2006 Lexus GS430 Scheduled Maintenance Guide / LEXUS 2006 GS430/GS300 FROM JAN. 2005 PROD. OWNER'S MANUAL (OM30649U)

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444
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 when the vehicle speed
is about 5 km/h (3 mph) or over.
G31019
 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.
CAUTION
To ensure that precollision system will function
properly while driving, observe the following. Failure to
follow these instructions could reduce the
effectiveness of the precollision 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 grille cover, be sure to use a genuine
grille cover.

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445
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 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.
In the following conditions, the seat belts are quickly drawn
back by the retractors regardless of the possibility of the
collision:
 When the vehicle speed is about 14 km/h (9 mph) or over.
 When the vehicle is spinning or cannot take a turn properly.
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 vehicle speed is about 30 km/h (18 mph) or over.
 When the brake pedal is depressed.
 When the approaching speed in regard to the object or the
vehicle exceeds about 30 km/h (18 mph).
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.

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446
Adaptive variable suspension control (GS430
only)
When the precollision sensor detects an object or
vehicle with which your vehicle may collide, and
determines that a collision may be unavoidable, the
adaptive variable suspension adjusts the damping effect
on the shock absorbers and regulates the vehicle not to
pitch forward so much.
The adaptive variable suspension will operate in the following
conditions:
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).
Precollision system failure warning
G31079
Precollision system warning light
The light warns that there is a problem somewhere in the
precollision system.
The light comes on when the engine switch is selected in
“IG−ON” mode. If the system works properly, the light goes off
after a few seconds.
If the light does not come on when the engine switch is selected
in “IG−ON” mode, have your vehicle checked by your Lexus
dealer.
If the system has a problem, the pre− collision system warning
light comes on or blinks. At this time, the master warning light
comes on, a warning tone sounds, and either of the following
messages appears on the multi−information display.
 PCS DISABLED NOW
 CHECK PCS

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447
G13030
The precollision system warning light blinks, and 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.
The above conditions do not indicate a malfunction. If the
problem is removed, the warning lights and message go out
and the system returns to normal.
G13031
If the pre−collision system warning light remains on, and the above message appears, the pre −collision system may not
operate. Contact your Lexus dealer as soon as possible to
service the vehicle.
Precaution for precollision 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 system 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.

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CAUTION
Do not rely solely on the precollision 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 system 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.
NOTICE
Even if there is no object with which your vehicle may
collide, the precollision 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.

SECTION 3 – 2
449
STARTING AND DRIVING
Driving tips
Break−in period450
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Operation in foreign countries 450
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Tips for driving in various conditions 450
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Winter driving tips 452
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Dinghy towing 453
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Trailer towing 454
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How to save fuel and make your vehicle
last longer 454
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Vehicle load limits 456
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Cargo and luggage 457
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DRIVING TIPS
450
BREAKIN PERIOD
Drive gently and avoid high speeds.
You need not follow a break−in schedule with your new Lexus.
But following a few simple tips for the first 1600 km (1000 miles)
can add to the future economy and long life of your vehicle:
 Avoid full throttle acceleration when starting and driving.
 Avoid racing the engine.
 Try to avoid hard stops during the first 300 km (200 miles).
 Do not drive for a long time at any single speed, either fast
or slow.
OPERATION IN FOREIGN
COUNTRIES
If you plan to drive your Lexus in another country ...
First, comply with the vehicle registration laws.
Second, confirm the availability of the correct fuel (unleaded
and minimum octane rating).
TIPS FOR DRIVING IN VARIOUS CONDITIONS
Always slow down in gusty crosswinds. This will allow you
much better control.
 Drive slowly onto curbs and, if possible, at a right angle.
Avoid driving onto high, sharp −edged objects and other
road hazards. Failure to do so can lead to severe tire
damage such as a tire burst.
Drive slowly when passing over bumps or travelling on a
bumpy road. Otherwise, the impact could cause severe
damage to the tires and/or wheels.
 When parking on a hill, turn the front wheels until they touch
the curb so that the vehicle will not roll. Apply the parking
brake, and place the transmission in ”P”. If necessary, block
the wheels.
 Washing your vehicle or driving through deep water may get
the brakes wet. To see whether they are wet, check that
there is no traffic near you and then press the pedal lightly.
If you do not feel a normal braking force, the brakes are
probably wet. To dry them, drive the vehicle cautiously while
lightly pressing the brake pedal with the parking brake
applied. If they still do not work safel y, pull to the side of the
road and call a Lexus dealer for assistance.

DRIVING TIPS
451
CAUTION
Before driving off, make sure the parking brake is
fully released and that the parking brake reminder
light is off.
 Do not leave your vehicle unattended while the
engine is running.
 Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while driving.
It can cause dangerous overheating, needless wear,
and poor fuel economy.
 To drive down a long or steep hill, reduce your speed
and downshift. Remember, if you ride the brakes
excessively, they may overheat and not work
properly. See page 359.
 Be careful when accelerating, upshifting,
downshifting or braking on a slippery surface. The
abrupt change in engine speed, such as sudden
acceleration or engine braking, could cause the
vehicle to skid or spin.
 Even if the legal speed limit permits it, do not drive
over 140 km/h (85 mph) unless your vehicle has
highspeed capability tires. Driving over 140 km/h
(85 mph) may result in tire failure, loss of control and
possible injury. Be sure to consult a tire dealer to
determine whether the tires on your vehicle are
highspeed capability tires or not before driving at
such speeds.
Do not continue normal driving when the brakes are
wet. If they are wet, your vehicle will require a longer
stopping distance, and it may pull to one side when
the brakes are applied. Also, the parking brake will
not hold the vehicle securely.