Lexus HS250h Hybrid 2010 User manual

Hybrid
2010 Model
© 2009 Toyota Motor Corporation
All rights reserved. This document may not be
altered without the written permission of Toyota Motor Corporation.
10 Lexus HS250h ERG REV – (06/22/09)

-i-
Foreword
In July 2009, Lexus released the 2010 Lexus HS250h gasoline-electric
hybrid vehicle in North America. To educate and assist emergency
responders in the safe handling of the HS250h hybrid technology,
Lexus published this HS250h Emergency Response Guide.
High voltage electricity powers the electric motor, generator, air
conditioning compressor and inverter/converter. All other automotive
electrical devices such as the headlights, radio, and gauges are powered
from a separate 12 Volt auxiliary battery. Numerous safeguards have
been designed into the HS250h to help ensure the high voltage,
approximately 244.8 Volt, Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) Hybrid
Vehicle (HV) battery pack is kept safe and secure in an accident.
The HS250h utilizes the following electrical systems:
•Maximum 650 Volts AC
•Nominal 244.8 Volts DC
•Nominal 12 Volts DC
HS250h Features:
•A boost converter in the inverter/converter that boosts the available
voltage to the electric motor to 650 Volts.
•A high voltage Hybrid Vehicle (HV) battery pack rated at 244.8
Volts.
•A high voltage motor driven Air Conditioning (A/C) compressor
rated at 244.8 Volts.
•A body electrical system rated at 12 Volts, negative chassis ground.
•Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) - dual stage frontal airbags,
front knee airbags, front seat and rear seat side airbags, side curtain
airbags and front and rear seat belt pretensioners.
High voltage electrical safety remains an important factor in the
emergency handling of the HS250h Lexus Hybrid Drive. It is
important to recognize and understand the disabling procedures and
warnings throughout the guide.
Additional topics in the guide include:
•HS250h identification.
•Major Lexus Hybrid Drive component locations and descriptions.
•Extrication, fire, recovery, and additional emergency response
information.
•Roadside assistance information.
2010 Model Year HS250h
This guide is intended to assist emergency responders in the safe
handling of an HS250h vehicle during an incident.
NOTE:
Emergency Response Guides for Lexus hybrid vehicles may be viewed at
http://techinfo.lexus.com.

-ii-
Table of Contents Page
About the HS250h 1
HS250h Identification 2
Lexus Hybrid Drive Component Locations & Descriptions 5
Smart Key System 8
Electronic Gearshift Selector 10
Lexus Hybrid Drive Operation 11
Hybrid Vehicle (HV) Battery Pack 12
Low Voltage Battery 13
High Voltage Safety 14
SRS Airbags & Seat Belt Pretensioners 15
Emergency Response 17
Extrication 17
Fire 24
Overhaul 25
Recovering/Recycling of NiMH HV Battery Pack 25
Spills 26
First Aid 26
Submersion 27
Roadside Assistance 28

-1-
About the HS250h
The HS250h sedan joins the LS 600h L, RX 450h and GS 450h as a
hybrid model for Lexus. Lexus Hybrid Drive means that the vehicle
contains a gasoline engine and an electric motor for power. The two
hybrid power sources are stored on board the vehicle:
1. Gasoline stored in the fuel tank for the gasoline engine.
2. Electricity stored in a high voltage Hybrid Vehicle (HV) battery pack
for the electric motor.
The result of combining these two power sources is improved fuel
economy and reduced emissions. The gasoline engine also powers an
electric generator to recharge the battery pack; unlike a pure all electric
vehicle, the HS250h never needs to be recharged from an external
electric power source.
Depending on the driving conditions one or both sources are used to
power the vehicle. The following illustration demonstrates how the
HS250h operates in various driving modes.
During light acceleration at low speeds, the vehicle is powered by
the electric motor. The gasoline engine is shut off.
During normal driving, the vehicle is powered mainly by the
gasoline engine. The gasoline engine also powers the generator to
recharge the battery pack.
During full acceleration, such as climbing a hill, both the gasoline
engine and the electric motor power the vehicle.
During deceleration, such as when braking, the vehicle regenerates
kinetic energy from the front wheels to produce electricity that
recharges the battery pack.
While the vehicle is stopped, the gasoline engine and electric motor
are off, however the vehicle remains on and operational.

