174
4-2. Driving procedures
LS500h_OM_OM50F42U_(U)
*1
: To improve fuel efficiency and reduce
noise, set the shift position in D for nor-
mal driving. You can choose gear range
suitable for your driving situation by
operating the paddle shift switches.
*2
: Any gear range can be fixed when driv-
ing in M mode.
■ For the shift positions
● When the power switch is off or in
ACCESSORY mode, the shift position
cannot be changed.
● When the power switch is in ON mode
(the hybrid system is not operating), the
shift position can only be changed to N.
● When the “READY” indicator is on, the
shift position can be changed from P to D,
N or R.
● When the “READY” indicator is flashing,
the shift position cannot be changed from
P to another position even if the shift lever
is operated. Wait until the “READY” indi-
cator changes from a flashing to a solid
light, and then operate the shift lever
again.
● The shift position can only be changed to
M directly from D.
In addition, if an attempt is made to change
the shift position by moving the shift lever or
by pressing the P position switch in any of
the following situations, the buzzer will
sound and the shifting operation will be dis-
abled or the shift position will automatically
change to N. When this happens, select an
appropriate shift position.
● Situations where the shifting operation
will be disabled:
• When an attempt is made to change the
shift position from P to another position
by moving the shift lever without depress-
ing the brake pedal.
• When an attempt is made to change the
shift position from P or N to M by moving
the shift lever.
• When the P position switch is pressed
while the vehicle is running.
*1
● Situations where the shift position will
automatically change to N:
• When an attempt is made to select the R
position by moving the shift lever when
the vehicle is moving forward.
*2
• When an attempt is made to select the D
position by moving the shift lever when
the vehicle is moving in reverse.
*3
• When the shift position is changed from
R to M
● If N is selected while driving at a certain
speed, even if the shift lever is not held in
the N position, the shift position changes
to N. In this situation, the buzzer sounds
and a confirmation message is displayed
on the multi-information display to inform
the driver that the shift position has
changed to N.
*1
: Shift position may be changed to P
when driving at extremely low speeds.
*2
: Shift position may be changed to R
when driving at low speeds.
*3
: Shift position may be changed to D
when driving at low speeds.
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 (Condition in which
the power is not transmitted)
D
Normal driving
*1
M
M mode driving
*2
(→P.179)