GS350_OM_OM30F69U_(U)
2294-5. 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 assist 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.
248
GS350_OM_OM30F69U_(U)
4-5. Using the driving support systems
Driving assist systems
◆ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied suddenly, or if
the brakes are applied while driving on a slippery road surface
◆Brake assist
Generates an increased level of braking force after the brake pedal is
depressed when the system detects a panic stop situation
◆VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)
Helps the driver to control skidding when swerving suddenly or turning
on slippery road surfaces
◆Enhanced VSC (Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control)
Provides cooperative control of the ABS, TRAC, VSC and EPS.
Helps to maintain directional stability when swerving on slippery road
surfaces by controlling steering performance.
◆TRAC (Traction Control)
Helps to maintain drive power and prevent the drive wheels from spin-
ning when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads
◆Hill-start assist control
P. 2 5 6
◆VGRS (Variable Gear Ratio Steering) (if equipped)
Adjusts the front wheel turning angle in accordance with the vehicle
speed and steering wheel movement
To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following systems
operate automatically in response to various driving situations. Be
aware, however, that these systems are supplementary and should not
be relied upon too heavily when operating the vehicle.
GS350_OM_OM30F69U_(U)
2494-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
◆DRS (Dynamic Rear Steering) (if equipped)
Contributes to the turning characteristics and responsiveness of the
vehicle by slightly adjusting the rear wheel angle of the vehicle in accor-
dance with steering wheel movement
◆EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed to
turn the steering wheel
◆AVS (Adaptive Variable Suspension system) (if equipped)
By independently controlling the damping force of the shock absorbers
for each of the 4 wheels according to the road and driving conditions,
this system helps riding comfort with superior steering stability, and
helps good vehicle posture
When SPORT S+ mode is selected by the driving mode select switch,
the damping force is suitable for sporty driving (P. 245)
◆LDH (Lexus Dynamic Handling system) (if equipped)
Provides independent control of the VGRS, DRS and EPS. Contributes
to turning characteristics at low speeds, responsiveness at medium
speeds and safety at high speeds by controlling the steering angle of
the front and rear wheels in accordance with the steering wheel opera-
tion and vehicle speed
◆VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management)
Provides integrated control of the ABS, brake assist, TRAC, VSC, hill-
start assist control, EPS, VGRS (if equipped) and DRS (if equipped)
systems
Helps to maintain vehicle stability when swerving on slippery road sur-
faces by controlling the brakes, engine output, steering assist, and
steering ratio and rear wheel angle
◆PCS (Pre-Collision System) (if equipped)
P. 2 5 8
252
GS350_OM_OM30F69U_(U)
4-5. Using the driving support systems
■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 cannot be operated. Contact your Lexus dealer.
■VGRS is disabled when
VGRS may stop operating in the following situations.
In this event, the steering wheel may move from its straight forward position, but it
will return when the system restarts.
●The steering wheel is operated for an extended period of time while the vehicle is
stopped or is moving very slowly.
●When force is continuously applied for a long time with the steering wheel turned
as far as it will go.
The center position of the steering wheel may change when VGRS is disabled. How-
ever, the position will return to normal after VGRS is reactivated.
■When the battery is disconnected
The steering wheel may move from its straight forward position, but this will be cor-
rected automatically when driving.
■Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, VSC, TRAC and VGRS sys-
tems
●A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the engine is started or
just after the vehicle begins to move. This sound does not indicate that a malfunc-
tion has occurred in any of these systems.
●Any of the following conditions may occur when the above systems are operating.
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.
■EPS, VGRS and DRS operation sound
When the steering wheel is operated, a motor sound (whirring sound) may be heard.
This does not indicate a malfunction.
■Reactivation of the TRAC/VSC systems
Even after the TRAC/VSC systems have been turned off, turning the engine off and
then on again will automatically reactivate the TRAC/VSC systems.
254
GS350_OM_OM30F69U_(U)
4-5. Using the driving support systems
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 wet or slick roads.
■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 uneven surfaces
■TRAC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slippery
road surfaces, even if the TRAC system is operating.
Drive the vehicle carefully in conditions where stability and power may be lost.
■When the VSC is activated
The slip indicator light flashes. Always drive carefully. Reckless driving may cause
an accident. Exercise particular care when the indicator light flashes.
■When the TRAC/VSC systems are turned off
Be especially careful and drive at a speed appropriate to the road conditions. As
these are the systems to help ensure vehicle stability and driving force, do not turn
the TRAC/VSC systems off unless necessary.
GS350_OM_OM30F69U_(U)
2554-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
CAUTION
■Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the specified size, brand, tread pattern and total load
capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are inflated to the recommended tire
inflation pressure level.
The ABS, TRAC and VSC systems will not function correctly if different tires are
installed on the vehicle.
Contact your Lexus dealer for further information when replacing tires or wheels.
■Handling of tires and the suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modifying the suspension will affect the
driving assist systems, and may cause a system to malfunction.
GS350_OM_OM30F69U_(U)
2594-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
◆Suspension control (if equipped)
When the system determines that there is a high possibility of a frontal
collision, the operation of AVS (P. 249) optimally controls the damp-
ing force of the shock absorber.
◆Steering control (if equipped)
Vehicles with VGRS
There is a high possibility of collision and if the steering wheel is oper-
ated, the steering gear ratio is changed by VGRS to help improve the
response to steering input.
Vehicles with LDH
There is a high possibility of collision and if the steering wheel is oper-
ated, the steering angles of the front and rear wheels and the heaviness
of the steering wheel are controlled by LDH, thus heightening respon-
siveness in response to the steering operation.
◆Driver monitor system (if equipped)
When the system determines that there is a possibility of a collision, and
either the driver is not facing forward or the driver’s eyes are closed,
PCS warnings are given in advance to warn the driver. If the system
determines that the conditions to operate pre-collision alert braking
have been met even when the possibility of a collision increases further,
pre-collision alert braking will operate.
266
GS350_OM_OM30F69U_(U)
4-5. Using the driving support systems
CAUTION
■Cautions regarding the assist contents of the system
By means of alarms and brake control, the pre-collision 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-collision 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-collision 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 situ-
ation.
●Assisting the driver in taking action
The pre-collision 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 collision
is unavoidable. This system by itself is not capable of automatically avoiding a col-
lision or bringing the vehicle to a stop safely. For this reason, when encountering 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.