engine overheat LEXUS LS500H 2018 Owners Manual

4 TABLE OF CONTENTS
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 5-5. Using the storage features
List of storage features............... 343
Trunk features................................ 348
5-6. Using the other interior features
Other interior features ............... 351
Garage door opener.................. 358
Lexus Enform Safety Connect
........................................................... 364
6-1. Maintenance and care
Cleaning and protecting the vehi-
cle exterior ................................... 370
Cleaning and protecting the vehi-
cle interior .................................... 373
6-2. Maintenance
Maintenance requirements ..... 378
General maintenance ................ 379
Emission inspection and mainte-
nance (I/M) programs ............ 382
6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Do-it-yourself service precautions
........................................................... 383
Hood.................................................. 385
Positioning a floor jack............... 385
Engine compartment.................. 387
12-volt battery................................ 393
Tires ................................................... 395
Replacing the tire ......................... 405
Tire inflation pressure ................. 408
Wheels............................................... 410
Air conditioning filter.................... 411
Electronic key battery ................. 413
Checking and replacing fuses
............................................................ 414 Light bulbs......................................... 417
7-1. Essential information
Emergency flashers .................... 420
If your vehicle has to be stopped in
an emergency ............................ 420
7-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If your vehicle needs to be towed
........................................................... 422
If you think something is wrong
.......................................................... 426
If a warning light turns on or a warn-
ing buzzer sounds...................... 427
If a warning messa ge is displayed
.......................................................... 437
If you have a flat tire ..................... 442
If the hybrid syst em will not start
.......................................................... 443
If you lose your keys.................... 444
If the fuel filler door cannot be
opened .......................................... 445
If the electronic key does not oper-
ate properly ................................. 445
If the 12-volt battery is discharged
.......................................................... 447
If your vehicle overheats ........... 453
If the vehicle becomes stuck ... 457
8-1. Specifications
Maintenance data (fuel, oil level,
etc.) ................................................. 460
Fuel information
. ........................... 470
Tire information ............................. 4726
Maintenance and care 7
When trouble arises
8
Vehicle specifications

13Pictorial index
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) Precautions for winter season .. ...................................................................................P.309
To prevent freezing (windshield wiper de-icer) *
................................................. P.327
Precautions for car wash .................................................................................................P.371
Fuel filler door .......................................................................................................... P.194
Refueling method .............................................................................................................. P .194
Fuel type/fuel tank capacity ......... ..................................................................................P.461
Tires.......................................................................................................................... ..P.395
Tire size/inflation pressure ............................ ................................................... P.395, 466
Winter tires/tire chains ..................................................................................................P.309
Checking/rotation/tire pressure warning system..............................................P.395
Coping with flat tires........................................................................................................ P .442
Hood ......................................................................................................................... P. 385
Opening ........................................................................................................................ .......P.385
Engine compartment cover ........................................................................................ P.388
Engine oil ..................................................................................................................... ......... P.462
Coping with overheating ............................................................................................... P.453
Warning messages .......................................................................................................... P.437
Headlights/cornering lights ................................................................................P.185
Parking lights/daytime running lights...............................................................P.185
Turn signal lights ..................................................................................................... P.180
Tail lights .................................................................................................................... P.185
Stop lights
Hill-start assist control ....................................................................................................P. 303
License plate lights .................................................................................................P.185
Back-up lights
Changing the shift position to R....................................................................................P.174
Side marker lights ...................................................................................................P.185 *
:If equipped Light bulbs of the exterior lights for driving
(Replacing method: P.417) E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N

792-1. Instrument cluster
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 2
Vehicle status information and indicators
■
Display items
 Odometer Displays the total distance the vehicle has
been driven.
 Trip meter A/trip meter B Displays the distance the vehicle has been
driven since the meter was last reset. Trip
meters A and B can be used to record and
display different distances independently.
 Distance until next engine oil
change Displays the distance the vehicle can be
driven until an oil change is necessary.
■
Changing the display
Each time the “ODO TRIP” switch is
pressed, the displayed item will be changed. When the trip meter is dis-
played, pressing and holding the switch
will reset the trip meter.
■
Pop-up display
Distance until the next engine oil
change will displayed when a warning
message indicating that oil mainte-
nance should be performed soon or is
required is displayed.
The brightness of the instrument panel
lights can be adjusted.
1 Darker
2 Brighter ■
Brightness of the meters (day mode and
night mode)
The brightness of the meters changes
between day mode and night mode.
●
Day mode: When the tail lights are off or WARNING
For example, there is a lag between the
driver’s shifting and the new gear number
appearing on the display. This lag could
cause the driver to downshift again,
causing rapid and excessive engine brak-
ing and possibly an accident resulting in
death or injury.
NOTICE■
To prevent damage to the engine and
its components●
Do not let the indicator needle of the
tachometer enter the red zone, which
indicates the maximum engine speed.●
The engine may be overheating if the
engine coolant temperature gauge is
in the red zone (H). In this case, imme-
diately stop the vehicle in a safe place,
and check the engine after it has
cooled completely. ( → P.453)
Odometer and trip meter dis-
play Changing the instrument panel
light brightness

