2018 LEXUS LS500 suspension

2934-5. Using the driving support systems
LS500_OM_OM50F54U_(U) 4
Driving The vehicle height may not increase, if the
vehicle height already reaches the
selected height.
The vehicle will return to its normal height
when the vehicle speed reaches approxi-
mately 12 mph (20 km/h).
When access mode control is disabled, the
parking height control will also be disabled.
 Parking height control (“Select
Parking Height”) When “High” is selected, the vehicle height
will automatically increase when the P shift
position is selected and a door is opened.
The vehicle height will increase by approxi-
mately 0.4 in. (10 mm) from its normal
position.
The vehicle height may not increase, if the
vehicle height already reaches the
selected height.
The vehicle will return to its normal height
when the vehicle speed reaches approxi-
mately 12 mph (20 km/h).
■
When the vehicle height has been
increased by the access mode control
function
Press the vehicle height adjustment switch
with the engine switch in any mode to return
the vehicle to its previous vehicle height. ■
Situations in which the access mode
control function will not operate
The access mode cont rol function will not
operate if the vehicle is not parked on a
level road surface.
The vehicle height control functions
can be disabled using the meter con-
trol switches. ( → P.77)
1 Press or to select . 2 Press or to select “Vehicle
Settings” and then press .
3 Press or to select
and then press .
4 Press or to select “Height
Control” and then press . This setting is memorized even if the
engine switch is turned off.
Even if the vehicle height control func-
tions are disabled, they will be enabled
automatically when the vehicle speed
reaches approximately 19 mph (30
km/h). ■
When “Check Air Suspension System”
is displayed on th e multi-information
display
The system may not operate properly. Have
the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer. ■
Customization
Some functions can be customized.
( → P.468)
Disabling the vehicle height con-
trol functions

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.

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.

2994-6. Driving tips
LS500_OM_OM50F54U_(U) 4
Driving 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 vehi-
cles with front and rear tires of differing
sizes.Winter driving tips Carry out the necessary prepara-
tions and inspections before driving
the vehicle in winter. Always drive
the vehicle in a manner appropriate
to the prevailing weather condi-
tions.
Preparation for winter
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 seri-
ous injury.
●
Use tires of the specified size.
●
Maintain the recommended level of air
pressure. ●
Do not drive in excess of 75 mph (120
km/h), regardless of the type of snow
tires being used. ●
Use snow tires on all, not just some
wheels. ■
When installing tire chains
Before installing tire chains, make sure to
disable all functions of the vehicle height
control of the electronically modulated
air suspension. Otherwise, the vehicle
height may change while installing the
tire chains and part or your body may be
caught under the vehicle, possibly caus-
ing injury. ( → P.293)■
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 specified for the tire chains being
used, or 30 mph (50 km/h), which-
ever is lower. ●
Avoid driving on bumpy road surfaces
or over potholes. ●
Avoid sudden acceleration, abrupt
steering, sudden br aking and shifting
operations that cause sudden engine
braking.
●
Slow down sufficiently before entering
a curve to ensure that vehicle control is
maintained.
●
Do not use LTA (Lane Tracing Assist)
system. (if equipped)
●
Do not use LKA (Lane-Keeping
Assist) system. (if equipped)

362 6-1. Maintenance and care
LS500_OM_OM50F54U_(U) 6-1.Maintenance and care
 Working from top to bottom, liber-
ally apply water to the vehicle body,
wheel wells and underside of the
vehicle to remove any dirt and dust.
 Wash the vehicle body using a
sponge or soft cloth, such as a
chamois.
 For hard-to-remove marks, use car
wash soap and rinse thoroughly with
water.
 Wipe away any water.
 Wax the vehicle when the water-
proof coating deteriorates. If water does not bead on a clean surface,
apply wax when the vehicle body is cool.
■
Self-restoring coat
The vehicle body has a self-restoring coat-
ing that is resistant to small surface
scratches caused in a car wash etc.
●
The coating lasts for 5 to 8 years from
when the vehicle is delivered from the
plant.
●
The restoration time differs depending on
the depth of the scratch and outside tem-
perature.
The restoration time may become
shorter when the coating is warmed by
applying warm water.
●
Deep scratches caused by keys, coins,
etc. cannot be restored.
●
Do not use wax that contains abrasives. ■
Automatic car washes ●
Before washing the vehicle:
• Fold the mirrors
• Turn off the power trunk opener and
closer (if equipped)
Start washing from the front of the vehicle.
Extend the mirrors before driving.●
Brushes used in automatic car washes
may scratch the vehicl e surface and harm
your vehicle’s paint. ■
High pressure car washes ●
Do not allow the nozzles of the car wash
to come within close proximity of the win-
dows and the air suspension unit (if
equipped). ●
Before using the car wash, check that the
fuel filler door on your vehicle is closed
properly. ■
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
procedures to wash the vehicle: ●
Place the key in a position 6 ft. (2 m) or
more separate from the vehicle while the
vehicle is being wash ed. (Take care to
ensure that the key is not stolen.) ●
Set the electronic key to battery-saving
mode to disable the smart access system
with push-button start. ( → P.108)■
Aluminum wheels ●
Remove any dirt immediately by using a
neutral detergent. ●
Wash detergent off with water immedi-
ately after use.
●
To protect the paint from damage, make
sure to observe the following precau-
tions.
• Do not use acidic, alkaline or abrasive
detergent
• Do not use hard brushes
• Do not use detergent on the wheels when
they are hot, such as after driving or park-
ing in hot weatherCleaning and protecting the
vehicle exterior Perform cleaning in a manner
appropriate to each component
and its material.
Cleaning instructions

