2006 Lexus GS430 sport mode

STARTING AND DRIVING
361
(a) Normal driving
G31022
 1“P” (Park) position 2“N” (Neutral) position
1. Start the engine as instructed in “Operating the engine
switch” on page 348.
The transmission must be in “P” or “N” position. The engine wi\
ll
not start in any drive position even if engine switch is pushed
while the brake pedal is depressed.
G31023
 1 Power 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 363.
For snow mode, see “Electronic Throttle Control System”
on page 371.

STARTING AND DRIVING
371
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. 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 363.
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.

STARTING AND DRIVING
424
ADAPTIVE VARIABLE SUSPENSIONSYSTEM (GS430 only)
G31041
 1Sport position 2Normal position
The adaptive variable suspension system controls the
suspension according to the road and driving conditions.
Selecting an optimum driving mode allows good vehicle
posture and steering wheel operation in conjunction with
variable gear ratio steering system and electric power
steering system.
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.
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
The traction control system automatically helps prevent
the spinning of drive wheels when the vehicle is started or
accelerated on slippery road surfaces.
When the engine switch is selected in “IG −ON” mode, the
system automatically turns on.
CAUTION
Under certain slippery road conditions, full traction of
the vehicle and power against drive wheels cannot be
maintained, even though the traction control system is
in operation. Do not drive the vehicle under any speed
or maneuvering conditions which may cause the
vehicle to lose traction control. In situations where the
road surface is covered with ice or snow, your vehicle
should be fitted with snow tires or tire chains. Always
drive at an appropriate and cautious speed for the
present road conditions.