-2-
HS250h Identification
In appearance, the 2010 model year HS250h is a 4-door sedan. Exterior,
interior, and engine compartment illustrations are provided to assist in
identification.
The alphanumeric 17 character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is
provided in the front windshield cowl and on the driver side B pillar.
Example VIN: JTHBB1BAA82020211
An HS250h is identified by the first 8 alphanumeric characters
JTHBB1BA.
Driver Side Windshield Cowl and Driver Side B Pillar
Exterior
and logos on the trunk door.
logos on the rear door moldings.
Gasoline fuel filler door located on driver side rear quarter panel.
Exterior Driver Side View
Exterior Front and Rear View
Exterior Rear and Driver Side View









-3-
HS250h Identification (Continued)
Interior
Instrument cluster (speedometer, power meter, READY light, shift position
indicators, warning lights) located in the dash behind the steering wheel.
In place of a tachometer, a power meter is used to show power output.
NOTE:
If the vehicle is shut off, the instrument cluster gauges will be “blacked
out”, not illuminated.
Interior View
Instrument Cluster View




-4-
HS250h Identification (Continued)
Engine Compartment
2.4-liter aluminum alloy gasoline engine.
Logo on the plastic engine cover.
Engine Compartment View



-5-
Lexus Hybrid Drive Component Locations & Descriptions
Component
Location
Description
12 Volt 
Auxiliary
Battery
Trunk Passenger
Side and Behind
Rear Seat
A lead-acid battery that supplies power to
the low voltage devices.
Hybrid 
Vehicle (HV)
Battery Pack
Trunk Area,
Mounted to Cross
Member and
Behind Rear Seat
244.8 Volt Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH)
battery pack consisting of 34 low voltage
(7.2 Volt) modules connected in series.
Power 
Cables
Undercarriage
and Engine
Compartment
Orange colored power cables carry high
voltage Direct Current (DC) between the
HV battery pack, inverter/converter, and
A/C compressor. These cables also carry 3-
phase Alternating Current (AC) between the
inverter/converter, electric motor, and
generator.
Inverter/
Converter 
Engine
Compartment
Boosts and inverts the high voltage
electricity from the HV battery pack to 3-
phase AC electricity that drives the electric
motor. The inverter/converter also converts
AC electricity from the electric generator
and electric motor (regenerative braking) to
DC that recharges the HV battery pack.
Gasoline 
Engine
Engine
Compartment
Provides two functions:
1) Powers vehicle.
2) Powers generator to recharge the HV
battery pack.
The engine is started and stopped under
control of the vehicle computer.
Electric
Motor
Engine
Compartment
3-phase high voltage AC permanent magnet
electric motor contained in the front
transaxle. It is used to power the front
wheels.
Electric 
Generator
Engine
Compartment
3-phase high voltage AC generator that is
contained in the transaxle and recharges the
HV battery pack.
Lexus Hybrid Drive Components
Components (Top View) and High Voltage Power Cables

















-6-
Lexus Hybrid Drive Component Locations & Descriptions
(Continued)
Component
Location
Description
A/C
Compressor
(with
Inverter) 
Engine
Compartment
3-phase high voltage AC electrically driven
motor compressor.
Fuel Tank
and Fuel Line

Undercarriage
and Center
The fuel tank provides gasoline via a fuel
line to the engine. The fuel line is routed
under the center of vehicle.
Fuel Tank and Fuel Line


