2012 Lexus LFA brake

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.

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

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2-5. Driving information
CAUTION
■Things that must not be carried in the luggage compartment
The following things may cause a fire if loaded in the luggage compartment:
●Receptacles containing gasoline
●Aerosol cans
■Storage precautions
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.
●Stow cargo and luggage in the lugga ge compartment 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 passenger, caus-
ing an accident:
• At the feet of the driver
• On the passenger seat (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.
●Never allow anyone to ride in the luggage compartment. It is not designed for
passengers. The passenger should ride in th e seat with the seat belt properly fas-
tened. Otherwise, the passenger is much more likely to suffer death or serious
bodily injury, in the event of sudden br aking, sudden swerving or an accident.
■Capacity and distribution
●Do not exceed the maximum axle weight ra ting 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.

180
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 pre-
vailing weather conditions.
■ Pre-winter preparations
●Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside tempera-
tures.
• Engine coolant
• Washer fluid
● 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 window or move a wiper that is frozen.
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 accumulated on the air inlet vents in front
of the windshield.
● Remove any ice that has accumu lated 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.
■ When driving the vehicle
Accelerate the vehicle slowly and driv e at a reduced speed suitable to
road conditions.

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2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
Dinghy towing
The LFA can be dinghy towed in a forward direction (with 4 wheels on the
ground) behind a motor home.
Towing your vehicle with 4 wheels on the groundTo prevent damage to your vehicle, perform the following procedures
before towing: Turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position.
Select Neutral.
Release the parking brake.
Turn the ignition switch to the “ACC” position.
Ensure that the audio system and other powered devices have been
turned off.
After towing, leave the engine in idle for at least 3 minutes before driving
the vehicle.
■Necessary equipment and accessories
Specialized equipment and accessories are required for dinghy towing. Contact
the service branch of the motor home manufacturer regarding recommended
equipment.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4

242
4-2. Maintenance
General maintenance
Listed below are the general maintenance items that should be performed at
the intervals specified in the “Warranty and Services Guide” or “Owners
Manual Supplement”. It is recommended that any problem you notice should
be brought to the attention of your Lexu s dealer or qualified service shop for
advice.
Engine compartment
Luggage compartment
ItemsCheck points
Brake fluid Is the brake fluid at the correct level?
(P. 2 6 2 )
Engine coolant Is the engine coolant at the correct
level? (
P. 2 6 0 )
Engine oil Is the engine oil at the correct level?
(P. 1 3 2 )
Exhaust system There should not be any fumes or
strange sounds.
Condenser The condenser should be free from
foreign objects. (
P. 2 6 1 )
ItemsCheck points
Battery Check the connections. ( P. 2 6 5 )

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4-2. Maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
Vehicle interior
ItemsCheck points
Accelerator pedal • The accelerator pedal should move
smoothly (without uneven pedal
effort or catching).
Brake pedal • Does the brake pedal move
smoothly?
• Does the brake pedal have appro- priate clearance from the floor?
( P. 3 6 4 )
• Does the brake pedal have the cor- rect amount of free play?
( P. 3 6 4 )
Brakes • The vehicle should not pull to one
side when the brakes are applied.
• The brakes should work effectively.
• The brake pedal should not feel
spongy.
• The brake pedal should not get too close to the floor when the brakes
are applied.
Indicators/buzzers • Do the indicators and buzzers
function properly?
Lights • Do all the lights come on?
Pa r k i n g b r a ke • When parked on a slope and the
parking brake is on, is the vehicle
securely stopped?
Seat belts • Do the seat belts operate
smoothly?
• The seat belts should not be dam- aged.