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

TABLE OF CONTENTSIndex
4
GS_G_U
May 13, 2008 5:14 pm
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 fe atures.............. 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/vent ilators ............ 354
Armrest ........................................... 356
Rear sunshade ............................... 357
Floor mats....................................... 359
Trunk features............................... 360
Garage door opener .................. 363
Compass.......................................... 369
Lexus Link System ....................... 373 4-1. Maintenance and care........... 388
Cleaning and protecting 
the vehicle exterior.................. 388
Cleaning and protecting 
the vehicle interior ..................... 391
4-2. Maintenance.............................. 394 Maintenance requirements ..... 394
General maintenance ................ 396
Emission inspection and 
maintenance (I/M) 
programs ...................................... 399
4-3. Do-it-yourself 
maintenance........................... 400
Do-it-yourself service 
precautions ................................. 400
Hood................................................. 403
Positioning a floor jack............... 404
Engine compartment................. 406
Tires .................................................... 421
Tire inflation pressure.................. 431
Wheels.............................................. 435
Air conditioning filter.................. 437
Electronic key battery ................ 440
Checking and replacing 
fuses ................................................ 442
Headlight aim................................. 467
Light bulbs ....................................... 470
4Maintenance and care

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
5
GS_G_U
May 13, 2008 5:14 pm
5-1. Essential information .............. 478If your vehicle needs 
to be towed .................................. 478
If you think something is 
wrong ............................................. 484
Fuel pump shut off system ....... 485
Event data recorder ................... 486
5-2. Steps to take in an 
emergency .............................. 488
If a warning light turns on or a 
warning buzzer sounds... ...... 488
If a warning message is 
displayed....................................... 497
If you have a flat tire (Vehicles 
with standard tires) .................... 512
If you have a flat tire (Vehicles 
with run-flat tires) ...................... 522
If the engine will not start .......... 523
If the shift lever cannot be 
shifted from “P” .......................... 524
If you lose your keys .................... 525
If the electronic key does not 
operate properly ....................... 526
If the 12 volt battery is 
discharged ................................... 529
If your vehicle overheats .......... 533
If the vehicle becomes 
stuck................................................ 536 6-1. Specifications............................ 540
Maintenance data 
(fuel, oil level, etc.).................... 540
Fuel information ........................... 553
Tire information ............................ 556
6-2. Customization .......................... 569 Customizable features .............. 569
6-3. Initialization ............................... 575 Items to initialize ........................... 575
Reporting safety defects for 
U.S. owners.................................. 578
Seat belt instructions for 
Canadian owners 
(in French) .................................... 579
Abbreviation list ....................... 582
Alphabetical index................... 584
What to do if............................... 594
5When trouble arises6Vehicle specifications
7For owners
Index

113
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
GS_G_U
May 13, 2008 5:14 pm
■Driving in the rain
●Drive carefully when it is raining, because visibility will be reduced, the windows
may become fogged-up, and the road will be slippery.
●Drive carefully when it starts to rain, be cause the road surface will be especially
slippery.
●Refrain from high speeds when driving on an expressway in the rain, because
there may be a layer of wate r between the tires and the road surface, preventing
the steering and brakes from operating properly.
■Breaking in your new Lexus
To extend the life of the vehicle, the following precautions are recommended to
observe:
●For the first 186 miles (300 km): 
Avoid sudden stops.
●For the first 621 miles (1000 km):
• Do not drive at extremely high speeds.
• Avoid sudden acceleration.
• Do not drive continuously in the low range in the “S” position.
• Do not drive at a constant speed for extended periods.
■Operating your vehicle in a foreign country
Comply with the relevant vehicle registration laws and confirm the availability of the
correct fuel. ( P. 5 4 3 )
■When starting on an incline
The hill-start assist control may operate. ( P. 1 8 4 )

115
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
GS_G_U
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.

118
2-1. Driving procedures
GS_G_U
May 13, 2008 5:14 pm
CAUTION
■When taking a nap in the vehicle
Always turn the engine off. Otherwise, you may accidentally move the shift lever or
depress the accelerator pedal, which could cause an accident or fire due to engine
overheating. Additionally, if the vehicle is parked in a poorly ventilated area, exhaust
gases may collect and enter th e vehicle, leading to death or a serious health hazard.
■When braking the vehicle
●When the brakes are wet, drive more cautiously. 
Braking distance increases when the brakes are wet, and may cause one side of
the vehicle to brake differently than the other side. Also the parking brake may
not securely hold the vehicle.
●If the brake actuator (GS460) or brake booster (GS350) does not operate, do
not follow other vehicles closely and avoi d downhill or sharp turns that require
making. 
In this case, braking is still possible, but it will require more force on the pedal than
usual. Braking distance may also increase.
●Do not pump the brake pedal if turning the engine off. 
Each push on the brake pedal uses up the reserve for the power-assisted brakes.
●The brake system consists of 3 (GS460) or 2 (GS350) individual hydraulic sys-
tems: If one of the systems fails, the other will still operate. In this case, the brake
pedal should be depressed more firmly th an usual and braking distance becomes
longer. 
Do not drive your vehicle with only a single brake system. Have your brakes fixed
immediately.
■If the vehicle becomes stuc k or bogged (4WD models)
Do not spin the wheels recklessly when any of the tires is up in the air, or stuck in
sand or mud, etc. This may damage the drive system components or propel the
vehicle forward (or in another direction) and cause an accident.

