steering wheel LEXUS LS500H 2018 Owner's Manual

160 4-1. Before driving
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) WARNING
• Make sure to keep a correct driving
posture even when moving the vehicle
only slightly. This allows you to depress
the brake and accelerator pedals
properly.
• Depress the brake pedal using your
right foot. Depressing the brake pedal
using your left foot may delay
response in an emergency, resulting in
an accident.●
The driver should pay extra attention
to pedestrians when the vehicle is
powered only by the electric motor
(traction motor). As there is no engine
noise, the pedestrians may misjudge
the vehicle’s movement. Even with the
vehicle proximity notification system
activate, drive with care as pedestrians
in the vicinity may still not notice the
vehicle if the surrounding area is noisy.●
Do not drive the vehicle over or stop
the vehicle near flammable materials.
The exhaust system and exhaust gases
can be extremely hot. These hot parts
may cause a fire if there is any flamma-
ble material nearby.●
During normal driving, do not turn off
the hybrid system. Turning the hybrid
system off while driving will not cause
loss of steering or braking control,
however, power assist to the steering
will be lost. This will make it more diffi-
cult to steer smoothly, so you should
pull over and stop the vehicle as soon
as it is safe to do so.
In the event of an emergency, such as if
it becomes impossible to stop the vehi-
cle in the normal way: → P.420
●
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
effectiveness. ( → P.174) ●
Do not adjust the positions of the
steering wheel, the seat, or the inside
or outside rear view mirrors while driv-
ing.
Doing so may result in a loss of vehicle
control. ●
Always check that all passengers’
arms, heads or other parts of their
body are not outside the vehicle. ●
Do not drive in excess of the speed
limit. Even if the legal speed limit per-
mits 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. ■
When driving on slippery road sur-
faces ●
Sudden braking, acceleration and
steering may cause tire slippage and
reduce your ability to control the vehi-
cle. ●
Sudden acceleration, engine braking
due to shifting, or changes in engine
speed could cause the vehicle to skid.
●
After driving through a puddle, lightly
depress the brake pedal to make sure
that the brakes are functioning prop-
erly. Wet brake pads may prevent the
brakes from functioning properly. If the
brakes on only one side are wet and
not functioning properly, steering con-
trol may be affected.
■
When shifting the shift position
●
Do not let the vehicle roll backward
while a forward driving position is
selected, or roll forw ard while the shift
position is in R.
Doing so may result in an accident or
damage to the vehicle.

1634-1. Before driving
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 4
Driving NOTICE■
When driving the vehicle●
Do not depress the accelerator and
brake pedals at the same time during
driving, as this may restrain the hybrid
system output.●
Do not use the accelerator pedal or
depress the accelerator and brake
pedals at the same time to hold the
vehicle on a hill.■
When parking the vehicle
Always set the parking brake, and shift
the shift position to 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 an
extended period of time.
Doing so may damage the power
steering motor.●
When driving over bumps in the road,
drive as slowly as possible to avoid
damaging the wheels, underside of the
vehicle, etc.
■
If you get a flat tire while driving
A flat or damaged ti re may cause the fol-
lowing situations. Hold the steering
wheel firmly and gradually depress the
brake pedal to slow down the vehicle.
●
It may be difficult to control your vehi-
cle.
●
The vehicle will make abnormal
sounds or vibrations.
●
The vehicle will lean abnormally.
Information on what to do in case of a flat
tire ( → P.442) ■
When encountering flooded roads
Do not drive on a road that has flooded
after heavy rain etc. Doing so may cause
the following serious damage to the vehi-
cle: ●
Engine stalling ●
Short in electrical components ●
Engine damage caused by water
immersion
In the event that you drive on a flooded
road and the vehicle is flooded, be sure
to have your Lexus dealer check the fol-
lowing: ●
Brake function ●
Changes in quantity and quality of oil
and fluid used for the engine, hybrid
transmission, transfer (AWD models),
differential, etc. ●
Lubricant condition for the propeller
shaft, bearings and suspension joints
(where possible), and the function of
all joints, bearings, etc.
If the shift control system is damaged by
flooding, it may not be possible to shift
the shift position to P, or from P to other
positions. In this case, contact your Lexus
dealer.
■
When parking the vehicle
Always set the parking brake, and shift
the shift position to P. Failure to do so
may cause the vehicle to move or the
vehicle may accelerate suddenly if the
accelerator pedal is accidentally
depressed.

