Lexus ES350 2016 Owner's Manuals / LEXUS 2016 ES350 OWNERS MANUAL (OM33B64U)

ES350_OM_OM33B64U_(U)
2514-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
■The Blind Spot Monitor function is operational when
●The BSM main switch is set to on
●Vehicle speed is greater than approximately 10 mph (16 km/h).
■The Blind Spot Monitor function will detect a vehicle when
●A vehicle in an adjacent lane overtakes your vehicle.
●Another vehicle enters the detection area when it changes lanes.
■Conditions under which the Blind Spot Monitor function will not detect a vehicle
The Blind Spot Monitor function is not designed to detect the following types of vehicles
and/or objects:
●Small motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians etc.*
●Vehicles traveling in the opposite direction
●Guardrails, walls, signs, parked vehicles and similar stationary objects*
●Following vehicles that are in the same lane*
●Vehicles driving 2 lanes across from your vehicle*
*
: Depending on conditions, detection of a vehicle and/or object may occur.
■Conditions under which the Bl ind Spot Monitor function may not function correctly
●The Blind Spot Monitor function may not dete ct vehicles correctly in the following con-
ditions:
• During bad weather such as heavy rain, fog, snow etc.
• When ice or mud etc. is attached to the rear bumper
• When driving on a road surface that is wet due to rain, standing water etc.
• When there is a significant difference in speed between your vehicle and the vehicle that enters the detection area
• When a vehicle is in the detection area from a stop and remains in the detection
area as your vehicle accelerates
• When driving up or down consecutive steep inclines, such as hills, a dip in the road
etc.
• When multiple vehicles approach with only a small gap between each vehicle
• When vehicle lanes are wide, and the vehicle in the next lane is too far away from
your vehicle
• When the vehicle that enters the detection area is traveling at about the same speed as your vehicle
• When there is a significant difference in height between your vehicle and the vehicle
that enters the detection area
• Directly after the BSM main switch is set to on
• When items such as a bicycle carrier ar e installed on the rear of the vehicle
●Instances of the Blind Spot Monitor function unnecessarily detecting a vehicle and/or
object may increase under the following conditions:
• When there is only a short distance between your vehicle and a guardrail, wall etc.
• When there is only a short distance between your vehicle and a following vehicle
• When vehicle lanes are narrow and a vehicle driving 2 lanes across from your vehi-
cle enters the detection area
• When items such as a bicycle carrier ar e installed on the rear of the vehicle

252
ES350_OM_OM33B64U_(U)4-5. Using the driving support systems
The Rear Cross Traffic Alert functions when your vehicle is in reverse. It can
detect other vehicles approaching from the right or left rear of the vehicle. It uses
radar sensors to alert the driver of the other vehicle’s existence through flashing
the outside rear view mirror indicators and sounding a buzzer.
The Rear Cross Traffic Alert function
Approaching vehicles
Detection areas12
WA R N I N G
■Cautions regarding the use of the system
The driver is solely responsible for safe driving. Always drive safely, taking care to
observe your surroundings.
The Rear Cross Traffic Alert function is only an assist and is not a replacement for care-
ful driving. Driver must be careful when ba cking up, even when using Rear Cross Traffic
Alert function. The driver’s own visual confirmation of behind you and your vehicle is
necessary and be sure there are no pedestrian s, other vehicles etc. before backing up.
Failure to do so could cause death or serious injury.
According to conditions, the system may not function correctly. Therefore the driver’s
own visual confirmation of safety is necessary.

ES350_OM_OM33B64U_(U)
2534-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
The areas that vehicles can be detected in are outlined below.
To give the driver a more consistent time to react, the buzzer can alert for faster
vehicles from farther away.
Example:
■The Rear Cross Traffic Alert function is operational when
●The BSM main switch is set to on.
●The shift lever is in R.
●Vehicle speed is less than approximately 5 mph (8 km/h).
●Approaching vehicle speed is between approximately 5 mph (8 km/h) and 18 mph (28
km/h).
The Rear Cross Traffic Alert function detection areas
Approaching vehicleSpeedApproximate
alert distance
Fast18 mph (28 km/h)65 ft. (20 m)
Slow5 mph (8 km/h)18 ft. (5.5 m)
1

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ES350_OM_OM33B64U_(U)4-5. Using the driving support systems
■Conditions under which the Rear Cross Traffi
c Alert function will not detect a vehicle
The Rear Cross Traffic Alert function is no t designed to detect the following types of
vehicles and/or objects.
●Small motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians etc.*
●Vehicles approaching from directly behind
●Guardrails, walls, signs, parked vehi cles and similar stationary objects*
●Vehicles moving away from your vehicle
●Vehicles approaching from the parking spaces next to your vehicle*
●Vehicles backing up in the parking space next to your vehicle*
*
: Depending on conditions, detection of a vehicle and/or object may occur.
■Conditions under which the Rear Cross Traf fic Alert function may not function cor-
rectly
The Rear Cross Traffic Alert function may not detect vehicles correctly in the following
conditions:
●When ice or mud etc. is attached to the rear bumper
●During bad weather such as heavy rain, fog, snow etc.
●When multiple vehicles approach continuously
●Shallow angle parking
●When a vehicle is approaching at high speed
●When parking on a steep incline, su ch as hills, a dip in the road etc.
●Directly after the BSM main switch is set to on
●Vehicles that the sensors cannot detect
because of obstacles

