Page 133 of 622

132
2-1. Driving procedures
GS_G_U (OM30B43U)
April 27, 2009 10:48 am
NOTICE
■If you get a flat tire while driving
A flat or damaged tire may cause the following situations. Hold the steering wheel
firmly and gradually press the brak e pedal to slow down the vehicle.
●It may be difficult to control your vehicle.
●The vehicle will make abnormal sounds.
●The vehicle will behave abnormally.
Replace a flat tire with a new one. ( →P. 5 3 4 )
■When encountering flooded roads
Do not drive on a road that has flooded after heavy rain etc. Doing so may cause the
following serious damage to the vehicle.
●Engine stalling
●Short in electrical components
●Engine damage caused by water immersion
In the event that you drive on a flooded road and the vehicle is flooded, be sure to
have your Lexus dealer check the following.
●Brake function
●Changes in quantity and quality of oil and fluid used for the engine, automatic
transmission, transfer (4WD models), differentials, etc.
●Lubricant condition for the propeller shaft, bearings and suspension joints (where
possible) and the function of all joints, bearings, etc.
GS_U_G.book Page 132 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:50 AM
Page 134 of 622
133
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
GS_G_U (OM30B43U)
April 27, 2009 10:48 am
Engine (ignition) switch
Performing the following operations when carrying the electronic key on
your person starts the engine or changes “ENGINE START STOP” switch
modes.
■Starting the engine
Check that the parking brake is set.
Check that the shift lever is set in “P”.
Sit in the driver’s seat and firmly depress the brake pedal.
The “ENGINE START STOP” switch indicator turns green.
Press the “ENGINE START
STOP” switch.
The engine can be started
from any mode.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
GS_U_G.book Page 133 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:50 AM
Page 135 of 622
134
2-1. Driving procedures
GS_G_U (OM30B43U)
April 27, 2009 10:48 am
■Changing “ENGINE START STOP” switch mode
Modes can be changed by pressing the “ENGINE START STOP” switch
with the brake pedal released. (The mode changes each time the switch is
pressed.)
OFF*
Emergency flashers can be
used.
ACCESSORY mode
Some electrical components
such as the audio system can be
used.
The “ENGINE START STOP”
switch indicator turns amber.
IGNITION ON mode
All electrical components can
be used.
The “ENGINE START STOP”
switch indicator turns amber.
*: If the shift lever is in a position other than “P” when turning off
the engine, the “ENGINE
START STOP” switch will be
turned to ACCESSORY mode,
not to OFF.
GS_U_G.book Page 134 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:50 AM
Page 136 of 622
135
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
GS_G_U (OM30B43U)
April 27, 2009 10:48 am
■If the engine does not start
The immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. (→P. 8 4 )
■When the steering lock cannot be released
■When the “ENGINE START STOP” switch indicator flashes in amber
The system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus
dealer immediately.
■Auto power OFF function
If the vehicle is left in the ACCESSORY mode for more than an hour with the shift
lever in “P”, the “ENGINE START STOP” switch will automatically turn OFF.
■Electronic key battery depletion
→P. 3 5
■When the electronic key battery is discharged
→P. 4 5 8
■Conditions affecting operation
→P. 3 3 The green indicator light on the “ENGINE
START STOP” switch will flash and a mes-
sage will be shown on the multi-information
display. Press the “ENGINE START STOP”
switch again while turning the steering wheel
left and right.
GS_U_G.book Page 135 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:50 AM
Page 137 of 622

136
2-1. Driving procedures
GS_G_U (OM30B43U)
April 27, 2009 10:48 am
CAUTION
■When starting the engine
Always start the engine while sitting in the driver’s seat. Do not press the accelera-
tor pedal while starting the engine under any circumstances.
Doing so may cause an accident resu lting in death or serious injury.
■Stopping the engine in an emergency
If you want to stop the engine in an emergency while driving the vehicle, push and
hold the “ENGINE START STOP” switch for more than 3 seconds.
However, do not touch the “ENGINE START STOP” switch while driving except in
an emergency. If the engine stops while the vehicle is being driven, this could lead to
an unexpected accident.
NOTICE
■To prevent 12 volt battery discharge
Do not leave the “ENGINE START STOP” switch in ACCESSORY or IGNITION
ON mode for long periods if the engine is not running.
■When starting the engine
●Do not race the engine.
●If the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls frequently, have the engine
checked immediately.
GS_U_G.book Page 136 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:50 AM
Page 138 of 622
137
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
GS_G_U (OM30B43U)
April 27, 2009 10:48 am
Automatic transmission
Select a shift position appropriate for the driving conditions.
■Shifting the shift lever
While the “ENGINE START ST OP” switch is in IGNITION
ON mode, depress the brake pedal and move the shift lever.
■ Shift position uses
*1: To improve fuel consumption and reduce noises, set the shift lever in the
“D” position for normal driving.
*
2: By selecting shift ranges using “S” mode, you can control engine braking
forces.
Shift positionFunction
PParking the vehicle or starting the engine
RReversing
NNeutral
DNormal driving*1
S“S” mode driving*2 ( → P. 1 3 9 )
GS_U_G.book Page 137 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:50 AM
Page 141 of 622

140
2-1. Driving procedures
GS_G_U (OM30B43U)
April 27, 2009 10:48 am
■Shift ranges and their functions
●You can choose from 8 levels (GS460) or 6 levels (GS350) of
engine braking force.
● A lower shift range will provide gr eater engine braking force than a
higher shift range, and the engine revolutions will also increase.
● If you accelerate while in ranges “1” to “7” (GS460) or “1” to “5”
(GS350), the shift range may auto matically range up in accordance
with the vehicle’s speed.
■“S” mode
When the shift range is “6” (GS460) or “4” (GS350) or lower, holding the shift
lever toward “+” sets the shift range to “8” (GS460) or “6” (GS350).
■Downshifting restrictions warning buzzer (in the “S” mode)
To help ensure safety and driving perfor mance, downshifting operation may some-
times be restricted. In some circumstance s, downshifting may not be possible even
when the shift lever is operated. (The warning buzzer will sound twice.)
■When driving with the cruise control syst em (or dynamic radar cruise control sys-
tem)
The engine brake will not operate in the “S” mode, even when downshifting to “7”,
“6”, “5” or “4” (GS460) or “5” or “4” (GS350). ( →P. 165, 169)
■Snow mode automatic deactivation
Snow mode is automatically deactivated if the “ENGINE START STOP” switch is
turned to ACCESSORY or IGNITION ON mode after driving in snow mode.
■If the shift lever cannot be shifted from “P”
→P. 5 4 3
GS_U_G.book Page 140 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:50 AM
Page 143 of 622
142
2-1. Driving procedures
GS_G_U (OM30B43U)
April 27, 2009 10:48 am
Turn signal lever
■Turn signals can be operated when
The “ENGINE START STOP” switch is in IGNITION 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.
Right turn
Left turn
Move and hold the lever part-
way to signal a lane change
The right hand signal will flash
until you release the lever.
Move and hold the lever part-
way to signal a lane change
The left hand signal will flash
until you release the lever.
GS_U_G.book Page 142 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:50 AM