2014 Lexus IS250C engine

216
2-4. Using other driving systems
IS250C/350C_U
To disable TRAC/VSCIf the vehicle gets stuck in fresh snow or mud, TRAC and VSC may
reduce power from the engine to the wheels. You may need to turn the
system off to enable you to rock the vehicle in order to free it.
■ Turning off TRAC
Quickly push and release the
switch to turn off TRAC.
A message will be shown on the
multi-information display.
Push the switch again to turn the
system back on.
■Turning off TRAC and VSC
To turn the TRAC and VSC sys-
tems off, press and hold the switch
for 3 seconds or more while the
vehicle is stopped.
A message will be shown on the
multi-information display and VSC
off indicator light will come on.
Push the switch again to turn the
system back on.

217
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
IS250C/350C_U
■When the message is displayed on the multi-information display showing that
TRAC has been disabled even if the VSC off switch has not been pressed
TRAC and hill-start assist control cannot be operated. Contact your Lexus dealer.
■Automatic reactivation of the TRAC/VSC systems
If the TRAC/VSC systems are turned off, re-starting the engine will automatically
reactivate them.
■Automatic TRAC reactivation
If only the TRAC system is turned off, the TRAC system will turn on when vehicle
speed increases.
■Automatic TRAC and VSC reactivation
If the TRAC and VSC systems are turned off, the systems will not turn on even when
vehicle speed increases.
■Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, VSC and TRAC systems
●A sound may be heard from the engine compartment if the brake pedal is
depressed repeatedly when the engine 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.
• The brake pedal may pulsate slightly after the ABS is activated.
• The brake pedal may move down slightly after the ABS is activated.

218
2-4. Using other driving systems
IS250C/350C_U
■EPS operation sound
When the steering wheel is operated, a motor sound (whirring sound) may be
heard. This does not indicate a malfunction.
■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 engine off. The EPS system should
return to normal within 10 minutes.
■If the slip indicator comes on
It may indicate a malfunction in the VSC or TRAC function.
Contact your Lexus dealer.
CAUTION
■The ABS does not operate effectively when
●The limits of tire gripping performance have been exceeded (such as excessively
worn tires on a snow covered road).
●The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on the wet or slick road.
■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 main-
tain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, especially in the following situa-
tions.
●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 roads with uneven roads

233
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
IS250C/350C_U
Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving the
vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropriate to the
prevailing weather conditions.
■Pre-winter preparations
●Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside tempera-
tures.
• Engine oil
• Engine coolant
• Washer fluid
● Have a service technician inspect the level and specific gravity of
battery electrolyte.
● Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set of
tire chains for the rear tires.
Ensure that all tires are the specified size and the same brand, and that
chains match the size of the tires.
■ Before driving the vehicle
Perform the following according to the driving conditions.
●Do not try to forcibly open a window or move a wiper that is fro-
zen. 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 windshield.
● Remove any ice that has accumulated on the vehicle chassis.
● Periodically check for and remove any excess ice or snow that
may have accumulated in the wheel well or on the brakes.

250
3-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
IS250C/350C_U
NOTICE
■To prevent battery discharge
Do not leave the air conditioning system on longer than necessary when the engine
is off.

251
3-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
3
Interior features
IS250C/350C_U
Rear window and outside rear view mirror defoggers
■The defogger can be operated when
The “ENGINE START STOP” switch is in IGNITION ON mode.
■When the retractable hardtop is open
The rear window defogger is not operable. The indicator will come on if the outside
rear view mirror defoggers are used.
CAUTION
■When the outside rear view mirror defoggers are on
Do not touch the outside surface of the rear view mirror, as it can become very hot
and burn you.
These features are used to defog the rear window, and to remove rain-
drops, dew and frost from the outside rear view mirrors.
With navigation system
Owners of models equipped with a navigation system should refer to the
“Navigation System Owner's Manual”.
Without navigation system On/off
The defoggers will automatically
turn off after 15 to 60 minutes.
The operation time changes
according to the ambient tem-
perature and vehicle speed.

252
3-1. Using the air conditioning system and defogger
IS250C/350C_U
Windshield wiper de-icer∗
■The windshield wiper de-icer can be operated when
The “ENGINE START STOP” switch is in IGNITION ON mode.
CAUTION
■When the windshield wiper de-icer is on
The surface of the glass at the lower part and sides of the windshield become very
hot. To prevent burning yourself, do not touch these areas.
This feature is used to prevent ice from building up on the windshield and
wiper blades.
On/off
The windshield wiper de-icer
will automatically turn off after
approximately 15 minutes.
∗: If equipped

255
3-2. Using the audio system
3
Interior features
IS250C/350C_U
■Using cellular phones
Interference may be heard through the audio system’s speakers if a cellular phone is
being used inside or close to the vehicle while the audio system is operating.
CAUTION
■For vehicles sold in U.S.A. and Canada
●Pa r t 1 5 o f t h e FCC Ru l e s
FCC Warning:
Any unauthorized changes or modifications to this equipment will void the user’s
authority to operate this device.
●Laser products
• Do not take this unit apart or attempt to make any changes yourself. This is an intricate unit that uses a laser pickup to retrieve information from the
surface of compact discs. The laser is carefully shielded so that its rays remain
inside the cabinet. Therefore, never try to disassemble the player or alter any
of its parts since you may be exposed to laser rays and dangerous voltages.
• This product utilizes a laser. Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than
those specified herein may result in hazardous radiation exposure.
NOTICE
■To prevent battery discharge
Do not leave the audio system on longer than necessary with the engine off.
■To avoid damaging the audio system
Take care not to spill drinks or other fluids over the audio system.