light Lexus ES350 2012 Repair Manual

158
2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers
ES350_U
■The windshield wiper and washer can be operated when
The “ENGINE START STOP” switch is in IGNITION ON mode.
■Raindrop sensor
●If the temperature of the raindrop sensor is 194°F (90 °C) or higher, or 5 °F
(-15 °C) or lower, automatic operation may not occur. In this case, operate
the wipers in any mode other than “AUTO”.
■AUTO mode
If the wiper switch is turned to AUTO position while the “ENGINE START STOP”
switch is in IGNITION ON mode, the wiper will operate once to show that AUTO
mode is activated.
■If no windshield washer fluid sprays
Check that the washer nozzles are not blocked if there is washer fluid in the wind-
shield washer fluid reservoir.
Wash/wipe operation
Wipers operate automatically.
(With “AUTO” selected, after
operating several times, the wip-
ers operate one more time after
a short delay to prevent drip-
ping.)
●The sensor judges the amount of raindrops.

159
2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers
2
When driving
ES350_U
CAUTION
■Caution regarding the use of windshield wipers in AUTO mode
The windshield wipers may operate unexpectedly if the sensor is touched or the
windshield is subjected to vibration in AUTO mode. Take care that your fingers or
anything else do not become caught in the windshield wipers.
NOTICE
■When the windshield is dry
Do not use the wipers, as they may damage the windshield.
■When there is no washer fluid spray from the nozzle
Damage to the washer fluid pump may be caused if the lever is pulled toward you
and held continually.
■When a nozzle becomes blocked
In this case, contact your Lexus dealer.
Do not try to clear it with a pin or other object. The nozzle will be damaged.

162
2-4. Using other driving systems
ES350_U
■Cruise control can be set when
●The shift lever is in the D or range 4 or higher of S has been selected.
●Vehicle speed is above approximately 25 mph (40 km/h).
■Accelerating after setting the vehicle speed
●The vehicle can be accelerated normally. After acceleration, the set speed
resumes.
●Even without canceling the cruise control, the set speed can be increased by
first accelerating the vehicle to the desired speed and then pushing the lever
down to set the new speed.
■Automatic cruise control cancelation
Cruise control will stop maintaining the vehicle speed in any of the following situa-
tions.
●Actual vehicle speed falls more than approximately 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 approximately 25 mph (40km/h).
●VSC is activated.
■If the cruise control indicator light flashes
Press the “ON-OFF” button once to deactivate the system, and then press the but-
ton again to reactivate the system.
If the cruise control speed cannot be set or if the cruise control cancels immediately
after being activated, there may be a malfunction in the cruise control system. Have
the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer.

172
2-4. Using other driving systems
ES350_U
■Radar sensor and grille cover
Always keep the sensor and grille cover clean to ensure that the vehicle-to-vehicle
distance control operates properly. (Some obstructions, such as snow, ice and plas-
tic objects, cannot be detected by the obstruction sensor.)
Dynamic radar cruise control is canceled if an obstruction is detected.
■Warning lights, messages and buzzers for dynamic radar cruise control
Warning lights, messages and buzzers are used to indicate a system malfunction or
to inform the driver of the need for caution while driving. (→P. 4 4 9 )
■Certification
For vehicles sold in U.S.A.
FCC ID: HYQDNMWR005
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the fol-
lowing two conditions;
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation.
FCC WARNING:
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
Radio frequency radiation exposure Information:
This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncon-
trolled environment.
This equipment should be installed and operated with minimum distance of 20 cm
between the radiator and your body.
This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other
antenna or transmitter Grille cover
Radar sensor

