2021 LEXUS LS500 suspension

3014-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
*:If equipped
■Situations in which the vehicle height
control may not operate properly
●In the following situations, the vehicle
height may change slowly or may not
change to the correct height:
• When the vehicle comes into contact with snow, ice, stone, etc.
• When the ambient temperature is low
• When the accumulator tank pressure is low
●In the following situations, the vehicle
height may not change:
• If the hood or trunk is not fully closed
• If the brake pedal depressed and the
vehicle is stopped
• When the vehicle is on a significantly
uneven or undulating road
• When the vehicle is on a slanted road or a slope
■Operating sound of the air suspension
compressor and valves
In the following situations the air suspension
compressor and valves may operate and a
sound may be heard, but this does not indi-
cate a malfunction.
●When passengers enter or exit the vehi-
cle or cargo is loaded or unloaded, caus- ing the vehicle height to change
●When the height of the vehicle is
changed using the vehicle height adjust-
ment switch
●When the doors are opened/closed
●When the doors are locked/unlocked
■When the accumulator
tank pressure is
low
When the accumulator tank pressure is low,
the air suspension compressor and valves
may operate repeatedly even though the
vehicle height is not being changed. This
does not indicate a malfunction.
■When “Air Suspension System Malfunc-
tion Visit Your Dealer” is displayed on
the multi-information display
The system may not operate properly. Have
the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer.
■Customization
Some functions can be customized.
(  P.476)
Electronically modulated air
suspension*
The height of the vehicle when driv-
ing can be selected using the vehi-
cle height adjustment switch. The
selected height level will be main-
tained regardless of the number of
passengers or weight of cargo.
Additionally, setti ngs of the follow-
ing functions can be changed:
 Enabling/Disabling controls of
access mode
 Temporarily disabling vehicle
height control
WARNING
■Precautions for the electronically
modulated air suspension
●Even if the engine is not running, the
vehicle height may change through
vehicle height control. Be sure to keep
your hands and feet away from the
area underneath the vehicle and
between the tires and vehicle body.
Otherwise part of your body may get
caught, possibly causing an injury.
●In situations such as the following,
make sure to disable all functions of
the vehicle height control of the elec-
tronically modulated air suspension.
Otherwise, the vehicle height may
change and part or your body may be
caught under the vehicle, possibly
causing injury.
• When the vehicle is parked on a curb
• If any of the wheels is not touching the ground

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.

3084-5. Using the driving support systems
WARNING
●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
■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 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 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.
■Secondary Collision Brake
Do not rely solely upon the Secondary
Collision 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.

3094-6. Driving tips
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.303)
■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.

3706-1. Maintenance and care
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 Le xus 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 resin 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
●Keep the cleaning nozzle at least 11.9
in. (30 cm) away from the vehicle
body. Otherwise resin section, such as
moldings and bumpers, may be
deformed and damaged.
Also, do not continuously hold the nozzle
in the same place.

4036-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
1Chock the tires.
2 Slightly loosen the wheel nuts (one
turn).
3 Turn the tire jack portion by
hand until the notch of the jack is in
contact with the jack point.
The jack point guides are located under
the rocker panel. They indicate the jack
WARNING
●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 modulate d air suspension
and then stopping the engine.
(
P.303)
●When lowering the vehicle, make sure
that there is no-one near the vehicle. If
there are people nearby, warn them
vocally before lowering.
■Replacing a flat tire for vehicles with
power trunk opener and closer (if
equipped)
In cases such as when replacing tires,
make sure to turn off the trunk opener
main switch (
P.112). Failure to do so
may cause the trunk lid to operate unin-
tentionally if the power trunk opener and
closer switch is accidentally touched,
resulting in hands and fingers being
caught and injured.
Removing a tire
TireWheel chock posi-
tions
Front left-hand sideBehind the rear
right-hand side tire
Front right-hand
sideBehind the rear
left-hand side tire
Rear left-hand sideIn front of the front
right-hand side tire
Rear right-hand sideIn front of the front
left-hand side tire
A

4227-2. Steps to take in an emergency
In the following situations, it is not pos-
sible to be towed by another vehicle
using cables or chains, as the rear
wheels may be locked due to the park-
ing lock. Contact your Lexus dealer or
commercial towing service.
There is a malfunction in the P posi-
tion control system. ( P.177, 436)
 There is a malfunction in the engine
immobilizer system. ( P.64)
 There is a malfunction in the smart
access system with push-button
start. ( P.442)
 The battery is discharged.
( P.444)
WARNING
■While towing
●When towing using cables or chains,
avoid sudden starts, etc. which place
excessive stress on the towing eyelets,
cables or chains. The towing eyelets,
cables or chains may become dam-
aged, broken debris may hit people,
and cause serious damage.
●Make sure to disable all functions of
the vehicle height control of the elec-
tronically modulate d air suspension.
Otherwise, the vehicle height may
change and part of your body may be
caught under the vehicle, possibly
causing injury. (
P.303)
●Do not turn the engine switch off.
This may lead to an accident as the
rear wheels will be locked by the park-
ing lock.
■Installing towing eyelets to the vehi-
cle
Make sure that towing eyelets are
installed securely.
If not securely installed, towing eyelets
may come loose during towing.
NOTICE
■To prevent damage to the vehicle
when towing using a wheel-lift type
truck
●Do not tow the vehicle from the rear
when the engine switch is off. The
steering lock mechanism is not strong
enough to hold the front wheels
straight.
●When raising the vehicle, ensure ade-
quate ground clearance for towing at
the opposite end of the raised vehicle.
Without adequate clearance, the vehi-
cle could be damaged while being
towed.
■To prevent damage to the vehicle
when towing with a sling-type truck
Do not tow with a sling-type truck, either
from the front or rear.
■To prevent damage to the vehicle
during emergency towing
Do not secure cables or chains to the
suspension components.
■Recreational towing (behind motor
home, etc.) (AWD models)
Never dinghy tow your vehicle to pre-
vent causing serious damage to the
AWD system and transmission. ( P.173)
Situations when it is not possible
to be towed by another vehicle