166 4-1. Before driving
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) ■
Total load capacity and seating capacity
These details are also described on the tire
and loading information label. ( → P.408)Vehicle load limits Vehicle load limits include total
load capacity, seating capacity,
towing capacity and cargo capac-
ity.
 Total load capacity (vehicle
capacity weight): → P.460Total load capacity means the combined
weight of occupants, cargo and lug-
gage.
 Seating capacity:5 occupants
(Front 2, Rear 3) Seating capacity means the maximum
number of occupant s whose estimated
average weight is 150 lb. (68 kg) per
person.
 Towing capacity Lexus does not recommend towing a
trailer with your vehicle.
 Cargo capacity Cargo capacity may increase or
decrease depending on the weight and
the number of occupants.
WARNING
■
Overloading the vehicle
Do not overload the vehicle.
It may not only cause damage to the tires,
but also degrade steering and braking
ability, resulting in an accident. Trailer towing Lexus does not recommend towing
a trailer with your vehicle. Lexus
also does not recommend the
installation of a tow hitch or the use
of a tow hitch carrier for a wheel-
chair, scooter, bicycle, etc. Your
vehicle is not desi gned for trailer
towing or for the use of tow hitch
mounted carriers.

1694-2. Driving procedures
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 4
Driving ■
If the 12-volt battery is discharged
The hybrid system cannot be started using
the smart access system with push-button
start. Refer to P.447 to restart the hybrid
system. ■
Electronic key battery depletion
→ P.104■
Conditions affe cting operation
→ P.120■
Notes for the entry function
→ P.121■
Steering lock function●
After turning the power switch off and
opening and closing the doors, the steer-
ing wheel will be lock ed due to the steer-
ing lock function. Operating the power
switch again automatically cancels the
steering lock.●
When the steering lock cannot be
released, “Push Power Switch While
Turning Steering Whee l in Either Direc-
tion” will be displayed on the multi-infor-
mation display.
Press the power switch shortly and firmly
while turning the steering wheel left and
right.
●
To prevent the steering lock motor from
overheating, the motor may be sus-
pended if the hybrid system is turned on
and off repeatedly in a short period of
time. In this case, refrain from operating
the power switch. After about 10 sec-
onds, the steering lock motor will resume
functioning.
■
If the “READY” indicator does not come
on
In the event that the “READY” indicator
does not come on even after performing
the proper procedures for starting the vehi- cle, contact your Lexus dealer immediately. ■
If the hybrid system is malfunctioning
→ P.64 ■
Electronic key battery
→ P.413 ■
Operation of the power switch ●
If the switch is no t pressed shortly and
firmly, the power switch mode may not
change or the hybrid system may not
start. ●
If attempting to restart the hybrid system
immediately after turning the power
switch off, the hybrid system may not start
in some cases. After turning the power
switch off, please wait a few seconds
before restarting the hybrid system. ■
Customization
If the smart access system with push-button
start has been deactivated in a customized
setting, refer to P.445.
WARNING■
When starting the hybrid system
Always start the hybrid system while sit-
ting in the driver’s seat. Do not depress
the accelerator pedal while starting the
hybrid system under any circumstances.
Doing so may cause an accident result-
ing in death or serious injury.
■
Caution while driving
If hybrid system failure occurs while the
vehicle is moving, do not lock or open the
doors until the vehicle reaches a safe and
complete stop. Activation of the steering
lock in this circumstance may lead to an
accident, resulting in death or serious
injury.
NOTICE
■
When starting the hybrid system
If the hybrid system becomes difficult to
start, have your vehicle checked by your
Lexus dealer immediately.

1874-3. Operating the lights and wipers
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 4
Driving Pull the lever toward you to the center
position to turn the high beams off.
2 Pull the lever toward you and
release it to flash the high beams
once.You can flash the high beams with the
headlights on or off.
AFS (Adaptive Front-lighting System)
secures excellent visibility at intersec-
tions and on curves by automatically
adjusting the direction of the light axis
of the headlights according to vehicle
speed and the degree of the tire’s angle
as controlled by steering input. AFS operates at speed s of approximately
6 mph (10 km/h) or higher.
■
Customization
Some functions can be customized.
( → P.481)
 When the steering wheel or turn
signal lever is operated while the
headlights are on (low beam), a cor-
nering light will turn on and light up
the direction of movement of the
vehicle. The cornering lights are
designed to ensure excellent visibil-
ity when making a turn at an inter-
section. However, when vehicle speed is approxi-
mately 22 mph (35 km/h) or higher, the
cornering lights will not turn on.
 When the shift position is in R while the headlights are on (low beam),
both cornering lights will turn on.
This is designed to enhance visibility
when parking. ■
Cornering lights
When the cornering lights are on for more
than 30 minutes, they will turn off automati-
cally.
AFS (Adaptive Front-lighting
System) (if equipped)
Cornering lights

