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3354-5. Using the driving support
4
Driving
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)The slip indicator light will flash
while the TRC/VSC systems are
operating.
If the vehicle gets stuck in fresh snow or mud, the TRC and VSC
systems 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 the TRC system only
To turn the TRC system off,
quickly press and release the
button.
The “TRC OFF” will be shown
on the multi-information dis-
play. Press the button again to
turn the system back on.
When the TRC/VSC systems are operating
Disabling the TRC/VSC systems
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3364-5. Using the driving support
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
Turning off both TRC and VSC systems
To turn the TRC and VSC sys-
tems off, press and hold the
button for more than 3 seconds
while the vehicle is stopped.
The VSC OFF indicator light
will come on and the “TRC
OFF” will be shown on the
multi-information display.
Press the button again to turn
the systems back on.
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3374-5. Using the driving support
4
Driving
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
When the message is displayed on the multi-information display showing that
TRC has been disabled even if the VSC OFF switch has not been pressed
TRC cannot be operated. Contact any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or
another duly qualified and equipped professional.
Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, VSC and TRC sys-
tems
A sound may be heard from the engine compartment 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
operating. 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 after the ABS is activated.
• The brake pedal may move down slightly after the ABS is activated.
EPS operation sound
When the steering wheel is operated, a motor sound (whirring sound) may be
heard. This does not indicate a malfunction.
Reactivation of the TRC/VSC systems
Even after the TRC/VSC systems have been turned off, turning the engine
off and then on again will automatically reactivate the TRC/VSC systems.
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339
4 4-5. Using the driving support
Driving
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
CAUTION
The ABS does not operate effectively when
Tires with inadequate gripping ability are used (such as excessively worn
tires on a snow covered road).
The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on wet or slick roads.
Stopping distance when the ABS is operating may exceed that of normal
conditions
The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehicle’s stopping distance. Always
maintain 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 uneven surfaces
TRC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slip-
pery road surfaces, even if the TRC system is operating.
Do not drive the vehicle in conditions where stability and power may be
lost.
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 the TRC/VSC systems are turned off
Be especially careful and drive at a speed appropriate to the road condi-
tions. As these are the systems to ensure vehicle stability and driving force,
do not turn the TRC/VSC systems off unless necessary.
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341
4 4-5. Using the driving support
Driving
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
Hill-start assist control
To engage hill-start assist con-
trol, further depress the brake
pedal when the vehicle is
stopped completely.
A buzzer will sound once to indi-
cate the system is activated. The
slip indicator will also start flash-
ing.
Hill-start assist control operating conditions
The system operates in the following situations:
• The shift lever is in a position other than P.
• The parking brake is not applied.
• The accelerator pedal is not depressed.
Hill-start assist control cannot be operated while the slip indicator light is
illuminated.
Hill-start assist control
While hill-start assist control is operating, the brakes remain automatically
applied after the driver releases the brake pedal. The stop lights and the high
mounted stoplight turn on.
Hill-start assist control operates for about 2 seconds after the brake pedal is
released.
If the slip indicator does not flash and the buzzer does not sound when the
brake pedal is further depressed, slightly reduce the pressure on the brake
pedal (do not allow the vehicle to roll backward) and then firmly depress it
again. If the system still does not operate, check that the operating condi-
tions explained above have been met.
Assists with starting off and temporarily maintains braking power
even if the foot is removed from the brake pedal when starting off
on an incline or a slippery slope.
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3434-5. Using the driving support
4
Driving
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
PCS (Pre-Crash Safety system)
Pre-crash seat belts (front seat only)
If the pre-crash sensor detects that a collision is unavoidable, the
pre-crash safety system will retract the seat belt before the colli-
sion occurs.
The same will happen if the driver makes an emergency braking
or loses control of the vehicle. (P. 40)
Pre-crash brake assist
When there is a high possibility of a frontal collision, the system
applies greater braking force in relation to how strongly the
brake pedal is depressed.
Pre-crash braking
When there is a high possibility of a frontal collision, the system
warns the driver using a warning light, warning display and
buzzer. If the system determines that a collision is unavoidable,
the brakes are automatically applied to reduce the collision
speed.
: If equipped
When the radar sensor detects that a frontal collision is highly
likely or even unavoidable, safety systems such as the brakes and
seat belts are automatically engaged to lessen impact as well as
vehicle damage.
The pre-crash safety system can be turned on and off as necessary
by operating the switch. (P. 344)
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3444-5. Using the driving support
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
Suspension control (if equipped)
When the system determines that a collision is unavoidable, the
operation of AVS (P. 334) optimally controls the damping
force of the shock absorber.
Driver monitor system (if equipped)
When the system determines that there is a possibility of a colli-
sion, and either the driver is not facing forward or the driver’s
eyes are closed, PCS warnings are given in advance to warn the
driver. If the system determines that the conditions to operate
pre-crash alert braking have been met even when the possibility
of a collision increases further, pre-crash alert braking will oper-
ate.
Enabled
Disabled
The “PCS” warning light comes on
when pre-crash safety system is
disabled.
Disabling pre-crash safety system
1
2
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3484-5. Using the driving support
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
Situations in which the pre-crash safety system does not function properly
The system may not function effectively in situations such as the following:
On roads with sharp bends or uneven surfaces
If a vehicle suddenly moves in front of your vehicle, such as at an intersec-
tion
If a vehicle suddenly cuts in front of your vehicle, such as when overtaking
In inclement weather such as heavy rain, fog, snow or sand storms
When your vehicle is skidding such as the VSC system off
When your vehicle is steeply inclined
Automatic cancelation of the pre-crash safety system
When a malfunction occurs due to sensor contamination, etc. that results in
the sensors being unable to detect obstacles, the pre-crash safety system will
be automatically disabled. In this case, the system will not activate even if
there is a collision possibility.
When there is a malfunction in the system
“PCS” warning light will flash and warning messages will be displayed.
(P. 751, 759)