Page 228 of 784

228
ES350_300h_OM_OM33B99U_(U)
4-2. Driving procedures
■S mode
●When the shift range is S4 or lower, holding the shift lever toward “+” sets the shift
range to S6.
●To prevent excessive engine speed, a function was adopted that automatically
selects a higher shift range before the engine speed becomes too high.
■When driving with cruise control activated
Even when performing the following actions with the intent of enabling engine brak-
ing, the engine brake will not operate in the S mode, even when downshifting to 5 or
4. (P. 2 5 4 )
■Downshifting restrictions warning buzzer
To help ensure safety and driving perfor mance, downshifting operation may some-
times be restricted. In some circumstances, downshifting may not be possible even
when the shift lever is operated. (A buzzer will sound twice.)
■If the S indicator does not come on even after shifting the shift lever to S
This may indicate a malfunction in the auto matic transmission system. Have the vehi-
cle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
(In this situation, the transmission will operate in the same manner as when the shift
lever is in D.)
■If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P
P. 6 76
■AI-SHIFT
AI-SHIFT automatically selects the suitable gear according to driver performance
and driving conditions.
AI-SHIFT automatically operates when the sh ift lever is in the D position. (Shifting
the shift lever to the S position cancels the function.)
Page 231 of 784
231
ES350_300h_OM_OM33B99U_(U)
4-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
Parking brake
To set the parking brake, fully
depress the parking brake pedal
with your left foot while depressing
the brake pedal with your right foot.
(Depressing the pedal again
releases the parking brake.)
■Usage in winter time
P. 3 4 2
U.S.A. Canada
NOTICE
■Before driving
Fully release the parking brake.
Driving the vehicle with the parking brake set will lead to brake components over-
heating, which may affect braking performance and increase brake wear.
Page 235 of 784

ES350_300h_OM_OM33B99U_(U)
2354-3. Operating the lights and wipers
4
Driving
■Daytime running light system
●To make your vehicle more visible to other drivers, the parking lights turn on auto-
matically (at an increased intensity) whenever the engine is started
and the parking brake is released. Daytime running lights are not designed for use
at night.
For the U.S.A.: Daytime running lights can be turned off by operating the switch.
●Compared to turning on the headlights, the daytime running light system offers
greater durability and consumes less electricity, so it can help improve fuel econ-
omy.
■Headlight control sensor
■Automatic light off system
When the light switch is in , or : The headlights and tail lights turn off 30
seconds after the “START STOP ENGINE” <“POWER”> switch is turned to
ACCESSORY mode or turned off and a door is opened and all of the doors and
trunk are closed. (The lights turn off imme diately if on the key is pressed twice
after all the doors are closed.)
To turn the lights on again, turn the “START STOP ENGINE” <“POWER”> switch to
IGNITION ON mode, or turn the li ght switch off once and then back to
or .
If any of the doors or trunk lid is kept op en, the lights automatically turn off after 20
minutes. The sensor may not func tion properly if an
object is placed on the sensor, or anything
that blocks the sensor is affixed to the wind-
shield.
Doing so interferes with the sensor detecting
the level of ambient light and may cause the
automatic headlight system to malfunction.
Page 255 of 784
ES350_300h_OM_OM33B99U_(U)
2554-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
To change the set speed, operate the lever until the desired set speed is
obtained.
Increases the speed
Decreases the speed
Fine adjustment: Momentarily move
the lever in the desired direction.
Large adjustment: Hold the lever in
the desired direction.
The set speed will be increased or decreased as follows:
Fine adjustment: By approximately 1 mph (1.6 km/h) each time the lever is oper-
ated.
Large adjustment: The set speed can be increased or decreased continually until
the lever is released.
Pulling the lever toward you can-
cels the constant speed control.
The speed setting is also canceled
when the brakes are applied.
Pushing the lever up resumes the
constant speed control.
Resuming is available when the vehi-
cle speed is more than approximately
25 mph (40 km/h).
Adjusting the set speed
1
2
Canceling and resuming th e constant speed control
1
2
Page 262 of 784
262
ES350_300h_OM_OM33B99U_(U)
4-5. Using the driving support systems
Pulling the lever toward you can-
cels the cruise control.
The speed setting is also canceled
when the brakes are applied.
Pushing the lever up resumes the
cruise control and returns vehicle
speed to the set speed.
Resuming is available when the vehi-
cle speed is more than approximately
25 mph (40 km/h).
Canceling and resuming the speed control
1
2
Page 263 of 784

ES350_300h_OM_OM33B99U_(U)
2634-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
This mode employs a radar sensor to detect the presence of vehicles up to
approximately 400 ft. (120 m) ahead, determines the current vehicle-to-
vehicle following distance, and opera tes to maintain a suitable following
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-vehicle
distance can also be set by operating the vehicle-to-vehicle distance control.
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 decel-
erates your vehicle. When a greater reduction in vehicle speed is necessary, 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.
Driving in vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode
1
2
Page 264 of 784

264
ES350_300h_OM_OM33B99U_(U)
4-5. Using the driving support systems
Example of follow-up cruising
When following a vehicle driving slower than the set speed
The system continues follow-up cruising while adjusting for changes in the speed
of the vehicle ahead in order to maintain the vehicle-to-vehicle distance set by the
driver.
Example of acceleration
When there are no longer any vehi cles ahead driving slower than the
set speed
The system accelerates until the set speed is reached. The system then returns to
constant speed cruising.
When your vehicle is too close to a vehicle ahead, and sufficient auto-
matic deceleration via the cruise co ntrol is not possible, the display will
flash and the buzzer will sound to alert the driver. An example of this
would be if another driver cuts in front of you while you are following a
vehicle. Apply the brakes to ensure an appropriate vehicle-to-vehicle dis-
tance.
■Warnings may not occur when
In the following instance s, there is a possibility that the warnings will not
occur:
●When the speed of the vehicle ahea d matches or exceeds your vehi-
cle speed
●When the vehicle ahead is traveling at an extremely slow speed
●Immediately after the cruise control speed was set
●At the instant the accelerator is applied
Approach warning
3
4
Page 269 of 784

ES350_300h_OM_OM33B99U_(U)
2694-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
CAUTION
■Before using dynamic radar cruise control
Do not overly rely on vehicle-to-vehicle distance control.
Be aware of the set speed. If automatic deceleration/acceleration is not appropri-
ate, adjust the vehicle speed, as well as the distance between your vehicle and vehi-
cles ahead by applying the brakes etc.
■Cautions regarding the driving assist systems
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
●Assisting the driver to measure following distance
The dynamic radar cruise control is only intended to help the driver in determin-
ing the following distance between the driver’s own vehicle and a designated
vehicle traveling ahead. It is not a mechanism that allows careless or inattentive
driving, and it is not a system that can assi st the driver in low-visibility conditions. It
is still necessary for driver to pay close attention to the vehicle’s surroundings.
●Assisting the driver to judge proper following distance
The dynamic radar cruise control determines whether the following distance
between the driver’s own vehicle and a designated vehicle traveling ahead is
appropriate or not. It is not capable of making any other type of judgement.
Therefore, it is absolutely necessary for the driver to remain vigilant and to deter-
mine whether or not there is a possibility of danger in any given situation.
●Assisting the driver to operate the vehicle
The dynamic radar cruise control has no capability to prevent or avoid a collision
with a vehicle traveling ahead. Therefore, if there is ever any danger, the driver
must take immediate and direct control of the vehicle and act appropriately in
order to ensure the safety of all involved.