2011 Lexus CT200h sensor

236
2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers
CT200h_EE (OM76041E)
Customization
Settings (e.g. light sensor sensitivity) can be changed.
(Customizable features P. 655)
NOTICE
To prevent 12-volt battery discharge
Do not leave the lights on longer than necessary when the hybrid system is
off.

241
2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers
2
When driving
CT200h_EE (OM76041E)
Rain-sensing windshield wipers (if equipped)
When “AUTO” is selected, the wipers will operate automati-
cally when the sensor detects falling rain. The system automati-
cally adjusts wiper timing in accordance with rain volume and
vehicle speed.
When “AUTO” is selected, the sensor sensitivity can be adjusted
as follows by turning the switch ring:
Rain-sensing wiper opera-
tion
Low speed wiper operation
High speed wiper opera-
tion
Temporary operation

243
2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers
2
When driving
CT200h_EE (OM76041E)
Raindrop sensor (vehicles with rain-sensing windshield wipers)
If the wiper switch is turned to the “AUTO” position while the
“POWER” switch is in ON mode, the wipers will operate once to show
that AUTO mode is activated.
If the temperature of the raindrop sensor is 90 C (194 F) or higher, or -
15 C (5 F) or lower, automatic operation may not occur. In this case,
operate the wipers in any mode other than “AUTO”.
If no windshield washer fluid sprays
Check that the washer nozzles are not blocked if there is washer fluid in the
washer fluid tank.
CAUTION
Caution regarding the use of windshield wipers in “AUTO” mode (vehicles
with rain-sensing windshield wipers)
The windshield wipers may operate unexpectedly if the sensor is touched or
the windshield is subject to vibration in “AUTO” mode. Take care that your
fingers etc. do not become caught in the windshield wipers.
The raindrop sensor judges the amount
of raindrops.
An optical sensor is adopted. It may not
operate properly when sunlight from
the rising or setting of the sun intermit-
tently strikes the windshield, or if bugs
etc. are present on the windshield.

257
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
CT200h_EE (OM76041E)
Driving in vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode
This mode employs a radar sensor to detect the presence of vehi-
cles up to approximately 120 m (400 ft.) ahead, determines the cur-
rent vehicle-to-vehicle following distance, and operates to
maintain a suitable following distance from the vehicle ahead.
Note that vehicle-to-vehicle distance will close in when traveling on
long downhill slopes.

262
2-4. Using other driving systems
CT200h_EE (OM76041E)
Dynamic radar cruise control can be set when
The shift position is in D.
Vehicle speed is above approximately 50 km/h (30 mph).
Accelerating after setting the vehicle speed
The vehicle can accelerate normally. After acceleration, the set speed
resumes. However, during vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode, the
vehicle speed may decrease below the set speed in order to maintain the dis-
tance to the vehicle ahead.
Set speed
The set speed may be unsustainable depending on driving circumstances.
Automatic cancelation of vehicle-to-vehicle distance control
Vehicle-to-vehicle distance control driving is automatically canceled in the
following situations:
Actual vehicle speed falls below approximately 40 km/h (25 mph).
VSC is activated.
The sensor cannot operate correctly because it is covered in some way.
The windshield wipers are operating at high speed (when the wiper
switch is set to the “AUTO” mode or the high speed wiper operation
position).
If vehicle-to-vehicle distance control driving is automatically canceled for
any other reason, there may be a malfunction in the system. Contact any
authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped
professional.

263
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
CT200h_EE (OM76041E)
Automatic cancelation of constant speed control
The cruise control will stop maintaining the vehicle speed in the following
situations:
Actual vehicle speed is more than approximately 16 km/h (10 mph)
below the set vehicle speed.
At this time, the memorized set speed is not retained.
Vehicle speed falls below approximately 40 km/h (25 mph).
VSC is activated.
Radar sensor and grille cover
Always keep the sensor and grille cover clean to ensure that the vehicle-to-
vehicle distance control operates properly. (Some obstructions, such as
snow, ice and plastic objects, cannot be detected by the obstruction sensor.)
Dynamic radar cruise control is canceled if an obstruction is detected.
Warning messages and buzzers for dynamic radar cruise control
Warning messages and buzzers are used to indicate a system malfunction or
to inform the driver of the need for caution while driving.
(P. 565)
Grille cover
Radar sensor

267
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
CT200h_EE (OM76041E)
CAUTION
Situations unsuitable for dynamic radar cruise control
Do not use dynamic radar cruise control in any of the following situations.
Doing so may result in inappropriate speed control and could cause an acci-
dent resulting in death or serious injury.
In heavy traffic
On roads with sharp bends
On winding roads
On slippery roads, such as those covered with rain, ice and snow
On steep downhills, or where there are sudden changes between sharp up
and down gradients
Vehicle speed may exceed the set speed when driving down a steep hill.
At entrances to expressways
When weather conditions are bad enough that they may prevent the sen-
sors from functioning correctly (fog, snow, sandstorm, heavy rain, etc.)
When an approach warning buzzer is heard often
When emergency towing
When the sensor may not be correctly detecting the vehicle ahead
Apply the brakes as necessary when any of the following types of vehicles
are in front of you.
As the sensor may not be able to correctly detect these types of vehicles, the
approach warning (P. 259) will not be activated, and a fatal or serious
accident may result.
Vehicles that cut in suddenly
Vehicles traveling at low speeds
Vehicles that are not moving
Vehicles with small rear ends (trailers with no load on board etc.)
Motorcycles traveling in the same lane

268
2-4. Using other driving systems
CT200h_EE (OM76041E)
CAUTION
Conditions under which the vehicle-to-vehicle distance control may not
function correctly
Apply the brakes as necessary in the following conditions as the radar sen-
sor may not be able to correctly detect vehicles ahead, and a fatal or serious
accident may result:
When water or snow thrown up by the surrounding vehicles hinders the
functioning of the sensor
When your vehicle is pointing upwards (caused by a heavy load in the
luggage compartment etc.)
When the road curves or when the lanes are narrow
When steering wheel operation or your position in the lane is unstable
When the vehicle ahead of you decelerates suddenly
Handling the radar sensor
Observe the following to ensure the cruise control system can function
effectively.
Otherwise, the system may not function correctly and could result in an
accident.
Keep the sensor and grille cover clean at all times.
Clean the sensor and grille cover with a soft cloth so you do not mark or
damage them.
Do not subject the sensor or surrounding area to a strong impact.
If the sensor moves even slightly off position, the system may malfunc-
tion. If the sensor or surrounding area is subject to a strong impact, always
have the area inspected and adjusted by a any authorized Lexus dealer or
repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional.
Do not disassemble the sensor.
Do not attach accessories or stickers to the sensor, grille cover or sur-
rounding area.
Do not modify or paint the sensor and grille cover.
Do not replace them with non-genuine parts.