SECTION 3 – 1
339
STARTING AND DRIVING
Starting and driving
Three−way catalytic converters340 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine exhaust caution341 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating the engine switch342 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking brake352 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic transmission353 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronic throttle control system364 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intuitive parking assist365 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear view monitor system388 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise control392 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dynamic radar cruise control395 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adaptive variable suspension system417 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Traction control system418 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle stability control system420 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hill−start assist control system422 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Variable gear ratio steering system424 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle dynamics integrated management426 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake system427 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake pad wear limit indicators431 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electric power steering system432 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire pressure warning system433 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pre−collision system443 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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
429
CAUTION
Do not overestimate the anti−lock brake system:
Although the anti−lock 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 anti−lock
brake system on.
If tire grip performance exceeds its capability, or if
hydroplaning occurs during high speed driving in the
rain, the anti−lock brake system does not provide
vehicle control.
Anti−lock brake system is not designed to shorten the
stopping distance: Always drive at a moderate speed
and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of
you. Compared with vehicles without an anti−lock
brake system, your vehicle may require a longer
stopping distance in the following cases:
Driving on rough, gravel or snow−covered roads.
Driving with tire chains installed.
Driving over the steps such as the joints on the road.
Driving on roads where the road surface is pitted or
has other differences in surface height.
Install all 4 tires of specified size at appropriate
pressure: The anti−lock brake system detects vehicle
speeds using the speed sensors for respective wheels’
turning speeds. The use of tires other than specified
may fail to detect the accurate turning speed resulting
in a longer stopping distance.
STARTING AND DRIVING
433
CAUTION
If the electric power steering system warning light
comes on, take your vehicle to your Lexus dealer as
soon as possible. In this case, more effort is required
for the steering wheel to turn than usual. Drive your
vehicle while firmly gripping the steering wheel.
TIRE PRESSURE WARNING
SYSTEM
G31003
Low tire pressure warning light
The light warns you that the tire inflation pressure is low.
The low tire pressure warning light comes on when the engine
switch is selected in “IG−ON” mode and goes off after a few
seconds. This means the low tire pressure warning light is
operating properly. If the tire inflation pressure becomes low,
the light comes on again. At this time, the master warning light
comes on and the message “LOW TIRE” appears on the
multi−information display.
STARTING AND DRIVING
434If the low tire pressure warning light does not go off or comes
on during driving, it indicates that tire inflation pressure is low.
Make sure there is no flat tire. If the light comes on again even
after tire inflation pressure adjustment, you may have a flat tire.
If there is not adequate air pressure in the tires, the light will not
go off.
The light may turn on due to natural causes such as natural air
leaks or tire inflation pressure changes caused by
temperature. In this case, adjusting the tire inflation pressure
will turn off the light.
The tire pressure warning system is not a substitute for
checking tire inflation pressure.
For details about adjusting the tire inflation pressure, see
“Checking tire inflation pressure” on page 539.
If the low tire pressure warning light comes on, the action you
must take is different depending on the type of tires used.Vehicles with run−flat tires:
Stop your vehicle at a safe place as soon as possible and
check that the tire inflation pressure is as specified on the tire
and loading information label. If the low tire pressure warning
light comes on even after tire inflation pressure adjustment, it
is probable that you have a flat tire. If you cannot verify the tire
inflation pressure soon, go to the nearest Lexus dealer or
authorized tire dealer at the moderate speed and do not ever
exceed 90 km/h (55 mph) and have all your vehicle’s tires
checked and adjusted. And whether there is a flat tire or not
should be also checked at this time. If any tire must be
replaced, see “If you have a flat tire” on page 468.
If your vehicle is equipped with spare tire, the spare is not
equipped with the tire pressure sensor. So, the low tire
pressure warning light remains on even if the spare tire is
mounted.
The light goes off a few minutes after air is put into the deflated
tire.
STARTING AND DRIVING
435
CAUTION
If the low tire pressure warning light comes on, take
your vehicle to the nearest Lexus dealer or authorized
tire dealer or gas station as soon as possible, observing
the following instructions:
Decelerate as soon as possible to the most
appropriate speed that conditions permit. Do not
drive over 90 km/h (55 mph).
