charging LEXUS LS500H 2018 Owners Manual

58 1-3. Hybrid system
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 1-3.Hybrid system
■
System components
The illustration is an example for explanation and may differ from the actual item.
Gasoline engine
Electric motor (traction motor) ■
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.
When the shift position is in N, the hybrid battery (traction battery) is not
being charged. *
: When the hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery) requires charging or the engine is
warming up, etc., the gasoline engine will
not automatically stop.
■
During normal driving
The gasoline engine is predominantly
used. The electric motor (traction
motor) charges the hybrid battery Hybrid system features Your vehicle is a hybrid vehicle. It has characteristics different from conven-
tional vehicles. Be sure you are closely familiar with the characteristics of your
vehicle, and operate it 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.
System components
A
B

591-3. Hybrid system
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 1
For safety and security (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 brak-
ing)
The wheels operate the electric motor
(traction motor) as a power generator,
and the hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery) is charged. ■
Regenerative braking
In the following situations, kinetic energy is
converted to electric energy and decelera-
tion force can be obta ined 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 M.●
The brake pedal is depressed while driv-
ing with the shift position in D or M.■
EV indicator
The EV indicator comes on when the vehi-
cle is driven using only the electric motor
(traction motor) or th e gasoline engine is
stopped.
■
Conditions in which the gasoline engine
may not stop
The gasoline engine starts and stops auto-
matically. However, it may not stop auto-
matically in the following conditions:
●
During gasoline engine warm-up ●
During hybrid battery (traction battery)
charging ●
When the temperature of the hybrid bat-
tery (traction battery) is high or low ●
When the heater is switched on ●
When the shift position is in M
Depending on the circumstances, the gaso-
line engine may also not stop automatically
in other situations. ■
Charging the hybrid battery (traction
battery)
As the gasoline engine charges the hybrid
battery (traction battery), the battery does
not need to be charged from an outside
source. However, if the vehicle is left parked
for a long time the hybrid battery (traction
battery) will slowly discharge. For this rea-
son, be sure to drive the vehicle at least
once every few months for at least 30 min-
utes or 10 miles (16 km ). If the hybrid bat-
tery (traction battery) becomes fully
discharged and you are unable to contact
your Lexus dealer. ■
Charging the 12-volt battery
→ P.447 ■
After the 12-volt battery has discharged
or when the terminal has been removed
and installed during exchange, etc.
The gasoline engine may not stop even if
the vehicle is being driven by the hybrid bat-
tery (traction battery). If this continues for a
few days, contact your Lexus dealer. ■
Sounds and vibrations specific to a
hybrid vehicle
There may be no engine sound or vibration
even though the vehicle is able to move with
the “READY” indicator is illuminated. 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.
●
Relay operating sounds such as a snap or
soft clank will be em itted from the hybrid
battery (traction battery), behind the rear

732-1. Instrument cluster
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 2
Vehicle status information and indicators Warning lights inform the driver of mal-
functions in the indicated vehicle’s sys-
tems.
Warning lights (U.S.A.)
Brake system warning light *1

( → P.427)(red)
(Canada)
Brake system warning light *1

( → P.427)(yellow)
Brake system warning light *1

( → P.427)
High coolant temperature
warning light *2
( → P.427)
Charging system warning
light *2
( → P.428)
Low engine oil pressure warn-
ing light *2
( → P.428)
(U.S.A.) Malfunction indicator lamp *1

( → P.428)
(Canada) Malfunction indicator lamp *1

( → P.428)
SRS warning light *1
( → P.428)
Pop Up Hood warning light *1

( → P.429)
(U.S.A.) ABS warning light *1
( → P.429)
(Canada) ABS warning light *1
( → P.429)
Brake Override System warn-
ing light/Drive-Start Control
warning light *2
( → P.429) (red)
Electric power steering system
warning light *1
( → P.430)(yellow)
Electric power steering system
warning light *1
( → P.430)
Low fuel level warning light
( → P.430)
Driver’s and front passenger’s
seat belt reminder light
( → P.430)
Rear passengers’ seat belt
reminder lights *3
( → P.431)
Tire pressure warning light *1

