2994-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
◆EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed to turn the
steering wheel
◆Adaptive Variable Suspen sion System (if equipped)
By independently controlling the dampin g force of the shock absorbers for
each of the 4 wheels according to the ro ad and driving conditions, this system
combines riding comfort with superior steering stability, and helps good vehi-
cle posture. (→ P. 295)
◆LDH (Lexus Dynamic Hand ling system) (if equipped)
Provides integrated control of the VGRS, DRS and EPS. Contributes to turn-
ing characteristics at low speeds, responsiveness at medium speeds and
safety at high speeds by controlling th e 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, 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 surfaces by
controlling the brakes, engine output, steering assist, and if equipped with
VGRS, steering ratio
◆PCS (Pre-Collision Sy stem) (if equipped)
→ P. 306
◆BSM (Blind Spot Monitor) (if equipped)
→P. 313
◆TVD (Torque Vectoring Di fferential) (if equipped)
→ P. 329
3024-5. Using the driving support systems
■Expert mode (RC F)
When expert mode is selected, it is possible to drive in a more sp orty manner than other
drive modes. Expert mode disables the TRAC and VSC systems but the engine and
brakes may be controlled depending on the vehicle behavior.
■When the message is displayed on the mu lti-information display showing that TRAC
has been disabled even if has not been pressed (RC350/RC300/RC200t)
TRAC and hill-start assist control cannot be operated. Contact your Lexus dealer.
■When the “TRAC OFF” indicator light comes on even if ( ) has not been
pressed (RC F)
TRAC and hill-start assist control 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.
●When the steering wheel is operated for an extended period of time while the vehicle is
stopped or is moving very slowly
(on vehicles with LDH, DRS is disabled together with VGRS)
●When the steering wheel has been held fully to the left or right
The center position of the steering wheel may change when VGRS is disabled. However,
the position will return to normal after VGRS is reactivated.
■When the battery is disconnected (vehicles with VGRS)
The steering wheel may move from its straight forward position, but this will be corrected
automatically when driving. To select expert mode, press
()
when in SPORT S+ mode.
The “EXPERT” indicator will come on together
with the TRAC OFF and VSC OFF indicators.
To cancel expert mode, press
() or
use the driving mode sele ct switch to select a
driving mode other than SPORT S+ mode.
3064-5. Using the driving support systems
◆Pre-collision warning
When a high possibility of a frontal
collision is detected, the pre-colli-
sion system warning light flashes, a
buzzer sounds and a message is
shown on the multi-information dis-
play to urge the driver to take eva-
sive action.
◆Pre-collision brake assist
When there is a high possibility of a frontal collision, the system applies
greater braking force in relation to how strongly the brake pedal is depressed.
The system may not warn the driver us ing a warning light, warning display and
buzzer when the system detects and judges braking operations.
◆Pre-collision braking
When there is a high possibility of a frontal collision, the system warns the
driver using a warning light, warning display and buzzer. If the system deter-
mines that a collision is unavoidable, the brakes are automatically applied to
reduce the collision speed.
◆Suspension control (if equipped)
When the system determines that there is a high possibility of a frontal colli-
sion, the operation of Adaptive Variable Suspension System ( →P. 299) opti-
mally controls the damping force of the shock absorber.
PCS (Pre-Collision System)∗
∗
: If equipped
When the radar sensor detects the possibi lity of a frontal collision, brakes are
automatically engaged to lessen impact as well as vehicle damage.
The pre-collision system can be turned on and off as necessary by operating
the switch. ( →P. 307)
3094-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
■Conditions that may trigger the system even if there is no danger of a collision
In any of the following situations where the frontal area of the radar sensor is inter-
rupted, the radar sensor may detect possibility of a frontal collision and the system
may be activated.
●When passing by an oncoming vehicle in a curve or a turn to the right or the left
●When rapidly approaching an obstacle ahead (e.g. preceding vehicle, toll gate barrier,
etc.)
●When there is a structural object (billboar d, low ceiling, fluorescent light, etc.) above
the uphill road ahead
●When driving on a narrow road or throug h under a low overhead structure (bridge,
tunnel, fly-under, etc.)
●When driving on an uneven road surface
●When there is a metal object, bump, or protrusion on the road surface
●When vehicle’s front part is raised or lowered depending on loading conditions
●When the direction of radar sensor is misa ligned by strong impact applied on an area
around the radar sensor, etc.
●When there is an obstacle (guard rail, etc.) by the roadside at the entrance to a curve
●When the front of your vehicle is pointing upwards (caused by putting a heavy load in
the trunk etc.)
When the system is activated in the situations described above, there is also a possibility
that the brakes may be applied wi th a force greater than normal.
■Obstacles not detected
The sensor cannot detect plastic obstacles such as traffic cones. There may also be occa-
sions when the sensor cannot de tect pedestrians, animals, bicycles, motorcycles, trees,
or snowdrifts.
■Situations in which the pre-collision system does not function properly
The system may not function effectively in situations such as the following:
●On roads with sharp bends or uneven surfaces
●If a vehicle suddenly moves in front of yo ur vehicle, such as at an intersection
●If a vehicle suddenly cuts in front of your vehicle, such as when overtaking
●In inclement weather such as heavy rain, fog, snow or sand storms
●If the vehicle is skidding when VSC is not operating
●When your vehicle is steeply inclined
●When only part of your vehicle’s front end collides with, or contacts, a vehicle or object
in a frontal collision
●When the radar sensor moves off position du e to its surrounding area being subjected
to a strong impact
●When an obstacle suddenly appears in front of the vehicle due to the steering wheel
being turned sharply or another cause
■Automatic cancelation of the pre-collision system
When a malfunction occurs due to sensor cont amination, etc. that results in the sensors
being unable to detect obstac les, the pre-collision system will be automatically disabled.