-7-
Lexus Hybrid Drive Component Locations & Descriptions
(Continued)
Key Specifications:
Gasoline Engine:
147 hp (110 kW), 2.4-liter Aluminum Alloy Engine
Electric Motor:
141 hp (105 kW), Permanent Magnet Motor
Transmission:
Automatic Only (electrically controlled
continuously variable transaxle)
HV Battery:
244.8 Volt Sealed NiMH Battery
Curb Weight:
3,770 lbs/1,710 kg
Fuel Tank:
14.5 US.gals/55.0 liters
Fuel Economy
Ratings:
32/32 (City/Hwy) miles/US.gal
7.4/7.4 (City/Hwy) liters/100 km
Frame Material:
Steel Unibody
Body Material:
Steel Panels except for Aluminum Hood
Seating Capacity:
5 passenger
Steel Unibody
Aluminum Hood

-8-
Smart Key System
The HS250h smart key system consists of a smart key transceiver that
communicates bi-directionally, enabling the vehicle to recognize the
smart key in proximity to the vehicle. Once recognized, the smart key
will allow the user to lock and unlock the doors without pushing smart
key buttons, and start the vehicle without inserting it into an ignition
switch.
Smart key features:
•Passive (remote) function to lock/unlock the doors and start the
vehicle.
•Wireless transmitter buttons to lock/unlock all 4 doors.
•Hidden metal cut key to lock/unlock the doors, trunk and glove box.
The HS250h is equipped with 2 types of smart keys:
•Smart key (fob)
•Card smart key
The card smart key is designed to be stored in a wallet and has all the
same functions as the smart key (fob), except push buttons.
Door (Lock/Unlock)
There are several methods available to lock/unlock the doors.
•Pushing the smart key lock button will lock all doors. Pushing the smart
key unlock button once unlocks the driver door, twice unlocks all doors.
•Touching the sensor on the backside of the driver door exterior handle, with
the smart key in proximity to the vehicle, unlocks the driver door. Touching
the sensor on the backside of the front passenger door exterior handle, with
the smart key in proximity to the vehicle, unlocks all doors. Touching the
lock touch sensor on either front door will lock all doors.
•Inserting the hidden metal cut key in the driver door lock and turning
clockwise once unlocks the driver door, twice unlocks all doors. To lock
all doors turn the key counter clockwise once. Only the driver door
contains an exterior door lock for the metal cut key.
Smart Key (Fob)
Hidden Metal Cut Key for Door Lock
Card Smart Key and Hidden Metal Cut
Key for Door Lock
Driver Door Unlock Touch Sensor and
Lock Touch Sensor
Front Driver Door Lock
Release Button
Use the Hidden Metal Cut Key
Lock Touch Sensor
Unlock Touch Sensor
Release Button

-9-
Smart Key System (Continued)
Vehicle Starting/Stopping
The smart key has replaced the conventional metal cut key, and the power
button with an integral status indicator light has replaced the ignition switch.
The smart key only needs to be in proximity to the vehicle to allow the system
to function.
•With the brake pedal released, the first push of the power button operates
the accessory mode, the second push operates the ignition-on mode, and the
third push turns the ignition off again.
Ignition Mode Sequence (brake pedal released):
•Starting the vehicle takes priority over all other ignition modes and is
accomplished by depressing the brake pedal and pushing the power button
once. To verify the vehicle has started, check that the power button status
indicator light is off and the READY light is illuminated in the instrument
cluster.
•If the internal smart key battery is dead, use the following method to start
the vehicle.
1. Touch the Lexus emblem side of the smart key to the power button.
2. Within the 10 seconds after the buzzer sounds, push the power button
with the brake pedal depressed (the READY light will illuminate).
•Once the vehicle has started and is on and operational (READY-ON), the
vehicle is shut off by bringing the vehicle to a complete stop and then
depressing the power button once.
•To shut off the vehicle before coming to a stop in an emergency, push and
hold down the power button for more than 3 seconds. This procedure may
be useful at an accident scene in which the READY indicator is on, and the
drive wheels remain in motion.
Ignition Mode
Power Button Indicator Light
Off
Off
Accessory
Amber
Ignition-On
Amber
Brake Pedal Depressed
Green
Vehicle Started (READY-ON)
Off
Malfunction
Blinking Amber
Power Button with Integral Status
Indicator Light
Ignition Modes (Brake Pedal Released)
Starting Sequence
(Brake Pedal Depressed)
Smart Key Recognition
(When Smart Key Battery is Dead)
Vehicle Off
Accessory
Ignition-On
Button Push
Button Push
Button Push

