ESP Lexus GS300h 2013 Owner's Guide

3584-5. Using the driving support system
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Lexus parking assist-sensor display
When an obstacle is detected while the rear view monitor system, is in use,
the warning indicator will appear in the top right of the screen even if the dis-
play setting has been set to off.
Sensor detection information
The sensor’s detection areas are limited to the areas around the vehicle’s
bumpers.
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. (Wiping the sensors will resolve
this problem.)
• The sensor is frozen. (Thawing the area will resolve this problem.)
In especially cold weather, if a sensor is frozen the screen may show an
abnormal display, or obstacles may not be detected.
• 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.
• The area directly under the bumpers is not detected.
• If obstacles draw too close to the sensor.
• A non-genuine Lexus suspension (lowered suspension etc.) is installed.
• People may not be detected if they are wearing certain types of clothing.
In addition to the examples above, there are instances in which, because of
their shape, signs and other objects may be judged by the sensor to be closer
than they are.

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CAUTION
When using the Lexus parking assist-sensor
Observe the following precautions.
Failing to do so may result in the vehicle being unable to be driven safely
and possibly cause an accident.
Do not use the sensor at speeds in excess of 10 km/h (6 mph).
The sensors’ detection areas and reaction times are limited. When moving
forward or reversing, check the areas surrounding the vehicle (especially
the sides of the vehicle) for safety, and drive slowly, using the brake to
control the vehicle’s speed.
Do not install accessories within the sensors’ detection areas.
NOTICE
When using Lexus parking assist-sensor
In the following situations, the system may not function correctly due to a
sensor malfunction etc. Have the vehicle checked by any authorized Lexus
dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional.
The Lexus parking assist-sensor operation display flashes, and a beep
sounds when no obstacles are detected.
If the area around a sensor collides with something, or is subjected to
strong impact.
If the bumper collides with something.
If the display shows continuously without a beep.
If a display error occurs, first check the sensor.
If the error occurs even if there is no ice, snow or mud on the sensor, it is
likely that the sensor is malfunctioning.
Notes when washing the vehicle
Do not apply intensive bursts of water or steam to the sensor area.
Doing so may result in the sensor malfunctioning.

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4 4-5. Using the driving support system
Driving
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Eco drive mode
Use Eco drive mode to help achieve low fuel consumption
during trips that involve frequent accelerating.
When not in Eco drive mode and the driving mode select switch is turned
to the left, the “ECO MODE” indicator comes on in the multi-information
display.
Also, on vehicles equipped with a
12.3-inch display, the driving
mode is also automatically dis-
played on the “Side Display”.
(P. 444)
Sport mode
Assists acceleration response by controlling the hybrid system
and steering. Suitable for when precise handling is desirable, for
example when driving on mountain roads.
When not in Sport mode and the driving mode select switch is turned to
the right, the “SPORT” indicator comes on in the multi-information dis-
play, and the Hybrid System Indicator changes to the tachometer. (P.
109)
Also, on vehicles equipped with a
12.3-inch display, the driving
mode is also automatically dis-
played on the “Side Display”.
(P. 444)
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3

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Driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
Sport mode
• SPORT S mode
Assists acceleration response by controlling the hybrid system.
When not in SPORT S mode and the driving mode select switch is
turned to the right, the “SPORT S” indicator comes on in the multi-
information display, and the Hybrid System Indicator changes to the
tachometer. (P. 109)
Also, on vehicles equipped with
a 12.3-inch display, the driving
mode is also automatically dis-
played on the “Side Display”.
(P. 444)
• SPORT S+ mode
Helps to ensure steering performance and driving stability by
simultaneously controlling the steering and suspension in
addition to the hybrid system. Suitable for sporty driving.
When in SPORT S mode and the driving mode select switch is turned to
the right, the “SPORT S+” indicator comes on in the multi-information
display, and the Hybrid System Indicator changes to the tachometer.
(P. 109)
Also, on vehicles equipped with
a 12.3-inch display, the driving
mode is also automatically dis-
played on the “Side Display”.
(P. 444)
3

3974-5. Using the driving support system
4
Driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
Driving assist systems
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied sud-
denly, 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
TRC (Traction Control)
Helps to maintain drive power and prevent the drive wheels from
spinning when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery
roads
VGRS (Variable Gear Ratio Steering) (if equipped)
Adjusts the front wheel turning angle in accordance with the
vehicle speed and steering wheel movement
To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following
systems operate automatically in response to various driving situa-
tions. Be aware, however, that these systems are supplementary
and should not be relied upon too heavily when operating the vehi-
cle.

