check engine Lexus GS300 2006 Starting and Driving

STARTING AND DRIVING
418
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
The traction control system automatically helps prevent
the spinning of rear wheels when the vehicle is started or
accelerated on slippery road surfaces.
When the engine switch is selected in “IG−ON” mode, the
system automatically turns on.
CAUTION
Under certain slippery road conditions, full traction of
the vehicle and power against rear wheels cannot be
maintained, even though the traction control system is
in operation. Do not drive the vehicle under any speed
or maneuvering conditions which may cause the
vehicle to lose traction control. In situations where the
road surface is covered with ice or snow, your vehicle
should be fitted with snow tires or tire chains. Always
drive at an appropriate and cautious speed for the
present road conditions.
G31038

Slip indicator light
Leave the system on during the ordinary driving so that it
can operate when needed.
You may hear a sound in the engine compartment for a few
seconds just after the vehicle begins to move. This means that
the traction control system is in the self−check mode, but does
not indicate a malfunction.
When the traction control system is operating, the following
conditions occur:
The system controls the spinning of the rear wheels. At this
time, the slip indicator light blinks.
You may feel vibration or noise in your vehicle, caused by
operation of the brakes. This indicates the system is
functioning properly.
GS430—The slip indicator light comes on when the engine
switch is selected in “IG−ON” mode. The light goes off when
the engine is started.

STARTING AND DRIVING
420
Traction control system failure warning
G31039

1
GS430 2
GS300
If the traction control system malfunctions, the slip
indicator light (two−wheel drive models only) and brake
system warning light (yellow) come on. At this time, the
above message appears. (GS430 only—In some cases,
the multi−information display shows either “CHECK VSC”
or “CHECK ECB” only.)
If the message appears, the traction control system, vehicle
stability control system and hill−start assist control system do
not work. Although it is no problem to continue driving, have
your vehicle checked by your Lexus dealer as soon as
possible.
VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL
SYSTEM
The vehicle stability control system helps provide
comprehensive control of the systems such as anti−lock
brake system, traction control, engine control, etc. This
system automatically controls the brakes and engine to
help prevent the vehicle from skidding when cornering on
a slippery road surface or operating steering wheel
abruptly.
This system activates when the vehicle speed is about more
than 15 km/h (9 mph).
You may hear a sound in the engine compartment for a few
seconds just after the vehicle begins to move. This means that
the system is in the self−check mode, but does not indicate a
malfunction.

STARTING AND DRIVING
424
Hill−start assist control system failure
warning
G31039

1
GS430 2
GS300
If the hill−start assist control system malfunctions, the
slip indicator light (two−wheel drive models only) and
brake system warning light (yellow) come on. At this time,
the above message appears. (GS430 only—In some
cases, the multi−information display shows either
“CHECK VSC” or “CHECK ECB” only.)
If the message appears, the hill−start assist control system,
vehicle stability control system and traction control system do
not work. Although it is no problem to continue driving, have
your vehicle checked by your Lexus dealer as soon as
possible.
VARIABLE GEAR RATIO
STEERING SYSTEM
(GS430 only)
The variable gear ratio steering system adjusts the wheel
turning angle depending on the vehicle speed and how
much you turn the steering wheel.
The vehicle wheel turning angle will be changed with a smaller
degree of wheel maneuvering when you are driving at very low
speed such as when putting your vehicle into a garage.
When you start or stop the engine, you may hear a small noise
and the steering wheel may move slightly. This is caused when
the system starts or stops, and does not indicate a malfunction.
In the following cases, to prevent the system from overheating,
the system could be temporarily deactivated with the change
in the center position of the steering wheel. This is not a
malfunction. After the cause of the problem is eliminated, the
system will return to normal automatically after a few minutes.
If you continue maneuvering the steering wheel when the
vehicle is stopped or running at very low speed
If you continue driving holding the steering wheel to the
extreme right or left
If you maneuver the steering wheel immediately after
starting the engine at less than about −30C (−22F)

