2016 Lexus GS300h Owner's Manual

3454-5. Using the driving support systems
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Driving
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◆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

3464-5. Using the driving support systems
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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

3474-5. Using the driving support systems
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Driving
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■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.

3484-5. Using the driving support systems
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■Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, VSC, Hill-start assist control,
TRC and VGRS 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.
■ECB operation sound
ECB operating sound may be heard in the following cases, but it does not indicate that a
malfunction has occurred.
●Operating sound heard from the engine compartment when the brake pedal is oper-
ated.
●Motor sounds of the brake system heard from the front part of the vehicle when the
driver’s door is opened.
●Operating sound heard from the engine compartment when one or two minutes
passed after the stop of the hybrid system.
■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.
■Automatic reactivation of TRC and VSC systems
After turning the TRC and VSC systems off, the systems will be automatically re-enabled
in the following situations:
●When the power switch is turned off
●If only the TRC system is turned off, the TRC will turn on when vehicle speed increases
If both TRC and VSC systems are turned off, automatic re-enabling will not occur when
vehicle speed increases.
■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 hybrid system off. The EPS system should return to nor-
mal within 10 minutes.
■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 N or P (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.

3494-5. Using the driving support systems
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Driving
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■Automatic system cancelation of hill-start assist control
The hill-start assist control will be canceled in any of the following situations;
●The shift lever is shifted to N or P.
●The accelerator pedal is depressed.
●The parking brake is engaged.
●Approximately 2 seconds elapse after the brake pedal is released.
■Operating conditions of emergency brake signal
When the following three conditions are me t, the emergency brake signal will operate:
●The emergency flashers are off.
●Actual vehicle speed is over 55 km/h (35 mph).
●The brake pedal is depressed in a manner that cause the system to judge from the vehi-
cle deceleration that this is a sudden braking operation.
■Automatic system cancelation of emergency brake signal
The emergency brake signal will turn off in any of the following situations:
●The emergency flashers are turned on.
●The brake pedal is released.
●The system judges from the vehicle deceleration that is not a sudden braking operation.
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 operat ing may exceed that of normal conditions
The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehi cle’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
■TRC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slippery road
surfaces, even if the TRC 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 co ntrol 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.

3504-5. Using the driving support systems
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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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4-6. Driving tips
Driving
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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:

3524-6. Driving tips
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◆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.