( → P.431)(orange)
LTA indicator (if equipped)
( → P.431)
LKA indicator (if equipped)
( → P.431)(flashes)
Intuitive parking assist OFF indi-
cator *1
( → P.432)
(flashes)
RCTA OFF indicator *1

( → P.432)
(flashes) RCD OFF indicator (if
equipped) ( → P.432)
(flashes)
PKSB OFF indicator *1

( → P.433)
(flashes or
illuminates)
PCS warning light *1
( → P.433)
Slip indicator *1
( → P.433)
(flashes)
(U.S.A.) Parking brake indicator
( → P.434)

98 2-1. Instrument cluster
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) These images are examples only, and may vary slightly from actual conditions.
■
Hybrid battery (traction battery)
status 
Center Display Low
HighWhen the vehicle is charging the hybrid battery (traction battery)
Center Display
Multi-information display
When there is no energy flow
Center Display
Multi-information display
A
B

1053-1. Key information
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 3
Before driving ●
To reduce key battery depletion when the
electronic key is to not be used for long
periods of time, set the electronic key to
the battery-saving mode. ( → P.120)●
As the electronic ke y always receives
radio waves, the battery will become
depleted even if the electronic key is not
used. The following symptoms indicate
that the electronic key battery may be
depleted. Replace the battery when nec-
essary. ( → P.413)
• The smart access system with push-but-
ton start or the wireless remote control
does not operate.
• The detection area becomes smaller.
•The LED indicator on the key surface
does not turn on.●
To avoid serious deterioration, do not
leave the electronic ke y within 3 ft. (1 m)
of the following electr ical appliances that
produce a magnetic field:
•TVs
• Personal computers
• Cellular phones, cordless phones and
battery chargers
• Recharging cellular phones or cordless
phones
• Table lamps
• Induction cookers ■
Replacing the battery
→ P.413■
Confirmation of the number of regis-
tered keys
The number of keys already registered to
the vehicle can be confirmed. Ask your
Lexus dealer for details.
■
If “A New Key has been Registered
Contact Your Dealer for Details” is
shown on the multi-information display
This message will be displayed each time
the driver’s door is opened when the doors
are unlocked from the outside for approxi-
mately 10 days after a new electronic key
has been registered.
If this message is disp layed but you have not
had a new electronic key registered, ask
your Lexus dealer to check if an unknown
electronic key (other than those in your
possession) has been registered. NOTICE■
To prevent key damage ●
Do not drop the keys, subject them to
strong shocks or bend them. ●
Do not expose the keys to high tem-
peratures for a long period of time. ●
Do not get the keys wet or wash them
in an ultrasonic washer etc. ●
Do not attach metallic or magnetic
materials to the keys or place the keys
close to such materials. ●
Do not disassemble the keys. ●
Do not attach a sticker or anything else
to the surface of the electronic key. ●
Do not place the keys near objects that
produce magnetic fields, such as TVs,
audio systems and induction cookers,
or medical electrical equipment, such
as low-frequency therapy equipment. ■
Carrying the electronic key on your
person
Carry the electronic key 3.9 in. (10 cm)
or more away from electric appliances
that are turned on. Radio waves emitted
from electric applianc es within 3.9 in. (10
cm) of the electronic key may interfere
with the key, causing the key to not func-
tion properly.
■
In case of a smart access system with
push-button start malfunction or
other key-rela ted problems
→ P.445
■
When an electronic key is lost
→ P.444
■
Handling the card key (if equipped)
●
Do not apply excess force when insert-
ing the mechanical key into the card
key. Doing so may damage the card
key.