210 4-5. Using the driving support systems
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) ■
Active steering assist
If the system determines that the possi-
bility of a collision with an object, such
as a guardrail, or pedestrian is high,
even though the brakes are applied,
and that the collision may be avoidable
through steering control, the system
will steer the vehicle automatically to
help avoid the collision or help reduce
the impact of the collision. ■
Pre-collision seat belts (front seat
only)
If the system determines that the possi-
bility of a frontal collision is high, the
system will retract the seat belts. Addi-
tionally, the system may retract the seat
belts if the brakes are applied suddenly
or control of the vehicle is lost. ■
Pre-collision seatbacks (front pas-
senger’s seat / power rear seat [if
equipped])
If the system determines that the possi-
bility of a frontal collision is high, it may
move the seatbacks of the front pas-
senger’s seat and power rear seats to
the upright position automatically, if
reclined. If a seat is being ad justed, it may not be
moved by the pre-collision seat function.
■
Suspension control
When the system determines that the
possibility of a frontal collision is high,
the Adaptive Variable Suspension Sys-
tem ( → P.303) will control the damp-
ing force of the shock absorbers to
help maintain an appropriate vehicle
posture. ■
Steering control
When the system determines that the
possibility of a frontal collision is high
and the driver is op erating the steering
wheel, the LDH system ( → P.303) will
control the turning angle of the front
and rear wheels and effort necessary
to turn the steering wheel to help
enhance steering responsiveness. WARNING■
Limitations of the pre-collision system ●
The driver is solely responsible for safe
driving. Always drive safely, taking
care to observe your surroundings.
Do not use the pre-collision system
instead of normal braking operations
under any circumstances. This system
will not prevent collisions or lessen col-
lision damage or injury in every situa-
tion. Do not overly rely on this system.
Failure to do so may lead to an acci-
dent, resulting in death or serious
injury. ●
Although this system is designed to
help avoid a collision or help reduce
the impact of the collision, its effective-
ness may change according to various
conditions, therefore the system may
not always be able to achieve the same
level of performance.
Read the following conditions care-
fully. Do not overly rely on this system
and always drive carefully.
• Conditions under which the system
may operate even if there is no possi-
bility of a collision: → P.214
• Conditions under which the system
may not operate properly: → P.216
●
Do not attempt to test the operation of
the pre-collision system yourself, as the
system may not operate properly, pos-
sibly leading to an accident.

2114-5. Using the driving support systems
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 4
Driving WARNING■
Pre-collision braking●
When the pre-collision braking func-
tion is operating, a large amount of
braking force will be applied.●
If the vehicle is stopped by the opera-
tion of the pre-collision braking func-
tion, the pre-collision braking function
operation will be canceled after
approximately 2 seco nds. Depress the
brake pedal as necessary.●
The pre-collision braking function may
not operate if certain operations are
performed by the driver. If the acceler-
ator pedal is being depressed strongly
or the steering wheel is being turned,
the system may determine that the
driver is taking evasive action and may
prevent the pre-collision braking func-
tion from operating.●
In some situations, while the pre-colli-
sion braking function is operating,
operation of the function may be can-
celed if the accelerator pedal is
depressed strongly or the steering
wheel is turned and the system deter-
mines that the driver is taking evasive
action.
●
If the brake pedal is being depressed,
the system may determine that the
driver is taking evasive action and pos-
sibly delay the operation timing of the
pre-collision braking function.
■
Active steering assist●
The steering wheel may turn automati-
cally when active steering assist is
operating.
●
As active steering assist operation will
be canceled when the system deter-
mines that a collision has been
avoided, operate the steering wheel as
necessary. ●
In the following situations, the system
may determine that th e driver is taking
evasive action. In this case, the active
steering assist may not operate or may
be canceled.
• If the accelerator pedal is being
depressed strongly or the steering
wheel is being operat ed. In this case
the system may determine that the
driver is taking evasive action and the
pre-collision braking may not operate.
• In some situations, while the active
steering assist is operating, operation
of the function may be canceled if the
accelerator pedal is depressed
strongly or the steering wheel is turned
and the system determines that the
driver is taking evasive action.
• When the active steering assist is
operating, if the stee ring wheel is held
firmly or is operated in the opposite
direction to that which the system is
generating torque, the function may be
canceled.
• If the brake pedal is depressed, the sys-
tem may determine that the driver is
taking evasive action and the active
steering assist operation may be
delayed.
■
Pre-collision seat belts with comfort
function
If the pre-collision se at belts have oper-
ated and the seat belts are locked in a
retracted position, immediately stop the
vehicle in a safe place, release and
retract the seat belts to unlock them and
then fasten them again.
Also, if a seat belt ca n be loosened, it can
be unlocked by slightly retracting it with-
out releasing it.
■
When to disable the pre-collision sys-
tem
In the following situations, disable the
system, as it may not operate properly,
possibly leading to an accident resulting
in death or serious injury:
●
When the vehicle is being towed

