automatic transmission Lexus IS250 2009 Owner's Guide

131
2-1. Driving procedures
2
When driving
08_IS350/250_U_(L/O_0808)
Automatic transmission

Select a shift position appropriate for the driving conditions.
■Shifting the shift lever
While the “ENGINE START STOP” switch is in IGNITION
ON mode, depress the brake pedal and move the shift lever.
■ Shift position uses
*: To improve fuel consumption and reduce noises, set the shift lever in the D
position for normal driving.
Shift positionFunction
PParking the vehicle or starting the engine
RReversing
NNeutral
DNormal driving*
SS mode driving (
P. 1 3 4 )

: If equipped

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2-1. Driving procedures
08_IS350/250_U_(L/O_0808)
■If does not come on even after shifting the shift lever to S
This may indicate a malfunction in the automatic transmission system. Have the
vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
(In this situation, the vehicle will operate as if the shift lever is in D.)
■AI-SHIFT
The AI-SHIFT automatically shifts the gear to the optimal position according to the
driver performance and driving conditions.
The AI-SHIFT automatically operates when the shift lever is in the D position. How-
ever, operating the “-” shift paddle switch will restrict the function’s operation. (Shift-
ing the shift lever to the S position cancels the function.)
CAUTION
■When driving on slippery road surfaces
Be careful of downshifting and sudden acceleration, as this could result in the vehi-
cle skidding to the side or spinning.

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2-1. Driving procedures
08_IS350/250_U_(L/O_0808)
Parking brake
NOTICE
■Before driving
Fully release the parking brake.
Driving the vehicle with the parking brake set will lead to brake components over-
heating, which may affect braking performance and increase brake wear.
Vehicles with an automatic transmissionSets the parking brake
*
(Depressing the pedal again
releases the parking brake.)
*: Fully depress the parkingbrake pedal with your left
foot while depressing the
brake pedal with your right
foot.
Vehicles with a manual transmission
Sets
the parking brake
Fully set the parking brake while depressing the brake pedal.
Releases the parking brake
Slightly raise the lever and lower it completely while pressing the button.
Canada U.S.A.
Canada
U.S.A.

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2-2. Instrument cluster
2
When driving
08_IS350/250_U_(L/O_0808)
■Indicators
The indicators inform the driver of the operating state of the vehi-
cle’s various systems.
Turn signal indicator
(

P. 1 3 9 )(vehicles with
an automatic
transmission)
“ECT SNOW” indicator
(

P. 1 3 2 )
Headlight high beam indi-
cator (

P. 1 5 6 )(vehicles with
a manual
transmission)
“ETCS SNOW” indicator
(

P. 1 3 8 )
(U.S.A.)
Headlight indicator
(

P. 1 5 6 )(vehicles with
an automatic
transmission)
“ECT PWR” indicator
(

P. 1 3 2 )
(Canada)
Tail light indicator
(

P. 1 5 6 )
Cruise control indicator
(

P. 166)
Front fog light indicator
(

P. 1 5 9 ) (if equipped)
“AFS OFF” indicator light
(

P. 1 5 7 )
(vehicles with an automatic trans-
mission)
Shift position and shift range indica-
tors (

P. 131)
(if equipped)
Intuitive parking assist
indicator (

P. 1 8 0 )
Slip indicator (
P. 1 8 7 )
VSC off indicator
(

P. 1 8 8 )
SRS airbag on-off indica-
tor (

P. 9 5 )
*
*
*
*

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2-2. Instrument cluster
08_IS350/250_U_(L/O_0808)■
Gear position display
(vehicles with an automatic transmission only)
Indicates the current gear, and the range of gears
that is available when the shift lever is in the D or S
position. the gear range is shown by the number of
dots ( ) and the current gear is shown as a number.
The transmission automatically selects the gears
within the driver selected gear range.
In the illustration to the left, a range of 6 available gears
(1 through 6) has been selected by the driver. (The shift
lever is in the D or S position with 6 ranges enabled) It is
possible for the transmission to automatically select
between all 6 of the gears. In this case, the transmission
has selected third gear.
■System check display
After switching the “ENGINE START ST OP” switch to IGNITION ON mode,
“CHECK” is displayed while system operation is checked. When the system check
is complete, “COMPLETED” is displayed before returning to the normal screen.
■Outside temperature display
In the following situations, the correct outside temperature may not be displayed, or
the display may take longer than normal to change.
●When stopped, or driving at low speeds (less than 12 mph [20 km/h])
●When the outside temperature has changed suddenly (at the entrance/exit of a
garage, tunnel, etc.)

