power steering Lexus GS350 2008 Do-it-yourself maintenance / LEXUS 2008 GS460/350 OWNER'S MANUAL (OM30A87U)

TABLE OF CONTENTSIndex
2
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May 13, 2008 5:14 pm
1-1. Key information ........................... 20Keys ...................................................... 20
1-2. Opening, closing and locking 
the doors and trunk .................. 22
Smart access system with  push-button start .......................... 22
Wireless remote control .............. 34
Doors.................................................... 37
Trunk..................................................... 42
1-3. Adjustable components 
(seats, mirrors, 
steering wheel) .......................... 45
Front seats .......................................... 45
Driving position memory 
system ............................................... 47
Head restraints.................................. 51
Seat belts ............................................ 53
Steering wheel.................................. 60
Inside rear view mirror ................... 61
Outside rear view mirrors ........... 62
1-4. Opening and closing the 
windows and moon roof .......... 64
Power windows................................ 64
Moon roof .......................................... 67 1-5. Refueling ........................................ 70
Opening the fuel tank cap........... 70
1-6. Theft deterrent system............... 73 Immobilizer system ........................ 73
Alarm.................................................... 75
Theft prevention labels 
(U.S.A.) ............................................. 77
1-7. Safety information ....................... 78 Correct driving posture ............... 78
SRS airbags ...................................... 80
Front passenger occupant 
classification system .................... 92
Child restraint sy stems ................. 98
Installing child restraints ............. 102
2-1. Driving procedures.................... 112 Driving the vehicle .......................... 112
Engine (ignit ion) switch ................ 121
Automatic transmission.............. 125
Turn signal lever............................. 130
Parking brake ................................... 131
2-2. Instrument cluster ..................... 132 Gauges and meters ..................... 132
Indicators and warning 
lights................................................. 136
Multi-information display........... 139
1Before driving
2When driving

Before driving1
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GS_G_U
May 13, 2008 5:14 pm
1-1. Key information ............... 20Keys .............................................. 20
1-2. Opening, closing and 
locking the doors 
and trunk........................ 22
Smart access system with 
push-button start .................... 22
Wireless remote control ......... 34
Doors ............................................ 37
Trunk ............................................. 42
1-3. Adjustable components
(seats, mirrors, 
steering wheel) .............. 45
Front seats ................................... 45
Driving position memory 
system ........................................ 47
Head restraints ........................... 51
Seat belts ..................................... 53
Steering wheel ........................... 60
Inside rear view mirror ............. 61
Outside rear view mirrors ...... 62 1-4. Opening and closing the

windows and 
moon roof ....................... 64
Power windows .......................... 64
Moon roof .................................... 67
1-5. Refueling .......................... 70 Opening the fuel tank cap ..... 70
1-6. Theft deterrent system ... 73 Immobilizer system .................. 73
Alarm............................................ 75
Theft prevention labels 
(U.S.A.)...................................... 77
1-7. Safety information........... 78 Correct driving posture ......... 78
SRS airbags ................................ 80
Front passenger occupant 
classification system.............. 92
Child restraint systems ........... 98
Installing child restraints....... 102

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1-3. Adjustable components (seats, mirrors, steering wheel)
1
Before driving
GS_G_U
June 15, 2008 11:26 am
Push the “1”, “2” or “3” button on
the driver’s side and the button
on the wireless remote control at
the same time for about 1 second
until you hear a beep.
Open one of the doors.
If a door is not opened within 60 seconds after is pressed, the
doors will be locked again and th e alarm will automatically be set.
In case that the alarm is trigger ed, immediately stop the alarm.
( P. 7 5 )STEP3
■Canceling the linked do or unlock operation
Close the driver’s door with the “ENGINE START STOP” switch set to
the OFF.
Push the “SET” button and the button on the wireless remote control
at the same time for about 1 second until you hear 2 beeps.
■Retained accessory power
Each memorized position (except for the tilt and telescopic steering column) can
be activated within 30 seconds after the co rresponding side door is opened, even if
the “ENGINE START STOP” switch is in the OFF.
■If any position memory button is push ed while the adjustments are being made
The operation will stop. To reactivate the sy stem, push the desired button (“1” or “2”)
again.
■If the 12 volt battery is disconnected
The memorized positions must be reset be cause the computer’s memory is erased
when the 12 volt battery is disconnected.
STEP4
STEP1
STEP2

