2018 LEXUS LS500 ABS

260 4-5. Using the driving support systems
LS500_OM_OM50F54U_(U) ●
A shift position other than P is selected.■
Setting the buzzer volume
The buzzer volume can be adjusted on the
multi-information display. ( → P.257)■
If “Parking Assist Unavailable Clean
Parking Assist Sensor” is displayed on
the multi-inform ation display
A sensor may be covered with ice, snow,
dirt, etc. Remove the ice, snow, dirt, etc.,
from the sensor to return the system to nor-
mal.
Also, due to ice forming on a sensor at low
temperatures, a warning message may be
displayed or the sensor may not be able to
detect an object. Once the ice melts, the
system will return to normal. ■
Sensor detectio n information●
The following situations may occur
during use.
• Depending on the shape of the object
and other factors, the detection distance
may shorten, or detection may be impos-
sible.
• There will be a short delay between
object detection and display. Even at low
speeds, there is a possibility that the
object will come within the sensor’s
detection areas before the display is
shown and the warning beep sounds.
• It might be difficult to hear the buzzer due
to the volume of the audio system or air
flow noise of the air conditioning system.■
Conditions under which the function
may not function correctly
Certain vehicle conditions and the sur-
rounding environment may affect the ability
of a sensor to correctly detect objects. Par-
ticular instances where this may occur are
listed below.
●
There is dirt, snow or ice on a sensor.
(Cleaning the sensors will resolve this
problem.)
●
A sensor is frozen. (Thawing the area will
resolve this problem.)
In especially cold weather, if a sensor is
frozen the sensor display may be dis-
played abnormally, or objects, such as a
wall, may not be detected.
●
A sensor is covered in any way. ●
When a sensor or the area around a sen-
sor is extremely hot or cold. ●
On an extremely bumpy road, on an
incline, on gravel, or on grass. ●
The vicinity of the vehicle is noisy due to
vehicle horns, motorcycle engines, air
brakes of large vehicles, or other loud
noises producing ultrasonic waves. ●
There is another vehicle equipped with
parking assist sensors in the vicinity. ●
A sensor is coated with a sheet of spray
or heavy rain. ●
If a sensor is hit by a large amount of
water, such as when driving on a flooded
road. ●
If the vehicle is significantly tilted. ●
The vehicle is approaching a tall or
curved curb. ●
If objects draw too close to the sensor. ■
Objects which may not be properly
detected
The shape of the object may prevent the
sensor from detectin g it. Pay particular
attention to the following objects: ●
Wires, fences, ropes, etc. ●
Cotton, snow and other materials that
absorb sound waves ●
Sharply-angled objects ●
Low objects ●
Tall objects with upper sections project-
ing outwards in the direction of your vehi-
cle
People may not be de tected if they are
wearing certain types of clothing.

294 4-5. Using the driving support systems
LS500_OM_OM50F54U_(U) ■
ECB (Electronically Controlled
Brake System) (if equipped)
The electronically controlled system
generates braking force correspond-
ing to the brake operation ■
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 brak-
ing 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 sudden ly or turning on
slippery road surfaces. ■
Secondary Collision Brake
When the airbag sensor detects a colli-
sion, the brakes and brake lights are
automatically controlled to reduce the vehicle speed and that helps reduce
the possibility of further damage due to
a secondary collision. ■
TRAC (Traction Control)
Helps to maintain drive power and pre-
vent the drive wheels from spinning
when starting the vehicle or accelerat-
ing on slippery roads ■
Hill-start assist control
Helps to reduce the backward move-
ment of the vehicle when starting on an
uphill ■
VGRS (Variable Gear Ratio Steer-
ing) (if equipped)
Adjusts the front wheel turning angle in
accordance with the vehicle speed and
steering wheel movement ■
DRS (Dynamic Rear Steering) (if
equipped)
Contributes to the turning characteris-
tics and responsiveness of the vehicle
by adjusting the rear wheel angle of the
vehicle in accordance with steering
wheel movement. ■
EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce
the amount of effort needed to turn the
steering wheel. ■
Active stabilizer suspension sys-
tem (if equipped)
Reduces sway when cornering accord-
ing to steering wheel movement in
order to maintain a stable vehicle pos-
ture.Driving assist systems To keep driving safety and perfor-
mance, the following systems oper-
ate automatically in response to
various driving situations. Be aware,
however, that these systems are
supplementary and should not be
relied upon too heavily when oper-
ating the vehicle.
Summary of the driving assist
systems

