vsc Lexus ES350 2008 Owner's Manual

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2-4. Using other driving systems
ES350_U_(L/O_0708)
■Fine adjustment of the set speed
Fine adjustment of the set speed (approximately 1.0 mph [1.6 km/h]) can be made
by lightly pressing the lever up or down and releasing it.
■Cruise control can be set when
●The shift lever is in the D or 4,5, or 6 range of S.
●Vehicle speed is between approximately 25 mph (40 km/h) and 125 mph
(200 km/h).
■Accelerating
The vehicle can be accelerated normally.
■Automatic cruise control cancellation
The set speed is automatically cancelled in any of the following situations.
●Actual vehicle speed falls more than 10 mph (16 km/h) below the preset vehicle
speed
At this time, the memorized set speed is not retained.
●Actual vehicle speed is below 25 mph (40km/h)
●VSC is activated
■Canceling and resuming regular acceleration
Cancel
Push the lever towards you to
cancel cruise control.
The speed setting is also can-
celed when the brakes are
applied.
Resume
To resume cruise control and
return to the set speed, push the
lever up.

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2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
ES350_U_(L/O_0708)
■Automatically canceling vehicle-to-vehicle distance control
Vehicle-to-vehicle distance control driving is automatically canceled in the follow-
ing situations.
●Vehicle speed falls below 25 mph (40 km/h)
●VSC is activated
●The sensor cannot operate correctly because it is covered in some way.*
●The windshield wipers are operating at high speed.*
*
: Vehicle-to-vehicle distance control driving must be reset by turning the ON-OFF button on again.
If vehicle-to-vehicle distance control driving is automatically canceled for any other
reason, there may be a malfunction in the system. Contact your Lexus dealer.
■Automatically cancelling constant speed control
The set speed is automatically canceled in the following situations.
●Actual vehicle speed is more than 10 mph (16 km/h) below the preset vehicle
speed
At this time, the memorized set speed is not retained.
●Vehicle speed falls below 25 mph (40 km/h)
●VSC is activated
■Vehicle-to-vehicle distance settings
Select a distance from the table below. Note that the distances shown correspond
to a vehicle speed of 50 mph (80 km/h). Vehicle-to-vehicle distance increases/
decreases in accordance with vehicle speed.
Distance optionsVehicle-to-vehicle distance
LongApproximately 210 ft. (65 m)
MediumApproximately 150 ft. (45 m)
ShortApproximately 100 ft. (30 m)

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2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
ES350_U_(L/O_0708)
Driving assist systems
When the VSC and TRAC systems are operatingIf the vehicle is in danger of slip-
ping, or if the front wheels spin, the
slip indicator light flashes to indi-
cate that the VSC and TRAC sys-
tems have been engaged.
A buzzer (intermittent) sounds to
indicate that VSC is operating.
To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following systems
operate automatically in response to various driving situations. Be aware,
however, that these systems are suppl ementary and should not be relied
upon too heavily when operating the vehicle.
■ ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Restrains the vehicle from slipping when driving on slick road surfaces or
in the event of sudden braking.
■Brake assist
Generates an increased level of braking 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.
■TRAC (Traction Control)
Maintains drive power and prevents the front wheels from spinning when
starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads.
■PCS (Pre-Collision System) (if equipped)
→ P. 1 6 0

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2-4. Using other driving systems
ES350_U_(L/O_0708)
■Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, VSC and TRAC systems
●A sound may be heard from the engine compartment 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 operat-
ing. 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 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.
CAUTION
Any of the following conditions may result in an accident which could cause death or
serious injury:
■The ABS does not operate effectively when
●The limits of tire gripping performance have been exceeded.
●The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on the wet or slick road.
■Stopping distance when the ABS is operating will exceed that of normal condi-
tions
The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehicle’s stopping distance. Always main-
tain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you 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 roads with uneven roads
■TRAC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slippery road
surfaces, even if the TRAC system is operating.
Do not drive the vehicle in conditions where stability and power may be lost.

