2008 Lexus GS350 brakes

184
2-4. Using other driving systems
GS_G_U
June 19, 2008 12:54 pm
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)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied suddenly, or if
the brakes are applied while driving on a slippery road surface.
■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 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 operates for approximately 5 seconds at maxi-
mum.
■EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed to turn
the steering wheel.
■Active stabilizer suspensi on system (if equipped)
Turns at smaller angles to maintain the stable vehicle posture.
GS_U_G.book Page 184 Thursday, June 19, 2008 12:54 PM

185
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
GS_G_U
June 19, 2008 12:54 pm
When the VSC/TRAC/hill-start assist control systems are operatingIf the vehicle is in danger of slip-
ping, rolling backwards when
starting on an incline, 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
assist 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-start
assist control system is operating.
The slip indicator light flashes as
well when ABS is operating.
■PCS (Pre-Collision System) (if equipped)
→ P. 1 9 0
■VGRS (Variable Gear Ratio Steering) (GS460)
Adjusts the wheel turning angle in accordance with the vehicle speed and
steering wheel movement.
■VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management)
Provides integrated control of the ABS, VSC, TRAC, hill-start assist con-
trol, VGRS (GS460) and EPS systems.
Maintains vehicle stability when swerving on slippery road surfaces by
controlling the brakes, engine output, and the movement of the front
wheels.
GS_U_G.book Page 185 Thursday, June 19, 2008 12:54 PM

190
2-4. Using other driving systems
GS_G_U
June 19, 2008 12:54 pm
PCS (Pre-Collision System) (if equipped)
Radar sensorDetects 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 an 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. 54), to help prepare the driver and passengers. In the
event of sudden braking or skidding, the system 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. 183) helps prevent the vehicle front from going down when
hard brakes are applied.
GS_U_G.book Page 190 Thursday, June 19, 2008 12:54 PM

192
2-4. Using other driving systems
GS_G_U
June 19, 2008 12:54 pm
■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. 489, 499)
GS_U_G.book Page 192 Thursday, June 19, 2008 12:54 PM

199
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
GS_G_U
June 19, 2008 12:54 pm
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 are appropriate to the prevailing outside tempera-
tures.
• Engine oil
• Engine coolant
• Washer fluid
● Have a service technician inspect the level and specific gravity of
battery electrolyte.
● Have 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 size and brand, and that chains match
the size of the tires.
■Before driving the vehicle
Perform the following according to the driving conditions.
● Do not try to forcibly open a window 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 accumulated on the air inlet vents in
front of the windshield.
● Remove any ice that has accumulated 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.
GS_U_G.book Page 199 Thursday, June 19, 2008 12:54 PM

397
4-2. Maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
GS_G_U
June 19, 2008 12:54 pm
Vehicle interior
ItemsCheck points
Accelerator pedal• Moves smoothly (without uneven pedal effort or catching)?
Automatic transmission
“Park” mechanism• Can the vehicle be hold securely on an incline with the shift lever in “P”?
Brake pedal
• Moves smoothly?
• Does it have appropriate clearance and correct amount of free play?
Brakes
• Pulls to one side when applied?
• Loss of brake effectiveness?
• Spongy feeling brake pedal?
• Pedal almost touches floor?
Head restraints• Move smoothly and lock securely?
Indicators/buzzers• Function properly?
Lights• Do all the lights come on?
• Headlights aimed correctly? ( →P. 4 6 7 )
Pa r k i n g b r a ke
• Moves smoothly?
• Can hold the vehicle securely on an
incline?
Seat belts
• Does the seat belt system operate smoothly?
• Are the belts undamaged?
Seats• Do the seat controls operate properly?
Steering wheel
• Moves smoothly?
• Has correct free play?
• No strange noises?
GS_U_G.book Page 397 Thursday, June 19, 2008 12:54 PM

478
GS_G_U
June 19, 2008 12:54 pm
5-1. Essential information
If your vehicle needs to be towed
Before towingThe following may indicate a problem with your automatic transmission.
Contact your Lexus dealer before towing.
● The engine is running, but the vehicle will not move.
● The vehicle makes an abnormal sound.
Emergency towing
If a tow truck is not available, in an emergency your vehicle may be tem-
porarily towed using a cable or chain secured to the emergency towing
eyelet. This should only attempted on hard, surfaced roads for short dis-
tances at low speeds.
A driver must be in the vehicle to steer and operate the brakes. The vehi-
cle’s wheels, drive train, axles, steer ing and brakes must be in good condi-
tion.
If towing is necessary, we recommend having your vehicle towed by your
Lexus dealer or a commercial towing se rvice, using a lift-type truck or a flat
bed truck.
Use a safety chain system for all towing, and abide by all state/provincial
and local laws.
If towing from the rear, the wheels and axle on the ground must be in good
condition.
If they are damaged, use a towing dolly or flat bed truck.
GS_U_G.book Page 478 Thursday, June 19, 2008 12:54 PM

5
When trouble arises
479
5-1. Essential information
GS_G_U
June 19, 2008 12:54 pm
Towing eyelet
■Emergency towing procedureRelease the parking brake.
Put the shift lever in “N”.
The “ENGINE START STOP” switch must be in the ACCESSORY mode
(engine off) or the IGNITION ON mode (engine on).
CAUTION
■While towing
●Use extreme caution when towing the vehicle.
Avoid sudden starts or erratic driving maneuvers which place excessive stress on
the emergency towing eyelet and the cable or chain.
●If the engine is not running, the power assist for the brakes and steering will not
function, making steering and braking more difficult.
NOTICE
■To prevent causing serious damage to the automatic transmission
Never tow this vehicle from the front with the rear wheels (2WD models) or four
wheels (4WD models) on the ground.
This may cause serious damage to the automatic transmission.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
GS_U_G.book Page 479 Thursday, June 19, 2008 12:54 PM