steering wheel Lexus IS F 2011 Owner's Guide

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1-7. Safety information
1
Before driving
IS F_EE
CAUTION
SRS airbag precautions
Do not lean against the door, the roof
side rail or the front, side and rear pil-
lars.
Do not allow anyone to kneel on the
passenger seat toward the door or put
their head or hands outside the vehicle.
Do not attach anything to or lean any-
thing against areas such as the dash-
board, steering wheel pad or lower
portion of the instrument panel.
These items can become projectiles
when SRS driver, front passenger and
knee airbags deploy.
Do not attach anything to areas such as
the door, windshield glass, side door
glass, front and rear pillars, roof side
rail or assist grip.
Do not hang coat hangers or other hard
objects on the coat hooks. All of these
items could become projectiles and
seriously injure or kill you, should the
SRS curtain shield airbag deploy.

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1-7. Safety information
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CAUTION
SRS airbag precautions
If a vinyl cover is put on the area where the SRS knee airbag will deploy,
be sure to remove it.
Do not use seat accessories which cover the parts where the SRS side air-
bags inflate as they may interfere with inflation of the airbags.
Do not strike or apply significant levels of force to the area of the SRS air-
bag components shown on P. 106.
Doing so can cause the SRS airbags to malfunction.
Do not touch any of the component parts immediately after the SRS air-
bags have deployed (inflated) as they may be hot.
If breathing becomes difficult after the SRS airbag has deployed, open a
door or window to allow fresh air in, or leave the vehicle if it is safe to do
so. Wash off any residue as soon as possible to prevent skin irritation.
If the areas where the SRS airbags are stored, such as the steering wheel
pad and front pillar garnish, are damaged or cracked, have them replaced
by any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and
equipped professional.

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1-7. Safety information
1
Before driving
IS F_EE
CAUTION
Modification and disposal of SRS airbag system components
Do not dispose of your vehicle or perform any of the following modifica-
tions without consulting any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another
duly qualified and equipped professional.
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, seats or seat upholstery, front, side and rear
pillars or roof side rails.
Repairs or modifications of the front fender, front bumper, or side of the
occupant compartment
Installation of snow plows, winches, etc. to the front grille (bull bars, kan-
garoo bar etc.)
Modifications to the vehicle's suspension system
Installation of electronic devices such as an RF-transmitter system or CD
players
Modifications to your vehicle for a person with a physical disability

141
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
IS F_EE
CAUTION
Moving the shift lever to N while the vehicle is moving will disengage the
engine from the transmission. Engine braking is not available when N is
selected.
During normal driving, do not turn off the engine. Turning the engine off
while driving will not cause loss of steering or braking control, but the
power assist to these systems will be lost. This will make it more difficult
to steer and brake, so you should pull over and stop the vehicle as soon as
it is safe to do so.
However, in the event of an emergency, such as if it becomes impossible
to stop the vehicle in the normal way: P. 4 6 9
Use engine braking (downshift) to maintain a safe speed when driving
down a steep hill.
Using the brakes continuously may cause the brakes to overheat and lose
effectiveness. (P. 153, 155)
When stopped on an inclined surface, use the brake pedal and parking
brake to prevent the vehicle from rolling backward or forward and causing
an accident.
Do not adjust the position of the steering wheel, the seat, or the inside or
outside rear view mirrors while driving.
Doing so may result in a loss of vehicle control that can cause accidents
that may result in death or serious injury.
Always check that all passengers' arms, heads or other parts of their bod-
ies are not outside the vehicle, as this may result in death or serious injury.
When driving on slippery road surfaces
Sudden braking, acceleration and steering may cause tire slippage and
reduce your ability to control the vehicle, resulting in an accident.
Sudden changes in engine speed, such as engine braking caused by up-
shifting or down-shifting, may cause the vehicle to skid, resulting in an
accident.
After driving through a puddle, lightly depress the brake pedal to make
sure that the brakes are functioning properly. Wet brake pads may prevent
the brakes from functioning properly. If the brakes on only one side are
wet and not functioning properly, steering control may be affected, result-
ing in an accident.

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2-1. Driving procedures
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When driving
IS F_EE
NOTICE
When parking the vehicle
Always put the shift lever in P. Failure to do so may cause the vehicle to
move or the vehicle may accelerate suddenly if the accelerator pedal is acci-
dentally depressed.
Avoiding damage to vehicle parts
Do not turn the steering wheel fully in either direction and hold it there for
an extended period of time.
Doing so may damage the power steering motor.
When driving over bumps in the road, drive as slowly as possible to avoid
damaging the wheels, underside of the vehicle, etc.
If you get a flat tire while driving
A flat or damaged tire may cause the following situations. Hold the steering
wheel firmly and gradually press the brake pedal to slow down the vehicle.
It may be difficult to control your vehicle.
The vehicle will make abnormal sounds.
The vehicle will behave abnormally.
Information on what to do in case of a flat tire (P. 446)
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 any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly quali-
fied and equipped professional check the following.
Brake function
Changes in quantity and quality of oil and fluid used for the engine, trans-
mission, differential, etc.
Lubricant condition for the propeller shaft, bearings and suspension joints
(where possible) and the function of all joints, bearings, etc.

