LEXUS GS 300 (2019 year). Instruction - part 13

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4-1. Before driving

Vehicle load limits

◆

Total load capacity (vehicle capacity weight): 

P. 522

Total load capacity means the combined weight of occupants, cargo and lug-
gage. 

◆

Seating capacity: 5 occupants (Front 2, Rear 3)

Seating capacity means the maximum number of occupants whose estimated
average weight is 150 lb. (68 kg) per person. 

◆

Towing capacity

Lexus does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle. 

◆

Cargo capacity

Cargo capacity may increase or decrease depending on the weight and the
number of occupants. 

■

Total load capacity and seating capacity
These details are also described on the tire and loading information label. (

P. 405)

Vehicle load limits include total load capacity, seating capacity, towing capac-
ity and cargo capacity. 

WARNING

■

Overloading the vehicle
Do not overload the vehicle.

It may not only cause damage to the tires, but also degrade steering and braking ability,

resulting in an accident. 

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4-1. Before driving

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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 wheelchair, scooter, bicycle, etc. Your vehicle is not designed for trailer
towing or for the use of tow hitch mounted carriers.

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4-1. Before driving

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 vehicle
Do not tow your vehicle with the four wheels on the ground.

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4-2. Driving procedures

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Engine (ignition) switch

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

P. 217)

Parking brake indicator will come on.

Check that the shift lever is in P.
Firmly depress the brake pedal.

 and a message (GS F only) will be displayed on the multi-information display.

If it is not displayed, the engine cannot be started.

Press the engine switch shortly and
firmly.

When operating the engine switch, one

short, firm press is enough.

It is not necessary to press and hold the

switch.
The engine will crank until it starts or for

up to 30 seconds, whichever is less.
Continue depressing the brake pedal

until the engine is completely started.
The engine can be started from any

engine switch mode.

Performing the following operations when carrying the electronic key on your
person starts the engine or changes engine switch modes.

Starting the engine

1

2
3

4

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4-2. Driving procedures

Stop the vehicle.
Set the parking brake (

P. 217), and shift the shift lever to P.

Press the engine switch.
Release the brake pedal and check that “POWER ON” on the multi-informa-
tion display is off.

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

*

The emergency flashers can be used.
“POWER ON” will not be displayed on

the multi-information display.

ACCESSORY mode

Some electrical components such as the

audio system can be used.
“POWER ON” will be displayed on the

multi-information display.

IGNITION ON mode

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

multi-information display.

*

: If the shift lever is in a position other than P when turning off the engine, the engine

switch will be turned to ACCESSORY mode, not to off.

Stopping the engine

Changing engine switch modes

1

2
3
4

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4-2. Driving procedures

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If the engine is stopped with the shift lever in a position other than P, the engine
switch will not be turned off but instead be turned to ACCESSORY mode. Per-
form the following procedure to turn the switch off:

Check that the parking brake is set.
Shift the shift lever to P.
Check that “Turn Off Vehicle” is displayed on the multi-information display
and then press the engine switch once.
Check that “Turn Off Vehicle” on the multi-information display is off.

■

Auto power off function
If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY mode for more than 20 minutes or IGNITION ON

mode (the engine is not running) for more than an hour with the shift lever in P, the engine

switch will automatically turn off. However, this function cannot entirely prevent battery

discharge. Do not leave the vehicle with the engine switch in ACCESSORY or IGNI-

TION ON mode for long periods of time when the engine is not running.

■

Electronic key battery depletion
P. 140

■

Conditions affecting operation
P. 158

■

Notes for the entry function
P. 159

■

If the engine does not start

●

The engine immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. (

P. 77) 

Contact your Lexus dealer.

●

Check that the shift lever is securely set in P. The engine may not start if the shift lever is

displaced out of P. “Shift to P position to Start” will be displayed on the multi-information

display.

■

Steering lock
After turning the engine switch off and opening and closing the doors, the steering wheel

will be locked due to the steering lock function. Operating the engine switch again auto-

matically cancels the steering lock.

■

When the steering lock cannot be released

When stopping the engine with the shift lever in a position other than P

“Steering Lock active” will be displayed on the

multi-information display. 
Check that the shift lever is set in P. Press the

engine switch while turning the steering wheel

left and right.