-10-
Electronic Gearshift Selector
The HS250h electronic gearshift selector is a momentary select shift-by-
wire system that engages the transaxle in Reverse, Neutral, Drive, or
engine Brake modes.
•These modes may only be engaged while the vehicle is on and operational
(READY-on), except for Neutral which may also be engaged while in the
ignition-on mode. After selecting the gear position R, N, D, or B the
transaxle remains in that position, identified on the instrument cluster, but
the shift selector returns to a default position. To select Neutral, it is
necessary to hold the shift selector in the N position for approximately 0.5
second.
•Unlike a conventional vehicle, the electronic shift selector does not contain
a park position. Instead, a separate Pposition switch located below the
shift selector engages the park position.
•When the vehicle is stopped, regardless of shift selector position, the
electro-mechanical parking pawl is engaged to lock the transaxle into park
by either depressing the Pswitch or pushing the power button to shut off
the vehicle.
•Being electronic, the gearshift selector and the park lock systems depend on
the low voltage 12 Volt auxiliary battery for power. If the 12 Volt auxiliary
battery is discharged or disconnected, the vehicle cannot be started and
cannot be shifted out of park (P position).
Electronic Gearshift Selector and P Position Switch
Instrument Cluster Gear Position Indicator
Indicates Gear Position
Default
Position
Illuminate

-11-
Lexus Hybrid Drive Operation
Once the READY indicator is illuminated in the instrument cluster, the
vehicle may be driven. However, the gasoline engine does not idle like a
typical automobile and will start and stop automatically. It is important
to recognize and understand the READY indicator provided in the
instrument cluster. When lit, it informs the driver that the vehicle is on
and operational even though the gasoline engine may be off and the
engine compartment is silent.
Vehicle Operation
•With the HS250h, the gasoline engine may stop and start at any time while
the READY indicator is on.
•Never assume that the vehicle is shut off just because the engine is off.
Always look for the READY indicator status. The vehicle is shut off when
the READY indicator is off.
•The vehicle may be powered by:
1. The electric motor only.
2. The gasoline engine only.
3. A combination of both the electric motor and the gasoline engine.
•The vehicle computer determines the mode in which the vehicle operates in
order to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions. Three features on the
2010 HS250h are EV (Electric Vehicle) mode, Power mode and ECO
(Economy) mode:
1. EV Mode: When activated, and certain conditions have been met,
the vehicle operates with the electric motor powered by the HV
battery.
2. ECO Mode: When activated, this mode helps enhance fuel
economy on trips that involve frequent braking and acceleration.
3. Power Mode: When activated, power mode optimizes acceleration
feel by increasing the power output more quickly at the beginning
of accelerator pedal operation.
Instrument Cluster READY Indicator
EV Drive Mode Switch/Economy Drive Mode Switch/Power Mode Switch

