engine Lexus GS450h 2014 Owner's Guide

GS450h_OM_OM30D52U_(U)
2014-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
■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. 1 1 2 )
●Vehicle speed becomes more than about 25 mph (40 km/h).
●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 0.6 mile (1 km). Driving is possible at speeds of less than approxi-
mately 25 mph (40 km/h). However, depending on vehicle conditions, there are sit-
uations 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 normal
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 with-
out starting the gasoline engine, pressing the
power switch with fully depressing the brake
pedal and pressing the EV drive mode switch.
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4-2. Driving procedures
CAUTION
■Caution while driving
When driving in EV drive mode no engine noise is made. As such, pedestrians,
people riding bicycles or other people and vehicles in the surrounding area may
not be aware of the vehicle starting off or approaching them. Therefore, take extra
care while driving even if the vehicle proximity notification system is active.
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GS450h_OM_OM30D52U_(U)4-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
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
completely 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 andengine 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. 206)
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GS450h_OM_OM30D52U_(U)
2054-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
To drive using temporary shift range selection, operate the “-” or “+” pad-
dle shift switch.
When the “-” paddle shift switch is operated, the shift range will be down-
shifted to a range that enables engine braking force that is suitable to driv-
ing conditions. When the “+” paddle shift switch is operated, the shift
range will be one gear upper than the gear in use during normal D posi-
tion driving.
Changing the shift range allows restriction of the highest shift range, pre-
venting unnecessary upshifting and enabling the level of engine braking
force to be selected.
Upshifting
Downshifting
The selected shift range, from D1 to
D8, will be displayed in the meter.
To return to normal D position driving,
the “+” paddle shift switch must be
held down for a period of time.
■Shift ranges and their functions
A lower shift range will provide greater engine braking forces than a higher shift
range.
Selecting shift ranges in the D position
1
2
Meter displayFunction
D2 - D8
A gear in the range between D1 and the selected shift range is automatically chosen depending on vehicle speed and driving conditions
D1Setting the shift range at D1
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4-2. Driving procedures
To enter S mode, shift the shift lever to S. Shift ranges can be selected by
operating the shift lever or paddle shift switches, allowing you to drive in
the shift range of your choosing.Upshifting
Downshifting
The selected shift range, from S1 to
S8, will be displayed in the meter.
The initial shift range in S mode is
automatically set to between S2 and
S6 according to vehicle speed.
■Shift ranges and their functions
●You can choose from 8 levels of accelerating force and engine brak-
ing force.
●A lower shift range will provide greater accelerating force and
engine braking force than a higher shift range, and the engine revo-
lutions will also increase.
●If you accelerate while in ranges 1 to 7, the shift range may automati-
cally range up in accordance with the vehicle’s speed.
Selecting shift ranges in the S position
1
2
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4-2. Driving procedures
CAUTION
■When driving on slippery road surfaces
Be careful of downshifting and sudden acceleration, as this could result in the vehi-
cle skidding to the side or spinning.
NOTICE
■Hybrid battery (traction battery) charge
If the shift lever is in N, the hybrid battery (traction battery) will not be charged
even when the engine is running. Therefore, if the vehicle is left with the shift lever
in N for a long period of time, the hybrid battery (traction battery) will discharge,
and this may result in the vehicle not being able to start.
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2914-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
■Intuitive parking assist display
When an obstacle is detected while the rear view monitor system, is in use, the warn-
ing indicator will appear in the top right of the screen even if the display setting has
been set to off.
■Sensor detection information
●The sensor’s detection areas are limited to the areas around the vehicle’s bumpers.
●Certain vehicle conditions and the surrounding environment may affect the ability
of the sensor to correctly detect obstacles. Particular instances where this may
occur are listed below.
• There is dirt, snow or ice on the sensor. (Wiping the sensors will resolve thisproblem.)
• The sensor is frozen. (Thawing the area will resolve this problem.) In especially cold weather, if a sensor is frozen the screen may show an abnor-
mal display, or obstacles may not be detected.
• The sensor is covered in any way.
• The vehicle is leaning considerably to one side.
• On an extremely bumpy road, on an incline, on gravel, or on grass.
