66
1-4. Hybrid system
the electric motor (traction motor).
■ When braking (regenerative brak-
ing)
The wheels operate the electric motor
(traction motor) as a power generator,
and the hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery) is charged.
■ Regenerative braking
In the following situations, kinetic energy is
converted to electric energy and decelera-
tion force can be obtained in conjunction
with the recharging of the hybrid battery
(traction battery).
● The accelerator pedal is released while
driving with the shift position in D or M.
● The brake pedal is depressed while driv-
ing with the shift position in D or M.
■ Conditions in which the gasoline engine
may not stop
The gasoline engine starts and stops auto-
matically. However, in any of the following
situations, it may not stop automatically,
possibly reducing fuel economy
*
:
● During gasoline engine warm-up
● During hybrid battery (traction battery)
charging
● When the temperature of the hybrid bat-
tery (traction battery) is high or low
● When the heater is switched on
● When repeatedly accelerating/deceler-
ating rapidly
● When repeatedly operating the hybrid
system for a long time
● When driving down a long slope
● When the hood is opened during
“READY” indicator is illuminated
*
: Depending on the circumstances, the
gasoline engine may also not stop auto-
matically in other situations.
■ Charging the hybrid battery (traction
battery)
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
(traction battery) will slowly discharge. For
this reason, be sure to drive the vehicle at
least once every few months for at least 30
minutes or 10 miles (16 km). If the hybrid
battery (traction battery) becomes fully dis-
charged and you are unable to start the
hybrid system, contact your Lexus dealer.
■ Charging the 12-volt battery
P.648
■ After the 12-volt battery has discharged
or when the terminal has been removed
and installed during exchange, etc.
The gasoline engine may not stop even if
the vehicle is being driven by the hybrid
battery (traction battery). If this continues
for a few days, contact your Lexus dealer.
■ Sounds and vibrations specific to a
Hybrid Electric Vehicle
Because there is no engine sound or vibra-
tion, it is easy to mistake the Hybrid Electric
Vehicle for being off when it is actually still
running, as indicated by the “READY” indi-
cator being illuminated. For safety, make
sure to always shift the shift position to P
and apply the parking brake 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) behind the rear
seats when the hybrid system starts or
stops.
● Relay operating sounds such as a snap or
soft clank will be emitted from the hybrid
battery (traction battery), under the lug-
gage compartment (vehicles without
third seats) or third seats (vehicles with
third seats), when the hybrid system is
started or stopped.
● Sounds from the hybrid system may be
heard when the back door is open.
● Sounds may be heard from the transmis-
sion when the gasoline engine starts or
To Next Page
Loading...
