2021 LEXUS LS500 power steering

3004-5. Using the driving support systems
Suitable for city driving.
When the shift position is in D, an appropri-
ate gear for sporty driving may automati-
cally be selected according to driver
performance and driving conditions.
•Custom mode
Allows you to drive with the powertrain,
chassis and air conditioning system func-
tions set to your preferred settings. Cus-
tom mode settings can only be changed on
the drive mode customization display of
the Center Display. ( P.316)
2 Comfort mode
By controlling the suspension, riding com-
fort is further enhanc ed. Suitable for city
driving.
When not in comfort mode and the driving
mode select switch is turned backward, the
comfort mode indicator comes on.
3 Eco drive mode
Helps the driver accelerate in an
eco-friendly manner and improve fuel
economy through moderate throttle char-
acteristics and by controlling the operation
of the air conditioning system (heat-
ing/cooling).
When in comfort mode, if the driving mode
select switch is turned backward, the Eco
drive mode indicator comes on.
4Sport mode
•Sport S mode
Controls the transmission and engine to
provide quick, powerful acceleration. 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 driving
mode select switch is turned forward, the
Sport S mode indicator comes on.
•Sport S+ mode
Helps to ensure stee ring performance and
driving stability by simultaneously con- trolling the steering and suspension in
addition to the transmission and engine.
Suitable for sportier driving.
When in Sport S mode, if the driving mode
select switch is turned forward, the Sport
S+ mode indicator comes on.
■If the driving mode select switch is oper-
ated while the opening screen is being
displayed
If the driving mode sele ct switch is operated
while the opening screen is being displayed,
the driving mode will be changed and the
meter display will chan ge accordingly after
the opening screen operation has com-
pleted.
■Operation of the air conditioning sys-
tem in Eco drive mode
Eco drive mode controls the heating/cool-
ing operations and fan speed of the air con-
ditioning system to enhance fuel efficiency.
To improve air condit ioning performance,
perform the following operations:
●Turn off eco air conditioning mode
(  P.328)
●Adjust the fan speed ( P.323)
●Turn off Eco drive mode
■Automatic deactivation of sport mode
and custom mode
If the engine switch is turned off after driv-
ing in sport mode or custom mode, the
drive mode will be changed to normal
mode.
■Driving mode pop-up display
When the driving mode is changed, the
selected driving mode will be temporarily
displayed on the side display. ( P.317)

3044-5. Using the driving support systems
■ECB (Electronically Controlled
Brake System) (vehicles with Lexus
Safety System + A)
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.
■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.
■Adaptive Variable Suspension Sys-
tem (if equipped)
By independently controlling the
damping force of th e shock absorbers
for each of the 4 wheels according to
the road and driving conditions, this
system helps riding comfort with supe-
rior vehicle stability, and helps good
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

3054-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
vehicle posture.
Also, the damping force changes
depending on the selected driving
mode. (P.299)
■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
■The Secondary Collision Brake
When the SRS airbag sensor detects a
collision and the system operates, the
brakes and stop lights are automati-
cally controlled to reduce the vehicle
speed and help redu ce the possibility
of further damage due to a secondary
collision.
■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.

4197-1. Essential information
7
When trouble arises
seconds or more, or press it briefly
3 times or more in succession.
5 Stop the vehicle in a safe place by
the road. 
Remove the seat belt first.
 If the door can be opened, open the
door and exit the vehicle.
 If the door can not be opened, open
the window using the power window
switch and exit the vehicle through
the window.
 If the window can not be opened
using the power window switch,
remain calm, wait until the water
level inside the vehicle rises to the
point that the water pressure inside
of the vehicle equals the water pres-
sure outside of the vehicle, and then
open the door and exit the vehicle.
WARNING
■If the engine has to be turned off while
driving
Power assist for the steering wheel will
be lost, making th e steering wheel
heavier to turn. Decelerate as much as
possible before turning off the engine.
If the vehicle is trapped in
rising water
In the event the vehicle is sub-
merged in water, remain calm and
perform the following.
WARNING
■Using an emergency hammer* for
emergency escape
The rear window of this vehicle can be
shattered by an emergency hammer
*
used for emergency escape, however,
since the windshield, front side windows
and rear side windows are laminated
glass they can not be shattered by an
emergency hammer
*.
*: Contact your Lexus dealer or after-
market accessory manufacturer for
further information about an emer-
gency hammer.

4247-2. Steps to take in an emergency
vehicle, the towing eyelet must be
installed to your vehicle. Install the tow-
ing eyelet using the following proce-
dure.
1Take out the phillips-head screw-
driver and towing eyelet.
Phillips-head screwdriver
Towing eyelet
2 Remove the eyelet cover using a
flathead screwdriver.
To protect the bodywork, place a rag
between the screwdriver and the vehicle
body as shown in the illustration.
3Insert the towing eyelet into the
hole and tighten partially by hand.
4 Tighten down the towing eyelet
securely using a phillips-head
screwdriver or hard metal bar.
5 Securely attach cables or chains to
the towing eyelet.
Take care not to damage the vehicle body.
6Enter the vehicle being towed and
start the engine.
If the engine does not start, turn the engine
switch to IGNITION ON mode.
7Shift the shift position to N and
release the parking brake.
Turn automatic mode off. ( P.187)
■While towing
If the engine is not running, the power assist
for the brakes and steering will not function,
making steering and braking more difficult.
■Wheel nut wrench
Wheel nut wrench can be purchased at
your Lexus dealer.
A
B

