2014 LEXUS RX270 sensor

223
2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers
2
When driving
RX350/270_EE
Windshield wipers and washer
When is selected, the wipers will operate automatically when the
sensor detects falling rain. The system automatically adjusts wiper timing
according to rain volume and vehicle speed.
When is selected, the sensor sensitivity can be adjusted as fol-
lows by turning the switch ring:
Off
Rain-sensing wiper
operation
Low speed wiper
operation
High speed wiper
operation
Temporary operation
Sensor sensitivity (high)
Sensor sensitivity (low)
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224
2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers
RX350/270_EE
■The windshield wipers and washer can be operated when
The “ENGINE START STOP” switch is in IGNITION ON mode.
■Effects of vehicle speed on wiper operation
Vehicle speed affects the following even when the wipers are not in AUTO mode:
●Intermittent wiper interval
●Wiper operation when the washer is being used (delay until drip prevention
wiper sweep occurs)
When low speed wiper operation is selected, wiper operation will be switched from
low speed to intermittent wiper operation only when the vehicle is stationary.
(However, when the sensor sensitivity is adjusted to the highest level, the mode can-
not be switched.)
Washer/wiper dual operation
The wipers will automatically
operate a couple of times after
the washer squirts. (After oper-
ating several times, the wipers
operate one more time after a
short delay to prevent dripping.)
If the headlights are on, the
headlight cleaners will operate
once.
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225
2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers
2
When driving
RX350/270_EE
■Raindrop sensor
●If the wiper switch is turned to the position while the “ENGINE START
STOP” switch is in IGNITION ON mode, the wipers will operate once to show
that AUTO mode is activated.
●When the sensor sensitivity ring is turned toward high while in AUTO mode, the
wipers will operate once to indicate that the sensor sensitivity is enhanced.
●If the temperature of the raindrop sensor is 90°C (194°F) or higher, or -15°C
(5°F) or lower, automatic operation may not occur. In this case, operate the wip-
ers in any mode other than AUTO.
■If no windshield washer fluid sprays
Check that the washer nozzles are not blocked if there is washer fluid in the wind-
shield washer fluid reservoir.
CAUTION
■Caution regarding the use of windshield wipers in AUTO mode
The windshield wipers may operate unexpectedly if the sensor is touched or the
windshield is subject to vibration in AUTO mode. Take care that your fingers etc. do
not become caught in the windshield wipers.
■Caution regarding the use of washer fluid
When it is cold, do not use the washer fluid until the windshield becomes warm. The
fluid may freeze on the windshield and cause low visibility. This may lead to an acci-
dent, resulting in death or serious injury.
●The raindrop sensor judges the amount
of raindrops.
An optical sensor is adopted. It may not
operate properly when sunlight from the
rising or setting of the sun intermittently
strikes the windshield, or if bugs etc. are
present on the windshield.
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238
2-4. Using other driving systems
RX350/270_EE
Driving in vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode
This mode employs a radar sensor to detect the presence of vehicles up
to approximately 120 m (400 ft.) ahead, determines the current vehicle-
to-vehicle following distance, and operates to maintain a suitable follow-
ing distance from the vehicle ahead.
Note that vehicle-to-vehicle distance will close in when traveling on long
downhill slopes.
Example of constant speed cruising
When there are no vehicles ahead
The vehicle travels at the speed set by the driver. The desired vehicle-to-vehi-
cle distance can also be set by operating the vehicle-to-vehicle distance con-
trol.
Example of deceleration cruising
When the vehicle ahead is driving slower than the set speed
When a vehicle is detected running ahead of you, the system automatically
decelerates your vehicle. When a greater reduction in vehicle speed is nec-
essary, the system applies the brakes. A warning tone warns you when the
system cannot decelerate sufficiently to prevent your vehicle from closing in
on the vehicle ahead.
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241
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
RX350/270_EE
Adjusting the speed setting:
→P. 2 3 5
Canceling and resuming the speed
setting: →P. 2 3 7
■Dynamic radar cruise control can be set when
●The shift lever is in the D or range 4 or higher of S has been selected.
