
●Do not touch the exhaust pipe while the hybrid system is operating or immedi-
ately after turning the hybrid system off. 
Doing so may cause burns.
●Do not leave the hybrid system operating in an area with snow build-up, or where
it is snowing. If snowbanks build up arou nd the vehicle while the hybrid system is
operating, exhaust gases may collect and enter the vehicle. This may lead to
death or a serious health hazard.
■Exhaust gases
Exhaust gases include harmfu l carbon monoxide (CO) that is colorless and odor-
less. Inhaling exhaust gases may lead to death or a serious health hazard.
●If the vehicle is in a poorly ventilated area, stop the hybrid system. In a closed
area, such as a garage, exhaust gases may collect and enter the vehicle. This may
lead to death or a serious health hazard.
●The exhaust should be checked occasionally. If there is a hole or crack caused by
corrosion, damage to a joint or abnormal exhaust noise, be sure to have the vehi-
cle inspected and repaired by your Lexus dealer. Failure to do so may allow
exhaust gases to enter the vehicle, result ing in death or a serious health hazard.

135
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
GS_HV_U
May 13, 2008 3:11 pm
CAUTION
■When taking a nap in the vehicle
Always turn the hybrid system off. Otherwise, you may accidentally move the shift
lever or depress the accelerator pedal, which could cause an accident or fire due to
hybrid system overheating. Additionally, if the vehicle is parked in a poorly venti-
lated area, exhaust gases may collect and enter the vehicle, leading to death or a
serious health hazard.
■When braking the vehicle
●When the brakes are wet, drive more cautiously.
Braking distance increases when the brakes are wet, and may cause one side of
the vehicle to brake differently than the other side. Also the parking brake may
not securely hold the vehicle.
●If the brake actuator does not operate, do not follow other vehicles closely and
avoid downhill or sharp turns that require making. 
In this case, braking is still possible, but it will require more force on the pedal than
usual. Braking distance may also increase.
●Do not pump the brake pedal if turning the hybrid system off. 
Each push on the brake pedal uses up th e reserve for the power-assisted brakes.
●The brake system consists of 3 individual hydraulic systems: If one of the systems
fails, the other will still operate. In this case, the brake pedal should be depressed
more firmly than usual and braking distance becomes longer. 
Do not drive your vehicle with only a single brake system. Have your brakes fixed
immediately.

136
2-1. Driving procedures
GS_HV_U
May 13, 2008 3:11 pm
NOTICE
■While driving the vehicle
Do not use the accelerator pedal or depress accelerator and brake pedals together
to hold the vehicle on a hill.
■When parking the vehicle
Always put the shift lever in “P”. Failure to do so may cause the vehicle to move or
the vehicle may accelerate suddenly if the accelerator pedal is accidentally
depressed.
■Avoiding damage to vehicle parts
●Do not turn the steering wheel fully in either direction and hold it there for a long
time. 
Doing so may damage the power steering motor.
●When driving over bumps in the road, drive as slowly as possible to avoid damag-
ing the wheels, underside of the vehicle, etc.
■If you hear a squealing or scraping no ise (brake pad wear limit indicators)
Have your Lexus dealer check and replac e the brake pads as soon as possible.
The rotor damage can result if the pads are not replaced when needed.
Front brake only: Moderate levels of the brake pad and disc wear allow enhanced
front braking power. As a result, the discs may wear more quickly than conventional
brake discs. Therefore, when replacing the brake pads, Lexus recommends that you
also have the thickness of the discs measured.
It is dangerous to drive the vehicle when the wear limits of the brake pads and/or
that of the brake discs are exceeded.

138
2-1. Driving procedures
GS_HV_U
May 13, 2008 3:11 pm
Power (ignition) switch
■Starting the hybrid system
Check that the parking brake is set.
Check that the shift lever is set in “P”.
Sit in the driver’s seat and firmly depress the brake pedal.
The “POWER” switch indicator turns green.
Press the “POWER” switch.
After a few seconds, the
“READY” light will flash and
come on with a beep sound.
The vehicle can move when the
“READY” light is on, even if the
engine is stopped.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4