2006 Lexus IS250 automatic transmission

100
2-1. Driving procedures
■Gear position display when driving in S mode
The current gear is displayed on the multi-information display. ( P. 117)
■Downshifting restrictions warning buzzer (in the S mode)
To help ensure safety and driving perfor mance, downshifting operation may some-
times be restricted. In some circumstance s, downshifting may not be possible even
when the shift lever or shift paddle switch is operated. (The warning buzzer will
sound twice.)
■When driving with the cruise control syst em or dynamic radar cruise control sys-
tem
The engine brake will not operate in the S mode, even when downshifting to 5 or 4.
(  P. 1 2 6 , 1 2 9 )
■SNOW mode automatic deactivation
SNOW mode is automatically deactivated if the engine switch is turned to ACC or
IG-ON mode after driving in SNOW mode.
■If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P
 P. 3 6 1
■If the indicator does not come on even after shifting the shift lever to S
This may indicate a malfunction in the automatic transmission system. Have the
vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
(In this situation, the vehicle will operate as if the shift lever is in D.)
■AI-SHIFT
The AI-SHIFT automatically sh ifts the gear to the optimal position according to the
driver performance and driving conditions.
The AI-SHIFT automatically operates when th e shift lever is in the D position. (Shift-
ing the shift lever to the S position cancels the function.)

104
2-1. Driving procedures
Parking brake
NOTICE
■Before driving
Fully release the parking brake.
Driving the vehicle with the parking brake set will lead to brake components over-
heating, which may affect braking performance and increase brake wear.
Automatic transmission
Sets the parking brake
*
(Depressing the pedal again
releases the parking brake.)
*: Fully depress the parking brake pedal with your left
foot while depressing the
brake pedal with your right
foot.
Manual transmission
Sets
the parking brake
Fully set the parking brake while
depressing the brake pedal.
Releases the parking
brake
CANADA U.S.A.
CANADA U.S.A.

112
2-2. Instrument cluster
■Indicators
The indicators inform the driver of th e operating state of the vehi-
cle’s various systems.
Turn signal indicator
( P. 1 0 3 )
(vehicles with
an automatic
transmission)
ECT SNOW indicator
( P. 9 8 )
Headlight high beam indi-
cator ( P. 118)
(vehicles with
a manual
transmission)
ETCS SNOW indicator
( P. 1 0 1 )
(U.S.A.)
Headlight indicator
( P. 118)
(vehicles with
an automatic
transmission)
ECT PWR indicator
( P. 9 8 )
(CANADA)
Tail light indicator
( P. 118) Cruise control indicator
( P. 1 2 6 )
(vehicles with an automatic trans-
mission)
Shift position and shift range indica-
tors ( 
P. 9 7)
(if equipped)
AFS OFF indicator light
(P. 1 1 9 )
(if equipped)
Lexus parking assist-sen-
sor indicator ( P. 1 3 8 )
Slip indicator ( P. 1 4 5 )
*
*

117
2-2. Instrument cluster
2
When driving
■Gear position display
(vehicles with an automatic transmission only)
Indicates the current gear , and the range of gears
that is available when the shift lever is in the S or D
position. The gear range is shown by the number of
dots ( ) and the current gear is shown as a number.
The transmission automatically selects the gears
within the driver selected gear range.
In the illustration to the left , a range of 6 available gears
(1 through 6) has been selected by the driver. (The shift
lever is in the D or S position with 6 ranges enabled) It is
possible for the transmission to automatically select
between all 6 of the gears. In this case, the transmission
has selected third gear.
■System check display
After switching the engine switch to IG -ON mode, CHECK is displayed while sys-
tem operation is checked. When the system check is complete, COMPLETED is
displayed before returning to the normal screen.
CAUTION
■The information display at low temperatures
Allow the interior of the vehicle to warm up before using the liquid crystal informa-
tion display. At extremely low temperatures, the information display monitor may
respond slowly, and display changes may be delayed.
For example, there is a lag between the driver's shifting and the new gear number
appearing on the display. This lag could cause the driver to downshift again, causing
rapid and excessive engine braking and po ssibly an accident resulting in personal
death or injury.