-12-
Hybrid Vehicle (HV) Battery Pack
The HS250h features a high voltage Hybrid Vehicle (HV) battery pack
that contains sealed Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) battery modules.
HV Battery Pack
•The HV battery pack is enclosed in a metal case and is rigidly mounted to
the trunk floor pan cross member behind the rear seat. The metal case is
isolated from high voltage and concealed by fabric covers in the trunk.
•The HV battery pack consists of 34 low voltage (7.2 Volt) NiMH battery
modules connected in series to produce approximately 244.8 Volts. Each
NiMH battery module is non-spillable and in a sealed plastic case.
•The electrolyte used in the NiMH battery module is an alkaline mixture of
potassium and sodium hydroxide. The electrolyte is absorbed into the
battery cell plates and will not normally leak, even in a collision.
HV Battery Pack
Battery pack voltage
244.8 V
Number of NiMH battery modules in the pack
34
NiMH battery module voltage
7.2 V
NiMH battery module dimensions
5 x 1 x 11 in
(118 x 20 x 276 mm)
NiMH module weight
2.3 lbs (1.04 kg)
NiMH battery pack dimensions
19 x 40 x 14 in
(471 x 1010 x 339 mm)
NiMH battery pack weight
121.2 lbs (55 kg)
Components Powered by the HV Battery Pack
HV Battery Pack Recycling
•The HV battery pack is recyclable. Contact the nearest Lexus dealer or:
United States: [phone], Canada: [phone]
HV Battery Pack
•Electric Motor
•Inverter/Converter
•Power Cables
•A/C Compressor
•Electric Generator

-13-
Low Voltage Battery
Auxiliary Battery
•The HS250h contains a sealed lead-acid 12 Volt battery. The 12 Volt
auxiliary battery powers the vehicle’s electrical system similar to a
conventional vehicle. As with conventional vehicles, the negative terminal
of the auxiliary battery is grounded to the metal chassis of the vehicle.
•The auxiliary battery is located in the trunk. It is concealed by a fabric
cover on the passenger side behind the rear seat.
NOTE:
An under hood label shows the location of the HV battery (traction battery)
and 12 Volt auxiliary battery.
Remove the Panel
12 Volt Auxiliary Battery Mounted in
Trunk
Battery Location Label

-14-
High Voltage Safety
The HV battery pack powers the high voltage electrical system with DC
electricity. Positive and negative orange colored high voltage power cables are
routed from the battery pack, under the vehicle floor pan, to the
inverter/converter. The inverter/converter contains a circuit that boosts the HV
battery voltage from 244.8 to 650 Volts DC. The inverter/converter creates 3-
phase AC to power the motor. Power cables are routed from the
inverter/converter to each high voltage motor (electric motor, electric generator,
and A/C compressor). The following systems are intended to help keep
occupants in the vehicle and emergency responders safe from high voltage
electricity:
High Voltage Safety System
•A high voltage fuse provides short circuit protection in the HV battery
pack.
•Positive and negative high voltage power cables connected to the HV
battery pack are controlled by 12 Volt normally open relays . When the
vehicle is shut off, the relays stop electrical flow from leaving the HV
battery pack.
WARNING:
The high voltage system may remain powered for up to 10 minutes after
the vehicle is shut off or disabled. To prevent serious injury or death
from severe burns or electric shock, avoid touching, cutting, or
breaching any orange high voltage power cable or high voltage
component.
•Both positive and negative power cables are insulated from the metal
vehicle body. High voltage electricity flows through these cables and not
the metal vehicle body. The metal vehicle body is safe to touch because it
is insulated from the high voltage components.
•A ground fault monitor continuously monitors for high voltage leakage
to the metal chassis while the vehicle is running. If a malfunction is
detected, the hybrid vehicle computer will illuminate the master warning
light in the instrument cluster and indicate “Check Hybrid System” on
the multi-information display.
High Voltage Safety System – Vehicle Shut Off (READY-OFF)
High Voltage Safety System – Vehicle On and Operational (READY-ON)







