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1934-1. Before driving
4
Driving
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
CAUTION
If you hear a squealing or scraping noise (brake pad wear indicators)
Have the brake pads checked and replaced by any authorized Lexus dealer
or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional as soon as
possible.
Rotor damage may result if the pads are not replaced when needed.
Moderate levels of brake pad and disc wear allow enhanced front braking
power. As a result, the discs may wear more quickly than conventional
brake discs. Therefore, when replacing the brake pads, Lexus recommends
that you also have the thickness of the discs measured.
It is dangerous to drive the vehicle when the wear limits of the brake pads
and/or those of the brake discs are exceeded.
When the vehicle is stopped
Do not race the engine.
If the vehicle is in any gear other than P or N, the vehicle may accelerate
suddenly and unexpectedly, causing an accident.
In order to prevent accidents due to the vehicle rolling away, always keep
depressing the brake pedal while the engine is running, and apply the
parking brake as necessary.
If the vehicle is stopped on an incline, in order to prevent accidents caused
by the vehicle rolling forward or backward, always depress the brake
pedal and securely apply the parking brake as needed.
Avoid revving or racing the engine.
Running the engine at high speed while the vehicle is stopped may cause
the exhaust system to overheat, which could result in a fire if combustible
material is nearby.
Page 201 of 914
197
4 4-1. Before driving
Driving
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
NOTICE
When encountering flooded roads
Do not drive on a road that has flooded after heavy rain etc. Doing so may
cause the following serious damage to the vehicle:
Engine stalling
Short in electrical components
Engine damage caused by water immersion
In the event that you drive on a flooded road and the vehicle is flooded, be
sure to have any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly quali-
fied and equipped professional check the following:
Brake function
Changes in quantity and quality of oil and fluid used for the engine, trans-
mission, transfer (AWD models), differential, etc.
Lubricant condition for the propeller shaft, bearings and suspension joints
(where possible), and the function of all joints, bearings, etc.
Page 210 of 914

2064-1. Before driving
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
Increasing vehicle-to-vehicle distance
At a speed of 10 km/h (6 mph), the distance to the vehicle run-
ning ahead of you should be equivalent to or greater than the
combined length of your vehicle and trailer. Avoid sudden brak-
ing that may cause skidding. Otherwise, the vehicle may spin out
of control. This is especially true when driving on wet or slippery
road surfaces.
Sudden acceleration/steering input/cornering
Executing sharp turns when towing may result in the trailer col-
liding with your vehicle. Decelerate well in advance when
approaching turns and take them slowly and carefully to avoid
sudden braking.
Important points regarding turning
The wheels of the trailer will travel closer to the inside of the
curve than the wheels of the vehicle. To make allowance for this,
take the turns wider than you would normally do.
Important points regarding stability
Vehicle movement resulting from uneven road surfaces and
strong crosswinds will affect handling. The vehicle may also be
rocked by passing buses or large trucks. Frequently check behind
when moving alongside such vehicles. As soon as such vehicle
movement occurs, immediately start to decelerate smoothly by
slowly applying the brakes. Always steer the vehicle straight
ahead while braking.
Passing other vehicles
Consider the total combined length of your vehicle and trailer
and ensure that the vehicle-to-vehicle distance is sufficient
before executing lane changes.
Transmission information
To maintain engine braking efficiency, when using engine brak-
ing, when driving on a long steep downgrade, do not use the
Page 213 of 914
207
4 4-2. Driving procedures
Driving
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
Engine (ignition) switch
Check that the parking brake is set.
Check that the shift lever is set in P.
Firmly depress the brake pedal.
will be displayed on the multi-information display.
If it is not displayed, the engine cannot be started.
Press the engine switch.
The engine will crank until it starts
or for up to 30 seconds, whichever
is less.
Continue depressing the brake
pedal until the engine is com-
pletely started.
The engine can be started from any
engine switch mode.
Performing the following operations when carrying the electronic
key on your person starts the engine or changes engine switch
modes.
Starting the engine
1
2
3
4
Page 214 of 914
2084-2. Driving procedures
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)Stop the vehicle.
Shift the shift lever to P.
Set the parking brake. (P. 225)
Press the engine switch.
Release the brake pedal and check that “POWER ON” on the
multi-information display is off.
Modes can be changed by pressing the engine switch with brake
pedal released. (The mode changes each time the switch is
pressed.)
Off*
The emergency flashers can be
used.
The multi-information display will
not be displayed.
ACCESSORY mode
Some electrical components such
as the audio system can be used.
“POWER ON” will be displayed
on the multi-information display.
IGNITION ON mode
All electrical components can be
used.
“POWER ON” will be displayed
on the multi-information display.
*: If the shift lever is in a position
other than P when turning off the
engine, the engine switch will be
Stopping the engine
Changing engine switch modes
1
2
3
4
5
Page 216 of 914
2104-2. Driving procedures
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)If the engine is stopped with the shift lever in a position other than
P, the engine switch will not be turned off but instead be turned to
ACCESSORY mode. Perform the following procedure to turn the
switch off:
Check that the parking brake is set.
Shift the shift lever to P.
Check that “POWER ON” and “Turn Power OFF” are displayed
alternately on the multi-information display and then press the
engine switch once.
Check that “POWER ON” and “Turn Power OFF” on the multi-
information display are off.
When stopping the engine with the shift lever in a position
other than P
1
2
3
4
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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.
Page 218 of 914

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.