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2244-1. Before driving
GS350_250_OM_OM30E16E_(EE)
NOTICE
■When encountering flooded roads
Do not drive on a road that has flooded after heavy rain etc. Doing so may cause
the following serious damage to the vehicle:
●Engine stalling
●Short in electrical components
●Engine damage caused by water immersion
In the event that you drive on a flooded road and the vehicle is flooded, be sure to
have any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and
equipped professional check the following:
●Brake function
●Changes in quantity and quality of oil and fluid used for the engine, transmission,
transfer (AWD models), differential, etc.
●Lubricant condition for the propeller shaft, bearings and suspension joints (where
possible), and the function of all joints, bearings, etc.
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227
4
4-1. Before driving
Driving
GS350_250_OM_OM30E16E_(EE)
Trailer towing (vehicles with towing package)
◆Weight limits
Check the allowable towing capacity, GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass),
MPAC (Maximum Permissible Axle Capacity), and permissible draw
bar load before towing. (
→P. 6 3 2 )
◆Towing hitch/bracket
Lexus recommends the use of the Lexus hitch/bracket for your vehicle.
Other products of a suitable nature and comparable quality may also
be used.
Your vehicle is designed primaril y as a passenger carrying vehicle.
Towing a trailer will have an adve rse effect on handling, performance,
braking, durability, and fuel consum ption. Your safety and satisfaction
depend on the proper use of correct equipment and cautious driving
habits. For your safety and the safety of others, do not overload the
vehicle or trailer.
To tow a trailer safely, use extreme care and drive the vehicle in accor-
dance with the trailer’s character istics and operating conditions.
Lexus warranties do not apply to damage or malfunction caused by
towing a trailer for commercial purposes.
Ask your local authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly
qualified and equipped professional for further details before towing,
as there are additional legal re quirements in some countries.
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2354-1. Before driving
4
Driving
GS350_250_OM_OM30E16E_(EE)
■If the engine overheats
Towing a loaded trailer up a long, steep incline in temperatures exceed-
ing 30°C (85 °F) may result in the engine overheating. If the engine
coolant temperature gauge indicates that the engine is overheating,
turn the air conditioning off immediately, leave the road and stop the
vehicle in a safe place. ( →P. 625)
■When parking the vehicle
Always place wheel chocks under the wheels of both the vehicle and
trailer. Firmly set the parking brake and shift the shift lever to P.
CAUTION
Follow all the instructions described in this section. Failure to do so could cause an
accident resulting in death or serious injury.
■Trailer towing precautions
When towing, make sure that none of the weight limits are exceeded. ( →P. 2 2 8 )
■To avoid accident or injury
●Do not tow a trailer when the compact spare tire is installed on your vehicle.
●Do not tow a trailer when the tire installed is repaired with the emergency tire
puncture repair kit.
●Do not use cruise control (if equipped) or dynamic radar cruise control (if
equipped) when trailer towing.
■Vehicle speed in towing
Observe the legal maximum speeds for trailer towing.
■Before descending hills or long declines
Reduce speed and downshift. However, never downshift suddenly while descend-
ing steep or long downhill grades.
■Operation of the brake pedal
Do not hold the brake pedal depressed often or for long periods of time.
Doing so may result in the brake overheating or reduce braking effects.
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2404-2. Driving procedures
GS350_250_OM_OM30E16E_(EE)
■Auto power off function
If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY mode for more than 20 minutes or IGNITION
ON mode (the engine is not running) for more than an hour with the shift lever in P,
the engine switch will automatically turn off. However, this function cannot entirely
prevent battery discharge. Do not leave the vehicle with the engine switch in
ACCESSORY or IGNITION ON mode for long periods of time when the engine is
not running.
■Electronic key battery depletion
→P. 1 3 8
■Conditions affecting operation
→P. 1 3 4
■Notes for the push-start function
→P. 1 3 7
■If the engine does not start
●The engine immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. ( →P. 8 0 )
Contact any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and
equipped professional.
●Check that the shift lever is securely set in P. The engine may not start if the shift
lever is displaced out of P. “Shift to P position to Start” will be displayed on the multi-
information display.
■Steering lock
After turning the engine switch off and opening and closing the doors, the steering
wheel will be locked due to the steering lock function. Operating the engine switch
again automatically cancels the steering lock.
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3194-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
GS350_250_OM_OM30E16E_(EE)
■Operation of the air conditioning system in Eco drive mode
Eco drive mode controls the heating/cooling operations and fan speed of the air
conditioning system to enhance fuel efficiency (→P. 371). To improve air condition-
ing performance, adjust the fan sp eed or turn off Eco drive mode.
■Automatic operation of the seat heater during Eco drive mode
Eco drive mode controls the heating operation and fan speed of the air conditioning
system to enhance fuel efficiency. If the driving mode select switch is switched to Eco
drive mode in cold temperatures, the seat heater will be automatically operated to
assist heating performance.
■Sport mode automatic deactivation
Sport mode is automatically deactivated if th e engine switch is turned off after driv-
ing in sport mode.
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3244-5. Using the driving support systems
GS350_250_OM_OM30E16E_(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.
■Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, VSC and TRC systems
●A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the engine is started or
just after the vehicle begins to move. This sound does not indicate that a malfunc-
tion 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.
• The brake pedal may pulsate slightly after the ABS is activated.
• The brake pedal may move down slightly after the ABS is activated.
■EPS 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 engine off and
then on again will automatically reactivate the TRC/VSC systems.
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3384-5. Using the driving support systems
GS350_250_OM_OM30E16E_(EE)
CAUTION
■Limitations of the pre-crash safety system
Do not overly rely on the pre-crash safety system. Always drive safely, taking care
to observe your surroundings and checking for any obstacles or other road haz-
ards.
Failure to do so may cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
■Handling the radar sensor
Observe the following to ensure the pre-crash safety system can function effec-
tively. Otherwise, the system may not function correctly and could result in an acci-
dent.
●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 surrounding area to a strong impact.
If the sensor moves even slightly off position, the system may become inaccurate
or malfunction. If the sensor or surrounding area is subject to a strong impact,
always have the area inspected and adjusted by any authorized Lexus dealer or
repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional.
●Do not disassemble the sensor.
●Do not attach accessories or stickers to the sensor, grille cover or surrounding
area.
●Do not modify or paint the sensor and grille cover.
●Do not replace them with non-genuine parts.
■Determining the direction the driver is facing and whether the driver’s eyes are
open or closed
The direction the driver is facing and whether the driver’s eyes are open or closed
may not be determined correctly if the following conditions exist:
●There is an object between the driver monitor sensor and the driver’s face, such
as when the sensor is blocked.
●A part of the driver’s face is covered.
●The sensor or the driver’s face is exposed to intense light such as sunlight.
●The driving posture is improper.
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3554-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
GS350_250_OM_OM30E16E_(EE)
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 wind-
shield.
●Check for and remove any excess ice or snow that may have accumu-
lated on the exterior lights, vehicle’s roof, chassis, around the tires or on
the brakes.
●Remove any snow or mud from the bottom of your shoes before getting
in the vehicle.
Accelerate the vehicle slowly, keep a safe distance between you and the
vehicle ahead, and drive at a reduced speed suitable to road conditions.
Park the vehicle and move the shift lever to P without setting the parking
brake. The parking brake may freeze up, preventing it from being
released. If necessary, block the wheels to prevent inadvertent sliding or
creeping.
Before driving the vehicle
When driving the vehicle
When parking the vehicle
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