Lexus ES (2023 year). Manual in english

182

4-1. Before driving

WARNING

●

Do not touch the exhaust pipes while

the “READY” indicator is illuminated

or immediately after turning the hybrid

system off.

Doing so may cause burns.

■

When taking a nap in the vehicle

Always turn the hybrid system off. Oth-

erwise, if you accidentally move the shift

lever or depress the accelerator pedal,

this could cause an accident or fire due

to hybrid system overheating. Addition-

ally, if the vehicle is parked in a poorly

ventilated area, exhaust gases may col-

lect and enter the vehicle, leading to

death or a serious health hazard.

■

When braking

●

When the brakes are wet, drive more

cautiously.

Braking distance increases when the

brakes are wet, and this may cause

one side of the vehicle to brake differ-

ently than the other side. Also, the

parking brake may not securely hold

the vehicle.

●

If the electronically controlled brake

system does not operate, do not follow

other vehicles closely and avoid hills or

sharp turns that require braking.

In this case, braking is still possible, but

the brake pedal should be depressed

more firmly than usual. Also, the brak-

ing distance will increase. Have your

brakes fixed immediately.

●

The brake system consists of 2 or

more individual hydraulic systems; if

one of the systems fails, the other(s)

will still operate. In this case, the brake

pedal should be depressed more

firmly than usual and the braking dis-

tance will increase. Have your brakes

fixed immediately.

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.

■

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 tire 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.418, 430)

■

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

183

4-1. Before driving

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g

When the following unusual operation
is performed with the accelerator
pedal depressed, the hybrid system
output may be restrained.



When the shift lever is shifted to R



When the shift lever is shifted from P
or R to forward drive shift position
such as D

When the system operates, a message
appears on the multi-information dis-
play. Read the message and follow the
instruction.

: Depending on the situation, the shift

position may not be changed.

■

Drive-Start Control (DSC)

When the TRC is turned off (



P.306),

sudden start restraint control also does not

operate. If your vehicle have trouble escap-

ing from the mud or fresh snow due to sud-

den start restraint control operation,

deactivate TRC (



P.306) so that the vehi-

cle may become able to escape from the

mud or fresh snow.

NOTICE

●

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 any authorized Lexus retailer or

Lexus authorized repairer, or any reli-

able repairer check the following:

●

Brake function

●

Changes in quantity and quality of oil

and fluid used for the engine, hybrid

transmission, etc.

●

Lubricant condition for the bearings

and suspension joints (where possi-

ble), and the function of all joints, bear-

ings, etc.

■

When parking the vehicle

Always set the parking brake, and shift

the shift lever to P. Failure to do so may

cause the vehicle to move or the vehicle

may accelerate suddenly if the accelera-

tor pedal is accidentally depressed.

Sudden start restraint control
(Drive-Start Control [DSC])

184

4-1. Before driving

Cargo and luggage

Take notice of the following infor-
mation about storage precautions,
cargo capacity and load:

WARNING

■

Things that must not be carried in the

trunk

The following things may cause a fire if

loaded in the trunk:

●

Receptacles containing gasoline

●

Aerosol cans

■

Storage precautions

Observe the following precautions.

Failure to do so may prevent the pedals

from being depressed properly, may

block the driver’s vision, or may result in

items hitting the driver or passengers,

possibly causing an accident.

●

Stow cargo and luggage in the trunk

whenever possible.

●

Do not place cargo or luggage in or on

the following locations.

• At the feet of the driver
• On the front passenger or rear seats

(when stacking items)

• On the package tray
• On the instrument panel
• On the dashboard
• In front of Center Display

●

Secure all items in the occupant com-

partment.

■

Load and distribution

●

Do not overload your vehicle.

●

Do not apply loads unevenly.

Improper loading may cause deterio-

ration of steering or braking control

which may cause death or serious

injury.

186

4-2. Driving procedures

4-2.Driving procedures

Press the parking brake switch to
check that the parking brake is set.
(



P.197)

Parking brake indicator will come on.

Check that the shift lever is in P.

Firmly depress the brake pedal.

and a message will be displayed on

the multi-information display.
If it is not displayed, the hybrid system can-

not be started.

Press the power switch shortly and
firmly.