1754-2. Driving procedures
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 4
Driving ■
Reverse warning buzzer
When shifting into R, a buzzer will sound to
inform the driver that the shift position is in
R. ■
To protect the hybrid transmission
If the transmission fluid temperature is high,
“Transmission Fluid Temp High See
Owner’s Manual” will be displayed on the
multi-information display and the vehicle
will go into transmission protection mode
automatically. Have the vehicle inspected
by your Lexus dealer. ■
When driving with the dynamic radar
cruise control with full-speed range
activated
Even when performing the following
actions with the intent of enabling engine
braking, engine braking will not be acti-
vated because the dynamic radar cruise
control with full-spe ed range will not be
canceled. ●
While driving in the D position, down-
shifting to 9, 8, 7, 6, 5 or 4.●
When switching the driving mode to
sport mode while driving in the D position
( → P.298)■
Restraining sudden start (Drive-Start
Control)
→ P.159■
AI-SHIFT
The AI-SHIFT automatica lly selects the suit-
able gear according to driver performance
and driving conditions.
The AI-SHIFT automatically operates when
the shift position is in D. (Shifting the shift
position to the M position cancels the func-
tion.)
■
If a message about a shift operation is
shown
To prevent the shift position from being
selected incorrectly or the vehicle from
moving unexpectedly, the shift position may
be changed automatically or operating the
shift lever may be required. In this case,
change the shift positi on following the mes-
sages on the multi- information display. ■
After recharging/reconnecting the
12-volt battery
→ P.393 ■
Customization
Some functions can be customized.
( → P.481)
WARNING■
When driving on slippery road sur-
faces
Do not accelerate or shift the shift posi-
tion suddenly.
Sudden changes in engine braking may
cause the vehicle to sp in or skid, resulting
in an accident.
NOTICE■
Hybrid battery (t raction battery)
charge
If the shift position is in N, the hybrid bat-
tery (traction battery) will not be
charged. To help prevent the battery
from discharging, avoid leaving the N
position selected for an extended period
of time. ■
Situations where sh ift control system
malfunctions are possible
If any of the following situations occurs,
shift control system malfunctions are
possible.
Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe
place on level ground, apply the parking
brake, and then contact your Lexus
dealer.
●
When the warning message indicating
the shift control system appears on the
multi-information display.
●
The display indicates that no shift posi-
tion is selected for more than a few
seconds.

186 4-3. Operating the lights and wipers
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) The sensor may not function properly if an
object is placed on th e sensor, or anything
that blocks the sensor is affixed to the wind-
shield.
Doing so interferes with the sensor detect-
ing the level of ambient light and may cause
the automatic headlight system to malfunc-
tion. ■
Automatic light off system●
When the headlights are on: The head-
lights and tail lights tu rn off 30 seconds
after the driver’s door is opened and
closed if the power switch is turned to
ACCESSORY mode or turned off. (The
lights turn off immediately if on the
key is pressed after all the doors are
closed.)●
When only the tail lights are on: The tail
lights turn off automatically if the power
switch is turned to ACCESSORY mode
or turned off and the driver’s door is
opened.
To turn the lights on again, turn the power
switch 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 pas-
sengers and the loading condition of the
vehicle to ensure that the headlights do not
interfere with other road users.
■
Windshield wiper linked headlight illu-
mination
When driving during daytime with the
headlight switch turned to , if the wind-
shield wipers are used, the headlights will
turn on automatically after several seconds
to help enhance the visibility of your vehicle.
■
12-volt battery-saving function
In order to prevent the 12-volt battery of the
vehicle from discharging, if the headlights
and/or tail lights are on when the power switch is turned off the 12-volt battery sav-
ing function will operate and automatically
turn off all the lights after approximately 20
minutes. When the power switch is turned
to ON mode, the 12-volt battery-saving
function will be disabled.
When any of the following are performed,
the 12-volt battery-saving function is can-
celed once and then reactivated. All the
lights will turn off automatically 20 minutes
after the 12-volt battery-saving function has
been reactivated: ●
When the headlight switch is operated●
When a door is opened or closed ■
Welcome light illumination control
The front position and tail lights automati-
cally turn on at night when the doors are
unlocked using the entr y function or wire-
less remote control if the light switch is in
the position. ■
Customization
Some functions can be customized.
( → P.481)
1 With the headlights on, push the
lever away from you to turn on the
high beams. NOTICE■
To prevent 12-volt battery discharge
Do not leave the lights on longer than
necessary when the hy brid system is off.
Turning on the high beam head-
lights