255
ES350_OM_OM33B64U_(U)4-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
Driving assist systems
◆ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied suddenly, or if the
brakes are applied while drivin
g 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
◆Enhanced VSC (Enhanced Vehicle 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 performance.
◆TRAC (Traction Control)
Helps to maintain drive power and prevent the drive wheels from spinning
when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads
◆Hill-start assist control
Helps to prevent the vehicle from rolling backward when starting on an
incline.
To help enhance driving safety and performance, 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 operating the vehicle.

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ES350_OM_OM33B64U_(U)4-5. Using the driving support systems
◆EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce the
amount of effort needed to turn the
steering wheel
The slip indicator light will flash while
the TRAC/VSC systems are operating.
If the vehicle gets stuck in mud, dirt or snow, the TRAC system may reduce
power from the engine to the wheels. Pressing 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 “Traction Control Turned Off” will
be shown on the multi-information dis-
play. Press again to turn the sys-
tem back on.
When the TRAC/VSC systems are operating
Disabling the TRAC system

ES350_OM_OM33B64U_(U)
2574-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
■Turning off both TRAC and VSC systems
To turn the TRAC and VSC systems off, press and hold for more than 3 seconds
while the vehicle is stopped.
The VSC OFF indicator light will come on an d the “Traction Control Turned Off” will be
shown on the multi- information display.
*
Press again to turn the systems back on.
*: On vehicles with pre-collision system, pre-collision brake assist and pre-collision brak-
ing will also be disabled. The PCS warning light will come on and the message will be
shown on the multi-information display. ( P. 1 8 3 )
■When the message is displayed on the mu lti-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.
■When the battery is disconnected
The steering wheel may move fr om its straight forward position, but this will be corrected
automatically when driving.
■Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, TRAC, VSC and hill-start assist
control 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 sys-
tems.
●Any of the following condit ions may occur when the above systems are operating.
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 slig htly after the ABS is activated.
• The brake pedal may move down s lightly after the ABS is activated.
■EPS 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 and VSC systems
After turing the TRAC and VSC systems of f, the systems will 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.

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ES350_OM_OM33B64U_(U)4-5. Using the driving support systems
■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/backward on
an upward incline).
●The vehicle is stopped.
●The accelerator pedal is not depressed.
●The parking brake is not engaged.
■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.
●Approximately 2 seconds elapse after the brake pedal is released.
■Reduced effectiveness of the EPS system
The effectiveness of the EPS system is reduced to prevent the system from overheating
when there is frequent steering input over an extended period of time. The steering
wheel may feel heavy as a result. Should this occur, refrain from excessive steering input
or stop the vehicle and turn the engine of f. The EPS system should return to normal
within 10 minutes.

ES350_OM_OM33B64U_(U)
2594-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
WA R N I N G
■The ABS does not operate effectively when
●The limits of tire gripping performance have been exceeded (such as excessively
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 distance. Always maintain 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 may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while drivin g on slippery road
surfaces, even if the TRAC system is operating.
Drive the vehicle carefully in conditions where stability and power may be lost.
■Hill-start assist control does not operate effectively when
●Do not overly rely on the hill-start assist control. The 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 con-
trol to hold the vehicle on an incline, as doing so may lead to an accident.
■When the VSC is activated
The slip indicator light flashes. Always drive carefully. Reckless 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 ap propriate to the road conditions. As these
are the systems help ensure 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 specified size, brand, tread pattern and total load
capacity and have similar tread depths. In addi tion, make sure that the tires are inflated
to the recommended tire inflation pressure level.
The ABS, TRAC and VSC systems will not functi on correctly if different size 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 modi fying the suspension will affect the driving
assist systems, and may caus e a system to malfunction.

260
ES350_OM_OM33B64U_(U)4-6. Driving tips
Winter 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 front tires.
Ensure that all tires are the specified size and brand, and that chains match the size of
the 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
warm water over the frozen area to melt the ice. Wipe away the water imme-
diately to prevent it from freezing.
●To ensure proper operation of the climate control system fan, remove any
snow that has accumulated on the air inlet vents in front of the windshield.
●Check for and remove any excess ice or snow that may have accumulated on
the exterior lights, vehicle’s roof, chassis, around the tires or on the brakes.
●Remove any snow or mud from the bottom of your shoes before getting in the
vehicle.
Accelerate the vehicle slowly, keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle
ahead, and drive at a reduced speed suitable to road conditions.
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving the vehi-
cle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropriate to the prevail-
ing weather conditions.
Preparation for winter
Before driving the vehicle
When driving the vehicle