2011 LEXUS RX350 sensor

198
2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers
Washer/wiper dual operation
The wipers will automatically
operate a couple of times after
the washer squirts.
If the headlights are on, the
headlight cleaners will operate
once.
Rain-sensing windshield wipers
When is selected, the wipers will operate automatically when
the sensor detects falling rain. The system automatically adjusts wiper
timing in according to rain volume and vehicle speed.
When is selected, the sensor sensitivity can be adjusted as fol-
lows by turning the switch ring:
Off
Rain-sensing wiper
operation
Low speed wiper
operation
High speed wiper
operation
Temporary operation

199
2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers
2

When driving
nThe windshield wipers and washer can be operated when
The “ENGINE START STOP” switch is in IGNITION ON mode.
nEffects of vehicle speed on wiper operation
Vehicle speed affects the following even when the wipers are not in “AUTO” mode:
lIntermittent wiper interval
lWiper operation when the washer is being used (delay until drip prevention
wiper sweep occurs)
When low speed wiper operation is selected, wiper operation will be switched from
low speed to intermittent wiper operation only when the vehicle is stationary.
(However, when the sensor sensitivity is adjusted to the highest, the mode cannot
be switched.)
Sensor sensitivity (high)
Sensor sensitivity (low)
Washer/wiper dual operation
The wipers will automatically
operate a couple of times after
the washer squirts.
(After operating several times,
the wipers operate one more
time after a short delay to pre-
vent dripping.)
If the headlights are on, the
headlight cleaners will operate
once.

200
2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers
nRaindrop sensor (vehicles with rain-sensing windshield wipers)
lIf the wiper switch is turned to the position while the “ENGINE START
STOP” switch is in IGNITION ON mode, the wipers will operate once to show
that “AUTO” mode is activated.
lWhen the sensor sensitivity ring is turned toward high while in “AUTO” mode,
the wipers will operate once to indicate that the sensor sensitivity is enhanced.
lIf the temperature of the raindrop sensor is 194°F (90°C) or higher, or 5°F
(-15°C) or lower, automatic operation may not occur. In this case, operate
the wipers in any mode other than “AUTO”.
nIf 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.
CAUTION
nCaution 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 subject to vibration in “AUTO” mode. Take care that your fingers or
anything else do not become caught in the windshield wipers.
lThe raindrop sensor judges the amount
of raindrops.
An optical sensor is adopted. It may not
operate properly when sunlight from the
rising or setting of the sun intermittently
strikes the windshield, or if bugs etc. are
present on the windshield.

212
2-4. Using other driving systems
Driving in vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode
This mode employs a sensor to detect the presence of vehicles up to
approximately 400 ft. (120 m) ahead and to judge the distance between
your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you.
Note that vehicle-to-vehicle distance will close in when traveling on long
downhill slopes.
Example of constant speed cruising
When there are no vehicles ahead
The vehicle travels at the speed set by the driver. The desired vehicle-to-vehi-
cle distance can also be set by operating the vehicle-to-vehicle distance con-
trol.
Example of deceleration cruising
When the vehicle ahead is driving slower than the set speed
When a vehicle is detected running ahead of you in the same lane, the system
automatically decelerates your vehicle. When a greater reduction in vehicle
speed is necessary, the system applies the brakes. A warning tone warns you
when the system cannot decelerate sufficiently to prevent your vehicle from
closing in on the vehicle ahead.

214
2-4. Using other driving systems
nAutomatic cancelation of vehicle-to-vehicle distance control
Vehicle-to-vehicle distance control driving is automatically canceled in the follow-
ing situations:
lActual vehicle speed falls below approximately 25 mph (40 km/h).
lVSC is activated.
lThe sensor cannot operate correctly because it is covered in some way.
lThe windshield wipers are operating at high speed.
lWhen snow mode is set.
If vehicle-to-vehicle distance control driving is automatically canceled for any other
reason, there may be a malfunction in the system. Contact your Lexus dealer.
nAutomatic cancelation of constant speed control
The cruise control will stop maintaining the vehicle speed in the following situations:
lActual vehicle speed is more than 10 mph (16 km/h) below the set vehicle
speed.
At this time, the memorized set speed is not retained.
lVehicle speed falls below approximately 25 mph (40 km/h).
lVSC is activated.
nVehicle-to-vehicle distance settings
Select a distance from the table below. Note that the distances shown correspond
to a vehicle speed of 50 mph (80 km/h). Vehicle-to-vehicle distance increases/
decreases in accordance with vehicle speed.
Distance optionsVehicle-to-vehicle distance
LongApproximately 164 f t. (50 m)
MediumApproximately 132 ft. (40 m)
ShortApproximately 82 ft. (25 m)

