warning Lexus GS350 2008 User Guide

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1-7. Safety information
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Before driving
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CAUTION
■Front passenger occupant classification system precautions
●If an adult sits in the front passenger seat, the “AIR BAG ON” indicator light is illu-
minated. If the “AIR BAG OFF” indicator is illuminated, ask the passenger to sit
up straight, well back in the seat, feet on the floor, and with the seat belt worn cor-
rectly. If the “AIR BAG OFF” indicator still remain illuminated, either ask the pas-
senger to move to the rear seat, or if that is not possible, move the front passenger
seat fully rearward.
●When it is unavoidable to install a forward-facing child restraint system on the
front passenger seat, install the child restraint system on the front passenger seat
in the proper order. (→P. 1 0 2 )
●Do not modify or remove the front seat.
●Do not kick the front passenger seat or subject it to severe impact. Otherwise,
the SRS warning light may come on to indicate a malfunction in the detection sys-
tem. In this case, contact your Lexus dealer immediately.
●Do not use a seat accessory, such as a cushion or seat cover, that covers the seat
cushion surface.
●Child restraint systems installed on the rear seat should not contact the front seat-
backs.
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When driving2
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2-1. Driving procedures ........ 112Driving the vehicle................... 112
Engine (ignition) 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 2-3. Operating the lights and
windshield wipers ........ 142
Headlight switch ..................... 142
Fog light switch ........................ 145
Windshield wipers and washer ..................................... 146
Headlight cleaner switch ..... 149
2-4. Using other driving systems .......................... 150
Cruise control.......................... 150
Dynamic radar cruise control ..................................... 153
Intuitive parking assist ........... 164
Rear view monitor system ....................................... 179
AVS (Adaptive Variable Suspension System) ............ 183
Driving assist systems ............ 184
PCS (Pre-Collision System) ................................... 190
2-5. Driving information........ 194 Cargo and luggage ................ 194
Vehicle load limits ................... 198
Winter driving tips .................. 199
Trailer towing .......................... 204
Dinghy towing......................... 205
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2-1. Driving procedures
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■Shift ranges and their functions
●You can choose from 8 levels (GS460) or 6 levels (GS350) of
engine braking force.
● A lower shift range will provide greater engine braking force than a
higher shift range, and the engine revolutions will also increase.
● If you accelerate while in ranges “1” to “7” (GS460) or “1” to “5”
(GS350), the shift range may automatically range up in accordance
with the vehicle’s speed.
■“S” mode
When the shift range is “6” (GS460) or “4” (GS350) or lower, holding the shift
lever toward “+” sets the shift range to “8” (GS460) or “6” (GS350).
■Downshifting restrictions warning buzzer (in the “S” mode)
To help ensure safety and driving performance, downshifting operation may some-
times be restricted. In some circumstances, downshifting may not be possible even
when the shift lever is operated. (The warning buzzer will sound twice.)
■When driving with the cruise control syst em (or dynamic radar cruise control sys-
tem)
The engine brake will not operate in the “S” mode, even when downshifting to “7”,
“6”, “5” or “4” (GS460) or “5” or “4” (GS350). ( →P. 150, 153)
■Snow mode automatic deactivation
Snow mode is automatically deactivated if the “ENGINE START STOP” switch is
turned to ACCESSORY or IGNITION ON mode after driving in snow mode.
■If the shift lever cannot be shifted from “P”
→ P. 5 2 4
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2-2. Instrument cluster
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Indicators and warning lights
The indicator and warning lights on the instrument cluster and center
panel inform the driver of the status of the vehicle’s various systems.
Instrument cluster
The units used on the speedometer and some indicators may differ depend-
ing on the target region.
Center panel
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2-2. Instrument cluster
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CAUTION
■If a safety system warning light does not come on
Should a safety system light such as ABS and the SRS airbag warning light not
come on when you turn to IGNITION ON mode, this could mean that these sys-
tems are not available to help protect you in an accident, which could result in death
or serious injury. Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately if
this occurs.
■Warning lights
Warning lights inform the driver of malfunctions in the indicated
vehicle’s systems. ( →P. 4 8 8 )
*: These lights turn on when the “ENGINE START STOP” switch is turned
to IGNITION ON mode to indicate that a system check is being per-
formed. They will turn off after the engine is on, or after a few seconds.
There may be a malfunction in a system if the lights do not come on, or
turn off. Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer.