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1-7. Safety information
GS_G_U
May 13, 2008 5:14 pm
Your vehicle is equipped with “ADVANCED AIRBAGS” designed based
on US motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS208). The airbag system
controls airbag deployment power for the driver and front passenger. The
driver airbag system consist s of the driver’s seat position sensor etc. The
front passenger’s airbag system consist s of the front passenger occupant
classification sensor etc.
The main SRS airbag system componen ts are shown above. The SRS air-
bag system is controlled by the airb ag sensor assembly. The airbag sen-
sor assembly consists of a safing sensor and an airbag sensor.
In certain types of severe frontal or side impacts, the SRS airbag system
triggers the airbag inflators. A chemica l reaction in the inflators quickly
fills the airbags with non-toxic gas to he lp restrain the motion of the occu-
pants.
■If the SRS airbags deploy (inflate)
●Bruising and slight abrasion s may result from contact with a deploying (inflating)
SRS airbag.
●A loud noise and white powder will be emitted.
●Parts of the airbag module (steering wheel hub, airbag cover and inflator) as
well as the seats, and parts of the front pillar and roof side rail, may be hot for
several minutes. The airbag itself may also be hot.
●The windshield may crack.

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2-1. Driving procedures
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When driving
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May 13, 2008 5:14 pm
CAUTION
■When driving the vehicle
●Do not shift the shift lever to “N” while the vehicle is moving.
Doing so may cause the engine brake not to operate properly and lead to an
accident.
●Do not turn the engine off while driving. 
The power steering and brake actuator (GS460) or brake booster (GS350) will
not operate properly if the engine is off.
●Use engine braking (downshift) to maintain a safe speed when driving down a
steep hill. 
Using the brakes continuously may cause the brakes to overheat and lose effec-
tiveness. ( P. 1 2 7 )
●When stopped on an inclined surface, use the brake pedal and parking brake to
prevent the vehicle from rolling backwa rd or forward and causing an accident.
●Be careful when driving on slippery surfaces, as the vehicle may spin or skid when
downshifting, rapidly accelerating, braking or turning.
●Do not adjust the position of the steering wheel, the seat, or the inside or outside
rear view mirrors while driving. 
Doing so may result in a loss of vehicle control that can cause accidents that may
result in death or serious injury.
●Always check that all passengers’ arms, heads or other parts of their bodies are
not outside the vehicle, as this may result in death or serious injury.
●Do not drive in excess of the speed limit. Even if the legal speed limit permits it, do
not drive over 85 mph (140 km/h) unless your vehicle has high-speed capability
tires. Driving over 85 mph (140 km/h) may result in tire failure, loss of control and
possible injury. Be sure to consult a tire dealer to determine whether the tires on
your vehicle are high-speed capability tires or not before driving at such speeds.

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2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
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May 13, 2008 5:14 pm
NOTICE
■While driving the vehicle
Do not use the accelerator pedal or depress accelerator and brake pedals together
to hold the vehicle on a hill.
■When parking the vehicle
Always put the shift lever in “P”. Failure to do so may cause the vehicle to move or
the vehicle may accelerate suddenly if the accelerator pedal is accidentally
depressed.
■Avoiding damage to vehicle parts
●Do not turn the steering wheel fully in either direction and hold it there for a long
time. 
Doing so may damage the power steering motor.
●When driving over bumps in the road, drive as slowly as possible to avoid damag-
ing the wheels, underside of the vehicle, etc.
■If you hear a squealing or scraping no ise (brake pad wear limit indicators)
Have your Lexus dealer check and replac e the brake pads as soon as possible.
The rotor damage can result if the pads are not replaced when needed.
Front brake only: Moderate levels of the brake pad and disc wear allow enhanced
front braking power. As a result, the discs may wear more quickly than conventional
brake discs. Therefore, when replacing the brake pads, Lexus recommends that you
also have the thickness of the discs measured.
It is dangerous to drive the vehicle when the wear limits of the brake pads and/or
that of the brake discs are exceeded.

