2008 Lexus IS250 transmission

122
2-1. Driving procedures
Automatic Transmission (if equipped)
Select a shift position appropriate for the driving conditions.
■Shifting the shift lever
While the “ENGINE
START STOP” switch is
in IGNITION ON
mode, depress the brake
pedal and move the shift
lever.

125
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
■Gear position display when driving in S mode
The current gear is displayed on the multi-information display. ( P. 1 4 2 )
■Downshifting restrictions wa rning buzzer (in the S mode)
To help ensure safety and driving perfor mance, 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. 152, 155)
■Snow mode automatic deactivation
Snow mode is automatically deactivated if the “ENGINE START STOP” switch is
turned off after driving in snow mode.
■If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P
 P. 3 9 2
■If 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 th e shift lever is in the D position. (Shift-
ing the shift lever to the S position cancels the function.)

126
2-1. Driving procedures
Manual Transmission (if equipped)
Snow modeThe 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.

129
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
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 parkingbrake 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
CANADAU.S.A.
CANADA U.S.A.

137
2-2. Instrument cluster
2
When driving
■Indicators
The indicators inform the driver of th e operating state of the vehi-
cle’s various systems.
Turn signal indicator
( P. 1 2 8 )
(vehicles with
an automatic
transmission)
“ECT SNOW” indicator
( P. 1 2 3 )
Headlight high beam indi-
cator ( P. 1 4 3 )
(vehicles with
a manual
transmission)
“ETCS SNOW” indicator
( P. 1 2 6 )
(U.S.A.)
Headlight indicator
( P. 1 4 3 )
(vehicles with
an automatic
transmission)
“ECT PWR” indicator
( P. 1 2 3 )
(CANADA)
Tail light indicator
( P. 1 4 3 ) Cruise control indicator
( P. 1 5 2 )
Front fog light indicator
( P. 1 4 6 )
(if equipped)
“AFS OFF” indicator light
( P. 1 4 4 )
(vehicles with an automatic trans-
mission)
Shift position and shift range indica-
tors ( P. 122)
(if equipped)
Intuitive parking assist
indicator ( P. 1 6 4 )
Slip indicator ( P. 1 7 1 )
“VSC OFF” indicator
( P. 1 7 2 )
SRS airbag on-off indica-
tor ( P. 9 0 )
*
*
*
*

142
2-2. Instrument cluster
■Gear position display
(vehicles with an automatic transmission only)
Indicates the current gear , and the range of gears
that is available when the shift lever is in the S or D
position. the gear range is shown by the number of
dots ( ) and the current gear is shown as a number.
The transmission automatically selects the gears
within the driver selected gear range.
In the illustration to the left, a range of 6 available gears
(1 through 6) has been selected by the driver. (The shift
lever is in the D or S position with 6 ranges enabled) It is
possible for the transmission to automatically select
between all 6 of the gears. In this case, the transmission
has selected third gear.
■System check display
After switching the “ENGINE START ST OP” switch to IGNITION ON mode,
“CHECK” is displayed while system operation is checked. When the system check
is complete, “COMPLETED” is displayed before returning to the normal screen.
CAUTION
■The information display at low temperatures
Allow the interior of the vehicle to warm up before using the liquid crystal informa-
tion display. At extremely low temperatures, the information display monitor may
respond slowly, and display changes may be delayed.
For example, there is a lag between the driver's shifting and the new gear number
appearing on the display. This lag could ca use the driver to downshift again, causing
rapid and excessive engine braking and po ssibly an accident resulting in personal
death or injury.

153
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
■Cruise control can be set when
●The shift lever is in the D or 4, 5 or 6 range of S. (vehicles with an automatic
transmission)
●Vehicle speed is between approximately 25 mph (40 km/h) and 125 mph
(200 km/h).
■Accelerating
The vehicle can be accelerated normally.
■Automatic cruise control cancellation
The set speed is automatically cancelled in any of the following situations.
●Actual vehicle speed falls more than 10 mph (16 km/h) below the preset vehicle
speed
At this time, the memorized set speed is not retained.
●Actual vehicle speed is below 25 mph (40km/h)
●VSC is activated
■Canceling and resuming regular acceleration
Cancel
Push the lever towards you to
cancel cruise control.
The speed setting is also can-
celed when the brakes are
applied or the clutch (manual
transmission) is depressed.
Resume
To resume cruise control and
return to the set speed, push the
lever up.

170
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)
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 th e rear wheels (2WD models) or all
wheels (AWD models) from spinning when starting the vehicle or acceler-
ating on slippery roads.
■ Hill-start assist control (vehicles with an automatic transmission)
Prevents the vehicle from rolling backwa rds when starting on an incline or
slippery slope.
■ EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed to turn
the steering wheel.