ESP Lexus GS350 2012 User Guide

1884-1. Before driving
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)Make sure that the parking brake is set and shift the shift lever to
D.
Gently depress the accelerator pedal.
Release the parking brake.
When starting off on a uphill
The hill-start assist control is available. (P. 339)
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 espe-
cially 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 sur-
face, preventing the steering and brakes from operating properly.
Engine speed while driving
In the following conditions, the engine speed may become high while driv-
ing. This is due to automatic up-shifting control or down-shifting implemen-
tation to meet driving conditions. It does not indicate sudden acceleration.
The vehicle is judged to be driving uphill or downhill
When the accelerator pedal is released
When sport mode is selected (P. 3 2 6 )
Starting off on a steep uphill
1
2
3

1904-1. Before driving
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
CAUTION
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.
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 accel-
erator pedals to avoid depressing the wrong pedal.
• Accidentally depressing the accelerator pedal instead of the brake pedal
will result in sudden acceleration that may lead to an accident.
• When backing up, you may twist your body around, leading to a diffi-
culty 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. This allows you to depress the brake and acceler-
ator pedals properly.
• Depress the brake pedal using your right foot. Depressing the brake
pedal using your left foot may delay response in an emergency, result-
ing in an accident.
Do not drive the vehicle over or stop the vehicle near flammable materi-
als.
The exhaust system and exhaust gases can be extremely hot. These hot
parts may cause a fire if there is any flammable material nearby.

2064-1. Before driving
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
Increasing vehicle-to-vehicle distance
At a speed of 10 km/h (6 mph), the distance to the vehicle run-
ning ahead of you should be equivalent to or greater than the
combined length of your vehicle and trailer. Avoid sudden brak-
ing that may cause skidding. Otherwise, the vehicle may spin out
of control. This is especially true when driving on wet or slippery
road surfaces.
Sudden acceleration/steering input/cornering
Executing sharp turns when towing may result in the trailer col-
liding with your vehicle. Decelerate well in advance when
approaching turns and take them slowly and carefully to avoid
sudden braking.
Important points regarding turning
The wheels of the trailer will travel closer to the inside of the
curve than the wheels of the vehicle. To make allowance for this,
take the turns wider than you would normally do.
Important points regarding stability
Vehicle movement resulting from uneven road surfaces and
strong crosswinds will affect handling. The vehicle may also be
rocked by passing buses or large trucks. Frequently check behind
when moving alongside such vehicles. As soon as such vehicle
movement occurs, immediately start to decelerate smoothly by
slowly applying the brakes. Always steer the vehicle straight
ahead while braking.
Passing other vehicles
Consider the total combined length of your vehicle and trailer
and ensure that the vehicle-to-vehicle distance is sufficient
before executing lane changes.
Transmission information
To maintain engine braking efficiency, when using engine brak-
ing, when driving on a long steep downgrade, do not use the

2614-5. Using the driving support
4
Driving
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)Pressing the button changes the
vehicle-to-vehicle distance as
follows:
Long
Medium
Short
The vehicle-to-vehicle distance is
set automatically to long mode
when the engine switch is turned to
IGNITION ON mode.
If a vehicle is running ahead of
you, the preceding vehicle mark
will also be displayed.
Select a distance from the table below. Note that the distances
shown correspond to a vehicle speed of 80 km/h (50 mph). Vehicle-
to-vehicle distance increases/decreases in accordance with vehicle
speed.
Changing the vehicle-to-vehicle distance
Preceding
vehicle mark
1
2
3
Vehicle-to-vehicle distance settings
Distance optionsVehicle-to-vehicle distance
LongApproximately 50 m (160 ft.)
MediumApproximately 40 m (130 ft.)
ShortApproximately 30 m (100 ft.)

2814-5. Using the driving support
4
Driving
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
When driving on roads that are branching or merging
When driving on a road surface that is wet due to rain, previous rainfall,
standing water, etc.
When the vehicle experiences strong up-and-down motion such as when
driving on an extremely rough road or on a seam in the pavement
When headlight brightness at nighttime is reduced due to dirt on the lenses,
or when the headlights are misaligned
When driving with a strong crosswind
When driving on winding roads or roads that are uneven
When driving on rough or unpaved roads
When changing the tires
Depending on the tires used, sufficient performance may not be maintain-
able.
Warning messages for LKA
Warning messages are used to indicate a system malfunction or to inform the
driver of the need for caution while driving. (P. 760, 767)
CAUTION
Before using the LKA system
Do not rely solely on the LKA system. The LKA system does not drive the
vehicle automatically, nor does it reduce the amount of care you need to
take. As such, the driver must always assume full responsibility for under-
standing his/her surroundings, for operating the steering wheel to correct
the driving line, and for driving safely.
Inappropriate or negligent driving could lead to an accident.
To avoid operating the LKA by mistake
Switch the LKA off using the “LKA” switch when not in use.

