engine overheat Lexus GS350 2010 Do-It-Yourself Maintenance / LEXUS 2010 GS460 GS350 OWNERS MANUAL (OM30C80U)

TABLE OF CONTENTSIndex
6
GS_G_U (OM30C80U)
June 29, 2011 10:30 am
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If a warning light turns 
on or a warning buzzer 
sounds... ......................................... 534
If a warning message is 
displayed ....................................... 543
If you have a flat tire (Vehicles 
with standard tires) .................. 556
If you have a flat tire (Vehicles 
with run-flat tires) ...................... 566
If the engine will not start ......... 568
If the shift lever cannot be 
shifted from “P”.......................... 569
If you lose your keys .................... 570
If the electronic key does 
not operate properly ................ 571
If the 12 volt battery is 
discharged ................................... 574
If your vehicle overheats ........... 578
If the vehicle becomes 
stuck................................................. 581
If your vehicle has to be stopped 
in an emergency ....................... 5836-1. Specifications
Maintenance data 
(fuel, oil level, etc.).................... 586
Fuel information ............................. 601
Tire information............................ 604
6-2. Customization
Customizable features................ 618
6-3. Initialization
Items to initialize ........................... 624
Reporting safety defects 
for U.S. owners........................... 626
Seat belt instructions 
for Canadian owners 
(in French) .................................... 627
Abbreviation list........................ 630
Alphabetical index ................... 632
What to do if... ............................ 642
6Vehicle specifications
7For US owners
Index

129
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
GS_G_U (OM30C80U)
June 29, 2011 10:30 am
CAUTION
■When driving the vehicle
●Do not shift the shift lever to "D" while the vehicle is moving backward.
Doing so can damage the transmission and may result in a loss of vehicle control.
●Moving the shift lever to "N" while the vehicle is moving will disengage the engine
from the transmission. Engine braking is not available when "N" is selected.
●During normal driving, do not turn off the engine. Turning the engine off while
driving will not cause loss of steering or braking control, but the power assist to
these systems will be lost. This will make it more difficult to steer and brake, so you
should pull over and stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
However, in the event of an emergency, such as if it becomes impossible to stop
the vehicle in the normal way: P. 5 3 4
●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. 141)
●When stopped on an inclined surface, use the brake pedal and parking brake to
prevent the vehicle from rolling backward 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.

130
2-1. Driving procedures
GS_G_U (OM30C80U)
June 29, 2011 10:30 am
CAUTION
■When driving on slippery road surfaces
●Sudden braking, acceleration and steering may cause tire slippage and reduce
your ability to control the vehicle, resulting in an accident.
●Sudden changes in engine speed, such as engine braking caused by up-shifting
or down-shifting, may cause the vehicle to skid, resulting in an accident.
●After driving through a puddle, lightly depress the brake pedal to make sure that
the brakes are functioning properly. Wet brake pads may prevent the brakes from
functioning properly. If the brakes on only one side are wet and not functioning
properly, steering control may be affected, resulting in an accident.
■When shifting the shift lever
Be careful not to shift the shift lever with the accelerator pedal depressed.
This may lead to unexpected rapid acceleration of the vehicle that may cause an
accident and result in death or serious injury.
■When the vehicle is stopped
●Do not race the engine.
If the vehicle is in any positions other than “P” or “N” the vehicle may accelerate
suddenly and unexpectedly, and may cause an accident.
●Do not leave the vehicle with the engine on for a long time. 
If such a situation cannot be avoided, park the vehicle in an open space and
check that exhaust fumes do not enter the vehicle interior.
●In order to prevent accidents due to the vehicle rolling away, always keep
depressing the brake pedal while the engine is running, and apply the parking
brake as necessary.
●If the vehicle is stopped on an incline, in order to prevent accidents caused by the
vehicle rolling forward or backward, always depress the brake pedal and securely
apply the parking brake as needed.
●Avoid revving or racing the engine. Running the engine at high speed while the
vehicle is stopped may cause the exhaust system to overheat, which could result
in a fire if combustible material is nearby.