• The vicinity of the vehicle is noisy due to vehicle horns, motorcycle engines, air brakes of large vehicles, or other loud noises producing ultrasonic waves.
• There is another vehicle equipped with parking assist sensors in the vicinity.
• The sensor is coated with a sheet of spray or heavy rain.
• The vehicle is equipped with a fender pole or wireless antenna.
• Towing eyelets are installed.
• The bumper or sensor receives a strong impact.
• The vehicle is approaching a tall or curved curb.
• In harsh sunlight or intense cold weather.
• The area directly under the bumpers is not detected.
• If obstacles draw too close to the sensor.
• A non-genuine Lexus suspension (lowered suspension etc.) is installed.
• People may not be detected if they are wearing certain types of clothing.
In addition to the examples above, there are instances in which, because of their
shape, signs and other objects may be judged by the sensor to be closer than they
are.
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4-5. Using the driving support systems
■When the message is displayed on the multi-information display showing that
TRAC has been disabled even if the VSC OFF switch has not been pressed
TRAC cannot be operated. Contact your Lexus dealer.
■Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, VSC and TRAC systems
●A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the brake pedal is
depressed repeatedly, when the hybrid system is started or just after the vehicle
begins to move. This sound does not indicate that a malfunction has occurred in
any of these systems.
●Any of the following conditions may occur when the above systems are operating.
None of these indicates that a malfunction has occurred.
• Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.
• A motor sound may be heard after the vehicle comes to a stop.
■EPS operation sound
When the steering wheel is operated, a motor sound (whirring sound) may be heard.
This does not indicate a malfunction.
■Reactivation of the TRAC/VSC systems
Even after the TRAC/VSC systems have been turned off, turning the hybrid system
off and then on again will automatically reactivate the TRAC/VSC systems.
■Reactivation of the TRAC system linked to vehicle speed
When only the TRAC system is turned off, the TRAC system will turn on when vehi-
cle speed increases. However, when both TRAC/VSC systems are turned off, the
systems will not turn on even when vehicle speed increases.
■Reduced effectiveness of the EPS system
The effectiveness of the EPS system is reduced to prevent the system from overheat-
ing when there is frequent steering input over an extended period of time. The steer-
ing wheel may feel heavy as a result.
* Should this occur, refrain from excessive
steering input or stop the vehicle and turn the hybrid system off. The EPS system
should return to normal within 10 minutes.
*: If the LKA (Lane-Keeping Assist) system cannot operate in this case, a warning
message will be shown on the multi-information display.
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3414-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
◆Air conditioning
Use the air conditioning only when necessary. Doing so can help con-
trol excessive gasoline consumption.
In summer: In high temperatures, use the recirculated air mode. Doing
so will help to reduce the burden on the air conditioner and reduce fuel
consumption as well.
In winter: Because the gasoline engine will not automatically cut out
until the gasoline engine and the interior of the vehicle are warm, it will
consume fuel. Also, fuel consumption can be improved by avoiding
overuse of the heater.
◆Checking tire inflation pressure
Make sure to check the tire inflation pressure frequently. Improper tire
inflation pressure can cause poor fuel consumption.
Also, as snow tires can cause large amounts of friction, their use on dry
roads can lead to poor fuel consumption. Use a tire that is appropriate
for the season.
◆Luggage
Carrying heavy luggage can lead to poor fuel consumption. Avoid car-
rying unnecessary luggage. Installing a large roof rack can also cause
poor fuel consumption.
◆Warming up before driving
Since the gasoline engine starts up and cuts out automatically when
cold, warming up the engine is unnecessary. Moreover, frequently driv-
ing short distances will cause the engine to repeatedly warm up, which
can lead to poor fuel consumption.
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4-6. Driving tips
Winter driving tips
●Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside temperatures.
• Engine oil
• Engine/power control unit coolant
•Washer fluid
●Have a service technician inspect the condition of the 12-volt battery.
●Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set of tire
chains for the rear tires.
Ensure that all tires are the specified size and brand, and that chains match the
size of the tires.
Carry out the necessary preparatio ns and inspections before driving
the vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropriate
to the prevailing weather conditions.
Preparation for winter
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