sensor Lexus GS450h 2009 User Guide

174
2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers
GS_HV_U (OM30B44U)
April 27, 2009 10:09 am
Washer/wiper dual operation
Wipers will automatically oper-
ate a couple of times after the
washer squirts.
Rain-sensing windshield wipers
With selected, the wipers will operate automatically when the
sensor detects falling rain. The system automatically adjusts wiper
timing in accordance with rain volume and vehicle speed.Off
Rain-sensing wiper
operation
Low speed wiper
operation
High speed wiper
operation
Temporary operation
GS450h_HV_U.book Page 174 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:10 AM

175
2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers
2
When driving
GS_HV_U (OM30B44U)
April 27, 2009 10:09 am
■The windshield wiper and washer can be operated when
The “POWER” switch is in ON mode.
■Dripping prevention wiper sweep
After washing and wiping operation several times, the wipers operate one more
time after a short delay to prevent dripping.
However, the last sweep will not happen if the vehicle is traveling above 106 mph
(170 km/h).
■Effects of vehicle speed on wiper operation
Vehicle speed affects the following even when the wipers are not “AUTO” mode.
●Intermittent wiper interval ( mode)
●Wiper operation when the washer is being used (delay until drip prevention
wiper sweep occurs)
With selected, wiper operation will be switched from low speed to intermit-
tent wiper operation only when the vehicle is stationary.
Sensor sensitivity (high)
Sensor sensitivity (low)
Washer/wiper dual operation
Wipers will automatically oper-
ate a couple of times after the
washer squirts.
GS450h_HV_U.book Page 175 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:10 AM

176
2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers
GS_HV_U (OM30B44U)
April 27, 2009 10:09 am
■Rain drop sensor (vehicles equipped with rain-sensing windshield wipers)
■If no windshield washer fluid sprays
Check that the washer nozzles are not blocked if there is washer fluid in the wind-
shield washer fluid reservoir.
■If the components get extremely hot or cold
The system will turn off if the components get extremely hot (more than 194°F
[90 °C]) or cold (less than -22 °F [-30 °C]).
■Customization that can be configured at Lexus dealer
Settings (e.g. drip prevention function) can be changed.
(Customizable features →P. 5 9 3 ) The sensor judges the amount of raindrops.
GS450h_HV_U.book Page 176 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:10 AM

177
2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers
2
When driving
GS_HV_U (OM30B44U)
April 27, 2009 10:09 am
CAUTION
■Caution regarding the use of windshield wipers in “AUTO” mode
The windshield wipers may operate unexpectedly if the sensor is touched or the
windshield is subject to vibration in “AUTO” mode. Take care that your fingers or
anything else do not become caught in the windshield wipers.
NOTICE
■When the windshield is dry
Do not use the wipers, as they may damage the windshield.
■When there is no washer fluid spray from the nozzle
Damage to the washer fluid pump may be caused if the lever is pulled toward you
and held continually.
GS450h_HV_U.book Page 177 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:10 AM

187
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
GS_HV_U (OM30B44U)
April 27, 2009 10:09 am
Cruising in vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode
This mode employs a radar sensor to detect the presence of vehicles
within 400 ft. (120 m) ahead and to judge the distance between your
vehicle and those vehicles.
Note that vehicle-to-vehicle distance will close when traveling on long down-
hill slopes.
Example of constant speed cruising
When there are no vehicles ahead
The vehicle travels at the speed set by the driver. The desired vehicle-to-vehi-
cle distance can also be set by operating the vehicle-to-vehicle distance
switch.
Example of deceleration cruising
When the vehicle ahead is driving slower than the set speed
When a vehicle is detected running ahead of you, in the same lane, the sys-
tem automatically decelerates your vehicle. When a greater reduction in
vehicle speed is necessary, the system applies the brakes. A warning tone
warns you when the system cannot decelerate sufficiently to prevent your
vehicle from closing on the vehicle ahead.
GS450h_HV_U.book Page 187 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:10 AM

189
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
GS_HV_U (OM30B44U)
April 27, 2009 10:09 am
■The dynamic radar cruise can be set when
●The shift lever is in “D” or the “4”, “5” or “6” range of “S”.
●The vehicle’s speed is above approximately 27 mph (43 km/h).
■Accelerating
The vehicle can be accelerated normally. After acceleration, the set speed
resumes.
■Automatically canceling vehicle-to-vehicle distance control
Vehicle-to-vehicle distance control driving is automatically canceled in the follow-
ing situations.
●Actual vehicle speed falls below 25 mph (40 km/h)
●Enhanced VSC is activated
●The windshield wipers are operating at high speed
●The mode select switch is set to snow mode
●The sensor cannot operate correctly because it is covered in some way
Vehicle-to-vehicle distance control driving must be reset by turning the “ON-
OFF” button on again.
If vehicle-to-vehicle distance control driving is automatically canceled for any other
reason, there may be a malfunction in the system. Contact your Lexus dealer.
■Automatically canceling constant speed control
The set speed is automatically canceled in the following situations.
●Actual vehicle speed is more than 10 mph (16 km/h) below the preset vehicle
speed
●Actual vehicle speed falls below 25 mph (40 km/h)
●Enhanced VSC is activated
GS450h_HV_U.book Page 189 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:10 AM

