2006 Lexus GS300 light

STARTING AND DRIVING
423 The hill−start assist control system will operate for 5
seconds maximally when all of the following conditions
apply.
When the selector lever is in “D” or “S” position
When the brake pedal is not depressed
The system is designed to operate when the vehicle is starting
on an uphill slope; therefore, if the selector lever is in “P” or “N”,
it will not operate. It will not operate either if the vehicle starts
to move in reverse on a slope with the selector lever in “R”.
When the hill−start assist control system is operating, you may
hear a sound. This indicates the hill−start assist control is
operating normally and does not indicate a malfunction.
G31038

Slip indicator light
When the hill−start assist control system is operating, the slip
indicator light flashes. At the same time, the stop lights and
high mounted stoplight are lit.GS430—The slip indicator light comes on when the engine
switch is selected in “IG−ON” mode. The light goes off when
the engine is started.
GS300—The slip indicator light comes on for a few seconds
when the engine switch is selected in “IG−ON” mode.
If the indicator light does not come on when the engine switch
is selected in “IG−ON” mode, contact your Lexus dealer.
Keep the following in mind when driving:
The hill−start assist control system operates for 5 seconds
maximally. If both the brake and accelerator pedals remain
undepressed for longer than 5 seconds, the buzzer will
sound at more frequent intervals and the system will
gradually stop operating.
The hill−start assist control system is not designed for
stopping the vehicle on an uphill slope. When stopping the
vehicle, be sure to depress the brake pedal.

STARTING AND DRIVING
424
Hill−start assist control system failure
warning
G31039

1
GS430 2
GS300
If the hill−start assist control system malfunctions, the
slip indicator light (two−wheel drive models only) and
brake system warning light (yellow) come on. At this time,
the above message appears. (GS430 only—In some
cases, the multi−information display shows either
“CHECK VSC” or “CHECK ECB” only.)
If the message appears, the hill−start assist control system,
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.
VARIABLE GEAR RATIO
STEERING SYSTEM
(GS430 only)
The variable gear ratio steering system adjusts the wheel
turning angle depending on the vehicle speed and how
much you turn the steering wheel.
The vehicle wheel turning angle will be changed with a smaller
degree of wheel maneuvering when you are driving at very low
speed such as when putting your vehicle into a garage.
When you start or stop the engine, you may hear a small noise
and the steering wheel may move slightly. This is caused when
the system starts or stops, and does not indicate a malfunction.
In the following cases, to prevent the system from overheating,
the system could be temporarily deactivated with the change
in the center position of the steering wheel. This is not a
malfunction. After the cause of the problem is eliminated, the
system will return to normal automatically after a few minutes.
If you continue maneuvering the steering wheel when the
vehicle is stopped or running at very low speed
If you continue driving holding the steering wheel to the
extreme right or left
If you maneuver the steering wheel immediately after
starting the engine at less than about −30C (−22F)

STARTING AND DRIVING
425 While the system is not functioning, a larger degree of wheel
maneuvering is needed during driving at low speed. If the
center position of the steering wheel is changed frequently,
have your vehicle inspected at your Lexus dealer.
CAUTION
Take due care especially when driving at low speed as
the vehicle changes direction in greater proportion to
the steering wheel maneuvering.
NOTICE
Do not disconnect the battery with the steering wheel
turned, or the center position of the steering wheel
could be slightly and temporarily changed. However,
after driving for a short while, the system will return to
normal and the center position of the steering wheel will
be in the appropriate position.
If you disconnect and reconnect the battery terminal, the
system is reset temporarily. However, it is no problem to drive.
Drive for a short while, the system will be set automatically and
return to normal.
Variable gear ratio steering system failure
warning
G31044
If there is any malfunction in the system, the above message
appears and the master warning light comes on.
If the warning message and light come on while driving, the
system is not working. Although conventional steering
operates when maneuvered, a larger degree of wheel
maneuvering (than at the time when the system is functioning
properly) is needed when driving at low speed. At this time, the
center position of the steering wheel could be changed.
Although it is no problem to continue driving, have your vehicle
repaired at your Lexus dealer.