127
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
■Cruise control can be set when
●The shift lever is in the D or 4,5, or 6 range of S. (vehicles with an automatic
transmission)
●Vehicle speed is between approximately 25 mph (40 km/h) and 125 mph
(200 km/h).
■Accelerating
The vehicle can be accelerated normally.
■Automatic cruise control cancellation
The set speed is automatically cancelled in any of the following situations.
●Actual vehicle speed falls more than 10 mph (16 km/h) below the preset vehicle
speed
At this time, the memorized set speed is not retained.
●Actual vehicle speed is below 25 mph (40km/h)
●VSC is activated
■Canceling and resuming regular acceleration
Cancel
Push the lever towards you to
cancel cruise control.
The speed setting is also can-
celed when the brakes are
applied or the clutch is
depressed (manual transmis-
sion).
Resume
To resume cruise control and
return to the set speed, push the
lever up.

144
2-4. Using other driving systems
Driving assist systems
To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following systems
operate automatically in response to various driving situations. Be aware,
however, that these systems are supplementary and should not be relied
upon too heavily when operating the vehicle.
■ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Restrains the vehicle from slipping when driving on slick road surfaces or
in the event of sudden braking.
■BA (Brake Assist)
Generates an increased level of braking force after the brake pedal is
depressed, when the system detects a panic stop situation.
■VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)
Helps the driver to control skidding when swerving suddenly or turning on
slippery road surfaces.
■ TRAC (Traction Control)
Maintains drive power and prevents th e rear wheels (2WD models) or all
wheels (4WD models) from spinning when starting the vehicle or acceler-
ating on slippery roads.
■ Hill-start assist control (vehicles with an automatic transmission)
Prevents the vehicle from rolling backwa rds when starting on an incline or
slippery slope.
■ EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed to turn
the steering wheel.

147
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
■Reduced effectiveness of EPS
The effectiveness of EPS is reduced to prevent the system from overheating when
there is frequent steering input over an extended period of time. The steering wheel
may feel heavy as a result. Should this occur, refrain from excessive steering input or
stop the vehicle and turn the engine OFF. The system should return to normal within
10 minutes.
CAUTION
Any of the following conditions may result in an accident which could cause death or
serious injury:
■The ABS does not operate effectively when
●The limits of tire gripping performance have been exceeded.
●The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on the wet or slick road.
■Stopping distance when the ABS is operating will exceed that of normal condi-
tions
The ABS is not designed to shorten the ve hicle’s stopping distance. Always main-
tain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you in the following situations.
●When driving on dirt, gravel or snow-covered roads
●When driving with tire chains
●When driving over bumps in the road
●When driving over roads with potholes or roads with uneven roads
■TRAC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be ac hievable while driving on slippery road
surfaces, even if the TRAC system is operating.
Do not drive the vehicle in conditions where stability and power may be lost.
■If hill-start assist control does not operate effectively
(vehicles with an automatic transmission)
The hill-start assist control may not operate effectively on steep inclines and roads
covered in ice.

157
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
■Before driving the vehicle
Perform the following according to the driving conditions.
● Do not try to forcibly open a w indow or move a wiper that is fro-
zen. Pour warm water over the frozen area to melt the ice. Wipe
away the water immediately to prevent it from freezing.
● To ensure proper operation of the climate control system fan,
remove any snow that has accumu lated on the air inlet vents in
front of the windshield.
● Remove any ice that has accumul ated on the vehicle chassis.
● Periodically check for and remove any excess ice or snow that
may have accumulated in the wheel well or on the brakes.
■ When driving the vehicle
Accelerate the vehicle slowly and drive at a reduced speed suitable to
road conditions.
■When parking the vehicle
Park the vehicle and move the shift lever to P (automatic transmis-
sion) or R (manual transmission) without setting the parking brake.
The parking brake may freeze up, preventing it from being released.