2012 Lexus GS350 steering

331
4 4-5. Using the driving support
Driving
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)Sport mode
• SPORT S mode
Improves acceleration response by controlling the transmis-
sion. Suitable for when precise handling is desirable, for
example when driving on mountain roads.
When the driving mode select switch is turned right while a made other
than SPORT S mode is selected, the “SPORT S” indicator comes on in
the instrument cluster.
Also, on vehicles equipped with
a 12.3-inch display, the driving
mode is also automatically dis-
played on the “Side Display”.
(P. 370)
• SPORT S+ mode
Improves steering performance and driving stability by simul-
taneously controlling the steering and suspension in addition
to the transmission. Suitable for sporty driving.
When the driving mode select switch is turned right while SPORT S
mode is selected, the “SPORT S+” indicator comes on in the instrument
cluster.
Also, on vehicles equipped with
a 12.3-inch display, the driving
mode is also automatically dis-
played on the “Side Display”.
(P. 370)
3

3334-5. Using the driving support
4
Driving
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
Driving assist systems
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied sud-
denly, or if the brakes are applied while driving on a slippery
road surface
Brake assist
Generates an increased level of braking force after the brake
pedal is depressed when the system detects a panic stop situation
VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)
Helps the driver to control skidding when swerving suddenly or
turning on slippery road surfaces
VSC+ (Vehicle Stability Control+)
Provides cooperative control of the ABS, TRC, VSC and EPS.
Helps to maintain directional stability when swerving on slippery
road surfaces by controlling steering performance.
TRC (Traction Control)
Helps to maintain drive power and prevent the drive wheels from
spinning when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery
roads
Hill-start assist control
P. 341
To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following
systems operate automatically in response to various driving situa-
tions. Be aware, however, that these systems are supplementary
and should not be relied upon too heavily when operating the vehi-
cle.

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.

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.

3634-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
CAUTION
Driving with snow tires
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in a loss of vehicle control and cause death or
serious injury.
Use tires of the specified size.
Maintain the recommended level of air pressure.
Do not drive at speeds in excess of the speed limit or the speed limit spec-
ified for the snow tires being used.
Use snow tires on all, not just some wheels.
Do not use LKA (Lane-Keeping Assist) system.
Driving with tire chains (vehicles without 19 inch tires)
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in the vehicle being unable to be driven safely,
and may cause death or serious injury.
Do not drive in excess of the speed limit specified for the tire chains being
used, or 50 km/h (30 mph), whichever is lower.
Avoid driving on bumpy road surfaces or over potholes.
Avoid sudden acceleration, abrupt steering, as well as sudden braking and
shifting operation to engine braking.
Slow down sufficiently before entering a curve to ensure that vehicle con-
trol is maintained.
Do not use LKA (Lane-Keeping Assist) system.

366
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
5-1. Remote Touch screen
Remote Touch ................... 368
Remote Touch screen ........ 370
Set up screen ..................... 382
Speech command system .. 401
5-2. Using the air conditioning
system and defogger
Front automatic
air conditioning system ... 409
Rear
air conditioning system ... 425
Rear window and outside rear
view mirror defoggers..... 430
Windshield wiper de-icer .. 4315-3. Using the audio system
Audio system type ............ 432
Using the radio.................. 457
Using the CD/DVD
player .............................. 465
Playing an audio CD and
MP3/WMA discs ............ 467
Playing DVD video .......... 473
CD/DVD player and DVD
video disc information .... 486
Listening to
Bluetooth
® audio ............ 496
Listening to
a USB memory ............... 508
Listening to an iPod .......... 519
Optimal use of
the audio/video system ... 530
Using the AUX port.......... 533
Using the rear seat
audio controls ................. 534
Using the steering wheel
audio switches ................ 539