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
347
Steering lock
The steering wheel is locked in “OFF” mode.
When the steering lock is activated, you may hear a sound
coming from the steering column, it is not a malfunction. If you
select the “OFF” mode while the driver’s door is open, the
steering wheel is not locked until the driver’s door is closed.
If you select the mode other than “OFF” or start the engine, the
steering lock is disabled.
If there is trouble somewhere in the steering lock system, either
of the following warning messages will appear on the
multi−information display.
S/T IS NOT UNLOCKED
CHECK S/T LOCK
G31045
When pushing the engine switch while the brake pedal is
depressed, the steering lock is not unlocked if load is
applied to the steering wheel, and the above message
appears.
The engine will not start. At this time, the master warning light
comes on and the engine switch indicator light blinks green.
STARTING AND DRIVING
348
G31046
To start the engine in this condition, push the engine
switch again while turning the steering wheel in either
direction as shown in the above illustration.
The steering wheel is unlocked, and the engine will start.
G31047
If the steering lock system is malfunctioning, the above
message appears.
At this time, the master warning light comes on and the engine
switch indicator light blinks amber. The engine will not start.
In this case, contact your Lexus dealer.
STARTING AND DRIVING
352
PARKING BRAKE
G31037
1
U.S.A. 2
Canada
To set: Hold the regular brake pedal down with your right
foot. Push down the parking brake pedal with your left
foot.
To release: Hold the regular brake pedal down with your
right foot and push the parking brake pedal with your left
foot. When you lift your left foot, the parking brake pedal
will follow it to the released position.
Before leaving your vehicle, firmly apply the parking brake.
To remind you that the parking brake is set, the parking brake
reminder light in the instrument cluster remains on until you
release the parking brake.The buzzer will remind you to release the parking brake when
the vehicle speed rises above 5 km/h (3mph) with the parking
brake is applied. At this time the master warning light blinks
and the message “PARK BRAKE” appears on the
multi−information display.
CAUTION
Before driving, make sure the parking brake is fully
released and that the parking brake reminder light is off.
STARTING AND DRIVING
358“4” (fourth range): The most suitable gear is automatically
selected between first and fourth gears according to vehicle
speed and driving conditions. In the “4” (fourth range)
position, the automatic transmission system will select the
most suitable gear to handle current running conditions
such as hill climbing, hard towing, etc.
“3” (third range): The most suitable gear is automatically
selected between first and third gears according to vehicle
speed and driving conditions. This range is best used when
stronger engine braking is necessary.
“2” (second range): First or second gear will automatically
be selected according to vehicle speed and driving
conditions. This range is to be used when engine braking
stronger than that of the “3” (third range) position is
necessary.
“1” (first range): This gear is fixed in first regardless of
vehicle speed or driving conditions. This range is to be used
when maximum engine braking is necessary.
If you attempt to downshift the transmission when it is not
possible to downshift due to high vehicle speed, a warning tone
sounds twice.Maximum allowable speeds
To get on a highway or to pass slower traffic, maximum
acceleration may be necessary. Make sure you observe the
following maximum allowable speeds in each range:
range km/h (mph)
GS430:1 57 (35)
2 97 (60)
3 141 (88)
range km/h (mph)
GS300 (2WD):1 54 (33)
2 93 (58)
3 137 (85)
range km/h (mph)
GS300 (4WD):1 52 (32)
2 90 (56)
3 131 (81)
NOTICE
Do not downshift if you are going faster than the
maximum allowable speed for the next lower range.
STARTING AND DRIVING
365 In the power mode, the “ECT PWR” light in the instrument
cluster is on and the most suitable shift pattern is selected
depending on the driver’s operation of accelerator and brake
pedal and on the vehicle condition. See “Automatic shifting
point change control” on page 356.
To return to the normal mode, push the driving pattern selector
switch lightly on the “SNOW” side.
Snow mode: For slippery road surfaces such as in snow. In
this mode, the spinning of the rear wheels is controlled
appropriately.
When you push the driving pattern selector switch on the
“SNOW” side, the snow mode is turned on and the ”ECT
SNOW” light in the instrument cluster comes on.
To return to the normal mode, push the driving pattern selector
switch on the “SNOW” side again.
When you turn the engine switch off in the snow mode, the
electronic throttle control system automatically changes to the
normal mode.
INTUITIVE PARKING ASSIST
G31049
The intuitive parking assist is a warning system used
when parking the vehicle at low speed (e.g. into a garage).
It uses an ultrasonic sensor, which checks the
approximate distance to an obstacle. It will inform you of
the approximate distance to an obstacle by displaying
information on the multi−information display and the
screen, and with beeping sounds.
STARTING AND DRIVING
366
1
Dual sensors
There are four of these steering guidance sensors installed in
the front bumper.
Steering guidance means that when an obstacle is inspected,
not only is the distance estimated, this function judges whether
collision with the obstacle within detection range is avoidable
if the vehicle is steered in a certain direction, and informs the
driver. There will be no warning if it judges that there is no
possibility of collision with the obstacle within detection range.
(See page 369.)
2
Rear corner sensors
There is one of these installed on each corner of the rear
bumper, they inspect obstacles and will sound a warning
depending on the distance to the obstacle. (See page 373.)
3
Back sensors
There are two of these installed near the center of the rear
bumper, they inspect obstacles and will sound a warning
depending on the distance to the obstacle. (See page 374.)
G31050
To use the intuitive parking assist, push the main switch
in the switch box with the engine switch in “IG−ON” mode.
Pushing the main switch again will turn the intuitive
parking assist off.
When you push the main switch, the indicator light in the
instrument cluster comes on and a beep sounds for one
second, indicating that the intuitive parking assist is turned on.
The intuitive parking assist will remain on even after turning the
engine switch to “OFF” and then to “IG−ON” mode with the
main switch on. However, a beep does not sound at this time.
If an error is detected in the intuitive parking assist while
self−checking, beeps sound and a warning appears in the
multi−information display and on the screen. For details, see
“Intuitive parking assist failure warning” on page 378.
STARTING AND DRIVING
369
Dual sensors
G31054
(A) Collision will be unavoidable: Collision with the
detected obstacle cannot be avoided even by changing the
steering.
(B) Collision will be avoided by changing the steering:
Collision with the obstacle can be avoided by changing the
steering.
(C) Collision will be avoided with the present steering
angle: Even if you continue moving at the present steering
angle, the distance to the obstacle within sensor detection
range will not be less than about 25 cm (0.8 ft.).
The dual sensors detect an obstacle in front of the vehicle
or at an angle to the front of the vehicle, and estimate the
distance to the obstacle and also the steering angle
required. They will evaluate which of the above 3
conditions is applicable.The selector lever must be in any position other than “P” or “R”
for these sensors to operate, however the obstacle at an angle
to the front of the vehicle will also be detected while the selector
lever is in “R”.
CAUTION
With long obstacles such as walls, the decision of the
sensor may change as the obstacle gets closer; from
certain avoidance to avoidance if steering is changed;
from certain avoidance to unavoidable collision; and
there are also times when the decision will be changed
from avoidance if steering is changed, to certain
collision. When you move your vehicle, be sure to
confirm a safe distance around your vehicle with your
eyes and drive slowly, or an accident or injury may
result.
The steering guidance may not operate properly in the
following conditions:
Tires other than those of Lexus genuine size are
installed.
The steering sensor information cannot be received
properly. (See “Intuitive parking assist failure warning”
on page 378.)