84 2-1. Instrument cluster
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) ■
Engine speed
On hybrid vehicles, engine speed is pre-
cisely controlled in order to help improve
fuel efficiency and reduce exhaust emis-
sions etc.
There are times when the engine speed that
is displayed may differ even when vehicle
operation and driving conditions are the
same. ■
Hybrid System Indicator is displayed
when
The Hybrid System Indicator is displayed in
the following situations: ●
The shift position is in D or M.●
The driving mode is other than sport
mode.■
Outside temperature display●
In the following situations, the correct
outside temperature may not be dis-
played, or the display may take longer
than normal to change:
• When stopped, or driving at low speeds
(less than 12 mph [20 km/h])
• When the outside temperature has
changed suddenly (at the entrance/exit of
a garage, tunnel, etc.)
●
When “--” or “E” is displayed, the system
may be malfunctioning. Take your vehicle
to your Lexus dealer.
■
Liquid crystal display
→ P.87
■
Customization
The gauges and meters can be customized
on of the multi-information display.
( → P.90) ■
Display items
 Odometer Displays the total distance the vehicle has
been driven.
 Trip meter A/trip meter B Displays the distance the vehicle has been
driven since the meter was last reset. Trip
meters A and B can be used to record and
display different distances independently.
 Distance until next engine oil WARNING■
The information display at low tem-
peratures
Allow the interior of the vehicle to warm
up before using the liquid crystal infor-
mation display. At extremely low tem-
peratures, the information display
monitor may respond slowly, and display
changes may be delayed.
For example, there is a lag between the
driver’s shifting and the new gear number
appearing on the display. This lag could
cause the driver to downshift again,
causing rapid and excessive engine brak-
ing and possibly an accident resulting in
death or injury.
NOTICE■
To prevent damage to the engine and
its components ●
Do not let the indicator needle of the
tachometer enter the red zone, which
indicates the maximum engine speed. ●
The engine may be overheating if the
engine coolant temperature gauge is
in the red zone (H). In this case, imme-
diately stop the vehicle in a safe place,
and check the engine after it has
cooled completely. ( → P.453)
Odometer and trip meter dis-
play

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.

1614-1. Before driving
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 4
Driving WARNING●
Do not shift the shift position to P while
the vehicle is moving.
Doing so can damage the transmission
and may result in a loss of vehicle con-
trol.●
Do not shift the shift position to R while
the vehicle is moving forward.
Doing so can damage the transmission
and may result in a loss of vehicle con-
trol.●
Do not shift the shift position to a driv-
ing position while the vehicle is moving
backward.
Doing so can damage the transmission
and may result in a loss of vehicle con-
trol.●
Changing the shift position to N while
the vehicle is moving will disengage
the hybrid system. Engine braking is
not available with the hybrid system
disengaged.●
Be careful not to change the shift posi-
tion with the accelerator pedal
depressed. Changing the shift posi-
tion to any positions other than P or N
may lead to unexpected rapid acceler-
ation of the vehicle that may cause an
accident and result in death or serious
injury.
After changing the shift position, make
sure to confirm the current shift posi-
tion displayed on the shift position indi-
cator inside the meter.
■
Brake pad wear
If any of the following situations occurs,
have the brake pads visually checked and
replaced by your Lexus dealer as soon as
possible.
●
If the thickness of the brake pads
exceeds the brake pad wear limit when
visually checking all four brake pads
(for the brake pad wear limit, refer to
P.465) ●
If a warning message is displayed on
the multi-information display (only the
right-side pads can be detected)
Rotor damage may result if the pads are
not replaced when needed.
F SPORT models: Moderate levels of the
brake pad and disc wear allow enhanced
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
those of the brake discs are exceeded. ■
When the vehicle is stopped ●
Do not depress the accelerator pedal
unnecessarily.
If the shift position is any position other
than P or N, the vehicle may acceler-
ate suddenly and unexpectedly, caus-
ing an accident. ●
In order to prevent accidents due to
the vehicle rolling away, always keep
depressing the brake pedal while
stopped with the “READY” indicator is
illuminated, and apply the parking
brake as necessary.
●
If the vehicle is stopped on an incline,
in order to prevent accidents caused
by the vehicle rolling forward or back-
ward, always depress the brake pedal
and securely apply the parking brake
as needed.
●
Avoid revving or racing the engine.
Running the engine at high speed
while the vehicle is stopped may cause
the exhaust system to overheat, which
could result in a fire if combustible
material is nearby.