214 4-5. Using the driving support systems
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) • The relative speed between your vehicle
and the detected pedestrian, bicyclist or
vehicle ahead is approximately 20 mph
(30 km/h) or more. (For detecting a vehi-
cle approaching from the front left or
right side, the speed of the approaching
vehicle is between approximately 10 and
37 mph [15 and 60 km/h].)●
Pre-collision braking:
• Vehicle speed is be tween approximately
3 and 110 mph (5 and 180 km/h). (For
detecting a pedestrian or bicyclist, vehi-
cle speed is between approximately 3
and 50 mph [5 and 80 km/h].)
• The relative speed between your vehicle
and the detected pedestrian, bicyclist or
vehicle ahead is approximately 3 mph (5
km/h) or more.●
Active steering assist
• Vehicle speed is be tween approximately
25 and 50 mph (40 and 80 km/h). (For
detecting a pedestrian, vehicle speed is
between approximately 25 and 40 mph
[40 and 65 km/h] and for detecting a
guardrail, vehicle speed is between
approximately 37 and 50 mph [60 and
80 km/h].)
The system may not operate in the following
situations: ●
If a 12-volt battery terminal has been dis-
connected and reconnected and then the
vehicle has not been driven for a certain
amount of time●
If the shift position is in R●
If VSC is disabled (only the pedestrian
alert and pre-collision warning function
will be operational)●
When there is insufficient safe or unob-
structed space for the vehicle to be
steered into
●
When an object is approaching the area
the vehicle is to be steered into
■
Pedestrian and bicyc list detection func-
tion
The pre-collision system detects pedestri-
ans and bicyclists based on the size, profile,
and motion of the person. However, a
pedestrian or bicyclist may not be detected
depending on the surrounding brightness
and the motion, posture, and angle of the person, preventing the system from operat-
ing properly. ( → P.216)
■
Cancelation of pre-collision braking
and active steering assist
If either of the follo wing occur while the
pre-collision braking function is operating, it
will be canceled: ●
The accelerator pedal is depressed
strongly. ●
The steering wheel is turned sharply or
abruptly. ■
Conditions under which the system may
operate even if there is no possibility of a
collision ●
In some situations su ch as the following,
the system may determine that there is a
possibility of a frontal collision and oper-
ate.
• When passing a vehicle, pedestrian or
bicyclist
• When changing lanes while overtaking a
preceding vehicle
• When overtaking a preceding vehicle
that is changing lanes
• When overtaking a preceding vehicle
that is making a left/right turn
• When passing a vehicle in an oncoming
lane that is stopped to make a right/left
turn