When operating the power switch, one

short, firm press is enough. It is not neces-

sary to press and hold the switch.
If the “READY” indicator turns on, the

hybrid system will operate normally.
Continue depressing the brake pedal until

the “READY” indicator is illuminated.
The hybrid system can be started from any

power switch mode.

Check that the “READY” indicator
is illuminated.

The vehicle will not move when the

“READY” indicator is off.

■

Power switch illumination

According to the situation, the power

switch illumination operates as follows.

●

When a door is opened, or the power

switch mode is changed from ACCES-

SORY or ON mode to off, the power

switch illumination slowly blinks.

●

When depressing the brake pedal with

carrying the electronic key on your per-

son, the power switch illumination rapidly

blinks.

●

When the power switch is in ACCES-

SORY or ON mode, the power switch

illumination illuminates.

■

If the hybrid system does not start

●

The immobilizer system may not have

been deactivated. (



P.86)

Contact any authorized Lexus retailer or

Lexus authorized repairer, or any reliable

repairer.

●

If a message related to start-up is shown

on the multi-information display, read the

message and follow the instructions.

●

If the door is unlocked with the mechani-

cal key, the hybrid system cannot be

started using the smart entry & start sys-

tem. Refer to P.441 to start the hybrid

system. However, if the electronic key is

carried inside the vehicle and the doors

are locked (



P.131), the hybrid system

Power (ignition) switch

Performing the following opera-
tions when carrying the electronic
key on your person starts the hybrid
system or changes power switch
modes.

Starting the hybrid system

187

4-2. Driving procedures

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g

can be started.

■

Sounds and vibrations specific to a

Hybrid Electric Vehicle



P.80

■

If the 12-volt battery is discharged

The hybrid system cannot be started using

the smart entry & start system. Refer to

P.442 to restart the hybrid system.

■

Electronic key battery depletion



P.124

■

Conditions affecting operation



P.142

■

Notes for the entry function



P.142

■

Steering lock function (if equipped)

●

After turning the power switch off and

opening and closing the doors, the steer-

ing wheel will be locked 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 the Steering Wheel in Either

Direction” will be displayed on the multi-

information display.

Check that the shift lever is set in P. 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 hybrid system. After about 10 sec-

onds, the steering lock motor will resume

functioning.

■

If there is a malfunction in the smart

entry & start system

If “Entry & Start System Malfunction See

Owner’s Manual” is displayed on the multi-

information display, the system may be mal-

functioning. Have the vehicle inspected by

any authorized Lexus retailer or Lexus

authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer

immediately.

■

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 any authorized Lexus retailer

or Lexus authorized repairer, or any reli-

able repairer immediately.

■

If the hybrid system is malfunctioning



P.85

■

Electronic key battery



P.387

■

Operation of the power switch

●

If the switch is not 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 entry & start system has been

deactivated in a customized setting, refer to

P.441.

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.

188

4-2. Driving procedures

Stop the vehicle completely.

Set the parking brake (



P.197),

and shift the shift lever to P
(



P.193).

Press the power switch.

Release the brake pedal and check
that “ACCESSORY” or “IGNI-
TION ON” is not shown on the
meter.

Modes can be changed by pressing
the power switch with the brake pedal
released. (The mode changes each
time the switch is pressed.)

WARNING

■

Caution while driving (vehicles with

steering lock function)

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 any

authorized Lexus retailer or Lexus

authorized repairer, or any reliable

repairer immediately.

■

Symptoms indicating a malfunction

with the power switch

If the power switch seems to be operat-

ing somewhat differently than usual, such

as the switch sticking slightly, there may

be a malfunction. Contact any autho-

rized Lexus retailer or Lexus authorized

repairer, or any reliable repairer immedi-

ately.

Stopping the hybrid system

WARNING

■

Stopping the hybrid system in an

emergency

●

If you want to stop the hybrid system in

an emergency while driving the vehi-

cle, press and hold the power switch

for more than 2 seconds, or press it

briefly 3 times or more in succession.

(



P.396)

However, do not touch the power

switch while driving except in an emer-

gency. 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 difficult to steer

smoothly, so you should pull over and

stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to

do so.

