2012 Lexus HS250h steering

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2-4. Using other driving systems
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When driving
HS250h_U_75050U
CAUTION
■Before using the LKA system
Do not rely on the LKA system to remain within a selected lane. The LKA system is
not designed to enable inattentive driving. The steering wheel should be operated
by the driver to maintain the vehicle in a suitable position within its lane. Always
drive carefully.
■Turn the LKA off while driving in any of the following conditions:
Do not use LKA in any of the following situations.
Otherwise, the system may not function correctly and could result in an accident.
●When driving with snow tires, tire chains, a spare tire, or similar equipment.
●When driving with non-standard parts or aftermarket equipment installed.
(including modified tires and suspensions, etc.)
●When towing a trailer.
●When there are objects or structures along the roadside that might be misinter-
preted as lane markers. (such as guardrails, curb, reflector posts, etc.)
●When there are wheel ruts, icy trademarks, etc. or if snow remains on the road
surface.
●When there are shadows on the road running parallel with lane markers, or if a
shadow covers the lane markers.
●When there are visible lines on the pavement from road repairs, or if the remains
of old lane markers are still visible on the road.
●When driving on slippery roads, such as those covered with rain, ice or snow.
●When driving in a lane other than the driving or passing lanes on a freeway or
highway.
●When driving on a road with lane closures due to maintenance, or when driving
in a temporary lane.
●When driving on winding roads or roads that are rough or uneven.

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2-4. Using other driving systems
HS250h_U_75050U
Driving assist systems
To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following systems
operate automatically in response to various driving situations. Be aware,
however, that these systems are supplementary and should not be relied
upon too heavily when operating the vehicle.
■ ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied suddenly, 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
■TRAC (Traction Control)
Helps to maintain drive power and prevent the drive wheels from spinning
when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads
■EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed to turn
the steering wheel
■Enhanced VSC (Enhanced vehicle stability control)
Provides cooperative control of the ABS, TRAC, VSC and EPS.
Helps to maintain directional stability when swerving on slippery road sur-
faces by controlling steering performance.
■PCS (Pre-Collision System) (if equipped)
→ P. 2 4 5

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2-4. Using other driving systems
HS250h_U_75050U■
Turning off both TRAC and VSC systems
To turn the TRAC and VSC sys-
tems off, press and hold the button
for more than 3 seconds while the
vehicle is stopped.
A message will be shown on the
multi-information display and
“VSC OFF” indicator will come on.
Press the button again to turn the
systems back on.
■Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, VSC and TRAC
●A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the hybrid system is
started, just after the vehicle begins to move, if the brake pedal is depressed
forcefully or repeatedly, or 1-2 minutes after the hybrid system is stopped. 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 operat-
ing. 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 TRAC /VSC systems
Turning off the hybrid system after turning off the TRAC/VSC systems will automat-
ically reactivate them.
■Reactivation of the TRAC system linked to vehicle speed
When only the TRAC system is turned off, the TRAC system will turn on when vehi-
cle speed increases. However, when both TRAC and VSC systems are turned off,
the systems will not turn on even when vehicle speed increases.

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2-4. Using other driving systems
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When driving
HS250h_U_75050U
■Reduced effectiveness of the EPS system
The effectiveness of the EPS system is reduced to prevent the system from over-
heating 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 hybrid system off. The EPS system
should return to normal within 10 minutes.
CAUTION
■The ABS does not operate effectively when
●Tires with inadequate gripping ability are used (such as excessively worn tires on
a snow covered road).
●The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on wet or slick road.
■Stopping distance when the ABS is operating may exceed that of normal condi-
tions
The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehicle’s stopping distance. Always main-
tain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you in the following situations:
●When driving on dirt, gravel or snow-covered roads
●When driving with tire chains
●When driving over bumps in the road
●When driving over roads with potholes or roads with uneven surfaces
■TRAC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slippery road
surfaces, even if the TRAC system is operating.
Do not drive the vehicle in conditions where stability and power may be lost.
■When the VSC is activated
The slip indicator light flashes. Always drive carefully. Reckless driving may cause
an accident. Exercise particular care when the indicator light flashes.
■When the TRAC/VSC systems are turned off
Be especially careful and drive at a speed appropriate to the road conditions. As
these are the systems to ensure vehicle stability and driving force, do not turn the
TRAC/VSC systems off unless necessary.

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2-5. Driving information
HS250h_U_75050U
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.
Failing to do so may result in death or serious injury.
●Stow cargo and luggage in the trunk whenever possible.
●Do not place cargo or luggage in or on the following locations as the item may
get under the brake or accelerator pedal and prevent the pedals from being
depressed properly, block the driver’s vision, or hit the driver or passengers,
causing an accident:
• 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
●Secure all items in the occupant compartment, as they may shift and injure some-
one during sudden braking, sudden swerving or an accident.
■Capacity and distribution
●Do not exceed the maximum axle weight rating or the total vehicle weight rating.
●Even if the total load of occupant’s weight and the cargo load is less than the total
load capacity, do not apply the load unevenly. Improper loading may cause dete-
rioration of steering or braking control which may cause death or serious injury.

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2-5. Driving information
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When driving
HS250h_U_75050U
Vehicle load limits
■Total load capacity and seating capacity
These details are also described on the tire and loading information label.
(→ P. 4 5 9 )
CAUTION
■Overloading the vehicle
Do not overload the vehicle.
It may not only cause damage to the tires, but also degrade steering and braking
ability, resulting in an accident.
Vehicle load limits include total load capacity, seating capacity, towing
capacity and cargo capacity.
■Total load capacity: 825 lb. (375 kg)
Total load capacity means the combined weight of occupants, cargo and
luggage.
■Seating capacity: 5 occupants (Front 2, Rear 3)
Seating capacity means the maximum number of occupants whose esti-
mated average weight is 150 lb. (68 kg) per person.
■Towing capacity
Lexus does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle.
■Cargo capacity
Cargo capacity may increase or decrease depending on the weight and
the number of occupants.

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HS250h_U_75050U
3-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
Automatic air conditioning system ..................................... 266
Rear window defogger switch ....................................... 274
Windshield wiper de-icer ..... 275
3-2. Using the audio system Audio system............................ 276
Using the radio ........................ 279
Using the CD player ............. 287
Playing MP3 and WMA
discs......................................... 295
Operating an iPod ................. 302
Operating a USB memory................................... 310
Optimal use of the audio system ...................................... 318
Using the AUX port............... 321
Using the steering wheel audio switches...................... 322

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3-2. Using the audio system
3
Interior features
HS250h_U_75050U
■Using cellular phones
Interference may be heard through the audio system’s speakers if a cellular phone
is being used inside or close to the vehicle while the audio system is operating.
Ti t l ePa g e
Using the radioP. 2 7 9
Using the CD playerP. 2 8 7
Playing MP3 and WMA discsP. 2 9 5
Operating an iPodP. 3 0 2
Operating a USB memoryP. 3 1 0
Optimal use of the audio systemP. 3 1 8
Using the AUX portP. 3 2 1
Using the steering wheel audio switchesP. 3 2 2