190
2-4. Using other driving systems
GS_HV_U (OM30B44U)
April 27, 2009 10:09 am
■Vehicle-to-vehicle distance settings
Select a distance from the table below. Note that the distances shown correspond
to a vehicle speed of 50 mph (80 km/h). Vehicle-to-vehicle distance increases/
decreases in accordance with vehicle speed.
■Radar sensor and grille cover
Always keep the sensor and grille cover clean to ensure that the vehicle-to-vehicle
distance control operates properly. (Some obstructions, such as snow, ice or plastic
objects, cannot be detected by the obstruction sensor.)
Dynamic radar cruise control is canceled if an obstruction is detected.
■Approach warning
In the following instances, there is a possibility that the warnings will not occur:
●When the speed of the vehicle ahead matches or exceeds your vehicle’s speed
●When the vehicle ahead is traveling at an extremely slow speed
●Immediately after the cruise control speed has been set
●At the instant the accelerator is applied
Distance optionsVehicle-to-vehicle distance
LongApproximately 210 ft. (65 m)
MediumApproximately 150 ft. (45 m)
ShortApproximately 100 ft. (30 m)
Grille cover
Radar sensor
GS450h_HV_U.book Page 190 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:10 AM

192
2-4. Using other driving systems
GS_HV_U (OM30B44U)
April 27, 2009 10:09 am
CAUTION
■Before using dynamic radar cruise control
Do not overly rely on vehicle-to-vehicle distance control.
Be aware of the set vehicle speed. If automatic deceleration/acceleration is not
appropriate, adjust the vehicle speed, as well as the distance between your vehicle
and vehicles ahead by applying the brakes, etc.
■To avoid operating the dynamic radar cruise control by mistake
Keep the “ON-OFF” button off when not in use.
■Situations unsuitable for dynamic radar cruise control
Do not use dynamic radar cruise control in any of the following situations.
Doing so may result in inappropriate control of speed and could cause serious or
fatal accident.
●In heavy traffic
●On roads with sharp bends
●On winding roads
●On slippery roads, such as those covered with rain, ice or snow
●On steep downhills, where there are sudden changes between sharp up and
down gradients
Vehicle speed may exceed the set speed when driving down a steep hill.
●At entrances to expressways
●When weather conditions are bad enough that they may prevent the sensors
from functioning correctly (fog, snow, sandstorm, etc.)
●When the approach warning buzzer can be heard often
GS450h_HV_U.book Page 192 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:10 AM

193
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
GS_HV_U (OM30B44U)
April 27, 2009 10:09 am
CAUTION
■When the radar sensor may not be correctly detecting the vehicle ahead
Apply the brakes as necessary when any of the following types of vehicles are in
front of you.
As the sensor may not be able to correctly detect these types of vehicles, the prox-
imity alarm ( →P. 528) will not be activated, and a serious or fatal accident may
result.
●Vehicles that cut in suddenly
●Vehicles traveling at low speeds
●Vehicles that are not moving
●Vehicles with small rear ends (trailers with no load on board etc.)
●Motorcycles traveling in the same lane
■Conditions under which the vehicle-to-vehicle distance control may not function
correctly
Apply the brakes as necessary in the following conditions as the radar sensor may
not be able to correctly detect vehicles ahead, and a serious or fatal accident may
result.
●When water or snow thrown up by the surrounding vehicles hinders the function-
ing of the sensor
●When your vehicle is pointing upwards (caused by a heavy load in the trunk, etc.)
●When the road curves or when the lanes are narrow
●When steering wheel operation or your position in the lane is unstable
●When the vehicle ahead of you decelerates suddenly
GS450h_HV_U.book Page 193 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:10 AM

194
2-4. Using other driving systems
GS_HV_U (OM30B44U)
April 27, 2009 10:09 am
CAUTION
■To ensure the radar sensor functions correctly
Do not do the following to the sensor or grille cover as doing so may cause the sen-
sor not to function correctly and could result in a serious or fatal accident.
●Stick or attach anything to them
●Leave them dirty
●Disassemble, subject them to strong shocks
●Modify or paint them
●Replace them with non-genuine parts
■Handling the radar sensor
Observe the following to ensure the cruise control system can function effectively.
●Keep the sensor and front grille clean at all times.
Clean the sensor and front grille with a soft cloth so you do not mark or damage
them.
●Do not subject the sensor or surrounding area to a strong impact.
If the sensor moves even slightly off position, the system may malfunction. If the
sensor or surrounding area is subject to a strong impact, always have the area
inspected and adjusted by a Lexus dealer.
●Do not disassemble the sensor.
●Do not attach accessories or stickers to the sensor, grille or surrounding area.
●Do not modify or paint the sensor and grille.
GS450h_HV_U.book Page 194 Monday, April 27, 2009 10:10 AM