●

If the power switch is operated while

the vehicle is running, a warning mes-

sage will be shown on the multi-infor-

mation display and a buzzer sounds.

●

When restarting the hybrid system

after an emergency shutdown, shift the

shift lever to N and press the power

switch shortly and firmly.

Changing power switch modes

189

4-2. Driving procedures

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g

Off

The emergency flashers can be used.

ACCESSORY mode

Some electrical components such as the
audio system can be used.
“ACCESSORY” will be displayed on the
meter.

ON mode

All electrical components can be used.
“IGNITION ON” will be displayed on the
meter.

: If the shift lever is in a position other than

P when turning off the hybrid system, the
power switch will be turned to ACCES-
SORY mode, not to off.

■

Auto power off function

If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY mode

for more than 20 minutes or ON mode (the

hybrid system is not operating) for more

than an hour with the shift lever in P, the

power switch will automatically turn off.

However, this function cannot entirely pre-

vent the 12-volt battery discharge. Do not

leave the vehicle with the power switch in

ACCESSORY or ON mode for long peri-

ods of time when the hybrid system is not

operating.

If the hybrid system is stopped with the
shift lever in a position other than P, the
power switch will not be turned off but
instead be turned to ACCESSORY
mode. Perform the following proce-
dure to turn the switch off:

If the parking brake is in manual
mode, set the parking brake.
(



P.197)

Shift the shift lever to P.

Check that “Turn Power Off” is dis-
played on the multi-information dis-
play and then press the power
switch once.

Check that “Turn Power Off” on
the multi-information display is off.

When stopping the hybrid sys-
tem with the shift lever in a posi-
tion other than P

NOTICE

■

To prevent 12-volt battery discharge

●

Do not leave the power switch in

ACCESSORY or ON mode for long

periods of time without the hybrid sys-

tem on.

●

If “ACCESSORY” or “IGNITION

ON” is displayed on the meter, the

power switch is not off. Exit the vehicle

after turning the power switch off.

190

4-2. Driving procedures

Turns EV drive mode on/off

When EV drive mode is turned on, the EV
drive mode indicator will come on. Press-
ing the switch when in EV drive mode will
return the vehicle to normal driving (using
the gasoline engine and electric motor
[traction motor]).

■

Situations in which EV drive mode can-

not be turned on

It may not be possible to turn EV drive

NOTICE

●

Do not stop the hybrid system when

the shift lever is in a position other than

P. If the hybrid system is stopped in

another shift lever position, the power

switch will not be turned off but instead

be turned to ACCESSORY mode. If

the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY

mode, 12-volt battery discharge may

occur.

EV drive mode

In EV drive mode, electric power is
supplied by the hybrid battery
(traction battery), and only the
electric motor (traction motor) is
used to drive the vehicle.
This mode allows you to drive in res-
idential areas early in the morning
and late at night, or in indoor park-
ing lots etc. without concern for
noises and gas emissions.
Except for Azerbaijan, Georgia
and Moldova: When the Acoustic
Vehicle Alerting System is active,
the vehicle may produce sound.

Operating instructions

191

4-2. Driving procedures

ivin
g

mode on in the following situations. If it can-

not be turned on, a buzzer will sound and a

message will be shown on the multi-infor-

mation display.

●

The temperature of the hybrid system is

high.

The vehicle has been left in the sun,

driven on a hill, driven at high speeds, etc.

●

The temperature of the hybrid system is

low.

The vehicle has been left in temperatures

lower than about 0°C (32°F) for a long

period of time etc.

●

The gasoline engine is warming up.

●

The hybrid battery (traction battery) is

low.

The remaining hybrid battery [traction

battery] level indicated in the energy

monitor display is low. (



P.119)

●

Vehicle speed is high.

●

The accelerator pedal is depressed firmly

or the vehicle is on a hill etc.

●

The windshield defogger is in use.

■

Switching to EV drive mode when the

gasoline engine is cold

If the hybrid system is started while the gas-

oline 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.
After the hybrid system has started and the

“READY” indicator has illuminated, press

the EV drive mode switch before the gaso-

line engine starts to switch to EV drive

mode.