In this case, the system will not activate even if there is a collision possibility.
3114-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
WARNING
■Limitations of the pre-collision system
●The driver is solely responsible for safe driving. Always drive safely, taking care to
observe your surroundings.
Do not use the pre-collision system instea d of normal braking operations under any
circumstances. This system will not prevent collisions or lessen damage or injuries in
all cases. Do not overly rely on this syst em. Failure to do so may cause an accident,
resulting in death or serious injury.
●This system has been designed to help av oid and reduce the impact of collisions.
However, the system operates differently depending on the situation ( →P. 308,
309). As a result, the same level of performance may not be expected in all cases.
Also, the pre-collision brakes may not operate if the driver is depressing the brake
pedal or turning the steering wheel, as the system will determine such conditions as
collision avoidance operations.
●As the pre-collision system is designed to assist the driver in safe driving, it may oper-
ate under sporty driving conditions, whic h may cause an accident. For this reason
under sporty driving conditions, it is reco mmended that this system be disabled by
using the PCS OFF switch.
■Handling the radar sensor
Observe the following to ensure the pre-co llision system can function effectively.
Otherwise, the system may not function correctly and could result in an accident.
●Keep the sensor and grille cover clean at all times.
Clean the sensor and grille cover with a soft cloth so you do not mark or damage
them.
●Do not subject the sensor or surrounding area to a strong impact.
If the sensor moves even s lightly off position, the system may become inaccurate or
malfunction. If the sensor or surrounding area is subject to a strong impact, always
have the area inspected and adjusted by your Lexus dealer.
●Do not disassemble the sensor.
●Do not attach accessories or stickers to the sensor, grille cover or surrounding area.
●Do not modify or paint the sensor and grille cover.
●If the radar sensor needs to be replaced, contact your Lexus dealer.
3324-6. Driving tips
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 me lt the ice. Wipe away the water imme-
diately to prevent it from freezing.
●To ensure proper operation of the c limate 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, chassi s, 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 sa fe distance between you and the vehicle
ahead, and drive at a reduced spee d suitable to road conditions.
●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
the vehicle is parked without setting the parking brake, make sure to block the
wheels.
Failure to do so may be dangerous because it may cause the vehicle to move
unexpectedly, possibly leading to an accident.
●If the vehicle is parked without setting the parking brake, confirm that the shift
lever cannot be moved out of P
*.
*: The shift lever will be locked if it is atte mpted to be shifted from P to any other posi-
tion without depressing the brake pedal. If the shift lever can be shifted from P, there
may be a problem with the shift lock sy stem. Have the vehicle inspected by your
Lexus dealer immediately.
Before driving the vehicle
When driving the vehicle
When parking the vehicle
4817-1. Maintenance and care
7
Maintenance and care
■Automatic car washes (vehicles with CFRP parts)
Do not use automatic car washes as they may scratch the CFRP parts and damage the
paint.
■High pressure car washes
●Do not allow the nozzles of the car wash to come within close proximity of the windows.
●Before using the car wash, check that the fuel filler door on your vehicle is closed prop-
erly.
■When using a car wash
If the door handle becomes wet while the electronic key is within the effective range, the
door may lock and unlock repeatedly. In that case, follow the following correction proce-
dures to wash the vehicle:
●Place the key in a position 6 ft. (2 m) or more separate from the vehicle while the vehi-
cle is being washed. (Take care to ensure that the key is not stolen.)
●Set the electronic key to battery-saving mode to disable the sm art access system with
push-button start. ( →P. 154)
■Aluminum wheels
●Remove any dirt immediately by using a neut ral detergent. Do not use hard brushes or
abrasive cleaners. Do not use stro ng or harsh chemical cleaners.
Use the same mild detergent and wax as used on the paint.
●Do not use detergent on the wheels when they are hot, for example after driving a long
distance in hot weather.
●Wash detergent from the wheels immediately after use.
■Brake
●Painted brake calipers (if equipped)
• When using detergent, use ne utral detergent. Do not use hard brushes or abrasive
cleaners, as they will damage the paint.
• Do not use detergent on the brake calipers when they are hot.
• Wash detergent off immediately after use.
●RC F: Rust may form if the vehicle is parked with wet brake pads or disc rotors, causing
them to stick. Before parking the vehicle after it is washed, drive slowly and apply the
brakes several times to dry the parts.
■Bumpers
Do not scrub with abrasive cleaners.
■Side windows water-repelle nt coating (if equipped)
●The following precautions can extend the effectiveness of the water-repellent coating.
• Remove any dirt, etc. from the side windows regularly.
• Do not allow dirt and dust to accumulate on the windows for a long period.
Clean the windows with a soft, damp cloth as soon as possible.
• Do not use wax or glass cleaners that co ntain abrasives when cleaning the windows.
• Do not use any metallic objects to remove condensation build up.
●When the water-repellent performance has become insufficient, the coating can be
repaired. Contact your Lexus dealer.
4927-2. 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, is the vehicle securely stopped?
Brake pedal
• Does the brake pedal move smoothly?
• Does the brake pedal have appropriate clearance
from the floor? ( →P. 651)
• Does the brake pedal have the correct amount of
free play? ( →P. 651)
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 no t get too close to the floor
when the brakes are applied.
Head restraints
(RC350/RC300/
RC200t)• Do the head restraints move smoothly and lock securely?
Indicators/buzzers• Do the indicators and buzzers function properly?
Lights• Do all the lights come on?
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 belts 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 offree play?
• There should not be any strange sounds coming from the steering wheel.