2934-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied suddenly, 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 turn-
ing on slippery road surfaces
VSC+ (Vehicle Stability Control+)
Provides cooperative control of the ABS, TRC, VSC and EPS.
Helps to maintain directional stability when swerving on slippery road
surfaces by controlling steering performance.
TRC (Traction Control)
Helps to maintain drive power and prevent the drive wheels from spin-
ning when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads
Hill-start assist control
Prevents the vehicle from rolling backward when starting on an incline
or slippery slope
EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed to
turn the steering wheel
Driving assist systems
To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following systems
operate automatically in response to various driving situations. Be aware,
however, that these systems are supplementary and should not be relied
upon too heavily when operating the vehicle.
2944-5. Using the driving support systems
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
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 driving conditions,
this system helps riding comfort with superior steering stability, and
helps good vehicle posture (P. 291)
VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management)
Provides integrated control of the ABS, brake assist, TRC, VSC, hill-
start assist control, and EPS systems
Helps to maintain vehicle stability when swerving on slippery road sur-
faces by controlling the brakes and hybrid system output
PCS (Pre-Crash Safety system) (if equipped)
P. 2 9 9
Emergency brake signal
When the brakes are applied suddenly, the stop lights automatically
flash to alert the vehicle behind
BSM (Blind Spot Monitor) (if equipped)
P. 3 0 9
The slip indicator light will flash
while the TRC/VSC/ABS systems
are operating.
When the TRC/VSC/ABS systems are operating
2964-5. Using the driving support systems
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
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, TRC, VSC, hill-start
assist control 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 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.
Reactivation of the TRC/VSC systems
Even after the TRC/VSC systems have been turned off, turning the hybrid sys-
tem off and then on again will automatically reactivate the TRC/VSC systems.
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 over-
heating 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.
2974-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
Operating conditions of hill-start assist control
When the following four conditions are met, the hill-start assist control will oper-
ate:
The shift lever is in a position other than P or N (when starting off forward/
backward on an upward incline).
The vehicle is stopped.
The accelerator pedal is not depressed.
The parking brake is not engaged.
Automatic system cancelation of hill-start assist control
The hill-start assist control will turn off in any of the following situations:
The shift lever is moved to P or N.
The accelerator pedal is depressed.
The parking brake is engaged.
Approximately 2 seconds elapse after the brake pedal is released.
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 braking
operation.
2984-5. Using the driving support systems
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
CAUTION
The ABS does not operate effectively when
The limits of tire gripping performance have been exceeded (such as exces-
sively worn tires on a snow covered road).
The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on wet or slick roads.
Stopping distance when the ABS is operating may exceed that of normal condi-
tions
The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehicle’s stopping distance. Always
maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, especially in the fol-
lowing 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 uneven surfaces
TRC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slippery
road surfaces, even if the TRC system is operating.
Drive the vehicle carefully in conditions where stability and power may be lost.
Hill- start assist control does not operate effectively when
Do not overly rely on hill-start assist control. Hill-start assist control may not
operate effectively on steep inclines and roads covered with ice.
Unlike the parking brake, hill-start assist control is not intended to hold the
vehicle stationary for an extended period of time. Do not attempt to use hill-
start assist control to hold the vehicle on an incline, as doing so may lead to an
accident.
When the VSC is activated
The slip indicator light flashes. Always drive carefully. Reckless driving may
cause an accident. Exercise particular care when the indicator light flashes.
When the TRC/VSC systems are turned off
Be especially careful and drive at a speed appropriate to the road conditions. As
these are the systems to ensure vehicle stability and driving force, do not turn
the TRC/VSC systems off unless necessary.
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 recom-
mended tire inflation pressure level.
The ABS, TRC and VSC systems will not function correctly if different tires
are installed on the vehicle.
Contact any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and
equipped professional for further information when replacing tires or wheels.
Handling of tires and the suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modifying the suspension will affect
the driving assist systems, and may cause a system to malfunction.
4076-1. Using the air conditioning system
6
Interior features
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
Registering air conditioning settings to electronic keys (vehicles with driving
position memory)
Unlocking the vehicle using an electronic key and turning the power switch to
ON mode will recall that key’s registered air conditioning settings.
When the power switch is turned off, the current air conditioning settings will
automatically be registered to the electronic key that was used to unlock the
vehicle.
The system may not operate correctly if more than one electronic key is in the
vicinity or if the smart entry & start system is used to unlock a passenger door.
The doors that can recall the air conditioning setting when unlocked using the
smart entry & start system can be changed.* For details, contact any authorized
Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional.
*: The doors that can recall the driving position memory are changed at the same
time.
Using automatic mode
Fan speed is adjusted automatically according to the temperature setting and the
ambient conditions.
Therefore, the fan may stop for a while until warm or cool air is ready to flow
immediately after is pressed or “AUTO” is selected.
Fogging up of the windows
The windows will easily fog up when the humidity in the vehicle is high. Turning
(“A/C”) on will dehumidify the air from the outlets and defog the wind-
shield effectively.
If you turn (“A/C”) off, the windows may fog up more easily.
The windows may fog up if the recirculated air mode is used.
Outside/recirculated air mode
When driving on dusty roads such as tunnels or in heavy traffic, set the outside/
recirculated air mode button to the recirculated air mode. This is effective in
preventing outside air from entering the vehicle interior. During cooling opera-
tion, setting the recirculated air mode will also cool the vehicle interior effec-
tively.
Outside/recirculated air mode may automatically switch depending on the tem-
perature setting or the inside temperature.
Operation of the air conditioning system in Eco drive mode
In Eco drive mode, the air conditioning system is controlled as follows to priori-
tize fuel efficiency:
Engine speed and compressor operation controlled to restrict heating/cooling
capacity
Fan speed restricted when automatic mode is selected
To improve air conditioning performance, perform the following operations:
Adjust the fan speed
Turn off Eco drive mode
497
8When trouble arises
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
8-1. Essential information
Emergency flashers ........... 498
If your vehicle has to be
stopped in an
emergency ....................... 4998-2. Steps to take in an
emergency
If your vehicle needs to
be towed.......................... 500
If you think something
is wrong .......................... 506
If a warning light turns
on or a warning buzzer
sounds ............................. 507
If a warning message is
displayed ......................... 513
If you have a flat tire
(vehicles without
run-flat tires) ................... 530
If you have a flat tire
(vehicles with
run-flat tires) ................... 544
If the hybrid system will
not start ........................... 545
If the shift lever cannot
be shifted from P ............ 547
If the electronic key
does not operate
properly........................... 548
If the 12-volt battery is
discharged ....................... 550
If your vehicle overheats .. 555
If the vehicle becomes
stuck................................ 559
5178-2. Steps to take in an emergency
8
When trouble arises
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
(If equipped)
Indicates that a Lexus parking assist-sensor is dirty
or covered with ice
A buzzer also sounds.
Clean the sensor.
Indicates that the accelerator pedal is depressed
while the shift position is in N
A buzzer also sounds.
Release the accelerator pedal and shift the shift
lever to D, S or R.
Indicates that the hybrid battery (traction battery)
power has dropped because a long period of time
has elapsed after shifting the shift lever to N
A buzzer also sounds.
Restart the hybrid system when starting the vehi-
cle.
Indicates a malfunction in the hybrid system
A buzzer also sounds.
Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and
contact any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer,
or another duly qualified and equipped profes-
sional.
Indicates that the hybrid battery (traction battery) is
low
A buzzer also sounds.
When stopping the vehicle for a long period of
time, shift the shift lever to P. The hybrid battery
(traction battery) cannot be charged with the
shift lever in N.
Warning messageDetails/Actions
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