2924-5. Using the driving support systems
IS350 AWD/IS350/IS300 AWD/IS300_U(OM53E34U)
◆ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the br akes are applied suddenly, or if the
brakes are applied while drivin g on a slippery road surface
◆Brake assist
Generates an increased level of br aking force after the brake pedal is
depressed when the system detects a panic stop situation
◆VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)
Helps the driver to contro l skidding when swerving suddenly or turning on
slippery road surfaces.
◆Enhanced VSC (Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control)
Provides cooperative control of the ABS, TRAC, VSC and EPS.
Helps to maintain directional stability when swerving on slippery road sur-
faces by controlling steering performance.
◆TRAC (Traction Control)
Helps to maintain drive power and pr event the drive wheels from spinning
when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads
◆Hill-start assist control
Helps to reduce the backward movement of the vehicle when starting on an
uphill
Driving assist systems
To help enhance driving safety and perf ormance, the following systems oper-
ate automatically in response to variou s driving situations. Be aware, however,
that these systems are supplementary and should not be relied upon too heav-
ily when operating the vehicle.
2934-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
IS350 AWD/IS350/IS300 AWD/IS300_U(OM53E34U)
◆EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed to turn the
steering wheel.
◆Adaptive Variable Suspension system (if equipped)
Controls the damping force of the shock absorber of each wheel according to
the road and driving conditions, helpin g achieve a comfortable ride, excellent
driveability and a high level of stability.
If SPORT S+ mode is selected using the driving mode select switch, the
damping force will become more suitable for sporty driving.( →P. 289)
◆VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management)
Provides integrated control of the ABS, brake assist, TRAC, VSC, hill-start
assist control, and EPS systems
Helps to maintain vehicle stability when swerving on slippery road surfaces by
controlling the brakes and engine output
The slip indicator light will flash while
the TRAC/VSC systems are operating.
When the TRAC/VSC systems are operating
297
4
Driving
IS350 AWD/IS350/IS300 AWD/IS300_U(OM53E34U) 4-6. Driving tips
●Use fluids that are appropriate to
the prevailing outside temperatures.
•Engine oil
• Engine coolant
• Washer fluid
●Have a service technician inspect the condition of the battery.
●Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set of tire chains for
the rear tires.
*
Ensure that all tires are the specified size and brand, and that chains match the size
of the tires.
*: Tire chains cannot be mounted on the 18-inch tires.
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.
Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary preparations an d inspections before driving the vehi-
cle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropriate to the prevail-
ing weather conditions.
Preparation for winter
Before driving the vehicle
When driving the vehicle
4637-2. Maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
IS350 AWD/IS350/IS300 AWD/IS300_U(OM53E34U)
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. 592)
• Does the brake pedal have the correct amount of
free play? ( →P. 592)
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• 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
• Moves 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.
5138-1. Essential information
8
When trouble arises
IS350 AWD/IS350/IS300 AWD/IS300_U(OM53E34U)
Steadily step on the brake pedal with both feet and firmly depress it.
Do not pump the brake pedal repeatedly as this will increase the effort required to
slow the vehicle.
Shift the shift lever to N.
If the shift lever is shifted to N
After slowing down, stop the vehicle in a safe place by the road.
Stop the engine.
If the shift lever cannot be shifted to N
Keep depressing the brake pedal with both feet to reduce vehicle speed as
much as possible.
To stop the engine, press and hold
the engine switch for 2 consecutive
seconds or more, or press it briefly 3
times or more in succession.
Stop the vehicle in a safe place by the road.
If your vehicle has to be stopped in an emergency
Only in an emergency, such as if it becomes impossible to stop the vehicle in
the normal way, stop the vehicl e using the following procedure:
1
2
3
4
3
Press and hold for 2 seconds or more
or press briefly 3 times or more
4
WARNING
■If the engine has to be turned off while driving
Power assist for the brakes and steering wheel will be lost, making the brake pedal
harder to depress and the steering wheel heav ier to turn. Decelerate as much as possi-
ble before turning off the engine.