-15-
SRS Airbags & Seat Belt Pretensioners
Standard Equipment
•Electronic frontal impact sensors (2) are mounted in the engine
compartment as illustrated.
•Front seat belt pretensioners are mounted near the base of the B-pillars .
•A frontal dual stage driver airbag is mounted in the steering wheel hub.
•A frontal twin-chamber shaped dual stage passenger airbag is integrated
into the dashboard and deploys through the top of the dashboard.
•The SRS computer , which contains an impact sensor, is mounted on the
floor pan underneath the instrument panel.
•Front electronic side impact sensors (2) are mounted near the base of the B-
pillars. 
•Rear electronic side impact sensors (2) are mounted near the base of the C-
pillars. 
•Front seat side airbags are mounted in the front seatbacks.
•Side curtain airbags are mounted along the outer edge inside the roof
rails.
•Front knee airbags are mounted on the lower portion of the dash.
•Rear seat belt pretensioners are mounted near the C-pillar on the rear
seatbacks.
•Rear seat side airbags mounted in the rear seat side garnish.
•Active (mechanical, non-pyrotechnic) front seat headrests (see description
on page 23).
Optional Equipment
•The optional pre-collision safety system contains a radar sensory
system, occupant seat sensor, and an electric motor-pyrotechnic
pretensioner system. During a pre-collision event, an electric motor in
the pretensioners retracts the front seatbelts. When conditions stabilize
the electric motor will reverse itself. When the airbags deploy, or as
necessary, the pyrotechnic pretensioners function normally.
WARNING:
The SRS may remain powered for up to 90 seconds after the vehicle is
shut off or disabled. To prevent serious injury or death from
unintentional SRS deployment, avoid breaching the SRS components.
Electronic Impact Sensors and Side Airbags
Standard Frontal Airbags, Seat Belt Pretensioners, Knee Airbag, Side Curtain
Airbags







Side Curtain Airbag
Inflators








-16-
SRS Airbags & Seat Belt Pretensioners (Continued)
NOTE:
The front seatback mounted side airbags and the side curtain airbags may
deploy independently of each other.
The knee airbags deploy simultaneously with the frontal airbags.
The HS250h is equipped with a standard front passenger occupant
classification system that may prohibit the deployment of the front
passenger frontal airbag, knee airbag, seatback mounted side airbag, and
seat belt pretensioner. If the passenger occupant classification system
prohibits deployment during an SRS event, the passenger SRS will not re-
arm nor deploy.
SRS System Diagram
Frontal, Knee, Front and Rear Seatback Mounted Side, Side Curtain Airbags
Driver Knee Airbag and Inflator
Front Airbag
Sensors
Knee Airbag
Passenger Frontal Airbag
Front Seat Side Airbag
Side Airbag Sensor
Front Seat Side Airbag
Driver Frontal Airbag
Front Seat Belt
Pretensioner
Side Airbag Sensor
Front Seat Belt
Pretensioner
Side Curtain Airbag
Side Curtain Airbag
Rear Side
Airbag Sensor
Rear Side
Airbag Sensor
Rear Seat Side
Airbag
Rear Seat Belt
Pretensioner
Rear Seat Side
Airbag
Rear Seat Belt
Pretensioner

-17-
Emergency Response
On arrival, emergency responders should follow their standard
operating procedures for vehicle incidents. Emergencies involving the
HS250h may be handled like other automobiles except as noted in these
guidelines for Extrication, Fire, Overhaul, Recovery, Spills, First Aid,
and Submersion.
WARNING:
•Never assume the HS250h is shut off simply because it is silent.
•Always observe the instrument cluster for the READY indicator
status to verify whether the vehicle is on or shut off. The vehicle is
shut off when the READY indicator is off.
•Failure to shut off the vehicle before emergency response
procedures are performed may result in serious injury or death
from the unintentional deployment of the SRS or severe burns and
electric shock from the high voltage electrical system.
Extrication
•Immobilize Vehicle
Chock wheels and set the parking brake.
Push the Pposition switch to engage park.
•Disable Vehicle
Performing either of the following two procedures will shut the
vehicle off and disable the HV battery pack, SRS, and gasoline fuel
pump.
Chock Wheels
Set Parking Brake
Push P Switch