2013 Lexus ES350 brake sensor

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ES350 300h_OM_OM33A01U_(U)
4-3. Operating the lights and wipers
■Daytime running light system
●To make your vehicle more visible to other drivers, the parking lights turn on auto-
matically (at an increased intensity) whenever the engine is started
and the parking brake is released. Daytime running lights are not designed for use
at night.
For the U.S.A.: Daytime running lights can be turned off by operating the switch.
●Compared to turning on the headlights, the daytime running light system offers
greater durability and consumes less electricity, so it can help improve fuel econ-
omy.
■Headlight control sensor
■Automatic light off system
When the light switch is in : The headlig hts and tail lights turn off 30 seconds
after the “START STOP ENGINE” <“POWER”> switch is turned to ACCESSORY
mode or turned off and a door is opened and all of the doors and trunk are closed.
(The lights turn off immediately if on th e key is pressed twice after all the doors
are closed.)
To turn the lights on again, turn the “START STOP ENGINE” <“POWER”> switch to
IGNITION ON mode, or turn the li ght switch off once and then back to
or .
If any of the doors or trunk lid is kept op en, the lights automatically turn off after 20
minutes.
■Light reminder buzzer
A buzzer sounds when the “START STOP ENGINE” <“POWER”> switch is turned
off or turned to ACCESSORY mode and the driver’s door is opened while the lights
are turned on.
■Automatic headlight leveling system (if equipped)
The level of the headlights is automatically adjusted according to the number of pas-
sengers and the loading conditio n of the vehicle to ensure that the headlights do not
interfere with other road users. The sensor may not func tion properly if an
object is placed on the sensor, or anything
that blocks the sensor is affixed to the wind-
shield.
Doing so interferes with the sensor detecting
the level of ambient light and may cause the
automatic headlight system to malfunction.

ES350 300h_OM_OM33A01U_(U)
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Driving
This mode employs a radar sensor to detect the presence of vehicles up to
approximately 400 ft. (120 m) ahead, determines the current vehicle-to-
vehicle following distance, and opera tes to maintain a suitable following
distance from the vehicle ahead.
Note that vehicle-to-vehicle distance will close in when traveling on long downhill
slopes.
Example of constant speed cruising
When there are no vehicles ahead
The vehicle travels at the speed set by the driver. The desired vehicle-to-vehicle
distance can also be set by operating the vehicle-to-vehicle distance control.
Example of deceleration cruising
When the vehicle ahead is driving slower than the set speed
When a vehicle is detected running ahead of you, the system automatically decel-
erates your vehicle. When a greater reduction in vehicle speed is necessary, the
system applies the brakes. A warning tone warns you when the system cannot
decelerate sufficiently to prevent your vehicle from closing in on the vehicle
ahead.
Driving in vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode
1
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ES350 300h_OM_OM33A01U_(U)
2614-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
CAUTION
■When the sensor may not be correctly detecting the vehicle ahead
Apply the brakes as necessary when any of the following types of vehicles are in
front of you.
As the sensor may not be able to correc tly detect these types of vehicles, the
approach warning ( P. 254) will not be activated, and a fatal or serious accident
may result.
●Vehicles that cut in suddenly
●Vehicles traveling at low speeds
●Vehicles that are not moving
●Vehicles with small rear ends (trailers with no load on board etc.)
●Motorcycles traveling in the same lane
■Conditions under which the vehicle-to-veh icle distance control may not function
correctly
Apply the brakes as necessary in the following conditions as the radar sensor may
not be able to correctly detect vehicles ahead, and a fatal or serious accident may
result:
●When water or snow thrown up by the surrounding vehicles hinders the function-
ing of the sensor
●When your vehicle is pointing upwards (caused by a heavy load in the trunk etc.)
●When the road curves or when the lanes are narrow
●When steering wheel operation or your position in the lane is unstable
●When the vehicle ahead of you decelerates suddenly

ES350 300h_OM_OM33A01U_(U)
2814-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
■Intuitive parking assist display
When an obstacle is detected while the rear view monitor system is in use, the warn-
ing indicator will appear in the top right of the screen even if the display setting has
been set to off.
■Sensor detection information
●The sensor’s detection areas are limited to the areas around the vehicle’s front cor-
ner and rear bumpers.
●Certain vehicle conditions and the surrou nding 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. (Wiping the sensors will resolve this problem.)
• The sensor is frozen. (Thawing the area will resolve this problem.) In especially cold weather, if a sensor is frozen the screen may show an abnor-
mal display, or obstacle s may not be detected.
• 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.
• The area directly under th e bumpers is not detected.
• If obstacles draw too close to the sensor.
• A non-genuine Lexus suspension (low ered suspension etc.) is installed.
• People may not be detected if they are wearing certain types of clothing.
In addition to the examples above, there are instances in which, because of their
shape, signs and other objects may be judged by the se nsor to be closer than they
are.