218 4-5. Using the driving support systems
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) into, preventing the ac tive steering assist
from operating properly:
• When the white (yellow) lane lines are
difficult to see, such as when they are
faint, diverging/merging, or a shadow is
cast upon them
• When the lane is more wide or narrow
than normal
• When there is a light and dark pattern on
the road surface , such as due to road
repairs
• If the system determines that a collision
can be avoided by only using the brakes
• When a pedestrian is detected near the
centerline of the vehicle●
In some situations such as the following,
sufficient braking force or steering force
may not be obtained, preventing the sys-
tem from performing properly:
• If the braking functions cannot operate to
their full extent, such as when the brake
parts are extremely cold, extremely hot,
or wet
• If the vehicle is not properly maintained
(brakes or tires are excessively worn,
improper tire inflation pressure, etc.)
• When the vehicle is being driven on a
gravel road or other slippery surface
• If there are deep ruts in the road
• When driving on a slope
• When driving on a horizontally slanted
road●
Some pedestrians and bicyclists, such as
the following, may not be detected by the
sensors, preventing the system from
operating properly:
• Pedestrians and bicyclists shorter than
approximately 3.2 ft. (1 m) or taller than
approximately 6.5 ft. (2 m)
• Bicyclists riding on unusual bicycles
(bicycles for small children, tricycles,
folding bicycles, BMX bicycles, tandem
bicycles, etc.)
• Pedestrians and bicyclists who are wear-
ing white and look extremely bright
• Pedestrians and bicyclists which are not
illuminated by the headli ghts at night, in a
tunnel, etc.
• Pedestrians whose clothing appears to
be nearly the same co lor or brightness as
their surroundings
• Pedestrians and bicy clists near walls,
fences, guardrails, or large objects • Pedestrians and bicyclists which are on a
metal object (manhole cover, steel plate,
etc.) on the road
• Pedestrians and bicyclists which are mov-
ing fast
• Pedestrians and bicyclists which change
speed or direction abruptly
• Pedestrians and bicyclists which suddenly
emerge from behind a vehicle or large
object
• Pedestrians and bicyclists which are
extremely close to the side of the vehicle
(outside rear view mirror, etc.)
• Pedestrians and bicyclists wearing over-
sized clothing, such as a rain coat, long
skirt, etc., making their silhouette obscure
• Pedestrians and bicyclists who are carry-
ing large baggage, ho lding an umbrella,
etc., hiding part of their body
• Pedestrians and bicyclists behind an
object that hides part of their body
• Pedestrians and bicyclists who are bend-
ing forward or squatting
• Pedestrians who are pushing a stroller,
wheelchair, bicycle or other vehicle
• Groups of pedestrians/bicyclists which
are close together ●
Some guardrails, such as the following,
may not be detected by the sensors, pre-
venting the system from operating prop-
erly:
• Guardrails which are less than approxi-
mately 1.9 ft. (60 cm) tall
• Short guardrails
• Irregularly-shaped gu ardrails (wire cable
guardrails, guardrails made of thin poles,
etc.)
• Guardrails which are not illuminated by
the headlights at nigh t, in a tunnel, etc.
• Guardrails which appear to be nearly the
same color or brightness as their sur-
roundings
• Guardrails which appear to be nearly the
same shape as their surroundings (walls,
etc.)
• Guardrails which are over a metal object
(manhole cover, steel plate, etc.)
• Guardrails which are hidden behind thick
grass
• Guardrails which are extremely close to
the side of the vehicle (outside rear view
mirror, etc.)
• Curved guardrails or guardrails at the
entrance of a curve

2214-5. Using the driving support systems
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 4
Driving the Adaptive Variable Suspension Sys-
tem ( → P.303) will control the damp-
ing force of the shock absorbers to
help maintain an appropriate vehicle
posture. ■
Steering control
When the system determines that the
possibility of a frontal collision is high
and the driver is operating the steering
wheel, the LDH system ( → P.303) will
control the turning angle of the front
and rear wheels and effort necessary
to turn the steering wheel to help
enhance steering responsiveness. WARNING■
Limitations of the pre-collision system●
The driver is solely responsible for safe
driving. Always drive safely, taking
care to observe your surroundings.
Do not use the pre-collision system
instead of normal braking operations
under any circumstances. This system
will not prevent collisions or lessen col-
lision damage or injury in every situa-
tion. Do not overly rely on this system.
Failure to do so may lead to an acci-
dent, resulting in death or serious
injury.
●
Although this system is designed to
help avoid a collision or help reduce
the impact of the coll ision, its effective-
ness may change according to various
conditions, therefore the system may
not always be able to achieve the same
level of performance.
Read the following conditions care-
fully. Do not overly rely on this system
and always drive carefully.
• Conditions under which the system
may operate even if there is no possi-
bility of a collision: → P.223
• Conditions under which the system
may not operate properly: → P.225 ●
Do not attempt to test the operation of
the pre-collision system yourself, as the
system may not operate properly, pos-
sibly leading to an accident. ■
Pre-collision braking ●
When the pre-collision braking func-
tion is operating, a large amount of
braking force will be applied. ●
If the vehicle is stopped by the opera-
tion of the pre-collision braking func-
tion, the pre-collision braking function
operation will be canceled after
approximately 2 seco nds. Depress the
brake pedal as necessary. ●
The pre-collision braking function may
not operate if certain operations are
performed by the driver. If the acceler-
ator pedal is being depressed strongly
or the steering wheel is being turned,
the system may determine that the
driver is taking evasive action and pos-
sibly prevent the pre-collision braking
function from operating. ●
In some situations, while the pre-colli-
sion braking function is operating,
operation of the function may be can-
celed if the accelerator pedal is
depressed strongly or the steering
wheel is turned and the system deter-
mines that the driver is taking evasive
action.
●
If the brake pedal is being depressed,
the system may determine that the
driver is taking evasive action and pos-
sibly delay the operat ion timing of the
pre-collision braking function.
■
When to disable the pre-collision sys-
tem
In the following situations, disable the
system, as it may not operate properly,
possibly leading to an accident resulting
in death or serious injury:
●
When the vehicle is being towed
●
When your vehicle is towing another
vehicle