2010 Lexus HS250h steering

225
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
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 wh en swerving suddenly or turning on
slippery road surfaces
■ TRAC (Traction Control)
Helps to maintain drive power and prevents the drive wheels from spin -
ning when starting the vehicle or
accelerating on slippery roads
■EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed to turn
the steering wheel
■Enhanced VSC (Enhanced vehicle stability control)
Provides cooperative control of the ABS, TRAC, VSC and EPS. 
Helps to maintain directional stability when swerving on slippery road sur -
faces by controlling steering performance.
■ PCS (Pre-Collision System) (if equipped)
 P. 2 3 3

227
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
■Turning off both TRAC and VSC systems
To turn the TRAC and VSC sys-
tems off, press and hold the button
for mor
e than 3 seconds while the
vehicle is stopped.
A message will be shown on the
multi-information display and
“VSC OFF” indicator will come on.
Press the button again to turn the
sy
stems back on.
■Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, VSC and TRAC
●A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the hybrid system is
started, just after the vehicle begins to move, if the brake pedal is depressed
repeatedly, or 1-2 minutes after the hybrid system is stopped. 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 s lightly af
ter the ABS is activated.
■EPS operation sound
When the steering wheel is operated, a motor soun
d (whirring sound) may be
heard. This does not indicate a malfunction.
■Reactivation of the TRAC /VSC systems
Turning off the hybrid system after turning off the TRAC/VSC systems will automat -
ically reactivate them.
■Reactivation of the TRAC sy stem linked to vehicle speed
When only the TRAC system is turned of
f, the TRAC system will turn on when vehi -
cle speed increases. However, when both TR
AC and VSC systems are turned off,
the systems will not turn on even when vehicle speed increases.

228
2-4. Using other driving systems
■Reduced effectiveness of the EPS system
The effectiveness of the EPS system is reduced to prevent the system from over-
heating 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 EPS system
should return to normal within 10 minutes.
CAUTION
■The ABS does not operate effectively when
●Tires with inadequate gripping ability are used (such as excessively worn tires on
a snow covered road).
●The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on wet or slick road.
■Stopping distance when the ABS is operating will exceed that of normal condi-
tions
The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehicle’s stopping dist ance. 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 surfaces
■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 system is operating. 
Do not drive the vehicle in conditions where stability and power may be lost.
■When the VSC is activated
The slip indicator light flashes and a warning buzzer sounds. Always drive carefully.
Reckless driving may cause an accident. Exercise particular care when the indica-
tor light flashes and a buzzer sounds.
■When the TRAC/VSC systems are turned off
Be especially careful and drive at a speed appropriate to the road conditions. As
these are the systems to ensure vehicle stability and driving force, do not turn the
TRAC/VSC systems off unless necessary.

242
2-5. Driving information
CAUTION
■Things that must not be carried in the trunk
The following things may cause a fire if loaded in the trunk:
●Receptacles containing gasoline
●Aerosol cans
■Storage precautions
Observe the following precautions.
Failing to do so may result in death or serious injury.
●Stow cargo and luggage in th e trunk whenever possible.
●Do not place cargo or luggage in or on the following locations as the item may
get under the brake or accelerator pedal and prevent the pedals from being
depressed properly, block the driver’s vision, or hit the driver or passengers,
causing an accident:
• At the feet of the driver
• On the front passenger or rear seats (when stacking items)
• On the package tray
• On the instrument panel
•On the dashboard
●Secure all items in the occupant compartment, as they may shift and injure some-
one during sudden braking, sudd en swerving or an accident.
■Capacity and distribution
●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.

243
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
Vehicle load limits
■Total load capacity and seating capacity
These details are also described on the ti
re and loading information label. 
(  P. 4 4 5
)
CAUTION
■Overloading the vehicle
Do not overload the vehicle. 
It may not only cause damage to the tire s, but also degrade steering and braking
ability, resulting in an accident.
Vehicle load limits include total load capacity, seating capacity, towing
capacity and cargo capacity.
■ Total load capacity: 825 lb. (375 kg)
Total load capacity means the combined weight of occupants, cargo and
luggage.
■ Seating capacity: 5 occupants (Front 2, Rear 3)
Seating capacity means the maximum number of occupants whose esti -
mated average weight is 150 lb. (68 kg) per person.
■ Towing capacity
Lexus does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle.
■Cargo capacity
Cargo capacity may increase or decrease depending on the weight and
the number of occupants.

250
3-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
Automatic air conditioning 
system..................................... 252
Rear window defogger 
switch ...................................... 260
Windshield wiper de-icer ...... 261
3-2. Using the audio system Audio system........................... 262
Using the radio ....................... 265
Using the CD player ............. 273
Playing MP3 and WMA 
discs.......................................... 281
Operating an iPod
® 
player ...................................... 288
Operating a USB memory 
player ...................................... 296
Optimal use of the audio 
system..................................... 304
Using the AUX adapter....... 307
Using the steering wheel 
audio switches...................... 308
Interior features3

263
3-2. Using the audio system
3
Interior features
■Using cellular phones
Interference may be heard through the audio system’s speakers if a cellular phone is
be
ing used inside or close to the vehi cle while the audio system is operating.
Ti t l ePa g e
Using the radioP. 2 6 5
Using the CD playerP. 2 7 3
Playing MP3 and WMA discsP. 2 8 1
Operating an iPod® playerP. 2 8 8
Operating a USB memory playerP. 2 9 6
Optimal use of the audio systemP. 3 0 4
Using the AUX adapterP. 3 0 7
Using the steering wheel audio switchesP. 3 0 8

308
3-2. Using the audio system
Using the steering wheel audio switches
Turning the power on
Press when the audio system is turned off.
The audio system can be turned off by holding the switch down for 1 second
or more.
Some audio features can be controlled using the switches on the steering
wheel.
Turns the power on, selects
an audio source
Increases/decreases volume
Radio mode: Selects a radio station
CD mode: Selects a track, file (MP3 and
WM

A) and disc
Bluetooth
® audio mode: 
Selects a track and
albu
m
iPod
® player mode: 
Selects a song
USB memory player mode: 
Selects a file and folder