2012 Lexus GS350 Owner's Manual

2194-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)To enter M mode, shift the shift lever to M. Gears can then be
selected by operating the shift lever or paddle shift switches, allow-
ing you to drive in the gear of your choosing.
Upshifting
Downshifting
The gear changes once every time
the shift lever or paddle shift
switch is operated.
The selected gear, from M1 to M6,
will be fixed and displayed in the
meter.
Selecting gears in the M position
1
2

2204-2. Driving procedures
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)When in the M position, the gear will not change unless the shift
lever or paddle shift switches are operated.
However, even when in the M position, the gears will be auto-
matically changed in the following situation:
When vehicle speed drops (downshift only).
When the automatic transmission fluid or engine coolant tem-
perature is low.
When automatic transmission fluid temperature is high.
When the needle of the tachometer is in the red zone (the range
which exceeds the allowable revs of the engine).
In the following situations, the gear will not shift even if the shift
lever or paddle shift switches are operated.
“1st Gear not available due to slippery road surface” is dis-
played on the multi information display.
The vehicle speed is low (upshift only).

2214-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
When the “-” paddle shift switch is operated in the D position
A shift range will be automatically selected. The highest gear of the first shift
range will be one gear lower than the gear in use during normal D position
driving.
Automatic deactivation of shift range selection in the D position
Shift range selection in the D position will be deactivated in the following
situations:
When the vehicle comes to a stop
If the “+” paddle shift switch is operated when the shift range is in range 5
If the accelerator pedal is depressed for more than a certain period of time
When the shift lever is shifted to other than D
To protect automatic transmission
“Transmission Fluid High Temperature” is displayed on the multi-informa-
tion display and a function is adopted that automatically selects a higher shift
range when the fluid temperature is high. Have the vehicle inspected by any
authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped
professional.
Downshifting restrictions warning buzzer
To help ensure safety and driving performance, downshifting operation may
sometimes be restricted. In some circumstances, downshifting may not be
possible even when the shift lever or paddle shift switch is operated. (A
buzzer will sound twice.)
Snow mode automatic deactivation
Snow mode is automatically deactivated if the engine switch is turned off
after driving in snow mode.
If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P
P. 8 1 7

2224-2. Driving procedures
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
AI-SHIFT
The AI-SHIFT automatically selects the suitable gear according to driver
performance and driving conditions.
The AI-SHIFT automatically operates when the shift lever is in D. (Shifting
the shift lever to the M position cancels the function.)
CAUTION
When driving on slippery road surfaces
Be careful of downshifting and sudden acceleration, as this could result in
the vehicle skidding to the side or spinning.

2234-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
Turn signal lever
The lever will return to its original position after operation.
Right turn
Lane change to the right
(move the lever partway and
release it)
The right hand signals will flash 3
times.
Lane change to the left (move
the lever partway and release
it)
The left hand signals will flash 3
times.
Left turn
If the turn signals do not stop flashing after turning left or right,
or if you want to stop them flashing
Operate the lever in the opposite direction to either position
or .
If you move the lever to either position or , the selected
turn signals will flash.
Operating instructions
1
2
3
4
2
3
14

2244-2. Driving procedures
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
Turn signals can be operated when
The engine switch is in IGNITION ON mode.
If the indicator flashes faster than usual
Check that a light bulb in the front or rear turn signal lights has not burned
out.
If the turn signals stop flashing before a lane change has been performed
Operate the lever again.
Customization
The number of times the turn signals flash during a lane change can be
changed.
(Customizable feature P. 855)

2254-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
Parking brake
Sets the parking brake
The parking brake indicator light
will come on. (P. 226)
Press and hold the parking brake
switch if an emergency occurs and
it is necessary to operate the park-
ing brake while driving.
Releases the parking brake
Operate the parking brake switch
while depressing the brake pedal.
Make sure that the parking brake
indicator light goes off.
A selections can be made as desired from the following modes.
Manual mode
1
2

2264-2. Driving procedures
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)The parking brake is set or released automatically according to shift
lever operation.
Turns automatic mode on/off
When the shift lever is moved
out of P, the parking brake will
be released.
When the shift lever is moved
into P, the parking brake will
be set.
Operate the shift lever with the
brake pedal depressed.
Parking brake operation
When the engine switch is not in IGNITION ON mode, the parking brake
cannot be released using the parking brake switch.
When the engine switch is not in IGNITION ON mode, automatic mode
(automatic brake setting and releasing) is not available.
If the parking brake is operated repeatedly over a short period of time, the
system may restrict operation to prevent overheating. If this happens,
refrain from operating the parking brake. Normal operation will return after
about 1 minute.
Parking brake operation sound
When the parking brake operates, a motor sound (whirring sound) may be
heard. This does not indicate a malfunction.
Parking brake indicator light
Depending on the engine switch mode, the parking brake indicator light
will come on and stay on as described below:
IGNITION ON mode: Comes on until the parking brake is released.
Not in IGNITION ON mode: Stays on for approximately 15 seconds.
When the engine switch is turned off with the parking brake set, the parking
brake indicator light will stay on for about 15 seconds. This does not indi-
cate a malfunction.
Automatic mode