2012 Lexus IS F engine

197
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
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 pr event the rear wheels from spinning
when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads.
■ Hill-start assist control
Helps to prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards when starting on an
incline or slippery slope.
■EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed to turn
the steering wheel.
■VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management)
Provides integrated control of the ABS, brake assist, TRAC, VSC, hill-start
assist control, and EPS systems.
Helps to maintain vehicle stability when swerving on slippery road sur-
faces by controlling the brakes, engine output and steering assist.
When the F-sport mode total control switch is pressed, “Sport” mode is
activated. ( P. 199)
■PCS (Pre-Collision System) (if equipped)
 P. 2 0 3

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2-4. Using other driving systems
When the VSC/TRAC/hill-start assist control systems are operatingThe slip indicator light flashes to
indicate that the VSC/TRAC/hill-
start assist control systems have
been engaged.
The stop lights and high mounted
stoplight turn on when the hill-start
assist control system is operating.
To disable TRAC and/or VSCIf the vehicle gets stuck in fresh snow or mud, TRAC and VSC may
reduce power from the engine to th e wheels. You may need to turn the
system off to enable you to rock the vehicle in order to free it.
■ Turning off TRAC
Quickly push and release the
switch to turn off TRAC.
The “TRAC OFF” indicator light
should come on.
Push the switch again to turn the
system back on.

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2-4. Using other driving systems
■When the “TRAC OFF” indicator light comes on even if the VSC off switch has
not been pressed
TRAC and hill-start assist control cannot be operated. Contact your Lexus dealer.
■Automatic reactivation of the TRAC/VSC systems
If the TRAC/VSC systems are turned off, re-starting the engine will automatically
reactivate them.
■Automatic TRAC reactivation
If only the TRAC system is turned off, the TRAC system will turn on when vehicle
speed increases.
■Automatic TRAC and VSC reactivation
If the TRAC and VSC systems are turned off, the systems will not turn on even when
vehicle speed increases.
■Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, VSC, TRAC and hill-start
assist control systems
●A sound may be heard from the engine compartment if the brake pedal is
depressed repeatedly when the engine is started or just after the vehicle begins
to move. This sound does not indicate th at 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 when the ABS is activated.
• The brake pedal may move down slightly after the ABS is activated.
■Hill-start assist control is operational when
●The shift lever is in the D or M position.
●The brake pedal is not depressed.
●The vehicle rolls backward.
■EPS operation sound
When the steering wheel is operated, a motor sound (whirring sound) may be
heard. This does not indicate a malfunction.

201
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
■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 engine off. The EPS system should
return to normal within 10 minutes.
■Automatic deactivation of “Sport” mode
When the “ENGINE START STOP” switch is turned off after driving in “Sport”
mode, the mode is automatically deactivated.
■If the slip indicator comes on
It may indicate a malfunction in the VSC, TRAC or hill-start assist control system.
Contact your Lexus dealer.
CAUTION
■The ABS does not operate effectively when
●The limits of tire gripping performance have been exceeded.
●The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on the 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 ve hicle’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 over bumps in the road
●When driving over roads with potholes or roads with uneven roads
■TRAC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be ac hievable 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.

214
2-5. Driving information
Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving the
vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropriate to the
prevailing weather conditions.
■ Pre-winter preparations
●Use fluids that are appropria te to the prevailing outside tempera-
tures.
• Engine oil
• Engine coolant
• Washer fluid
● Have a service technician inspect the level and specific gravity of
battery electrolyte.
● Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires.
Ensure that all tires are the specified size and the same brand.
■Before driving the vehicle
Perform the following according to the driving conditions.
● Do not try to forcibly open a w indow or move a wiper that is fro-
zen. Pour warm water over the frozen area to melt the ice. Wipe
away the water immediately to prevent it from freezing.
● To ensure proper operation of the climate control system fan,
remove any snow that has accumu lated on the air inlet vents in
front of the windshield.
● Remove any ice that has accumul ated on the vehicle chassis.
● Periodically check for and remove any excess ice or snow that
may have accumulated in the wheel well or on the brakes.

227
3-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
3
Interior features
■Air conditioning odors
●During use, various odors from inside and outside the vehicle may enter into
and accumulate in the air conditioning sy stem. This may then cause odor to be
emitted from the vents.
●To reduce potential odors from occurring:
• It is recommended that the air conditioning system be set to outside air mode
prior to turning the vehicle off.
• The start timing of the blower may be delayed for a short period of time
immediately after the air conditioning system is started in automatic mode.
CAUTION
■To prevent the windshield from fogging up
Do not use during cool air operation in extremely humid weather. The dif-
ference between the temperature of the outside air and that of the windshield can
cause the outer surface of the windshield to fog up, blocking your vision.
NOTICE
■To prevent battery discharge
Do not leave the air conditioning system on longer than necessary when the engine
is off.

228
3-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
Rear window and outside rear view mirror defoggers
■The defogger can be operated when
The “ENGINE START STOP” switch is in IGNITION ON mode.
CAUTION
■When the outside rear view mirror defoggers are on
Do not touch the outside surface of the rear view mirror, as it can become very hot
and burn you.
These features are used to defog the rear window, and to remove rain-
drops, dew and frost from the outside rear view mirrors.
With navigation system
Owners of models equipped with a navigation system should refer to the
“Navigation System Owner's Manual”.
Without navigation system
On/off
The defoggers will automatically
turn off after 15 to 60 minutes.
The operation time changes
according to the ambient tem-
perature and vehicle speed.

229
3-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
3
Interior features
Windshield wiper de-icer
■The windshield wiper de-icer can be operated when
The “ENGINE START STOP” switch is in IGNITION ON mode.
CAUTION
■When the windshield wiper de-icer is on
The surface of the glass at the lower part and sides of the windshield become very
hot. To prevent burning yourself, do not touch these areas.
This feature is used to prevent ice fr om building up on the windshield and
wiper blades.
On/off
The windshield wiper de-icer
will automatically turn off after
approximately 15 minutes.
: If equipped