178
2-4. Using other driving systems
GS_G_U
May 13, 2008 5:14 pm
NOTICE
■When using the intuitive parking assist
In the following situations, the system may not function correctly due to a sensor
malfunction etc. Have the vehicle checked by your Lexus dealer.
●A beep does not sound when you turn the main switch on.
●The intuitive parking assist operation display flashes, and a beep sound when no
obstacle has been 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.
■When changing tires
If you install tires of a size other than that recommended by the manufacturer, the
system will be unable to correctly detect steering wheel movement. Always use tire
sizes recommended by the manufacturer.
■When washing the vehicle
When washing the vehicle using high pressure cleaning equipment, do not spray
water directly on the sensors. Subjecting the sensors to high pressure impact may
cause a malfunction.

189
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
GS_G_U
May 13, 2008 5:14 pm
CAUTION
■The hill-start assist control may not operate effectively when
●On steep inclines.
●On icy surfaces.
■When the VSC is activated
The slip indicator light flashes and a warning buzzer sounds. Always drive carefully.
Reckless driving may cause an accident. Ex ercise particular care when the indica-
tor light flashes and a buzzer sounds.
■When TRAC and VSC are off
Be especially careful and drive at a speed appropriate to the road conditions. As
these are systems to ensure vehicle stability and driving force, do not turn off TRAC
and VSC unless necessary.
■Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the same size, brand, tread pattern and total load
capacity. In addition, make sure that the ti res are inflated to the specified tire pres-
sure level.
The ABS and VSC will not function correctly if different tires are fitted on the vehi-
cle. 
Contact your Lexus dealer for further info rmation when replacing tires or wheels.
■Handling of tires and suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modifying the suspension will affect the driv-
ing assist systems, and may cause the system to malfunction.

199
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
GS_G_U
May 13, 2008 5:14 pm
Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving the
vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropriate to the
prevailing weather conditions.
■ Pre-winter preparations
●Use fluids that are appropria te to the prevailing outside tempera-
tures.
• Engine oil
• Engine coolant
• Washer fluid
● Have a service technician inspect th e level and specific gravity of
battery electrolyte.
● Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set of
tire chains for the rear tires.
Ensure that all tires are the same si ze and brand, and that chains match
the size of the tires.
■ Before driving the vehicle
Perform the following according to the driving conditions.
● Do not try to forcibly open a w indow or move a wiper that is fro-
zen. Pour warm water over the frozen area to melt the ice. Wipe
away the water immediately to prevent it from freezing.
● To ensure proper operation of the climate control system fan,
remove any snow that has accumulated on the air inlet vents in
front of the windshield.
● Remove any ice that has accumul ated on the vehicle chassis.
● Periodically check for and remove any excess ice or snow that
may have accumulated in the wheel well or on the brakes.

200
2-5. Driving information
GS_G_U
May 13, 2008 5:14 pm
Regulations on the use of snow chains● Regulations regarding the use of tire chains vary according to location
and type of road. Alwa ys check local regulations before installing
chains.
● Use SAE Class “S” type radial tire chains, with the exception of radial
cable chains or V-bar type chains.
• Install the chains on the rear tires.
• Refer to the explanation that comes with the tire chains for installa-
tion instructions.
● Retighten the chains after driving 1 /4 - 1 /2 mile (0.5 - 1.0 km).
■When driving the vehicle
Accelerate the vehicle slowly and dr ive at a reduced speed suitable
to road conditions.
■ When parking the vehicle
Park the vehicle and move the shift lever to “P” without setting the
parking brake. The parking brake ma y freeze up, preventing it from
being released.

202
2-5. Driving information
GS_G_U
May 13, 2008 5:14 pm
■Snow chain installation
Observe the following precautions when installing and removing chains.
●Install and remove tire chains in a safe location.
●Install tire chains on the rear tires only. Do not install tire chains on front tires.
●Install tire chains following the instructions provided in the accompanying
instructions.
CAUTION
■Driving with snow tires
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents. 
Failing to do so may result in a loss of vehicle control and cause death or serious
injury.
●Use tires of the size specified for your vehicle.
●Maintain the specified level of tire inflation pressure.
●Do not drive in excess of 75 mph (120 km/h ), regardless of the type of snow tires
being used.
●Use snow tires on all, not just some wheels.
■Driving with snow chains
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents. 
Failing to do so may result in the vehicle being unable to be driven safely, and may
cause death or serious injury.
●Do not drive in excess of the speed limit specified for the tire chains being used,
or 30 mph (50 km/h), whichever is lower.
●Avoid driving on bumpy road surfaces or over potholes.
●Avoid sudden turns and braking, as use of chains may adversely affect vehicle
handling.
●Slow down sufficiently before entering a curve to ensure that vehicle control is
maintained.