Do they all do that, or just the h model? My recollection was that the reverse beep was added to some (or all) hybrids like the Prius because they often, or maybe always, use only batteries when in reverse and people kept running into kids and cats and stuff. I borrowed a friend's Prius for a few days, and it drove me nuts. On a Lexus full size sedan (or SUV), I would not have it - we are not driving dump trucks.

 

I am assuming you are the proud owner of an LS500. Congrats, and welcome to CL, and do post some pics.

This reverse beeping seems to be a very annoying feature. I looked thru the LS500 manual, especially the customization section, and could not find anything about turning off this feature. Your best bet is to take your vehicle back to the dealer and ask them.

 

That reminds me. I had an annoying and loud beep that would sound when closing the rear hatch on my RX. A kind forum member posted a very easy solution on the RX forum showing how to get to the beeper inside the back hatch and just unplug it. (A not-so-loud beep still sounded from under the dashboard, and I think nobody ever figured out how to disable this one, as I suspect it was connected to lots of different triggers.) The result made it much less annoying, and still no pets got squashed. If that sound at the back of the LS500 is from a single purpose speaker, you might be able to find the speaker or a wire leading to it.
Ask at the dealership, but Lexus dealers are very reluctant to alter the car with respect to items considered safety items - that's got litigation written all over it. However, an audio shop will usually be glad to help. Have them do this when you take the car there to get the hard wiring installed for your V1.
When I do my test drive, I'll see if this beep sounds on the non-hybrid version, and if the salesman won't agree to have it silenced, I'll suggest that maybe we should test drive a GS instead, as this is a deal breaker. I'll let you know what they say to that when $ is on the line.

 

Truck driver training

 

What were they thinking?

 

I spoke to the lead Tech at my local Lexus dealer today and he told me that they can set it with their computer to one beep when you place the LS in reverse. Thereby eliminating the constant beeping.

 

If this is a dealer-customizable setting, then it will surely be adjustable using the Carista or similar apps and a OBD2 device.

 

 

Yes! Infinity down - 1 beep to go.

 

Now that I think about it, the LS 460 is silent in reverse. I actually didn't notice the incessant beeping in the new LS until several forum members pointed it out. I can see why it will bug some people though.

 

The LS500h I drove made no noise I don't know how to turn it on

 

Its because of the e-shifter on the LS500 vs the traditional shifter on the LS460. All Toyotas with an e-shifter beep the same way.

 

What's an e-shifter?

 

e-shifter:



Reason for it is the shifter is just a switch that always goes back to center, so in theory its harder to realize you're in reverse. When we had our Prius it had a similar shifter and also beeped until we had the beeping deactivated.



Traditional shifter as found in the LS460: