2007 Lexus GS450h steering

151
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
If the steering neutral position is unknown
After the 12 volt battery has been reconnected, the steering sensor will
need to be initialized. At this time, if the dual sensors detect an obstacle,
the steering guide symbol and both arrows will be displayed.
Multi-information display
Touch screen
Use one of the following methods to initialize the steering sensor.
• With the vehicle stopped, turn the s teering wheel all the w
ay to the left,
then the right. (The order is not important.)
• Drive for more than 5 minutes on an un-cr
owded road with as few
curves and corners as possible.
If the steering guide symbol disappe ars, the steering sensor has been ini-
tialized. If the steering guide symbol does not disappear
, have the vehicle
checked by your Lexus dealer.

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2-4. Using other driving systems
If the steering information is not being correctly received
If the system is unable to receive signals from the steering sensor, or there
is a malfunction in the VGRS, the steering guide symbol and both arrows
will flash if the dual sensors detect an obstacle. 
In this case, have the vehicle checked by your Lexus dealer.
Multi-information display
Touch screen
If the steering guide symbol is on or flashing, the intuitiv
e parking assist
maximum detection range is reduced from 3.0 ft. (100 cm) to 1.5 ft. (50
cm). 
The steering sensor malfunction warnin g display will be aligned with the
intuitiv
e parking assist detection displa y or the intuitive parking assist mal -
function warning display.

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2-4. Using other driving systems
■CertificationFor vehicles sold in the U.S.A.
For vehicles sold in Canada
CAUTION
■Caution while driving
To reduce the chance of injury in the even t of an accident or sudden stop, keep the
switch box closed.
■When using intuitive parking assist
Observe the following precautions.
●The back sensors and rear corner sensors do not judge whether there is danger
of a collision, nor whether the obstacle can be avoided using the steering wheel.
When reversing, always check your surroundings and behind the vehicle for
safety.
●The steering guide symbol (arrow) is an approximate guide regarding obstacles.
It is not driving instructions. When movi ng forward or reversing, always check
your surroundings for safety and drive carefully.
●Do not install accessories within the sensors' detection areas, as this may cause
the intuitive parking assist to function inco rrectly, possibly leading to an accident.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions;
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
This ISM device complies with Canadian ICES-001.
Cet appareil ISM est conforme a la norme NMB-001 du Canada.

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2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
NOTICE
■When using intuitive parking assist
In the following situations, the system may not function correctly due to a sensor
malfunction etc. Have the vehicle checked by your Lexus dealer.
• A beep does not sound when you turn the main switch ON.
• The intuitive parking assist operation display flashes, and a beep sound when
no obstacle has been detected.
• If the area around a sensor collides with something, or is subjected to strong impact.
• If the bumper collides with something.
• If the display shows continuously without a beep.
■When changing tires
If you install tires of a size other than that recommended by the manufacturer, the
system will be unable to correctly detect steering wheel movement. Always use tire
sizes recommended by the manufacturer.
■When washing the vehicle
When washing the vehicle using high pressure cleaning equipment, do not spray
water directly on the sensors. Subjecting the sensors to high pressure impact may
cause a malfunction.

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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 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)
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
Turns at smaller angles to main tain the stable vehicle posture.

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2-4. Using other driving systems
To disable TRAC
If the vehicle gets stuck in fresh snow or mud, TRAC may reduce power
from the engine to the wheels. You may need to turn the system off to
enable you to rock the vehicle in order to free it.
Push the button to turn off TRAC.
The slip indicator light should come
on.
Push the button again to turn the
sy
stem back on.
Once you turn the power switch
“
OFF”, TRAC will be activated
automatically.
■Automatic TRAC reactivation
TRAC is reactivated when vehicle speed exceeds 30 mph (50 km/h) even if
“

TRAC OFF” has been turned off.
■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 hybrid system 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.

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2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
■VGRS is disabled in the following situations
●During stopping or the steering wheel has been moved for a long time while
driving at lower speeds.
●After the hybrid system 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
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 hybrid system OFF. The system should return to nor-
mal 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 op erating on the wet or slick roads
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 is operating. 
Do not drive the vehicle in conditions where stability and power may be lost.

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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.