STARTING AND DRIVING
426
VEHICLE DYNAMICS
INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT
(GS430 only)
Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) helps
manage control for vehicle stability control system,
anti−lock brake system, brake assist system, traction
control system, engine output control, hill−start assist
control system and also manages variable gear ratio
steering system and electric power steering system.
In order to control sudden steering wheel operation and
the sideslip on slippery road surfaces, this system
provides excellent vehicle stability by automatically
controlling the brake, engine output and front wheel
angle.
The state of the tires will affect the performance of the vehicle
dynamics integrated management system. Be sure to check
the following:
Are tires of specified size installed?
Are tires of identical type installed?
Do the tires have stipulated tire pressure?
Are the tires worn?
A problem with the tires or modified suspension systems will
have an adverse effect on the system and may cause a
malfunction, so be careful.When the slip indicator light comes on, and the message
“CHECK ECB” appears on the multi−information display, the
vehicle dynamics integrated management does not operate.
Have your vehicle checked by your Lexus dealer as soon as
possible.
In addition, when the master warning light comes on, and the
message “CHECK VGRS” or “CHECK P/S” appears on the
multi−information display, the system will not be temporarily
functioning. Although it is no problem in driving as usual, have
your vehicle checked by your Lexus dealer as soon as
possible.
CAUTION
Do not overestimate the vehicle dynamics integrated
management. Even when this management is
functional, there is a limit to vehicle stability, and
irresponsible driving may lead to an accident. When
driving, you should always pay attention to your speed
and keep a safe distance between your vehicle and the
vehicle in front.

STARTING AND DRIVING
428
Anti−lock brake system
The anti−lock brake system is designed to automatically
help prevent lock−up of the wheels during a sudden
braking or braking on slippery road surfaces. This assists
in providing directional stability and steering
performance of the vehicle under these circumstances.
Effective way to press the ABS brake pedal: When the
anti−lock brake system function is in action, you may feel the
brake pedal pulsating and hear a noise. In this situation, to
let the anti−lock brake system work for you, just hold the
brake pedal down more firmly. Do not pump the brake in a
panic stop. This will result in reduced braking performance.
The anti−lock brake system becomes operative after the
vehicle has accelerated to a speed in excess of approximately
10 km/h (6 mph). It stops operating when the vehicle
decelerates to a speed below approximately 5 km/h (3 mph).
Depressing the brake pedal on slippery road surfaces such as
on a manhole cover, a steel plate at a construction site, joints
in a bridge, etc. on a rainy day tends to activate the anti−lock
brake system.
You may hear a click or motor sound in the engine
compartment for a few seconds when the engine is started or
just after the vehicle begins to move. This means that the
anti−lock brake system is in the self−check mode, and does not
indicate a malfunction.When the anti−lock brake system is activated, the
following conditions may occur. They do not indicate a
malfunction of the system:
You may hear the anti−lock brake system operating and feel
the brake pedal pulsating and the vibrations of the vehicle
body and steering wheel. You may also hear the motor
sound in the engine compartment even after the vehicle is
stopped.
At the end of the anti−lock brake system activation, the
brake pedal may move a little forward.

STARTING AND DRIVING
431
Drum−in−disc type parking brake system
Your vehicle has a drum−in−disc type parking brake system.
This type of brake system needs bedding−down of the brake
shoes periodically or whenever the parking brake shoes
and/or drums are replaced.
Have your Lexus dealer perform the bedding−down.
Brake assist system
When you slam the brakes on, the brake assist system
judges as an emergency stop and provides more powerful
braking for a driver who cannot hold down the brake pedal
firmly.
When you slam the brakes on, more powerful braking will be
applied. At this time, you may hear a sound in the engine
compartment and feel the vibrations of the brake pedal. This
does not indicate a malfunction.
The brake assist system becomes operative after the vehicle
has accelerated to a speed in excess of approximately 10 km/h
(6 mph). It stops operating when the vehicle decelerates to a
speed below approximately 5 km/h (3 mph).
The brake assist system may not work for about 60 seconds
after the engine is started.
For an explanation of this system’s warning light, see “ABS”
warning light on page 78 or 430.
BRAKE PAD WEAR LIMIT
INDICATORS
G31006
The brake pad wear limit indicators on your disc brakes
give a warning noise when the brake pads are worn to the
extent that replacement is required.
If you hear a squealing or scraping noise while driving, have
the brake pads checked and replaced by your Lexus dealer as
soon as possible. Expensive rotor damage can result if the
pads are not replaced when needed.
GS430 front brake only—
The high brake performance is achieved by proper wear of
brake pads and discs. As a result, the brake discs may wear
earlier than the ones on the conventional brake system.
When brake pads are replaced, brake disc thickness is
required to be measured.
It is dangerous to continue driving when brake pads and discs
have exceeded the wear limit.

