2007 Lexus IS250 Basic Functions / LEXUS 2007 IS350/250 OWNER'S MANUAL (OM53578U)

103
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
Changing shift ranges in S mode
Shift the shift lever to the S position and operate the shift lever or shift
paddle switch.
Upshifting
Downshifting
The initial shift range in S mode is automatically set to 5 or 4 according to
vehicle speed. However, the initial shift range may be set to 3 or 2 if the
AI-SHIFT has operated while the shift lever was in the D position.
(P. 1 0 4 )
■Shift ranges and their functions
A lower shift range will provide greater engine braking forces than a higher shift
range.
Shift rangeFunction
6Automatically selecting gears between 1 and 6
according to vehicle speed and driving conditions.
5Automatically selecting gears between 1 and 5
according to vehicle speed and driving conditions.
4Automatically selecting gears between 1 and 4
according to vehicle speed and driving conditions.
3Automatically selecting gears between 1 and 3
according to vehicle speed and driving conditions.
2Automatically selecting gears between 1 and 2
according to vehicle speed and driving conditions.
1Setting the gear at 1.

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2-1. Driving procedures
■Gear position display when driving in S mode
The current gear is displayed on the multi-information display. (P. 1 2 1 )
■Downshifting restrictions warning buzzer (in the S mode)
To help ensure safety and driving performance, downshifting operation may some-
times be restricted. In some circumstances, 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 system 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. 130, 133)
■SNOW mode automatic deactivation
SNOW mode is automatically deactivated if the engine switch is turned off after
driving in SNOW mode.
■If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P
P. 3 6 7
■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 shifts the gear to the optimal position according to the
driver performance and driving conditions.
The AI-SHIFT automatically operates when the shift lever is in the D position. (Shift-
ing the shift lever to the S position cancels the function.)

105
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
Manual Transmission (if equipped)
Snow mode
The snow mode is used for accel-
erating and driving on slippery
road surfaces, such as on snow.
Push the switch once more to
return to normal mode.
■Shifting the shift lever
Fully depress the clutch pedal
before operating the shift lever,
and then release it slowly.
■Shifting the shift lever into R
Shift the shift lever into the R
position while lifting up the ring
section.

106
2-1. Driving procedures
■Recommended shifting speed
The following table indicates shifting speeds for optimum fuel economy.
mph (km/h)
■Maximum downshifting speed
Adhere to the downshifting speeds in the following table in order to prevent over-
revving the engine.
mph (km/h)
Shifting operationRecommended speed
1
215 (24)
2
325 (40)
3
440 (64)
4
545 (72)
5
650 (80)
Shift positionMaximum speed
133 (54)
256 (90)
383 (134)
4108 (172)

107
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
Turn signal lever
■Turn signals can be operated when
The engine switch is in IG-ON mode.
■If the indicators flash faster than usual
Check that a light bulb in the front or rear turn signal lights has not burned out.
Left turn
Right turn
Move and hold the lever part-
way to signal a lane change
The left hand signal will flash
until you release the lever.
Move and hold the lever part-
way to signal a lane change
The right hand signal will flash
until you release the lever.

108
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.

109
2
When driving
2-2. Instrument cluster
Gauges and meters
The units used on the speedometer and the tachometer gauge display may
differ depending on the model/type.

The following gauges, meters and display illuminate when the engine
switch is in IG-ON mode.
Speedometer
Displays the vehicle speed.
Multi-information display
P. 118
Tachometer
Displays the engine speed in revolutions per minute.
Tacho indicator
When the set engine speed is reached while driving, this ring-shaped indi-
cators comes on in yellow. The indicator comes on in red when the engine
speed reaches a dangerous range.
Engine coolant temperature gauge
Displays the engine coolant temperature.

110
2-2. Instrument cluster
Instrument panel light control
The brightness of the instrument panel lights can be adjusted.
Darker
Brighter
Odometer and trip meter
●Odometer
Displays the total distance the vehicle has been driven.
●Trip meter
Displays the distance the vehicle has been driven since the meter was last
reset. Trip meters A and B can be used to record and display different dis-
tances independently.
Speed indicator
When the set speed is reached while driving, this ring-shaped indicator
comes on in yellow. The indicator comes on in red when the vehicle speed
reaches the dangerous range.
Fuel gauge
Displays the quantity of fuel remaining in the tank.
Odometer/trip meter and trip meter reset button
Switches between odometer and trip meter displays. Pushing and holding
the button will reset the trip meter when the trip meter is being displayed.