2012 Lexus IS350C engine

202
2-4. Using other driving systems
■Changing the vehicle-to-vehicle distance
Pressing the button changes the
vehicle-to-vehicle distance as
follows:
Long
Medium
Short
The vehicle-to-vehicle distance
is set automatically to long
mode when the “ENGINE
START STOP” switch is turned
to IGNITION 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 tabl e below. Note that the distances
shown correspond to a vehicle sp eed of 50 mph (80 km/h). Vehi-
cle-to-vehicle distance increases/decreases in accordance with
vehicle speed.
Preceding
vehicle mark
Distance optionsVehicle-to-vehicle distance
LongApproximately 210 f t. (65 m)
MediumApproximately 150 f t. (45 m)
ShortApproximately 100 ft. (30 m)

206
2-4. Using other driving systems
Selecting conventional constant speed control modeConstant speed control mode differs from vehicle-to-vehicle distance
control mode. When constant speed control mode is selected, your vehi-
cle 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 con-
trol mode.
(Push the lever forward and
hold for approximately one sec-
ond.)
When in constant speed control
mode, to return to vehicle-to-vehi-
cle 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 control
mode.
If the “ENGINE START STOP”
switch is turned off and then turned
to IGNITION ON mode again, the
vehicle will automatically return to
vehicle-to-vehicle distance control
mode.

217
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
■Sensor detection information
●Certain vehicle conditions and the surrounding environment may affect the
ability of the sensor to correctly detect obstacles. Particular instances where this
may occur are listed below.
• There is dirt, snow or ice on the sensor.
• The sensor is frozen.
• The sensor is covered in any way.
• The vehicle is leaning considerably to one side.
• On an extremely bumpy road, on an incline, on gravel, or on grass.
• The vicinity of the vehicle is noisy due to vehicle horns, motorcycle engines,
air brakes of large vehicles, or other loud noises producing ultrasonic waves.
• There is another vehicle equipped with parking assist sensors in the vicinity.
• The sensor is coated with a sheet of spray or heavy rain.
• The vehicle is equipped with a fender pole or wireless antenna.
• Towing eyelets are installed.
• The bumper or sensor receives a strong impact.
• The vehicle is approaching a tall or curved curb.
• In harsh sunlight or intense cold weather
In addition to the examples above, there are instances in which, because of their
shapes, signs and other object s may be judged by the sensor to be closer than they
are.
●The shape of the obstacle may prevent th e sensor from detecting it. Pay particu-
lar attention to the following obstacles.
• Wires, fences, ropes etc.
• Cotton, snow and other materials that absorb radio waves
• Sharply-angled objects
•Low obstacles
• Tall obstacles with upper sections projec ting outwards in the direction of your
vehicle
■When the display flashes and a message is displayed
 P. 5 0 4

220
2-4. Using other driving systems
When the VSC/TRAC systems are operatingThe slip indicator light flashes to
indicate that the VSC/TRAC sys-
tems have been engaged.
■VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management)
Provides integrated control of the ABS, brake assist, TRAC, VSC, and
EPS systems.
Helps to maintain vehicle stability when swerving on slippery road sur-
faces by controlling the brakes, engine output and steering assist.
■PCS (Pre-Collision System) (if equipped)
 P. 2 2 7

221
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
To disable TRAC/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.
A message will be shown on the
multi-information display.
Push the switch again to turn the
system back on.
■Turning off TRAC and VSC
Push and hold the switch for 3 sec-
onds or more to turn off TRAC and
VSC.
A message will be shown on the
multi-information display and VSC
off indicator light will come on.
Push the switch again to turn the
system back on.

222
2-4. Using other driving systems
■When the message is displayed on the multi-information display showing that
TRAC has been disabled 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 and TRAC 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 after the ABS is activated.
• The brake pedal may move down slightly after the ABS is activated.

223
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
■EPS operation sound
When the steering wheel is operated, a motor sound (whirring sound) may be
heard. This does not indicate a malfunction.
■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 in put 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.
■If the slip indicator comes on
It may indicate a malfunction in the VSC or TRAC function.
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 with tire chains
●When driving over bumps in the road
●When driving over roads with potholes or roads with uneven roads

238
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 or purchase a set of
tire chains for the rear tires.
Ensure that all tires are the specified size and the same brand, and that
chains match the size of the tires.
■ 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.