3464-5. Using the driving support systems
RC200t_RC F_EE(OM24728E)
RC200t (vehicles with Adaptive Variable Suspension System)
Normal mode
Provides an optimal balance of fuel ec onomy, quietness, and dynamic perfor-
mance. Suitable for city driving.
Press the switch to change the driving mode to normal mode when Eco drive mode or sport mode is selected.
Eco drive mode
Helps the driver accelerate in an eco-friendly manner and improve fuel econ-
omy through moderate throttle characteristics and by controlling the opera-
tion of the air conditioning system (heating/cooling).
When not in Eco drive mode, if the driving mode select switch is turned to the left, the Eco drive mode indicator will come on.
Sport mode
•SPORT S mode
Controls the transmission and engine to provide quick, powerful accelera-
tion. This mode is suitable for when agile driving response is desired, such
as when driving on roads with many curves.
When not in SPORT S mode, if the drivin g mode select switch is turned to the right, the “SPORT S” indicator will come on.
•SPORT S+ mode
Helps to ensure steering performanc e and driving stability by simultane-
ously controlling the steering and susp ension in addition to the transmis-
sion and engine. Suitable for sportier driving.
When in SPORT S mode, if th e driving mode select switch is turned to the right, the “SPORT S+” indicator will come on.
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3484-5. Using the driving support systems
RC200t_RC F_EE(OM24728E)
Sport mode
•SPORT S mode
Controls the transmission and engine to provide quick, powerful accelera-
tion. Also, gear shift timing is controlled to suit sporty driving, making this
mode is suitable for when agile driving response is desired, such as when
driving on roads with many curves.
When not in SPORT S mode, if the drivin g mode select switch is turned to the right, the “SPORT S” indicator will come on.
•SPORT S+ mode
Provides earlier downshift timing than SPORT S mode in order to maintain
a high engine speed and provides faster gear changes. This mode also
changes the steering feel, suspension control and VDIM control, making it
suitable for powerful sporty driving.
When in SPORT S mode, if th e driving mode select switch is turned to the right,
the “SPORT S+” indicator will come on.
■Operation of the air conditioning system in Eco drive mode
Eco drive mode controls the heating/cooling operations and fan speed of the air condi- tioning system to enhance fuel efficiency ( P. 478). To improve air conditioning perfor- mance, adjust the fan speed or turn off Eco drive mode.
■Sport mode automatic deactivation
Sport mode is automatically deactivated if the engine switch is turned off after driving in sport mode.
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3494-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
RC200t_RC F_EE(OM24728E)
◆ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied suddenly, or if the
brakes are applied while driving on a slippery road surface
◆Brake assist
Generates an increased level of braking force after the brake pedal is
depressed when the system detects a panic stop situation
◆VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)
Helps the driver to control skidding when swerving suddenly or turning on
slippery road surfaces
◆VSC+ (Vehicle Stability Control+)
Provides cooperative control of the ABS, TRC, VSC and EPS.
Helps to maintain directional stability when swerving on slippery road sur-
faces by controlling steering performance.
◆TRC (Traction Control)
Helps to maintain drive power and prevent the drive wheels from spinning
when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads
◆Hill-start assist control
Helps to prevent the vehicle from rolling backward when starting on an incline
or slippery slope
◆EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed to turn the
steering wheel
Driving assist systems
To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following systems oper-
ate automatically in response to various driving situations. Be aware, however,
that these systems are suppl ementary and should not be relied upon too heav-
ily when operating the vehicle.
3534-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
RC200t_RC F_EE(OM24728E)
■When the message is displayed on the multi-information display showing that TRC has
been disabled even if ( ) has not been pressed (RC200t)
TRC and hill-start assist control cannot be operated. Contact any authorized Lexus
dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional.
■When the “TRC OFF” indicator light comes on even if ( ) has not been
pressed (RC F)
TRC and hill-start assist control cannot be operated. Contact any authorized Lexus
dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional.
■Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, TRC, 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 st arted 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 occu r 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 slig htly after the ABS is activated.
■EPS operation sound
When the steering wheel is operated, a motor sound may be heard. This does not indi-
cate a malfunction.
■Reactivation of the TRC/VSC systems
Even after the TRC/VSC systems have been turned off, turning the engine off and then
on again will automatically reactivate the TRC/VSC systems.
■Reactivation of the TRC system linked to vehicle speed
When only the TRC system is turned off, th e TRC system will turn on when vehicle speed
increases. However, when both TRC and VSC systems are turned off, the systems will
not turn on even when vehicle speed increases.
