2011 Lexus IS F Owner's Manual

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Driving assist systems

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To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following sys-
tems 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 when swerving suddenly or
turning on slippery road surfaces.
TRC (Traction Control)
Maintains drive power and prevents the rear wheels from spinning
when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads.
Hill-start assist control
Helps to prevent the vehicle from rolling backward when starting
on an incline or slippery slope.
EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed to
turn the steering wheel.
PCS (Pre-Crash Safety system) (if equipped)
P. 213
VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management)
Provides integrated control of the ABS, brake assist, TRC, VSC,
hill-start assist control, and EPS systems.
Helps to maintain vehicle stability when swerving on slippery road
surfaces by controlling the brakes, engine output and steering assist.
When the F-sport mode total control switch is pressed, “Sport”
mode is activated. (P. 209)

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When the VSC/TRC/hill-start assist control systems are operating
The slip indicator light flashes
to indicate that the VSC/TRC/
hill-start assist control systems
have been engaged.
The stop lights and high
mounted stoplight turn on when
the hill-start assist control sys-
tem is operating.
To disable TRC and/or VSC
If the vehicle gets stuck in fresh snow or mud, TRC and VSC may
reduce power from the engine to the wheels. You may need to turn
the system off to enable you to rock the vehicle in order to free it.
Turning off TRC
Quickly push and release the
switch to turn off TRC.
The “TRC OFF” indicator light
should come on.
Push the switch again to turn
the system back on.

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Push and hold the switch for 3
seconds or more to turn off
TRC and VSC.
The “TRC OFF” indicator light
and VSC off indicator light
should come on.
Push the switch again to turn
the system back on.
F-sport mode total control switch
Your vehicle is equipped with two types of control modes to
accommodate various driving preferences. The control modes can
be selected with the F-sport mode total control switch. Normal
mode allows secure and smooth normal driving. When the switch
is pressed, “Sport” mode is activated. Control characteristics such
as the ECT, EPS, VSC and TRC are adjusted to afford maneuver-
ability closer to what a driver may have imagined, while a sense of
security is retained.
“Sport” mode/Normal mode
The “SPORT” indicator comes
on when in “Sport” mode.

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When the “TRC OFF” indicator light comes on even if the VSC off switch
has not been pressed
TRC and hill-start assist control cannot be operated. Contact any authorized
Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped profes-
sional.
Automatic reactivation of the TRC/VSC systems
If the TRC/VSC systems are turned off, re-starting the engine will automati-
cally reactivate them.
Automatic TRC reactivation
If only the TRC system is turned off, the TRC system will turn on when
vehicle speed increases.
Automatic TRC and VSC reactivation
If the TRC and VSC systems are turned off, the systems will not turn on
even when vehicle speed increases.
Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, VSC, TRC and hill-
start assist control systems
A sound may be heard from the engine compartment if the brake pedal is
depressed repeatedly 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
operating. 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 when the ABS is activated.
• The brake pedal may move down slightly after the ABS is activated.
Hill-start assist control is operational when
The shift lever is in the D or M position.
The brake pedal is not depressed.
The vehicle rolls backward.
EPS operation sound
When the steering wheel is operated, a motor sound (whirring sound) may
be heard. This does not indicate a malfunction.

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Reduced effectiveness of the EPS system
The effectiveness of the EPS system 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 EPS system should return to normal within 10 minutes.
Automatic deactivation of “Sport” mode
When the “ENGINE START STOP” switch is turned OFF after driving in
“Sport” mode, the mode is automatically deactivated.
If the slip indicator comes on
It may indicate a malfunction in the VSC, TRC or hill-start assist control
systems. Contact any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly
qualified and equipped professional.
CAUTION
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 the wet or slick
road.
Stopping distance when the ABS is operating may exceed that of normal
conditions
The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehicle's stopping distance. Always
maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you in the following sit-
uations.
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 roads
TRC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slip-
pery road surfaces, even if the TRC system is operating.
Do not drive the vehicle in conditions where stability and power may be
lost.

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CAUTION
If the hill- start assist control does not operate effectively
Do not overly rely on the hill-start assist control. The hill-start assist control
may not operate effectively on steep inclines and roads covered in ice.
When the VSC is activated
The slip indicator light flashes. Always drive carefully. Reckless driving
may cause an accident, resulting in death or serious injury. Exercise particu-
lar care when the indicator light flashes.
When TRC and VSC are off
Be especially careful and drive at a speed appropriate to the road conditions.
As these are systems to help enhance vehicle stability and driving force, do
not turn off TRC and VSC unless necessary.
Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the designated size and total load capacity, and
of the same brand and tread pattern. In addition, make sure that the tires are
inflated to the recommended tire pressure level.
The ABS, VSC and TRC systems will not function correctly if different
tires are fitted on the vehicle.
Contact any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified
and equipped professional, for further information when replacing tires or
wheels.
Handling of tires and suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modifying the suspension will
affect the driving assist systems, and may cause the system to malfunction.

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PCS (Pre-Crash Safety system)
When the radar sensor detects possibility of a frontal collision, the pre-
crash safety system such as the brakes and seat belts are automatically
engaged to lessen impact and injuries to occupants as well as vehicle
damage.
Pre-crash seat belts
If the pre-crash sensor detects that a collision is unavoidable, the
pre-crash safety system will retract the seat belt before the collision
occurs.
The same will happen if the driver makes an emergency braking or
loses control of the vehicle. (P. 7 2 )
However, the system will not operate in the event of skidding when
the VSC system are disabled.
Pre-crash brake assist
When there is a high possibility of a frontal collision, the system
applies greater braking force in relation to how strongly the brake
pedal is depressed.
Pre-crash braking
When there is a high possibility of a frontal collision, the system
warns the driver using a warning light, warning display and buzzer.
If the system determines that a collision is unavoidable, the brakes
are automatically applied to reduce the collision speed. The pre-
hb ki f i b d d ff i h lli

: If equipped