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3344-5. Using the driving support systems
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■The outside rear view mirror indicators visibility
When under strong sunlight, the outside rear view mirror indicator may be difficult to
see.
■Rear Crossing Traffic Alert buzzer hearing
Rear Crossing Traffic Alert function may be difficult to hear over loud noises such as high
audio volume.
■When there is a malfunction in the Blind Spot Monitor
If a system malfunction is detected due to any of the following reasons, warning mes-
sages will be displayed: ( →P. 4 8 2 )
●There is a malfunction with the sensors
●The sensors have become dirty
●The outside temperature is extremely high or low
●The sensor voltage has become abnormal
■Switching the Blind Spot Monitor function and Rear Crossing Traffic Alert function on
and off
Settings can be changed from on the multi-information display (→P. 111).
Press or on the meter control switch and select “BSM”.
Each time on the meter control switch is pressed, the function switches between
“On” and “Off”.
■Certification for the Blind Spot Monitor
1
2
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3384-5. Using the driving support systems
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F00E_(EE)
WA R N I N G
■Handling the radar sensor
●Keep the sensor and its surrounding area on the bumper clean at all times.
●Do not subject the sensor or surrounding area on the bumper to a strong impact. If
the sensor moves even slightly off position, the system may malfunction and vehicles
that enter the detection area may not be detected. If the sensor or surrounding area is
subject to a strong impact, always have the area inspected 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 or surrounding area on the
bumper.
●Do not modify the sensor or surrounding area on the bumper.
●Do not paint the sensor or surrounding area on the bumper.
One Blind Spot Monitor sensor is installed
inside the left and right side of the vehicle rear
bumper respectively. Observe the following to
ensure the Blind Spot Monitor can function
correctly.
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3454-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F00E_(EE)
◆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 accordance with
steering wheel movement
◆Hill-start assist control
Helps to prevent the vehicle from rolling backward when starting on an
incline.
◆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. 3 3 1 )
◆LDH (Lexus Dynamic Handling system) (if equipped)
Provides independent control of th e 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 operation and vehicle speed
◆VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management)
Provides integrated control of the ABS, brake assist, TRC, VSC, hill-start
assist control, EPS, VGRS (if equipped) and DRS (if equipped) systems
Helps to maintain vehicle stability when swerving on slippery road surfaces by
controlling the brakes, hybrid system output, steering assist, and steering ratio
and rear wheel angle
◆Emergency brake signal
When the brakes are applied suddenly, the stop lights automatically flash to
alert the vehicle behind
Page 346 of 620
3464-5. Using the driving support systems
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F00E_(EE)
The slip indicator light will flash while
the TRC/VSC/ABS systems are oper-
ating.
If the vehicle gets stuck in mud, dirt or snow, the TRC system may reduce power
from the hybrid system to the wheels. Pressing to turn the system off may
make it easier for rock the vehicle in order to free it.
To turn the TRC system off, quickly
press and release .
The “Traction Control Turned Off” will
be shown on the multi-information dis-
play.
Press again to turn the system back
on.
When the TRC/VSC/ABS systems are operating
Disabling the TRC system
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3474-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F00E_(EE)
■Turning off both TRC and VSC systems
To turn the TRC 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 PCS (Pre-Crash Safety system), pre-crash brake assist and pre-
crash braking will also be disabled. The PCS (Pre-Crash Safety system) warning
light will come on and a message will be di splayed on the multi-information display.
( → P. 4 8 2 )
■When the message is displayed on the mult i-information display showing that TRC has
been disabled even if has not been pressed
TRC and hill-start assist control cannot be operated. Contact any authorized Lexus
dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional.
■VGRS is disabled when
VGRS may stop operating in the following situations.
In this event, the steering wheel may move fr om 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 12-volt battery is disconnected
The steering wheel may move from its straight forward position, but this will be corrected
automatically when driving.
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3504-5. Using the driving support systems
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F00E_(EE)
WA R N I N G
■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 TRC/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 TRC/
VSC systems off unless necessary.
■Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the specif ied size, brand, tread pattern and total load
capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are inflated to the recommended tire infla-
tion pressure level.
The ABS, TRC and VSC systems will not function correctly if different tires are installed
on the vehicle.
Contact any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and
equipped professional 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 cause a system to malfunction.
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351
4
4-6. Driving tips
Driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F00E_(EE)
Hybrid vehicle driving tips
◆Using Eco drive mode
When using Eco drive mode, the torque corresponding to the accelerator
pedal depression amount can be generated more smoothly than it is in normal
conditions. In addition, the operation of the air conditioning system (heating/
cooling) will be minimized, improving the fuel economy. (
→P. 3 3 0 )
◆Use of Hybrid System Indicator
The Eco-friendly driving is possible by keeping the indicate of Hybrid System
Indicator within Eco area. ( →P. 1 0 8 , 1 2 3 )
◆Shift lever operation
Shift the shift lever to D when stopped at a traffic light, or driving in heavy traf-
fic etc. Shift the shift lever to P when parking. When using the N, there is no
positive effect on fuel consumption. In the N, the gasoline engine operates but
electricity cannot be generated. Also, wh en using the air conditioning system,
etc., the hybrid battery (traction battery) power is consumed.
◆Accelerator pedal/brake pedal operation
●Drive your vehicle smoothly. Avoid abrupt acceleration and deceleration.
Gradual acceleration and deceleration will make more effective use of the
electric motor (traction motor) without having to use gasoline engine
power.
●Avoid repeated acceleration. Repeated acceleration consumes hybrid bat-
tery (traction battery) power, resulting in poor fuel consumption. Battery
power can be restored by driving with the accelerator pedal slightly
released.
◆When braking
Make sure to operate the brakes gently and in a timely manner. A greater
amount of electrical energy can be regenerated when slowing down.
For economical and ecological driving, pay attention to the following points:
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3524-6. Driving tips
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F00E_(EE)
◆Delays
Repeated acceleration and deceleration, as well as long waits at traffic lights,
will lead to bad fuel economy. Check traffic reports before leaving and avoid
delays as much as possible. When driving in a traffic jam, gently release the
brake pedal to allow the vehicle to move forward slightly while avoiding over-
use of the accelerator pedal. Doing so can help control excessive gasoline
consumption.
◆Highway driving
Control and maintain the vehicle at a constant speed. Before stopping at a toll
booth or similar, allow plenty of time to release the accelerator and gently
apply the brakes. A greater amount of electrical energy can be regenerated
when slowing down.
◆Air conditioning
Use the air conditioning only when necessary. Doing so can help reduce
excessive gasoline consumption.
In summer: When the ambient temperature is high, use the recirculated air
mode. Doing so will help to reduce the burden on the air conditioning system
and reduce fuel consumption as well.
In winter: Because the gasoline engine will not automatically cut out until it
and the interior of the vehicle are warm, it will consume fuel. Also, fuel con-
sumption can be improved by avoiding overuse of the heater.
◆Checking tire inflation pressure
Make sure to check the tire inflation pressure frequently. Improper tire infla-
tion pressure can cause poor fuel economy.
Also, as snow tires can cause large amounts of friction, their use on dry roads
can lead to poor fuel economy. Use tires that are appropriate for the season.