STARTING AND DRIVING
426
VEHICLE DYNAMICS
INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT
(GS430 only)
Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) helps
manage control for vehicle stability control system,
anti−lock brake system, brake assist system, traction
control system, engine output control, hill−start assist
control system and also manages variable gear ratio
steering system and electric power steering system.
In order to control sudden steering wheel operation and
the sideslip on slippery road surfaces, this system
provides excellent vehicle stability by automatically
controlling the brake, engine output and front wheel
angle.
The state of the tires will affect the performance of the vehicle
dynamics integrated management system. Be sure to check
the following:
Are tires of specified size installed?
Are tires of identical type installed?
Do the tires have stipulated tire pressure?
Are the tires worn?
A problem with the tires or modified suspension systems will
have an adverse effect on the system and may cause a
malfunction, so be careful.When the slip indicator light comes on, and the message
“CHECK ECB” appears on the multi−information display, the
vehicle dynamics integrated management does not operate.
Have your vehicle checked by your Lexus dealer as soon as
possible.
In addition, when the master warning light comes on, and the
message “CHECK VGRS” or “CHECK P/S” appears on the
multi−information display, the system will not be temporarily
functioning. Although it is no problem in driving as usual, have
your vehicle checked by your Lexus dealer as soon as
possible.
CAUTION
Do not overestimate the vehicle dynamics integrated
management. Even when this management is
functional, there is a limit to vehicle stability, and
irresponsible driving may lead to an accident. When
driving, you should always pay attention to your speed
and keep a safe distance between your vehicle and the
vehicle in front.

STARTING AND DRIVING
427
BRAKE SYSTEM
This brake system has 2 independent hydraulic circuits. If
either circuit should fail, the other will still work. However, the
pedal will be harder to press, and your stopping distance will
increase. Also, the brake system warning light may come on.
CAUTION
Do not drive your vehicle with only a single brake
system. Have your brakes fixed immediately.
Brake booster
The brake booster uses brake fluid pressurized by the pump
(GS430) or engine vacuum (GS300) to power−assist the
brakes. If the brake booster fails during driving, the brake
system warning light (red) comes on. In this case, the brakes
may not work properly. If they do not work well, depress the
brake pedal firmly. If the brake system warning light (red)
comes on, immediately stop your vehicle and contact your
Lexus dealer.
GS430 only—Either of the following conditions may
occur, but does not indicate a malfunction:
The brake system warning light (red) may stay on for about
60 seconds after the engine is started. It is normal if the light
turns off after a while.
Depressing the brake pedal repeatedly may turn on the
brake system warning light (red). It is normal if the light goes
out after a few seconds.GS430:
You may hear a small sound in the engine compartment after
the engine is started or the brake pedal is depressed
repeatedly. This is a pump pulsating sound of the brake
system, and it is not a malfunction.
GS300:
If the engine should stop while you are driving, you can bring
the vehicle to a stop with normal pedal pressure. There is
enough reserved vacuum for one or two stops—but no more!
CAUTION
Do not pump the brake pedal if the engine stalls.
Each push on the pedal uses up your brake fluid
pressure reserve.
Even if the power assist is completely lost, the brakes
will still work. But you will have to push the pedal
hard, much harder than normal. And your braking
distance will increase.