4307-2. Steps to take in an emergency
■Electric power steering system warning light (warning buzzer)
■Low fuel level warning light
■Driver’s and front passenger’s seat belt reminder light (warning buzzer)*
*: Driver’s seat belt warning buzzer:
The driver’s seat belt warning buzzer sounds to al ert the driver that his or her seat belt is not
fastened. Once the engine switch is turned to IGNITION ON mode, the buzzer sounds. If
the seat belt is still unfastened, the buzzer sounds intermittently for a certain period of time
after the vehicle reaches a certain speed.
Front passenger’s seat belt warning buzzer:
The front passenger’s seat belt warning buzzer sounds to alert the front passenger that his
or her seat belt is not fastened. If the seat be lt is unfastened, the buzzer sounds intermittenly
for a certain period of time after the vehicle reaches a certain speed.
Warning lightDetails/Actions
(red)
or
(yellow)
Indicates a malfunction in the EPS (Electric Power Steering) system
Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
Warning lightDetails/Actions
Indicates that remaining fuel is approximately 3.4 gal. (13 L, 2.8 Imp.
gal.) or less
 Refuel the vehicle.
Warning lightDetails/Actions
Warns the driver and/or front pass enger to fasten their seat belts
 Fasten the seat belt.
If the front passenger’s seat is occupied, the front passenger’s seat
belt also needs to be fastened to make the warning light (warning
buzzer) turn off.

4337-2. Steps to take in an emergency
7
When trouble arises
■Parking brake indicator (warning buzzer)
■Brake hold operated indicator (warning buzzer)
■Warning buzzer
In some cases, the bu zzer may not be heard
due to being in a noisy location or audio
sound.
■Front passenger detection sensor, seat
belt reminder and warning buzzer
●If luggage is placed on the front passen-
ger seat, the front passenger detection
sensor may cause th e warning light to
flash and the warning buzzer to sound
even if a passenger is not sitting in the
seat.
●If a cushion is placed on the seat, the sen-
sor may not detect a passenger, and the
warning light may not operate properly.
■SRS warning light
This warning light system monitors the air-
bag sensor assembly, Pop Up Hood com-
puter assembly, front impact sensors, side
impact sensors (front door), side impact
sensors (front), side impact sensors (rear),
driver’s seat position sensor, driver’s seat
belt buckle switch, front passenger occu-
pant classification system (ECU and sen-
sors), rear seat belt buckle switches (if
equipped), “AIR BAG ON” indicator light, “AIR BAG OFF” indicator light, front pas-
senger’s seat belt buckle switch, seat belt
pretensioners, airbags, interconnecting wir-
ing and power sources. (
P.29)
■If the malfunction indicator lamp comes
on while driving
First check the following:
●Is the fuel tank empty?
If it is, fill the fuel tank immediately.
●Is the fuel tank cap loose?
If it is, tighten it securely.
The light will go off after several driving
trips.
If the light does not go off even after several
trips, contact your Lexus dealer as soon as
possible.
■Electric power steering system warning
light (warning buzzer)
When the battery charge becomes insuffi-
cient or the voltage temporarily drops, the
electric power steering system warning
light may come on and the warning buzzer
may sound.
Warning lightDetails/Actions
(flashes) (U.S.A.)
or
(flashes)
(Canada)
Indicates a malfunction in the parking brake system
 Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
Warning lightDetails/Actions
(flashes)
Indicates a malfunction in the brake hold system
Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.

4347-2. Steps to take in an emergency
■When the tire pressure warning light
comes on
Inspect the tires to check if a tire is punc-
tured.
If a tire is punctured: P.438
If none of the tires are punctured:
Turn the engine switch off then turn it to
IGNITION ON mode. Check if the tire
pressure warning light comes on or blinks.
If the tire pressure wa rning light blinks for
approximately 1 minute then stays on
There may be a malfunction in the tire
pressure warning syst em. Have the vehicle
inspected by your Lexus dealer immedi-
ately.
If the tire pressure warning light comes
on
1 After the temperature of the tires has
lowered sufficiently, check the inflation
pressure of each tire and adjust them to
the specified level.
2 If the warning light does not turn off
even after several minutes have
elapsed, check that the inflation pres-
sure of each tire is at the specified level
and perform initialization. ( P.399)
■The tire pressure warning light may
come on due to natural causes
The tire pressure wa rning light may come
on due to natural causes such as natural air
leaks and tire inflation pressure changes
caused by temperature. In this case, adjust-
ing the tire inflation pressure will turn off the
warning light (after a few minutes).
■Conditions that the tire pressure warn-
ing system may not function properly
 P.396
WARNING
■If both the ABS and the brake system
warning lights remain on
Stop your vehicle in a safe place immedi-
ately and contact your Lexus dealer.
The vehicle will become extremely
unstable during br aking, and the ABS
system may fail, which could cause an
accident resulting in death or serious
injury.
■When the electric power steering
system warning light comes on
When the light comes on yellow, the
assist to the power st eering is restricted.
When the light comes on red, the assist
to the power steering is lost and handling
operations of the steering wheel 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 precau-
tions.
Failure to do so could cause a loss of
vehicle control and result in death or
serious injury.
●Decelerate to the lowest appropriate
speed as soon as possible. Do not
drive over 50 mph (80 km/h).
●Check and adjust the tire inflation
pressure immediately.
●If the tire pressure warning light comes
on even after tire inflation pressure
adjustment, it is prob able that you have
a flat tire. Have the flat tire replaced by
the nearest Lexus dealer.
●Avoid abrupt maneuvering and brak-
ing.
If the vehicle tires deteriorate, you
could lose control of the steering
wheel or the brakes.