2914-5. Using the driving support
4
Driving
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
Buzzer operation and distance to an obstacle
A buzzer sounds when the corner sensors and rear center sensors
are operating.
The buzzer beeps faster as the vehicle approaches an obstacle.
When the vehicle comes within the following distance of the
obstacle, the buzzer sounds continuously:
• Front center sensors: Approximately 30 cm (1.0 ft.)
• Corner sensors: Approximately 30 cm (1.0 ft.)
• Rear center sensors: Approximately 35 cm (1.1 ft.)
When 2 or more obstacles are detected simultaneously, the
buzzer system responds to the nearest obstacle. If one or both
come within the above distances, the beep will repeat a long
tone, followed by fast beeps.
Approximately 100 cm (3.3
ft.)
Approximately 150 cm (4.9
ft.)
Approximately 60 cm (2.0 ft.)
The diagram shows the detection
range of the sensors. Note that the
sensors cannot detect obstacles
that are extremely close to the
vehicle.
The range of the sensors may
change depending on the shape of
the object etc.
Detection range of the sensors
1
2
3

2944-5. Using the driving support
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
Lexus parking assist-sensor display
When an obstacle is detected while the rear view monitor system, is in use,
the warning indicator will appear in the top right of the screen even if the dis-
play setting has been set to off.
Sensor detection information
The sensor’s detection areas are limited to the areas around the vehicle’s
front corner and rear bumpers.
Certain vehicle conditions and the surrounding environment may affect the
ability of the sensor to correctly detect obstacles. Particular instances where
this may occur are listed below.
• There is dirt, snow or ice on the sensor. (Wiping the sensors will resolve
this problem.)
• The sensor is frozen. (Thawing the area will resolve this problem.)
In especially cold weather, if a sensor is frozen the screen may show an
abnormal display, or obstacles may not be detected.
• The sensor is covered in any way.
• The vehicle is leaning considerably to one side.
• On an extremely bumpy road, on an incline, on gravel, or on grass.
• The vicinity of the vehicle is noisy due to vehicle horns, motorcycle
engines, air brakes of large vehicles, or other loud noises producing
ultrasonic waves.
• There is another vehicle equipped with parking assist sensors in the
vicinity.
• The sensor is coated with a sheet of spray or heavy rain.
• The vehicle is equipped with a fender pole or wireless antenna.
• Towing eyelets are installed.
• The bumper or sensor receives a strong impact.
• The vehicle is approaching a tall or curved curb.
• In harsh sunlight or intense cold weather.
• The area directly under the bumpers is not detected.
• If obstacles draw too close to the sensor.
• A non-genuine Lexus suspension (lowered suspension etc.) is installed.
• People may not be detected if they are wearing certain types of clothing.
In addition to the examples above, there are instances in which, because of
their shape, signs and other objects may be judged by the sensor to be closer
than they are.

2964-5. Using the driving support
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
CAUTION
When using the Lexus parking assist-sensor
Observe the following precautions.
Failing to do so may result in the vehicle being unable to be driven safely
and possibly cause an accident.
Do not use the sensor at speeds in excess of 10 km/h (6 mph).
The sensors’ detection areas and reaction times are limited. When moving
forward or reversing, check the areas surrounding the vehicle (especially
the sides of the vehicle) for safety, and drive slowly, using the brake to
control the vehicle’s speed.
Do not install accessories within the sensors’ detection areas.
NOTICE
When using Lexus parking assist-sensor
In the following situations, the system may not function correctly due to a
sensor malfunction etc. Have the vehicle checked by any authorized Lexus
dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional.
The Lexus parking assist-sensor operation display flashes, and a beep
sounds when no obstacles are 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.
If a display error occurs, first check the sensor.
If the error occurs even if there is no ice, snow or mud on the sensor, it is
likely that the sensor is malfunctioning.
Notes when washing the vehicle
Do not apply intensive bursts of water or steam to the sensor area.
Doing so may result in the sensor malfunctioning.

3294-5. Using the driving support
4
Driving
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)Sport mode
Improves acceleration response by controlling the transmission
and steering. Suitable for when precise handling is desirable, for
example when driving on mountain roads.
When the driving mode select switch is turned right, the “SPORT” indica-
tor comes on in the instrument cluster.
Also, on vehicles equipped with a
12.3-inch display, the driving
mode is also automatically dis-
played on the “Side Display”.
(P. 370)
3

331
4 4-5. Using the driving support
Driving
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)Sport mode
• SPORT S mode
Improves acceleration response by controlling the transmis-
sion. Suitable for when precise handling is desirable, for
example when driving on mountain roads.
When the driving mode select switch is turned right while a made other
than SPORT S mode is selected, the “SPORT S” indicator comes on in
the instrument cluster.
Also, on vehicles equipped with
a 12.3-inch display, the driving
mode is also automatically dis-
played on the “Side Display”.
(P. 370)
• SPORT S+ mode
Improves steering performance and driving stability by simul-
taneously controlling the steering and suspension in addition
to the transmission. Suitable for sporty driving.
When the driving mode select switch is turned right while SPORT S
mode is selected, the “SPORT S+” indicator comes on in the instrument
cluster.
Also, on vehicles equipped with
a 12.3-inch display, the driving
mode is also automatically dis-
played on the “Side Display”.
(P. 370)
3