4397-2. Steps to take in an emergency
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 7
When trouble arises  In some situations, the master warning light and warning buzzer may not oper-
ate as specified. In this case, follow the instructions displayed in the warning
message.
 If a warning light comes on or flashes at the same time that a warning message is
displayed, take corrective actio n according to the warning light. ( → P.427)*
: A buzzer sounds the first time a message is shown on the multi-information display.
■
Warning messages
The warning messages explained below
may differ from the actual messages
according to operation conditions and vehi-
cle specifications. ■
Warning buzzer
In some cases, the bu zzer may not be heard
due to being in a noisy location or audio
sound. ■
If “Engine Oil Level Low Add or
Replace” is displayed
The engine oil level is low. Check the level
of the engine oil, and add if necessary.
This message may appear if the vehicle is
stopped on a slope. Move the vehicle to a
level surface and check to see if the mes-
sage disappears.
■
If “Hybrid System Stopped Steering
Power Low” is displayed
This message is displa yed if the hybrid sys-
tem is stopped while driving.
When steering wheel operations are
heavier than usual, grip the steering wheel
firmly and operate it using more force than
usual. ■
If “Hybrid System Overheated Reduced
Output Power” is displayed
This message may be displayed when driv-
ing under severe operat ing conditions. (For
example, when driving up a long steep hill.)
Handling method: → P.453■
If “Warming Up Maximum Vehicle
Speed: 65 MPH” is displayed
The transmission is being warmed up and
the vehicle is unable to be driven over 65
mph (110 km/h). Wait until the transmission
warms up. ■
If “Stop the Vehicle in a Safe Place Shift
to P position” is displayed
There may be a malfunction in the hybrid
system or the shift position may be shifted to
N for a long time. I mmediately stop the
vehicle and contact your Lexus dealer.
■
If “Traction Battery Needs to be Pro-
tected Refrain From the Use of N Posi-
tion” is displayed
The remaining charge for the hybrid battery
(traction battery) is low.
As the hybrid battery (traction battery) can-
not be charged when the shift position is in
N, when stopping the vehicle for a long
period of time, shift the shift position to P.Comes on Does not sound Indicates a condition, such as malfunction of electri-
cal components, their cond ition, or indicates the
need for maintenance
Flashes Does not sound Indicates a situation, such as when an operation has
been performed incorrectly, or indicates how to
perform an operation correctlyWarning buzzer *
Warning

