2013 Lexus GS300h steering

3884-5. Using the driving support system
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
CAUTION
When using the Lexus parking assist monitor system
The Lexus parking assist monitor is a supplemental device intended to
assist the driver when backing up. When backing up, be sure to check visu-
ally behind and all around the vehicle before proceeding.
Observe the following precautions to avoid an accident that could result in
death or serious injuries.
Never depend on the Lexus parking assist monitor entirely when backing
up. The image and the position of the guide lines displayed on the screen
may differ from the actual state.
Use caution, just as you would when backing up any vehicle.
Be sure to back up slowly, depressing the brake pedal to control vehicle
speed.
If you seem likely to hit nearby vehicles, obstacles, people or mount the
shoulder, depress the brake pedal to stop the vehicle, then disable the
assist system by select on the screen to cancel the system.
The instructions given are only guidelines.
When and how much to turn the steering wheel will vary according to
traffic conditions, road surface conditions, vehicle condition, etc. when
parking. It is necessary to be fully aware of this before using the parking
assist system.
When parking, be sure to check that the parking space will accommodate
your vehicle before maneuvering into it.
Do not use the Lexus parking assist monitor in the following cases:
• On icy or slick road surfaces, or in snow
• When using tire chains or emergency tires
• When the trunk lid is not closed completely
• On roads that are not flat or straight, such as curves or slopes.

3894-5. Using the driving support system
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Driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
CAUTION
In low temperatures, the screen may darken or the image may become
faint. The image could distort when the vehicle is moving, or you may
become unable to see the image on the screen. Be sure to check direct
visually and with mirror all around the vehicle before proceeding.
If the tire sizes are changed, the position of the guide lines displayed on
the screen may change.
The camera uses a special lens. The distances between objects and pedes-
trians that appear in the image displayed on the screen will differ from the
actual distances. (P. 381)
When using the perpendicular parking assist screen
Estimated course line display mode: If the steering wheel is straight and the
vehicle width extension guide lines and the estimated course lines are not in
alignment, have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Lexus dealer or
repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional.
When using the parallel parking assist screen
Do not use the system if the display is incorrect due to an uneven (curvy/
hilly) road or a non-straight road.
Make sure to operate the steering wheel only when the vehicle is stopped.
Be sure to check that there are no obstacles inside the blue outline.
If there are any obstacles inside the blue outline, do not use the parallel
parking assist.
When positioning the blue outline over the parking space, be sure to posi-
tion it so that the extended blue line may not cross the tire of the vehicle
parked in front of the empty space.

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4 4-5. Using the driving support system
Driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
Eco drive mode
Use Eco drive mode to help achieve low fuel consumption
during trips that involve frequent accelerating.
When not in Eco drive mode and the driving mode select switch is turned
to the left, the “ECO MODE” indicator comes on in the multi-information
display.
Also, on vehicles equipped with a
12.3-inch display, the driving
mode is also automatically dis-
played on the “Side Display”.
(P. 444)
Sport mode
Assists acceleration response by controlling the hybrid system
and steering. Suitable for when precise handling is desirable, for
example when driving on mountain roads.
When not in Sport mode and the driving mode select switch is turned to
the right, the “SPORT” indicator comes on in the multi-information dis-
play, and the Hybrid System Indicator changes to the tachometer. (P.
109)
Also, on vehicles equipped with a
12.3-inch display, the driving
mode is also automatically dis-
played on the “Side Display”.
(P. 444)
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3

3954-5. Using the driving support system
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Driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
Sport mode
• SPORT S mode
Assists acceleration response by controlling the hybrid system.
When not in SPORT S mode and the driving mode select switch is
turned to the right, the “SPORT S” indicator comes on in the multi-
information display, and the Hybrid System Indicator changes to the
tachometer. (P. 109)
Also, on vehicles equipped with
a 12.3-inch display, the driving
mode is also automatically dis-
played on the “Side Display”.
(P. 444)
• SPORT S+ mode
Helps to ensure steering performance and driving stability by
simultaneously controlling the steering and suspension in
addition to the hybrid system. Suitable for sporty driving.
When in SPORT S mode and the driving mode select switch is turned to
the right, the “SPORT S+” indicator comes on in the multi-information
display, and the Hybrid System Indicator changes to the tachometer.
(P. 109)
Also, on vehicles equipped with
a 12.3-inch display, the driving
mode is also automatically dis-
played on the “Side Display”.
(P. 444)
3

