2012 Lexus GS350 brake

3344-5. Using the driving support
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed
to turn the steering wheel
AVS (Adaptive Variable Suspension system) (if equipped)
By independently controlling the damping force of the shock
absorbers for each of the 4 wheels according to the road and driv-
ing conditions, this system combines riding comfort with supe-
rior steering stability, and ensures good vehicle posture. (P.
328)
VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management)
Provides integrated control of the ABS, brake assist, TRC, VSC,
hill-start assist control and EPS systems
Helps to maintain vehicle stability when swerving on slippery
road surfaces by controlling the brakes, engine output, steering
assist, and steering ratio
PCS (Pre-Crash Safety system) (if equipped)
P. 343
Emergency brake signal
When the brakes are applied suddenly, the stop lights automati-
cally flash to alert the vehicle behind.

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.

3384-5. Using the driving support
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
Reactivation of the TRC system linked to vehicle speed
When only the TRC system is turned off, the TRC system will turn on when
vehicle speed increases. However, when both TRC and VSC systems are
turned off, the systems will not turn on even when vehicle speed increases.
Reduced effectiveness of the EPS system
The effectiveness of the EPS system is reduced to prevent the system from
overheating when there is frequent steering input over an extended period of
time. The steering wheel may feel heavy as a result.
* Should this occur,
refrain from excessive steering input or stop the vehicle and turn the engine
off. The effectiveness will improve after a short while.
*: If the LKA (Lane-Keeping Assist) system cannot operate in this case, a
warning message will be shown on the multi-information display.
Operating conditions of emergency brake signal
When the following three conditions are met, the emergency brake signal
will operate:
The emergency flashers are off.
Actual vehicle speed is over 55 km/h (35 mph).
The brake pedal is depressed in a manner that cause the system to judge
from the vehicle deceleration that this is a sudden braking operation.
Automatic system cancelation of emergency brake signal
The emergency brake signal will turn off in any of the following situations:
The emergency flashers are turned on.
The brake pedal is released.
The system judges from the vehicle deceleration that is not a sudden brak-
ing operation.

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.

3424-5. Using the driving support
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
Hill-start assist control buzzer
When hill-start assist control is activated, the buzzer will sound once.
In the following situations, hill-start assist control will be canceled and the
buzzer will sound twice.
• No attempt is made to drive the vehicle within approximately 2 seconds
of releasing the brake pedal.
• The shift lever is moved to P.
• The parking brake is applied.
• The brake pedal is depressed again.
• The brake pedal has been depressed for more than approximately 3 min-
utes.
If the slip indicator comes on
It may indicate a malfunction in the system. Contact any authorized Lexus
dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional.
CAUTION
Hill-start assist control
Do not overly rely on hill-start assist control. Hill-start assist control may
not operate effectively on steep inclines and roads covered with ice.
Unlike the parking brake, hill-start assist control is not intended to hold
the vehicle stationary for an extended period of time. Do not attempt to
use hill-start assist control to hold the vehicle on an incline, as doing so
may lead to an accident.

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)

3464-5. Using the driving support
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
The pre-crash safety system is operational when
The pre-crash safety system off button is not pressed and the following con-
ditions are met:
Pre-crash warning:
• Vehicle speed is greater than about 15 km/h (10 mph).
• The speed at which your vehicle is approaching the obstacle or oncoming
vehicle is greater than about 15 km/h (10 mph).
Pre-crash seat belts (operating conditions A):
• Vehicle speed is greater than about 30 km/h (19 mph).
• The system detects sudden braking or skidding.
• The front occupants are wearing a seat belt.
Pre-crash seat belts (operating conditions B):
• Vehicle speed is greater than about 5 km/h (4 mph).
• The speed at which your vehicle is approaching the obstacle or oncoming
vehicle is greater than about 30 km/h (19 mph).
• The front occupants are wearing a seat belt.
Pre-crash brake assist:
• Vehicle speed is greater than about 30 km/h (19 mph).
• The speed at which your vehicle is approaching the obstacle or the vehi-
cle running ahead of you is greater than about 30 km/h (19 mph).
• The brake pedal is depressed.
Pre-crash braking:
• Vehicle speed is greater than about 15 km/h (10 mph).
• The speed at which your vehicle is approaching the obstacle or the vehi-
cle running ahead of you is greater than about 15 km/h (10 mph).
Suspension control:
• Vehicle speed is greater than about 5 km/h (4 mph).
• The speed at which your vehicle is approaching the obstacle or the vehi-
cle running ahead of you is greater than about 30 km/h (19 mph).

3474-5. Using the driving support
4
Driving
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
Pre-crash alert braking:
• The system determines that the driver is not facing forward, or that the
driver’s eyes are closed.
• Vehicle speed is greater than about 40 km/h (25 mph).
• The speed at which your vehicle is approaching the vehicle running
ahead of you is greater than about 40 km/h (25 mph).
• The steering is not being turned.
Conditions that may trigger the system even if there is no danger of a collision
When there is an object by the roadside at the entrance to a curve
When passing an oncoming vehicle on a curve
When driving over a narrow iron bridge
When there is a metal object on the road surface
When driving on an uneven road surface
When passing an oncoming vehicle on a left-turn (left-hand drive vehicles)
or right-turn (right-hand drive vehicles)
When your vehicle rapidly closes on the vehicle in front
When a grade separation/interchange, sign, billboard, or other structure
appears to be directly in the vehicle’s line of travel
When climbing a steep hill causes an overhead billboard or other metallic
structure to appear directly in the vehicle’s line of travel
When the system is activated in the situations described above, there is also a
possibility that the seat belts will retract quickly and the brakes will be
applied with a force greater than normal. When the seat belt is locked in the
retracted position, stop the vehicle in a safe place, release the seat belt and
refasten it.
Obstacles not detected
The sensor cannot detect plastic obstacles such as traffic cones. There may
also be occasions when the sensor cannot detect pedestrians, animals, bicy-
cles, motorcycles, trees, or snowdrifts.