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2-4. Using other driving systems
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When driving
ES350_U_(L/O_0708)
CAUTION
■When the slip indicator flashes and a warning buzzer sounds
This situation occurs immediately while VSC is activated. Always drive carefully.
Reckless driving may cause an accident. Exercise particular care when the indica-
tor light flashes and a buzzer sounds.
■Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the same size, brand, tread pattern and total load
capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are inflated to the recommended tire
pressure level.
The ABS and VSC systems will not function correctly if different tires are fitted on
the vehicle.
Contact your Lexus dealer for further information when replacing tires or wheels.

360
5-1. Essential information
ES350_U_(L/O_0708)
Event data recorder
In a crash or a near car crash eventThe SRS airbag sensor assembly contains the EDR. In a crash or a near
car crash event, this device may record some or all of the following infor-
mation:
● Engine speed
● Whether the brake pedal was applied or not
● Vehicle speed
● To what extent the accelerator pedal was depressed
● Position of the transmission shift lever
● Whether the driver and front passenger wore seat belts or not
● Driver's seat position
● Front passenger's occupant classification
● SRS airbag deployment data
● SRS airbag system diagnostic data
The VSC Electronic Control Unit (ECU) may contain another EDR. In
case the VSC or brake assist system is activated, or the lateral accelera-
tion is beyond a certain valve, this device may record some or all of the
following information:
● Behavior of the vehicle
● Steering wheel angle
Your vehicle has computers that monitor and control certain aspects of
your vehicle. These computers assist in driving and maintaining optimal
vehicle performance.
Besides storing data useful for troubleshooting, there is a system to
that record data in a crash or a near car crash event.

5
When trouble arises
375
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
ES350_U_(L/O_0708)
Warning messageDetails
(If equipped)
Indicates intuitive parking assist malfunction.A buzzer also sounds.
The malfunctioning assist-sensor is shown flashing on
the display.
(Flashing)
(Flashing)
(If equipped)
Indicates a malfunction in the radar cruise control
system. A buzzer also sounds.
Stop the vehicle in a safe place. Switch the “ENGINE
START STOP” switch to OFF and then to IGNITION
ON mode again to reset the cruise control system.
Indicates a malfunction in the TRAC and VSC sys-
tems.

443
Abbreviation list
ES350_U_(L/O_0708)
VINVehicle Identification Number
VSCVehicle Stability Control
ABBREVIATIONSMEANING

451
Alphabetical index
ES350_U_(L/O_0708)
Tire informationGlossary ................................................ 426
Size ........................................................... 423
Tire identification number ............. 423
Uniform tire quality grading..........424
Tires
Chains ....................................................... 169
Checking ................................................. 316
If you have a flat tire.......................... 384
Inflation pressure ............................... 324
Inflation pressure sensor.................. 317
Information.............................................. 421
Replacing............................................... 384
Rotating tires .......................................... 316
Size ............................................................. 415
Snow tires.................................................. 171
Spare tire ............................................... 384
Tools .......................................................... 384
Total load capacity................................. 166
Towing
Dinghy towing...................................... 180
Emergency towing ........................... 352
Trailer towing......................................... 173
TRAC .......................................................... 157
Traction control ...................................... 157
Trip meter.................................................. 122
Trunk Extending a space ............................ 268
Opener........................................................ 41
Trunk light
Trunk light ................................................. 42
Wattage ................................................... 417 Turn signal lights
Replacing light bulbs ........................343
Switch........................................................ 120
Wattage ....................................................417
Vanity lights Vanity lights ......................................... 258
Wattage ....................................................417
Vanity mirrors ........................................258
Vehicle identification number .........409
Vehicle stability control....................... 157
Ventilators ............................................... 263
VSC............................................................. 157
Warning buzzers Brake system........................................362
Downshifting ........................................... 119
Open door ...........................................364
Seat belt reminder .............................364
Warning lights
Anti-lock brake system ...................363
Brake assist system ...........................363
Brake system........................................362
Charging system................................363
Low fuel level .......................................364
Low tire pressure warning light ........................................................364
Malfunction indicator lamp ...........363
Master warning light.........................364
Open door ............................................364
Pre-collision system..........................363
Pretensioners .......................................363
Rear light failure warning light .....364
Seat belt reminder light...................364
SRS airbags...........................................363
V
W
*: Refer to the “Navigation System Owner’s Manual”.