Lexus GS350 2011 Owner's Manual
Manufacturer: LEXUS, Model Year: 2011, Model line: GS350, Model: Lexus GS350 2011Pages: 654, PDF Size: 11.03 MB
Page 121 of 654

120
1-7. Safety information
GS_G_U (OM30C11U)
October 28, 2011 5:15 pm
Child restraint systems with a top tether strapSecure the child restraint system
using a seat belt or lower anchors,
and move the head restraint in
place at the lowest position.
Open the anchor bracket cover,
latch the hook onto the anchor
bracket and tighten the top tether
strap.
Make sure the top tether strap is
securely latched.
STEP1
STEP2
■Laws and regulations pertaining to anchorages
The LATCH system conforms to FMVSS225 or CMVSS210.2.
Child restraint systems conforming to FMVSS213 or CMVSS213 specifications
can be used.
This vehicle is designed to conform to the SAE J1819.
Page 122 of 654

121
1-7. Safety information
1
Before driving
GS_G_U (OM30C11U)
October 28, 2011 5:15 pm
CAUTION
■When installing a booster seat
Do not fully extend the shoulder belt to prevent the belt from going to ALR lock
mode: ( →P. 66)
ALR mode causes the belt to tighten only which could cause injury or discomfort to
the child.
■When installing a child restraint system
Follow the directions given in the child restraint system installation manual and fix
the child restraint system securely in place.
If the child restraint system is not correctly fixed in place, the child or other passen-
gers may be injured or even killed in the event of sudden braking, sudden swerving
or an accident.
●If the driver’s seat interferes with the child
restraint system and prevents it from being
attached correctly, attach the child restraint
system to the right-hand rear seat.
●Adjust the front passenger seat so that it
does not interfere with the child restraint
system.
●Only put a forward-facing child restraint
system on the front seat when unavoidable.
When installing a forward-facing child
restraint on the front passenger seat, move
the seat as far back as possible even if the
“AIR BAG OFF” indicator light is illumi-
nated. Failing to do so may result in death
or serious injury if the airbags deploy
(inflate).
Page 123 of 654

122
1-7. Safety information
GS_G_U (OM30C11U)
October 28, 2011 5:15 pm
CAUTION
■When installing a child restraint system
●When a booster seat is installed, always ensure that the shoulder belt is posi-
tioned across the center of the child’s shoulder. The belt should be kept away from
the child’s neck, but not so that it could fall off the child’s shoulder. Failing to do so
may result in death or serious injury in the event of sudden braking, sudden
swerving or an accident.
●Ensure the belt and tab are securely locked and that the seat belt is not twisted.
●Push and pull the child restraint system from side to side and forward to be sure it
is secure.
●After securing a child restraint system, never adjust the seat.
●Follow all installation instructions provided by the child restraint system manufac-
turer.
■Do not use a seat belt extender
If a seat belt extender is used when installing a child restraint system, the seat belt
will not securely hold the child restraint system, which could cause death or serious
injury to the child or other passengers in the event of sudden stop, sudden swerve
or an accident.
■To correctly attach a child restraint system to the anchors
When using the LATCH anchors, be sure that there are no foreign objects around
the anchors and that the seat belt is not caught behind the child restraint system.
Make sure the child restraint system is securely attached, or it may cause death or
serious injury to the child or other passengers in the event of a sudden stop, sudden
swerve or accident.
Page 124 of 654

When driving2
123
GS_G_U (OM30C11U)
May 21, 2010 12:06 pm
2-1. Driving proceduresDriving the vehicle.................. 124
Engine (ignition) switch ......... 133
Automatic transmission ........ 137
Turn signal lever ....................... 142
Parking brake ........................... 143
Horn ............................................ 144
2-2. Instrument cluster Gauges and meters ................ 145
Indicators and warning lights ......................................... 149
Multi-information display ..... 152 2-3. Operating the lights and
windshield wipers
Headlight switch ..................... 155
Fog light switch ........................ 158
Windshield wipers and washer ..................................... 159
Headlight cleaner switch ..... 164
2-4. Using other driving systems Cruise control.......................... 165
Dynamic radar cruise control ...................................... 169
Intuitive parking assist ............ 181
Rear view monitor system ...................................... 194
AVS (Adaptive Variable Suspension System) ............ 198
Driving assist systems ............ 199
PCS (Pre-Collision System) ...... 206
2-5. Driving information Cargo and luggage ................ 213
Vehicle load limits ................... 217
Winter driving tips .................. 218
Trailer towing .......................... 223
Dinghy towing......................... 224
Page 125 of 654

124
GS_G_U (OM30C11U)
October 28, 2011 5:15 pm
2-1. Driving procedures
Driving the vehicle
Starting on a steep inclineFirmly set the parking brake and shift the shift lever to “D”.
Gently depress the accelerator pedal.
Release the parking brake.
The following procedures should be observed to ensure safe driving.
■Starting the engine ( →P. 1 3 3 )
■ Driving
With the brake pedal depressed, shift the shift lever to “D”. (→P. 1 3 7 )
Release the parking brake. (→ P. 143)
Gradually release the brake pedal and gently push the accel-
erator pedal to accelerate the vehicle.
■ Stopping
With the shift lever in “D”, push the brake pedal.
If necessary, set the parking brake.
When the vehicle is stopped for an extended period of time, shift the
shift lever to “P”. (
→P. 1 3 7 )
■Parking the vehicle
With the shift lever in “D”, push the brake pedal.
Set the parking brake. (→ P. 143)
Shift the shift lever to “P”. (→ P. 1 3 7 )
Stop the engine.
Lock the door, making sure that you have the electronic key on
your person.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP1
STEP2
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
STEP5
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
Page 126 of 654

