ESP Lexus IS300h 2013 Owner's Guide

2764-5. Using the driving support systems
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Sensor detection information
The sensor’s detection areas are limited to the areas around the vehicle’s front
corner and rear bumpers.
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. (Wiping the sensors will resolve this
problem.)
• The sensor is frozen. (Thawing the area will resolve this problem.)
In especially cold weather, if a sensor is frozen the screen may show an
abnormal display, or obstacles may not be detected.
• 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.
• Towing eyelets are 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.
• The area directly under the bumpers is not detected.
• If obstacles draw too close to the sensor.
• A non-genuine Lexus suspension (lowered suspension etc.) is installed.
• People may not be detected if they are wearing certain types of clothing.
In addition to the examples above, there are instances in which, because of their
shape, 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 particu-
lar attention to the following obstacles:
• Wires, fences, ropes, etc.
• Cotton, snow and other materials that absorb sound waves
• Sharply-angled objects
• Low obstacles
• Tall obstacles with upper sections projecting outwards in the direction of
your vehicle
The following situations may occur during use.
• Depending on the shape of the obstacle and other factors, the detection dis-
tance may shorten, or detection may be impossible.
• Obstacles may not be detected if they are too close to the sensor.
• There will be a short delay between obstacle detection and display. Even at
slow speeds, there is a possibility that the obstacle will come within the sen-
sor’s detection areas before the display is shown and the warning beep
sounds.
• Thin posts or objects lower than the sensor may not be detected when
approached, even if they have been detected once.
• It might be difficult to hear beeps due to the volume of the audio system or
air flow noise of the air conditioning system.

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CAUTION
When using the Lexus parking assist-sensor
Observe the following precautions.
Failing to do so may result in the vehicle being unable to be driven safely and
possibly cause an accident.
Do not use the sensor at speeds in excess of 10 km/h (6 mph).
The sensors’ detection areas and reaction times are limited. When moving
forward or reversing, check the areas surrounding the vehicle (especially the
sides of the vehicle) for safety, and drive slowly, using the brake to control the
vehicle’s speed.
Do not install accessories within the sensors’ detection areas.
NOTICE
When using Lexus parking assist-sensor
In the following situations, the system may not function correctly due to a sen-
sor malfunction etc. Have the vehicle checked by any authorized Lexus dealer
or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional.
The Lexus parking assist-sensor operation display flashes, and a beep sounds
when no obstacles are detected.
If the area around a sensor collides with something, or is subjected to strong
impact.
If the bumper or grille collides with something.
If the display shows continuously without beeping, except when the buzzer
mute switch has been turned on.
If a display error occurs, first check the sensor.
If the error occurs even when there is no ice, snow or mud on the sensor, it is
likely that the sensor is malfunctioning.
Notes when washing the vehicle
Do not apply intensive bursts of water or steam to the sensor area.
Doing so may result in the sensor malfunctioning.

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Vehicles without Adaptive Variable Suspension System
Normal mode
For normal driving.
Press the switch to change the driving mode to normal mode when selected to
Eco drive mode or sport mode.
Eco drive mode
Use Eco drive mode to help achieve low fuel consumption during trips
that involve frequent accelerating.
When not in Eco drive mode and the driving mode select switch is turned to
the left, the Eco drive mode indicator comes on.
Sport mode
Assists acceleration response by controlling the hybrid system and
steering. Suitable for when precise handling is desirable, for example
when driving on mountain roads.
When not in sport mode and the driving mode select switch is turned to the
right, the “SPORT” indicator comes on, and the hybrid system indicator
changes to the tachometer. (P. 110)
Driving mode select switch
The driving modes can be selected to suit driving condition.
Except
F SPORT mod-F SPORT
models
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Sport mode
• SPORT S mode
Assists acceleration response by controlling the hybrid system. Suit-
able for when powerful acceleration is desirable.
When not in SPORT S mode and the driving mode select switch is turned
to the right, the “SPORT S” indicator comes on, and the hybrid system
indicator changes to the tachometer. (P. 1 1 0 )
• SPORT S+ mode
Helps to ensure steering performance and driving stability by simul-
taneously controlling the steering and suspension in addition to the
hybrid system. Suitable for sporty driving.
When in SPORT S mode and the driving mode select switch is turned to the
right, the “SPORT S+” indicator comes on.
Operation of the air conditioning system in Eco drive mode
Eco drive mode controls the heating/cooling operations and fan speed of the air
conditioning system to enhance fuel efficiency (P. 398). To improve air condi-
tioning performance, adjust the fan speed or turn off Eco drive mode.
Sport mode automatic deactivation
Sport mode is automatically deactivated if the power switch is turned off after
driving in sport mode.
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2934-5. Using the driving support systems
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Driving
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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 turn-
ing on slippery road surfaces
VSC+ (Vehicle Stability Control+)
Provides cooperative control of the ABS, TRC, VSC and EPS.
Helps to maintain directional stability when swerving on slippery road
surfaces by controlling steering performance.
TRC (Traction Control)
Helps to maintain drive power and prevent the drive wheels from spin-
ning when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads
Hill-start assist control
Prevents 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
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.

