LEXUS ES 300H (2019 year). Instruction - part 9

134

4-1. Before driving

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 designed for trailer 
towing or for the use of tow hitch 
mounted carriers.

Dinghy towing

Your vehicle is not designed to be 
dinghy towed (with 4 wheels on the 
ground) behind a motor home.

NOTICE

■

To avoid serious damage to your vehi-

cle

Do not tow your vehicle with the four 

wheels on the ground.

135

4-2. Driving procedures

4

Driving

4-2.Driving procedures

1

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

P.146)

Parking brake indicator will come on.

2

Check that the shift lever is in P.

3

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.

4

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.

5

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.60) 

Contact your Lexus dealer.

●

If a message related to start-up is shown 

on the multi-information display, read the 

message and follow the instructions.

■

Sounds and vibrations specific to a 

hybrid vehicle

P.54

■

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.384 to restart the hybrid 

system.

■

Electronic key battery depletion

P.88

■

Conditions affecting operation

P.103

■

Notes for the entry function

P.104

■

Steering lock function

●

After turning the power switch off and 

opening and closing the doors, the steer-

ing wheel will be locked due to the steer-

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

136

4-2. Driving procedures

ing lock function. Operating the power 

switch again automatically cancels the 

steering lock.

●

When the steering lock cannot be 

released, “Push Power Switch while Turn-

ing 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 power switch. After about 10 sec-

onds, the steering lock motor will resume 

functioning.

■

If there is a malfunction in the smart 

access system with push-button start

If “Access System with Elec. Key Malfunc-

tion See Owner’s Manual” is displayed on 

the multi-information display, the system 

may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle 

inspected by your Lexus dealer immedi-

ately.

■

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.59

■

Electronic key battery

P.339

■

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 access system with push-button 

start has been deactivated in a customized 

setting, refer to P.412.

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.

■

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 your Lexus 

dealer immediately.

137

4-2. Driving procedures

4

Driving

1

Stop the vehicle completely.

2

Set the parking brake (

P.146), 

and shift the shift lever to P 
(

P.142).

3

Press the power switch.

4

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.)

1

Off

*

The emergency flashers can be used.

2

ACCESSORY mode

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

3

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 

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.350)

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, press 

the power switch.

Changing power switch modes

138

4-2. Driving procedures

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:

1

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

P.146)

2

Shift the shift lever to P.

3

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

4

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.

●

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.

139

4-2. Driving procedures

4

Driving

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 

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 32°F (0°C) for a long 

period of time etc.

●

The gasoline engine is warming up.

●

The hybrid battery (traction battery) is 

low. 

The remaining battery level indicated in 

the energy monitor display is low. 

(

P.81)

●

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 after a short period of 

time 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 and the EV 

drive mode indicator will flash and go off.

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. 
However, when the vehicle proxim-
ity notification system is active, the 
vehicle may produce sound.

Operating instructions

140

4-2. Driving procedures

●

The hybrid battery (traction battery) 

becomes low. 

The remaining battery level indicated in 

the energy monitor display is low. 

(

P.81)

●

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 0.6 mile (1 km). 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.

■

If “EV Mode Unavailable” is shown on 

the multi-information display

The EV drive mode is not available. The rea-

son the EV drive mode is not available (the 

vehicle is idling, battery charge is low, vehi-

cle speed is higher than the EV drive mode 

operating speed range or accelerator pedal 

is depressed too much) may be displayed. 

Use the EV drive mode when it becomes 

available.

■

If “EV Mode Deactivated” is shown on 

the multi-information display

The EV drive mode has been automatically 

canceled. The reason the EV drive mode is 

not available (the battery charge is low, 

vehicle speed is higher than the EV drive 

mode operating speed range or accelera-

tor pedal is depressed too much) may be 

displayed. Drive the vehicle for a while 

before attempting to turn on the EV drive 

mode again.

WARNING

■

Caution while driving

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. Therefore, take extra 

care while driving even if the vehicle 

proximity notification system is active.

141

4-2. Driving procedures

4

Driving

*1

: To improve fuel efficiency and reduce 

noise, set the shift lever in D for normal 
driving. You can choose shift range suit-
able for your driving situation by oper-
ating the paddle shift switches.

*2

: 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 activated

Even when performing the following 

actions with the intent of enabling engine 

braking, engine braking will not activate 

because radar cruise control with full speed 

range will not be canceled.

●

While driving in the D position or S mode, 

downshifting to 5 or 4. (

P.187)

●

When switching the driving mode to 

sport mode while driving in the D posi-

tion. (

P.202)

■

Restraining sudden start (Drive-Start 

Control)

P.127

■

AI-SHIFT

The AI-SHIFT automatically selects the suit-

able gear according to driver performance 

and driving conditions. 

The AI-SHIFT automatically operates when 

the shift lever is in D. (Shifting the shift lever 

to S cancels the function.)

Hybrid transmission

Select the shift position depending 
on your purpose and situation.

