
141
1-7. Safety information
1
Before driving
IS250/220d/200d_EEInsert the mechanical key into
the cylinder and rotate to the
“OFF” position.
The “OFF” indicator turns on.
(Only when the “ENGINE
START STOP” switch is in
IGNITION ON mode.)
“PASSENGER AIRBAG” indicator information
If any of the following problems occurs, it is possible that there is a mal-
function in the system. Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Lexus
dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional.
Neither “ON” nor “OFF” comes on.
The indicator does not change when the airbag manual on-off switch is
switched to “ON” or “OFF”.
CAUTION
When installing a child restraint system
For safety reasons, always install the child restraint system in a rear seat. In
the event that the rear seat cannot be used, the front seat can be used as long
as the airbag manual on-off system is set to off.
If the airbag manual on-off system is left on, the strong impact of the airbag
deployment (inflation) may cause serious injury or even death.
When a child restraint system is not installed on the front passenger seat
Ensure that the airbag manual on-off system is set to on.
If it is left off, the airbag may not deploy in the event of an accident, which
may result in serious injury or even death.

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2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
IS250/220d/200d_EE
Drum-in-disc type parking brake system
Your vehicle has a drum-in-disc type parking brake system. This type of
brake system needs bedding-down of the brake shoes periodically or when-
ever the parking brake shoes and/or drum are replaced. Have any authorized
Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped profes-
sional, perform the bedding down operation.
Idling time before engine stop (IS220d and IS200d)
To prevent damage to the turbocharger, allow the engine to idle immediately
after high-speed driving or hill climbing.
Operating your vehicle in a foreign country
Comply with the relevant vehicle registration laws and confirm the avail-
ability of the correct fuel. (P. 5 3 8 )
Driving conditionIdling time
Normal city drivingNot necessary
High-speed driv-
ing
Constant speed of approx.
80 km/h (50 mph)Approximately 20
seconds
Constant speed of approx.
100 km/h (63 mph)Approximately 1 min-
ute
Steep hill driving or continuous driving at 100
km/h (63 mph) or more (race track driving,
etc )Approximately 2
minutes

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2-1. Driving procedures
IS250/220d/200d_EE
CAUTION
When starting the vehicle
With automatic transmission vehicles, always keep your foot on the brake
pedal while stopped with the engine running. This prevents the vehicle from
creeping.
When driving the vehicle
Do not drive if you are unfamiliar with the location of the brake and accel-
erator pedals to avoid depressing the wrong pedal.
• Accidentally depressing the accelerator pedal instead of the brake
pedal will result in sudden acceleration that may lead to an accident
that could result in death or serious injury.
• When backing up, you may twist your body around, leading to a diffi-
culty in operating the pedals. Make sure to operate the pedals properly.
• Make sure to keep a correct driving posture even when moving the
vehicle only slightly, allowing you to depress the brake and accelerator
pedals properly.
• Depress the brake pedal using your right foot. Depressing the brake
pedal using your left foot may delay response in an emergency, result-
ing in an accident.
Do not drive the vehicle over or stop the vehicle near flammable materi-
als.
With automatic transmission vehicles, do not let the vehicle roll back-
wards while the shift lever is in a driving position, or roll forward while
the shift lever is in R.
Doing so may cause the engine to stall or lead to poor brake and steering
performance, resulting in an accident or damage to the vehicle.
If the smell of exhaust is noticed inside the vehicle, open the windows and
check that the trunk is closed. Large amounts of exhaust in the vehicle can
cause driver drowsiness and an accident, resulting in death or a serious
health hazard. Have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Lexus dealer
or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional, immedi-
ately.

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2-1. Driving procedures
IS250/220d/200d_EE
When driving on slippery road surfaces
Sudden braking, acceleration and steering may cause tire slippage and
reduce your ability to control the vehicle, resulting in an accident.
Sudden changes in engine speed, such as engine braking caused by up-
shifting or down-shifting, may cause the vehicle to skid, resulting in an
accident.
After driving through a puddle, lightly depress the brake pedal to make
sure that the brakes are functioning properly. Wet brake pads may prevent
the brakes from functioning properly. If the brakes on only one side are
wet and not functioning properly, steering control may be affected, result-
ing in an accident.
When shifting the shift lever
With automatic transmission vehicles, be careful not to shift the shift lever
with the accelerator pedal depressed.
This may lead to unexpected rapid acceleration of the vehicle that may
cause an accident and result in death or serious injury.
If you hear a squealing or scraping noise (brake pad wear indicators)
Have the brake pads checked and replaced by any authorized Lexus dealer
or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional, as soon as
possible.
Rotor damage can result if the pads are not replaced when needed.
Front brake only: Moderate levels of brake pad and disc wear allow
enhanced front braking power. As a result, the discs may wear more quickly
than conventional brake discs. Therefore, when replacing the brake pads,
Lexus recommends that you also have the thickness of the discs measured.
It is dangerous to drive the vehicle when the wear limits of the brake pads
and/or those of the brake discs are exceeded.
When the vehicle is stopped
Do not race the engine.
If the vehicle is in any gear other than P (vehicles with an automatic trans-
mission only) or N the vehicle may accelerate suddenly and unexpectedly,
and may cause an accident.
Do not leave the vehicle with the engine running for a long time.
If such a situation cannot be avoided, park the vehicle in an open space
and check that exhaust fumes do not enter the vehicle interior.

