brakes Lexus GS350 2008 User Guide

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2-4. Using other driving systems
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PCS (Pre-Collision System) (if equipped)
Radar sensorDetects vehicles or other obsta-
cles on or near the road ahead and
determines whether a collision is
imminent based on the position,
speed, and heading of the obsta-
cles. Grille cover
Radar sensor
Safety systems such as the brakes and seat belts are automatically
engaged to lessen impact and injuries to occupants as well as vehicle dam-
age when the radar sensor detects an unavoidable frontal collision.
■Pre-collision seat belts (front seats only)
The seat belts are immediately retracted as the effect of the pretensioner is
increased ( →P. 54), to help prepare the driver and passengers. In the
event of sudden braking or skidding, the system will operate even if no
obstacle has been detected.
■ Pre-collision brake assist
Applies greater braking force in relation to how strongly the brake pedal is
depressed.
■Pre-collision AVS
If the system determines that the collision is unavoidable, the operation of
AV S ( →P. 183) helps prevent the vehicle front from going down when
hard brakes are applied.
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2-4. Using other driving systems
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■Conditions that may trigger the system even if there is no danger of collision
●When there is an object by the roadside at the entrance to a curve
●When passing an oncoming vehicle on a curve
●When driving over a narrow iron bridge
●When there is a metal object on the road surface
●When driving on an uneven road surface
●When passing an oncoming vehicle on a left-turn
●When your vehicle rapidly closes on the vehicle in front
When the system is activated in the situations described above there is also a possi-
bility that the seat belts will retract quickly and the brakes will be applied with a force
greater than normal. When the seat belt is locked in the retracted position, stop the
vehicle in a safe place, release the seat belt and refasten.
■When there is a malfunction in the system
Warning lights and/or warning messages will turn on or flash. ( →P. 489, 499)
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199
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
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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 appropriate to the prevailing outside tempera-
tures.
• Engine oil
• Engine coolant
• Washer fluid
● Have a service technician inspect the 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 size 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 window 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 accumulated 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.
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397
4-2. Maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
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Vehicle interior
ItemsCheck points
Accelerator pedal• Moves smoothly (without uneven pedal effort or catching)?
Automatic transmission
“Park” mechanism• Can the vehicle be hold securely on an incline with the shift lever in “P”?
Brake pedal
• Moves smoothly?
• Does it have appropriate clearance and correct amount of free play?
Brakes
• Pulls to one side when applied?
• Loss of brake effectiveness?
• Spongy feeling brake pedal?
• Pedal almost touches floor?
Head restraints• Move smoothly and lock securely?
Indicators/buzzers• Function properly?
Lights• Do all the lights come on?
• Headlights aimed correctly? ( →P. 4 6 7 )
Pa r k i n g b r a ke
• Moves smoothly?
• Can hold the vehicle securely on an
incline?
Seat belts
• Does the seat belt system operate smoothly?
• Are the belts undamaged?
Seats• Do the seat controls operate properly?
Steering wheel
• Moves smoothly?
• Has correct free play?
• No strange noises?
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478
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5-1. Essential information
If your vehicle needs to be towed
Before towingThe following may indicate a problem with your automatic transmission.
Contact your Lexus dealer before towing.
● The engine is running, but the vehicle will not move.
● The vehicle makes an abnormal sound.
Emergency towing
If a tow truck is not available, in an emergency your vehicle may be tem-
porarily towed using a cable or chain secured to the emergency towing
eyelet. This should only attempted on hard, surfaced roads for short dis-
tances at low speeds.
A driver must be in the vehicle to steer and operate the brakes. The vehi-
cle’s wheels, drive train, axles, steer ing and brakes must be in good condi-
tion.
If towing is necessary, we recommend having your vehicle towed by your
Lexus dealer or a commercial towing se rvice, using a lift-type truck or a flat
bed truck.
Use a safety chain system for all towing, and abide by all state/provincial
and local laws.
If towing from the rear, the wheels and axle on the ground must be in good
condition.
If they are damaged, use a towing dolly or flat bed truck.
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5