Shift position purpose and func-
tions

Shift posi-

tion

Objective or function

P

Parking the vehicle/starting 

the hybrid system

R

Reversing

N

Neutral

D

Normal driving

*1

S

S mode driving

*2

 (

P.144)

WARNING

■

When driving on slippery road sur-

faces

Do not accelerate or shift gears sud-

denly. 

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.

142

4-2. Driving procedures

 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.

 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. 

Shifting the shift lever

143

4-2. Driving procedures

4

Driving

Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus 

dealer immediately.

The following steps may be used as an 

emergency measure to ensure that the shift 

lever can be shifted.
Releasing the shift lock:

1

If the parking brake is in manual mode, 

set the parking brake. (

P.146)

2

Turn the power switch off.

3

Depress the brake pedal.

4

Press down and release the cup holder 

lid to open.

5

Pry the cover up with a flathead screw-

driver or equivalent tool.

To prevent damage to the cover, cover the 

tip of the screwdriver with a rag.

6

Press and hold the shift lock override 

button and then push the button on the 

shift knob.

The shift lever can be shifted while the but-

ton is pressed

P.202

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.

1

Upshifting

2

Downshifting

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

144

4-2. Driving procedures

The selected shift range, from D1 to D6, 
will be displayed in 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.

1

Upshifting

2

Downshifting

The selected shift range, from S1 to S6, will 
be displayed in the meter.

The initial shift range in S mode is set 
automatically to S5 or S4 according to 
vehicle’s 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 1 to 

4, the shift range may automatically 
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.

Selecting shift ranges in S mode

145

4-2. Driving procedures

4

Driving

■

Downshifting restrictions 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 your Lexus dealer immedi-

ately. (In this situation, the transmission will 

operate in the same manner as when the 

shift lever is in D.)

1

Right turn

2

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

The right hand signals will flash 3 times.

3

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

The left hand signals will flash 3 times.

4

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.

Turn signal lever

Operating instructions

146

4-2. Driving procedures

■

Using the manual mode

The parking brake can be set and 
released manually.

U.S.A.

Canada

1

Push 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.

2

Pull the switch to release the park-
ing brake

• Operate the parking brake switch while 

depressing the brake pedal.

• Using the parking brake automatic 

release function, the parking brake can 
be released by depressing the accelera-
tor pedal. When using this function, 
slowly depress the accelerator pedal.

Make sure that the parking brake indicator 
light turn off.

■

Turning the automatic mode on

While the vehicle is stopped, press and 
hold the parking brake switch until a 
message is shown on the multi-infor-
mation display

When the automatic mode is turned 
on, the parking brake operates as fol-
lows.
 When the shift lever is shifted from 

P, the parking brake will be released, 
and the parking brake indicator light 
will turn off.

 When the shift lever is shifted to P, 

the parking brake will be set, and the 
parking brake indicator light will 
turn on.

Operate the shift lever with the vehicle 
stopped and the brake pedal 
depressed.

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

A
B

147

4-2. Driving procedures

4

Driving

■

Turning the automatic mode off

While the vehicle is stopped, pull and 
hold the parking brake switch until a 
message is shown on the multi-infor-
mation display

■

Parking brake operation

●

When the power switch is not in ON 

mode, the parking brake cannot be 

released using the parking brake switch.

●

When the power switch is not in ON 

mode, automatic mode (automatic brake 

setting and releasing) is not available.

■

Parking brake automatic release func-

tion

●

When the shift lever is shifted from P, the 

parking brake will be released in auto-

matic mode.

●

When all of the following conditions are 

met in manual mode, the parking brake 

can be released by depressing the accel-

erator pedal.

• The driver’s door is closed

• The driver is wearing the seat belt

• The shift lever is in D, S or R

■

If “Parking Brake Temporarily Unavail-

able” is displayed on the multi-informa-

tion display

If the parking brake is operated repeatedly 

over a short period of time, the system may 

restrict operation to prevent overheating. If 

this happens, refrain from operating the 

parking brake. Normal operation will return 

after about 1 minute.

■

If “Parking Brake Unavailable” or “EPB 

Unavailable” is displayed on the multi-

information display

Operate the parking brake switch. If the 

message does not disappear after operat-

ing the switch several times, the system may 

be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle 

inspected by your Lexus dealer.

■

Parking brake operation sound

When the parking brake operates, a motor 

sound (whirring sound) may be heard. This 

does not indicate a malfunction.

■

Parking brake indicator light

●

Depending on the power switch mode, 

the parking brake indicator light will turn 

on and stay on as described below: 

ON mode: Comes on until the parking 

brake is released. 

Not in ON mode: Stays on for approxi-

mately 15 seconds.

●

When the power switch is turned off with 

the parking brake set, the parking brake 

indicator light will stay on for about 15 

seconds. This does not indicate a mal-

function.

■

When the parking brake switch mal-

functions

Automatic mode (automatic brake setting 

and releasing) will be turned on automati-

cally.

■

Parking the vehicle

P.126

■

Parking brake engaged warning buzzer

A buzzer will sound if the vehicle is driven 

with the parking brake engaged. “EPB 

applied” is displayed on the multi-informa-

tion display (with the vehicle reached a 

speed of 3 mph [5 km/h]).

■

If the brake system warning light comes 

on

P.358

■

Usage in winter time

P.242

148

4-2. Driving procedures

Press the brake hold switch to turn the 
system on

The brake hold standby indicator 

 

comes on. While the system is holding the 
brake, the brake hold operated indicator 

 comes on.

■

Brake hold system operating conditions

The brake hold system cannot be turned on 

in the following conditions:

●

The driver’s door is not closed.

●

The driver is not wearing the seat belt.

●

“Parking Brake Unavailable” or “EPB 

Malfunction Visit Your Dealer” is dis-

played on the multi-information display.

If any of the conditions above are detected 

when the brake hold system is enabled, the 

system will turn off and the brake hold 

WARNING

■

When parking the vehicle

Do not leave a child in the vehicle alone. 

The parking brake may be released unin-

tentionally and there is the danger of the 

vehicle moving that may lead to an acci-

dent resulting in death or serious injury.

NOTICE

■

When parking the vehicle

Before you leave the vehicle, shift the 

shift lever to P, set the parking brake and 

make sure that the vehicle does not 

move.

■

When the system malfunctions

Stop the vehicle in a safe place and 

check the warning messages.

■

When the parking brake cannot be 

released due to a malfunction

Driving the vehicle with the parking 

brake set will lead to brake components 

overheating, which may affect braking 

performance and increase brake wear.
Have the vehicle inspected by your 

Lexus dealer immediately if this occurs.

Brake Hold

The brake hold system keeps the 
brake applied when the shift lever is 
in D, S or N with the system on and 
the brake pedal has been 
depressed to stop the vehicle. The 
system releases the brake when the 
accelerator pedal is depressed with 
the shift lever in D or S to allow 
smooth start off.

Enabling the system

A

B

149

4-2. Driving procedures

4

Driving

standby indicator light will go off. In addi-

tion, if any of the conditions are detected 

while the system is holding the brake, a 

warning buzzer will sound and a message 

will be shown on the multi-information dis-

play. The parking brake will then be set 

automatically.

■

Brake hold function

●

If the brake pedal is left released for a 

period of about 3 minutes after the sys-

tem has started holding the brake, the 

parking brake will be set automatically. In 

this case, a warning buzzer sounds and a 

message is shown on the multi-informa-

tion display.

●

To turn the system off while the system is 

holding the brake, firmly depress the 

brake pedal and press the button again.

●

The brake hold function may not hold the 

vehicle when the vehicle is on a steep 

incline. In this situation, it may be neces-

sary for the driver to apply the brakes. A 

warning buzzer will sound and the multi-

information display will inform the driver 

of this situation. If a warning message is 

shown on the multi-information display, 

read the message and follow the instruc-

tions.

■

When the parking brake is set automati-

cally while the system is holding the 

brakes

Perform any of the following operations to 

release the parking brake.

●

Depress the accelerator pedal. (The 

parking brake will not be released auto-

matically if the seat belt is not fastened.)

●

Operate the parking brake switch with 

the brake pedal depressed.

Make sure that the parking brake indicator 

light goes off. (

P.146)

■

When an inspection at your Lexus 

dealer is necessary

When the brake hold standby indicator 

(green) does not illuminate even when the 

brake hold switch is pressed with the brake 

hold system operating conditions met, the 

system may be malfunctioning. Have the 

vehicle inspected at your Lexus dealer.

■

If “Brake Hold Fault Depress Brake to 

Deactivate Visit Your Dealer” or “Brake 

Hold Malfunction Visit Your Dealer” is 

displayed on the multi-information dis-

play

The system may be malfunctioning. Have 

the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer.

■

Warning message and buzzers

Warning messages and buzzers are used to 

indicate a system malfunction or to inform 

the driver of the need for caution. If a warn-

ing message is shown on the multi-informa-

tion display, read the message and follow 

the instructions.

■

If the brake hold operated indicator 

flashes

P.365

WARNING

■

When the vehicle is on a steep incline

When using the brake hold system on a 

steep incline exercise caution. The brake 

hold function may not hold the vehicle in 

such a situation.

■

When stopped on a slippery road

The system cannot stop the vehicle when 

the gripping ability of the tires has been 

exceeded. Do not use the system when 

stopped on a slippery road.

NOTICE

■

When parking the vehicle

The brake hold system is not designed 

for use when parking the vehicle for a 

long period of time. Turning the power 

switch off while the system is holding the 

brake may release the brake, which 

would cause the vehicle to move. When 

operating the power switch, depress the 

brake pedal, shift the shift lever to P and 

set the parking brake.