ECO mode LEXUS LS430 2005 User Guide

AUDIO
279
Cassette tape player operation
(a) Playing a cassette tape
20L365
When you insert a cassette tape, the exposed tape should
face to the right.
The player will automatically start when you insert a cassette
tape. At this time, “TAPE” appears on the display.
If a metal or chrome equivalent cassette tape is put in the
cassette player, the player will automatically recognize it, and
“METAL” appears on the display.
To stop or eject the cassette tape, push the “
” (eject) button.
Autoreverse feature: After the cassette player reaches the
end of a tape, it automatically reverses and begins to play the
other side, regardless of whether the cassette was playing or
fast forwarding.
20L141
If a cassette is already in the slot, push the “TAPE” button.
Dolby
Noise Reduction* feature: If you are listening to a
tape that was recorded with Dolby \b Noise Reduction*, push
the “
” button. The display will indicate that the Dolby noise
reduction system is on.
The Dolby NR mode reduces tape noise by about 10 dB. For
best sound reproduction, play your tapes with the Dolby NR on
or off according to the mode used for recording the tape.
To play a tape recorded without Dolby NR, push the button
again to turn off the Dolby NR.
* Dolby noise reduction manufactured under license from Dolby
Laboratories Licensing Corporati on. “DOLBY” and the double−D
symbol
are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing
Corporation.

STARTING AND DRIVING
307
(a) Normal driving
31L321a
 1“P” (Park) position 2“N” (Neutral) position
1. Start the engine as instructed in “How to start the
engine” on page 304.
The transmission must be in “P” or “N” position. The engine wi\
ll
not start in any drive position even if the ignition switch is turned
to “START”.
31L322
 1 Power position 2Normal position
3Snow position
2. Set the driving pattern selector switch to the “Normal”
position.
Your transmission has a driving pattern selector switch which
allows you to select “Power”, “Normal” or “Snow” mode to suit\
your driving condition. For ordinary driving, Lexus
recommends that you use the “Normal” position to improve fuel
economy.
3. For more powerful acceleration and sporty driving, use
the “Power” position.
In the “Power” position, the “ECT PWR” light in the instrument
cluster is on and the transmission is shifted up at higher vehicle
speeds and shifted down more responsively than in the
“Normal” position.
For “Snow” mode, see “Electronic Throttle Control
System” on page 315.

STARTING AND DRIVING
309
(b) Driving in “S” mode
31L326
 1Upshifting
2Downshifting
3“S” mode position
4Shift range position indicator
You can change the shift range position in the “S” mode.
The shift range position can be switched between “6”
(sixth range) and “1” (first range) by moving the selector
lever up to the “+” side or down to the “–” side. The first
shift range position is “5” (fifth range) when the selector
lever is shifted to the “S” position.
However, if you move the lever to the “S” position in AI
shifting control, “5” (fifth range), “4” (fourth range) or “3”\
(third range) will be the first shift range. This is because
the suitable shift range is selected depending on the
driving condition.
31L328
 Shift range position indicator
The shift range position is displayed on the instrument cluster.
 Shift range positions
“6” (sixth range): The most suitable gear is automatically
selected between first and overdrive (sixth) gears according
to vehicle speed and driving conditions. Always use the “6”
(sixth range) position to improve fuel economy and for quiet
driving.
“5” (fifth range): The most suitable gear is automatically
selected between first and fifth gears according to vehicle
speed and driving conditions. This range is suitable for
acceleration such as when you want to pass a vehicle
running ahead of you during high speed driving.

STARTING AND DRIVING
310“4” (fourth range):
The most suitable gear is automatically
selected between first and fourth gears according to vehicle
speed and driving conditions. In the “4” (fourth range)
position, the automatic transmission system will select the
most suitable gear to handle current running conditions
such as hill climbing, hard towing, etc.
“3” (third range): The most suitable gear is automatically
selected between first and third gears according to vehicle
speed and driving conditions. This range is best used when
stronger engine braking is necessary.
“2” (second range): First or second gear will automatically
be selected according to vehicle speed and driving
conditions. This range is to be used when engine braking
stronger than that of the “3” (third range) position is
necessary.
“1” (first range): This gear is fixed in first regardless of
vehicle speed or driving conditions. This range is to be used
when maximum engine braking is necessary.
If you attempt to downshift the transmission when it is not
possible to downshift due to high vehicle speed, a warning tone
sounds twice. 
Maximum allowable speeds
To get on a highway or to pass slower traffic, maximum
acceleration may be necessary. Make sure you observe the
following maximum allowable speeds in each range:
range km/h (mph)1 59 (36)
2 100 (62)
3 146 (90)
NOTICE
Do not downshift if you are going faster than the
maximum allowable speed for the next lower range.
 “S” mode indicator light
“S” mode allows you to use the shift range positions.
The “S” mode indicator light comes on when the selector
lever is shifted into the “S” position. When the “S” mode
indicator light does not come on even with the selector lever
moved to the “S” position, there may be a problem
somewhere in the system. Have your vehicle
checked/repaired by your Lexus dealer as soon as
possible. In this case, you can drive in the same condition
as in the “D” position.