440 7-2. Steps to take in an emergency
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) ■
If “Traction Battery Needs to be Pro-
tected Shift into P to Restart” is dis-
played
The remaining charge for the hybrid battery
(traction battery) is low, because the shift
position has been shifted to N for a long
period of time.
When moving the vehicle, shift the shift
position to P and restart the hybrid system. ■
If “Shift Is in N Release Accelerator
Before Shifting” is displayed
The accelerator pedal has been depressed
when the shift position is in N.
Release the accelerator pedal and shift the
shift position to D or R. ■
If “Depress Brake When Vehicle Is
Stopped Hybrid Syst em May Overheat”
is displayed
The message may be displayed when the
accelerator pedal is depressed to hold the
vehicle while the vehicle is stopped on an
incline, etc. The hybrid system may over-
heat. Release the accelerator pedal and
depress the brake pedal. ■
If “Auto Power Off to Conserve Battery”
is displayed
Power was turned off due to the automatic
power off function. Next time when starting
the hybrid system, operate the hybrid sys-
tem for approximately 5 minutes to
recharge the 12-volt battery. ■
If “Headlight System Malfunction Visit
Your Dealer” is displayed
The following systems may be malfunction-
ing. Have the vehicle inspected by your
Lexus dealer immediately.
●
The LED headlight system
●
AFS (Adaptive Front-lighting System)
●
The automatic headlight leveling system
●
AHB (Automatic High Beam)
■
If “Front Camera Unavailable” or “Front
Camera Unavailable Remove Debris
On Windshield” is displayed
The following systems may be suspended
until the problem shown in the message is
resolved. ( → P.219, 226, 433) ●
PCS (Pre-Collision system) ●
LTA (Lane Tracing Assist) (if equipped) ●
LKA (Lane Keeping Assist) (if equipped) ●
Dynamic radar cruise control with
full-speed range ●
RSA (Road Sign Assist) (if equipped) ●
AHB (Automatic High Beam) ■
If “Maintenance Required Soon” is dis-
played
Indicates that all maintenance according to
the driven distance on the maintenance
schedule *
should be performed soon.
Comes on approximately 4500 miles
(7200 km) after the message has been
reset. If necessary, perform maintenance.
Please reset the message after the mainte-
nance is performed. ( → P.378)*
: Refer to the separate “Scheduled Main-
tenance” or “Owner’s Manual Supple-
ment” for the main tenance interval
applicable to your vehicle. ■
If “Maintenance Required Visit Your
Dealer” is displayed
Indicates that all mainte nance is required to
correspond to the driven distance on the
maintenance schedule *
.
Comes on approximately 5000 miles
(8000 km) after the message has been
reset. (The indicator will not work properly
unless the message ha s been reset.) Per-
form the necessary maintenance. Please
reset the message after the maintenance is
performed. ( → P.378) *
: Refer to the separate “Scheduled Main-
tenance” or “Owner’s Manual Supple-
ment” for the main tenance interval
applicable to your vehicle.
■
If “Oil Maintenance Required Soon” is
displayed
Indicates that the engine oil should be
scheduled to be changed.
Check the engine oil an d change it if neces-
sary. After changing th e engine oil, make
sure to reset the message. ( → P.390)

4537-2. Steps to take in an emergency
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) 7
When trouble arises 
If the engine coolant temperature
gauge enters the red zone or
“Engine Coolant Temp High Stop in
a Safe Place See Owner’s Manual”
is shown on the multi-information
display
1 Stop the vehicle in a safe place and
turn off the air conditioning system,
and then stop the hybrid system.
2 If you see steam:
Carefully lift the hood after the
steam subsides.
If you do not see steam:
Carefully lift the hood.
3 After the hybrid system has cooled
down sufficiently, inspect the hoses and radiator core (radiator) for any
leaks.
Radiators
Cooling fan If a large amount of coolant leaks, immedi-
ately contact your Lexus dealer.
4 The coolant level is satisfactory if it
is between the “F” and “L” lines on
the reservoir.
Reservoir
“F” line
“L” line
Coolant inlet cap
5 Add coolant if necessary.
( → P.455) Water can be used in an emergency if If your vehicle overheats The following may indicate that
your vehicle is overheating.
 The engine coolant temperature
gauge ( → P.77, 81) is in the red
zone or a loss of hybrid system
power is experienced. (For exam-
ple, the vehicle speed does not
increase.)
 “Engine Coolant Temp High Stop
in a Safe Place See Owner’s
Manual” or “Hybrid System
Overheated Reduced Output
Power” is shown on the
multi-information display.
 Steam comes out from under the
hood.
Correction procedures A
B
A
B
C
D

454 7-2. Steps to take in an emergency
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U) coolant is unavailable.
6 Start the hybrid system and turn the
air conditioning system on to check
that the radiator cooling fan oper-
ates and to check for coolant leaks
from the radiator or hoses.The fan operates when the air conditioning
system is turned on immediately after a
cold start. Confirm that the fan is operating
by checking the fan sound and air flow. If it
is difficult to check these, turn the air con-
ditioning system on and off repeatedly.
(The fan may not operate in freezing tem-
peratures.)
7 If the fan is not operating:
Stop the hybrid system immediately
and contact your Lexus dealer.
If the fan is operating:
Have the vehicle inspected at the
nearest Lexus dealer. 
If “Hybrid System Overheated
Reduced Output Power” is shown
on the multi-information display
1 Stop the vehicle in a safe place.
2 Stop the hybrid system and care-
fully lift the hood. 3 After the hybrid system has cooled
down, inspect the hoses and radia-
tor core (radiato r) for any leaks.
Radiator
Cooling fan If a large amount of coolant leaks, immedi-
ately contact your Lexus dealer.
4 The coolant level is satisfactory if it
is between the “F” and “L” lines on
the reservoir.
Reservoir
“F” line
“L” line
5 Remove the engine compartment
cover and add coolant if necessary. Water can be used in an emergency if A
B
A
B
C