125
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
GS_G_U (OM30C11U)
October 28, 2011 5:15 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, because 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 water 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.
■Drum-in-disc type parking brake system
Your vehicle has a drum-in-disc type parking brake system.
This type of brake system needs bedding-down of the brake shoes periodically or
whenever the parking brake shoes and/or drums are replaced.
Have your Lexus dealer perform the bedding-down.
■Operating your vehicle in a foreign country
Comply with the relevant vehicle registration laws and confirm the availability of the
correct fuel. (→P. 5 8 7 )
■When starting on an incline
The hill-start assist control may operate. ( →P. 199)
■Overheating
Your vehicle may overheat under the following extreme driving conditions:
●When driving on a long uphill road in hot weather
●Suddenly decelerating or stopping the vehicle immediately after high-speed
driving
Page 127 of 654

126
2-1. Driving procedures
GS_G_U (OM30C11U)
October 28, 2011 5:15 pm
CAUTION
■When starting the vehicle
Always keep your foot on the brake pedal while stopped with the engine running.
This prevents the vehicle from creeping.
■When driving the vehicle
●Do not drive if you are unfamiliar with the location of the brake and accelerator
pedals to avoid depressing the wrong pedal.
• Accidentally depressing the accelerator pedal instead of the brake pedal willresult in sudden acceleration that may lead to an accident that could result in
death or serious injury.
• When backing up, you may twist your body around, leading to a difficulty in operating the pedals. Make sure to operate the pedals properly.
• Make sure to keep a correct driving posture even when moving the vehicle only slightly, allowing you to depress the brake and accelerator pedals prop-
erly.
• Depress the brake pedal using your right foot. Depressing the brake pedal using your left foot may delay response in an emergency, resulting in an acci-
dent.
●Do not drive the vehicle over or stop the vehicle near flammable materials.
The exhaust system and exhaust gases can be extremely hot. This may cause a
fire if there is any flammable material nearby.
●Do not let the vehicle roll backwards while the shift lever is in a driving position, or
roll forward while the shift lever is in “R”.
Doing so may cause the engine not to operate or lead to poor brake and steering
performance, resulting in an accident or damage to the vehicle.
●If the smell of exhaust is noticed inside the vehicle, open the windows and check
that the trunk is closed.
Large amounts of exhaust in the vehicle can cause driver drowsiness and an acci-
dent, resulting in death or a serious health hazard. Have the vehicle inspected by
your Lexus dealer immediately.
●Do not shift the shift lever to “P” while the vehicle is moving.
Doing so can damage the transmission and may result in a loss of vehicle control.
●Do not shift the shift lever to “R” while the vehicle is moving forward.
Doing so can damage the transmission and may result in a loss of vehicle control.
Page 128 of 654

127
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
GS_G_U (OM30C11U)
October 28, 2011 5:15 pm
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 8 2
●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 3 9 )
●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.
Page 129 of 654

128
2-1. Driving procedures
GS_G_U (OM30C11U)
October 28, 2011 5:15 pm
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.
Page 130 of 654

129
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
GS_G_U (OM30C11U)
October 28, 2011 5:15 pm
CAUTION
■When the vehicle is parked
●Do not leave glasses, cigarette lighters, spray cans, or soft drink cans in the vehi-
cle when it is in the sun.
Failure to do so may result in the following:
• Gas may leak from a cigarette lighter or spray can, and may lead to a fire.
• The temperature inside the vehicle may cause the plastic lenses and plasticmaterial of eye glasses to deform or crack.
• Soft drink cans may fracture, causing the contents to spray over the interior of the vehicle, and may also cause a short circuit in the vehicle’s electrical com-
ponents.
●Always apply the parking brake, shift the shift lever to “P”, stop the engine and
lock the vehicle.
Do not leave the vehicle unattended while the engine is running.
●Do not touch the exhaust pipe while the engine is running or immediately after
turning the engine off.
Doing so may cause burns.
●Do not leave the engine running in an area with snow build-up, or where it is
snowing. If snowbanks build up around the vehicle while the engine is running,
exhaust gases may collect and enter the vehicle. This may lead to death or a seri-
ous health hazard.
■Exhaust gases
Exhaust gases include harmful carbon monoxide (CO) that is colorless and odor-
less. Inhaling exhaust gases may lead to death or a serious health hazard.
●If the vehicle is in a poorly ventilated area, stop the engine. In a closed area, such
as a garage, exhaust gases may collect and enter the vehicle. This may lead to
death or a serious health hazard.
●The exhaust should be checked occasionally. If there is a hole or crack caused by
corrosion, damage to a joint or abnormal exhaust noise, be sure to have the vehi-
cle inspected and repaired by your Lexus dealer. Failure to do so may allow
exhaust gases to enter the vehicle, resulting in death or a serious health hazard.