2007 Lexus GS350 Using the hands-free system / LEXUS 2007 GS430/350 OWNER'S MANUAL (OM30A04U)

165
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
PCS (Pre-Collision System) (if equipped)
Radar sensor
Detects vehicles or other obsta-
cles on or near the road ahead and
determines whether a collision is

imminent based on the position,
speed, and heading of the obsta -
cles.
Grille cover
Radar sensor
Safety systems such as the brakes and seat belts are automatically
engaged to lessen impact and injuries to occupants as well as vehicle dam
-
age when the radar sensor detects a
n unavoidable frontal collision.
■Pre-collision seat belts (front seats only)
The seat belts are immediately retracted as the effect of the pretensioner is
increased ( P. 3 5 ), to provide even greater constraining force to protect
the driver and passengers. In the event of sudden braking or skidding, the
s
ystem will operate even if no obstacle has been detected.
■Pre-collision brake assist
Applies greater braking force in relation to how strongly the brake pedal is
depressed.
■ Pre-collision AVS
If the system determines that the collision is unavoidable, the operation of
AV S ( P. 1 5 8 ) helps prevent the vehicle front from going down when
hard brakes are applied.
■Obstacles not detected
The sensor cannot detect plastic obstacles such as pylons. There may also be occa -
sions when the sensor cannot detect pedestrians, animals, bicycles, motorcycles,
tr
ees, or snowdrifts.

166
2-4. Using other driving systems
■The pre-collision system is operational when
●Seat belt (linked to the radar sensor)
• Vehicle speed is above 3 mph (5 km/h).
• The speed at which your vehicle is approaching the obstacle or oncoming vehicle exceeds 18 mph (30 km/h).
• The front occupants are wearing a seat belt.
●Seat belts (linked to brake operation)
• Vehicle speed exceeds 9 mph (15 km/h).
• The system detects sudd en braking or skidding.
• The front occupants are wearing a seat belt.
•VSC is not turned off.
●Brake Assist
• Vehicle speed is above 18 mph (30 km/h).
• The speed at which your vehicle is approaching the obstacle or oncoming vehicle exceeds 18 mph (30 km/h).
• The brake pedal is depressed.
●AV S
• Vehicle speed is above 3 mph (5 km/h).
• The speed at which your vehicle is approaching the obstacle or oncoming vehicle exceeds 18 mph (30 km/h).
■Conditions that may trigger the system even if there is no danger of collision
●When there is an object by the roadside at the entrance to a curve
●When passing an oncoming vehicle on a curve
●When driving over a narrow iron bridge
●When there is a metal object on the road surface
●When driving on an uneven road surface
●When passing an oncoming vehicle on a left-turn
●When your vehicle rapidly closes on the vehicle in front
When the system is activated in the situations described above there is also a possi-
bility that the seat belts will retract quickly and the brakes will be applied with a force
greater than normal. When the seat belt is locked in the retracted position, stop the
vehicle in a safe place, release the seat belt and refasten.
■When there is a malfunction in the system
Warning lights and/or warning messages will turn on or flash. ( P. 451, 458)

167
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
CAUTION
■Handling the radar sensor
Observe the following to ensure the pre-collision system can function effectively.
●Keep the sensor and front grille clean at all times.
Clean the sensor and front grille with a so ft cloth so you do not mark or damage
them.
●Do not subject the sensor or surrounding area to a strong impact. 
If the sensor moves even slightly off position, the system may malfunction. If the
sensor or surrounding area are subject to a strong impact, always have the area
inspected and adjusted by a Lexus dealer.
●Do not disassemble the sensor.
●Do not attach accessories or stickers to the sensor, grille cover or surrounding
area.
■Limitations of the pre-collision system
Do not rely on the pre-collision system. Always drive safely, taking care to observe
your surroundings and checking for any obstacles or other road hazards.

