engine LEXUS LS600H 2015 Owner's Manual

2224-2. Driving procedures
LS600hL_U(OM50E41U)
■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. 113)
●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 distan ce 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, depend ing 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 ba ttery] 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.
CAUTION
■Caution while driving
When driving in EV drive mode no engi ne noise is made. As such, pedestrians,
people riding bicycl es 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.

2234-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
LS600hL_U(OM50E41U)
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.
Hybrid transmission
Shifting the shift lever
Shift position purpose
Shift positionPurpose and condition
PParking the vehicle/starting the hybrid system
RReversing
NCondition in which the power is not transmitted
DNormal driving*1
SS mode driving*2 (  P. 2 2 4 )

2244-2. Driving procedures
LS600hL_U(OM50E41U)
To enter S mode, shift the shift lever to the S position.
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.
Also, by controlling the transmission so that engine speed is higher when
compared with normal driving, acceleration response is improved.
The shift range can be selected by the shift lever.
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 S4, S5, S6 or S7
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 provid e greater accelerating force and
engine braking force than a higher shift range, and the engine speed
will also increase.
●If you accelerate while in ranges 1 to 5, the shift range may automati-
cally range up in accordance with the vehicle’s speed.
Selecting shift ranges in S mode
1
2

2264-2. Driving procedures
LS600hL_U(OM50E41U)
■S mode
●When the shift range is 6 or lower, holding the shift lever toward “+” sets the shift
range to 8.
●When the shift lever is moved toward “-”, the shift range is downshifted to a range
that enables engine braking force that is suitable to driving conditions.
■Downshifting restrictions warning buzzer (in the S mode)
To help ensure safety and driving perfor mance, downshifting operation may some-
times be restricted. In some circumstances, downshifting may not be possible even
when the shift lever is operated. (A buzzer will sound twice.)
■When driving with cruise control or dyna mic radar cruise control with full speed
range activated
Even when performing the following actions with the intent of enabling engine brak-
ing, engine braking will not activate beca use cruise control or dynamic radar cruise
control with full speed range will not be canceled.
●While driving in S mode, downshifting to 7, 6, 5 or 4. (  P. 253, 257)
●When switching the driving mode to sp ort mode while driving in D position.
(  P. 2 8 3 )
■Snow mode automatic deactivation
Snow mode is automatically deactivated if th e power switch is turned off after driving
in snow mode.
■If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P
 P. 5 1 9
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 ba ttery (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.

2934-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
LS600hL_U(OM50E41U)
■Hill-start assist control is operational when
●The system has detected that the vehicle is moving backward.
●The shift lever is in the D or S position.
●The brake pedal is not depressed.
■VGRS is disabled when
VGRS may stop operating in the following situations.
In this event, the steering wheel may move from its straight forward position, but it
will return when the system restarts.
●When the steering wheel is operated for an extended period of time while the vehi-
cle is stopped or is moving very slowly
●When the steering wheel has been held fully to the left or right
●When the 12-volt battery is low or the voltage temporarily drops
The center position of the steering wheel may change when VGRS is disabled. How-
ever, the position will return to normal after VGRS is reactivated.
■Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, TRAC, VSC, hill-start assist
control and VGRS systems
●A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the brake pedal is
depressed repeatedly, when the hybrid syst em 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.
●The steering wheel may be moved slightly or a sound may be heard when the
hybrid system is started or stopped. None of these indicate that a malfunction has
occurred.
■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.

3244-6. Driving tips
LS600hL_U(OM50E41U)
■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 eng ine will not automatically cut out
until the gasoline engine and the interi or 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 consump tion. 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 unne cessary. Moreover, frequently driv-
ing short distances will cause the engine to repeatedly warm up, which
can lead to poor fuel consumption.