215
2-4. Using other driving systems
2

When driving
nRadar sensor and grille cover
Always keep the sensor and grille cover clean to ensure that the vehicle-to-vehicle
distance control operates properly. (Some obstructions, such as snow, ice and plas-
tic objects, cannot be detected by the obstruction sensor.)
Dynamic radar cruise control is canceled if an obstruction is detected.
nWarning lights and messages for dynamic radar cruise control
Warning lights and messages are used to indicate a system malfunction or to inform
the driver of the need for caution while driving. (→P. 5 5 1 )
nApproach warning
In the following instances, there is a possibility that the approach warnings will not
occur:
lWhen the speed of the vehicle ahead matches or exceeds your vehicle speed
lWhen the vehicle ahead is traveling at an extremely slow speed
lImmediately after the cruise control speed was set
lAt the instant the accelerator is applied
Grille cover
Radar sensor

218
2-4. Using other driving systems
CAUTION
nSituations unsuitable for dynamic radar cruise control
Do not use dynamic radar cruise control in any of the following situations.
Doing so may result in inappropriate speed control and could cause an accident
resulting in death or serious injury.
lIn heavy traffic
lOn roads with sharp bends
lOn winding roads
lOn slippery roads, such as those covered with rain, ice and snow
lOn steep downhills, or where there are sudden changes between sharp up and
down gradients
lAt entrances to expressways
lWhen weather conditions are bad enough that they may prevent the sensors
from functioning correctly (fog, snow, sandstorm, heavy rain, etc.)
lWhen a buzzer is heard often
lWhen your vehicle is towing anything
nWhen the sensor may not be correctly detecting the vehicle ahead
Apply the brakes as necessary when any of the following types of vehicles are in
front of you.
As the sensor may not be able to correctly detect these types of vehicles, the
approach warning (→P. 213) will not be activated, and an accident may result.
lVehicles that cut in suddenly
lVehicles traveling at low speeds
lVehicles that are not moving
lVehicles with small rear ends (trailers with no load on board etc.)
lMotorcycles traveling in the same lane

219
2-4. Using other driving systems
2

When driving
CAUTION
nConditions under which the vehicle-to-vehicle distance control may not function
correctly
Apply the brakes as necessary in the following conditions as the radar sensor may
not be able to correctly detect vehicles ahead, and an accident may result:
lWhen water or snow thrown up by the surrounding vehicles hinders the function-
ing of the radar sensor
lWhen your vehicle is pointing upwards (caused by a heavy load in the luggage
compartment etc.)
lWhen the road curves or when the lanes are narrow
lWhen steering wheel operation or your position in the lane is unstable
lWhen the vehicle ahead of you decelerates suddenly
nTo ensure the radar sensor functions correctly
Do not do the following to the sensor or grille as doing so may cause the sensor not
to function correctly and could result in an accident:
lSticking or attaching anything to them
lLeaving them dirty
lDisassembling or subjecting them to strong shocks
lModifying or painting them
lReplacing them with non-genuine parts
nHandling the radar sensor
Observe the following to ensure the cruise control system can function effectively:
lKeep the sensor and front grille clean at all times.
Clean the sensor and front grille with a soft cloth so you do not mark or damage
them.
lDo not subject the sensor or surrounding area to a strong impact.
If the sensor moves even slightly off position, the system may malfunction. If the
sensor or surrounding area is subject to a strong impact, always have the area
inspected and adjusted by your Lexus dealer.
lDo not disassemble the sensor.
lDo not attach accessories or stickers to the sensor, grille or surrounding area.
lDo not modify or paint the sensor and grille.