3515-6. Using the other interior features
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 5
Interior features 5-6.Using the other interior features
The USB charging ports are used to
supply 2.1 A of electricity at 5 V to
external devices.
The USB charging ports are for
charging only. They are not designed
for data transfer or other purposes.
Depending on the external device, it
may not charge properly. Refer to the
manual included with the device
before using a USB charging port. ■
Using the USB charging ports
Open the console box lid and open the
lid. 
Vehicles without power rear seat

Vehicles with power rear seat ■
The USB charging ports can be used
when
The power switch is in ACCESSORY or
ON mode. ■
Situations in whic h the USB charging
ports may not operate correctly ●
If a device which consumes more than 2.1
A at 5 V is connected ●
If a device designed to communicate with
a personal computer, such as a USB
memory device, is connected ●
If the connected external device is turned
off (depending on device) ●
If the temperature inside the vehicle is
high, such as after the vehicle has been
parked in the sun ■
About connected external devices
Depending on the connected external
device, charging may occasionally be sus-
pended and then start again. This is not a
malfunction.Other interior features
USB charging ports
NOTICE■
To prevent damage to the USB
charging ports ●
Do not insert foreign objects into the
ports.
●
Do not spill water or other liquids into
the ports.
●
When the USB charging ports are not
in use, close the lids. If a foreign object
or liquid enters a port may cause a
short circuit.
●
Do not apply excessive force to or
impact the USB charging ports.
●
Do not disassemble or modify the USB
charging ports.
■
To prevent damage to external
devices
●
Do not leave external devices in the
vehicle. The temperature inside the
vehicle may become high, resulting in
damage to an external device.

352 5-6. Using the other interior features
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 
Vehicle without power rear seat
Pull the armrest down for use. 
Vehicle with power rear seat
Pull the lock release lever and fold the
rear seatback down. An assist grip installed on the ceiling
can be used to support your body
while sitting on the seat.
To use the coat hook, push it on.NOTICE●
Do not push down on or apply unnec-
essary force to an external device or
the cable of an external device while it
is connected.■
To prevent 12-volt battery discharge
Do not use the USB charging ports for a
long period of time with the hybrid sys-
tem stopped.
Armrest
NOTICE
■
To prevent damage to the armrest
Do not place too much strain on the arm-
rest. Assist grips
WARNING■
Assist grip
Do not use the assist grip when getting in
or out of the vehicle or rising from your
seat.
Doing so could damage the assist grip, or
could cause you to injure yourself by fall-
ing over.
NOTICE■
To prevent damage to the assist grip
Do not hang any heavy object or put a
heavy load on the assist grip.
Coat hooks

3936-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 6
Maintenance and care The 12-volt battery is located in the
trunk under the luggage mat.
Removing the luggage mat: → P.348
■
Before recharging
When recharging, the 12-volt battery pro-
duces hydrogen gas which is flammable
and explosive. Therefore, observe the fol-
lowing precautions before recharging: ●
If recharging with the 12-volt battery
installed on the vehicle, be sure to discon-
nect the ground cable. ●
Make sure the power switch on the char-
ger is off when connecting and discon-
necting the charger cables to the 12-volt
battery. ■
After recharging/reconnecting the
12-volt battery ●
Unlocking the doors using the smart
access system with push-button may not
be possible immediately after reconnect-
ing the 12-volt battery. If this happens, use
the wireless remote control or the
mechanical key to lo ck/unlock the doors.
●
Start the hybrid system with the power
switch in ACCESSORY mode. The
hybrid system may not start with the
power switch turned off. However, the
hybrid system will operate normally from
the second attempt.
●
The power switch mode is recorded by
the vehicle. If the 12-volt battery is recon-NOTICE■
Diluting washer fluid
Dilute washer fluid with water as neces-
sary.
Refer to the freezing temperatures listed
on the label of the washer fluid bottle.
12-volt battery
Location