Page 302 of 660
3024-5. Using the driving support systems
IS350 AWD/IS350/IS300 AWD/IS300_U
◆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. 298)
◆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
Page 304 of 660

3044-5. Using the driving support systems
IS350 AWD/IS350/IS300 AWD/IS300_U
■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
■Automatic system cancelation of hill-start assist control
The hill-start assist control will turn off in any of the following situations:
●The shift lever is shifted to P or N
●The accelerator pedal is depressed
●The parking brake is engaged
●Approximately 2 seconds elapse af ter the brake pedal is released
■When the battery is disconnected
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 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 started 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 occur 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 also 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 s lightly after the ABS is activated.
■EPS 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 swit ch 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 system
The effectiveness of the EPS system is reduced 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.
Page 305 of 660

3054-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
IS350 AWD/IS350/IS300 AWD/IS300_U
WARNING
■The ABS does not operate effectively when
●The limits of tire gripping performance have been exceeded (such as excessively
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 vehi cle’s stopping distance. Always maintain a
safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, especially in the following situations:
●When driving on dirt, grav el 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
■TRAC/VSC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable wh ile 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 operate 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 exte nded period of time. Do not atte mpt to use hill-start assist con-
trol to hold the vehicle on an incline, as doing so may lead to an accident.
■When the VSC is activated
The slip indicator light flashes. Always drive carefully. Reckless 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 systems to help ensure vehicle stability and driving force, do not turn the
TRAC/VSC systems off unless necessary.
■Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the specified size, brand, tread pattern and total load
capacity. In addition, make sure that the tire s are inflated to the recommended tire infla-
tion 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 in formation when replacing tires or wheels.
■Handling of tires and the suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modi fying the suspension will affect the driving
assist systems, and may cause a system to malfunction.
Page 481 of 660

4817-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
IS350 AWD/IS350/IS300 AWD/IS300_U
■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 items.
■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.
Brake fluid
Fluid typeSAE J1703 or FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 brake fluid
Items Clean funnel
WARNING
■When filling the reservoir
Take care as brake fluid can harm your hands and eyes and damage painted surfaces.
If fluid gets on your hands or in your eyes, flush the affected area with clean water
immediately.
If you still experience di scomfort, 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 level in the accumulator is high.
If the reservoir needs frequent ref illing, there may be a serious problem.
Page 500 of 660
5007-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
IS350 AWD/IS350/IS300 AWD/IS300_U
Turn the engine switch off.
Open the glove box. Lift up the side
with the stay, disconnect the stay
tabs and remove the partition by
pulling horizontally.
Press the tabs and remove the filter
cover.
Press the tabs and remove the filter
case.
Air conditioning filter
The air conditioning filter must be ch anged regularly to maintain air condi-
tioning efficiency.
Removal method
1
2
3
4
Page 509 of 660
5097-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
7
Maintenance and care
IS350 AWD/IS350/IS300 AWD/IS300_U
■Rear turn signal lightsOpen the trunk, and remove the
cover.
Remove the 2 screws.
Push and pull the light unit toward
the rear of the vehicle as shown in
the illustration to remove it.
Apply protective tape to the periph-
eral of the light un it installation sur-
face on the vehicle body, such as the
rear bumper, to protect the vehicle
from damage.
Pushing on the portion A in the illus-
tration toward the rear of the vehicle
will make disengagement of the tabs
easier.
Turn the bulb base counterclock-
wise.
1
2
3
4
Page 510 of 660
5107-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
IS350 AWD/IS350/IS300 AWD/IS300_U
Remove the light bulb.
Install a new light bulb then install
the bulb base to the light unit by
inserting it and turning the bulb
base clockwise.
After installing the light bulb, turn on
the rear turn signal light to visually
check that there is no light leaking
from the bulb base.
Align the tabs and push the light
unit toward the front of the vehicle
to install it.
Remove the protective tape applied
to the peripheral of the light unit
installation surface on the vehicle
body.
Install the 2 screws and cover.
5
6
7
8
Page 525 of 660

5258-2. Steps to take in an emergency
8
When trouble arises
IS350 AWD/IS350/IS300 AWD/IS300_U
If a warning light turns on or a warning buzzer
sounds
Calmly perform the following actions if any of the warning lights comes on or
flashes. If a light comes on or flashes, but then goes off, this does not necessar-
ily indicate a malfunction in the system. However, if this continues to occur,
have the vehicle inspecte d by your Lexus dealer.
Warning light and warning buzzer list
Warning lightWarning light/Details/Actions
(U.S.A.)
(Canada)
Brake system warning light Indicates that:
• The brake fluid level is low; or
• The brake system is malfunctioning
Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact your
Lexus dealer. Continuing to drive the vehicle may be dangerous.
(If equipped)
Charging system warning light
Indicates a malfunction in the vehicle’s charging system
Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact your
Lexus dealer.
(U.S.A.)
(Canada)
Malfunction indicator lamp Indicates a malfunction in:
• The electronic engine control system;
• The electronic throttle control system; or
• The electronic automatic transmission control system
Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
SRS warning light
Indicates a malfunction in:
• The SRS airbag system;
• The front passenger occupant classification system; or
• The seat belt pretensioner system
Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
(U.S.A.)
(Canada)
ABS warning light Indicates a malfunction in:
• The ABS; or
• The brake assist system
Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.