Hybrid system

Your vehicle is a hybrid vehicle. It has characteristics different from conventional
vehicles. Be sure you are closely familiar with the characteristics
of your vehicle, and operate with care.
The hybrid system combines the use of a gasoline engine and an electric
motor (traction motor) according to driving conditions, improving fuel efficiency
and reducing exhaust emissions.

1. Gasoline engine.
2. Front electric motor (Traction motor).
3. Rear electric motor (Traction motor)*.
*: AWD models only.

When stopped/during start-off

The gasoline engine stops when the vehicle is stopped. During startoff,
the electric motor (traction motor) drives the vehicle. At slow
speeds or when traveling down a gentle slope, the engine is stopped
and the motor is used.

During normal driving

The gasoline engine is predominantly used. The electric motor
(traction motor) charges the hybrid battery as necessary.

When accelerating sharply
The power of the hybrid battery (traction battery) is added to that of
the gasoline engine via the electric motor (traction motor).

When braking (regenerative braking)
The electric motor (traction motor) charges the hybrid battery
(traction battery).

Regenerative braking

In the following situations, kinetic energy is converted to electric energy and deceleration
force can be obtained in conjunction with the recharging of the hybrid battery
(traction battery).
The accelerator pedal is released.
The brake pedal is depressed with the shift lever in D or S.

Conditions in which the gasoline engine may not stop

The gasoline engine starts and stops automatically. However, it may not stop automatically
in the following conditions:
During gasoline engine warm-up.
During hybrid battery (traction battery) charging.
When the temperature of the hybrid battery (traction battery) is high or low.
When the heater is switched on.

Charging the battery

l As the gasoline engine charges the hybrid battery (traction battery), the battery
does not need to be charged from an outside source. However, if the vehicle is
left parked for a long time the hybrid battery will slowly discharge. For this reason,
be sure to drive the vehicle at least once every few months for at least 30
minutes. If the hybrid battery becomes fully discharged and you are unable to
jump-start the vehicle with the 12-volt battery, contact your Lexus dealer.
If the shift lever is in N, the hybrid battery (traction battery) will not be charged.
Always put the shift lever in P when the vehicle is stopped. When driving in
heavy traffic, operate the vehicle with the shift lever in D or S to avoid discharging
the battery.

After the 12-volt battery has discharged or has been changed or removed

The gasoline engine may not stop even if the vehicle is running on the hybrid battery
(traction battery). If this continues for a few days, contact your Lexus dealer.

Sounds and vibrations specific to a hybrid vehicle

There may be no engine sounds or vibration even though the vehicle is able to
move. Always shift the shift lever to P when parked.
The following sounds or vibrations may occur when the hybrid system is operating,
and are not a malfunction:
Motor sounds may be heard from the engine compartment.
Sounds may be heard from the hybrid battery (traction battery) under the rear
seat when the hybrid system starts or stops.
Sounds from the hybrid system may be heard when the back door is open.
Sounds may be heard from the hybrid transmission when the engine is started
or stopped, or while the engine is idling.
Engine sounds may be heard when accelerating sharply.
Sounds may be heard due to regenerative braking when the brake pedal is
depressed and accelerator is loosened.
Vibration may be felt when the gasoline engine starts or stops.
Cooling fan sounds may be heard from the air intake vents under the rear seat.

Maintenance, repair, recycling, and disposal

Contact your Lexus dealer regarding maintenance, repair, recycling and disposal.
Do not dispose of the vehicle yourself.

Take care when handling the hybrid system, as it contains a high voltage
system (about 650V at maximum) as well as parts that become extremely
hot when the hybrid system is operating. Obey the caution labels attached
to the vehicle.

Hybrid system precautions

Take care when handling the hybrid system, as it contains a high voltage
system (about 650V at maximum) as well as parts that become extremely
hot when the hybrid system is operating. Obey the caution labels attached
to the vehicle.

