engine Lexus IS F 2011 Manual PDF

177
2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers
2
When driving
IS F_EE
The windshield wipers and washer can be operated when
The “ENGINE START STOP” switch is in IGNITION ON mode.
Effects of vehicle speed on wiper operation
With the settings other than “AUTO” also, the time until drip prevention
wiper sweep occurs is changed depending on vehicle speed.
Low speed wiper operation selected, wiper operation will be switched from
low speed to intermittent wiper operation only when the vehicle is station-
ary.
“AUTO” mode
If the wiper switch is turned to the “AUTO” position while the
“ENGINE START STOP” switch is in IGNITION ON mode, the wiper
will operate once to show that auto mode is activated.
If the temperature of the raindrop sensor is 90C (194F) or higher, or -
30C (-22F) or lower, automatic operation may not occur. In this case,
operate the wipers in any mode other than “AUTO”.
Outside rear view mirror defogger activation linked to windshield wiper
operation
The outside rear view mirror defogger automatically turns on when you
operate the windshield wipers.
The raindrop sensor judges the
amount of raindrops.
The sensitivity of sensor can be
adjusted by turning the knob.
Increases the sensitivity
Decreases the sensitivity

179
2-3. Operating the lights and windshield wipers
2
When driving
IS F_EE
Headlight cleaner switch
The headlight cleaner can be operated when
The “ENGINE START STOP” switch is in IGNITION ON mode and the
headlight switch is turned on.
Windshield washer linked operation
Only for the first time when the windshield washer is operated after the
“ENGINE START STOP” switch is turned to IGNITION ON mode with the
headlights on, the headlight cleaners will also operate once. (P. 176)
NOTICE
When the washer fluid tank is empty
Do not use this function when the washer fluid tank is empty. This may
cause the washer fluid pump to overheat.
Washer fluid can be sprayed on the headlights.
Press the switch to clean the
headlights.

187
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
IS F_EE
Changing the vehicle-to-vehicle distance
Pressing the button changes
the vehicle-to-vehicle dis-
tance as follows:
Long
Medium
Short
The vehicle-to-vehicle dis-
tance is set automatically to
long mode when the
“ENGINE START STOP”
switch is turned to IGNI-
TION ON mode.
If a vehicle is running ahead
of you, the preceding vehicle
mark will also be displayed.
Vehicle-to-vehicle distance settings
Select a distance from the table below. Note that the distances
shown correspond to a vehicle speed of 80 km/h (50 mph).
Vehicle-to-vehicle distance increases/decreases in accordance
with vehicle speed.
Preceding
vehicle mark
Distance optionsVehicle-to-vehicle distance
LongApproximately 50 m (160 ft.)
MediumApproximately 40 m (130 ft.)
ShortApproximately 30 m (100 ft.)

191
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
IS F_EE
Selecting conventional constant speed control mode
Constant speed control mode differs from vehicle-to-vehicle dis-
tance control mode. When constant speed control mode is selected,
your vehicle will maintain a set speed regardless of whether or not
there are other vehicles in the lane ahead.
Press the “ON-OFF” button
to activate the cruise control.
Cruise control indicator will
come on.
Press the button again to deacti-
vate the cruise control.
Switch to constant speed
control mode.
(Push the lever forward and
hold for approximately one
second.)
When in constant speed control
mode, to return to vehicle-to-
vehicle distance control mode,
push the lever forward again
and hold for approximately 1
second.
After the desired speed has been
set, it is not possible to return to
vehicle-to-vehicle distance con-
trol mode.
If the “ENGINE START STOP”
switch is turned off and then
turned to IGNITION ON mode
again, the vehicle will automati-
cally return to vehicle-to-vehi-
cle distance control mode.

204
2-4. Using other driving systems
IS F_EE
Sensor detection information
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.
• The sensor is frozen.
• 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.
• A towing eyelet is 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
In addition to the examples above, there are instances in which, because of
their shapes, signs and other objects may be judged by the sensor to be
closer than they are.
The shape of the obstacle may prevent the sensor from detecting it. Pay
particular attention to the following obstacles.
• Wires, fences, ropes etc.
• Cotton, snow and other materials that absorb radio waves
• Sharply-angled objects
•Low obstacles
• Tall obstacles with upper sections projecting outwards in the direction
of your vehicle
If the display flashes and a message is displayed
P. 4 3 1
Customization that can be configured at any authorized Lexus dealer or
repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional
Settings (e.g. buzzer volume) can be changed. (Customizable features P.
484)

207
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
IS F_EE
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)

208
2-4. Using other driving systems
IS F_EE
When the VSC/TRC/hill-start assist control systems are operating
The slip indicator light flashes
to indicate that the VSC/TRC/
hill-start assist control systems
have been engaged.
The stop lights and high
mounted stoplight turn on when
the hill-start assist control sys-
tem is operating.
To disable TRC and/or VSC
If the vehicle gets stuck in fresh snow or mud, TRC and VSC may
reduce power from the engine to the wheels. You may need to turn
the system off to enable you to rock the vehicle in order to free it.
Turning off TRC
Quickly push and release the
switch to turn off TRC.
The “TRC OFF” indicator light
should come on.
Push the switch again to turn
the system back on.

210
2-4. Using other driving systems
IS F_EE
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.

211
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
IS F_EE
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.

222
2-5. Driving information
IS F_EE
Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving
the vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropriate
to the prevailing weather conditions.
Pre-winter preparations
Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside
temperatures.
• Engine oil
• Engine coolant
• Washer fluid
Have a service technician inspect the level and specific
gravity of battery electrolyte.
Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires.
Ensure that all tires are the specified size and the same brand.
Tire chains cannot be installed on 19-inch tires. Use the
specified type of tire chains and install them on the rear
tires only. Before installing the tire chains, change all four
tires and wheels to those of the specified size (tires: 225/
40R18, wheels: 18x8JJ +45 offset). For details, contact any
authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly quali-
fied and equipped professional.
Before driving the vehicle
Perform the following according to the driving conditions.
Do not try to forcibly open a window or move a wiper that
is frozen. 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.
Remove any ice that has accumulated on the vehicle chas-
sis