Lexus GS250 2012 Owner's Manual

2154-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
Automatic transmission
While the engine switch is in IGNITION ON mode, move the
shift lever with the brake pedal depressed.
When shifting the shift lever between P and D, make sure that the vehi-
cle is completely stopped.
Shifting the shift lever

2164-2. Driving procedures
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
*1: To improve fuel efficiency and reduce noises, set the shift lever in D for
normal driving.
*2: Any gear range can be fixed when driving in M mode.
Shift position purpose
Shift positionObjective or function
PParking the vehicle/starting the engine
RReversing
NNeutral
DNormal driving*1
MM mode driving*2 (P. 219)

2174-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
Sport mode/Eco drive mode
P. 326
Snow mode
Snow mode can be selected to suit the conditions when driving
on slippery road surfaces, such as on snow.
Press the switch.
Press the switch again to return
to normal mode.
Selecting the driving mode

2184-2. Driving procedures
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)To drive using temporary shift range selection, operate the “-” pad-
dle shift switch. The shift range can then be selected by operating
the “-” and “+” paddle shift switches. Changing the shift range
allows restriction of the highest gear, preventing unnecessary
upshifting and enabling the level of engine braking force to be
selected.
Upshifting
Downshifting
The selected shift range, from D1
to D5, will be displayed in the
meter.
To return to normal D position
driving, the “+” paddle shift switch
must be held down for a period of
time.
Shift ranges and their functions
A lower shift range will provide greater engine braking forces than a
higher shift range.
Selecting shift ranges in the D position
1
2
Meter displayFunction
D2 - D5
A gear in the range between 1 and the selected gear
is automatically chosen depending on vehicle speed
and driving conditions
D1Setting the gear at 1

2194-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)To enter M mode, shift the shift lever to M. Gears can then be
selected by operating the shift lever or paddle shift switches, allow-
ing you to drive in the gear of your choosing.
Upshifting
Downshifting
The gear changes once every time
the shift lever or paddle shift
switch is operated.
The selected gear, from M1 to M6,
will be fixed and displayed in the
meter.
Selecting gears in the M position
1
2

2204-2. Driving procedures
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)When in the M position, the gear will not change unless the shift
lever or paddle shift switches are operated.
However, even when in the M position, the gears will be auto-
matically changed in the following situation:
When vehicle speed drops (downshift only).
When the automatic transmission fluid or engine coolant tem-
perature is low.
When automatic transmission fluid temperature is high.
When the needle of the tachometer is in the red zone (the range
which exceeds the allowable revs of the engine).
In the following situations, the gear will not shift even if the shift
lever or paddle shift switches are operated.
“1st Gear not available due to slippery road surface” is dis-
played on the multi information display.
The vehicle speed is low (upshift only).

2214-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
When the “-” paddle shift switch is operated in the D position
A shift range will be automatically selected. The highest gear of the first shift
range will be one gear lower than the gear in use during normal D position
driving.
Automatic deactivation of shift range selection in the D position
Shift range selection in the D position will be deactivated in the following
situations:
When the vehicle comes to a stop
If the “+” paddle shift switch is operated when the shift range is in range 5
If the accelerator pedal is depressed for more than a certain period of time
When the shift lever is shifted to other than D
To protect automatic transmission
“Transmission Fluid High Temperature” is displayed on the multi-informa-
tion display and a function is adopted that automatically selects a higher shift
range when the fluid temperature is high. Have the vehicle inspected by any
authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped
professional.
Downshifting restrictions warning buzzer
To help ensure safety and driving performance, downshifting operation may
sometimes be restricted. In some circumstances, downshifting may not be
possible even when the shift lever or paddle shift switch is operated. (A
buzzer will sound twice.)
Snow mode automatic deactivation
Snow mode is automatically deactivated if the engine switch is turned off
after driving in snow mode.
If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P
P. 8 1 7

2224-2. Driving procedures
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
AI-SHIFT
The AI-SHIFT automatically selects the suitable gear according to driver
performance and driving conditions.
The AI-SHIFT automatically operates when the shift lever is in D. (Shifting
the shift lever to the M position cancels the function.)
CAUTION
When driving on slippery road surfaces
Be careful of downshifting and sudden acceleration, as this could result in
the vehicle skidding to the side or spinning.

2234-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
Turn signal lever
The lever will return to its original position after operation.
Right turn
Lane change to the right
(move the lever partway and
release it)
The right hand signals will flash 3
times.
Lane change to the left (move
the lever partway and release
it)
The left hand signals will flash 3
times.
Left turn
If the turn signals do not stop flashing after turning left or right,
or if you want to stop them flashing
Operate the lever in the opposite direction to either position
or .
If you move the lever to either position or , the selected
turn signals will flash.
Operating instructions
1
2
3
4
2
3
14

2244-2. Driving procedures
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
Turn signals can be operated when
The engine switch is in IGNITION ON mode.
If the indicator flashes faster than usual
Check that a light bulb in the front or rear turn signal lights has not burned
out.
If the turn signals stop flashing before a lane change has been performed
Operate the lever again.
Customization
The number of times the turn signals flash during a lane change can be
changed.
(Customizable feature P. 855)