STARTING AND DRIVING
432
ELECTRIC POWER STEERING
SYSTEM
The electric power steering system, using an electric
motor, assists the turning of the steering wheel.
In the following cases, you may feel the steering becomes
heavy. However, the electric power steering system
warning light does not come on. (Because it is not a
malfunction.)
When maneuvering or turning frequently over a long time, the
power steering effect will be reduced to prevent the system
from overheating. Avoid turning the steering wheel, or stop the
vehicle and select the engine switch in “ACC” or “OFF” mode.
The system will become cool in about 10 minutes.
NOTICE
Frequent maneuvering and turning over a long time may
cause damage to the system in which the mechanism
prevents overheating of the electric power steering
system.
When the battery is discharged, check the battery’s condition.
If necessary, recharge or replace the battery. For details, see
“Checking battery condition” on page 571.
G31040

Electric power steering system warning light
The light comes on when the engine switch is selected in
“IG−ON” mode. If the electric power steering system works
properly, the light turns off after a few seconds. If the system
has malfunctions, the light comes on again.
If the following conditions occur, this indicates a
malfunction somewhere in the components monitored by
the warning light system. Contact your Lexus dealer as
soon as possible to service the vehicle.
The light does not come on when the engine switch is
selected in “IG−ON” mode or remains on.
The light stays on while you are driving.

STARTING AND DRIVING
441 To initialize the system, perform the following:
1. Park the vehicle at a safe place and apply the parking brake.
Stop the engine.
2. Adjust the pressure of all the installed tires to the specified
level. (See “Tires and wheels” on pages 534 and 537.)
3. Start the engine.
4. Push and hold the reset switch until the low tire pressure
warning light blinks three times, and the message
“PRESSURE INITIAL” appears on the multi−information
display.
Do not turn the engine off for about 20 minutes until
initialization is complete.
G31007
When initializing the system, make sure the low tire pressure
warning light blinks three times and the message “PRESSURE
INITIAL” appears on the multi−information display. If the
warning light does not blink three times and the message does
not appear on the multi−information display, initialization failed
and the tire pressure warning system will not function properly.
In this case, initialize the system again.
Do not push the reset switch without adjusting the tire inflation
pressure to the specified level. Otherwise, the low tire
pressure warning light may not come on even if the tire inflation
pressure is low, or it may come on when the tire inflation
pressure is actually normal.
If you push the reset switch while the vehicle is moving,
initialization is not performed.
If the low tire pressure warning light does not blink and the
message does not appear on the multi−information display
when you push and hold the reset switch, have the tire
pressure warning system checked at your Lexus dealer.

STARTING AND DRIVING
442
NOTICE
Do not turn the engine switch off during initialization,
or the system may not function properly due to
incomplete initialization.
Check which tires are being used before initialization
of the system, and also check the selector switch
position. (See the following “Selector switch”.)
Selector switch
G31005

1
Main position 2
2nd position
The selector switch is located on the underside of the
glove box.
The ID code is given in the tire pressure sensor. To
activate the tire pressure warning system, it is necessary
to register the ID code of the sensor on the selector switch
in the vehicle.
2 sets of ID codes can be registered. The code of the tires
originally installed on the vehicle is registered on the switch at
“MAIN”. Have a new tires set with new tire pressure sensors
registered at “2nd” by Lexus dealer.
ID codes should be registered by Lexus dealer. Once
registered, change the setting position each time you purchase
tires and wheels. Re−registration is not required.
When purchasing new tires, consult your Lexus dealer.

STARTING AND DRIVING
446
Adaptive variable suspension control (GS430
only)
When the pre−collision sensor detects an object or
vehicle with which your vehicle may collide, and
determines that a collision may be unavoidable, the
adaptive variable suspension adjusts the damping effect
on the shock absorbers and regulates the vehicle not to
pitch forward so much.
The adaptive variable suspension will operate in the following
conditions:
When the vehicle speed is about 5 km/h (3 mph) or over.
When the approaching speed in regard to the object or the
vehicle exceeds about 30 km/h (18 mph).
Pre−collision system failure warning
G31079

Pre−collision system warning light
The light warns that there is a problem somewhere in the
pre−collision system.
The light comes on when the engine switch is selected in
“IG−ON” mode. If the system works properly, the light goes off
after a few seconds.
If the light does not come on when the engine switch is selected
in “IG−ON” mode, have your vehicle checked by your Lexus
dealer.
If the system has a problem, the pre−collision system warning
light comes on or blinks. At this time, the master warning light
comes on, a warning tone sounds, and either of the following
messages appears on the multi−information display.
PCS DISABLED NOW
CHECK PCS