wheel Lexus IS300h 2013 Owner's Guide

2074-1. Before driving
4
Driving
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
Important points regarding stability
Vehicle movement resulting from uneven road surfaces and strong
crosswinds will affect handling. The vehicle may also be rocked by
passing buses or large trucks. Frequently check behind when moving
alongside such vehicles. As soon as such vehicle movement occurs,
immediately start to decelerate smoothly by slowly applying the
brakes. Always steer the vehicle straight ahead while braking.
Passing other vehicles
Consider the total combined length of your vehicle and trailer and
ensure that the vehicle-to-vehicle distance is sufficient before execut-
ing lane changes.
Transmission information
To maintain engine braking efficiency, when using engine braking
when driving on a long steep downward grade, do not use the transmis-
sion in D. The vehicle must be driven in gear shift position “4” in S
mode. (P. 219)
If the engine overheats
Towing a loaded trailer up a long, steep incline in temperatures exceed-
ing 30C (85F) may result in the engine overheating. If the engine
coolant temperature gauge indicates that the engine is overheating, turn
the air conditioning off immediately, leave the road and stop the vehi-
cle in a safe place.
(P. 555)
When parking the vehicle
Always place wheel chocks under the wheels of both the vehicle and
trailer. Firmly set the parking brake and shift the shift lever to P.

2124-2. Driving procedures
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
Steering lock
After turning the power switch off and opening and closing the doors, the steer-
ing wheel will be locked due to the steering lock function. Operating the power
switch again automatically cancels the steering lock.
When the steering lock cannot be released
Steering lock motor overheating prevention
To prevent the steering lock motor from overheating, operation of the motor may
be suspended if the hybrid system is turned on and off repeatedly in a short
period of time. In this case, refrain from operating the hybrid system. After about
10 seconds, the steering lock motor will resume functioning.
When “Check Entry & Start System” is displayed on the multi-information dis-
play
The system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by any autho-
rized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped profes-
sional immediately.
If the “READY” indicator does not come on
If the “READY” indicator does not come on when you press the power switch
with the shift lever in P and the brake pedal depressed, contact any authorized
Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional
immediately.
If the hybrid system is malfunctioning
P. 516
If the electronic key battery is depleted
P. 545
Operation of the power switch
When operating the power switch, one short, firm press is enough. If the switch
is pressed improperly, the hybrid system may not start or the power switch
mode may not change. It is not necessary to press and hold the switch.
If attempting to restart the hybrid system immediately after turning the power
switch off, the hybrid system may not start in some cases. After turning the
power switch off, please wait a few seconds before restarting the hybrid system.
If the smart entry & start system has been deactivated by a customized setting
P. 548 “Steering Lock active” will be displayed on
the multi-information display.
Check that the shift lever is in P. Press the
power switch while turning the steering
wheel left and right.

2314-3. Operating the lights and wipers
4
Driving
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
The Automatic High Beam can be operated when
The power switch is in ON mode.
Camera sensor detection information
High beam may not be automatically turned off in the following situations:
• When oncoming vehicles suddenly appear from a curve
• When the vehicle is cut in front of by another vehicle
• When oncoming or preceding vehicles are hidden from sight due to repeated
curves, road dividers or roadside trees
High beam may be turned off if an oncoming vehicle that is using fog lights
without using the headlights is detected.
House lights, street lights, red traffic signals, and illuminated billboards or signs
may cause the high beam to turn off.
The following factors may affect the amount of time taken to turn high beam on
or off:
• The brightness of headlights, fog lights, and tail lights of oncoming and pre-
ceding vehicles
• The movement and direction of oncoming and preceding vehicles
• When an oncoming or preceding vehicle only has operational lights on one
side
• When an oncoming or preceding vehicle is a two-wheeled vehicle
• The condition of the road (gradient, curve, condition of the road surface etc.)
• The number of passengers and amount of luggage
High beam may be turned on or off when unexpected by the driver.
Small vehicles, such as bicycles, may not be detected.
In the situations below, the system may not be able to correctly detect the sur-
rounding brightness levels, and may flash or expose nearby pedestrians to the
high beam. Therefore, you should consider turning the high beams on or off
manually rather than relying on the Automatic High Beam system.
• In bad weather (rain, snow, fog, sandstorms etc.)
• The windshield is obscured by fog, mist, ice, dirt etc.
• The windshield is cracked or damaged.
• The camera sensor is deformed or dirty.
• Surrounding brightness levels are equal to those of headlights, tail lights or
fog lights.
• Vehicles ahead have headlights or tail lights that are either switched off,
dirty, changing color, or have improperly adjusted aim.
• When driving through an area of intermittently changing brightness and
darkness.
• When frequently and repeatedly driving ascending/descending roads, or
roads with rough, bumpy or uneven surfaces (such as stone-paved roads,
gravel tracks etc.).
• When frequently and repeatedly taking curves or driving on a winding road.
• There is a highly reflective object ahead of the vehicle, such as a sign or a
mirror.
• The vehicle’s headlights are damaged or dirty.
• The vehicle is listing or titling, due to a flat tire, a trailer being towed etc.
• The driver believes that the high beam may be causing problems or distress
to other drivers or pedestrians nearby.