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DRS (Dynamic Rear Steering) (if equipped)
Contributes to the turning characteristics and responsiveness of
the vehicle by slightly adjusting the rear wheel angle of the vehi-
cle in accordance with steering wheel movement
EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed
to turn the steering wheel
AVS (Adaptive Variable Suspension system) (if equipped)
By independently controlling the damping force of the shock
absorbers for each of the 4 wheels according to the road and driv-
ing conditions, this system helps riding comfort with superior
steering stability, and helps good vehicle posture
When SPORT S+ mode is selected by the driving mode select
switch, the damping force is suitable for sporty driving (P.
394)
LDH (Lexus Dynamic Handling system) (if equipped)
Provides independent control of the VGRS, DRS and EPS. Con-
tributes to turning characteristics at low speeds, responsiveness
at medium speeds and safety at high speeds by controlling the
steering angle of the front and rear wheels in accordance with the
steering wheel operation and vehicle speed
VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management)
Provides integrated control of the ABS, brake assist, TRC, VSC,
EPS, VGRS (if equipped) and DRS (if equipped) systems
Helps to maintain vehicle stability when swerving on slippery
road surfaces by controlling the brakes, hybrid system output,
steering assist, and steering ratio and rear wheel angle

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CAUTION
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
TRC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slip-
pery road surfaces, even if the TRC system is operating.
Drive the vehicle carefully in conditions where stability and power may be
lost.
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 TRC/VSC systems are turned off
Be especially careful and drive at a speed appropriate to the road condi-
tions. As these are the systems to help vehicle stability and driving force,
do not turn the TRC/VSC systems off unless necessary.

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Driving
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Suspension control (if equipped)
When the system determines that there is a high possibility of a
frontal collision, the operation of AVS (P. 398) optimally con-
trols the damping force of the shock absorber.
Steering control (if equipped)
There is a high possibility of collision and if the steering wheel is
operated, the steering angles of the front and rear wheels and the
heaviness of the steering wheel are controlled by LDH, thus
heightening responsiveness in response to the steering operation.
Driver monitor system (if equipped)
When the system determines that there is a possibility of a colli-
sion, and either the driver is not facing forward or the driver’s
eyes are closed, PCS warnings are given in advance to warn the
driver. If the system determines that the conditions to operate
pre-crash alert braking have been met even when the possibility
of a collision increases further, pre-crash alert braking will oper-
ate.

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Driving
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CAUTION
Handling the radar sensor
Keep the sensor and its surrounding area on the bumper clean at all times.
Do not subject the sensor or surrounding area on the bumper to a strong
impact. If the sensor moves even slightly off position, the system may
malfunction and vehicles that enter the detection area may not be
detected. If the sensor or surrounding area is subject to a strong impact,
always have the area inspected by any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer,
or another duly qualified and equipped professional.
Do not disassemble the sensor.
Do not attach accessories or stickers to the sensor or surrounding area on
the bumper.
Do not modify the sensor or surrounding area on the bumper.
Do not paint the sensor or surrounding area on the bumper.
One Blind Spot Monitor sensor is
installed inside the left and right side of
the vehicle rear bumper respectively.
Observe the following to ensure the
Blind Spot Monitor can function cor-
rectly.

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Driving
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The Blind Spot Monitor function is operational when
The BSM main switch is set to on
Vehicle speed is greater than approximately 16 km/h (10 mph).
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.
CAUTION
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 Blind Spot Monitor function is a supplementary function which alerts
the driver that a vehicle is present in the blind spot. Do not overly rely on
the Blind Spot Monitor function. The function cannot judge if it is safe to
change lanes, therefore over reliance could cause an accident resulting in
death or serious injury.
According to conditions, the system may not function correctly. Therefore
the driver’s own visual confirmation of safety is necessary.