3974-5. Using the driving support system
4
Driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
Driving assist systems
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied sud-
denly, 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)
Helps to maintain drive power and prevent the drive wheels from
spinning when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery
roads
VGRS (Variable Gear Ratio Steering) (if equipped)
Adjusts the front wheel turning angle in accordance with the
vehicle speed and steering wheel movement
To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following
systems operate automatically in response to various driving situa-
tions. Be aware, however, that these systems are supplementary
and should not be relied upon too heavily when operating the vehi-
cle.

3984-5. Using the driving support system
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
DRS (Dynamic Rear Steering) (if equipped)
Contributes to the turning characteristics and responsiveness of
the vehicle by slightly adjusting the rear wheel angle of the vehi-
cle in accordance with steering wheel movement
EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed
to turn the steering wheel
AVS (Adaptive Variable Suspension system) (if equipped)
By independently controlling the damping force of the shock
absorbers for each of the 4 wheels according to the road and driv-
ing conditions, this system helps riding comfort with superior
steering stability, and helps good vehicle posture
When SPORT S+ mode is selected by the driving mode select
switch, the damping force is suitable for sporty driving (P.
394)
LDH (Lexus Dynamic Handling system) (if equipped)
Provides independent control of the VGRS, DRS and EPS. Con-
tributes to turning characteristics at low speeds, responsiveness
at medium speeds and safety at high speeds by controlling the
steering angle of the front and rear wheels in accordance with the
steering wheel operation and vehicle speed
VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management)
Provides integrated control of the ABS, brake assist, TRC, VSC,
EPS, VGRS (if equipped) and DRS (if equipped) systems
Helps to maintain vehicle stability when swerving on slippery
road surfaces by controlling the brakes, hybrid system output,
steering assist, and steering ratio and rear wheel angle

4024-5. Using the driving support system
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
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
TRC cannot be operated. Contact any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or
another duly qualified and equipped professional.
VGRS is disabled when
VGRS may stop operating in the following situations.
In this event, the steering wheel may move from its straight forward position,
but it will return when the system restarts.
The steering wheel is operated for an extended period of time while the
vehicle is stopped or is moving very slowly.
When force is continuously applied for a long time with the steering wheel
turned as far as it will go.
The center position of the steering wheel may change when VGRS is dis-
abled. However, the position will return to normal after VGRS is reacti-
vated.
When the 12-volt battery is disconnected
The steering wheel may move from its straight forward position, but this will
be corrected automatically when driving.
Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, VSC, TRC and
VGRS systems
A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the brake pedal
is depressed repeatedly, when the hybrid system 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.
EPS, VGRS and DRS operation sound
When the steering wheel is operated, a motor sound (whirring sound) may be
heard. This does not indicate a malfunction.
Reactivation of the TRC/VSC systems
Even after the TRC/VSC systems have been turned off, turning the hybrid
system off and then on again will automatically reactivate the TRC/VSC sys-
tems.

4034-5. Using the driving support system
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Driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
Reactivation of the TRC system linked to vehicle speed
When only the TRC system is turned off, the TRC system will turn on when
vehicle speed increases. However, when both TRC and VSC systems are
turned off, the systems will not turn on even when vehicle speed increases.
Reduced effectiveness of the EPS system
The effectiveness of the EPS system 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 hybrid
system off. The EPS system should return to normal within 10 minutes.
*: If the LKA (Lane-Keeping Assist) system cannot operate in this case, a
warning message will be shown on the multi-information display.
Operating conditions of emergency brake signal
When the following three conditions are met, the emergency brake signal
will operate:
The emergency flashers are off.
Actual vehicle speed is over 55 km/h (35 mph).
The brake pedal is depressed in a manner that cause the system to judge
from the vehicle deceleration that this is a sudden braking operation.
Automatic system cancelation of emergency brake signal
The emergency brake signal will turn off in any of the following situations:
The emergency flashers are turned on.
The brake pedal is released.
The system judges from the vehicle deceleration that is not a sudden brak-
ing operation.