STARTING AND DRIVING
311
(c) Using engine braking
31L327
“S” mode position
To use the braking power of the engine, downshift the range in
the “S” mode position as follows:
 Shift into the “5” (fifth range) position. The transmission will
downshift to fifth gear and engine braking will be enabled.
If you drive in the “D” position: Shift the selector lever to
the “S” position and “5” (fifth range) will automatically \
be
selected.
If you drive in the “S” position: Shift the selector lever
down to the “–” position by selecting the “5” (fifth ran\
ge). Vehicles with the cruise control —
When
the cruise control is being used, even if you downshift
from “D” or “6” (sixth range) to “5” (fifth range)\
, engine
braking will not be enabled because the cruise control is not
cancelled. For vehicle speed reduction, see page 328.
Vehicles with the dynamic radar/laser cruise control —
When the cruise control is being used in the conventional
(fixed speed) cruise control mode or in the
vehicle −to−vehicle distance control mode, even if you
downshift from “D” or “6” (sixth range) to “5” (fif\
th range),
engine braking will not be enabled because the cruise
control is not cancelled. For vehicle speed reduction, see
pages 359 and 344.
 Shift into the “4” (fourth range) position. The transmission
will downshift to fourth gear when the vehicle speed is or
becomes lower than 197 km/h (122 mph) and more
powerful engine braking will be enabled.
If you drive in the “D” position: Shift the selector lever to
the “S” position and shift the lever down to the “–” posi\
tion
once to select “4” (fourth range). However, when you move
the lever to the “S” position while the AI shifting control is
operating, the first shift range will be “5” (fifth range), “4”
(fourth r ange) or “3” (third range) because the suitable shift
range is selected depending on the driving condition.
If you drive in the “S” position: Shift the selector lever
down to the “–” position to select the “4” (fourth range\
).

STARTING AND DRIVING
312Vehicles with the cruise control —
When
the cruise control is being used, even if you downshift
from “D” or “5” (fifth range) to “4” (fourth range)\
, engine
braking will not be enabled because the cruise control is not
cancelled. For vehicle speed reduction, see page 328.
Vehicles with the dynamic radar/laser cruise control —
When the cruise control is being used in the conventional
(fixed speed) cruise control mode or in the
vehicle −to−vehicle distance control mode, even if you
downshift from “D” or “5” (fifth range) to “4” (fourth range),
engine braking will not be enabled because the cruise
control is not cancelled. For vehicle speed reduction, see
pages 359 and 344.
 Shift into the “3” (third range) position. The transmission will
downshift to third gear when the vehicle speed is or
becomes lower than 146 km/h (91 mph) and more powerful
engine braking will be enabled.
If you drive in the “D” position: Shift the selector lever to
the “S” position and shift the lever down to the “–” posi\
tion
twice to select the “3” (third range). However, when you
move the lever to the “S” position while the AI shifting control
is operating, the first shift range will be “5” (fifth range), “\
4”
(fourth range) or “3” (third range) because the suitable shift
range is selected depending on the driving condition.
If you drive in the “S” position: Shift the selector lever
down to the “–” position to select “3” (third range). 
Shift into the “2” (second range) position. The transmission
will downshift to second gear when the vehicle speed is or
becomes lower than 98 km/h (61 mph) and more powerful
engine braking than that of the “3” (third range) position will
be enabled.
If you drive in the “D” position: Shift the selector lever to
the “S” position and shift the lever down to the “–” posi\
tion
three times to select “2” (second range).
If you drive in the “S” position: Shift the selector lever
down to the “–” position to select “2” (second range).
 Shift into the “1” (first range) position. The transmission will
downshift to first gear when the vehicle speed is or becomes
lower than 35 km/h (22 mph) and maximum engine braking
will be enabled.
If you drive in the “D” position: Shift the selector lever to
the “S” position and shift the lever down to the “–” posi\
tion
four times to select “1” (first range).
If you drive in the “S” position: Shift the selector lever
down to the “–” position to select “1” (first range).
CAUTION
Be careful when downshifting on a slippery surface.
The abrupt change in engine speed could cause the
vehicle to skid or spin.

