2011 Lexus IS250 engine

164
2-2. Instrument cluster
IS350/250_U
CAUTION
■The information display at low temperatures
Allow the interior of the vehicle to warm up before using the liquid crystal informa-
tion display. At extremely low temperatures, the information display monitor may
respond slowly, and display changes may be delayed.
For example, there is a lag between the driver's shifting and the new gear number
appearing on the display. This lag could cause the driver to downshift again, causing
rapid and excessive engine braking and possibly an accident resulting in personal
death or injury.

165
2
When driving
IS350/250_U
2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers
Headlight switch
The headlights can be operated manually or automatically.
The daytime running
lights turn on
The side marker, park-
ing (vehicles with
halogen headlights),
daytime running
lights, tail, license
plate and instrument
panel lights turn on.
The headlights and all
lights listed above
(except daytime run-
ning lights) turn on.
The headlights, park-
ing lights, daytime
running lights and
other lights turn on
and off automatically.
(When the “ENGINE
START STOP” switch
is in IGNITION ON
mode)
U.S.A.Canada

166
2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers
IS350/250_U
Turning on the high beam headlightsWith the headlights on, push the
lever forward to turn on the high
beams.
Pull the lever back to the center
position to turn the high beams off.
Pull the lever toward you to turn
on the high beams.
Release to turn them off. You can
flash the high beams with the head-
lights on or off.
■Daytime running light system
●Vehicles with halogen headlights: to make your vehicle more visible to other
drivers, the headlights turn on automatically (at a reduced intensity) whenever
the engine is started and the parking brake is released. Daytime running lights
are not designed for use at night.
Vehicles with discharge headlights: to make your vehicle more visible to other
drivers, the parking lights turn on automatically (at a increased intensity) when-
ever the engine is started and the parking brake is released. Daytime running
lights are not designed for use at night.
●Compared to turning on the headlights, the daytime running light system offers
greater durability and consumes less electricity, so it can help improve fuel
economy.
■Headlight control sensorThe sensor may not function properly if an
object is placed on the sensor, or anything
that blocks the sensor is affixed to the wind-
shield.
Doing so interferes with the sensor detecting
the level of ambient light and may cause the
automatic headlight system to malfunction.

167
2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers
2
When driving
IS350/250_U
■Automatic light off system
●When the headlights come on: The headlights and tail lights turn off 30 seconds
after a door is opened and closed if the “ENGINE START STOP” switch has
been switched to ACCESSORY mode or turned OFF. (The lights turn off
immediately if on the key is pressed after all doors are locked.)
●When only the tail lights come on: The tail lights turn off automatically if the
“ENGINE START STOP” switch is switched to ACCESSORY mode or turned
OFF and driver’s door is opened.
To turn the lights on again, switch to IGNITION ON mode, or turn the light switch
off once and then back to or
.
■Automatic headlight leveling system (vehicles with discharge headlights)
The level of the headlights is automatically adjusted according to the number of
passengers and the loading condition of the vehicle to ensure that the headlights do
not interfere with other road users.
■Customization that can be configured at Lexus dealer
Settings (e.g. light sensor sensitivity) can be changed.
(Customizable features →P. 5 4 0 )
NOTICE
■To prevent battery discharge
Do not leave the lights on longer than necessary when the engine is not running.

171
2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers
2
When driving
IS350/250_U
■The windshield wipers and washer can be operated when
The “ENGINE START STOP” switch is in IGNITION ON mode.
■Effects of vehicle speed on wiper operation
Vehicle speed affects the following even when the wipers are not in “AUTO” mode.
●Intermittent wiper interval
●Wiper operation when the washer is being used (delay until drip prevention
wiper sweep occurs)
Low speed wiper operation selected, wiper operation will be switched from low
speed to intermittent wiper operation only when the vehicle is stationary.
(However, the mode cannot be switched when the adjustment dial for the intermit-
tent wiper interval is set to the lowest setting.)
Sensor sensitivity (high)
Sensor sensitivity (low)
Washer/wiper operation
Wipers operate automatically.
(After operating several times,
the wipers operate one more
time after a short delay to pre-
vent dripping.)

172
2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers
IS350/250_U
■Raindrop sensor (vehicles with rain-sensing windshield wipers)
●If the wiper switch is turned to the “AUTO” position while the “ENGINE START
STOP” switch is in IGNITION ON mode, the wiper will operate once to show
that auto mode is activated.
●If the temperature of the raindrop sensor is 194°F (90°C) or higher, or -22°F
(-30°C) or lower, automatic operation may not occur. In this case, operate the
wipers in any mode other than “AUTO”.
■Outside rear view mirror defogger activation linked to windshield wiper opera-
tion
The outside rear view mirror defogger automatically turns on when you operate the
windshield wipers.
■If no windshield washer fluid sprays
Check that the washer nozzles are not blocked if there is washer fluid in the wind-
shield washer fluid reservoir.
■Customization that can be configured at Lexus dealer
Settings (e.g. drip prevention function) can be changed.
(Customizable features →P. 5 4 0 )
CAUTION
■Caution regarding the use of windshield wipers in “AUTO” mode (vehicles with
rain-sensing windshield wipers)
The windshield wipers may operate unexpectedly if the sensor is touched or the
windshield is subjected vibration in “AUTO” mode. Take care that your fingers etc.
do not become caught in the windshield wipers.
●The sensor judges the amount of rain-
drops.

174
2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers
IS350/250_U
Headlight cleaner switch∗
■The headlight cleaner can be operated when
The “ENGINE START STOP” switch is in IGNITION ON mode and the headlight
switch is turned on.
■Windshield washer linked operation
Only for the first time when the windshield washer is operated with the “ENGINE
START STOP” switch in IGNITION ON mode and the headlights on, the headlight
cleaner will operate once. (→P. 1 6 9 )
NOTICE
■When the washer fluid tank is empty
Do not use this function when the washer fluid tank is empty. This may cause the
washer fluid pump to overheat.
Washer fluid can be sprayed on the headlights.
Press the switch to clean the
headlights.
∗: If equipped

183
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
IS350/250_U
■Sensor detection information
●Certain vehicle conditions and the surrounding environment may affect the
ability of the sensor to correctly detect obstacles. Particular instances where this
may occur are listed below.
• There is dirt, snow or ice on the sensor.
• The sensor is frozen.
• The sensor is covered in any way.
• The vehicle is leaning considerably to one side.
• On an extremely bumpy road, on an incline, on gravel, or on grass.
• The vicinity of the vehicle is noisy due to vehicle horns, motorcycle engines,air brakes of large vehicles, or other loud noises producing ultrasonic waves.
• There is another vehicle equipped with parking assist sensors in the vicinity.
• The sensor is coated with a sheet of spray or heavy rain.
• The vehicle is equipped with a fender pole or wireless antenna.
• Towing eyelets are installed.
• The bumper or sensor receives a strong impact.
• The vehicle is approaching a tall or curved curb.
• In harsh sunlight or intense cold weather.
In addition to the examples above, there are instances in which, because of their
shapes, signs and other objects may be judged by the sensor to be closer than they
are.
●The shape of the obstacle may prevent the sensor from detecting it. Pay particu-
lar attention to the following obstacles.
• Wires, fences, ropes etc.
• Cotton, snow and other materials that absorb radio waves
• Sharply-angled objects
•Low obstacles
• Tall obstacles with upper sections projecting outwards in the direction of your
vehicle
■When the display flashes and a message is displayed
→ P. 4 7 0