2011 Lexus GS350 steering

199
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
GS_G_U (OM30C11U)
October 28, 2011 5:15 pm
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.
■Enhanced VSC (Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control)
Helps the driver to control skidding when swerving suddenly or turning on
slippery road surfaces.
■TRAC (Traction Control)
Helps to maintain drive power and prevent the rear wheels from spinning
when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads.
■Hill-start assist control
Helps prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards when starting on an
incline or slippery slope. It operates for approximately 5 seconds at maxi-
mum.
■EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed to turn
the steering wheel.
■Active stabilizer suspensi on system (if equipped)
Reduces sway when cornering according to steering wheel movement
and the selected suspension damping mode, in order to maintain a stable
vehicle posture.
■PCS (Pre-Collision System) (if equipped)
→ P. 2 0 6

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2-4. Using other driving systems
GS_G_U (OM30C11U)
October 28, 2011 5:15 pm
When the Enhanced VSC/TRAC/hill-start assist control systems are
operating
If the vehicle is in danger of slip-
ping, rolling backwards when
starting on an incline, or if the rear
wheels (2WD models) or all
wheels (4WD models) spin, the
slip indicator light flashes to indi-
cate that the Enhanced VSC/
TRAC/hill-start assist control sys-
tems have been engaged.
A buzzer (intermittent) sounds to
indicate that Enhanced VSC is
operating.
The stop lights and high mounted
stoplight turn on when the hill-start
assist control system is operating.
GS460: The slip indicator lightflashes as well when
ABS is operating.
■VGRS (Variable Gear Ratio Steering) (GS460)
Adjusts the wheel turning angle in accordance with the vehicle speed and
steering wheel movement.
■VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management)
Provides integrated control of the ABS, Enhanced VSC, TRAC, hill-start
assist control, VGRS (GS460) and EPS systems.
Helps to maintain vehicle stability when swerving on slippery road sur-
faces by controlling the brakes, engine output, and the movement of the
front wheels.

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2-4. Using other driving systems
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When driving
GS_G_U (OM30C11U)
October 28, 2011 5:15 pm
■Automatic reactivation of TRAC and Enhanced VSC
Turning the “ENGINE START STOP” switch OFF after turning off the TRAC and
Enhanced VSC systems will automatically re-enable them.
■Automatic TRAC reactivation
If only the TRAC system is turned off, the TRAC system will turn on when the vehi-
cle speed increases.
■Automatic TRAC and Enhanced VSC reactivation
If the TRAC and Enhanced VSC systems are turned off, the systems will not turn on
even when the vehicle speed increases.
■Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, Enhanced VSC, TRAC,
hill-start assist control and VGRS (GS460) systems
●A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the engine is
started or just after the vehicle begins to move. 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 slightly after the ABS is activated.
■Hill-start assist control operating conditions
This system comes into operation under the following conditions after the brake
pedal has been depressed and the vehicle has come to a stop:
●The shift lever is in the “D” or “S”.
●The system has detected that the vehicle is moving backwards.
●GS350: The brake pedal is not depressed.
■EPS operation sound
When the steering wheel operates, a motor sound (whirring sound) may be heard.
This does not indicate a malfunction.

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2-4. Using other driving systems
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October 28, 2011 5:15 pm
■Reduced effectiveness of EPS
The effectiveness of EPS is reduced to prevent the system from overheating 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 engine off. The system should return to normal about
10 minutes.
■GS460: VGRS is disabled in the following situations
●During stopping or the steering wheel has been moved for a long time while
driving at lower speeds.
●After the engine is restarted at less than -22°F (-30°C).
CAUTION
Any of the following conditions may result in an accident which could cause death or
serious injury:
■The ABS does not operate effectively when
●The limits of tire gripping performance have been exceeded.
●The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on a 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 distance. 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 uneven roads
■TRAC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slippery road
surfaces, even if the TRAC is operating.
Do not drive the vehicle in conditions where stability and power may be lost.

216
2-5. Driving information
GS_G_U (OM30C11U)
October 28, 2011 5:15 pm
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.
●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.
• Driver’s feet
• Front passenger or rear seats (when stacking items)
• Package tray
• Instrument panel
•Dashboard
●Secure all items in the occupant compartment, as they may shift and injure some-
one during sudden braking, sudden swerving or an accident.
■Weight of the load
●Improper loading may cause deterioration of steering or braking control result-
ing in an accident which may cause death or serious injury.
●Do not exceed the maximum axle weight rating 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.

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2-5. Driving information
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When driving
GS_G_U (OM30C11U)
October 28, 2011 5:15 pm
Vehicle load limits
■Total load capacity and seating capacity
These details are also described on the tire and loading information label.
(→ P. 4 7 3 )
CAUTION
■Overloading the vehicle
Do not overload the vehicle.
It may not only cause damage to the tires, 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: 815 lb. (370 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 maximu m number of occupants whose
estimated average weight is 150 lb. (68 kg) per person.
Even if the number of occupants are within the seating capacity, do
not exceed the total load capacity.
■ 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 occu
pants.

Interior features3
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May 21, 2010 4:03 pm
3-3. Using the audio systemAudio system type.................. 257
Using the radio........................ 260
Using the CD/DVD player ...................................... 269
Playing an audio CD ............. 272
Playing MP3 and WMA discs............................. 276
Playing DVD video/audio (with DVD player) .............. 280
Playing a video CD
(with DVD player) ............... 294
CD/DVD player and DVD video disc information ....... 297
Listening to Bluetooth
®
audio....................................... 308
Listening to a USB
memory/iPod ......................... 316
Optimal use of the audio/video system ............. 326
Using the AUX port ............. 328
Using the steering switches.................................. 329 3-4. Using the hands-free system
(for cellular phone)
Hands-free system (for cellular phone) ............. 332
Using a Bluetooth
®
phone ...................................... 338
Setting the hands-free system (for cellular phone) ............. 353
3-5. Using the interior lights Interior lights list .................... 382
3-6. Using the storage features List of storage features......... 385
3-7. Other interior features Sun visors ................................. 393
Vanity mirrors ......................... 394
Clock ......................................... 395
Outside temperature
display..................................... 396
Ashtrays.................................... 397
Cigarette lighter .................... 398
Power outlet ............................ 399
Seat heaters/ventilators ...... 400
Armrest .................................... 402
Rear sunshade ........................ 403
Floor mats ................................ 406
Trunk features ......................... 408
Garage door opener .............. 411
Compass ................................... 418
Safety Connect ...................... 422

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3-3. Using the audio system
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October 28, 2011 5:15 pm
Using the voice command system (with navigation system)
Press the talk switch to operate the
voice command system.
(→“Navigation System Owner’s
Manual”)
Ti t l ePa g e
Using the radioP. 2 6 0
Using the CD/DVD playerP. 2 6 9
Playing an audio CDP. 2 7 2
Playing MP3 and WMA discsP. 2 76
Playing DVD video/audioP. 2 8 0
Playing video CDP. 2 9 4
CD/DVD player and DVD video disc informationP. 2 9 7
Listening to Bluetooth® audioP. 3 0 8
Listening to a USB memory/iPodP. 3 1 6
Optimal use of the audio/video systemP. 3 2 6
Using the AUX portP. 3 2 8
Using the steering switchesP. 3 2 9