2007 Lexus GS350 stop start

4
1-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors and trunk
Smart access system with push-button start
The following operations can be performed simply by carrying the elec-
tronic key, for example in your pocket.
Locks and unlocks the doors ( P. 5 )
Unlocks the trunk ( P. 5 )
Starts and stops the engine ( P. 9 7 )

90
2-1. Driving procedures
Driving the vehicle
Starting on a steep incline
Firmly set the parking brake and shift the shift lever to “D”.
Gently depress the accelerator pedal.
Release the parking brake.
The following procedures should be observed to ensure safe driving.
■ Starting the engine ( P. 9 7 )
■ Driving
With the brake pedal depressed, shift the shift lever to “D”. 
( P
. 100)
Release the parking brake. (P
. 105)
Gradually release the brake peda l and gently push the accel-
erator pedal to accelerate the vehicle.
■ Stopping
With the shift lever in “D”, push the brake pedal.
If necessary, set the parking brake.
When the vehicle is stopped for an extended period of time, shift the
shift lever to “P”. (
P. 100)
■Parking the vehicle
With the shift lever in “D”, push the brake pedal.
Set the parking brake. (P. 1 0 5 )
Shift the shift lever to “P”. ( P. 1 0 0 )
Stop the engine.
Lock the door, making sur
e that you have the electronic key on
your person.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP1
STEP2
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
STEP5
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3

91
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
■Breaking in your new Lexus
To extend the life of the vehicle, the following precautions are recommended to
obser
ve:
●For the first 180 miles (300 km): 
Avoid sudden stops.
●For the first 1000 miles (1600 km):
• Do not drive at extremely high speeds.
• Avoid sudden acceleration.
• Do not drive continuously in the low gears.
• Do not drive at a constant speed for extended periods.
■Operating your vehicle in a foreign country
Comply with the relevant vehicle registration laws and confirm the availability of the
co
rrect fuel. ( P. 5 0 0 )
■When starting on an incline
The hill-start assist control may operate. ( P. 1 5 9 )

92
2-1. Driving procedures
CAUTION
■When starting the vehicle
Always keep your foot on the brake pedal while stopped with the engine running.
This prevents the vehicle from creeping.
■When driving the vehicle
●Do not drive if you are unfamiliar with the location of the brake and accelerator
pedals to avoid depressing the wrong pedal. 
Accidentally depressing the accelerator pedal instead of the brake pedal will
result in sudden acceleration that may lead to an accident that could result in
death or serious injury.
●Do not drive the vehicle over or stop the vehicle near flammable materials.
●Do not let the vehicle roll backwards while the shift lever is in a driving position, or
roll forward while the shift lever is in “R”. 
Doing so may cause the engine not to oper ate or lead to poor brake and steering
performance, resulting in an accident or damage to the vehicle.
●If the smell of exhaust is noticed inside the vehicle, open the windows and check
that the trunk is closed. 
Large amounts of exhaust in the vehicle can cause driver drowsiness and eventu-
ally, death. Have the cause of the problem inspected immediately.

98
2-1. Driving procedures
■If the engine does not start
The engine immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. (P.
5 2 )
■When the engine switch indicator flashes in amber
The system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus
deal

er immediately.
■Auto power OFF function
The engine switch will automatically turn OFF
when left in “ACC” mode for 1 hour
or more.
■Electronic key battery depletion
 P.
9
■When the electronic key battery is discharged
P.
4 0 9
■Conditions affecting operation
P. 7
CAUTION
■When starting the engine
Always start the engine while sitting in the driver’s seat. Do not press the accelera-
tor pedal while starting the en gine under any circumstances. 
Doing so may cause an accident resu lting in death or serious injury.
■Caution while driving
Do not touch the engine switch while driving. 
Pressing and holding the engine switch will stop the engine, which may lead to an
accident.

159
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
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 wh en swerving suddenly or turning on
slippery road surfaces.
■ TRAC (Traction Control)
Maintains drive power and prevents the rear wheels from spinning when
starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads.
■Hill-start assist control
Helps prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards when starting on an
incline or slippery slope. It operat es for approximately 5 seconds at maxi -
mum.
■ VGRS (Variable Gear Ratio Steering) (GS430)
Adjusts the wheel turning angle in accordance with the vehicle speed and
steering wheel movement.
■EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed to turn
the steering wheel.
■Active stabilizer suspension system (GS430, if equipped)
Turns at smaller angles to main tain the stable vehicle posture.

160
2-4. Using other driving systems
When the VSC/TRAC/hill-start assist control systems are operating
If the vehicle is in danger of slip-
ping, rolling backwards when
star

ting on an incli ne, or if the rear
wheels (2WD models) or all
wheels (4WD models) spin, the
slip indicator light flashes to indi-
cate that the VSC/TRAC/hill-start
as
sist control systems have been
engaged.
A buzzer (intermittent) sounds to
indicate that VSC is operating.
The stop lights and high mounted
stoplight turn on when the hill-star
t
assist control system is operating.
GS430: The slip indicator light
flashes as w
ell when ABS is operat -
ing.
■VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integ rated Management) (GS430)
Provides integrated control of the AB S, VSC, TRAC, hill-start assist con-
trol, VGRS and EPS systems. 
Maintains vehicle stability when swerving on slippery road surfaces by
contr
olling the brakes, engine output, and the movement of the front
wheels.
■ PCS (Pre-Collision System) (if equipped)
 P. 1 6 5

162
2-4. Using other driving systems
■Automatic reactivation of TRAC and VSC
Turning the engine switch OFF after turning of
f the TRAC and VSC systems will
automatically re-enable them.
■Automatic TRAC reactivation
If only the TRAC system is turned off, th e
TRAC system will turn on when the vehi-
cle speed increases.
■Automatic TRAC and VSC reactivation
If only the both TRAC and VSC systems are tur
ned off, the systems will not turn on
even when the vehicle speed increases.
■Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, BA, VSC, TRAC, hill-start assist con-
trol and VGRS systems
●A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the engine is
started or just after the vehicle begins to move. This sound does not indicate that
a malfunction has occurred in any of these systems.
●Any of the following conditions may occur when the above systems are operat -
ing. None of these indicates that a malfunction has occurred.
• Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.
• A motor sound may be heard after the vehicle comes to a stop.
• The brake pedal may pulsate slightly after the ABS is activated.
• The brake pedal may move down slightly af
ter the ABS is activated.
■Hill-start assist control is operational when
●The shift lever is in the “D” or “S” position.
●The brake pedal is not depressed.
■VGRS is disabled in the following situations (GS430)
●During stopping or the steering wheel has been moved for a long time while
driving at lower speeds.
●After the engine is restarted at less than -22°F (-30°C).
■Reduced effectiveness of EPS
The effectiveness of EPS is reduced to prevent the system from overheating when
th
ere 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. Th e system should return to normal within
10 minutes.