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STARTING AND DRIVING
355
G31023
1Power position 2Normal position
3Snow position
2. Set the driving pattern selector switch to the normal
position.
Your transmission has a driving pattern selector switch which
allows you to select power, normal or snow mode to suit your
driving condition. For ordinary driving, Lexus recommends
that you use the normal mode to improve fuel economy.
3. For more powerful acceleration and sporty driving, use
the power position.
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.
For snow mode, see “Electronic Throttle Control System”
on page 364.
G31024
1 Brake pedal 2“D” (Drive) position
4. With your foot holding down the brake pedal, shift the
selector lever to “D”.
Always use the “D” position to improve fuel economy and quiet
driving. Only in this position, shifting into the overdrive gear is
possible. However, while the engine coolant temperature is
low, the transmission will not shift into the overdrive gear even
in the “D” position. (See “(c) Using engine braking” and “(f)
Good driving practice” for exceptions.)
CAUTION
Never put your foot on the accelerator pedal while
shifting.
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STARTING AND DRIVING
364
(g) If you cannot shift the selector lever
If you cannot shift the selector lever even though the brake
pedal is depressed, use the shift lock override button. For
instructions, see “If you cannot shift automatic transmission
selector lever” on page 489.
ELECTRONIC THROTTLECONTROL SYSTEM
The electronic throttle control system always maintains
appropriate engine output in relation to the accelerator
opening in all driving conditions.
G31023
1Power position 2Normal position
3Snow position
The electronic throttle control system has 3 modes:
normal, power and snow modes.
Normal mode: For ordinary driving, Lexus recommends that
you use this mode to improve fuel economy.
Power mode: For more powerful acceleration and sporty
driving.
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STARTING AND DRIVING
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5Resuming the preset speed
If the preset speed is cancelled by pulling the control lever, by
depressing the brake pedal or vehicle stability control
activation, pushing the lever up in the “+ RES” direction will
restore the speed set prior to cancellation. However, once the
vehicle speed falls below about 40 km/h (25 mph), the preset
speed will not be resumed.
(c) Conventional cruise control mode failure warning
G13075
If the system malfunction is detected when the
conventional cruise control mode is in the ready mode or
operating, the master warning light comes on, a warning
tone sounds and the above message appears.
If this message appears, push the “ON− OFF” button to turn the
system off and then push it again to turn it on. If the setting still
cannot be made or the same message appears again, the
system might have malfunctioned. Although it is no problem
to continue driving, contact your Lexus dealer.
ADAPTIVE VARIABLE SUSPENSION SYSTEM (GS430 only)
G31041
1Sport position 2Normal position
The adaptive variable suspension system controls
suspension and steering, and ensures optimum vehicle
posture and steering capabilities depending on the
driving condition.
Sport mode: Suitable for sporty type driving, such as on
winding mountain roads and high speed driving.
Normal mode: Suitable for ordinary driving.
To turn on the sport mode, push the selector switch on the
“SPORT” side. The indicator comes on in the instrument
cluster.
To change to the normal mode, push the switch to the “NORM”
side.