suspension Lexus GS350 2013 Owner's Manual

431-1. For safe use
GS350_U (OM30C34U)
1
For safety and security
■If the SRS airbags deploy (inflate)
●Bruising and slight abrasions may result from contact with a deploying (inflating)
SRS airbag.
●A loud noise and white powder will be emitted.
●Parts of the airbag module (steering wheel hub, airbag cover and inflator) as well as
the seats, the glove box, parts of the front and rear pillars, and roof side rails may be
hot for several minutes. The airbag itself may also be hot.
●The windshield may crack.
●For Safety Connect subscribers, if the SRS airbags deploy or in the event of a
severe rear-end collision, the system is designed to send an emergency call to the
response center, notifying them of the vehicle’s location (without needing to push
the “SOS” button) and an agent will attempt to speak with the occupants to ascer-
tain the level of emergency and assistance required. If the occupants are unable to
communicate, the agent automatically treats the call as an emergency and helps to
dispatch the necessary emergency services. (→P. 5 8 6 )
CAUTION
■Modification and di sposal of SRS airbag system components
Do not dispose of your vehicle or perfor m any of the following modifications with-
out consulting your Lexus dealer. The SRS airbags may malfunction or deploy
(inflate) accidentally, causing death or serious injury.
●Installation, removal, disassembly and repair of the SRS airbags
●Repairs, modifications, removal or replacement of the steering wheel, instrument
panel, dashboard, glove box, seats or seat upholstery, front, side and rear pillars
or roof side rails
●Repairs or modifications of the front fend er, front bumper, or side of the occupant
compartment
●Installation of snow plows, winches, etc. to the front grille (bull bars or kangaroo
bar etc.)
●Modifications to the vehicle’s suspension system
●Installation of electronic devices such as mobile two-way radios and CD players
●Modifications to your vehicle for a person with a physical disability

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GS350_U (OM30C34U)
4-1. Before driving
NOTICE
■When encountering flooded roads
Do not drive on a road that has flooded after heavy rain etc. Doing so may cause
the following serious damage to the vehicle:
●Engine stalling
●Short in electrical components
●Engine damage caused by water immersion
In the event that you drive on a flooded road and the vehicle is flooded, be sure to
have your Lexus dealer check the following:
●Brake function
●Changes in quantity and quality of oil and fluid used for the engine, transmission,
transfer (AWD models), differential, etc.
●Lubricant condition for the propeller shaft, bearings and suspension joints (where
possible), and the function of all joints, bearings, etc.

236
GS350_U (OM30C34U)
4-5. Using the driving support systems
NOTICE
■To prevent damage to or incorrect operation of the LKA system
●Do not modify the headlights or attach stickers to the surface of the lights.
●Do not modify the suspension or sun visor, or replace them with non-genuine
parts.
●Do not install or place anything on the hood or the grille. Also, do not install a
grille guard (bull bars, kangaroo bar etc.).
●Do not modify the sun visor or replace it with anything other than a genuine
Lexus product.
●If your windshield needs repairs, contact your Lexus dealer.
■Camera sensor (→P. 228)
Observe the following to ensure that the LKA system functions correctly.
●Keep the windshield clean at all times.
Performance could be affected if the windshield is dirty, or if raindrops, conden-
sation or ice are adhering to the windshield.
●When adjusting the rear view mirror, make sure that it does not block the camera
lens.
●Do not attach window tinting to the windshield.
●Do not install an antenna in front of the camera lens.
●If the windshield is fogged up, use the windshield defogger to remove fog from
the windshield.
When it is cold, using the heater with air blowing to the feet may allow the upper
part of the windshield to fog up. This will have a negative effect on the images.
●Do not attach a sticker or other items to the
windshield near the camera sensor.
●Do not install or place anything near the
camera.

248
GS350_U (OM30C34U)
4-5. Using the driving support systems
■Intuitive parking assist display
When an obstacle is detected while the rear view monitor system, is in use, the warn-
ing indicator will appear in the top right of the screen even if the display setting has
been set to off.
■Sensor detection information
●The sensor’s detection areas are limited to the areas around the vehicle’s front cor-
ner 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 thisproblem.)
• 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 abnor-
mal 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.

266
GS350_U (OM30C34U)
4-5. Using the driving support systems
Sport mode• SPORT S mode
Improves acceleration response by controlling the transmission.
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 instru-
ment cluster.
Also, on vehicles equipped with a
12.3-inch display, the driving mode
is also automatically displayed on
the “Side Display”. ( →P. 3 0 8 )
• SPORT S+ mode
Improves steering performance and driving stability by simulta-
neously 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 displayed on
the “Side Display”. ( →P. 3 0 8 )
3

