Lexus IS250 2012 Owner's Manual

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2-1. Driving procedures
IS350/250_U
■When the “-” shift paddle switch is operated in the D position
When the “-” shift paddle switch is operated in the D position, a shift range will be
automatically selected. The highest gear of the first shift range will be one gear
lower than the gear in use during normal D position driving.
■Automatic deactivation of shift range selection in the D position
Shift range selection in the D position will be deactivated in the following situations:
●When the vehicle comes to a stop
●When range 6 is selected and the accelerator pedal is depressed
●If the accelerator pedal is depressed for more than a certain period of time
■To protect automatic transmission
A function is adopted that automatically selects a higher shift range when the fluid
temperature is high.
■Gear position display when driving
The current gear is displayed on the multi-information display. ( →P. 1 7 0 )
■Downshifting restrict ions warning buzzer
To help ensure safety and driving performance, downshifting operation may some-
times be restricted. In some circumstances, downshifting may not be possible even
when the shift lever or shift paddle switch is operated. (The warning buzzer will
sound twice.)
■When driving with the cruise control system
Engine braking will not occur during shift range selection in the D position or S
mode, even when downshifting to range 5 or 4. ( →P. 1 8 6 )
■Snow mode automatic deactivation
Snow mode is automatically deactivated if the “ENGINE START STOP” switch is
turned off after driving in snow mode.
■If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P
→P. 5 0 3

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2-1. Driving procedures
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When driving
IS350/250_U
■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 suitable 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
IS350/250_U
Manual transmission∗
■Shifting the shift lever
Fully depress the clutch pedal
before operating the shift lever,
and then release it slowly.
■ Shifting the shift lever into R
Shift the shift lever into the R
position while lifting up the ring
section.
∗: If equipped

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2-1. Driving procedures
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When driving
IS350/250_U
Snow modeThe snow mode is used for accel-
erating and driving on slippery
road surfaces, such as on snow.
Push the switch once more to
return to normal mode.
■Maximum downshifting speed
Adhere to the downshifting speeds in the following table in order to prevent over-
revving the engine. mph (km/h)
Shift positionMaximum speed
133 (54)
256 (90)
383 (134)
4108 (172)

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2-1. Driving procedures
IS350/250_U
Turn signal lever
■Turn signals can be operated when
The “ENGINE START STOP” switch is in IGNITION ON mode.
■If the indicators flash faster than usual
Check that a light bulb in the turn signal lights has not burned out.
Right turn
Left turn
Move and hold the lever part-
way to signal a lane change
The right hand signal will flash
until you release the lever.
Move and hold the lever part-
way to signal a lane change
The left hand signal will flash
until you release the lever.

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2-1. Driving procedures
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When driving
IS350/250_U
Parking brake
■Usage in winter time
See “Winter driving tips” for parking brake usage in winter time. (→P. 206)
Vehicles with an automatic transmission
Sets 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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2-1. Driving procedures
IS350/250_U
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.

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2-1. Driving procedures
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When driving
IS350/250_U
Horn
■After adjusting the steering wheel (vehicles with manually adjustable type steer-
ing wheel)
Make sure that the steering wheel is securely locked.
The horn may not sound if the steering wheel is not securely locked. (→P. 7 2 )
To sound the horn, press on or
close to the mark.

158
IS350/250_U
2-2. Instrument cluster
Gauges and meters
The units used on the speedometer and the tachometer gauge display may
differ depending on the model/type.

The following gauges, meters and display illuminate when the
“ENGINE START STOP” switch is in IGNITION ON mode.Speedometer
Displays the vehicle speed.
Multi-information display
→ P. 1 6 7
Tachometer
Displays the engine speed in revolutions per minute.
Tacho indicator
When the set engine speed is reached, this ring-shaped indicator comes
on in yellow. The indicator comes on in red when the engine speed
reaches a dangerous range.
Engine coolant temperature gauge
Displays the engine coolant temperature.

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2-2. Instrument cluster
2
When driving
IS350/250_U
Instrument panel light controlThe brightness of the instrument panel lights can be adjusted. Darker
Brighter
Odometer and trip meter
Odometer: Displays the total distance the vehicle has been driven.
Trip meter: Displays the distance the vehicle has been driven sincethe meter was last reset. Trip meters “A” and “B” can be
used to record and display different distances indepen-
dently.
Speed indicator
When the set speed is reached while driving, this ring-shaped indicator
comes on in yellow. The indicator comes on in red when the vehicle speed
reaches the dangerous range.
Fuel gauge
Displays the quantity of fuel remaining in the tank.
Odometer/trip meter and trip meter reset button
Switches between odometer and trip meter displays. Pushing and holding
the button will reset the trip meter when the trip meter is being displayed.