ES350_OM_OM33B64U_(U)
2574-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
■Turning off both TRAC and VSC systems
To turn the TRAC and VSC systems off, press and hold for more than 3 seconds
while the vehicle is stopped.
The VSC OFF indicator light will come on an d the “Traction Control Turned Off” will be
shown on the multi- information display.
*
Press again to turn the systems back on.
*: On vehicles with pre-collision system, pre-collision brake assist and pre-collision brak-
ing will also be disabled. The PCS warning light will come on and the message will be
shown on the multi-information display. ( P. 1 8 3 )
■When the message is displayed on the mu lti-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.
■When the battery is disconnected
The steering wheel may move fr om its straight forward position, but this will be corrected
automatically when driving.
■Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, TRAC, VSC and hill-start assist
control systems
●A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when 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 sys-
tems.
●Any of the following condit ions 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 slig htly after the ABS is activated.
• The brake pedal may move down s lightly after the ABS is activated.
■EPS operation sound
When the steering wheel is operated, a motor sound (whirring sound) may be heard.
This does not indicate a malfunction.
■Automatic reactivation of TRAC and VSC systems
After turing the TRAC and VSC systems of f, the systems will be automatically re-
enabled in the following situations:
●When the engine switch is turned off
●If only the TRAC system is turned off, the TRAC will turn on when vehicle speed
increases.
If both the TRAC and VSC systems are turned off, automatic re-enabling will not occur
when vehicle speed increases.
258
ES350_OM_OM33B64U_(U)4-5. Using the driving support systems
■Operating conditions of hill-start assist control
When the following four conditions are met,
the hill-start assist control will operate:
●The shift lever is in a position other than P or N (when starting off forward/backward on
an upward incline).
●The vehicle is stopped.
●The accelerator pedal is not depressed.
●The parking brake is not engaged.
■Automatic system cancelation of hill-start assist control
The hill-start assist control will turn off in any of the following situations:
●The shift lever is moved to P or N.
●The accelerator pedal is depressed.
●The parking brake is engaged.
●Approximately 2 seconds elapse after the brake pedal is released.
■Reduced effectiveness of the EPS system
The effectiveness of the EPS system is reduced to prevent the system from overheating
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 of f. The EPS system should return to normal
within 10 minutes.
ES350_OM_OM33B64U_(U)
2594-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
WA R N I N G
■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 conditions
The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehicle’s stopping distance. Always maintain a
safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, especially in the following situations:
●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 drivin g on slippery road
surfaces, even if the TRAC system is operating.
Drive the vehicle carefully in conditions where stability and power may be lost.
■Hill-start assist control does not operate effectively when
●Do not overly rely on the hill-start assist control. The hill-start assist control may not
operate effectively on steep inclines and roads covered with ice.
●Unlike the parking brake, hill-start assist control is not intended to hold the vehicle
stationary for an extended period of time. Do not attempt to use hill-start assist con-
trol to hold the vehicle on an incline, as doing so may lead to an accident.
■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 ap propriate to the road conditions. As these
are the systems help ensure vehicle stability and driving force, do not turn the TRAC/
VSC systems off unless necessary.
■Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the specified size, brand, tread pattern and total load
capacity and have similar tread depths. In addi tion, make sure that the tires are inflated
to the recommended tire inflation pressure level.
The ABS, TRAC and VSC systems will not functi on correctly if different size 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 modi fying the suspension will affect the driving
assist systems, and may caus e a system to malfunction.
260
ES350_OM_OM33B64U_(U)4-6. Driving tips
Winter driving tips
●Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside temperatures.
•Engine oil
• Engine coolant
• Washer fluid
●Have a service technician inspect the condition of the battery.
●Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set of tire chains for
the front tires.
Ensure that all tires are the specified size and brand, and that chains match the size of
the tires.
Perform the following according to the driving conditions:
●Do not try to forcibly open a window or move a wiper that is frozen. Pour
warm water over the frozen area to melt the ice. Wipe away the water imme-
diately 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.
●Check for and remove any excess ice or snow that may have accumulated on
the exterior lights, vehicle’s roof, chassis, around the tires or on the brakes.
●Remove any snow or mud from the bottom of your shoes before getting in the
vehicle.
Accelerate the vehicle slowly, keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle
ahead, and drive at a reduced speed suitable to road conditions.
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving the vehi-
cle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropriate to the prevail-
ing weather conditions.
Preparation for winter
Before driving the vehicle
When driving the vehicle
ES350_OM_OM33B64U_(U)
2614-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
Park the vehicle and move the shift lever to P without setting the parking brake.
The parking brake may freeze up, preventing it from being released. If necessary,
block the wheels to prevent inadvertent sliding or creeping.
Use the correct tire chain size when mounting the tire chains.
Chain size is regulated for each tire size.