(U.S.A.)(Canada)(U.S.A.)(Canada)
(U.S.A.)(Canada)(if equipped)
*******
*****
*
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139
2-2. Instrument cluster
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When driving
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Multi-information display
The multi-information display presents the driver with a variety of driving-
related data, including the current driving range.
●Trip information ( →P. 1 4 0 )
Displays driving range, fuel con-
sumption and other cruising
related information.
●Intuitive parking assist dis-
play (if equipped) (→ P. 166)
Automatically displayed when
using intuitive parking assist.
●Dynamic radar cruise con-
trol display (if equipped)
(→P. 153)
Automatically displayed when
using dynamic radar cruise con-
trol.
●Warning messages
(→P. 4 9 7 )
Automatically displayed when a
malfunction occurs in one of the
vehicle’s systems.
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2-4. Using other driving systems
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Cruising in vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode
This mode employs a radar sensor to detect the presence of vehicles
within 400 ft. (120 m) ahead and to judge the distance between your
vehicle and those vehicles.
Note that vehicle-to-vehicle distance will close when traveling on long down-
hill slopes.
Example of constant speed cruising
When there are no vehicles ahead
The vehicle travels at the speed set by the driver. The desired vehicle-to-vehi-
cle distance can also be set by operating the vehicle-to-vehicle distance
switch.
Example of deceleration cruising
When the vehicle ahead is driving slower than the set speed
When a vehicle is detected running ahead of you, in the same lane, the sys-
tem automatically decelerates your vehicle. When a greater reduction in
vehicle speed is necessary, the system applies the brakes. A warning tone
warns you when the system cannot decelerate sufficiently to prevent your
vehicle from closing on the vehicle ahead.
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2-4. Using other driving systems
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When driving
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Example of follow-up cruising
When following a vehicle driving slower than the set speed
The system continues follow-up cruising while adjusting for changes in the
speed of the vehicle ahead in order to maintain the vehicle-to-vehicle dis-
tance set by the driver.
Example of acceleration
When there are no longer vehicles driving slower than the set speed in
the lane ahead
When the vehicle ahead of you executes a lane change, the system slowly
accelerates until the set vehicle speed is reached. The system then returns to
fixed speed cruising.
Approach warningWhen your vehicle is too close to a vehicle ahead, and sufficient auto-
matic deceleration via the cruise control is not possible, the display will
flash and buzzer will sound to alert the driver. An example of this would
be if another driver cuts in front of you while you are following a vehicle.
Apply the brakes to ensure an appropriate vehicle-to-vehicle distance.
■Warning lights and messages for dynamic radar cruise control
Warning lights, messages and buzzers are used to indicate a system malfunction or
to inform the driver of the need for caution while driving. ( →P. 500)
■Switching modes
The mode cannot be switched to constant speed control mode if vehicle-to-vehicle
distance control mode has been used. The mode also cannot be switched from
constant speed control to vehicle-to-vehicle control mode. Turn the system off by
pressing the “ON-OFF” button, and turn it on again.
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2-4. Using other driving systems
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■CertificationFor vehicles sold in the U.S.A.
For vehicles sold in Canada
FCC WARNING
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
FCC RF exposure information
This device complies with the FCC RF exposure requirements.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions;
(1) This device may not cause interference, and
(2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation of the device.
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2-4. Using other driving systems
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When driving
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CAUTION
■Before using dynamic radar cruise control
Do not overly rely on vehicle-to-vehicle distance control.
Be aware of the set vehicle speed. If automatic deceleration/acceleration is not
appropriate, adjust the vehicle speed, as well as the distance between your vehicle
and vehicles ahead by applying the brakes, etc.
■To avoid operating the dynamic radar cruise control by mistake
Keep the “ON-OFF” button off when not in use.
■Situations unsuitable for dynamic radar cruise control
Do not use dynamic radar cruise control in any of the following situations.
Doing so may result in inappropriate control of speed and could cause serious or
fatal accident.
●In heavy traffic
●On roads with sharp bends
●On winding roads
●On slippery roads, such as those covered with rain, ice or snow
●On steep downhills, where there are sudden changes between sharp up and
down gradients
Vehicle speed may exceed the set speed when driving down a steep hill.
●At entrances to expressways
●When weather conditions are bad enough that they may prevent the sensors
from functioning correctly (fog, snow, sandstorm, etc.)
●When the approach warning buzzer can be heard often
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