●Range 4 or higher has been selected by using the paddle shift.
(vehicles with paddle shift switch)
●Vehicle speed is above approximately 50 km/h (30 mph).
■Accelerating after setting the vehicle speed
The vehicle can accelerate normally. After acceleration, the set speed resumes.
However, during vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode, the vehicle speed may
decrease below the set speed in order to maintain the distance to the vehicle
ahead.
■Automatic cancelation of vehicle-to-vehicle distance control
Vehicle-to-vehicle distance control driving is automatically canceled in the follow-
ing situations.
●Actual vehicle speed falls below approximately 40 km/h (25 mph).
●VSC is activated.
●VSC+ is activated (if equipped).
●The sensor cannot operate correctly because it is covered in some way.
●The windshield wipers are operating at high speed. (when the wiper switch is set
to the AUTO mode or the high speed wiper operation position).
●When the snow mode is set.
If vehicle-to-vehicle distance control driving is automatically canceled for any other
reason, there may be a malfunction in the system. Contact any authorized Lexus
dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional, and have
your Lexus inspected.
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242
2-4. Using other driving systems
RX350/270_EE
■Automatic cancelation of constant speed control
The cruise control will stop maintaining the vehicle speed in the following situations:
●Actual vehicle speed is more than approximately 16 km/h (10 mph) below the
set vehicle speed.
At this time, the memorized set speed is not retained.
●Actual vehicle speed falls below approximately 40 km/h (25 mph).
●VSC is activated.
●VSC+ is activated (if equipped).
■Radar sensor and grille cover
Always keep the sensor and grille cover clean to ensure that the vehicle-to-vehicle
distance control operates properly. (Some obstructions, such as snow, ice and plas-
tic objects, cannot be detected by the obstruction sensor.)
Dynamic radar cruise control is canceled if an obstruction is detected.
■Warning lights, messages and buzzers for dynamic radar cruise control
Warning lights, messages and buzzers are used to indicate a system malfunction or
to inform the driver of the need for caution while driving. (→P. 5 5 7 ) Grille cover
Radar sensor
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246
2-4. Using other driving systems
RX350/270_EE
CAUTION
■Situations unsuitable for dynamic radar cruise control
Do not use dynamic radar cruise control in any of the following situations.
Doing so may result in inappropriate speed control and could cause an accident
resulting in death or serious injury.
●In heavy traffic
●On roads with sharp bends
●On winding roads
●On slippery roads, such as those covered with rain, ice or snow
●On steep downhills, or where there are sudden changes between sharp up and
down gradients
Vehicle speed may exceed the set speed when driving down a steep hill.
●At entrances to expressways
●When weather conditions are bad enough that they may prevent the sensors
from functioning correctly (fog, snow, sandstorm, heavy rain, etc.)
●When an approach warning buzzer is heard often
●When your vehicle is towing a trailer or during emergency towing
■When the sensor may not be correctly detecting the vehicle ahead
Apply the brakes as necessary when any of the following types of vehicles are in
front of you.
As the sensor may not be able to correctly detect these types of vehicles, the
approach warning (→P. 239) will not be activated, and a fatal or serious accident
may result.
●Vehicles that cut in suddenly
●Vehicles traveling at low speeds
●Vehicles that are not moving
●Vehicles with small rear ends (trailers with no load on board etc.)
●Motorcycles traveling in the same lane
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247
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
RX350/270_EE
CAUTION
■Conditions under which the vehicle-to-vehicle distance control may not function
correctly
Apply the brakes as necessary in the following conditions as the radar sensor may
not be able to correctly detect vehicles ahead, and a fatal or serious accident may
result:
●When water or snow thrown up by the surrounding vehicles hinders the function-
ing of the radar sensor
●When your vehicle is pointing upwards (caused by a heavy load in the luggage
compartment etc.)
●When the road curves or when the lanes are narrow
●When steering wheel operation or your position in the lane is unstable
●When the vehicle ahead of you decelerates suddenly
■Handling the radar sensor
Observe the following to ensure the cruise control system can function effectively.
Otherwise, the system may not function correctly and could result in an accident.
●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 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.
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