364 6-1. Maintenance and care
LS500_OM_OM50F54U_(U) WARNING■
Precaution regarding the front
bumper (vehicles with Lexus Safety
System+A)
If the paint of the fr ont bumper is chipped
or scratched, the Lexus Safety System+A
may not function correctly. If this occurs,
consult your Lexus dealer. ■
Precaution regarding the rear
bumper
If the paint of the rear bumper is chipped
or scratched, the fo llowing systems may
not function correctly. If this occurs, con-
sult your Lexus dealer. ●
Lexus Safety System+A (if equipped)●
BSM (if equipped)●
RCTA (if equipped)●
PKSB (if equipped)
NOTICE■
To prevent paint deterioration and
corrosion on the body and compo-
nents (aluminum wheels, etc.)●
Wash the vehicle immediately in the
following cases:
• After driving near the sea coast
• After driving on salted roads
• If coal tar or tree sap is present on the
paint surface
• If dead insects, in sect droppings or
bird droppings are present on the
paint surface
• After driving in an area contaminated
with soot, oily smoke, mine dust, iron
powder or chemical substances
• If the vehicle becomes heavily soiled
with dust or mud
• If liquids such as benzene and gasoline
are spilled on the paint surface ●
If the paint is chipped or scratched,
have it repaired immediately. ●
To prevent the wheels from corroding,
remove any dirt and store in a place
with low humidity when storing the
wheels. ■
Cleaning the exterior lights ●
Wash carefully. Do not use organic
substances or scrub with a hard brush.
This may damage the surfaces of the
lights. ●
Do not apply wax to the surfaces of the
lights.
Wax may cause damage to the lenses. ■
When using an automatic car wash
Set the wiper switch to the off position.
If the wiper switch is in “AUTO”, the wip-
ers may operate and the wiper blades
may be damaged. ■
When using a high pressure car wash ●
When washing the vehicle, do not
spray the camera or its surrounding
area directly with a high pressure
washer. Shock applied from high pres-
sure water may cause the device to not
operate normally. ●
Do not bring the nozzle tip close to
boots (rubber or re sin manufactured
cover), connectors or the following
parts. The parts may be damaged if
they come into contact with high-pres-
sure water.
• Traction related parts
•Steering parts
• Suspension parts
• Brake parts

396 6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
LS500_OM_OM50F54U_(U)  Stop the vehicle in a safe place on a
hard, flat surface.
 Set the parking brake.
 Shift the shift position to P.
 Disabling the height control. (if
equipped) ( → P.293)
 Stop the engine. ■
Jack and tools
As your vehicle is equipped with run-flat
tires, the following tools for replacing a tire
are not included with your vehicle. They can
be purchased at your Lexus dealer. ●
Wheel nut wrench●
Jack●
Jack handleReplacing the tire When raising your vehicle with a
jack, position the jack correctly.
Improper placement may damage
your vehicle or cause injury.
If necessary tire replacement
seems difficult to perform, contact
your Lexus dealer.
Before jacking up the vehicle WARNING■
Using the tire jack
Observe the following precautions.
Improper use of the tire jack may cause
the vehicle to suddenly fall off the jack,
leading to death or serious injury. ●
Do not use the tire jack for any pur-
pose other than replacing tires or
installing and removing tire chains. ●
Do not use other tire jacks for replac-
ing tires on this vehicle. ●
Put the jack properly in its jack point. ●
Do not put any part of your body under
the vehicle while it is supported by the
jack. ●
Do not start the engine or drive the
vehicle while the vehicle is supported
by the jack. ●
Do not raise the vehicle while some-
one is inside. ●
When raising the vehicle, do not put an
object on or under the jack. ●
Do not raise the vehicle to a height
greater than that required to replace
the tire. ●
Use a jack stand if it is necessary to get
under the vehicle. ●
Make sure to disable all functions of
the vehicle height control of the elec-
tronically modulated air suspension
and then stopping the engine.
( → P.293)●
When lowering the vehicle, make sure
that there is no-one near the vehicle. If
there are people nearby, warn them
vocally before lowering.