2011 Lexus IS250 VSC

IS350/250_U
17
Type B Type A
Telephone switch *1P. 288
Cruise control switch P. 175
“DISP” switch P. 161
Talk switch *1P. 288
“DISP” switch P. 161
Cruise control switch P. 175
Automatic transmission Manual transmission
VSC off
switch
P. 187
ECT switch P. 140
VSC off
switch
P. 187
ETCS switch P. 146
B
C
*1: For vehicles with a navigation system, refer to the “Navigation System Owner’s Manual”.
*2: Refer to “Navigation System Owner's Manual”.

158
2-2. Instrument cluster
IS350/250_U
■Indicators
The indicators inform the driver of the operating state of the vehi-
cle’s various systems.
Turn signal indicator
(→ P. 1 4 7 )
(vehicles with
an automatic
transmission)
“ECT SNOW” indicator
(→ P. 1 4 0 )
Headlight high beam indi-
cator ( →P. 1 6 6 )
(vehicles with
a manual
transmission)
“ETCS SNOW” indicator
(→ P. 1 4 6 )
(U.S.A.)
Headlight indicator
(→ P. 1 6 5 )
(vehicles with
an automatic
transmission)
“ECT PWR” indicator
(→ P. 1 4 0 )
(Canada)
Tail light indicator
(→ P. 1 6 5 ) Cruise control indicator
(→ P. 1 7 5 )
Front fog light indicator
(→ P. 1 6 8 )
(if equipped)
Intuitive parking assist
indicator ( →P. 1 7 9 )
(vehicles with an automatic trans-
mission)
Shift position and shift range indica-
tors ( →P. 1 3 9 )
Slip indicator ( →P. 1 8 6 )
VSC off indicator
(→ P. 1 8 7 )
SRS airbag on-off indica-
tor (→ P. 1 0 4 )
*1
*1
*1, 2

177
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
IS350/250_U
■Cruise control can be set when
●Vehicles with an automatic transmission: the shift lever is in the D position or S
position. However, it cannot be set if any of the ranges 1 through 3 has been
selected.
●Vehicle speed is more than approximately 25 mph (40 km/h).
■Accelerating
The vehicle can be accelerated normally. After acceleration, the set speed
resumes.
■Automatic cruise control cancellation
The set speed is automatically cancelled in any of the following situations.
●Actual vehicle speed falls more than 10 mph (16 km/h) below the preset vehicle
speed
At this time, the memorized set speed is not retained.
●Actual vehicle speed is below 25 mph (40km/h)
●VSC is activated
■If the cruise control indicator light flashes
Turn the “ON-OFF” button off once, and then reactivate the system.
If the cruise control speed cannot be set or if the cruise control cancels immediately
after being activated, there may be a malfunction in the cruise control system. Have
the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer.

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.

186
2-4. Using other driving systems
IS350/250_U
When the VSC/TRAC/hill-start assist control systems are operating
The slip indicator light flashes to
indicate that the VSC/TRAC/hill-
start assist control systems have
been engaged.
The stop lights and high mounted
stoplight turn on when the hill-start
assist control system is operating.
■VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management)
Provides integrated control of the ABS, brake assist, TRAC, VSC, hill-start
assist control, and EPS systems.
Helps to maintain vehicle stability when swerving on slippery road sur-
faces by controlling the brakes, engine output and steering assist.

187
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
IS350/250_U
To disable TRAC/VSCIf the vehicle gets stuck in fresh snow or mud, TRAC 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 TRAC
Quickly push and release the but-
ton to turn off TRAC.
A message will be shown on the
multi-information display.
Push the button again to turn the
system back on.
■Turning off TRAC and VSC
Push and hold the button for more
than 3 seconds while the vehicle is
stopped to turn off TRAC and
VSC.
A message will be shown on the
multi-information display and the
VSC off indicator light will come
on.
Push the button again to turn the
system back on.

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.

189
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
IS350/250_U
■Hill-start assist control is operational when
●The shift lever is in the D or S position.
●The brake pedal is not depressed.
●The vehicle rolls backward.
■EPS operation sound
When the steering wheel operates, a motor sound (whirring sound) may be heard.
This does not indicate a malfunction.
■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 within
10 minutes.
■If the slip indicator comes on
It may indicate a malfunction in the VSC, TRAC or hill start assist control function.
Contact your Lexus dealer.
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 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 roads with uneven surfaces