2011 Lexus IS250 Automatic

185
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
IS350/250_U
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.
■VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)
Helps the driver to control skidding when swerving suddenly or turning on
slippery road surfaces.
■TRAC (Traction Control)
Maintains drive power and prevents the rear wheels (2WD models) or all
wheels (AWD models) from spinning wh en starting the vehicle or acceler-
ating on slippery roads.
■ Hill-start assist control (vehicles with an automatic transmission)
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.

188
2-4. Using other driving systems
IS350/250_U
■Automatic reactivation of the TRAC/VSC systems
If the TRAC/VSC systems are turned off, re-starting the engine will automatically
reactivate them.
■Automatic TRAC reactivation
If only the TRAC system is turned off, the TRAC system will turn on when vehicle
speed increases.
■Automatic TRAC and VSC reactivation
If the TRAC 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, TRAC 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 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 when the ABS is activated.
• The brake pedal may move down slightly after the ABS is activated.

190
2-4. Using other driving systems
IS350/250_U
CAUTION
■TRAC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slippery road
surfaces, even if the TRAC system is operating.
Do not drive the vehicle in conditions where stability and power may be lost.
■If hill-start assist control does not operate effectively
(vehicles with an automatic transmission)
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. Exercise particular care when the indicator light flashes.
■When TRAC and VSC are off
Be especially careful and drive at a speed appropriate to the road conditions. As
these are systems to ensure vehicle stability and driving force, do not turn off TRAC
and VSC unless necessary.
■Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the specified size, brand, tread pattern and total load
capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are inflated to the recommended tire
pressure level.
The ABS, VSC and TRAC systems will not function correctly if different tires are fit-
ted on the vehicle.
Contact your Lexus dealer 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 driv-
ing assist systems, and may cause the system to malfunction.

196
2-5. Driving information
IS350/250_U
Selecting tire chainsTire chains can be mounted on 16- and 17-inch tires. They cannot be
mounted on 18-inch tires. Use the correct tire chain size when mounting
the tire chains. Chain size is regulated for each tire size. Side chain
(0.12 in. [3 mm] in diameter)
Cross chain
(0.16 in. [4 mm] in diameter)
Regulations on the use of tire chains
● Regulations regarding the use of tire chains vary according to location
and type of road. Always check local regulations before installing
chains.
● Install the chains on the rear tires.
● Retighten the chains after driving 1 /4  1 /2 mile (0.5  1.0 km).
■When driving the vehicle
Accelerate the vehicle slowly and drive at a reduced speed suitable
to road conditions.
■ When parking the vehicle
Park the vehicle and move the shift lever to P (automatic transmis-
sion) or 1 or R (manual transmission) without setting the parking
brake. The parking brake may freeze up, preventing it from being
released. If necessary, block the wheels to prevent inadvertent slid-
ing or creeping.

200
2-5. Driving information
IS350/250_U
Dinghy towing (vehicles with an automatic transmission)
NOTICE
■To avoid serious damage to your vehicle
Do not tow your vehicle with four wheels on the ground.
Your vehicle is not designed to be dinghy towed (with 4 wheels on the
ground) behind a motor home.

204
IS350/250_U
3-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
Automatic air conditioning system ..................................... 206
Rear window and outside rear view
mirror defoggers .................. 214
Windshield wiper de-icer ..... 215
3-2. Using the audio system Audio system type................... 216
Using the radio......................... 219
Using the CD player ............. 227
Playing back MP3 and WMA discs............................ 234
Operating an iPod ................. 242
Operating a USB memory ................................. 250
Optimal use of the audio system ..................................... 259
Using the AUX port ............... 261
Using the steering wheel audio switches ...................... 263 3-3. Using the Bluetooth®
audio system
Bluetooth
® audio system .... 266
Using the Bluetooth®
audio system ......................... 269
Operating a Bluetooth
®
enabled portable
player ....................................... 274
Setting up a Bluetooth
®
enabled portable
player ....................................... 277
Bluetooth
® audio system
setup ....................................... 283
3-4. Using the hands-free phone system
(for mobile phones)
Hands-free system for mobile phones...................... 284
Using the hands-free system (for mobile
phones) .................................. 288
Making a phone call.............. 296
Setting a mobile phone ........ 300
Security and system setup ....................................... 305
Using the phone book .......... 309

206
IS350/250_U
3-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
Automatic air conditioning system
Using the automatic modePress .
The air conditioning system will begin to operate. Air outlets and fan
speed are automatically adjusted according to the temperature setting.
Press to switch to automa tic mode. (IS350 only)
Automatically switches between outside air and recirculated air modes.
Air outlets and fan speed are automatically adjusted according to the tem-
perature setting.
With navigation system
Owners of models equipped with a navigation system should refer to the
“Navigation System Owner's Manual”.
Without navigation system
Automatic mode
Driver’s side temperature
setting display Changes the air outlets used
Off Fan speed
Airflow display
Fan speed display
Passenger’s side
temperature setting displayMicro dust and
pollen filter
Driver's side
temperature control
Air conditioning on/off Outside air or recirculated air modeWindshield defogger
Passenger’s side
temperature control
Dual operation
STEP1
STEP2

209
3-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
3
Interior features
IS350/250_U Feet and windshield
■ Switching between outside air and recirculated air modes
IS250
Press .
The mode switches between (recycles air inside the vehicle) and (introduces air from outside the vehicle) modes each time
is pressed.
IS350
Press .
The mode switches among (recycles air inside the vehicle),
“AUTO” and (introduces air from outside the vehicle) modes each
time is pressed.
When the system is switched to automatic mode, the air conditioning
system operates automatically.
Defogging the windshield
Press .
The air conditioning system oper-
ates automatically.
Recirculated air mode may auto-
matically switch to (outside
air) mode when the ambient tem-
perature is low.