STARTING AND DRIVING
430“ABS” warning light
G31080

1
U.S.A. 2
Canada
GS430—The light comes on when the engine switch is
selected in “IG−ON” mode. If the anti−lock brake system and
the brake assist system work properly, the light turns off in a
few seconds after the engine is started.
GS300—The light comes on for a few seconds when the
engine switch is selected in “IG−ON” mode. It indicates the
anti−lock brake system and the brake assist system work
properly.
If either system malfunctions, the light comes on again.
When the “ABS” warning light is on, the anti−lock brake system
and the brake assist system do not operate, but the brake
system still operates conventionally.If either of the following conditions occur, this indicates a
malfunction somewhere in the components monitored by
the warning light system. Contact your Lexus dealer as
soon as possible to service the vehicle.
The light does not come on when engine switch is selected
in “IG−ON” mode.
The light remains on after the engine is started (GS430), or
remains on after the engine switch is selected in “IG−ON”
mode (GS300).
The light comes on while you are driving.
A warning light turning on briefly during operation does not
indicate a problem.
CAUTION
If the “ABS” warning light remains on together with the
brake system warning light (red), immediately stop your
vehicle at a safe place and contact your Lexus dealer.
In this case, not only the anti−lock brake system will fail
but also the vehicle will become extremely unstable
during braking.
GS430 only—Either of the following conditions may
occur, but does not indicate a malfunction:
The light may stay on for about 60 seconds after the engine
is started. It is normal if it turns off after a while.
Depressing the brake pedal repeatedly may turn on the
light. It is normal if it turns off after a few seconds.

STARTING AND DRIVING
431
Drum−in−disc type parking brake system
Your vehicle has a drum−in−disc type parking brake system.
This type of brake system needs bedding−down of the brake
shoes periodically or whenever the parking brake shoes
and/or drums are replaced.
Have your Lexus dealer perform the bedding−down.
Brake assist system
When you slam the brakes on, the brake assist system
judges as an emergency stop and provides more powerful
braking for a driver who cannot hold down the brake pedal
firmly.
When you slam the brakes on, more powerful braking will be
applied. At this time, you may hear a sound in the engine
compartment and feel the vibrations of the brake pedal. This
does not indicate a malfunction.
The brake assist 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).
The brake assist system may not work for about 60 seconds
after the engine is started.
For an explanation of this system’s warning light, see “ABS”
warning light on page 78 or 430.
BRAKE PAD WEAR LIMIT
INDICATORS
G31006
The brake pad wear limit indicators on your disc brakes
give a warning noise when the brake pads are worn to the
extent that replacement is required.
If you hear a squealing or scraping noise while driving, have
the brake pads checked and replaced by your Lexus dealer as
soon as possible. Expensive rotor damage can result if the
pads are not replaced when needed.
GS430 front brake only—
The high brake performance is achieved by proper wear of
brake pads and discs. As a result, the brake discs may wear
earlier than the ones on the conventional brake system.
When brake pads are replaced, brake disc thickness is
required to be measured.
It is dangerous to continue driving when brake pads and discs
have exceeded the wear limit.

STARTING AND DRIVING
432
ELECTRIC POWER STEERING
SYSTEM
The electric power steering system, using an electric
motor, assists the turning of the steering wheel.
In the following cases, you may feel the steering becomes
heavy. However, the electric power steering system
warning light does not come on. (Because it is not a
malfunction.)
When maneuvering or turning frequently over a long time, the
power steering effect will be reduced to prevent the system
from overheating. Avoid turning the steering wheel, or stop the
vehicle and select the engine switch in “ACC” or “OFF” mode.
The system will become cool in about 10 minutes.
NOTICE
Frequent maneuvering and turning over a long time may
cause damage to the system in which the mechanism
prevents overheating of the electric power steering
system.
When the battery is discharged, check the battery’s condition.
If necessary, recharge or replace the battery. For details, see
“Checking battery condition” on page 571.
G31040

Electric power steering system warning light
The light comes on when the engine switch is selected in
“IG−ON” mode. If the electric power steering system works
properly, the light turns off after a few seconds. If the system
has malfunctions, the light comes on again.
If the following conditions occur, this indicates a
malfunction somewhere in the components monitored by
the warning light system. Contact your Lexus dealer as
soon as possible to service the vehicle.
The light does not come on when the engine switch is
selected in “IG−ON” mode or remains on.
The light stays on while you are driving.