Lexus HS250h 2012 Owner's Manual

240
2-4. Using other driving systems
HS250h_U_75050U■
Turning off both TRAC and VSC systems
To turn the TRAC and VSC sys-
tems off, press and hold the button
for more than 3 seconds while the
vehicle is stopped.
A message will be shown on the
multi-information display and
“VSC OFF” indicator will come on.
Press the button again to turn the
systems back on.
■Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, VSC and TRAC
●A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the hybrid system is
started, just after the vehicle begins to move, if the brake pedal is depressed
forcefully or repeatedly, or 1-2 minutes after the hybrid system is stopped. This
sound does not indicate that a malfunction has occurred in any of these systems.
●Any of the following conditions may occur when the above systems are operat-
ing. None of these indicates that a malfunction has occurred.
• Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.
• A motor sound may be heard after the vehicle comes to a stop.
• The brake pedal may pulsate slightly after the ABS is activated.
• The brake pedal may move down slightly after the ABS is activated.
■EPS operation sound
When the steering wheel is operated, a motor sound (whirring sound) may be
heard. This does not indicate a malfunction.
■Reactivation of the TRAC /VSC systems
Turning off the hybrid system after turning off the TRAC/VSC systems will automat-
ically reactivate them.
■Reactivation of the TRAC system linked to vehicle speed
When only the TRAC system is turned off, the TRAC system will turn on when vehi-
cle speed increases. However, when both TRAC and VSC systems are turned off,
the systems will not turn on even when vehicle speed increases.

241
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
HS250h_U_75050U
■Reduced effectiveness of the EPS system
The effectiveness of the EPS system is reduced to prevent the system from over-
heating when there is frequent steering input over an extended period of time. The
steering wheel may feel heavy as a result. Should this occur, refrain from excessive
steering input or stop the vehicle and turn the hybrid system off. The EPS system
should return to normal within 10 minutes.
CAUTION
■The ABS does not operate effectively when
●Tires with inadequate gripping ability are used (such as excessively worn tires on
a snow covered road).
●The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on wet or slick road.
■Stopping distance when the ABS is operating may exceed that of normal condi-
tions
The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehicle’s stopping distance. Always main-
tain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you in the following situations:
●When driving on dirt, gravel or snow-covered roads
●When driving with tire chains
●When driving over bumps in the road
●When driving over roads with potholes or roads with uneven surfaces
■TRAC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slippery road
surfaces, even if the TRAC system is operating.
Do not drive the vehicle in conditions where stability and power may be lost.
■When the VSC is activated
The slip indicator light flashes. Always drive carefully. Reckless driving may cause
an accident. Exercise particular care when the indicator light flashes.
■When the TRAC/VSC systems are turned off
Be especially careful and drive at a speed appropriate to the road conditions. As
these are the systems to ensure vehicle stability and driving force, do not turn the
TRAC/VSC systems off unless necessary.

242
2-4. Using other driving systems
HS250h_U_75050U
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 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 driv-
ing assist systems, and may cause a system to malfunction.

243
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
HS250h_U_75050U
Hill-start assist control
■Hill-start assist control can be operated when
●The shift position is in a position other than P.
●The parking brake is not applied.
●The accelerator pedal is not depressed.
■Hill-start assist control
●While hill-start assist control is operating, the brakes remain automatically
applied after the driver releases the brake pedal. The stop lights and the high
mounted stoplight turn on.
●Hill-start assist control operates for about 2 seconds after the brake pedal is
released.
●If the slip indicator does not flash and the buzzer does not sound when the brake
pedal is further depressed, slightly reduce the pressure on the brake pedal (do
not allow the vehicle to roll backward) and then firmly depress it again. If the sys-
tem still does not operate, check if the operating conditions explained above
have been met.
Hill-start assist control helps to prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards
when starting on an incline or slippery slope.
To engage hill-start assist con-
trol, further depress the brake
pedal when the vehicle is
stopped completely.
A buzzer will sound once to
indicate the system is activated.
The slip indicator will also start
flashing.

244
2-4. Using other driving systems
HS250h_U_75050U
■Hill-start assist control buzzer
●When hill-start assist control is activated, the buzzer will sound once.
●In the following situations, hill-start assist control will be canceled and the
buzzer will sound twice.
• No attempt is made to drive the vehicle within approximately 2 seconds ofreleasing the brake pedal.
• Push the P position switch.
• The parking brake is applied.
• The brake pedal is depressed again.
• The brake pedal has been depressed for more than approximately 3 minutes.
■If the slip indicator comes on
It may indicate a malfunction in the system. Contact your Lexus dealer.
CAUTION
■Hill-start assist control
●Do not overly rely on hill-start assist control. Hill-start assist control may not oper-
ate effectively on extremely steep inclines or roads covered in ice.
●Unlike the parking brake, hill-start assist control is not intended to hold the vehi-
cle stationary for an extended period of time. Do not attempt to use hill-start
assist control to hold the vehicle on an incline for an extended period of time, as
doing so may lead to an accident.

