2012 Lexus GS350 steering

1964-1. Before driving
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
NOTICE
When driving the vehicle
Do not depress the accelerator and brake pedals at the same time during
driving, as this may restrain driving torque.
Do not use the accelerator pedal or depress the accelerator and brake ped-
als at the same time to hold the vehicle on a hill.
When parking the vehicle
Always shift the shift lever to P. Failure to do so may cause the vehicle to
move or the vehicle may accelerate suddenly if the accelerator pedal is
accidentally depressed.
Avoiding damage to vehicle parts
Do not turn the steering wheel fully in either direction and hold it there for
an extended period of time.
Doing so may damage the power steering motor.
When driving over bumps in the road, drive as slowly as possible to avoid
damaging the wheels, underside of the vehicle, etc.
If you get a flat tire while driving
A flat or damaged tire may cause the following situations. Hold the steering
wheel firmly and gradually depress the brake pedal to slow down the vehi-
cle.
It may be difficult to control your vehicle.
The vehicle will make abnormal sounds or vibrations.
The vehicle will lean abnormally.
Information on what to do in case of a flat tire (P. 782, 797)

1984-1. Before driving
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
Cargo and luggage
Take notice of the following information about storage precau-
tions, cargo capacity and load:
CAUTION
Things that must not be carried in the trunk
The following things may cause a fire if loaded in the trunk:
Receptacles containing gasoline
Aerosol cans
Storage precautions
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may prevent the pedals from being depressed properly, may
block the driver’s vision, or may result in items hitting the driver or passen-
gers, possibly causing an accident.
Stow cargo and luggage in the trunk whenever possible.
Do not place cargo or luggage in or on the following locations.
• At the feet of the driver
• On the front passenger or rear seats (when stacking items)
• On the package tray
• On the instrument panel
• On the dashboard
• In front of the Remote Touch screen
Secure all items in the occupant compartment.
Load and distribution
Do not overload your vehicle.
Do not apply loads unevenly.
Improper loading may cause deterioration of steering or braking control
which may cause death or serious injury.

2054-1. Before driving
4
Driving
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)Your vehicle will handle differently when towing a trailer. In order
to avoid accident, death or serious injury, keep the following in
mind when towing:
Checking connections between trailer and lights
Stop the vehicle and check the operation of the connection
between the trailer and lights after driving for a brief period as
well as before starting off.
Practicing driving with a coupled trailer
Get the feel for turning, stopping and reversing with the trailer
coupled by practicing in an area with no or light traffic.
When reversing with a coupled trailer, hold the section of the
steering wheel nearest to you and rotate clockwise to turn the
trailer left or counterclockwise to turn it right. Always rotate a
little at a time to prevent steering error. Have someone guide
you when reversing to lessen the risk of an accident.
NOTICE
When the rear bumper strengthening material is aluminum
Ensure the steel bracket part does not come directly in contact with that
area.
When steel and aluminum come into contact, there is a reaction similar to
corrosion, which will weaken the section concerned and may result in dam-
age. Apply a rust inhibitor to parts that will come in contact when attaching
a steel bracket.
Guidance

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

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.

2304-3. Operating the lights and wipers
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)AFS (Adaptive Front-lighting System) secures excellent visibility
at intersections and on curves by automatically adjusting the direc-
tion of the light axis of the headlights according to vehicle speed
and the degree of the tire’s angle as controlled by steering input.
AFS operates at speeds of 10 km/h (6 mph) or higher.
Deactivating AFS
Turn on the AFS OFF switch.
The indicator turns on when the
AFS is deactivated.
AFS (Adaptive Front-lighting System) (if equipped)