2011 Lexus GS350 engine

136
2-1. Driving procedures
GS_G_U (OM30C11U)
October 28, 2011 5:15 pm
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 resulting 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. Turning the engine off while driving will not cause loss of steering or
braking control, but the power assist to these systems will be lost. This will make it
more difficult to steer and brake, so you should pull over and stop the vehicle as
soon as it is safe to do so.
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.

137
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
GS_G_U (OM30C11U)
October 28, 2011 5:15 pm
Automatic transmission
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.
■ 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 )

140
2-1. Driving procedures
GS_G_U (OM30C11U)
October 28, 2011 5:15 pm
■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 greater 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 automatically range up in accordance
with the vehicle’s speed.
● A higher shift range is automatically selected when the automatic
transmission fluid temperature is high.
■“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).
●To prevent the engine from over-revving, upshifting may automatically occur.
■Downshifting restrictions warning buzzer (in the “S” mode)
To help ensure safety and driving performance, downshifting operation may some-
times be restricted. In some circumstances, 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 6 9

141
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
GS_G_U (OM30C11U)
October 28, 2011 5:15 pm
■If the indicator does not come on even after shifting the shift lever to “S”
This may indicate a malfunction in the automatic transmission. 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’s input and driving conditions.
GS460: The AI-SHIFT automatically operates when the shift lever is in the “D” or
“S” position.
GS350: The AI-SHIFT automatically operates when the shift lever is in the “D”
position. (Shifting the shift lever to the “S” position cancels the function.)
While in power mode, the engine speed may stay high while depressing the accel-
erator pedal and may remain high after releasing the accelerator pedal. This does
not indicate a malfunction.

142
2-1. Driving procedures
GS_G_U (OM30C11U)
October 28, 2011 5:15 pm
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.

145
2
When driving
GS_G_U (OM30C11U)
October 28, 2011 5:15 pm
2-2. Instrument cluster
Gauges and meters
The units used on the speedometer may differ depending on the target
region.
The following gauges, meters and display illuminate when the
“ENGINE START STOP” switch is in IGNITION ON mode.Tachometer
Displays the engine speed in revolutions per minute.
Speedometer
Displays the vehicle speed.
Fuel gauge
Displays the quantity of fuel remaining in the tank.
Engine coolant temperature gauge
Displays the engine coolant temperature.
Multi-information display
→ P. 1 5 2

148
2-2. Instrument cluster
GS_G_U (OM30C11U)
October 28, 2011 5:15 pm
NOTICE
■To prevent damage to the engine and its components
●The engine may be overheating if the engine coolant temperature gauge is in the
red zone (“H”). In this case, immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place. Check
the engine after it has cooled completely. (→P. 5 7 8 )
●Do not let the indicator needle of the ta chometer enter the red zone, which indi-
cates the maximum engine speed.
■To activate the light sensitivity function properly
Do not affix a sticker or window tint to the rear window glass, or put an object
behind the rear seat.

151
2-2. Instrument cluster
2
When driving
GS_G_U (OM30C11U)
October 28, 2011 5:15 pm
CAUTION
■If a safety system warning light does not come on
Should a safety system light such as ABS and the SRS airbag warning light not
come on when you turn to IGNITION ON mode, this could mean that these sys-
tems are not available to help protect you in an accident, which could result in death
or serious injury. Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately if
this occurs.
■Warning lights
Warning lights inform the driver of malfunctions in the indicated
vehicle’s systems. ( →P. 5 3 4 )
*: These lights turn on when the “ENGINE START STOP” switch is turned
to IGNITION ON mode to indicate that a system check is being per-
formed. They will turn off after the engine is on, or after a few seconds.
There may be a malfunction in a system if the lights do not come on, or
turn off. Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer.
(U.S.A.)(Canada)(U.S.A.)(Canada)(GS460)
(U.S.A.)(Canada)(if equipped)
*******
*****
**