■Reduced effectiveness of the EPS system
The effectiveness of the EPS system is redu ced 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 off. The EPS system should return to normal
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 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.
3594-5. Using the driving support systems
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Driving
RC200t_RC F_EE(OM24728E)
■Obstacles not detected
The sensor cannot detect plastic obstacles such as traffic cones. There may also be occa- sions when the sensor cannot detect pedestrians, animals, bicycles, motorcycles, trees,
or snowdrifts.
■Situations in which the pre-crash safe ty 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 your 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 due 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-crash safety system
When a malfunction occurs due to sensor contamination, etc. that results in the sensors being unable to detect obstacles, the pre-crash safety system will be automatically dis-
abled. In this case, the system will not activ ate even if there is a collision possibility.
■When there is a malfunction in the system or if the system is temporarily unusable
The pre-crash safety system warning light will flash and warning messages will be dis- played. ( P. 592, 604)
3624-5. Using the driving support systems
RC200t_RC F_EE(OM24728E)
WARNING
■Limitations of the pre-crash safety system
●The driver is solely responsible for safe driving. Always drive safely, taking care to observe your surroundings.
Do not use the pre-crash safety system in stead of normal braking operations under any circumstances. This system will not pr event collisions or lessen damage or inju- ries in all cases. Do not overly rely on this system. Failure to do so may cause an acci-
dent, resulting in death or serious injury.
●This system has been designed to help avoid and reduce the impact of collisions. However, the system operates differently depending on the situation ( P. 358,
358). As a result, the same level of perf ormance may not be expected in all cases. Also, the pre-crash safety brakes may not oper ate if the driver is depressing the brake pedal or turning the steering wheel, as th e system will determine such conditions as
collision avoidance operations.
●As the pre-crash safety system is designed to assist the driver in safe driving, it may operate under sporty driving conditions, which may cause an accident. For this rea-
son under sporty driving conditions, it is recommended that this system be disabled by using the PCS OFF switch.
■Handling the radar sensor
Observe the following to ensure the pre-crash safety 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 slightly off po sition, the system may become inaccurate or malfunction. If the sensor or surrounding area is subject to a strong impact, alwayshave the area inspected and adjusted by an y authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or
another duly qualified an d equipped professional.
●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 any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional.
3824-5. Using the driving support systems
RC200t_RC F_EE(OM24728E)
With the engine switch in IGNITION
ON mode, pressing the TVD switch
changes the TVD control mode.
The current TVD control mode will be
displayed on the meters.
STANDARD mode
This is the default mode and pro-
vides an optimum balance of driving
agility and stability.
SLALOM mode
This mode emphasizes enhanced
steering response.
TRACK mode
This mode emphasizes stability for
high speed sporty driving.
The multi-information display shows the distribution of driving force between the
right and left rear wheels. ( P. 139)
TVD (Torque Vectoring Differential)
: If equipped
The TVD system distributes driving fo rce (torque) between the right and left
rear wheels automatically. This system contributes to enhanced steering
response while cornering and increased traction when exiting a corner, pro-
viding an agile driving experience.
Changing TVD control modes
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TVD control status on the multi-information display
3874-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
RC200t_RC F_EE(OM24728E)
■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 rear tires. Do not install tire chains on the front tires.
●Install tire chains on rear tires as tightly as possible. Retighten chains after driving 0.5 1.0 km (1/4 1/2 mile).
●Install tire chains following the instructions provided with the tire chains.
WARNING
■Driving with snow tires
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents. Failure to do so may result in a loss of vehicle control and cause death or serious injury.
●Use tires of the specified size.
●Maintain the recommended level of air pressure.
●Do not drive at speeds in excess of the speed limit or the speed limit specified for the snow tires being used.
●Use snow tires on all, not just some wheels.
■Driving with tire chains
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in the vehicle being unable to be driven safely, and may cause death or serious injury.
●Do not drive in excess of the speed limit spec ified for the tire chains being used, or 50
km/h (30 mph), whichever is lower.
●Avoid driving on bumpy road surfaces or over potholes.
●Avoid sudden acceleration, abrupt steering, sudden braking and shifting operations
that cause sudden engine braking.
●Slow down sufficiently before entering a curve to ensure that vehicle control is main- tained.
●Vehicles with LDA (Lane Departure Alert): Do not use the LDA system.
NOTICE
■Repairing or replacing snow tires
Request repairs or replacement of snow ti res from Lexus dealers or legitimate tire retailers.
This is because the removal and attachment of snow tires affects the operation of the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters.
■Fitting tire chains
The tire pressure warning valves and transmitters may not function correctly when tire chains are fitted.