Lexus GS350 2012 Owner's Manual

3544-5. Using the driving support
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
BSM (Blind Spot Monitor)
: If equipped
The Blind Spot Monitor is a system that assists the driver to con-
firm safety when changing lanes.
The system uses radar sensors to detect vehicles that are traveling
in an adjacent lane in the area that is not reflected in the outside
rear view mirror (the blind spot), and advises the driver of the vehi-
cles existence via the outside rear view mirror indicator.
BSM main switch
Pressing the switch turns the system on or off. When the switch is set to
on, the switch’s indicator illuminates.
Outside rear view mirror indicator
When a vehicle is detected in the blind spot, the outside rear view mirror
indicator on that side illuminates. If the turn signal lever is operated when
a vehicle is in the blind spot, the outside rear view mirror indicator
flashes.
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Driving
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)The blind spot that vehicles can be detected in are outlined below.
The range of the detection area
extends to:
Approximately 3.5 m (11.5 ft.)
from the side of the vehicle
The first 0.5 m (1.6 ft.) from the
side of the vehicle is not in the
detection area
Approximately 3 m (9.8 ft.)
from the rear bumper
Approximately 1 m (3.3 ft.)
forward of the rear bumper
The Blind Spot Monitor detection areas
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3564-5. Using the driving support
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
The Blind Spot Monitor system is operational when
The BSM main switch is set to on and vehicle speed is greater than approxi-
mately 40 km/h (25 mph).
The Blind Spot Monitor will detect a vehicle when
A vehicle in an adjacent lane overtakes your vehicle.
Another vehicle enters the detection area when it changes lanes.
Conditions under which the Blind Spot Monitor will not detect a vehicle
The Blind Spot Monitor system is not designed to detect the following types
of vehicles and/or objects:
Small motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians etc.*
Vehicles traveling in the opposite direction
Guardrails, walls, signs, parked vehicles and similar stationary objects*
Following vehicles that are in the same lane*
Vehicles driving 2 lanes across from your vehicle*
*
: Depending on conditions, detection of a vehicle and/or object may occur.

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Driving
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
Conditions under which the Blind Spot Monitor system may not function cor-
rectly
The Blind Spot Monitor system may not detect vehicles correctly in the fol-
lowing conditions:
• During bad weather such as heavy rain, fog, snow etc.
• When ice or mud etc. is attached to the rear bumper
• When driving on a road surface that is wet due to rain, standing water
etc.
• When there is a significant difference in speed between your vehicle and
the vehicle that enters the detection area
• When a vehicle is in the detection area from a stop and remains in the
detection area as your vehicle accelerates
• When driving up or down consecutive steep inclines, such as hills, a dip
in the road etc.
• When multiple vehicles approach with only a small gap between each
vehicle
• When vehicle lanes are wide, and the vehicle in the next lane is too far
away from your vehicle
• When the vehicle that enters the detection area is traveling at about the
same speed as your vehicle
• When there is a significant difference in height between your vehicle and
the vehicle that enters the detection area
• Directly after the BSM switch is set to on
• When your vehicle is towing a trailer
Instances of the Blind Spot Monitor unnecessarily detecting a vehicle and/
or object may increase under the following conditions:
• When there is only a short distance between your vehicle and a guardrail,
wall etc.
• When there is only a short distance between your vehicle and a following
vehicle
• When vehicle lanes are narrow and a vehicle driving 2 lanes across from
your vehicle enters the detection area
The outside rear view mirror indicators visibility
When under strong sunlight, the outside rear view mirror indicator may be
difficult to see.
When there is a malfunction in the system
If a system malfunction is detected due to any of the following reasons,
warning messages will be displayed: (P. 762, 768)
There is a malfunction with the sensors
The sensors have become dirty

3584-5. Using the driving support
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
The outside temperature is extremely high or low
The sensor voltage has become abnormal

3594-5. Using the driving support
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GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
Certification for the BSM

3604-5. Using the driving support
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
For vehicles sold in Russia
type approval number POCC DE.AB68.B03800
For vehicles sold in Ukraine
type approval number UA1.030.0025321-11

3614-5. Using the driving support
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Driving
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
CAUTION
Cautions regarding the use of the system
The driver is solely responsible for safe driving. Always drive safely, taking
care to observe your surroundings.
The Blind Spot Monitor is a supplementary system which alerts the driver
that a vehicle is present in the blind spot. Do not overly rely on the Blind
Spot Monitor system. The system cannot judge if it is safe to change lanes,
therefore over reliance could cause an accident resulting in death or serious
injury. According to conditions, the system may not function correctly.
Therefore the driver’s own visual confirmation of safety is necessary.
Handling the radar sensor
One Blind Spot Monitor sensor is installed inside the left and right side of
the vehicle rear bumper respectively. Observe the following to ensure the
Blind Spot Monitor system can function correctly.
Do not subject the sensor or surrounding area on the bumper to a strong
impact. If the sensor moves even slightly off position, the system may
malfunction and vehicles that enter the detection area may not be
detected. If the sensor or surrounding area is subject to a strong impact,
always have the area inspected by any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer,
or another duly qualified and equipped professional.
Do not disassemble the sensor.
Do not attach accessories or stickers to the sensor or surrounding area on
the bumper.
Do not modify the sensor or surrounding area on the bumper.
Do not paint the sensor or surrounding area on the bumper.
Keep the sensor and its surrounding
area on the bumper clean at all times.

359
4 4-6. Driving tips
Driving
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
Winter driving tips
Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside tempera-
tures.
• Engine oil
• Engine coolant
• Washer fluid
Have a service technician inspect the condition of the battery.
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 specified size and brand, and that chains
match the size of the tires.
*: Tire chains cannot be mounted on the 19 inch tires.
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driv-
ing the vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner
appropriate to the prevailing weather conditions.
Preparation for winter

3604-6. Driving tips
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)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.
Check for and remove any excess ice or snow that may have
accumulated on the exterior lights, vehicle’s roof, chassis, around
the tires or on the brakes.
Remove any snow or mud from the bottom of your shoes before
getting in the vehicle.
Accelerate the vehicle slowly, keep a safe distance between you
and the vehicle ahead, and drive at a reduced speed suitable to road
conditions.
Park the vehicle and move the shift lever to P without setting the
parking brake. The parking brake may freeze up, preventing it from
being released. If necessary, block the wheels to prevent inadver-
tent sliding or creeping.
Before driving the vehicle
When driving the vehicle
When parking the vehicle