245
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
HS250h_U_75050U
Pre-Collision System∗∗
: If equipped
When the radar sensor detects possibility of a frontal collision, the pre-col-
lision system such as the brakes and seat belts are automatically engaged
to lessen impact as well as vehicle damage.
■Pre-collision seat belts (front seat belts only)
If the pre-collision sensor detects that a collision is unavoidable, the pre-
collision system will retract the seat belt before the collision occurs.
The same will happen if the driver makes an emergency braking or loses
control of the vehicle. ( →P. 7 8 )
However, when the VSC system is disabled, the system will not operate in
the event of skidding.
■ Pre-collision brake assist
When there is a high possibility of a frontal collision, the system applies
greater braking force in relation to how strongly the brake pedal is
depressed.
■Pre-collision braking
When there is a high possibility of a frontal collision, the system warns the
driver using a warning light, warnin g display* and buzzer. If the system
determines that a collision is unavoi dable, the brakes are automatically
applied to reduce the collision speed . Pre-collision braking can be dis-
abled using the pre-collision braking off switch.
*: When the pre-collision braking system activates, “BRAKE!” will appear on the multi-information display and head-up display (if equipped), and
the warning light will begin flashing rapidly. ( →P. 5 2 0 )
■Driver monitor sys tem (if equipped)
When the system determines that there is a possibility of a frontal collision,
and the driver is not facing forward, PCS warnings are given in advance to
warn the driver. If the driver continues to be not facing forward, and a high
possibility of a frontal collision is detected, PCS informs the driver of high
possibility of a frontal collision by performing slight braking to provide a
physically warning (pre-collision alert braking). ( →P. 2 4 7 )

246
2-4. Using other driving systems
HS250h_U_75050U
Disabling pre-collision brakingPre-collision braking disabled
Pre-collision braking enabled
The “PCS” warning light will
turn on when pre-collision brak-
ing is disabled.
Radar sensorThe radar sensor detects vehicles
or other obstacles on or near the
road ahead and determines
whether a collision is imminent
based on the position, speed, and
heading of the obstacles.
For vehicles equipped with the lane
keeping assist, in addition to the
radar sensor, the vehicle uses a
lane recognition camera in order
to determine whether or not a colli-
sion is likely to occur. (→P. 2 3 7 )

247
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
HS250h_U_75050U
Driver monitor sensor (if equipped)The driver monitor sensor detects
the direction the driver is facing.
The system determines whether
the driver is facing forward.
■The pre-collision seat belts are operational when
Pre-collision seat belts will activate in the following situations.
●Situation 1:
• Vehicle speed is greater than 19 mph (30 km/h).
• The system detects sudden braking or skidding.
• The front occupants are wearing a seat belt.
●Situation 2:
• Vehicle speed is greater than 4 mph (5 km/h).
• The speed at which your vehicle is approaching the obstacle or the vehiclerunning ahead of you is greater than 19 mph (30 km/h).
• The front occupants are wearing a seat belt.
■The pre-collision systems (other than seat belts) are operational when
●Pre-collision brake assist:
• Vehicle speed is greater than 19 mph (30 km/h).
• The speed at which your vehicle is approaching the obstacle or the vehicle running ahead of you is greater than 19 mph (30 km/h).
• The brake pedal is depressed.
●Pre-collision braking:
• The pre-collision braking off switch is not pressed.
• Vehicle speed is greater than 10 mph (15 km/h).
• The speed at which your vehicle is approaching the obstacle or the vehicle running ahead of you is greater than 10 mph (15 km/h).

248
2-4. Using other driving systems
HS250h_U_75050U
●Pre-collision alert braking (vehicle with driver monitor system):
• The pre-collision braking off switch is not pressed.
• The system determines that the driver is not facing forward.
• Vehicle speed is greater than 10 mph (15 km/h).
• The speed at which your vehicle is approaching the obstacle or the vehiclerunning ahead of you is greater than 25 mph (40 km/h).
■Conditions that may trigger the system even if there is no possibility of a collision
●When there is an object by the roadside at the entrance to a curve
●When passing an oncoming vehicle on a curve
●When driving over a narrow iron bridge
●When there is a metal object on the road surface
●When driving on an uneven road surface (nose up, nose down)
●When passing an oncoming vehicle on a left-turn
●When your vehicle rapidly closes on the vehicle in front
●When a grade separation/interchange, sign, billboard, or other structure
appears to be directly in the vehicle’s line of travel
●When climbing a steep hill causes an overhead billboard or other metallic struc-
ture to appear directly in the vehicle’s line of travel
●When a railing, bar, or similar object can be seen in front of the vehicle
●When the radar sensor is out of alignment ( →P. 252)
●When passing through an overpass
When the system is activated in the situations described above, there is also a possi-
bility that the seat belts will retract quickly and the brakes will be applied with a force
greater than normal. When the seat belt is locked in the retracted position, stop the
vehicle in a safe place, release the seat belt and refasten it.

249
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
HS250h_U_75050U
■Situations in which the pre-collision system does not function properly
The system may not function effectively in situations such as the following:
●On roads with sharp bends or uneven surfaces
●On slippery roads such as those covered with ice or snow
●If a vehicle suddenly moves in front of your vehicle, such as at an intersection
●If a vehicle suddenly cuts in front of your vehicle, such as when overtaking
●In inclement weather such as heavy rain, fog, snow or sand storms
●When your vehicle is skidding with the VSC system off
●When the radar sensor is out of alignment (→P. 252)
■Automatic cancellation of the pre-collision system
When a malfunction occurs due to sensor contamination, etc. that results in the
sensors being unable to detect obstacles, the pre-collision system will be automati-
cally disabled. In this case, the system will not activate even if there is a collision pos-
sibility.
■Obstacles not detected
The sensor cannot detect plastic obstacles such as traffic cones. There may also be
occasions when the sensor cannot detect pedestrians, animals, bicycles, motorcy-
cles, trees, or snowdrifts.
■If the PCS warning light turns on or flashes
●If the PCS warning light begins flashing and “CHECK PCS SYSTEM” appears
on the multi-information display, this indicates a malfunction in the pre-collision
system. ( →P. 5 1 3 )
●If the PCS warning light turns on and “PCS TEMPORARILY NOT
AVAILABLE” appears on the multi-information display, this indicates that the
grille or radar sensor is dirty. ( →P. 5 1 6 )