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315
(g) If you cannot shift the selector lever
If you cannot shift the selector lever even though the brake
pedal is depressed, use the shift lock override button. For
instructions, see “If you cannot shift automatic transmission
selector lever” on page 423.
ELECTRONIC THROTTLECONTROL SYSTEM
The electronic throttle control system always maintains
appropriate engine output in relation to the accelerator
opening in all driving conditions.
31L322
 1Power position 2Normal position
3Snow position
The electronic throttle control system has 3 modes:
Normal, Power and Snow modes.
Normal mode: For ordinary driving, Lexus recommends that
you use the normal mode to improve fuel economy.
Power mode: For more powerful acceleration and sporty
driving.

STARTING AND DRIVING
331
CAUTION
Always drive carefully and attentively when using either
cruise control mode. Read and understand the Owner’s
Manual thoroughly before using the cruise control. To
avoid death or serious injury, do not rely on the system
to avoid accidents or to control the vehicle’s speed in
emergency situations. Do not use cruise control except
in appropriate road and traffic conditions.
Changing the dynamic radar/laser cruise
control mode
31L632
 1 Vehicletovehicle distance control mode
2Conventional (fixed speed) cruise control mode
When you push the “ON −OFF” button, the vehicle −to− vehicle
distance mode is activated. To change to the conventional
(fixed speed) cruise control mode, push the lever in the
“MODE” direction for longer than about 1 second.
However, once the vehicle− to−vehicle distance control mode
activates and is used, it cannot be changed to the conventional
(fixed speed) cruise control mode using the above operation.
To change the mode, turn the “ON−OFF” button off and then
on. Next push the lever in the “MODE” direction for longer than
about 1 second.

STARTING AND DRIVING
332To change to the vehicle
−to−vehicle distance control mode
from the conventional (fixed speed) cruise control mode, push
the lever in the “MODE” dire ction for longer than about 1
second.
CAUTION
In the conventional (fixed speed) cruise control mode,
a warning tone does not sound to warn you if you are too
close to the vehicle ahead, as neither the presence of
the vehicle ahead nor the vehicletovehicle distance is
detected. Pay special attention to the distance between
your vehicle and the vehicle ahead. Always confirm the
setting in the multiinformation display.
For the vehicle −to−vehicle distance control mode, see the
following description. For the conventional (fixed speed)
cruise control mode, see page 355.
Vehicletovehicle distance control mode
Dynamic radar cruise control—
The millimeter wave radar sensor in this system primarily
detects the reflected wave from the rear end of the vehicle
ahead of you to determine the presence of the vehicle
ahead as well as measuring the vehicletovehicle
distance. The detection range of the sensor is about 120
m (400 ft.) ahead.
When the dynamic radar cruise control is on, the driving
pattern (power, normal) of the automatic transmission is fixed
in the normal position, regardless of the position of the selector
switch.
CAUTION
The dynamic radar cruise control is not a
collisionavoidance system and will not prevent
accidents. The dynamic radar cruise control is a vehicle
speed control device that is intended for use only on
freeways or roads where the traffic is light or moderate.
To avoid serious injury, you must use caution and be
attentive to road and traffic conditions while using
dynamic radar cruise control.

STARTING AND DRIVING
349
The approach warning may not turn on even if the
vehicle drives closer to the vehicle ahead in the
following conditions:
 Your vehicle and the vehicle ahead are cruising at
almost the same speed.
 The vehicle ahead is cruising at a faster speed than
yours. (The distance between the vehicles will
become longer.)
 Pay special attention to the very slow vehicle at the
end of the line in heavy traffic or at the tollgate.
 Immediately after the speed setting
 The accelerator pedal is depressed or immediately
after the release of the accelerator pedal(g) Millimeter wave radar sensor (Vehicles with dynamic radar cruise
control)
31L359a
 1Millimeter wave grille cover
2Millimeter wave radar sensor
The millimeter wave radar sensor is used for
vehicletovehicle distance control cruising. When the
millimeter wave radar sensor is disabled for some reason,
the warning message appears on the multiinformation
display. For details, see “Vehicletovehicle distance
control mode failure warning” on page 352.