132
2-1. Driving procedures
GS_G_U (OM30C80U)
June 29, 2011 10:30 am
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 the 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 avoid 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 than 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 stuck 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.

150
2-2. Instrument cluster
GS_G_U (OM30C80U)
June 29, 2011 10:30 am
NOTICE
■To prevent damage to the engine and its components
●The engine may be overheating if the engine coolant temperature gauge is in the
red zone (“H”). In this case, immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place. Check
the engine after it has cooled completely. (P. 5 7 8 )
●Do not let the indicator needle of the tachometer enter the red zone, which indi-
cates the maximum engine speed.
■To activate the light sensitivity function properly
Do not affix a sticker or window tint to the rear window glass, or put an object
behind the rear seat.

166
2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers
GS_G_U (OM30C80U)
June 29, 2011 10:30 am
Headlight cleaner switch
■The headlight cleaner can be operated when
The “ENGINE START STOP” switch is in IGNITION ON mode and the headlight
switch is turned ON.
NOTICE
■When the washer fluid tank is empty
Do not press the switch continually, as the washer fluid pump may overheat.
: If equipped
Washer fluid can be sprayed on the headlights.
Press the switch to clean the
headlights.

205
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
GS_G_U (OM30C80U)
June 29, 2011 10:30 am
■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 a 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 distance. 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 achievable 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.

398
3-7. Other interior features
GS_G_U (OM30C80U)
June 29, 2011 10:30 am
Cigarette lighter
■The cigarette lighter can be used when
The “ENGINE START STOP” switch is in ACCESSORY or IGNITION ON mode.
CAUTION
■To avoid burns or fires
●Do not touch the metal parts of the cigarette lighter.
●Do not hold the cigarette lighter down. It could overheat and cause a fire.
●Do not insert anything other than the cigarette lighter into the outlet.
■When not in use
Keep the ashtray lid closed.
Injuries may result in the event of sudden braking, sudden swerving or an accident.
Slide the lid to open, and push
the cigarette lighter down.
The cigarette lighter will pop up
when ready for use.

401
3-7. Other interior features
3
Interior features
GS_G_U (OM30C80U)
June 29, 2011 10:30 am
CAUTION
■Burns
●Use caution when seating the following persons in a seat with the seat heater on
to avoid the possibility of burns:
• Babies, small children, the elderly, the sick and the disabled
• Persons with sensitive skin
• Persons who are fatigued
• Persons who have taken alcohol or drugs that induce sleep (sleeping drugs,
cold remedies, etc.)
●Do not cover the seat with anything when using the seat heater.
Using the seat heater with a blanket or cushion increases the temperature of the
seat and may lead to overheating.
●Do not use seat heater more than necessary.
Doing so may cause minor burns or overheating.
NOTICE
■To prevent damage to the seat heaters/ventilators
Do not put heavy objects on the seat and do not stick sharp objects (needles, nails,
etc.) into the seat.
■To prevent 12 volt battery discharge
Turn the switches off when the engine is off.

When trouble arises5
519
GS_G_U (OM30C80U)
June 29, 2011 10:30 am
5-1. Essential information
Emergency flashers.............. 520
If your vehicle needs 
to be towed ............................. 521
If you think something is 
wrong ..................................... 530
Fuel pump shut off 
system ...................................... 531
Event data recorder .............. 5325-2. Steps to take in an 
emergency
If a warning light turns 
on or a warning buzzer 
sounds..................................... 534
If a warning message is 
displayed................................ 543
If you have a flat tire (Vehicles 
with standard tires) ............. 556
If you have a flat tire (Vehicles 
with run-flat tires)................ 566
If the engine will not start .... 568
If the shift lever cannot be 
shifted from “P”.................... 569
If you lose your keys .............. 570
If the electronic key does 
not operate properly............ 571
If the 12 volt battery is 
discharged ............................. 574
If your vehicle overheats ..... 578
If the vehicle becomes 
stuck......................................... 581
If your vehicle has to be stopped 
in an emergency .................. 583