168
2-5. Driving information
Cargo and luggage
Capacity and distribution
Cargo capacity depends on the total weight of the occupants.
(Cargo capacity) = (Total load capa city) — (T
otal weight of occupants)
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit—
(1) Locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and car
go should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your vehicle’s
placard.
(2) Determine the combined weight of the driv
er and passengers that
will be riding in your vehicle.
(3) Subtract the combined weight of the driv
er and passengers from
XXX kg or XXX lbs.
(4) The resulting figure equals the av ailable amount of car
go and lug-
gage load capacity.
For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1400 lbs. and ther
e will be
five 150 lb passengers in your vehicl e, the amount of available cargo
and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400 - 750 (5 150) = 650
lbs.)
(5) Determine the combined weight of luggage and car
go being
loaded on the vehicle.
That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo and luggage
load capacity calculated in Step 4.
Take notice of the following informat ion about storage precautions, cargo
capacity and load.
● Stow cargo and luggage in the trunk whenever possible. Be sure
all items are secured in place.
● Be car
eful to keep the vehicle level. Placing the weight as far for -
ward as possible helps maintain vehicle balance.
● F
or better fuel economy, do not carry unnecessary weight.

169
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
(6) If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Co nsult this manual to determine how
this reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your
vehicle. ( P. 171 )
Example on your vehicle
Cargo capacity
Total load capacity
When 2 people with the combined wei ght of 366 lb
. (166 kg) are riding
in your vehicle, which has a total load capacity of 815 lb. (370 kg), the
available amount of cargo and luggag e load capacity will be as follows:
815 lb. — 366 lb. = 449 lb. (370 kg —166 kg = 204 kg)
In this condition, if 3 mo re passengers with the combined weight of 388 lb.
(176 kg) get on, the available cargo and luggage load will be reduced as fol -
lows:
449 lb. — 388 lb. = 61 lb. (204 kg — 176 kg = 28 kg)
As shown in the above example, if the number of occupants incr
eases,
the cargo and luggage load equaling the combined weight of the occu-
pants who got on later, by an amount. In other w
ords, if an increase in the
number of occupants causes an excess of the total load capacity (com -
bined weight of occupants plus car go and luggage load), y
ou must
reduce the cargo and luggage on your vehicle.

170
2-5. Driving information
CAUTION
■Storage precautions
●Do not place anything on the package tray behind the rear seatback. 
Such items may be thrown about and possib ly injure people in the vehicle during
sudden braking or in an accident.
●Do not drive with objects on top of the instrument panel. 
They may interfere with the driver’s field of view or move during sharp accelera-
tion or turning, thus impairing the driver ’s control of the vehicle. In an accident
they may injure the vehicle occupants.
●Secure all items in the occupant compartment, as they may shift and injure some-
one during an accident or sudden braking.
■Weight of the load
●Improper loading may cause deterioration of steering or braking control result-
ing in an accident which may cause death or serious injury.
●Do not exceed the maximum axle weight ra ting or the total vehicle weight rating.
●Even if the total load of occupant's weight and the cargo load is less than the total
load capacity, do not apply the load unevenly. Improper loading may cause dete-
rioration of steering or braking control which may cause death or serious injury.

171
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
Vehicle load limits
■Total load capacity and seating capacity
These details are also described on the ti
re and loading information label. 
(  P. 4 0 0
)
CAUTION
■Overloading the vehicle
Do not overload the vehicle. 
It may not only cause damage to the tire s, but also degrade steering and braking
ability, resulting in an accident.
Vehicle load limits include total load capacity, seating capacity, towing
capacity and cargo capacity.
■ Total load capacity: 815 lb. (370 kg)
Total load capacity means the comb ined w
eight of occupants, cargo
and luggage.
■ Seating capacity: 5 occupants (F
ront 2, Rear 3)
Seating capacity means the maximu m number of occupants whose
estimated a
verage weight is 150 lb. (68 kg) per person.
Even if the number of occupants ar e within the seating capacity
, do
not exceed the total load capacity.
■ T
owing capacity
Lexus does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle.
■ Car
go capacity
Cargo capacity ma y incr
ease or decrease depending on the weight
and the number of occupants.

172
2-5. Driving information
Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving the
vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropriate to the
prevailing weather conditions.
■ Pre-winter preparations
●Use fluids that ar
e appropriate to the prevailing outside tempera -
tures.
• Engine oil
• Engine coolant
• Washer fluid
● Ha
ve a service technician inspect th e level and specific gravity of
battery electrolyte.
● Ha
ve the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set of
tire chains for the rear tires.
Ensure that all tires are the same si ze and brand, and that chains match
the size of the tires.