vsc Lexus IS250 2012 Owner's Manual

IS350/250_U
18
Pictorial indexInstrument panel
D
Rear sunshade switch ∗ P. 352
Trunk opener P. 52
Fuel filler door opener P. 87
Headlight cleaner switch ∗ P. 185
Satellite switches P. 339
Instrument panel lightcontrol dial
P. 159
∗: If equipped
VSC off switch P. 198

165
2-2. Instrument cluster
2
When driving
IS350/250_U
■Indicators
The indicators inform the driver of the operating state of the vehi-
cle’s various systems.
Turn signal indicator
(→ P. 1 5 4 )
(vehicles with
an automatic
transmission)
“ECT SNOW” indicator
(→ P. 1 4 7 )
Headlight high beam indi-
cator ( →P. 1 74 )
(vehicles with
a manual
transmission)
“ETCS SNOW” indicator
(→ P. 1 5 3 )
(U.S.A.)
Headlight indicator
(→ P. 1 7 2 )
(vehicles with
an automatic
transmission)
“ECT PWR” indicator
(→ P. 1 4 7 )
(Canada)
Tail light indicator
(→ P. 1 7 2 ) Cruise control indicator
(→ P. 1 8 6 )
Front fog light indicator
(→ P. 1 76 )
(if equipped)
Intuitive parking assist
indicator ( →P. 1 9 0 )
(vehicles with an automatic trans-
mission)
Shift position and shift range indica-
tors ( →P. 1 4 6 )
Slip indicator ( →P. 1 9 7 )
VSC off indicator
(→ P. 1 9 8 )
SRS airbag on-off indica-
tor ( →P. 1 0 9 )
*1
*1
*1, 2

188
2-4. Using other driving systems
IS350/250_U
■Cruise control can be set when
●The shift lever is in the D or range 4 or higher of S has been selected.
●Range 4 or higher has been selected by using the paddle shift.
(vehicles with an automatic transmission)
●Vehicle speed is above approximately 25 mph (40 km/h).
■Accelerating after setting the vehicle speed
●The vehicle can be accelerated normally. After acceleration, the set speed
resumes.
●Even without canceling the cruise control, the set speed can be increased by
first accelerating the vehicle to the desired speed and then pushing the lever
down to set the new speed.
■Automatic cruise control cancelation
Cruise control will stop maintaining the vehicle speed in any of the following situa-
tions.
●Actual vehicle speed falls more than approximately 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 approximately 25 mph (40 km/h).
●VSC is activated.
■If the cruise control indicator light flashes
Press the “ON-OFF” button once to deactivate the system, and then press the but-
ton again to 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.

196
2-4. Using other driving systems
IS350/250_U
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)
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.

197
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
IS350/250_U
When the VSC/TRAC/hill-start assist control systems are operatingThe slip indicator light flashes to
indicate that the VSC/TRAC/hill-
start assist control systems have
been engaged.
The stop lights and high mounted
stoplight turn on when the hill-start
assist control system is operating.
■VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management)
Provides integrated control of the ABS, brake assist, TRAC, VSC, hill-start
assist control, and EPS systems.
Helps to maintain vehicle stability when swerving on slippery road sur-
faces by controlling the brakes, engine output and steering assist.

198
2-4. Using other driving systems
IS350/250_U
To disable TRAC/VSCIf the vehicle gets stuck in fresh snow or mud, TRAC 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 TRAC
Quickly push and release the
switch to turn off TRAC.
A message will be shown on the
multi-information display.
Push the switch again to turn the
system back on.
■Turning off TRAC and VSC
Push and hold the switch for more
than 3 seconds or more while the
vehicle is stopped to turn off
TRAC and VSC.
A message will be shown on the
multi-information display and the
VSC off indicator light will come
on.
Push the switch again to turn the
system back on.

199
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
IS350/250_U
■When the message is displayed on the multi-information display showing that
TRAC has been disabled even if the VSC off switch has not been pressed
TRAC and hill-start assist control cannot be operated. Contact your Lexus dealer.
■Automatic reactivation of the TRAC/VSC systems
If the TRAC/VSC systems are turned off, re-starting the engine will automatically
reactivate them.
■Automatic TRAC reactivation
If only the TRAC system is turned off, the TRAC system will turn on when vehicle
speed increases.
■Automatic TRAC and VSC reactivation
If the TRAC 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, TRAC 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 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 when the ABS is activated.
• The brake pedal may move down slightly after the ABS is activated.

200
2-4. Using other driving systems
IS350/250_U
■Hill-start assist control is operational when
●The shift lever is in the D or S position.
●The brake pedal is not depressed.
●The vehicle rolls backward.
■EPS operation sound
When the steering wheel operates, a motor sound (whirring sound) may be heard.
This does not indicate a malfunction.
■Reduced effectiveness of EPS
The effectiveness of EPS 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 system should return to normal within
10 minutes.
■If the slip indicator comes on
It may indicate a malfunction in the VSC, TRAC or hill start assist control function.
Contact your Lexus dealer.
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 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

201
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
IS350/250_U
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)
Do not overly rely on the hill-start assist control. 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. Always drive carefully. Reckless driving may cause
an accident, resulting in death or serious injury. Exercise particular care when the
indicator light flashes.
■When TRAC and VSC are off
Be especially careful and drive at a speed appropriate to the road conditions. As
these are systems to help enhance vehicle stability and driving force, do not turn off
TRAC and VSC unless necessary.
■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
pressure level.
The ABS, VSC and TRAC systems will not function correctly if different tires are fit-
ted 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.

444
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
IS350/250_U■
Driver’s side instrument panel
FuseAmpereCircuit
1FR P/SEAT LH30 APo w e r s e a t
2A/C7. 5 AAir conditioning system
3MIR HTR15 AOutside rear view mirror defoggers
4TV NO.110 ADisplay
5FUEL OPEN10 AFuel filler door opener
6TV NO.27. 5 A
7PSB30 A
8S/ROOF25 AMoon roof
9TA I L10 ATail lights, license plate lights, parking
lights
10PA N E L7. 5 ASwitch illumination, air conditioning
system, display, audio
11RR FOG7. 5 A
12ECU-IG LH10 A
Cruise control, air conditioning sys-
tem, power steering, rain sensor, anti-
glare inside rear view mirror, shift lock
system, moon roof, tire inflation pres-
sure warning system, VSC
13FR S/HTR LH15 ASeat heaters and ventilators