175
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
ES350_U
CAUTION
■Conditions under which the vehicle-to-vehicle distance control may not function
correctly
Apply the brakes as necessary in the following conditions as the radar sensor may
not be able to correctly detect vehicles ahead, and a fatal or serious accident may
result:
●When water or snow thrown up by the surrounding vehicles hinders the function-
ing of the sensor
●When your vehicle is pointing upwards (caused by a heavy load in the trunk etc.)
●When the road curves or when the lanes are narrow
●When steering wheel operation or your position in the lane is unstable
●When the vehicle ahead of you decelerates suddenly
■Handling the radar sensor
Observe the following to ensure the cruise control system can function effectively.
Otherwise, the system may not function correctly and could result in an accident.
●Keep the sensor and grille cover clean at all times.
Clean the sensor and grille cover with a soft cloth so you do not mark or damage
them.
●Do not subject the sensor or surrounding area to a strong impact.
If the sensor moves even slightly off position, the system may malfunction. If the
sensor or surrounding area is subject to a strong impact, always have the area
inspected and adjusted by a Lexus dealer.
●Do not disassemble the sensor.
●Do not attach accessories or stickers to the sensor, grille cover or surrounding
area.
●Do not modify or paint the sensor and grille cover.
●Do not replace them with non-genuine parts.

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2-4. Using other driving systems
ES350_U
■Sensor detection information
●Certain vehicle conditions and the surrounding environment may affect the
ability of the sensor to correctly detect obstacles. Particular instances where this
may occur are listed below.
• There is dirt, snow or ice on the sensor.
• The sensor is frozen.
•The sensor is covered in any way.
• The vehicle is leaning considerably to one side.
• On an extremely bumpy road, on an incline, on gravel, or on grass
• The vicinity of the vehicle is noisy due to vehicle horns, motorcycle engines,air brakes of large vehicles, or other loud noises producing ultrasonic waves.
• There is another vehicle equipped with parking assist sensors in the vicinity.
• The sensor is coated with a sheet of spray or heavy rain
• The vehicle is equipped with a fender pole or wireless antenna.
• Towing eyelets are installed.
• The bumper or sensor receives a strong impact.
• The vehicle is approaching a tall or curved curb.
• In harsh sunlight or intense cold weather
In addition to the examples above, there are instances in which, because of their
shapes, signs and other objects may be judged by the sensor to be closer than they
are.
●The shape of the obstacle may prevent the sensor from detecting it. Pay particu-
lar attention to the following obstacles.
• Wires, fences, ropes etc.
• Cotton, snow and other materials that absorb radio waves
• Sharply-angled objects
• Low obstacles
• Tall obstacles with upper sections projecting outwards in the direction of your
vehicle

182
2-4. Using other driving systems
ES350_U
Driving assist systems
When the VSC/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/TRAC systems
have been engaged.
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)
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 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 8 7

183
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
ES350_U
Disabling the TRAC/VSC systemsIf the vehicle gets stuck in fresh snow or mud, the TRAC/VSC systems
may reduce power from the engine to the wheels. You may need to turn
the system off to enable you to rock the vehicle in order to free it.
■ Turning off the TRAC system only
To turn the TRAC system off,
quickly press and release the but-
ton.
A message will be shown on the
multi-information display.
Press the button again to turn the
system back on.
■Turning off both TRAC and VSC systems
To turn the TRAC and VSC sys-
tems off, press and hold the button
for more than 3 seconds while the
vehicle is stopped.
A message will be shown on the
multi-information display and VSC
off indicator light will come on.
Press the button again to turn the
systems back on.

184
2-4. Using other driving systems
ES350_U
■When the message is displayed on the multi-information display showing that
TRAC has been disabled even if the VSC off switch has not been pressed
TRAC cannot be operated. Contact your Lexus dealer.
■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.
■Reactivation of the TRAC /VSC systems after turning off the engine
Turning off the engine after turning off the TRAC/VSC systems will automatically
reactivate them.
■Reactivation of the TRAC system linked to vehicle speed
When only the TRAC system is turned off, the TRAC system will turn on when vehi-
cle speed increases. However, when both TRAC and VSC systems are turned off,
the systems will not turn on even when vehicle speed increases.
■If the slip indicator comes on
It may indicate a malfunction in the VSC and TRAC function. Contact your Lexus
dealer.

186
2-4. Using other driving systems
ES350_U
CAUTION
■When the slip indicator flashes
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.
■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 enhance vehicle stability and driving force, do not turn
the TRAC/VSC systems off unless necessary.
■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.