■

Automatic cancelation of EV drive

mode

When driving in EV drive mode, the gaso-

line engine may automatically restart in the

following situations. When EV drive mode

is canceled, a buzzer will sound, the EV

drive mode indicator will flash and go off

and a message will be shown on the multi-

information display.

●

The hybrid battery (traction battery)

becomes low.

The remaining hybrid battery [traction

battery] level indicated in the energy

monitor display is low. (



P.119)

●

Vehicle speed is high.

●

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-infor-

mation 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 1 km (0.6 mile). However,

depending on vehicle conditions, there are

situations 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

The hybrid system is designed to achieve

the best possible fuel economy during nor-

mal driving (using the gasoline engine and

electric motor [traction motor]). Driving in

EV drive mode more than necessary may

lower fuel economy.

192

4-2. Driving procedures

: To improve fuel efficiency and reduce

noise, set the shift lever in D for normal
driving. You can choose shift range
suitable for your driving situation by
operating the paddle shift switches.

: By selecting shift ranges using S mode,

you can control accelerating force and
engine braking forces.

■

When driving with dynamic radar cruise

control with full-speed range (if

equipped) or cruise control (if

equipped) activated

Even when performing the following

actions with the intent of enabling engine

braking, engine braking will not activate

because dynamic radar cruise control with

full-speed range or cruise control will not

be canceled.

●

While driving in the D position or S mode,

downshifting to S5 or S4. (



P.195)

●

When switching the driving mode to

sport mode while driving in the D posi-

WARNING

■

Caution while driving

For Azerbaijan, Georgia and Moldova:

When driving in EV drive mode, pay spe-

cial attention to the area around the vehi-

cle. Because there is no engine noise,

pedestrians, people riding bicycles or

other people and vehicles in the area

may not be aware of the vehicle starting

off or approaching them, so take extra

care while driving.

Except for Azerbaijan, Georgia and

Moldova: When driving in EV drive

mode, pay special attention to the area

around the vehicle. Because there is no

engine noise, pedestrians, people riding

bicycles or other people and vehicles in

the area may not be aware of the vehicle

starting off or approaching them. Take

extra care while driving even if the

Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System is

active.

Hybrid transmission

Select the shift position depending
on your purpose and situation.

Shift position purpose and func-
tion

Shift position

Objective or function

Parking the vehicle/start-

ing the hybrid system

Reversing

Neutral

Normal driving

S mode driving

(



P.195)

193

4-2. Driving procedures

ivin
g

tion. (



P.269)

■

Restraining sudden start (Drive-Start

Control)



P.183

While the power switch is in ON mode and the brake pedal depressed

shift the shift lever while pushing the shift release button on the shift knob.

Shift the shift lever while pushing the shift release button on the shift knob.

WARNING

■

When driving on slippery road sur-

faces

Do not accelerate or shift the shift lever

suddenly.

Sudden changes in engine braking may

cause the vehicle to spin or skid, resulting

in an accident.

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. There-

fore, if the vehicle is left with the shift

lever in N for a certain period of time, the

hybrid battery (traction battery) will dis-

charge, and this may result in the vehicle

not being able to start.

Shifting the shift lever

194

4-2. Driving procedures

Shift the shift lever normally.

When shifting the shift lever between P and D, make sure that the vehicle is completely
stopped and the brake pedal is depressed.

: For the vehicle be able to be shifted from P, the brake pedal must be depressed before

the shift release button is pushed. If the shift release button is pushed first, the shift lock
will not be released.

■

Shift lock system

The shift lock system is a system to prevent

accidental operation of the shift lever in

starting.
The shift lever can be shifted from P only

when the power switch is in ON mode, the

brake pedal is depressed and the shift

release button is pushed.

■

If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P

First, check whether the brake pedal is

being depressed.

If the shift lever cannot be shifted even

though the brake pedal is depressed and

the shift release button is pushed, there may

be a problem with the shift lock system.

Have the vehicle inspected by your any

authorized Lexus retailer or Lexus autho-

rized repairer, or any reliable repairer

immediately.

The following steps may be used as an

emergency measure to ensure that the shift

lever can be shifted.
Releasing the shift lock:

If the parking brake is in manual mode,

set the parking brake. (



P.197)

Turn the power switch off.

Depress the brake pedal.

Slide the lid towards the rear of the

vehicle and hold it.

