Lexus IS300h 2013 Owner's Manual

2894-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
NOTICE
How to use the camera
The rear view monitor system may not operate properly in the following
cases.
• If the back of the vehicle is hit, the position and mounting angle of the
camera may change.
• As the camera has a water proof construction, do not detach, disassemble
or modify it. This may cause incorrect operation.
• Do not strongly rub the camera lens. If the camera lens is scratched, it can-
not transmit a clear image.
• Do not allow organic solvent, car wax, window cleaner or glass coat to
adhere to the camera. If this happens, wipe it off as soon as possible.
• If the temperature changes rapidly, such as when hot water is poured on the
vehicle in cold weather, the system may not operate normally.
• When washing the vehicle, do not apply intensive bursts of water to the
camera or camera area. Doing so may result in the camera malfunctioning.
• When the camera is used under fluorescent lights, sodium light or mercury
light etc., the lights and the illuminated areas may appear to flicker.
Do not expose the camera to strong impact as this could cause a malfunction.
If this happens, have the vehicle inspected by any authorized Lexus dealer or
repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional as soon as possi-
ble.

2904-5. Using the driving support systems
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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
1
2
3

2914-5. Using the driving support systems
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Driving
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
Vehicles with 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.
1
2

2924-5. Using the driving support systems
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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.
3

2934-5. Using the driving support systems
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Driving
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
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.

2944-5. Using the driving support systems
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Adaptive Variable Suspension System (if equipped)
By independently controlling the damping force of the shock absorbers
for each of the 4 wheels according to the road and driving conditions,
this system helps riding comfort with superior steering stability, and
helps good vehicle posture (P. 291)
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 sur-
faces by controlling the brakes and hybrid system output
PCS (Pre-Crash Safety system) (if equipped)
P. 2 9 9
Emergency brake signal
When the brakes are applied suddenly, the stop lights automatically
flash to alert the vehicle behind
BSM (Blind Spot Monitor) (if equipped)
P. 3 0 9
The slip indicator light will flash
while the TRC/VSC/ABS systems
are operating.
When the TRC/VSC/ABS systems are operating

2954-5. Using the driving support systems
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Driving
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
If the vehicle gets stuck in fresh snow or mud, the TRC and VSC systems
may reduce power from the hybrid system to the wheels. Pressing VSC
OFF switch to turn the system off may make it easier for you to rock the
vehicle in order to free it.
Turning off the TRC system only
To turn the TRC system off,
quickly press and release the
switch.
The “TRC OFF” will be shown
on the multi-information display.
Press the switch again to turn the
system back on.
Turning off both TRC and VSC systems
To turn the TRC and VSC sys-
tems off, press and hold the
switch for more than 3 seconds
while the vehicle is stopped.
The VSC OFF indicator light will
come on and the “TRC OFF” will
be shown on the multi-informa-
tion display.
*
Press the switch again to turn the
systems back on.
*: On vehicles with pre-crash safety system, pre-crash brake assist and pre-
crash braking will also be disabled. The pre-crash safety system warning
light will come on and the message will be shown on the multi-information
display. (P. 299)
Disabling the TRC/VSC systems

2964-5. Using the driving support systems
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When the 12-volt battery is disconnected
The steering wheel may move from its straight forward position, but this will be
corrected automatically when driving.
Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, TRC, VSC, hill-start
assist control systems
A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the brake pedal is
depressed repeatedly, when the hybrid system 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.
EPS operation sound
When the steering wheel is operated, a motor sound may be heard. This does not
indicate a malfunction.
Reactivation of the TRC/VSC systems
Even after the TRC/VSC systems have been turned off, turning the hybrid sys-
tem off and then on again will automatically reactivate the TRC/VSC systems.
Reactivation of the TRC system linked to vehicle speed
When only the TRC system is turned off, the TRC system will turn on when
vehicle speed increases. However, when both TRC and VSC systems are turned
off, the systems will not turn on even when vehicle speed increases.
Reduced effectiveness of the EPS system
The effectiveness of the EPS system is reduced to prevent the system from over-
heating 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 hybrid system off. The
EPS system should return to normal within 10 minutes.

2974-5. Using the driving support systems
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Driving
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
Operating conditions of hill-start assist control
When the following four conditions are met, the hill-start assist control will oper-
ate:
The shift lever is in a position other than P or N (when starting off forward/
backward on an upward incline).
The vehicle is stopped.
The accelerator pedal is not depressed.
The parking brake is not engaged.
Automatic system cancelation of hill-start assist control
The hill-start assist control will turn off in any of the following situations:
The shift lever is moved to P or N.
The accelerator pedal is depressed.
The parking brake is engaged.
Approximately 2 seconds elapse after the brake pedal is released.
Operating conditions of emergency brake signal
When the following three conditions are met, the emergency brake signal will
operate:
The emergency flashers are off.
Actual vehicle speed is over 55 km/h (35 mph).
The brake pedal is depressed in a manner that cause the system to judge from
the vehicle deceleration that this is a sudden braking operation.
Automatic system cancelation of emergency brake signal
The emergency brake signal will turn off in any of the following situations:
The emergency flashers are turned on.
The brake pedal is released.
The system judges from the vehicle deceleration that is not a sudden braking
operation.

2984-5. Using the driving support systems
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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.