3254-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
LS600hL_U(OM50E41U)●
Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside temperatures.
• Engine oil
• Engine/power control unit coolant
• Washer fluid
●Have a service technician inspect th e condition of the 12-volt battery.
●Have the vehicle fitted with four sno w 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.
Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary preparati ons and inspections before driving
the vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropriate
to the prevailing weather conditions.
Preparation for winter

3284-6. Driving tips
LS600hL_U(OM50E41U)
CAUTION
■Driving with snow tires
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in a loss of vehicle control and cause death or serious
injury.
●Use tires of the specified size.
●Maintain the recommended level of air pressure.
●Do not drive in excess of 75 mph (120 km/h), regardless of the type of snow tires
being used.
●Use snow tires on all, not just some wheels.
●Do not use LKA (Lane-Keeping Assist) system. (if equipped)
■Driving with tire chains
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in the vehicle being unable to be driven safely, and may
cause death or serious injury.
●Do not drive in excess of the speed limit specified for the tire chains being used,
or 30 mph (50 km/h), whichever is lower.
●Avoid driving on bumpy road surfaces or over potholes.
●Avoid sudden acceleration, abrupt steering, sudden braking and shifting opera-
tions that cause sudden engine braking.
●Slow down sufficiently before entering a curve to ensure that vehicle control is
maintained.
●Do not use LKA (Lane-Keeping Assist) system. (if equipped)
NOTICE
■Repairing or replacing snow tires
Request repairs or replacement of snow tires from Lexus dealers or legitimate tire
retailers.
This is because the removal and attachment of snow tires affects the operation of
the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters.
■Fitting tire chains
The tire pressure warning valves and transmitters may not function correctly when
tire chains are fitted.

3485-3. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
LS600hL_U(OM50E41U)
■Operation of the air conditioning system in Eco drive mode
In Eco drive mode, the air conditioning system is controlled as follows to prioritize
fuel efficiency:
●Engine speed and compressor operation controlled to restrict heating/cooling
capacity
●Fan speed restricted when automatic mode is selected
To improve air conditioning performanc e, perform the following operations:
●Adjust the fan speed
●Turn off Eco drive mode
The air conditioning control of Eco drive mode can be changed to the same setting
as that used in normal drive mode. (Customizable features P. 564)
■Using the automatic mode
Fan speed is adjusted automatically in a ccordance with the temperature setting and
ambient conditions. As a result, the following may occur:
●Immediately after the “AUTO” switch is pressed, the fan may stop for a while until
warm or cool air is ready to flow.
●Cool air may flow to the area around th e upper body when the heater is on.
■Fogging up of the windows
●The windows will easily fog up when the humidity in the vehicle is high. Selecting
“A/C” on will dehumidify the air from the outlets and defog the windshield effec-
tively.
●If you turn “A/C” off, the windows may fog up more easily.
●The windows may fog up if the recirculated air mode is used.
■Outside/recirculated air mode
●When driving on dusty roads such as tunn els or in heavy traffic, set the outside/
recirculated air mode button to the recirculated air mode. This is effective in pre-
venting outside air from entering the vehicl e interior. During cooling operation, set-
ting the recirculated air mode will also cool the vehicle interior effectively.
●Outside/recirculated air mode may automatically switch depending on the tem-
perature setting or the inside temperature.

4155-6. Other interior features
5
Interior features
LS600hL_U(OM50E41U)
Important! Read this information before using Safety Connect.
■Exposure to radio frequency signals
The Safety Connect system installed in your vehicle is a low-power
radio transmitter and receiver. It receives and also sends out radio fre-
quency (RF) signals.
In August 1996, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
adopted RF exposure guid elines with safety levels for mobile wireless
phones. Those guidelines are consistent with the safety standards previ-
ously set by the following U.S. and international standards bodies.
●ANSI (American National Standards Institute) C95.1 [1992]
●NCRP (National Council on Radi ation Protection and Measure-
ment) Report 86 [1986]
●ICNIRP (International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Pro-
tection) [1996]
Those standards were based on comprehensive and periodic evalua-
tions of the relevant scientific litera ture. Over 120 scientists, engineers,
and physicians from universities, and government health agencies and
industries reviewed the available body of research to develop the ANSI
Standard (C95.1).
The design of Safety Connect co mplies with the FCC guidelines in
addition to those standards.
Safety information for Safety Connect