If you remove your hand and slide the lid

again towards the rear, the lid will fully

close.

Slide the shift lock cover to the position

where you can see the hole

Insert the flathead screwdriver into the

hole and press and hold the shift lock

override button and then push the but-

ton on the shift knob

To prevent damage to the shift lock over-

ride button, cover the tip of the screwdriver

with a rag.
The shift lever can be shifted while the both

buttons are pressed.

195

4-2. Driving procedures

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g



P.269

To drive using temporary shift range
selection, operate the “-” paddle shift
switch. The shift range can then be
selected by operating the “-” and “+”
paddle shift switches.
Changing the shift range allows
restriction of the highest shift range,
preventing unnecessary upshifting and
enabling the level of engine braking
force to be selected.

Upshifting

Downshifting

The selected shift range, from D1 to D6,
will be displayed on the meter.

■

When the “-” paddle shift switch is oper-

ated with the shift lever in the D position

The shift range is downshifted to a range

that enables engine braking force that is

suitable to driving conditions.

■

Automatic deactivation of shift range

selection in the D position

Shift range selection in the D position will

be deactivated in the following situations:

●

The “+” paddle shift switch is held down

for a period of time

●

When the vehicle comes to a stop

●

If the accelerator pedal is depressed for

more than a certain period of time

●

When the shift lever is shifted to a posi-

tion other than D

■

Downshifting restriction warning

buzzer

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 or paddle shift switch is

operated. (A buzzer will sound twice.)

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.

WARNING

■

To prevent an accident when releas-

ing the shift lock

Before pressing the shift lock override

button, make sure to set the parking

brake and depress the brake pedal.

If the accelerator pedal is accidentally

depressed instead of the brake pedal

when the shift lock override button is

pressed and the shift lever is shifted out

of P, the vehicle may suddenly start, pos-

sibly leading to an accident resulting in

death or serious injury.

Selecting the driving mode

Selecting shift ranges in the D
position

Selecting shift ranges in the S
mode

196

4-2. Driving procedures

Upshifting

Downshifting

The selected shift range, from S1 to S6, will
be displayed on the meter.
The initial shift range in S mode is set auto-
matically to S5 or S4 according to vehicle
speed.

■

Shift ranges and their functions



You can choose from 6 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 revolu-
tions will also increase.



If you accelerate while in ranges S1
to S4, the shift range may automati-
cally increase in accordance with
the vehicle’s speed.

■

S mode

●

When the shift range is S4 or lower, hold-

ing the shift lever toward “+” sets the shift

range to S6.

●

To prevent the engine from over-revving,

upshifting may automatically occur.

■

Downshifting restriction warning

buzzer

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 or paddle shift switch is

operated. (A buzzer will sound twice.)

■

If the S indicator does not come on or

the D indicator is displayed even after

shifting the shift lever to S

This may indicate a malfunction in the

hybrid transmission system. Have the vehi-

cle inspected by any authorized Lexus

retailer or Lexus authorized repairer, or any

reliable repairer immediately.

(In this situation, the transmission will oper-

ate in the same manner as when the shift

lever is in D.)

197

4-2. Driving procedures

ivin
g

Right turn

Lane change to the right (move the
lever partway and release it)

The right hand signals will flash 3 times.

Lane change to the left (move the
lever partway and release it)

The left hand signals will flash 3 times.

Left turn

■

Turn signals can be operated when

The power switch is in ON mode.

■

If the indicator flashes faster than usual

Check that a light bulb in the front or rear

turn signal lights has not burned out.

■

If the turn signals stop flashing before a

lane change has been performed

Operate the lever again.

■

Using the manual mode

The parking brake can be set and
released manually.

Press the switch to set the parking
brake

The parking brake indicator light will turn
on.
Press and hold the parking brake switch if
an emergency occurs and it is necessary to
operate the parking brake while driving.

Pull the switch to release the park-
ing brake

Turn signal lever

Operating instructions

Parking brake

The parking brake can be set or
released automatically or manually.
In automatic mode, the parking
brake can be set or released auto-
matically according to shift lever
operation. Also, even in automatic
mode, the parking brake can be set
or released manually.

Operating instructions

Lexus ES (2023 year). Manual in english - page 12