Lexus ES: Power (ignition) switch

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

Starting the hybrid system

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

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 cannot be started.

4. Press the power switch shortly and firmly.

When operating the power switch, one short, firm press is enough. It is not necessary 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 ACCESSORY or ON mode to off, the power switch illumination slowly blinks.
• When depressing the brake pedal with carrying the electronic key on your person, the power switch illumination rapidly blinks.
• When the power switch is in ACCESSORY or ON mode, the power switch illumination illuminates.

■If the hybrid system does not start

• The immobilizer system may not have been deactivated.

  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.

■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.390 to restart the hybrid system.

■Steering lock function

• After turning the power switch off and opening and closing the doors, the steering wheel will be locked due to the steering lock function. Operating the power switch again automatically cancels the steering lock.
• When the steering lock cannot be released, "Push Power Switch while Turning 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 suspended 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 seconds, 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 Malfunction See Owner's Manual" is displayed on the multi-information display, the system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer 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 vehicle, contact your Lexus dealer immediately.

■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.

WARNING

■When starting the hybrid system Always start the hybrid system while sitting 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 resulting 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 operating somewhat differently than usual, such as the switch sticking slightly, there may be a malfunction. Contact your Lexus dealer immediately.

Stopping the hybrid system

1. Stop the vehicle completely.

2. Set the parking brake, and shift the shift lever to P.

3. Press the power switch.

4. Release the brake pedal and check that "ACCESSORY" or "IGNITION ON" is not shown on the meter.

■Automatic hybrid system shut off feature

• The vehicle is equipped with a feature that automatically shuts off the hybrid system when the shift lever is in P with the hybrid system operating for an extended period.
• The hybrid system will automatically shut off after approximately 1 hour if it has been left running while the shift lever is in P.
• The timer for the automatic hybrid system shut off feature will reset if the brake pedal is depressed or if the shift lever is in a position other than P.
• After the vehicle is parked, if the door is locked with the door lock switch from the inside or the mechanical key from the outside, the automatic hybrid system shut off feature will be disabled.

  The timer for the automatic hybrid system shut off feature will be re-enabled if the driver's door is opened.

■Locking the door from outside with the hybrid system operating

1. With the driver's door open, pull the driver's door handle and insert the mechanical key.

2. Turn the mechanical key counterclockwise.

3. Pull out the mechanical key and close the door.

WARNING

■Stopping the hybrid system in an emergency

• If you want to stop the hybrid system in an emergency while driving the vehicle, press and hold the power switch for more than 2 seconds, or press it briefly 3 times or more in succession.

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

  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 message will be shown on the multi-information display and a buzzer sounds.
• When restarting the hybrid system after an emergency shutdown, press the power switch.

WARNING

■When parking Exhaust gases include harmful carbon monoxide (CO), which is colorless and odorless. Observe the following precautions.

Failure to do so may cause exhaust gases to enter the vehicle and may lead to an accident caused by light-headedness, or may lead to death or a serious health hazard.

• If the vehicle is in a poorly ventilated area or a closed area, such as a garage, stop the hybrid system.
• Do not leave the vehicle with the hybrid system operating for a long time. If such a situation cannot be avoided, park the vehicle in an open space and ensure that exhaust fumes do not enter the vehicle interior.
• Do not leave the hybrid system operating in an area with snow build-up, or where it is snowing. If snowbanks build up around the vehicle while the hybrid system is operating, exhaust gases may collect and enter the vehicle.

Changing power switch modes

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 ACCESSORY 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 prevent the 12-volt battery discharge. Do not leave the vehicle with the power switch in ACCESSORY or ON mode for long periods of time when the hybrid system is not operating.

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

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 procedure to turn the switch off:

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

2. Shift the shift lever to P.

3. Check that "Turn Power Off" is displayed on the multi-information display and then press the power switch once.

4. Check that "Turn Power Off" on the multi-information display is off.

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 system 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.

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