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2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
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May 13, 2008 5:14 pm
■If the engine does not start
The immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. (P. 7 3 )
■When the steering lock cannot be released
■When the “ENGINE START STOP” switch indicator flashes in amber
The system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus
dealer immediately.
■Auto power OFF function
If the vehicle is left in the ACCESSORY mode for more than an hour with the shift
lever in “P”, the “ENGINE START STOP” switch will automatically turn OFF.
■Electronic key battery depletion
P. 2 8
■When the electronic key battery is discharged
P. 4 4 0
■Conditions affecting operation
P. 2 6
■Leak detection pump
Several hours after the engine is turned off, you may hear a sound coming from
underneath the luggage compartment for several minutes. This is normal operation
and does not indicate a malfunction.
The green indicator light on the “ENGINE
START STOP” switch will flash and a mes-
sage will be shown on the multi-information
display. Press the “ENGINE START STOP”
switch again while turning the steering wheel
left and right.

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2-4. Using other driving systems
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May 13, 2008 5:14 pm
Driving assist systems
To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following systems
operate 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.
■ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied suddenly, 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 wh en swerving suddenly or turning on
slippery road surfaces.
■ TRAC (Traction Control)
Maintains drive power and prevents the rear wheels from spinning when
starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads.
■Hill-start assist control
Helps prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards when starting on an
incline or slippery slope. It operates for approximately 5 seconds at maxi-
mum.
■ EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed to turn
the steering wheel.
■Active stabilizer suspension system (if equipped)
Turns at smaller angles to main tain the stable vehicle posture.

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2-4. Using other driving systems
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May 13, 2008 5:14 pm
■Reduced effectiveness of EPS
The effectiveness of EPS 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 off. The system should return to normal about
10 minutes.
■GS460: VGRS is disabled in the following situations
●During stopping or the steering wheel has been moved for a long time while
driving at lower speeds.
●After the engine is restarted at less than -22°F (-30°C).
CAUTION
Any of the following conditions may result in an accident which could cause death or
serious injury:
■The ABS does not operate effectively when
●The limits of tire gripping performance have been exceeded.
●The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on the wet or slick road.
■Stopping distance when the ABS is operating will exceed that of normal condi-
tions
The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehicle’s stopping dist ance. Always main-
tain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you 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 roads with uneven roads
■TRAC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be ac hievable while driving on slippery road
surfaces, even if the TRAC is operating. 
Do not drive the vehicle in conditions where stability and power may be lost.

Interior features3
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May 13, 2008 5:14 pm
3-3. Using the audio 
system ........................... 226
Audio system type.................. 226
Using the radio........................ 229
Using the cassette player ... 238
Using the CD player ............. 242
Playing MP3 and 
WMA discs............................ 247
Using the DVD player............ 251
Playing DVD 
video/audio............................ 254
Playing video CD ................... 266
DVD player and DVD 
video disc information ....... 270
Optimal use of the 
audio/video system ............ 282
Using the AUX adapter ....... 287
Using the steering 
switches ................................. 288
3-4. Using the hands-free 
system (for cellular 
phone)............................ 291
Hands-free system 
(for cellular phone) .............. 291
Using the Bluetooth
® 
phone ...................................... 296
Setting the hands-free  system ....................................... 311 3-5. Using the interior

lights ............................. 337
Interior lights list .................... 337
3-6. Using the storage 
features ........................ 340
List of storage features......... 340
3-7. Other interior  features ........................ 347
Sun visors ................................. 347
Vanity mirror ........................... 348
Clock ......................................... 349
Outside temperature 
display..................................... 350
Ashtrays..................................... 351
Cigarette lighter .................... 352
Power outlet ............................ 353
Seat heaters/ventilators ...... 354
Armrest .................................... 356
Rear sunshade ........................ 357
Floor mats ................................ 359
Trunk features ......................... 360
Garage door opener ............ 363
Compass................................... 369
Lexus Link System ................. 373