2954-5. Using the driving support systems
LS500_OM_OM50F54U_(U) 4
Driving ■
Adaptive Variable Suspension Sys-
tem (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 supe-
rior vehicle stabilit y, and helps good
vehicle posture.
Also, the damping force changes
depending on the selected driving
mode. ( → P.289)■
LDH (Lexus Dynamic Handling
system) (if equipped)
Provides integrated control of the
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 Inte-
grated Management)
Provides integrated control of the
ABS, brake assist, TRAC, VSC,
hill-start assist control, EPS, VGRS (if
equipped), DRS (if equipped), active
stabilizer suspension system (if
equipped) and Adaptive Variable Sus-
pension System (if equipped)
Helps to maintain vehicle stability when
swerving on slippery road surfaces by
controlling the brakes, engine output,
steering assist, and steering ratio ■
When the TRAC/VSC systems are
operating (vehicles without Lexus
Safety System+A)
The slip indicator light will flash while the
TRAC/VSC systems are operating.
■
When the TRAC/VSC/ABS systems are
operating (vehicles with Lexus Safety
System+A)
The slip indicator light will flash while the
TRAC/VSC/ABS systems are operating.
■
Disabling the TRAC system
If the vehicle gets stuck in mud, dirt or snow,
the TRAC system may reduce power from
the engine to the wheels. Pressing the
switch to turn the system off may make it
easier for you to rock the vehicle in order to
free it.
To turn the TRAC system off, quickly press
and release the switch.
The “Traction Co ntrol Turned Off” will be
shown on the multi-information display.
Press the switch ag ain to turn the sys-
tem back on.

296 4-5. Using the driving support systems
LS500_OM_OM50F54U_(U) ■
Disabling both TRAC and VSC systems
To turn the TRAC and VSC systems off,
press and hold the switch for more
than 3 seconds while the vehicle is stopped.
The VSC OFF indicator light will come on
and the “Traction Cont rol Turned Off” will
be shown on the mult i-information display. *
Press the switch again to turn the sys-
tem back on. *
: On vehicles with PCS (Pre-Collision
System), PCS will also be disabled (only
Pre-Collision warning is available). The
PCS warning light will come on and a
message will be displayed on the
multi-information display. ( → P.210, 217)■
When the message is displayed on the
multi-information display showing that
TRAC has been disabled even if the
switch has not been pressed
TRAC cannot be operated. Contact your
Lexus dealer. ■
Operating conditions of hill-start assist
control
When the following four conditions are met,
the hill-start assist control will operate:
●
The shift position is in a position other
than P or N (when stating off for-
ward/backward on an upward incline)
●
The vehicle is stopped
●
The accelerator pedal is not depressed
●
The parking brake is not engaged
■
Automatic system cancelation of
hill-start assist control
The hill-start assist control will turn off in any
of the following situations: ●
Shift the shift position to P or N ●
The accelerator pedal is depressed ●
The parking brake is engaged ●
2 seconds at maximum elapsed after the
brake pedal is released ■
VGRS is disabled when
VGRS may stop operat ing 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 dis-
abled 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. How-
ever, the position will return to normal after
VGRS is reactivated. ■
When the battery is disconnected (vehi-
cles with VGRS)
The steering wheel may move from its
straight forward position, but this will be
corrected automatically when driving. ■
Sounds and vibrations caused by the
ABS, brake assist, VSC, TRAC, hill-start
assist control and VGRS 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
systems.
●
Any of the following conditions may
occur when the above systems are oper-
ating. None of these indicates that a mal-
function has occurred.
• Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle
body and steering.
• A motor sound may be heard also after
the vehicle comes to a stop.
• Vehicles without Lexus Safety Sys-
tem+A: The brake pedal may pulsate
slightly after the ABS is activated.

2974-5. Using the driving support systems
LS500_OM_OM50F54U_(U) 4
Driving • Vehicles without Lexus Safety Sys-
tem+A: The brake pedal may move down
slightly after the ABS is activated.■
ECB operating 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
operated.●
Motor sound 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 engine.■
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 TRAC and
VSC systems
After turning the TRAC and VSC systems
off, the systems will be automatically
re-enabled in the following situations: ●
When the engine switch is turned off●
If only the TRAC system is turned off, the
TRAC will turn on when vehicle speed
increases
If both the TRAC and VSC systems are
turned off, automatic re-enabling will not
occur when vehicle speed increases.■
Reduced effectiveness of the EPS sys-
tem
The effectiveness of the EPS system is
reduced to prevent the system from over-
heating when there is frequent steering
input over an extended period of time. The
steering wheel may feel heavy as a result.
Should this occur, re frain from excessive
steering input or stop the vehicle and turn
the engine off. The EPS system should
return to normal within 10 minutes.
■
Secondary Collision Brake operating
conditions
The vehicle speed is approximately 6 mph
(10 km/h) or more and the airbag sensor detects a collision. (The Secondary Colli-
sion Brake will not operate when the vehicle
speed is below approximately 6 mph [10
km/h].) ■
Secondary Collision Brake automatic
cancellation
The Secondary Collision Brake is automati-
cally canceled in the following situations: ●
The vehicle speed drops below approxi-
mately 6 mph (10 km/h) ●
A certain amount of time elapses during
operation ●
The accelerator pedal is depressed a
large amount ■
When “Check VGRS System” or
“CHECK DRS” is displayed on the
multi-information display
The VGRS or DRS may not operate prop-
erly. Have the vehicle inspected by your
Lexus dealer.
WARNING■
The ABS does not operate effectively
when ●
The limits of tire gripping performance
have been exceeded (such as exces-
sively 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
operating may exceed that of normal
conditions
The ABS is not designed to shorten the
vehicle’s stopping di stance. Always main-
tain 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