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2-4. Using other driving systems
08_IS350/250_U_(L/O_0808)
■Cruise control can be set when
●Vehicles with an automatic transmission: the shift lever is in the D position or S
position. However, it cannot be set if any of the ranges 1 through 3 has been
selected.
●Vehicle speed is between approximately 25 mph (40 km/h) and 125 mph
(200 km/h).
■Accelerating
The vehicle can be accelerated normally. After acceleration, the set speed
resumes.
■Automatic cruise control cancellation
The set speed is automatically cancelled in any of the following situations.
●Actual vehicle speed falls more than 10 mph (16 km/h) below the preset vehicle
speed
At this time, the memorized set speed is not retained.
●Actual vehicle speed is below 25 mph (40km/h)
●VSC is activated
■If the cruise control indicator light flashes
Turn the “ON-OFF” button off once, and then reactivate the system.
If the cruise control speed cannot be set or if the cruise control cancels immediately
after being activated, there may be a malfunction in the cruise control system. Have
the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer.

186
2-4. Using other driving systems
08_IS350/250_U_(L/O_0808)
Driving assist systems
To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following systems
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.
■TRAC (Traction Control)
Maintains drive power and prevents the rear wheels (2WD models) or all
wheels (AWD models) from spinning wh en starting the vehicle or acceler-
ating on slippery roads.
■ Hill-start assist control (vehicles with an automatic transmission)
Prevents the vehicle from rolling backwards 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.

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2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
08_IS350/250_U_(L/O_0808)
CAUTION
■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.
■If hill-start assist control does not operate effectively
(vehicles with an automatic transmission)
The hill-start assist control may not operate effectively on steep inclines and roads
covered in ice.
■When the VSC is activated
The slip indicator light flashes and a warning buzzer sounds. Always drive carefully.
Reckless driving may cause an accident. Exercise particular care when the indica-
tor light flashes and a buzzer sounds.
■When TRAC and VSC are off
Be especially careful and drive at a speed appropriate to the road conditions. As
there are systems to ensure vehicle stability and driving force, do not turn off TRAC
and VSC unless necessary.
■Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the same size, brand, tread pattern and total load
capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are inflated to the recommended tire
pressure level.
The ABS and VSC systems will not function correctly if different tires are fitted on
the vehicle.
Contact your Lexus dealer for further information when replacing tires or wheels.
■Handling of tires and suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modifying the suspension will affect the driv-
ing assist systems, and may cause the system to malfunction.

201
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
08_IS350/250_U_(L/O_0808)
Selecting snow chainsSnow chains can be mounted on 16- and 17-inch tires. They cannot be
mounted on 18-inch tires. Use the correct snow chain size when mount-
ing the snow chains. Chain size is regulated for each tire sizes. Side chain
(0.12 in. [3 mm] in diameter)
Cross chain
(0.16 in. [4 mm] in diameter)
Regulations on the use of snow chains
● Regulations regarding the use of tire chains vary according to location
and type of road. Always check local regulations before installing
chains.
● Install the chains on the rear tires.
● Retighten the chains after driving 1 /4  1 /2 mile (0.5  1.0 km).
■When driving the vehicle
Accelerate the vehicle slowly and drive at a reduced speed suitable
to road conditions.
■ When parking the vehicle
Park the vehicle and move the shift lever to P (automatic transmis-
sion) or R (manual transmission) without setting the parking brake.
The parking brake may freeze up, preventing it from being released.

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2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
08_IS350/250_U_(L/O_0808)
Dinghy towing (vehicles with an automatic transmission)
NOTICE
■To avoid serious damage to your vehicle
Do not tow your vehicle with four wheels on the ground.
Your vehicle is not designed to be dinghy towed (with 4 wheels on the
ground) behind a motor home.