2012 Lexus IS220d stop start

197
2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers
2
When driving
IS250/220d/200d_EE
Headlight cleaner switch
The headlight cleaner can be operated when
The “ENGINE START STOP” switch is in IGNITION ON mode and the
headlight switch is turned on.
Windshield washer linked operation
Only for the first time when the windshield washer is operated after the
“ENGINE START STOP” switch is turned to IGNITION ON mode with the
headlights on, the headlight cleaners will also operate once. (P. 191)
When using the headlight cleaner
The washer fluid will spray out into the surrounding area and may get on
clothes, items etc. Therefore, check the surrounding area before using the
headlight cleaner.
NOTICE
When the washer fluid tank is empty
Do not use this function when the washer fluid tank is empty. This may
cause the washer fluid pump to overheat.
Washer fluid can be sprayed on the headlights.
Press the switch to clean the
headlights.
: If equipped

205
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
IS250/220d/200d_EE
Changing the vehicle-to-vehicle distance
Pressing the button changes
the vehicle-to-vehicle dis-
tance as follows:
Long
Medium
Short
The vehicle-to-vehicle dis-
tance is set automatically to
long mode when the
“ENGINE START STOP”
switch is turned to IGNI-
TION ON mode.
If a vehicle is running ahead
of you, the preceding vehicle
mark will also be displayed.
Vehicle-to-vehicle distance settings
Select a distance from the table below. Note that the distances
shown correspond to a vehicle speed of 80 km/h (50 mph).
Vehicle-to-vehicle distance increases/decreases in accordance
with vehicle speed.
Preceding
vehicle mark
Distance optionsVehicle-to-vehicle distance
LongApproximately 50 m (160 ft.)
MediumApproximately 40 m (130 ft.)
ShortApproximately 30 m (100 ft.)

209
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
IS250/220d/200d_EE
Selecting conventional constant speed control mode
Constant speed control mode differs from vehicle-to-vehicle dis-
tance control mode. When constant speed control mode is selected,
your vehicle will maintain a set speed regardless of whether or not
there are other vehicles in the lane ahead.
Press the “ON-OFF” button
to activate the cruise control.
Cruise control indicator will
come on.
Press the button again to deacti-
vate the cruise control.
Switch to constant speed
control mode.
(Push the lever forward and
hold for approximately one
second.)
When in constant speed control
mode, to return to vehicle-to-
vehicle distance control mode,
push the lever forward again
and hold for approximately 1
second.
After the desired speed has been
set, it is not possible to return to
vehicle-to-vehicle distance con-
trol mode.
If the “ENGINE START STOP”
switch is turned off and then
turned to IGNITION ON mode
again, the vehicle will automati-
cally return to vehicle-to-vehi-
cle distance control mode.

224
2-4. Using other driving systems
IS250/220d/200d_EE
Driving assist systems
To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following sys-
tems 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.
TRC (Traction Control)
Maintains drive power and prevents the rear wheels from spinning
when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads.
Hill-start assist control (vehicles with an automatic transmis-
sion)
Helps to prevent the vehicle from rolling backward 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.
PCS (Pre-Crash Safety System) (if equipped)
P. 230
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

225
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
IS250/220d/200d_EE
When the VSC/TRC/hill-start assist control systems are operating
The slip indicator flashes to
indicate that the VSC/TRC/hill-
start assist control systems have
been engaged.
The stop lights and high
mounted stoplight turn on when
the hill-start assist control sys-
tem is operating.
To disable TRC/VSC
If the vehicle gets stuck in fresh snow or mud, TRC and VSC may
reduce power from the engine to the wheels. You may need to turn
the system off to enable you to rock the vehicle in order to free it.
Turning off TRC
Quickly push and release the
switch to turn off TRC
A message will be shown on the
multi-information display.
Push the switch again to turn
the system back on.

226
2-4. Using other driving systems
IS250/220d/200d_EETurning off TRC and VSC
Push and hold the switch for
more than 3 seconds or more
while the vehicle is stopped to
turn off TRC and VSC.
A message will be shown on the
multi- information display and
the VSC off indicator light will
come on.
Push the switch again to turn
the system back on.
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
(IS250 only)
TRC and hill-start assist control cannot be operated. Contact any authorized
Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped profes-
sional.
Automatic reactivation of the TRC/VSC systems
If the TRC/VSC systems are turned off, re-starting the engine will automati-
cally reactivate them.
Automatic TRC reactivation
If only the TRC system is turned off, the TRC system will turn on when
vehicle speed increases.
Automatic TRC and VSC reactivation
If the TRC and VSC systems are turned off, the systems will not turn on
even when vehicle speed increases.

227
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
IS250/220d/200d_EE
Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, VSC, TRC 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 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 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 S position.
The brake pedal is not depressed.
The vehicle rolls backward.
EPS operation sound
When the steering wheel operates, a motor sound (whirring sound) may be
heard. This does not indicate a malfunction.
Reduced effectiveness of EPS
The effectiveness of EPS 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
system should return to normal within 10 minutes.
If the slip indicator comes on
It may indicate a malfunction in the VSC, TRC or hill start assist control
function. Contact any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly
qualified and equipped professional.

228
2-4. Using other driving systems
IS250/220d/200d_EE
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
conditions
The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehicle's stopping distance. Always
maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you in the following sit-
uations.
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
TRC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slip-
pery road surfaces, even if the TRC system is operating.
Do not drive the vehicle in conditions where stability and power may be
lost.
Hill- start assist control does not operate effectively when (vehicles with an
automatic transmission)
Do not overly rely on the hill-start assist control. The hill start assist control
may not operate effectively on steep inclines and roads covered with ice.
When the VSC is activated
The slip indicator light flashes. Always drive carefully. Reckless driving
may cause an accident, resulting in death or serious injury. Exercise particu-
lar care when the indicator light flashes.
When TRC and VSC are off
Be especially careful and drive at a speed appropriate to the road conditions.
As these are systems to help enhance vehicle stability and driving force, do
not turn off TRC and VSC unless necessary.