1984-5. Using the driving support systems
RC350/RC300 Owner's Manual
steering feel, suspension control and
VDIM control, making it suitable for pow-
erful sporty driving.
When in SPORT S mode, if the driving
mode select switch is turned to the right,
the “SPORT S+” indicator will come on.
■Operation of the air conditioning sys-
tem in Eco drive mode
Eco drive mode contro ls the heating/cool-
ing operations and fan speed of the air con-
ditioning system to enhance fuel efficiency
( P.213). To improve air conditioning per-
formance, adjust the fan speed or 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 (vehicles
with a 10.3-inch display)
When the driving mode is changed, the
selected driving mode will be temporarily
displayed on the side display. (P.210)
■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 suddenly or turning on
slippery road surfaces
■Enhanced VSC (Enhanced Vehi-
cle Stability Control)
Provides cooperative control of the
ABS, TRAC, VSC and EPS.
Helps to maintain directional stability
when swerving on slippery road sur-
faces by controlling steering perfor-
mance.
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
1994-5. Using the driving support systems
RC350/RC300 Owner's Manual
4
Driving
■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
■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 combines riding comfort with
superior vehicle stability, and helps
good vehicle posture.
■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 and VGRS
systems
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
The slip indicator light will flash while the
TRAC/VSC 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
2004-5. Using the driving support systems
RC350/RC300 Owner's Manual
and release the switch.
The “Traction Control Turned Off” will be
shown on the multi-information display.
Press the switch again to turn the sys-
tem back on.
■Turning off both TRAC and VSC sys-
tems
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 Control Turned Off” will
be shown on the mult i-information display.
*
Press the switch again to turn the sys-
tems back on.
*: On vehicles with PCS (Pre-Collision
System), pre-collision brake assist,
pre-collision braking, and steering con-
trol (performed through cooperative
control of PCS and LDH) (if equipped)
will also be disabl ed. The Pre-Collision
System warning light will come on and a
message will be displayed on the
multi-information display. ( P.166)
■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 is temporary deactivated. If the infor-
mation continues to show, 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 lever is in a position other than P
or N (when starting off forward/back-
ward on an upward incline).
●The vehicle is stopped.
●The accelerator pedal is not depressed.
●The parking brake is not engaged.
●Engine switch is turned to IGNITION
ON mode
■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 moved 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
●Engine switch is turned to off
■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 disabled
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-
2014-5. Using the driving support systems
RC350/RC300 Owner's Manual
4
Driving
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, VS C, 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.
• The brake pedal may pulsate slightly after
the ABS is activated.
• The brake pedal may move down slightly after the ABS is activated.
■EPS, VGRS and DR S 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/VSC
systems
After turning the TRAC and VSC systems
off, the systems w ill 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.
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
■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.
2034-6. Driving tips
RC350/RC300 Owner's Manual
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 and vehicles with LDH and 19-inch
tires.
Perform the following according to the
driving conditions:
Do not try to forcibly open a window
or move a wiper that is frozen. Pour
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.
■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 braking 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 LDA (Lane Departure
Alert with steering control) system.
NOTICE
■Repairing or replacing snow tires
Request repairs or replacement of snow
tires from Lexus dealers or legitimate tire
retailers.
This is because the removal and attach-
ment of snow tires affects the operation
of the tire pressure warning valves and
transmitters.
Before driving the vehicle
2175-2. Using the air conditioning system
RC350/RC300 Owner's Manual
5
Interior features
automatically.
The indicator above the selected button
comes on.
■Micro dust and pollen filter
Pollen is removed from the air and the
air flows to the upper part of the body.
Select on the option control
screen.
When the micro dust and pollen filter is on, is displayed on the air conditioning
control screen.
In order to prevent the windshield from
fogging up when the outside air is cold, the
dehumidification function may operate.
Pollen is filtered even if the micro dust and
pollen filter is turned off.
■Defogging the windshield
Defoggers are used to defog the wind-
shield and side windows.
Press .
Set the outside/recirc ulated air mode but-
ton to outside air mode if the recirculated
air mode is used. (It may switch automati-
cally.)
To defog the windshield and the side win-
dows early, turn the air flow and tempera-
ture up.
To return to the previous mode, press
again when the windshield is
defogged.
■Defogging the rear window and
outside rear view mirrors
Defoggers are used to defog the rear
window, and to remove raindrops, dew
and frost from the outside rear view
mirrors. Press .
The defoggers will automatically turn off
after a period of time.
■Windshield wiper de-icer (if
equipped)
This feature is used to prevent ice from
building up on the windshield and
wiper blades.
Turns on/off.
The indicator comes on when the wind-
shield wiper de-icer is on.
The windshield de-icer will automatically
turn off after a period of time.
■Registering air conditioning settings to
electronic keys (vehicles with driving
position memory)
●Unlocking the vehicle using an electronic
key and turning the engine switch to
IGNITION ON mode will recall that
key’s registered air conditioning settings.
