2005 LEXUS LS430 steering

STARTING AND DRIVING
299
31L346a
When you enter the vehicle carrying a sm art key and push
the ignition switch, the electronic code in the key is
automatically checked as to whether it corresponds to the
registered ID code for the vehicle. The key indicator light
comes on, the steering column lock is released, and the
engine immobilizer system is cancelled.
At this time, the security indicator light goes off and you can
start the engine when you turn the ignition switch and the key
indicator light does not come on. When you turn the ignition
switch, turn it slowly and surely. If you turn it quickly, it may
become stuck. To free it, see the following “If the ignition switch
seems to be stuck”.
If you push the ignition switch when the smart key is not within
the effective range of the smart key system, a warning tone
sounds and “Key is not Detected” appears on the display. If the ignition switch seems to be stuck:
To free the ignition switch, perform the following:
31L638
1. Push the ignition switch.
31L639
2. Be sure to push the ignition switch while turning the
steering wheel slightly in either direction, and then turn
the switch.

STARTING AND DRIVING
300“START” Starter motor on. The ignition switch will
return to the “ON” position when released.
For starting tips, see page 304.
“ON” Engine on and all accessories on.
This is the normal driving position.
NOTICE
Do not leave the ignition switch in the “ON” position if
the engine is not running. The battery will discharge
and the electronic ignition system could be damaged.
“ACC” Accessories such as the radio operate, but the
engine is off.
31L347
“LOCK” Engine is off and the steering wheel is locked.
When
you leave your vehicle, be sure to turn the ignition switch
to the “LOCK” position and carry the smart key.
 If you open the driver’s door without returning the ignition
switch to the “LOCK” position, beeps keep sounding while
the door is opened.
 If you close a door to leave your vehicle while carrying a key
on which the ignition switch has not been returned to the
“LOCK” position, “Key is not Detected” appears on the
multi−information display, a warning tone sounds inside and
beeps sound outside.
 If the selector lever is in a position other than “P”, you cannot
turn the ignition switch to the “LOCK” position. At this time,
when you open the driver’s door and are going to get out of
the vehicle, “Shift to P Range” appears on the
multi−information display and a warning tone sounds inside.

STARTING AND DRIVING
301
When you turn the ignition switch to the “LOCK” position, the
engine immobilizer system is automatically set. See “Engine
immobilizer system” on page 17.
If, in an emergency, you must turn the engine off while the
vehicle is moving, turn the ignition switch only to “ACC”.
IGNITION SWITCH WITH STEERING
LOCK
31L348
 1Type A 2Type B
Type A: Insert the key, push and turn it to each position.
Type B: Insert the key and turn it to each position.

STARTING AND DRIVING
302If the ignition switch seems to be stuck:
Ty p e A
To free the ignition switch, perform the following:
31L640
1. Be sure the key is pushed all the way in.
31L641
2. Push the key while turning the steering wheel slightly
in either direction, and then turn the key.
Type B
31L642
1. Be sure the key is pushed all the way in.
31L643
2. Turn the key while turning the steering wheel slightly in
either direction.

STARTING AND DRIVING
303
“START” Starter motor on. The key will return to the
“ON” position when released.
For starting tips, see page 304.
“ON” Engine on and all accessories on.
This is the normal driving position.
NOTICE
Do not leave the key in the “ON” position if the engine
is not running. The battery will discharge and the
electronic ignition system could be damaged.
“ACC” Accessories such as the radio operate, but the
engine is off.
If you leave the key in the “ACC” or “LOCK” position and open
the driver’s door, a buzzer will remind you to remove the key.*
NOTE:
* The volume or interval of beep sound can be changed.
Ask your Lexus dealer for details.
31L349
 1 Type A 2Type B
“LOCK” Engine is off and the steering wheel is locked.
The ignition key can be removed only at this position.
To turn the ignition switch from “ACC” to the “LOCK” position,\
you must put the transmission selector lever in the “P” position.
Once you remove the key, the engine immobilizer system is
automatically set. See “Engine immobilizer system” on page
17.
If, in an emergency, you must turn the engine off while the
vehicle is moving, turn the key only to “ACC”.