1

2
3

4

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4-2. Driving procedures

■

Steering lock motor overheating prevention
To prevent the steering lock motor from overheating, the motor may be suspended if the

engine is turned on and off repeatedly in a short period of time. In this case, refrain from

operating the engine. After about 10 seconds, the steering lock motor will resume func-

tioning.

■

When “Check Access System with Elec. Key” will be displayed on the multi-informa-

tion display
The system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer

immediately.

■

If the electronic key battery is depleted
P. 412

■

Operation of the engine switch

●

If the switch is not pressed shortly and firmly, the engine switch mode may not change

or the engine may not start.

●

If attempting to restart the engine immediately after turning the engine switch off, the

engine may not start in some cases. After turning the engine switch off, please wait a

few seconds before restarting the engine.

■

If the smart access system with push-button start has been deactivated in a customized

setting
P. 504

WARNING

■

When starting the engine
Always start the engine while sitting in the driver’s seat. Do not depress the accelerator

pedal while starting the engine under any circumstances.

Doing so may cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.

■

Caution while driving
If engine 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 cir-

cumstance may lead to an accident, resulting in death or serious injury.

■

Stopping the engine in an emergency
If you want to stop the engine in an emergency while driving the vehicle, press and hold

the engine switch for more than 2 seconds, or press it briefly 3 times or more in succes-

sion. (

P. 427)

However, do not touch the engine switch while driving except in an emergency. Turning

the engine off while driving will not cause loss of steering or braking control, but the

power assist to these systems will be lost. This will make it more difficult to steer and

brake, so you should pull over and stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.

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4-2. Driving procedures

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NOTICE

■

To prevent battery discharge

●

Do not leave the engine switch in ACCESSORY or IGNITION ON mode for long

periods of time without the engine running.

●

If “POWER ON” is displayed on the multi-information display, the engine switch is

not off. Exit the vehicle after turning the engine switch off.

●

Do not stop the engine when the shift lever is in a position other than P. If the engine is

stopped in another shift lever position, the engine switch will not be turned off but

instead  be  turned  to  ACCESSORY  mode.  If  the  vehicle  is  left  in  ACCESSORY

mode, battery discharge may occur.

■

When starting the engine

●

Do not race a cold engine.

●

If the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls frequently, have your vehicle checked

by your Lexus dealer immediately.

■

Symptoms indicating a malfunction with the engine switch
If the engine switch seems to be operating somewhat differently than usual, such as the

switch sticking slightly, there may be a malfunction. Contact your Lexus dealer immedi-

ately.

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4-2. Driving procedures

Automatic transmission

While the engine switch is in IGNITION 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 com-

pletely stopped. 

*

1

: To improve fuel efficiency and reduce noises, set the shift lever in D for normal driving.

*

2

: Any gear range can be fixed when driving in M mode.

Shifting the shift lever

Shift position purpose

Shift position

Objective or function

P

Parking the vehicle/starting the engine

R

Reversing

N

Neutral (Condition in which the power is not transmitted)

D

Normal driving

*

1

M

M mode driving

*

2

 (

P. 211)

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4-2. Driving procedures

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■

Sport mode/Eco drive mode
P. 281

■

Snow mode
Snow mode can be selected to suit the conditions when driving on slippery
road surfaces, such as on snow.
Press the switch.

Press the switch again to return to

normal mode.

*

1

: Except F SPORT models of GS350/

GS300, and GS F

*

2

: F SPORT models of GS350/

GS300

Selecting the driving mode

*

1

*

2

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4-2. Driving procedures

To drive using temporary shift range selection, operate the “-” or “+” paddle shift
switch. 
When the “-” paddle shift switch is operated, the shift range will be downshifted
to a range that enables engine braking force that is suitable to driving conditions.
When the “+” paddle shift switch is operated, the shift range will be one gear
upper than the gear in use during normal D position driving. 
Changing the shift range allows restriction of the highest shift gear, preventing
unnecessary upshifting and enabling the level of engine braking force to be
selected. 

Upshifting
Downshifting

6-speed models: The selected shift range, from D1 to D6, will be displayed in the

meter.
8-speed models: The selected shift range, from D1 to D8, will be displayed in the

meter.
To return to normal D position driving, the “+” paddle shift switch must be held down

for a period of time.

■

Shift ranges and their functions

A lower shift range will provide greater engine braking forces than a higher shift

range.