Side chain
0.12 in. (3 mm) in diameter
0.39 in. (10 mm) in width
1.18 in. (30 mm) in length
Cross chain
0.16 in. (4 mm) in diameter
0.55 in. (14 mm) in width
0.98 in. (25 mm) in length
Regulations regarding the use of tire chains vary depending on location and type
of road. Always check local regulations before installing chains.
■Tire chain installation
Observe the following precautions wh en installing and removing chains:
●Install and remove tire chains in a safe location.
●Install tire chains on the front tires. Do not install tire chains on the rear tires.
●Install tire chains on front tires as tightly as possible. Retighten chains after driving 1 /4
1 /2 mile (0.5 1.0 km).
●Install tire chains following the instru ctions provided with the tire chains.
When parking the vehicle
Selecting tire chains
1
2
3
4
5
6
Regulations on the use of tire chains
410
ES350_OM_OM33B64U_(U)7-1. Maintenance and care
NOTICE
■To prevent paint deterioration and corrosio
n on the body and components (aluminum
wheels etc.)
●Wash the vehicle immediately in the following cases:
• After driving near the sea coast
• After driving on salted roads
• If coal tar or tree sap is present on the paint surface
• If dead insects, insect droppings or bird droppings are present on the paint surface
• After driving in an area contaminated wi th soot, oily smoke, mine dust, iron pow-
der or chemical substances
• If the vehicle becomes heavily soiled with dust or mud
• If liquids such as benzene and gaso line are spilled on the paint surface
●If the paint is chipped or scratched, have it repaired immediately.
●To prevent the wheels from corroding, remo ve any dirt and store in a place with low
humidity when storing the wheels.
■Cleaning the exterior lights
●Wash carefully. Do not use organic substances or scrub with a hard brush.
This may damage the su rfaces of the lights.
●Do not apply wax to the surfaces of the lights.
Wax may cause damage to the lenses.
■When using an automatic car wash (vehicle s with rain-sensing windshield wipers)
Set the wiper switch to the off position.
If the wiper switch is in “AUTO”, the wipers may operate and the wiper blades may be
damaged.
■When cleaning the windshield
Raise the wipers in line with the windshield. ( P. 2 6 2 )
Failure to do so may result in dama ge to the wipers and/or the hood.
■When using a high pressure car wash
Do not bring the nozzle tip close to boots (rubber or resin manufactured cover), con-
nectors or the following parts. The parts may be damaged if they come into contact
with high-pressure water.
●Traction related parts
●Steering parts
●Suspension parts
●Brake parts
417
ES350_OM_OM33B64U_(U)7-2. Maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
General maintenance
Listed below are the general maintenance items that should be performed at
the intervals specified in the “Warranty and Service Guide” or “Owner’s
Manual Supplement”. It is recommende
d that any problem you notice should
be brought to the attention of your Lexu s dealer or qualified service shop for
advice.
Engine compartment
ItemsCheck points
BatteryCheck the battery fluid level and connections. ( P. 4 3 3 )
Brake fluidIs the brake fluid at the correct level? ( P. 4 3 2 )
Engine coolantIs the engine coolant at the correct level?
( P. 4 3 0 )
Engine oilIs the engine oil at the correct level?
( P. 4 2 7 )
Exhaust systemThere should not be any fumes or strange sounds.
Radiator/condenserThe radiator and condenser should be free from for-
eign objects. ( P. 4 3 1 )
Wa s h e r f l u i dIs there sufficient washer fluid?
( P. 4 3 5 )
418
ES350_OM_OM33B64U_(U)7-2. Maintenance
Vehicle interior
ItemsCheck points
Accelerator pedal• The accelerator pedal should move smoothly (with-
out uneven pedal effort or catching).
Automatic transmission
“Park” mechanism• When parked on a slope and the shift lever is in P, isthe vehicle securely stopped?
Brake pedal
• Does the brake pedal move smoothly?
• Does the brake pedal have appropriate clearance
from the floor? ( P. 5 1 7 )
• Does the brake pedal have the correct amount of free play? ( P. 5 1 7 )
Brakes
• The vehicle should not pull to one side when the
brakes are applied.
• The brakes should work effectively.
• The brake pedal should not feel spongy.
• The brake pedal should not get too close to the floor when the brakes are applied.
Head restraints• Do the head restraints move smoothly and locksecurely?
Indicators/buzzers• Do the indicators and buzzers function properly?
Lights• Do all the lights come on?
• Are the headlights aimed correctly?
Parking brake
• Does the parking brake pedal move smoothly?
• When parked on a slope and the parking brake is on,is the vehicle securely stopped?
Seat belts•Do the seat belt s operate smoothly?
• The seat belts should not be damaged.
Seats• Do the seat controls operate properly?
Steering wheel
• Does the steering wheel rotate smoothly?
• Does the steering wheel have the correct amount of free play?
• There should not be an y strange sounds coming
from the steering wheel.