●When the engine switch is turned off, the
current air conditioning settings will auto-
matically be registered to the electronic
key that was used to unlock the vehicle.
●The system may not operate correctly if
more than one electronic key is in the
vicinity or if the smart access system with
push-button start is used to unlock a pas-
senger door.
●The doors that can recall the air condi-
tioning setting* when unlocked using the
smart access system with push-button
start can be changed. For details, contact
2185-2. Using the air conditioning system
RC350/RC300 Owner's Manual
your Lexus dealer.
*: The doors that can recall the driving position memory are changed at the
same time.
■Using automatic mode
Fan speed is adjusted automatically accord-
ing to the temperature setting and the
ambient conditions.
Therefore, the fan may stop for a while until
warm or cool air is ready to flow immedi-
ately after is pressed or “AUTO” is
selected.
■Using the voice command system
Air conditioning syst em can be operated
using voice commands. Fo r details, refer to
the “NAVIGATION AND MULTIMEDIA
SYSTEM OWNER’S MANUAL”.
■Fogging up of the windows
The windows will easily fog up when the
humidity in the vehicle is high. Turning (“A/C”) on will dehumidify the air
from the outlets and defog the windshield
effectively.
●If you turn (“A/C”) off, the win-
dows may fog up more easily.
●The windows may fog up if the recircu-
lated air mode is used.
■When driving on dusty roads
Close all windows. If dust thrown up by the
vehicle is still drawn into the vehicle after
closing the windows, it is recommended
that the air intake mode be set to outside air
mode and the fan speed to any setting
except off.
■Outside/recirculated air mode
●Setting to the recirculated air mode tem-
porarily is recommended in preventing
dirty air from entering the vehicle interior
and helping to cool the vehicle when the
outside air temperature is high.
●Outside/recirculated air mode may auto-
matically switch depending on the tem-
perature setting or the inside
temperature.
■When the outside temperature exceeds
75°F (24°C) and the air conditioning
system is on
●In order to reduce the air conditioning
power consumption, the air conditioning
system may switch to recirculated air
mode automatically. This may also
reduce fuel consumption.
●Recirculated air mode is selected as a
default mode when the engine switch is
turned to IGNITION ON mode.
●It is possible to switch to outside air mode
at any time by pressing .
■Automatic mode for air intake control
In automatic mode, the system detects
exhaust gas and other pollutants and auto-
matically switches between outside air and
recirculated air modes.
When the dehumidification function is off,
and the fan is operating, turning automatic
mode on will activate the dehumidification
function.
■Operation of the air conditioning sys-
tem in Eco drive mode
In Eco drive mode, the air conditioning sys-
tem is controlled as foll ows to prioritize fuel
efficiency:
●Engine speed and compressor operation
controlled to restrict heating/cooling
capacity
●Fan speed restricted when automatic
mode is selected
To improve air condit ioning performance,
perform the following operations:
●Adjust the fan speed
●Turn off Eco drive mode
■When the outside temperature falls to
nearly 32°F (0°C)
The dehumidification function may not
operate even when is pressed or
“A/C” is selected.
■Ventilation and air conditioning odors
●To let fresh air in, set the air conditioning
system to the outside air mode.
2195-2. Using the air conditioning system
RC350/RC300 Owner's Manual
5
Interior features
●During use, various odors from inside and
outside the vehicle may enter into and
accumulate in the air conditioning sys-
tem. This may then cause odor to be
emitted from the vents.
●To reduce potential odors from occur-
ring:
• It is recommended that the air condition-
ing system be set to outside air mode
prior to turning the vehicle off.
• The start timing of the blower may be
delayed for a short period of time imme-
diately after the air conditioning system is
started in automatic mode.
■Air conditioning filter
P.273
■Air conditioning system refrigerant
●A label regarding the refrigerant of the
air conditioning system is attached to the
hood at the location shown in the follow-
ing illustration.
●The meaning of each symbol on the label
are as follows:
■Customization
Some functions can be customized.
( P.349)
Caution
Air conditioning system
Air conditioning system
lubricant type
Requires registered tech-
nician to service air condi-
tioning system
Flammable refrigerant
WARNING
■To prevent the windshield from fog-
ging up
●Do not use during cool air
operation in extremely humid weather.
The difference between the tempera-
ture of the outside air and that of the
windshield can cause the outer surface
of the windshield to fog up, blocking
your vision.
●Do not place anything on the instru-
ment panel which may cover the air
outlets. Otherwise, air flow may be
obstructed, preventing the windshield
defoggers from defogging.
■To prevent burns
●Do not touch the rear view mirror sur-
faces when the outside rear view mir-
ror defoggers are on.
●Do not touch the glass at lower part of
the windshield or to the side of the
front pillars when th e windshield wiper
de-icer is on.
NOTICE
■To prevent battery discharge
Do not leave the air conditioning system
on longer than necessary when the
engine is stopped.