2011 Lexus IS250 transmission

148
2-1. Driving procedures
Parking brake
■Usage in winter time
See “Winter driving tips” for parking brake usage in winter time. (P. 195)
Vehicles with an automatic transmission
Sets the parking brake
*
(Depressing the pedal again
releases the parking brake.)
*: Fully depress the parkingbrake pedal with your left
foot while depressing the
brake pedal with your right
foot.
Vehicles with a manual transmission
Sets
the parking brake
Fully set the parking brake while depressing the brake pedal.
Releases the parking brake
Slightly raise the lever and lower it completely while pressing the button.
Canada
U.S.A.
Canada
U.S.A.

158
2-2. Instrument cluster
■Indicators
The indicators inform the driver of th e 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

163
2-2. Instrument cluster
2
When driving
■Gear position display
(vehicles with an automatic transmission only)
Indicates the current gear , and the range of gears
that is available when the shift lever is in the D or S
position. The gear range is shown by the number of
dots ( ) and the current gear is shown as a number.
The transmission automatically selects the gears
within the driver selected gear range.
In the illustration to the left , a range of 6 available gears
(1 through 6) has been selected by the driver. (The shift
lever is in the D or S position with 6 ranges enabled.) It is
possible for the transmission to automatically select
between all 6 of the gears. In this case, the transmission
has selected third gear.
■System check display
After switching the “ENGINE START ST OP” switch to IGNITION ON mode,
“CHECK” is displayed while system operation is checked. When the system check
is complete, “COMPLETED” is displayed before returning to the normal screen.
■Outside temperature display
In the following situations, the correct outside temperature may not be displayed, or
the display may take longer than normal to change.
●When stopped, or driving at low speeds (less than 12 mph [20 km/h])
●When the outside temperature has changed suddenly (at the entrance/exit of a
garage, tunnel, etc.)

176
2-4. Using other driving systems
■Adjusting the speed setting
Increase speed
Decrease speed
Hold the lever until the desired
speed setting is obtained.
Fine adjustment of the set
speed (approximately 1.0 mph
[1.6 km/h]) can be made by
lightly pressing the lever up or
down and releasing it.
■Canceling and resuming regular acceleration
Cancel
Push the lever towards you to
cancel cruise control.
The speed setting is also can-
celed when the brakes are
applied or the clutch (manual
transmission) is depressed.
Resume
To resume cruise control and
return to the set speed, push the
lever up.

177
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
■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 malfun ction in the cruise control system. Have
the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer.

185
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
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 th e rear wheels (2WD models) or all
wheels (AWD models) from spinning when 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.

190
2-4. Using other driving systems
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 incl ines 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 fu nction correctly if different tires are fit-
ted on the vehicle.
Contact your Lexus dealer for further info rmation 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.

200
2-5. Driving information
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.