Avoid abrupt steering wheel maneuvering and
braking. If the vehicle tires deteriorate, you could
lose control of the steering wheel or the brakes,
causing death or serious injury.
The warning system may not activate immediately if
bursts or sudden air leakage should occur.
When the tyre pressure warning system warning light is
lit, one or more of your tyres is significantly
under−inflated. You should stop and check your tyres
as soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper
pressure as indicated on the vehicle’s tyre information
placard. Driving on a significantly under−inflated tire
causes the tyre to overheat and can lead to tyre failure.
Under−inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tyre
tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling and
stopping ability. Each tyre, including the spare, should
be checked monthly when cold and set to the
recommended inflation pressure as specified in the
vehicle placard and owner’s manual.
NOTICE
Do not use liquid sealants for a flat tire as tire
pressure sensors will be damaged.
Take due care not to go over a curb stone and be
careful of the holes in the road because deflated tire
pressure affects tire cushion performance. The
wheels, tires, body, suspension and other
components could be damaged.
Your ground clearance is reduced if the run−flat tire
goes flat so avoid driving over obstacles and drive
slowly on rough, unpaved roads and speed bumps.
Also, do not attempt to go through an automatic car
wash as the vehicle may get caught, resulting in
damage.
When the tires must be replaced, have them replaced
by the nearest Lexus dealer or authorized tire dealer.
The tire pressure sensor will be affected by the
installation or removal of tires.
When the tires must be replaced, replace the
grommets for tire pressure sensors as well.
STARTING AND DRIVING
436Vehicles with standard tires:
Stop your vehicle at a safe place as soon as possible and
check that the tire inflation pressure is as specified on the tire
and loading information label. If the low tire pressure warning
light comes on even after tire inflation pressure adjustment, it
is probable that you have a flat tire. If the tire goes flat, change
to the spare tire. (See page 469.)
The spare tire is not equipped with the tire pressure sensor.
So, the low tire pressure warning light remains on even if the
spare tire is mounted.
The light goes off a few minutes after air is put into the deflated
tire.
CAUTION
If the low tire pressure warning light comes on, observe
the following instructions:
Decelerate as soon as possible to the most
appropriate speed that conditions permit.
Avoid abrupt steering wheel maneuvering and
braking. If the vehicle tires deteriorate, you could
lose control of the steering wheel or the brakes,
causing death or serious injury.
The warning system may not activate immediately if
bursts or sudden air leakage should occur.
When the tyre pressure warning system warning light is
lit, one or more of your tyres is significantly
under−inflated. You should stop and check your tyres
as soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper
pressure as indicated on the vehicle’s tyre information
placard. Driving on a significantly under−inflated tire
causes the tyre to overheat and can lead to tyre failure.
Under−inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tyre
tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling and
stopping ability. Each tyre, including the spare, should
be checked monthly when cold and set to the
recommended inflation pressure as specified in the
vehicle placard and owner’s manual.
STARTING AND DRIVING
437
NOTICE
Do not use liquid sealants for a flat tire as tire
pressure sensors will be damaged.
When the tires must be repaired or replaced, have
them repaired or replaced by the nearest Lexus
dealer or authorized tire dealer. The tire pressure
sensors will be affected by the installation or removal
of tires.
When the tires must be replaced, replace the
grommets for tire pressure sensors as well.
System malfunction
G31048
If the low tire pressure warning light blinks and the above
message appears on the multi−information display, it
indicates a system malfunction. Contact your Lexus
dealer.
The system will be disabled in the conditions below:
Electric devices or facilities using similar radio wave
frequencies are nearby.
If a radio set at similar frequencies is in use.
Much snowflakes or ice gets on the vehicle, in particular,
around the wheels or wheel housings.
Non−genuine Lexus wheels are used.
Snow tires or tire chains are used.
The sensor battery is expired.
The tires not equipped with tire pressure sensor are used.