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4
4-2. Driving procedures
Driving
GS350_200t_GS F_OM_OM30E87E_(EE)
Automatic transmission
While the engine switch is in IGNITION ON mode, move the shift lever
with the brake pedal depressed.
When shifting the shift lever between P and D, make sure that the vehicle is com-
pletely stopped.
*1: To improve fuel efficiency and reduce noises
, set the shift lever in D for normal driving.
*2: Any gear range can be fixed when driving in M mode.
Shifting the shift lever
Shift position purpose
Shift positionObjective or function
PParking the vehicle/starting the engine
RReversing
NNeutral
(Condition in which the power is not transmitted)
DNormal driving*1
MM mode driving*2 ( → P. 2 4 8 )
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2474-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
GS350_200t_GS F_OM_OM30E87E_(EE)
To drive using temporary shift range selection, operate the “-” or “+” paddle shift
switch.
When the “-” paddle shift switch is operated, the shift range will be downshifted
to a range that enables engine braking force that is suitable to driving conditions.
When the “+” paddle shift switch is operated, the shift range will be one gear
upper than the gear in use during normal D position driving.
Changing the shift range allows restriction of the highest gear, preventing unnec-
essary upshifting and enabling the level of engine braking force to be selected.Upshifting
Downshifting
6-speed models: The selected shift range, from D1 to D6, will be displayed in the
meter.
8-speed models: The selected shift range, from D1 to D8, will be displayed in the
meter.
To return to normal D position driving, the “+” paddle shift switch must be held down
for a period of time.
■Shift ranges and their functions
A lower shift range will provide greater engi ne braking forces than a higher shift
range.
Selecting shift ranges in the D position
XGS350/GS200t XGS F
1
2
Meter display
Function6-speed
models8-speed models
D2 - D6D2 - D8A gear in the range between 1 and the selected gear is
automatically chosen depending on vehicle speed and driving conditions
D1Setting the gear at 1
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2494-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
GS350_200t_GS F_OM_OM30E87E_(EE)
When in the M position, the gear will not change unless the shift lever or pad-
dle shift switches are operated.
However, even when in the M position, the gears will be automatically
changed in the following situation:
●When vehicle speed drops (downshift only).
●When the automatic transmission flui d or engine coolant temperature is
low.
●GS350/GS200t: When automatic transmission fluid temperature is high.
●GS350/GS200t: When the needle of the tachometer is in the red zone
(the range which exceeds the allowable revs of the engine).
In the following situations, the gear will not shift even if the shift lever or paddle
shift switches are operated.
●“Slippery Road. Cannot Shift to Lower Gear.” is displayed on the multi-
information display.
●The vehicle speed is low (upshift only).
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2504-2. Driving procedures
GS350_200t_GS F_OM_OM30E87E_(EE)
The Gear Shift Indicator display is a guide to help the driver achieve improved
fuel economy and reduced exhaust emissions within limits of engine perfor-
mance.When not in operation
Shift-up indicator
■Gear Shift Indicator function
●Multi-information display: This function automatically operates during M
mode.
Head-up display (GS350/GS200t): This function automatically operates
during M mode when the ECO Driving Indicator is displayed on the head-
up display. ( →P. 1 4 3 )
Head-up display (GS F): This function automatically operates during M
mode when the tachometer is displayed on the head-up display or when
the head-up rev indicator is displayed on the head-up display. ( →P. 1 4 3 )
●By following the Shift-up indicator and shifting up accordingly, it is possible
to achieve improved fuel economy and reduced exhaust emissions.
●The Gear Shift Indicator does not have a similar function for down-shifting.
●Depending on the driving conditions, the Gear Shift Indicator may not dis-
play the Shift-up indicator while driving in M mode.
Gear Shift Indicator
XGS350/GS200t XGS F
1
2
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2514-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
GS350_200t_GS F_OM_OM30E87E_(EE)
■Automatic deactivation of shift range selection in the D position
Shift range selection in the D position will be deactivated in the following situations:
●When the vehicle comes to a stop
●If the accelerator pedal is depressed for more than a certain period of time
●When the shift lever is shifted to other than D
■To protect automatic transmission
When the temperature of the transmission fluid becomes high, protection control is per-
formed temporarily. When “Transmission Fluid Temp High See Owner’s Manual” is dis-
played on the multi-information display, ha ve the vehicle inspected by any authorized
Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional.
■Downshifting restrictions warning buzzer
To help ensure safety and driving performa nce, downshifting operation may sometimes
be restricted. In some circumstances, downsh ifting may not be possible even when the
shift lever or paddle shift switch is operated. (A buzzer will sound twice.)
■Snow mode automatic deactivation
Snow mode is automatically deactivated if the engine switch is turned off after driving in
snow mode.
