engine Lexus GS300 2006 Starting and Driving

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
433
CAUTION
If the electric power steering system warning light
comes on, take your vehicle to your Lexus dealer as
soon as possible. In this case, more effort is required
for the steering wheel to turn than usual. Drive your
vehicle while firmly gripping the steering wheel.
TIRE PRESSURE WARNING
SYSTEM
G31003

Low tire pressure warning light
The light warns you that the tire inflation pressure is low.
The low tire pressure warning light comes on when the engine
switch is selected in “IG−ON” mode and goes off after a few
seconds. This means the low tire pressure warning light is
operating properly. If the tire inflation pressure becomes low,
the light comes on again. At this time, the master warning light
comes on and the message “LOW TIRE” appears on the
multi−information display.

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
443
CAUTION
When the tires whose ID code is registered at “MAIN”
are used, the system does not work properly with the
selector switch set at “2nd”. If the tires whose ID code
is registered at “2nd” are stored nearby, the system will
detect their tire inflation pressure (and vice versa).
Liquid sealants for flat tires
NOTICE
Do not use liquid sealants for flat tires as the tire
pressure sensors will be damaged.
PRE−COLLISION SYSTEM
(Vehicles with dynamic radar cruise control)
When the pre−collision system detects what it perceives
to be an unavoidable collision, the front seat belts are
quickly drawn back by the retractors (pre−collision seat
belts) and more powerful braking is applied according to
the amount of pedal depression to help reduce injury to
the occupants and damage to the vehicle body. In
addition, the adaptive variable suspension works to help
regulate the vehicle not to pitch forward so much.
The pre−collision system will operate when the engine switch
is selected in “IG−ON” mode.

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