298 4-5. Using the driving support systems
LS500_OM_OM50F54U_(U) WARNING■
TRAC/VSC may not operate effec-
tively when
Directional control and power may not
be achievable while driving on slippery
road surfaces, even if the TRAC/VSC
system is operating. Drive the vehicle
carefully in conditions where stability and
power may be lost. ■
Hill-start assist control does not oper-
ate effectively when●
Do not overly rely on hill-start assist
control. Hill-start assist control may
not operate effectively on steep
inclines and roads covered with ice.●
Unlike the parking brake, hill-start
assist control is not intended to hold
the vehicle stationary for an extended
period of time. Do not attempt to use
hill-start assist control to hold the vehi-
cle on an incline, as doing so may lead
to an accident.■
When the TRAC/VSC is activated
(vehicles without Lexus Safety Sys-
tem+A)
The slip indicator light flashes. Always
drive carefully. Re ckless driving may
cause an accident. Exercise particular
care when the indicator light flashes.
■
When the TRAC/ABS/VSC is acti-
vated (vehicles with Lexus Safety Sys-
tem+A)
The slip indicator light flashes. Always
drive carefully. Re ckless driving may
cause an accident. Exercise particular
care when the indicator light flashes.
■
When the TRAC/VSC systems are
turned off
Be especially careful and drive at a speed
appropriate to the road conditions. As
these are the system s to help ensure
vehicle stability and driving force, do not
turn the TRAC/VSC systems off unless
necessary. ■
Secondary Collision Brake
Do not overly rely on the Secondary Col-
lision Brake. This system is designed to
help reduce the possibility of further
damage due to a secondary collision,
however, that effect changes according
to various conditions. Overly relying on
the system may result in death or serious
injury. ■
Replacing tires
Make sure that all ti res are of the speci-
fied size, brand, tread pattern and total
load capacity. In addition, make sure that
the tires are inflated to the recom-
mended tire inflation pressure level.
The ABS, TRAC and VSC systems will
not function correctly if different tires are
installed on the vehicle.
Contact your Lexus dealer for further
information when replacing tires or
wheels. ■
Handling of tires and the suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or
modifying the suspensi on will affect the
driving assist systems, and may cause a
system to malfunction.

3796-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
LS500_OM_OM50F54U_(U) 6
Maintenance and care ■
Removing the service cover
1 Pull up the passenger side end of
the rubber strip to disengage it
from the vehicle body.
2 Remove the service cover.Push the tabs and lift away the service
cover.
■
Installing the service cover
1 Install the service cover.Make sure to engage the claws on the
windshield side of the service cover when
installing the service cover. 2 Engage the rubber strip to the vehi-
cle body.
With the engine at operating tempera-
ture and turned off, check the oil level
on the dipstick. ■
Checking the engine oil
1 Park the vehicle on level ground.
After warming up the engine and
turning it off, wait more than 5 min-
utes for the oil to drain back into the
bottom of the engine.
2 Holding a rag under the end, pull
the dipstick out.
 2WD models
 AWD modelsService cover NOTICE■
Checking the service cover after
installation
Make sure that the cover is securely
installed in its original position.
Checking and adding the engine
oil

3836-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
LS500_OM_OM50F54U_(U) 6
Maintenance and care ■
Checking fluid level
The brake fluid level should be
between the “MAX” and “MIN” lines
on the tank.
■
Adding fluid
Make sure to check the fluid type and
prepare the necessary item.
 Fluid type FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703
brake fluid
FMVSS No.116 DOT 4 or SAE J1704
brake fluid
 Item Clean funnel
■
Brake fluid can absorb moisture from
the air
Excess moisture in the brake fluid can cause
a dangerous loss of braking efficiency. Use
only newly opened brake fluid. If any washer does not work or the
warning message appears on the
multi-information display, the washer
tank may be empty. Add washer fluid.WARNING■
When the engine is hot
Do not touch the radiator, condenser,
intercooler radiator or intercooler sub
radiator as they may be hot and cause
serious injuries, such as burns.
Checking and adding the brake
fluid WARNING■
When filling the reservoir
Take care as brake fluid can harm your
hands and eyes and damage painted sur-
faces.
If fluid gets on your hands or in your eyes,
flush the affected area with clean water
immediately.
If you still experience discomfort, see a
doctor.
NOTICE■
If the fluid level is low or high
It is normal for the brake fluid level to go
down slightly as the brake pads wear out
or when the fluid leve l in the accumulator
is high.
If the reservoir need s frequent refilling,
there may be a serious problem.
Adding the washer fluid
WARNING
■
When adding washer fluid
Do not add washer fluid when the engine
is hot or running as washer fluid contains
alcohol and may catch fire if spilled on
the engine, etc.