ES350 300h_OM_OM33A01U_(U)
2834-5. Using the driving support systems
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Driving
CAUTION
■When using the intuitive parking assist
Observe the following precautions.
Failing to do so may result in the vehicle being unable to be driven safely and possi-
bly cause an accident.
●Do not use the sensor at speeds in excess of 6 mph (10 km/h).
●The sensors’ detection areas and reaction times are limited. When moving for-
ward or reversing, check the areas surrounding the vehicle (especially the sides
of the vehicle) for safety, and drive slowly, using the brake to control the vehicle’s
speed.
●Do not install accessories within the sensors’ detection areas.
NOTICE
■When using intuitive parking assist-sensor
In the following situations, the system may not function correctly due to a sensor
malfunction etc. Have the vehicl e checked by your Lexus dealer.
●The intuitive parking assist operation disp lay flashes, and a beep sounds when no
obstacles are detected.
●If the area around a sensor collides with something, or is subjected to strong
impact.
●If the bumper collides with something.
●If the display shows continuously without a beep.
●If a display error occurs, first check the sensor.
If the error occurs even if there is no ice, snow or mud on the sensor, it is likely that
the sensor is malfunctioning.
■Notes when washing the vehicle
Do not apply intensive bursts of wa ter or steam to the sensor area.
Doing so may result in the sensor malfunctioning.

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ES350 300h_OM_OM33A01U_(U)
4-5. Using the driving support systems
PCS (Pre-Collision System)
◆Pre-collision seat belts (front seats only)
If the pre-collision sensor detects that a collision is unavoidable, the
pre-collision system will retract the seat belt before the collision occurs.
The same will happen if the dr iver makes an emergency braking or
loses control of the vehicle. ( P. 3 4 )
However, when the VSC system is disa bled, the system will not operate
in the event of skidding.
◆Pre-collision brake assist
When there is a high possibility of a frontal collision, the system applies
greater braking force in relation to how strongly the brake pedal is
depressed.
◆Pre-collision braking
When there is a high poss ibility of a frontal collision, the system warns
the driver using a warning light, war ning display and buzzer. If the sys-
tem determines that a collision is unavoidable, the brakes are automati-
cally applied to reduce the collision speed.

: If equipped
When the radar sensor detects possibility of a frontal collision, the pre-
collision system such as the brakes and seat belts are automatically
engaged to lessen impact as well as vehicle damage.
The pre-collision system ca n be turned on and off as necessary by oper-
ating the switch. ( P. 307)

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Driving
■Conditions that may trigger the system even if there is no possibility of a collision
●When there is an object by the roadside at the entrance to a curve
●When passing an oncoming vehicle on a curve
●When driving over a narrow iron bridge
●When there is a metal object on the road surface
●When driving on an uneven road surface
●When passing an oncoming vehicle on a left-turn
●When your vehicle rapidly closes on the vehicle in front
●When a grade separation/interchange, sign , billboard, or other structure appears
to be directly in the vehicle’s line of travel
●When the steep angle of the road causes a metal object located beneath the road
surface to be seen ahead of the vehicle
●When an extreme change in vehicle height occurs
●When the axis of the radar is out of adjustment
●When passing through certain toll gates
●When passing through an overpass
When the system is activated in the situations described above, there is also a possi-
bility that the seat belts will retract quickly and the brakes will be applied with a force
greater than normal. When the seat belt is locked in the retracted position, stop the
vehicle in a safe place, release the seat belt and refasten it.
■Obstacles not detected
The sensor cannot detect plastic obstacles such as traffic cones. There may also be
occasions when the sensor cannot detect pedestrians, animals, bicycles, motorcy-
cles, trees, or snowdrifts.
■Situations in which the pre-collision system does not function properly
The system may not function effectively in situations such as the following:
●On roads with sharp bends or uneven surfaces
●If a vehicle suddenly moves in front of your vehicle, such as at an intersection
●If a vehicle suddenly cuts in front of your vehicle, such as when overtaking
●In inclement weather such as heavy rain, fog, snow or sand storms
●When your vehicle is skidding such as the VSC system off
●When your vehicle is steeply inclined
●When the axis of the radar is out of adjustment

ES350 300h_OM_OM33A01U_(U)
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4
Driving
CAUTION
■Limitations of the pre-collision system
Do not overly rely on the pre-collision system. Always drive safely, taking care to
observe your surroundings and checking for any obstacles or other road hazards.
Failure to do so may cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
■When the sensor may not be corr ectly detecting the vehicle ahead
Apply the brakes as necessary in any of the following situations.
●When water or snow thrown up by the surrounding vehicles hinders the function-
ing of the sensor
●When your vehicle is pointing upwards (caused by a heavy load in the luggage
compartment etc.)
●Vehicles that cut in suddenly
●Vehicles with small rear ends (trailers with no load on board etc.)
●Motorcycles traveling in the same lane
■Handling the radar sensor
Observe the following to ensure the pre-collision system can function effectively.
Otherwise, the system may not function co rrectly and could result in an accident.
●Keep the sensor and grille cover clean at all times.
Clean the sensor and grille cover with a soft cloth so you do not mark or damage
them.
●Do not subject the sensor or surr ounding area to a strong impact.
If the sensor moves even slightly off position, the system may become inaccurate
or malfunction. If the sensor or surround ing area is subject to a strong impact,
always have the area inspected and adjusted by your Lexus dealer.
●Do not disassemble the sensor.
●Do not attach accessories or stickers to the sensor, grille cover or surrounding
area.
●Do not modify or paint th e sensor and grille cover.
●Do not replace them with non-genuine parts.