2604-2. Driving procedures
GS350_200t_GS F_OM_OM30F83E_(EE)
■When the parking brake is set automatically while the system is holding the brakes
The parking brake will not be released auto matically. Perform one of the following proce-
dures to release the parking brake and conf irm that the parking brake indicator light
turns off. ( P. 256)
●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 indicate a system malfunction or to inform
the driver of the need for caution. ( P. 524)
WARNING
■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 fo r use when parking the vehicle for a long
period of time. Turning the en gine switch off while the system is holding the brake may
release the brake, which would cause the ve hicle to move. When operating the engine
switch, depress the brake pedal, set the pa rking brake and shift the shift lever to P.
2644-3. Operating the lights and wipers
GS350_200t_GS F_OM_OM30F83E_(EE)
■Daytime running light system
To make your vehicle more visible to other drivers during daytime driving, the daytime
running lights turn on automatically whenever the engine is started and the parking
brake is released with the head light switch is in the “AUTO” position. (Illuminate brighter
than the front position lights.)
Daytime running lights are not designed for use at night.
■Headlight control sensor
■Automatic light off system
●When the light switch is in : The headlights turn off automatically if the engine
switch is turned to ACCESSORY mode or turned off.
●When the light switch is in : The headlights and all lights turn off automatically if the
engine switch is turned to ACCESSORY mode or turned off.
To turn the lights on again, turn the engine switch to IGNITI ON ON mode, or turn the
light switch off once and then back to or .
■Light reminder buzzer
A buzzer sounds when the engine switch is turned off or turned to ACCESSORY mode
and the driver’s door is opened while the lights are turned on.
■Automatic headlight leveling system
The level of the headlights is automatically adjusted according to the number of passen-
gers and the loading condition of the vehicle to ensure that the headlights do not inter-
fere with other road users.
■If the “AFS OFF” indicator flashes
It may indicate a malfunction in the system. Contact any authorized Lexus retailer or
Lexus authorized repairer, or any reliable repairer.
■Customization
Settings (e.g. light sensor se nsitivity) can be changed.
(Customizable features: P. 634)
The sensor may not function properly if an
object is placed on the sensor, or anything that
blocks the sensor is affixed to the windshield.
Doing so interferes with the sensor detecting
the level of ambient light and may cause the
automatic headlight system to malfunction.
NOTICE
■To prevent battery discharge
Do not leave the lights on longer than necessary when the engine is not running.
3344-5. Using the driving support systems
GS350_200t_GS F_OM_OM30F83E_(EE)
This mode employs a radar sensor to detect the presence of vehicles up to
approximately 100 m (328 ft.) ahead, determines the current vehicle-to-vehicle
following distance, and operates to maintain a suitable following distance from
the vehicle ahead.
Note that vehicle-to-vehicle distance will close in when traveling on long downhill
slopes.
Example of constant speed cruising
When there are no vehicles ahead
The vehicle travels at the speed set by the driver. The desired vehicle-to-vehicle dis-
tance can also be set by operating the vehicle-to-vehicle distance button.
Example of deceleration cruising and follow-up cruising
When a preceding vehicle driving slower than the set speed appears
When a vehicle is detected running ahead of you, the system automatically deceler-
ates your vehicle. When a greater reduction in vehicle speed is necessary, the system
applies the brakes (the stop lights will come on at this time). The system will respond to
changes in the speed of the vehicle ahead in order to maintain the vehicle-to-vehicle
distance set by the driver. Approach wa rning warns you when the system cannot
decelerate sufficiently to prevent your vehicle from closing in on the vehicle ahead.
When the vehicle ahead of you stops, your ve hicle will also stop (vehicle is stopped by
system control). After the vehicle ahead starts off, pushing the cruise control lever up
or depressing the accelerator pedal will resume follow-up cruising.
Example of acceleration
When there are no longer any preceding vehicles driving slower than the set
speed
The system accelerates until the set speed is reached. The system then returns to con-
stant speed cruising.