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2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
IS250/220d/200d_EE
CAUTION
Exhaust gases
Exhaust gases include harmful carbon monoxide (CO) that is colorless and
odorless. Inhaling exhaust gases may lead to death or a serious health haz-
ard.
If the vehicle is in a poorly ventilated area, stop the engine. In a closed
area, such as a garage, exhaust gases may collect and enter the vehicle.
This may lead to death or a serious health hazard.
The exhaust should be checked occasionally. If there is a hole or crack
caused by corrosion, damage to a joint or abnormal exhaust noise, be sure
to have the vehicle inspected and repaired by any authorized Lexus dealer
or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional. Failure to
do so may allow exhaust gases to enter the vehicle, resulting in death or a
serious health hazard.
When taking a nap in the vehicle
Always turn the engine off. Otherwise, you may accidentally move the shift
lever or depress the accelerator pedal, which could cause an accident or fire
due to engine overheating. Additionally, if the vehicle is parked in a poorly
ventilated area, exhaust gases may collect and enter the vehicle, leading to
death or a serious health hazard.
When braking the vehicle
When the brakes are wet, drive more cautiously. Braking distance
increases when the brakes are wet, and may cause one side of the vehicle
to brake differently than the other side. Also the parking brake may not
securely hold the vehicle.
If the power brake assist function does not operate, do not follow other
vehicles closely and avoid downhills or sharp turns that require braking.
In this case, braking is still possible, but it will require more force on the
pedal than usual. Braking distance may also increase.
Do not pump the brake pedal if the engine stalls.
Each push on the pedal uses up the reserve for the power-assisted brakes.
The brake system consists of 2 individual hydraulic systems: if one of the
systems fails, the other will still operate. In this case, the brake pedal
should be depressed more firmly than usual and braking distance becomes
longer.
Do not drive your vehicle with only a single brake system. Have your
brakes fixed immediately.

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2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
IS250/220d/200d_EE
NOTICE
If you get a flat tire while driving
A flat or damaged tire may cause the following situations. Hold the steering
wheel firmly and gradually press the brake pedal to slow down the vehicle.
It may be difficult to control your vehicle.
The vehicle will make abnormal sounds.
The vehicle will behave abnormally.
Information on what to do in case of a flat tire (P. 485, 497)
When encountering flooded roads
Do not drive on a road that has flooded after heavy rain etc. Doing so may
cause the following serious damage to the vehicle.
Engine stalling
Short in electrical components
Engine damage caused by water immersion
In the event that you drive on a flooded road and the vehicle is flooded, be
sure to have any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly quali-
fied and equipped professional check the following.
Brake function
Changes in quantity and quality of oil and fluid used for the engine, trans-
mission, differential, etc.
Lubricant condition for the propeller shaft, bearings and suspension joints
(where possible) and the function of all joints, bearings, etc.

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2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
IS250/220d/200d_EE
If the engine does not start
The engine immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. (P. 9 6 )
When the steering lock cannot be released
When the “ENGINE START STOP” switch indicator flashes in amber
The system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by any
authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped
professional, immediately.
Auto power off function
If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY mode for more than an hour with the
shift lever in P (vehicles with an automatic transmission), the “ENGINE
START STOP” switch will automatically turn OFF.
Electronic key battery depletion
P. 4 4
When the electronic key battery is discharged
P. 4 3 1
Conditions affecting operation
P. 4 2
Note for the entry function
P. 4 6
The “ENGINE START STOP” switch
indicator will flash in green and a mes-
sage will be shown on the multi-informa-
tion display. Press the “ENGINE START
STOP” switch again while turning the
steering wheel left and right.

167
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
IS250/220d/200d_EE
If does not come on even after shifting the shift lever to S
This may indicate a malfunction in the automatic transmission system. Have
the vehicle inspected by any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another
duly qualified and equipped professional, 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 suitable position accord-
ing to the driver performance and driving conditions.
The AI-SHIFT automatically operates when the shift lever is in the D posi-
tion. However, operating the “-” paddle shift switch will restrict the func-
tion’s operation. (Shifting the shift lever to the S position cancels the
function.)
CAUTION
When driving on slippery road surfaces
Be careful of downshifting and sudden acceleration, as this could result in
the vehicle skidding to the side or spinning.