2005 LEXUS LS430 Owners Manual

STARTING AND DRIVING
374
PRECOLLISION SAFETY SYSTEM
(Vehicles with dynamic radar cruise control)
When the precollision safety system detects what it
perceives to be an unavoidable collision, the front seat
belts are quickly drawn back by the retractors
(precollision seat belts) and more powerful braking is
applied according to the amount of pedal depression to
help reduce injury to the occupants and damage to the
vehicle body. In addition, the electronically modulated air
suspension works to help regulate the vehicle not to pitch
forward so much.
Precollision sensor
The millimeter wave radar sensor detects vehicles or
objects near or on the road your vehicle is traveling and
determines the possibility of a collision based on the
object position, vehicle speeds and the course you are
traveling.
The pre −collision sensor will operate in the following
conditions:
 When the ignition switch is turned on.
 When the vehicle speed is about 5 km/h (3 mph) or over.
(The pre−collision safety system does not work with the
vehicle stopped.)
31L359a
 1
Millimeter wave grille cover
2Millimeter wave radar sensor
The millimeter wave radar sensor is installed in the front grille
of the hood.
The millimeter wave radar sensor cannot detect plastic objects
such as pylons, and may not detect people, animals, bicycles,
motor cycles, trees, snowbanks, etc. as objects with which
your vehicle may collide.

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CAUTION
To ensure that precollision safety system will function
properly while driving, observe the following. Failure to
follow these instructions could reduce the
effectiveness of the precollision safety system in case
of vehicle accident:
 Always keep the millimeter wave radar sensor and
grille cover clean. When cleaning, use a soft cloth
and be careful not to damage the sensor and grille
cover.
 Avoid strong impacts around the millimeter wave
radar sensor. An incorrect millimeter wave radar
sensor alignment will result in system malfunction.
A special device is required to adjust the millimeter
wave radar sensor alignment. Be sure to have the
sensor adjusted by your Lexus dealer.
 Do not disassemble the millimeter wave radar
sensor.
 Do not affix a sticker (including a transparent sticker)
or attach an accessory around the millimeter radar
sensor or the grille cover.
 Do not modify or paint the grille cover. When
replacing the cover, be sure to use a genuine cover.
Precollision seat belts (Front seat belts only)
When the precollision sensor detects an object or
vehicle with which your vehicle might collide and
determines that a collision may be unavoidable, the seat
belts are quickly drawn back by the retractors to enhance
the effects of the seat belt pretensioners. The
precollision seat belts also work as well when hard
braking.
The pre −collision seat belts will operate in the following
conditions:
 When the ignition switch is turned on.
 When the vehicle speed is about 5 km/h (3 mph) or over.
 When the approaching speed in regard to the object or the
vehicle exceeds about 30 km/h (18 mph).
 When the front seat occupants wear the seat belts.

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Precollision brake assist system
When the precollision sensor detects an object or
vehicle with which your vehicle might collide, and
determines that a collision may be unavoidable,
depressing the brake pedal provides more powerful
braking according to the amount of pedal depression.
The pre−collision brake assist system will operate in the
following conditions:
 When the ignition switch is turned on.
 When the approaching speed in regard to the object or the
vehicle exceeds about 30 km/h (18 mph).
 When the brake pedal is depressed.
If the brake pedal is kept depressed before the sensor’s
determination of unavoidable collision, the pre −collision brake
assist system will operate soon after the sensor’s
determination.
Electronically modulated air suspension
control
When the precollision sensor detects an object or
vehicle with which your vehicle may collide, and
determines that a collision may be unavoidable, the
electronically modulated air suspension adjusts the
damping effect on the shock absorbers and regulates the
vehicle not to pitch forward so much.
The electronically modulated air suspension will operate in the
following conditions:
 When the ignition switch is turned on.
 When the vehicle speed is about 5 km/h (3 mph) or over.
 When the approaching speed in regard to the object or the
vehicle exceeds about 30 km/h (18 mph).

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Precollision safety failure warning
31L589
If there is a problem somewhere in the precollision safety
system, the master warning light comes on, a warning
tone sounds, and either of the following messages may
appear.
w278
The above message appears in the following conditions:
The millimeter wave radar sensor or the grille cover is
dirty.
Clean the grille or sensor with a soft cloth to remove the dirt.
 The precollision seat belts are activated repeatedly for
a short time.
The system turns of f temporarily for overheating protection,
but turns back on after a while.
w277
If there is a problem somewhere in the precollision safety
system, the above message appears.
If the above message appears, the pre −collision safety system
may not operate. Contact your Lexus dealer as soon as
possible to service the vehicle.

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Precaution for precollision safety system
It should be noted that the pre−collision sensor may detect the
following as the objects with which your vehicle might collide,
and the pre −collision safety may operate, even though there
is no possibility of collision.
 When traveling through a curve, there is an object on the
edge of the road.
 When traveling through a curve, another vehicle is passing
from the opposite direction.
 When traveling across a narrow iron bridge.
 When there is a metallic object on the road.
 When there is a steel plate on the road at a construction site.
 When there is a bump on the road.
 When waiting to turn to the left in an intersection, and
another vehicle is passing from the opposite direction.
 If your vehicle approaches another vehicle ahead very
quickly.CAUTION
Do not rely solely on the precollision safety system
to avoid accidents. Your safe and attentive driving
practices are still the best way to avoid accidents and
you are always responsible for the operation of the
vehicle and the safety of your passengers. When
driving, always pay attention to the surrounding
conditions and the course you are driving.
 The precollision sensor’s collision detection
performance is limited. The sensor is able to detect
a forward object within 10 degrees on either left or
right side. If it is out of the range, or if there is no or
weak millimeter wave reflection, the sensor could not
detect the object and the system does not work
properly.
 Even if the precollision safety is operative in an
unavoidable collision, unless the seat belts are worn
and the brake pedal is depressed, the precollision
seat belts and precollision brake assist system will
not work.

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NOTICE
Even if there is no object with which your vehicle may
collide, the precollision safety system may be
activated as follows:
The precollision seat belts work to quickly draw
back the front seat belts by the retractors
(precollision seat belts).
 The precollision brake assist system works to apply
more powerful braking than normal braking.

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SECTION 3 – 2
381
STARTING AND DRIVING
Driving tips
Break−in period382
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Operation in foreign countries 382
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Tips for driving in various conditions 382
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Winter driving tips 384
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Dinghy towing 385
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Trailer towing 386
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How to save fuel and make your vehicle
last longer 392
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Vehicle load limits 393
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Cargo and luggage 394
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