Driving in vehicl e-to-vehicle distance control mode
1
2
3
3464-5. Using the driving support systems
GS350_200t_GS F_OM_OM30F83E_(EE)
This mode employs a radar sensor to detect the presence of vehicles up to
approximately 100 m (328 ft.) ahead, determines the current vehicle-to-vehicle
following distance, and operates to maintain a suitable following distance from
the vehicle ahead.
Note that vehicle-to-vehicle distance will close in when traveling on long downhill
slopes.
Example of constant speed cruising
When there are no vehicles ahead
The vehicle travels at the speed set by the driver. The desired vehicle-to-vehicle dis-
tance can also be set by operating the vehicle-to-vehicle distance button.
Example of deceleration cruising and follow-up cruising
When a preceding vehicle driving slower than the set speed appears
When a vehicle is detected running ahead of you, the system automatically deceler-
ates your vehicle. When a greater reduction in vehicle speed is necessary, the system
applies the brakes (the stop lights will come on at this time). The system will respond to
changes in the speed of the vehicle ahead in order to maintain the vehicle-to-vehicle
distance set by the driver. Approach wa rning warns you when the system cannot
decelerate sufficiently to prevent your vehicle from closing in on the vehicle ahead.
Example of acceleration
When there are no longer any preceding vehicles driving slower than the set
speed
The system accelerates until the set speed is reached. The system then returns to con-
stant speed cruising.
Driving in vehicl e-to-vehicle distance control mode
1
2
3
3764-5. Using the driving support systems
GS350_200t_GS F_OM_OM30F83E_(EE)
◆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 Susp ension system) (if equipped)
By independently controlling the damp ing 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 a high level of stability, and helps good vehi-
cle posture
When SPORT S+ mode is selected by the driving mode select switch, the
damping force is suitable for sporty driving ( P. 359)
◆VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management)
Provides integrated control of the ABS, brake assist, TRC, VSC, hill-start
assist control and EPS systems
Helps to maintain vehicle stability when swerving on slippery road surfaces by
controlling the brakes, engine output, steering assist, and steering ratio
◆Emergency brake signal
When the brakes are applie d suddenly, the stop lights automatically flash to
alert the vehicle behind
The slip indicator light will flash while
the TRC/VSC systems are operating.
When the TRC/VSC sys tems are operating
3784-5. Using the driving support systems
GS350_200t_GS F_OM_OM30F83E_(EE)
■Turning off both TRC and VSC systems
GS350/GS200t
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.
GS F
To turn the TRC and VSC systems off, press and hold for more than 3 seconds.
The “TRC OFF” indicator light and the VSC OFF indi cator light will come on.*
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 disp layed on the multi-information display.
( P. 524)
■Expert mode (GS F)
When expert mode is selected, it is possible to drive in a more sporty manner than other
drive modes. Expert mode disables the TRC and VSC systems but the engine and
brakes may be controlled depending on the vehicle behavior.
■When the message is displayed on the mult i-information display showing that TRC has
been disabled even if has not been pressed (GS350/GS200t)
TRC and hill-start assist control cannot be operated. Contact any authorized Lexus
retailer or Lexus authorized repa irer, or any reliable repairer.
To select expert mode, press when in
SPORT S+ mode.
The “EXPERT” indicator will come on together
with the TRC OFF and VSC OFF indicators.
To cancel expert mode, press or use the
driving mode select swit
ch to select a driving
mode other than SPORT S+ mode.
379
4-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
GS350_200t_GS F_OM_OM30F83E_(EE)
■When the “TRC OFF” indicator light comes on even if has not been pressed (GS F)
TRC and hill-start assist control cannot be operated. Contact any authorized Lexus
retailer or Lexus authorized repa irer, or any reliable repairer.
■Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, VSC, Hill-start assist control
and TRC 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 conditions may occur when the above systems are operating.
None of these indicates that a malfunction has occurred.
381
4-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
GS350_200t_GS F_OM_OM30F83E_(EE)
WARNING
■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 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
■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 co ntrol. 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.
■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.