5
5168-2. Steps to take in an emergency
IS350 AWD/IS350/IS300 AWD/IS300_U(OM53E34U)
If your vehicle is transported by a flat-
bed truck, it should be tied down at the
locations shown in the illustration.
If you use chains or cables to tie down
your vehicle, the angles shaded in black
must be 45°.
Do not overly tighten the tie downs or
the vehicle may be damaged.
If a tow truck is not available in an em ergency, your vehicle may be temporarily
towed using cables or chains secured to the emergency towing eyelets. This
should only be attempted on hard surf aced roads for at most 50 miles (80 km)
at under 18 mph (30 km/h).
A driver must be in the vehicle to st eer and operate the brakes. The vehicle’s
wheels, drive train, axles, steering an d brakes must be in good condition.
Using a flatbed truck
Emergency towing
5188-2. Steps to take in an emergency
IS350 AWD/IS350/IS300 AWD/IS300_U(OM53E34U)
■While towing
If the engine is not running, the power assist for the brakes and steering will not function,
making steering and br aking more difficult.
■Wheel nut wrench
Wheel nut wrench is installed in the trunk. ( →P. 557)
WARNING
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.
■When towing the vehicle
2WD models
AWD models
Be sure to transport the vehicle with all four
wheels raised off the ground. If the vehicle is
towed with the tires contacting the ground, the
drivetrain and related parts may be damaged
or an accident may occur due to a change in
direction of the vehicle.
Be sure to transport the vehicle with all four
wheels raised off the ground. If the vehicle is
towed with the tires contacting the ground, the
drivetrain or related parts may be damaged,
the vehicle may fly off the truck.
5268-2. Steps to take in an emergency
IS350 AWD/IS350/IS300 AWD/IS300_U(OM53E34U)
■Electric power steering system warning light (warning buzzer)
When the battery charge becomes insufficien t or the voltage temporarily drops, the
electric power steering system warning li ght may come on and the warning buzzer may
sound.
■When the tire pressure warning light comes on
Check the tire inflation pressu re and adjust to the appropriate level. Pushing the tire
pressure warning reset switch will not tu rn off the tire pressure warning light.
■The tire pressure warning light may come on due to natural causes
The tire pressure warning light may come on due to natural causes such as natural air
leaks and tire inflation pressure changes caus ed by temperature. In this case, adjusting
the tire inflation pressure will turn off the warning light (after a few minutes).
■When a tire is replaced with the spare tire
The compact spare tire is not equipped with a tire pressure warning valve and transmit-
ter. If a tire goes flat, the tire pressure warning light will not turn off even though the flat
tire has been replaced with the spare tire.
■Conditions that the tire pressure wa rning system may not function properly
→ P. 488
■If the tire pressure warning light freque ntly comes on after blinking for 1 minute
If the tire pressure warning light frequently comes on after blinking for 1 minute when the
engine switch is turned to IGNITION ON mo de, have it checked by your Lexus dealer.
■Warning buzzer
In some cases, the buzzer may not be heard due to being in a noisy location or audio
sound.
WARNING
■If both the ABS and the brake sy stem warning lights remain on
Stop your vehicle in a safe place immediat ely and contact your Lexus dealer. The vehi-
cle will become extremely unstable during br aking, and the ABS system may fail, which
could cause an accident resultin g in death or serious injury.
■When the electric power steering system warning light comes on
The steering wheel may become extremely heavy.
When steering wheel operations are heavier than usual, grip the steering wheel firmly
and operate it using more force than usual.
■If the tire pressure warning light comes on
Be sure to observe the following precaution s. Failure to do so could cause a loss of
vehicle control and result in death or serious injury.
●Stop your vehicle in a safe place as soon as possible. Adjust the tire inflation pressure
immediately.
●If the tire pressure warning light comes on even after tire inflation pressure adjust-
ment, it is probable that you have a flat tire . Check the tires. If a tire is flat, change it
with the spare tire and have the flat tire repaired by the nearest Lexus dealer.
●Avoid abrupt maneuvering and braking. If the vehicle tires deteriorate, you could lose
control of the steering wheel or the brakes.
■If a blowout or sudden air leakage should occur
The tire pressure warning system may not activate immediately.