When trouble arises
479
5-1. Essential information
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Towing eyelet
■Emergency towing procedureRelease the parking brake.
Put the shift lever in “N”.
The “ENGINE START STOP” switch must be in the ACCESSORY mode
(engine off) or the IGNITION ON mode (engine on).
CAUTION
■While towing
●Use extreme caution when towing the vehicle.
Avoid sudden starts or erratic driving maneuvers which place excessive stress on
the emergency towing eyelet and the cable or chain.
●If the engine is not running, the power assist for the brakes and steering will not
function, making steering and braking more difficult.
NOTICE
■To prevent causing serious damage to the automatic transmission
Never tow this vehicle from the front with the rear wheels (2WD models) or four
wheels (4WD models) on the ground.
This may cause serious damage to the automatic transmission.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
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494
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
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CAUTION
■If the tire pressure warning light comes on
Be sure to observe the following precautions. Failure to do so could cause loss of
vehicle control and result in death or serious injury.
●Vehicles with standard tires:
• Stop your vehicle in a safe place as soon as possible. Adjust the tire inflationpressure immediately.
• If the tire pressure warning light comes on even after tire inflation pressure adjustment, it is probable that you have a flat tire. Check the tires. If the tire is
flat, change to the spare tire and have the flat tire repaired by the nearest
Lexus dealer.
• Avoid abrupt maneuvering and braking. If the vehicle tires deteriorate, you could lose control of the steering wheel or the brakes.
●Vehicles with run-flat tires:
• Decelerate to the lowest appropriate speed as soon as possible. Do not driveover 55 mph (90 km/h).
• Check and adjust the tire inflation pressure immediately.
• If the tire pressure warning light comes on even after tire inflation pressure adjustment, it is probable that you have a flat tire. Have the tire replaced by
the nearest Lexus dealer.
• Avoid abrupt maneuvering and braking. If the vehicle tires deteriorate, you could lose control of the steering wheel or the brakes.
■If a blowout or sudden air leakage should occur
The tire pressure warning system may not activate immediately.
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5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
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Wa r n i n g m e s s a g eDetailsCorrection procedure
(Flashing)
(If equipped)
The radar cruise control
system is unable to judge
vehicle-to-vehicle dis-
tance.
•Turn the mode select switch to either the nor-
mal or power mode.
• If the windshield wipers are on, turn them off or
set them to either the
intermittent or the slow
mode.
(If equipped, flashing)
Your vehicle is nearing
the vehicle ahead (in
radar cruise mode).Slow the vehicle by apply-
ing the brakes.
■After changing the engine oil (U.S.A. only)
Make sure to reset the oil maintenance data. ( →P. 4 1 2 )
■Approach warning message
In the following instances, there is the possibility that the approach warning will not
activate even when the vehicle-to-vehicle distance decreases.
●When your vehicle and the vehicle ahead are traveling at the same speed or the
vehicle ahead is traveling more quickly than your vehicle.
●When the vehicle ahead is traveling at very low speed.
●Immediately after cruise control speed is set.
●At the instant the accelerator pedal is depressed.
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5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
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InteriorbuzzerExterior buzzerWarning messageDetailsCorrection procedure
Once
(Flashing)
The electronic key
battery is low.Replace the
battery.
( → P. 440)

An open door has
been closed and
the “ENGINE
START STOP”
switch has been
turned twice to
the ACCES-
SORY mode from
OFF.
Press the
“ENGINE
START
STOP”
switch while
applying the
brakes.

(Flashing)
The steering lock
has not released
within 3 seconds
of pressing the
“ENGINE START
STOP” switch.
The “ENGINE
START STOP”
switch indicator
will flash green for
15 seconds.Press the
“ENGINE
START
STOP”
switch again
while turn-
ing the
steering
wheel with
the brake
pedal
depressed.
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5
When trouble arises
527
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
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Tr u n kTurn the mechanical key clock-
wise to open.
Changing “ENGINE START STOP” switch modes and starting the
engine
Put the shift lever in “P” and apply the brakes. Touch the Lexus emblem side of
the electronic key to the
“ENGINE START STOP” switch.
An alarm will sound to indicate that
the start function cannot detect the
electronic key that is touched to
the “ENGINE START STOP”
switch if any of the doors is opened
and closed while the key is touched
to the switch.
STEP1
STEP2
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