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CAUTION
The ABS does not operate effectively when
The limits of tire gripping performance have been exceeded (such as exces-
sively worn tires on a snow covered road).
The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on wet or slick roads.
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
maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, especially in the fol-
lowing 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 uneven surfaces
TRC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slippery
road surfaces, even if the TRC system is operating.
Drive the vehicle carefully in conditions where stability and power may be lost.
Hill- start assist control does not operate effectively when
Do not overly rely on hill-start assist control. Hill-start assist control may not
operate effectively on steep inclines and roads covered with ice.
Unlike the parking brake, hill-start assist control is not intended to hold the
vehicle stationary for an extended period of time. Do not attempt to use hill-
start assist control to hold the vehicle on an incline, as doing so may lead to an
accident.
When the VSC is activated
The slip indicator light flashes. Always drive carefully. Reckless driving may
cause an accident. Exercise particular care when the indicator light flashes.
When the TRC/VSC systems are turned off
Be especially careful and drive at a speed appropriate to the road conditions. As
these are the systems to ensure vehicle stability and driving force, do not turn
the TRC/VSC systems off 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 recom-
mended tire inflation pressure level.
The ABS, TRC and VSC systems will not function correctly if different tires
are installed on the vehicle.
Contact any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and
equipped professional for further information when replacing tires or wheels.
Handling of tires and the suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modifying the suspension will affect
the driving assist systems, and may cause a system to malfunction.

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Driving
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CAUTION
Handling the radar sensor
One Blind Spot Monitor sensor is installed inside the left and right side of the
vehicle rear bumper respectively. Observe the following to ensure the Blind
Spot Monitor can function correctly.
Do not subject the sensor or surrounding area on the bumper to a strong
impact. If the sensor moves even slightly off position, the system may mal-
function and vehicles that enter the detection area may not be detected. If the
sensor or surrounding area is subject to a strong impact, always have the area
inspected by any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly quali-
fied and equipped professional.
Do not disassemble the sensor.
Do not attach accessories or stickers to the sensor or surrounding area on the
bumper.
Do not modify the sensor or surrounding area on the bumper.
Do not paint the sensor or surrounding area on the bumper.
Keep the sensor and its surrounding area
on the bumper clean at all times.

3144-5. Using the driving support systems
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The Blind Spot Monitor function uses radar sensors to detect vehicles that
are traveling in an adjacent lane in the area that is not reflected in the out-
side rear view mirror (the blind spot), and advises the driver of the vehi-
cles existence via the outside rear view mirror indicator.
The areas that vehicles can be detected in are outlined below.
The range of the detection area
extends to:
Approximately 3.5 m (11.5 ft.)
from the side of the vehicle
The first 0.5 m (1.6 ft.) from the side
of the vehicle is not in the detection
area
Approximately 3 m (9.8 ft.) from
the rear bumper
Approximately 1 m (3.3 ft.) for-
ward of the rear bumper
The Blind Spot Monitor function
The Blind Spot Monitor function detection areas
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CAUTION
Cautions regarding the use of the system
The driver is solely responsible for safe driving. Always drive safely, taking
care to observe your surroundings.
The Blind Spot Monitor function is a supplementary function which alerts the
driver that a vehicle is present in the blind spot. Do not overly rely on the Blind
Spot Monitor function. The function cannot judge if it is safe to change lanes,
therefore over reliance could cause an accident resulting in death or serious
injury.
According to conditions, the system may not function correctly. Therefore the
driver’s own visual confirmation of safety is necessary.

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Driving
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The Rear Crossing Traffic Alert functions when your vehicle is in
reverse. It can detect other vehicles approaching from the right or left rear
of the vehicle. It uses radar sensors to alert the driver of the other vehi-
cle’s existence through flashing the outside rear view mirror indicators
and sounding a buzzer.
The Rear Crossing Traffic Alert function (if equipped)
Approaching vehicles Detection areas
CAUTION
Cautions regarding the use of the system
The driver is solely responsible for safe driving. Always drive safely, taking
care to observe your surroundings.
The Rear Traffic Alert function is only an assist and is not a replacement for
careful driving. Driver must be careful when backing up, even when using Rear
Traffic Alert function. The driver’s own visual confirmation of behind you and
your vehicle is necessary and be sure there are no pedestrians, other vehicles
etc. before backing up. Failure to do so could cause death or serious injury.
According to conditions, the system may not function correctly. Therefore the
driver’s own visual confirmation of safety is necessary.
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3184-5. Using the driving support systems
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The areas that vehicles can be detected in are outlined below.
To give the driver a more consistent time to react, the buzzer can alert for
faster vehicles from farther away.
Example:
The Rear Crossing Traffic Alert function is operational when
The BSM main switch is set to on.
The shift lever is in R.
Vehicle speed is less than approximately 8 km/h (5 mph).
Approaching vehicle speed is between approximately 8 km/h (5 mph) and 28
km/h (18 mph).
The Rear Crossing Traffic Alert function detection areas
Approaching vehicleSpeedApproximate
alert distance
Fast28 km/h (18 mph)20 m (65 ft.)
Slow8 km/h (5 mph)5.5 m (18 ft.)
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