2014 Lexus GS250 sensor

3304-5. Using the driving support systems
GS350_250_OM_OM30E16E_(EE)
PCS (Pre-Crash Safety system)∗
◆Pre-crash seat belts (front seat only)
If the pre-crash sensor detects that a collision is unavoidable, the pre-
crash safety system will retract the seat belt before the collision occurs.
The same will happen if the driver makes an emergency braking or
loses control of the vehicle. (→P. 4 0 )
◆Pre-crash 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-crash braking
When there is a high possibility of a frontal collision, the system warns
the driver using a warning light, warning 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-
crash safety system such as the brakes and seat belts are automatically
engaged to lessen impact as well as vehicle damage.
The pre-crash safety system can be turned on and off as necessary by
operating the switch. ( →P. 3 3 1 )
GS350_250_OM_OM30E16E_(EE).book Page 330 Tuesday, July 8, 201 4 7:11 PM

3324-5. Using the driving support systems
GS350_250_OM_OM30E16E_(EE)
The radar sensor detects vehicles or
other obstacles on or near the road
ahead and determines whether a
collision is imminent based on the
position, speed, and heading of the
obstacles.
The driver monitor sensor detects
the direction the driver is facing and
whether the driver’s eyes are open
or closed.
The system determines whether the
driver is facing forward and whether
or not the driver’s eyes are closed.
Radar sensor
Driver monitor sensor (if equipped)
GS350_250_OM_OM30E16E_(EE).book Page 332 Tuesday, July 8, 2014 7:11 PM

3344-5. Using the driving support systems
GS350_250_OM_OM30E16E_(EE)
●Pre-crash alert braking:
• The system determines that the driver is not facing forward, or that the driver’seyes are closed.
• Vehicle speed is greater than about 40 km/h (25 mph).
• The speed at which your vehicle is approaching the vehicle running ahead of you is greater than about 40 km/h (25 mph).
• The steering is not being turned.
■Conditions that may trigger the system even if there is no danger 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 (left-hand drive vehicles) or right-
turn (right-hand drive vehicles)
●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 climbing a steep hill causes an overhead billboard or other metallic structure
to appear directly in the vehicle’s line of travel
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.
GS350_250_OM_OM30E16E_(EE).book Page 334 Tuesday, July 8, 201 4 7:11 PM

3354-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
GS350_250_OM_OM30E16E_(EE)
■Situations in which the pre-crash safety 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
●When your vehicle is steeply inclined
●When the radar sensor moves off position due to its surrounding area being sub-
jected to a strong impact
■Automatic cancelation of the pre-crash safety system
When a malfunction occurs due to sensor contamination, etc. that results in the sen-
sors being unable to detect obstacles, the pre-crash safety system will be automati-
cally disabled. In this case, the system will not activate even if there is a collision
possibility.
■When there is a malfunction in the system, or if the system is temporarily unusable
“PCS” warning light will flash and warning messages will be displayed.
(→ P. 5 4 6 , 5 5 4 )
GS350_250_OM_OM30E16E_(EE).book Page 335 Tuesday, July 8, 201 4 7:11 PM

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.
GS350_250_OM_OM30E16E_(EE).book Page 338 Tuesday, July 8, 201 4 7:11 PM

3394-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
GS350_250_OM_OM30E16E_(EE)
CAUTION
■Handling the driver monitor sensor
Observe the following to ensure the driver monitor sensor can function effectively.
Failure to do so may result in a malfunction or may prevent the system from cor-
rectly determining the direction the driver is facing, resulting in an unexpected
accident.
●Do not disassemble, damage, lift or pull on the sensor.
●Do not touch the sensor while driving.
●Do not wet or spill water on the sensor.
●Do not drop anything on or allow anything to hit against the sensor. Do not sub-
ject the sensor to an impact.
●Make sure that there are no scratches, dirt or stickers on the side of the sensor
that faces the driver.
●Do not place any objects in front of the side of the sensor that faces the driver or
cover the sensor.
GS350_250_OM_OM30E16E_(EE).book Page 339 Tuesday, July 8, 2014 7:11 PM

3404-5. Using the driving support systems
GS350_250_OM_OM30E16E_(EE)
CAUTION
■Cautions regarding the assist contents of the system
By means of alarms and brake control, the pre-crash safety system is intended to
assist the driver in avoiding collisions through the process of LOOK-JUDGE-ACT.
There are limits to the degree of assistance the system can provide, so please keep
in mind the following important points.
●Assisting the driver in watching the road
The pre-crash safety system is only able to detect obstacles directly in front of the
vehicle, and only within a limited range. It is not a mechanism that allows careless
or inattentive driving, and it is not a system that can assist the driver in low-visibil-
ity conditions. It is still necessary for the driver to pay close attention to the vehi-
cle’s surroundings.
●Assisting the driver in making correct judgment
When attempting to estimate the possibility of a collision, the only data available
to the pre-crash safety system is that from obstacles it has detected directly in
front of the vehicle. Therefore, it is absolutely necessary for the driver to remain
vigilant and to determine whether or not there is a possibility of collision in any
given situation.
●Assisting the driver in taking action
The pre-crash safety system’s braking assist feature is designed to help reduce
the severity of a collision, and so only acts when the system has judged that a col-
lision is unavoidable. This system by itself is not capable of automatically avoiding
a collision or bringing the vehicle to a stop safely. For this reason, when encoun-
tering a dangerous situation the driver must take direct and immediate action in
order to ensure the safety of all involved.
NOTICE
■Precautions for cleaning the driver monitor sensor
●Gently wipe the sensor with a soft cloth to prevent damage.
●Wipe any excess dirt with a cloth dampened with neutral detergent, all liquids
having been wringed out of the cloth. After that, wipe again with a dry cloth.
●Do not use benzene, thinner, glass cleaners, wax, etc.
GS350_250_OM_OM30E16E_(EE).book Page 340 Tuesday, July 8, 201 4 7:11 PM

341
4
4-5. Using the driving support systems
Driving
GS350_250_OM_OM30E16E_(EE)
BSM (Blind Spot Monitor)∗
The Blind Spot Monitor is a system that has 2 functions;
●The Blind Spot Monitor function
Assists the driver in making the decision when changing lanes
●The Rear Crossing Traffic Alert function (if equipped)
Assists the driver when backing up
These functions use same sensors.
∗
: If equipped
Summary of the Blind Spot Monitor
GS350_250_OM_OM30E16E_(EE).book Page 341 Tuesday, July 8, 201 4 7:11 PM