Selecting shift ranges in the D position



GS350/GS300



GS F

1

2

Meter display

Function

6-speed 

models

8-speed 

models

D2 - D6

D2 - D8

A gear in the range between 1 and the selected gear is 

automatically chosen depending on vehicle speed and 

driving conditions

D1

Setting the gear at 1

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4-2. Driving procedures

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To enter M mode, shift the shift lever to M. Gears can then be selected by oper-
ating the shift lever or paddle shift switches, allowing you to drive in the gear of
your choosing.

Upshifting
Downshifting

The gear changes once every time the shift lever or paddle shift switch is operated.
6-speed models: The selected gear, from M1 to M6, will be fixed and displayed in the

meter.
8-speed models: The selected gear, from M1 to M8, will be fixed and displayed in the

meter.

Selecting gears in the M position



GS350/GS300



GS F

1

2

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4-2. Driving procedures

When in the M position, the gear will not change unless the shift lever or paddle
shift switches are operated. 
However, even when in the M position, the gears will be automatically changed in
the following situation:

●

When vehicle speed drops (downshift only).

●

When the automatic transmission fluid or engine coolant temperature is low.

●

GS350/GS300: When automatic transmission fluid temperature is high.

●

GS350/GS300: When the needle of the tachometer is in the red zone (the
range which exceeds the allowable revs of the engine).

In the following situations, the gear will not shift even if the shift lever or paddle
shift switches are operated.

●

“Slippery Road. Cannot Shift to Lower Gear.” is displayed on the multi-infor-
mation display.

●

The vehicle speed is low (upshift only).

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4-2. Driving procedures

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■

Automatic deactivation of shift range selection in the D position
Shift range selection in the D position will be deactivated in the following situations:

●

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 other than D

■

To protect automatic transmission
When the temperature of the transmission fluid becomes high, protection control is per-

formed temporarily. When “Transmission Fluid Temp High See Owner’s Manual” is dis-

played on the multi-information display, have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer.

■

Downshifting restrictions warning buzzer
To help ensure safety and driving performance, downshifting operation may sometimes

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.)

■

Snow mode automatic deactivation
Snow mode is automatically deactivated if the engine switch is turned off after driving in

snow mode.

■

When driving with cruise control or 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 cruise control or dynamic radar cruise control

with full-speed range will not be canceled.

●

6-speed models: While driving in the D position, downshifting to 5 or 4. 

(

P. 266, 278)

8-speed models: While driving in the D position, downshifting to 7, 6, 5 or 4. 

(

P. 266, 278)

●

When switching the driving mode to sport mode while driving in D position. (

P. 281)

■

Restraining sudden start (Drive-Start Control)

●

When the following unusual operation is performed, the engine output may be

restrained.
• When the shift lever is shifted from R to D, D to R, N to R, P to D, or P to R (D

includes M) with the accelerator pedal depressed, a warning message appears on

the multi-information display. (

P. 444)

• When the accelerator pedal is depressed too much while the vehicle is in reverse.

■

Shift lock system
The shift lock system is a system to prevent accidental operation of the shift lever in start-

ing.

The shift lever can be shifted from P only when the engine switch is in IGNITION ON

mode and the brake pedal is being depressed.

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4-2. Driving procedures

■

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 with your foot on the brake pedal, there may be a prob-

lem with the shift lock system. Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immedi-

ately.

The following steps may be used as an emergency measure to ensure that the shift lever

can be shifted.
Releasing the shift lock:

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

P. 217)

Parking brake indicator will come on.
Turn the engine switch to off.
Depress the brake pedal.

■

AI-SHIFT

●

The AI-SHIFT automatically selects the suitable 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 the M position cancels the function.)

●

8-speed models: G AI-SHIFT automatically selects a suitable gear for sporty driving

according to driver’s input and driving conditions. G AI-SHIFT operates automatically

when the shift lever is in D and sport mode is selected for the driving mode. (Selecting

normal mode with the driving mode select switch or shifting the shift lever to the M

position cancels this function.)

Pry the cover up with a flathead screwdriver

or equivalent tool.
To prevent damage to the cover, cover the tip

of the screwdriver with a rag.

Press the shift lock override button.
The shift lever can be shifted while the button

is pressed.

1

2
3
4

5

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WARNING

■

When driving on slippery road surfaces
Be careful of downshifting and sudden acceleration, as this could result in the vehicle

skidding to the side or spinning.

■

To prevent an accident when releasing 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 depress 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, possibly leading to an accident resulting in death or serious injury.