STARTING AND DRIVING
345
CAUTION
Deceleration cruising function and approach
warning do not operate when the vehicle ahead is at
a stop or driving very slowly
 While vehicletovehicle distance control (followup
cruising) is on, acceleration and deceleration are
automatically performed in proportion to the speed
of the vehicle ahead detected. However, if the vehicle
ahead of you decelerates abruptly or if another
vehicle cuts in ahead of you, your vehicle may collide
with the vehicle ahead unless you manually depress
the brake pedal to slow down your vehicle. If you
need to accelerate because the vehicle ahead or you
changes lanes, then depress the acceleration pedal.
 Depending on the road configuration (curved roads,
left and right continuous curved roads, driving at the
start or end of the curve, narrow driving lanes due to
road construction) or your vehicle condition
(steering wheel maneuvering, position in the lane or
unstable driving because of an accident or
breakdown), vehicles in other lanes or surrounding
objects will be detected, resulting in a control failure
or the activated approach warning. This may also
result in a very close distance between vehicles due
to a failure to detect the vehicle ahead. Maneuvering
the steering wheel in response to a violent lateral
wind will cause similar conditions.
31L588
CAUTION
If other vehicles are driving outside of the millimeter
wave radar or laser radar detection range, a delay in the
detection of the vehicle cutting in at short range or
detection failure of the motorcycle running on the side
of the same lane will occur. In this case, the dynamic
radar/laser cruise control system will not function
properly.

STARTING AND DRIVING
364
“Check VSC” warning message
31L337a
If the vehicle stability control system or the traction
control system malfunctions, the master warning light
and “TRAC OFF” indicator light come on. At this time a
warning tone sounds and the above message appears.
If the message appears, the vehicle stability control system
and traction control system do not work. Although it is no
problem to continue driving, have your vehicle checked by
your Lexus dealer as soon as possible.
VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROLSYSTEM
The vehicle stability control system helps provide
comprehensive control of the systems such as antilock
brake system, traction control, engine control, etc. This
system automatically controls the brakes and engine to
help prevent the vehicle from skidding when cornering on
a slippery road surface or operating steering wheel
abruptly.
This system activates when the vehicle speed is about more
than 15 km/h (9 mph).
You may hear a sound in the engine compartment for a few
seconds just after the vehicle begins to move. This means that
the system is in the self −check mode, but does not indicate a
malfunction.

STARTING AND DRIVING
367
Antilock brake system
The antilock brake system is designed to automatically
help prevent lockup of the wheels during a sudden
braking or braking on slippery road surfaces. This assists
in providing directional stability and steering
performance of the vehicle under these circumstances.
Effective way to press the ABS brake pedal: When the
anti−lock brake system function is in action, you may feel the
brake pedal pulsating and hear a noise. In this situation, to
let the anti−lock brake system work for you, just hold the
brake pedal down more firmly. Do not pump the brake in a
panic stop. This will result in reduced braking performance.
The anti −lock brake system becomes operative after the
vehicle has accelerated to a speed in excess of approximately
10 km/h (6 mph). It stops operating when the vehicle
decelerates to a speed below approximately 5 km/h (3 mph).
Depressing the brake pedal on slippery road surfaces such as
on a manhole cover, a steel plate at a construction site, joints
in a bridge, etc. on a rainy day tends to activate the anti −lock
brake system.
You may hear a click or motor sound in the engine
compartment for a few seconds when the engine is started or
just after the vehicle begins to move. This means that the
anti−lock brake system is in the self− check mode, and does not
indicate a malfunction. When the antilock brake system is activated, the
following conditions may occur. They do not indicate a
malfunction of the system:

You may hear the anti− lock brake system operating and feel
the brake pedal pulsating and the vibrations of the vehicle
body and steering wheel. You may also hear the motor
sound in the engine compartment even after the vehicle is
stopped.
 At the end of the anti−lock brake system activation, the
brake pedal may move a little forward.
CAUTION
Do not overestimate the antilock brake system:
Although the antilock brake system assists in
providing vehicle control, it is still important to drive
with all due care and maintain a moderate speed and
safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, because
there are limits to the vehicle stability and effectiveness
of steering wheel operation even with the antilock
brake system on.
If tire grip performance exceeds its capability, or if
hydroplaning occurs during high speed driving in the
rain, the antilock brake system does not provide
vehicle control.