*: AWD models only
1. Air conditioning compressor.
2. High voltage cables (orange).
3. Power control unit with DC/
DC converter.
4. Hybrid battery (traction battery).
5. Rear electric motor (traction
motor)*.
6. Service plug.
7. Front electric motor (traction
motor).
8. Caution label.

Hybrid battery air vents

There are air intake vents under
the rear seats for the purpose of
cooling the hybrid battery (traction
battery). If the vents become
blocked, the hybrid battery may
overheat, leading to a reduction in
hybrid battery output.

Emergency shut off system

When a certain level of impact is detected by the impact sensor, the
emergency shut off system blocks off the high voltage current and stops
the fuel pump to minimize the risk of electrocution and fuel leakage. If the
emergency shut off system activates, your vehicle will not restart. To
restart the hybrid system, contact your Lexus dealer.

Hybrid warning message

A message is automatically displayed when a malfunction occurs in the
hybrid system or an improper operation is attempted.

If a warning message is shown on
the multi-information display, read
the message and follow the
instructions.

If a warning light comes on, a warning message is displayed, or the 12-volt battery
is disconnected

The hybrid system may not start. In that case, try to start the system again. If the
“READY” indicator does not come on, contact your Lexus dealer.

When refueling, the fuel filler door may take a few moments to open

As part of emission system operation, it may take up to 10 seconds for the fuel filler
door to automatically release after the opener switch is pressed. Before refueling is
possible, a message will be shown on the multi-information display.

Electromagnetic waves

High voltage parts and cables on the hybrid vehicles incorporate electromagnetic
shielding, and therefore emit approximately the same amount of electromagnetic
waves as conventional gasoline powered vehicles or home electronic
appliances.
Your vehicle may cause sound interference in some third party-produced radio
parts.
Consult your Lexus dealer before installing or removing third party-produced
radio parts.

Hybrid battery (traction battery)

The hybrid battery (traction battery) has a limited service life. The lifespan of the
hybrid battery (traction battery) can change in accordance with driving style and
driving conditions.

Running out of fuel

When the vehicle has run out of fuel and the hybrid system cannot be started, refuel
the vehicle with at least enough gasoline to make the low fuel level warning light
 go off. If there is only a small amount of fuel, the hybrid system may not
be able to start. (The minimum amount of fuel to add to make the low fuel level
warning light go out is about 2.7 gal. [10.1 L, 2.2 Imp. gal.] when the vehicle is on a
level surface. This value may vary when the vehicle is on a slope.)

CAUTION:
High voltage and high temperature precautions
The vehicle has high voltage DC and AC systems as well as a 12-volt system. DC
and AC high voltage is very dangerous and can cause severe burns and electric
shock that may result in death or serious injury.
Never touch, disassemble, remove or replace the high voltage parts, cables and
their connectors.
The hybrid system will become hot after starting as the system uses high voltage.
Be careful of both the high voltage and the high temperature, and always obey
the caution labels attached to the vehicle.

Never try to open the service plug access
hole located under the rear seat. The service
plug is used only when the vehicle is
serviced and is subject to high voltage.
Road accident cautions
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of death or serious injury:
Pull your vehicle off the road, shift the shift lever to P, apply the parking brake, and
turn the hybrid system off.
Do not touch the high voltage parts, cables and connectors.
If electric wires are exposed inside or outside your vehicle, an electric shock may
occur. Never touch exposed electric wires.
If a fluid leak occurs, do not touch it as it may be strong alkaline electrolyte from
the hybrid battery (traction battery). If it comes into contact with your skin or
eyes, wash it off immediately with a large amount of water or, if possible, boric
acid solution. Seek immediate medical attention.
If a fire occurs in the hybrid vehicle, leave the vehicle as soon as possible. Never
use a fire extinguisher that is not meant for electric fires. Using even a small
amount of water may be dangerous.

CAUTION:
If your vehicle needs to be towed, do so with all front wheels (for 2WD models) or
four wheels (for AWD models) raised. If the wheels connected to the electric
motor (traction motor) are on the ground when towing, the motor may continue
to generate electricity. This may cause an electricity leakage leading to a fire.
Carefully inspect the ground under the vehicle. If you find that liquid has leaked
onto the ground, the fuel system may have been damaged. Leave the vehicle as
soon as possible.
Nickel-metal hydride battery
Your vehicle contains a sealed nickel-metal hydride battery. If disposed of improperly,
it is hazardous to the environment and there is a risk of severe burns and electrical
shock that may result in death or serious injury.
Emergency shut off system
Carefully check to see if there are exposed high voltage parts or cables. Never
touch the parts or cables.

NOTICE:
Hybrid battery air vents
Do not put foreign objects over the air vents. The hybrid battery (traction battery)
may overheat or lose power and be damaged.
Clean the air vents regularly to prevent the hybrid battery (traction battery) from
overheating.
Do not wet or allow foreign substances to enter the air vents as this may cause a
short circuit and damage the hybrid battery (traction battery).
Do not carry large amounts of water such as an aquarium into the vehicle. If water
spills onto the hybrid battery (traction battery), the battery may be damaged.
Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer.

Energy monitor/consumption screen

You can view the status of your hybrid system on the multi-information display
and the navigation system screen.

1. Navigation system screen (if
equipped).
2. Multi-information display.

Remote Touch*
1. “MENU” button.
2. Remote Touch knob.
3. “ENTER” button.
*: For use of the Remote Touch,
refer to “Navigation System
Owner's Manual”.

Energy monitor

- Navigation system (if equipped)

Press the “MENU” button.

Select on the screen
and press the “ENTER” button on
the Remote Touch.

Select and press the
“ENTER” button.
If the or
screen is displayed, select
and press the “ENTER” button.

- Multi-information display

Toggle the “ENTER” switch on the
steering wheel upward or downward
through several items to
select the energy monitor display.

These images are examples only, and may vary slightly from actual conditions.

Consumption (vehicles with a navigation system)

1. Press the “MENU” button and select .
2. Select and press the “ENTER” button.
If the screen does not appear, select and
press the “ENTER” button.

1. Fuel consumption in the past 30
minutes.
2. Regenerated energy in the past
30 minutes.
One symbol indicates 50 Wh. Up
to 4 symbols are shown.
3. Cruising range.

Past record (vehicles with a navigation system)

1. Press the “MENU” button and select .
2. Select and push the “ENTER” button.
If the screen does not appear, select and
press the “ENTER” button.

1. Best past fuel consumption.
2. Average fuel consumption.

These images are examples only, and may vary slightly from actual conditions.

Resetting the consumption data

Selecting on the screen will reset the fuel consumption and
the regenerated energy for the past 30 minutes. Selecting on the
screen will reset the past records. Selecting will confirm
resetting of all the data (except cruising range).

Hybrid vehicle driving tips

For economical and ecological driving, pay attention to the following
points:

Use of the Hybrid System Indicator

More fuel efficient driving is possible by keeping the indicate of the Hybrid
System Indicator within the Eco area.

When braking the vehicle

Make sure to operate the brakes gently and in good time. A greater
amount of electrical energy can be retained when slowing down.

Delays

Repeated acceleration and deceleration, as well as long waits at traffic
lights, will lead to bad fuel consumption. Check traffic reports before leaving
and avoid delays as much as possible. When encountering a delay,
gently release the brake pedal to allow the vehicle to move forward slightly
while avoiding overuse of the accelerator pedal. Doing so can help control
excessive gasoline consumption.

Highway driving

Control your speed and keep at a constant speed. Also, before stopping at
a tool booth or similar, allow plenty of time to release the accelerator and
gently apply the brakes. A greater amount of electrical energy can be
retained when slowing down.

Air conditioning

Use the air conditioning only when necessary. Doing so can help control
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 engine will not automatically cut out until
the gasoline engine and the interior 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 consumption. Use a tire that is appropriate for
the season.

Luggage

Carrying heavy luggage can lead to poor fuel consumption. Avoid carrying
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 unnecessary. Moreover, frequently driving short
distances will cause the engine to repeatedly warm up, which can lead to
poor fuel consumption.