GS350_U (OM30C34U)
2694-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
◆DRS (Dynamic Rear Steering) (if equipped)
Contributes to the turning characteristics and responsiveness of the
vehicle by slightly adjusting the rear wheel angle of the vehicle in accor-
dance with steering wheel movement.
◆EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed to
turn the steering wheel
◆AVS (Adaptive Variable Suspension system) (if equipped)
By independently controlling the damping force of the shock absorbers
for each of the 4 wheels according to the road and driving conditions,
this system combines riding comfort with superior steering stability, and
ensures good vehicle posture. ( →P. 263)
◆LDH (Lexus Dynamic Handling system) (if equipped)
Provides independent control of the VGRS, DRS and EPS. Contributes
to turning characteristics at low speeds, responsiveness at medium
speeds and safety at high speeds by controlling the steering angle of
the front and rear wheels in accordance with the steering wheel opera-
tion and vehicle speed.
◆VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management)
Provides integrated control of the ABS, brake assist, TRAC, VSC, hill-
start assist control, EPS, VGRS (if equipped) and DRS (if equipped)
systems
Helps to maintain vehicle stability when swerving on slippery road sur-
faces by controlling the brakes, engine output, steering assist, and
steering ratio
◆PCS (Pre-Collision System) (if equipped)
→ P. 2 7 8

GS350_U (OM30C34U)
2754-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
CAUTION
■Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the specified size, brand, tread pattern and total load
capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are inflated to the recommended tire
inflation pressure level.
The ABS, TRAC and VSC systems will not function correctly if different tires are
installed on the vehicle.
Contact your Lexus dealer for further information when replacing tires or wheels.
■Handling of tires and the suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modifying the suspension will affect the
driving assist systems, and may cause a system to malfunction.

GS350_U (OM30C34U)
2794-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
◆Suspension control (if equipped)
When the system determines that a collision is unavoidable, the opera-
tion of AVS (→P. 269) optimally controls the damping force of the
shock absorber.
◆Steering control (if equipped)
XVehicles with VGRS
There is a high possibility of collision and if the steering wheel is oper-
ated, the steering gear ratio is changed by VGRS to help improve the
response to steering input.
XVehicles with LDH
There is a high possibility of collision and if the steering wheel is oper-
ated, the steering angles of the front and rear wheels and the heaviness
of the steering wheel are controlled by LDH, thus heightening respon-
siveness in response to the steering operation.
◆Driver monitor sy stem (if equipped)
When the system determines that there is a possibility of a collision, and
either the driver is not facing forward or the driver’s eyes are closed,
PCS warnings are given in advance to warn the driver. If the system
determines that the conditions to operate pre-collision alert braking
have been met even when the possibility of a collision increases further,
pre-collision alert braking will operate.

GS350_U (OM30C34U)
2814-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
■The pre-collision system is operational when
The pre-collision system off button is not pressed and the following conditions are
met:
●Pre-collision warning:
• Vehicle speed is greater than about 10 mph (15 km/h).
• The speed at which your vehicle is approaching the obstacle or oncoming vehi- cle is greater than about 10 mph (15 km/h).
●Pre-collision seat belts (operating conditions A):
• Vehicle speed is greater than about 19 mph (30 km/h).
• The system detects sudden braking or skidding.
• The front occupants are wearing a seat belt.
●Pre-collision seat belts (operating conditions B):
• Vehicle speed is greater than about 4 mph (5 km/h).
• The speed at which your vehicle is approaching the obstacle or oncoming vehi-cle is greater than about 19 mph (30 km/h).
• The front occupants are wearing a seat belt.
●Pre-collision brake assist:
• Vehicle speed is greater than about 19 mph (30 km/h).
• The speed at which your vehicle is approaching the obstacle or the vehicle run- ning ahead of you is greater than about 19 mph (30 km/h).
• The brake pedal is depressed.
●Pre-collision braking:
• Vehicle speed is greater than about 10 mph (15 km/h).
• The speed at which your vehicle is approaching the obstacle or the vehicle run- ning ahead of you is greater than about 10 mph (15 km/h).
●Suspension control:
• Vehicle speed is greater than about 4 mph (5 km/h).
• The speed at which your vehicle is approaching the obstacle or the vehicle run-ning ahead of you is greater than about 19 mph (30 km/h).
●Steering control:
• Vehicle speed is greater than about 19 mph (30 km/h).
• The speed at which your vehicle is approaching the obstacle or the vehicle run-ning ahead of you is greater than about 19 mph (30 km/h).
●Pre-collision alert braking:
• The system determines that the driver is not facing forward, or that the driver’seyes are closed.
• Vehicle speed is greater than about 25 mph (40 km/h).
• The speed at which your vehicle is approaching the vehicle running ahead of you is greater than about 25 mph (40 km/h).
• The steering is not being turned.

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GS350_U (OM30C34U)
7-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If you think something is wrong
●Fluid leaks under the vehicle.
(Water dripping from the air conditioning after use is normal.)
●Flat-looking tires or uneven tire wear
●Engine coolant temperature gauge needle continually points higher
than normal.
●Changes in exhaust sound
●Excessive tire squeal when cornering
●Strange noises related to the suspension system
●Pinging or other noises related to the engine
●Engine missing, stumbling or running roughly
●Appreciable loss of power
●Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when braking
●Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when driving on a level road
●Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling, pedal almost touches the
floor
If you notice any of the following symptoms, your vehicle probably
needs adjustment or repair. Contact your Lexus dealer as soon as pos-
sible.
Visible symptoms
Audible symptoms
Operational symptoms