■When driving with cruise control, dynamic radar cruise control or dynamic radar
cruise control with full-speed range activated
Even when performing the following actions with the intent of enabling engine braking,
engine braking will not activate because cruise control, dynamic radar cruise control or
dynamic radar cruise control with full-speed range will not be canceled.
●6-speed models: While driving in the D position, downshifting to 5 or 4.
( → P. 329, 341, 353)
●8-speed models: While driving in the D position, downshifting to 7, 6, 5 or 4.
(→ P. 329, 341, 353)
●When switching th e driving mode to sport mode while driving in D position. ( →P. 3 5 6 )
■Restraining sudden start (Drive-Start Control)
●When the following unusual operation is performed, the engine output may be
restrained.
• When the shift lever is shifted from R to D, D to R, N to R, P to D, or P to R (D
includes M) with the accelerator pedal depressed, a warning message appears on
the multi-information display. ( →P. 5 1 8 )
• When the accelerator pedal is depressed too much while the vehicle is in reverse.
■If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P
→ P. 5 8 5
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4-2. Driving procedures
Driving
GS350_200t_GS F_OM_OM30E87E_(EE)
Turn signal lever
The lever will return to its original position immediately after operation.
Right turn
Lane change to the right (move the
lever partway and release it)
The right hand signals will flash 3 times.
Lane change to the left (move the
lever partway and release it)
The left hand signals will flash 3 times.
Left turn
■If the turn signals do not stop flashing after turning left or right, or if you want
to stop them flashing
Operate the lever in the opposite direction to either position or .
If you move the lever to either position or , the selected turn signals will
flash.
■Turn signals can be operated when
The engine switch is in IGNITION ON mode.
■If the indicator flashes faster than usual
Check that a light bulb in the front or rear turn signal lights has not burned out.
■If the turn signals stop flashing before a lane change has been performed
Operate the lever again.
Operating instructions
1
2
3
4
23
14
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2554-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
GS350_200t_GS F_OM_OM30E87E_(EE)
■Parking brake operation
●When the engine switch is not in IGNITION ON mode, the parking brake cannot be
released using the parking brake switch.
●When the engine switch is not in IGNITION ON mode, automatic mode (automatic
brake setting and releasing) is not available.
●If the parking brake is operated repeatedly over a short period of time, the system may
restrict operation to prevent overheating. If this happens, refrain from operating the
parking brake. Normal operation will return after about 1 minute.
●Vehicles with towing package: In situations such as when parking while towing a trailer,
the maximum amount of braking force can be used by pressing the parking brake
switch with the parking brake already set.
●Vehicles without towing package: In situations such as when parking on a steep slope*,
the maximum amount of braking force can be used by pressing the parking brake
switch with the parking brake already set.
*: Use wheel chocks when parking on a steep slope.
■Parking brake operation sound
When the parking brake operates, a motor sound (whirring sound) may be heard. This
does not indicate a malfunction.
■Parking brake indicator light
●Depending on the engine switch mode, the parking brake indicator light will come on
and stay on as described below:
IGNITION ON mode: Comes on until the parking brake is released.
Not in IGNITION ON mode: Stays on for approximately 15 seconds.
●When the engine switch is turned off with the parking brake set, the parking brake indi-
cator light will stay on for about 15 seco nds. This does not indicate a malfunction.
■When there is a malfunction in the system
Warning lights and/or warning message will turn on or flash. (→P. 514, 518)
Depending on the condition, the park ing brake indicator light may flash.
■Parking brake engaged warning buzzer
→P. 5 2 2
■Usage in winter time
→P. 3 8 2
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2584-2. Driving procedures
GS350_200t_GS F_OM_OM30E87E_(EE)
■When the parking brake is set automatically while the system is holding the brakes
The parking brake will not be released automatically. Perform one of the following proce-
dures to release the parking brake and confirm that the parking brake indicator light
turns off. ( →P. 2 5 4 )
●With the brake pedal depressed, operate the parking brake switch.
●Fasten your seat belt, check that the shift leve r is in either D or R and slowly depress the
accelerator pedal.
■Warning message and buzzers
Warning messages and buzzers are used to in dicate a system malfunction or to inform
the driver of the need for caution. ( →P. 5 1 8 )
WA R N I N G
■When the vehicle is on a steep incline
When using the brake hold system on a steep incline exercise caution. The brake hold
function may not hold the vehicle in such a situation.
■When stopped on a slippery road
The system cannot stop the vehicle when the gripping ability of the tires has been
exceeded. Do not use the system when stopped on a slippery road.
NOTICE
■When parking the vehicle
The brake hold system is not designed for use when parking the vehicle for a long
period of time. Turning the engine switch off while the system is holding the brake may
release the brake, which would cause the vehicle to move. When operating the engine
switch, depress the brake pedal, set the parking brake and shift the shift lever to P.