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2-1. Driving procedures
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If the engine does not start
The engine immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. (P. 9 2 )
When the steering lock cannot be released
When the “ENGINE START STOP” switch indicator flashes in amber
The system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by any
authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped
professional, immediately.
Auto power off function
If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY mode for more than an hour with the
shift lever in P, the “ENGINE START STOP” switch will automatically turn
OFF.
Electronic key battery depletion
P. 4 3
When the electronic key battery is discharged
P. 3 8 8
Conditions affecting operation
P. 4 1
Note for the entry function
P. 4 5
The “ENGINE START STOP” switch
indicator will flash in green and a mes-
sage will be shown on the multi-informa-
tion display. Press the “ENGINE START
STOP” switch again while turning the
steering wheel left and right.

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2-4. Using other driving systems
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CAUTION
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 sen-
sor may not be able to correctly detect vehicles ahead, and a fatal or serious
accident may result:
When water or snow thrown up by the surrounding vehicles hinders the
functioning 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
Handling the radar sensor
Observe the following to ensure the cruise control system can function
effectively.
Otherwise, the system may not function correctly and could result in an
accident.
Keep the sensor and front grille cover clean at all times.
Clean the sensor and front grille cover 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 malfunc-
tion. If the sensor or surrounding area is subject to a strong impact, always
have the area inspected and adjusted 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, grille cover or sur-
rounding area.
Do not modify or paint the sensor and grille cover.
Do not replace them with non-genuine parts.

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2-4. Using other driving systems
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When driving
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To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following sys-
tems operate automatically in response to various driving situations.
Be aware, however, that these systems are supplementary and should
not be relied upon too heavily when operating the vehicle.
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied suddenly,
or if the brakes are applied while driving on a slippery road surface.
Brake assist
Generates an increased level of braking force after the brake pedal
is depressed, when the system detects a panic stop situation.
VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)
Helps the driver to control skidding when swerving suddenly or
turning on slippery road surfaces.
TRC (Traction Control)
Maintains drive power and prevents the rear wheels from spinning
when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads.
Hill-start assist control
Helps to prevent the vehicle from rolling backward when starting
on an incline or slippery slope.
EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed to
turn the steering wheel.
PCS (Pre-Crash Safety system) (if equipped)
P. 213
VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management)
Provides integrated control of the ABS, brake assist, TRC, VSC,
hill-start assist control, and EPS systems.
Helps to maintain vehicle stability when swerving on slippery road
surfaces by controlling the brakes, engine output and steering assist.
When the F-sport mode total control switch is pressed, “Sport”
mode is activated. (P. 209)

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2-4. Using other driving systems
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When the “TRC OFF” indicator light comes on even if the VSC off switch
has not been pressed
TRC and hill-start assist control cannot be operated. Contact any authorized
Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped profes-
sional.
Automatic reactivation of the TRC/VSC systems
If the TRC/VSC systems are turned off, re-starting the engine will automati-
cally reactivate them.
Automatic TRC reactivation
If only the TRC system is turned off, the TRC system will turn on when
vehicle speed increases.
Automatic TRC and VSC reactivation
If the TRC and VSC systems are turned off, the systems will not turn on
even when vehicle speed increases.
Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, VSC, TRC and hill-
start assist control systems
A sound may be heard from the engine compartment if the brake pedal is
depressed repeatedly when the engine is started or just after the vehicle
begins to move. 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
operating. 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 when the ABS is activated.
• The brake pedal may move down slightly after the ABS is activated.
Hill-start assist control is operational when
The shift lever is in the D or M position.
The brake pedal is not depressed.
The vehicle rolls backward.
EPS operation sound
When the steering wheel is operated, a motor sound (whirring sound) may
be heard. This does not indicate a malfunction.

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2-4. Using other driving systems
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When driving
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Reduced effectiveness of the EPS system
The effectiveness of the EPS system is reduced to prevent the system from
overheating 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 engine
off. The EPS system should return to normal within 10 minutes.
Automatic deactivation of “Sport” mode
When the “ENGINE START STOP” switch is turned OFF after driving in
“Sport” mode, the mode is automatically deactivated.
If the slip indicator comes on
It may indicate a malfunction in the VSC, TRC or hill-start assist control
systems. Contact any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly
qualified and equipped professional.
CAUTION
The ABS does not operate effectively when
The limits of tire gripping performance have been exceeded.
The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on the wet or slick
road.
Stopping distance when the ABS is operating may exceed that of normal
conditions
The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehicle's stopping distance. Always
maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you in the following sit-
uations.
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 roads
TRC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slip-
pery road surfaces, even if the TRC system is operating.
Do not drive the vehicle in conditions where stability and power may be
lost.