2012 Lexus LFA lexus LFA 2012 Owner's Manual / LEXUS 2012 LFA OWNERS MANUAL (OM77006U)

167
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
When the ABS/VSC/TRAC/hill-start assist control systems are operating
The slip indicator flashes to indi-
cate that the ABS/VSC/TRAC/
hill-start assist control systems are
operating.
The stop lights and high mounted
stoplight turn on when the hill-start
assist control system is operating.
Disabling the VSC/TRAC systemsIf the vehicle gets stuck in fresh snow or mud, VSC/TRAC 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.
Press the switch to turn off VSC
and TRAC.
The VSC off indicator light and
“TRAC OFF” indicator light should
come on.
Press the switch again to turn the
systems back on.

168
2-4. Using other driving systems
■Hill-start assist control operation conditions
●The vehicle rolls backward.
●A forward gear is selected.
●The brake pedal is not depressed.
■Automatic reactivation of the VSC/TRAC systems
If the VSC/TRAC systems are turned off, re-starting the engine will automatically
reactivate them.
■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 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.
■EPS operation sound
When the steering wheel is operated, a motor 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, TRAC or hill-start assist control system.
Contact your Lexus dealer.

169
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
CAUTION
■The ABS does not operate effectively when
●Tires with inadequate gripping ability are used.
●The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on wet or slick roads.
■Stopping distance when the ABS is operating will 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 over bumps in the road
●When driving over roads with potholes or roads with uneven surfaces
■TRAC may not operate effectively in some conditions
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.
■Hill-start assist control does not operate effectively in some conditions
Do not overly rely on the hill-start assist co ntrol. The hill-start assist control may not
operate effectively depending on the grad e of incline and on roads covered with
ice.
■If the slip indicator flashes while driving
The slip indicator flashes to indicate that ABS, VSC, TRAC or hill-start assist con-
trol is operating. Always drive carefully. Reckless driving may cause an accident.
Exercise particular care when the indicator light flashes.
■When the VSC/TRAC systems are turned off
Be especially careful and drive at a speed appropriate to the road conditions. As
these are the systems to help ensure vehicl e stability and driving force by automati-
cally controlling the brakes and engine ou tput, do not turn the VSC/TRAC systems
off unless necessary.

170
2-4. Using other driving systems
CAUTION
■Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the specified size, brand, tread pattern and total load
capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are inflated to the recommended tire
inflation pressure level. ( P. 366)
The ABS, VSC and TRAC systems will not function correctly if different tires are
installed on the vehicle.
Contact your Lexus dealer for further info rmation when replacing tires or wheels.
■Handling of tires and suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modifying the suspension will affect the driv-
ing assist systems, and may cause a system to malfunction.

171
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
Active rear wing
The LFA is equipped with an active rear wing that operates automatically
while the vehicle is being driven. This active rear wing enhances aerodynamic
performance especially at high speeds, contributing to a more stable ride.
The active rear wing can be controlled using a switch while the vehicle is
stopped.
■ Manual operation
Up
Down
■Automatic operation
The active rear wing will activate automatically as follows according to the selected
driving mode (P. 1 0 4 ) :
mph (km/h)
Always observe the legal speed limit when driving on public roads.
■Manual operating conditions
The active rear wing can be operated manu ally when the vehicle is stopped and the
ignition switch is in the “ON” position.
Driving modeUpDown
AUTO 81 (130) 25 (40)
SPORT
NORMAL
WET 50 (80) 25 (40)

172
2-4. Using other driving systems
■Automatic retraction
Even if the active rear wing is raised manually, it will automatically retract when the
vehicle speed exceeds 16 mph (25 km/h).
(It will not rise again until the abov e mentioned trigger speed is reached.)
■When there is a malfunction in the system
“Failure of active rear wing” will be shown on the meter. ( P. 3 2 5 )
Avoid high speed driving and have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer.
CAUTION
■When manually operating the active rear wing
Observe the following precautions before operating the active rear wing. Failure to
do so may result in de ath or serious injury.
●Ensure that the surrounding area is free from any foreign objects that may come
into contact with or get caught by the active rear wing.
●If there is a risk that a foreign object may become jammed during operation, stop
operation immediately or raise the active re ar wing by pressing up on the switch.
●When there are people near the active rear
wing, make sure that there is no possibility
of their clothing, personal belongings or
body parts getting caught. Children espe-
cially should be warned not to touch the
active rear wing while it is being operated.

173
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
NOTICE
■To prevent system damage
●Do not apply pressure to the active rear wing when pushing or pulling the vehicle.
●Do not lean on the active rear wing.
●Do not attach any accessories or other foreign objects to the active rear wing.
●Do not modify or disassemble the active rear wing.
●Do not subject the active rear wing to severe impacts.
■To prevent battery discharge
Do not operate the active rear wing repe atedly while the engine is turned off.

174
2-4. Using other driving systems
Launch control
When set, launch control enables the vehicle to accelerate from a standing
start at 4000 rpm. Launch control uses overall optimized control that consid-
ers vehicle acceleration performance, st ability and clutch durability. (Do not
use launch control on public roads.)
■ Setting the system
Ensure that you are seated well ba ck in the driver’s seat with the
seat belt fastened.
Make sure that the passenger is al so seated well back with their seat
belt fastened.
Start the engine. Firmly depress the brake pedal with your left
foot and release the parking brake.
Continue to depress the brake pedal.
Select SPORT driving mode.
Select shift speed level 7.
Pull the “+” paddle shift switch to select 1st gear.
Pull the “-” paddle shift swit ch and hold it for 5 seconds.
“LAUNCH” will be displayed on the meter.
Release the “-” paddle shift switch.
Depress the accelerator pedal firmly.
Continue to depress the accelerato r pedal. The engine speed will be
automatically maintained at 4000 rpm. The vehicle is then ready for
launch.
Release the brake pedal.
The vehicle will launch forward.
Once the accelerator pedal is released completely, launch control will be
canceled and SPORT driving mode will be engaged.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
STEP5
STEP6
STEP7
STEP8
STEP9