2012 Lexus GS350 Owner's Manual

2114-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
Auto power off function
If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY mode for more than 20 minutes or
IGNITION ON mode (the engine is not running) for more than an hour with
the shift lever in P, the engine switch will automatically turn off. However,
this function cannot entirely prevent battery discharge. Do not leave the vehi-
cle with the engine switch in ACCESSORY or IGNITION ON mode for long
periods of time when the engine is not running.
Electronic key battery depletion
P. 1 3 4
Conditions affecting operation
P. 1 3 0
Notes for the entry function
P. 1 3 1
If the engine does not start
The engine immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. (P. 8 0 )
Contact any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified
and equipped professional.
Check that the shift lever is securely set in P. The engine may not start if the
shift lever is displaced out of P. “Shift to P position to Start” will be dis-
played on the multi-information display.
Steering lock
After turning the engine switch off and opening and closing the doors, the
steering wheel will be locked due to the steering lock function. Operating the
engine switch again automatically cancels the steering lock.

2124-2. Driving procedures
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
When the steering lock cannot be released
Steering lock motor overheating prevention
To prevent the steering lock motor from overheating, the motor may be sus-
pended if the engine is turned on and off repeatedly in a short period of time.
In this case, refrain from operating the engine. After about 10 seconds, the
steering lock motor will resume functioning.
When “Check Entry & Start System” will be displayed on the multi-informa-
tion display
The system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by any
authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped
professional immediately.
If the electronic key battery is depleted
P. 8 1 5
Operation of the engine switch
When operating the engine switch, one short, firm press is enough. If the
switch is pressed improperly, the engine may not start or the engine switch
mode may not change. It is not necessary to press and hold the switch.
If attempting to restart the engine immediately after turning the engine
switch off, the engine may not start in some cases. After turning the engine
switch off, please wait a few seconds before restarting the engine.
If the smart entry & start system has been deactivated in a customized setting
P. 8 2 1 “Steering Lock active” will be displayed
on the multi-information display.
Check that the shift lever is set in P. Press
the engine switch while turning the steer-
ing wheel left and right.

2134-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
CAUTION
When starting the engine
Always start the engine while sitting in the driver’s seat. Do not depress the
accelerator pedal while starting the engine under any circumstances.
Doing so may cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
Caution while driving
If engine failure occurs while the vehicle is moving, do not lock or open the
doors until the vehicle reaches a safe and complete stop. Activation of the
steering lock in this circumstance may lead to an accident, resulting in
death or serious injury.
Stopping the engine in an emergency
If you want to stop the engine in an emergency while driving the vehicle,
press and hold the engine switch for more than 2 seconds, or press it briefly
3 times or more in succession. (P. 739)
However, do not touch the engine switch while driving except in an emer-
gency. Turning the engine off while driving will not cause loss of steering
or braking control, but the power assist to these systems will be lost. This
will make it more difficult to steer and brake, so you should pull over and
stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.

2144-2. Driving procedures
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
NOTICE
To prevent battery discharge
Do not leave the engine switch in ACCESSORY or IGNITION ON mode
for long periods of time without the engine running.
If “POWER ON” is displayed on the multi-information display, the
engine switch is not off. Exit the vehicle after turning the engine switch
off.
Do not stop the engine when the shift lever is in a position other than P. If
the engine is stopped in another shift lever position, the engine switch will
not be turned off but instead be turned to ACCESSORY mode. If the vehi-
cle is left in ACCESSORY mode, battery discharge may occur.
When starting the engine
Do not race a cold engine.
If the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls frequently, have your vehi-
cle checked by any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly
qualified and equipped professional immediately.
Symptoms indicating a malfunction with the engine switch
If the engine switch seems to be operating somewhat differently than usual,
such as the switch sticking slightly, there may be a malfunction. Contact
any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and
equipped professional immediately.

2154-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
Automatic transmission
While the engine switch is in IGNITION ON mode, move the
shift lever with the brake pedal depressed.
When shifting the shift lever between P and D, make sure that the vehi-
cle is completely stopped.
Shifting the shift lever

2164-2. Driving procedures
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
*1: To improve fuel efficiency and reduce noises, set the shift lever in D for
normal driving.
*2: Any gear range can be fixed when driving in M mode.
Shift position purpose
Shift positionObjective or function
PParking the vehicle/starting the engine
RReversing
NNeutral
DNormal driving*1
MM mode driving*2 (P. 219)

2174-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
Sport mode/Eco drive mode
P. 326
Snow mode
Snow mode can be selected to suit the conditions when driving
on slippery road surfaces, such as on snow.
Press the switch.
Press the switch again to return
to normal mode.
Selecting the driving mode

2184-2. Driving procedures
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)To drive using temporary shift range selection, operate the “-” pad-
dle shift switch. The shift range can then be selected by operating
the “-” and “+” paddle shift switches. Changing the shift range
allows restriction of the highest gear, preventing unnecessary
upshifting and enabling the level of engine braking force to be
selected.
Upshifting
Downshifting
The selected shift range, from D1
to D5, will be displayed in the
meter.
To return to normal D position
driving, the “+” paddle shift switch
must be held down for a period of
time.
Shift ranges and their functions
A lower shift range will provide greater engine braking forces than a
higher shift range.
Selecting shift ranges in the D position
1
2
Meter displayFunction
D2 - D5
A gear in the range between 1 and the selected gear
is automatically chosen depending on vehicle speed
and driving conditions
D1Setting the gear at 1