2634-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
CAUTION
When the sensor may not be correctly detecting the vehicle ahead
Apply the brakes as necessary when any of the following types of vehicles are
in front of you.
As the sensor may not be able to correctly detect these types of vehicles, the
approach warning (P. 254) will not be activated, and a fatal or serious acci-
dent may result.
Vehicles that cut in suddenly
Vehicles traveling at low speeds
Vehicles that are not moving
Vehicles with small rear ends (trailers with no load on board etc.)
Motorcycles traveling in the same lane
Conditions under which the vehicle-to-vehicle distance control may not func-
tion correctly
Apply the brakes as necessary in the following conditions as the radar sensor
may not be able to correctly detect vehicles ahead, and a fatal or serious acci-
dent may result:
When water or snow thrown up by a the surrounding vehicles hinders the
functioning of the sensor
When your vehicle is pointing upwards (caused by a heavy load in the trunk
etc.)
When the road curves or when the lanes are narrow
When steering wheel operation or your position in the lane is unstable
When the vehicle ahead of you decelerates suddenly
Handling the radar sensor
Observe the following to ensure the cruise control system can function effec-
tively.
Otherwise, the system may not function correctly and could result in an acci-
dent.
Keep the sensor and grille cover clean at all times.
Clean the sensor and grille cover with a soft cloth so you do not mark or dam-
age them.
Do not subject the sensor or surrounding area to a strong impact.
If the sensor moves even slightly off position, the system may malfunction. If
the sensor or surrounding area is subject to a strong impact, always have the
area inspected and adjusted by any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or
another duly qualified and equipped professional.
Do not disassemble the sensor.
Do not attach accessories or stickers to the sensor, grille cover or surrounding
area.
Do not modify or paint the sensor and grille cover.
Do not replace them with non-genuine parts.

2694-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
CAUTION
Before using the LDA system
Do not rely solely on the LDA system. The LDA system does not drive the
vehicle automatically, nor does it reduce the amount of care you need to take.
As such, the driver must always assume full responsibility for understanding
his/her surroundings, for operating the steering wheel to correct the driving
line, and for driving safely.
Inappropriate or negligent driving could lead to an accident.
To avoid operating the LDA by mistake
Switch the LDA system off using the LDA switch when not in use.
Situations unsuitable for LDA system
Do not use the LDA system in any of the following situations.
Otherwise, the system may not function correctly and could result in an acci-
dent.
When driving with tire chains, a spare tire, or similar equipment
When there are objects or structures along the roadside that might be misin-
terpreted as lane markers (such as guardrails, a curb, reflector posts, etc.)
When driving on snowy roads
When pavement lane markers are difficult to see due to rain, snow, fog, sand
dust, etc.
When there are visible lines on the pavement from road repairs, or if the
remains of old lane markers are still visible on the road
When driving on a road with lane closures due to maintenance, or when driv-
ing in a temporary lane

2884-5. Using the driving support systems
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
CAUTION
When using the rear view monitor system
The rear view monitor system is a supplemental device intended to assist the
driver when backing up. When backing up, be sure to check visually behind
and all around the vehicle before proceeding.
Observe the following precautions to avoid an accident that could result in
death or serious injuries.
Never depend on the rear view monitor system entirely when backing up. The
image and the position of the guide lines displayed on the screen may differ
from the actual state.
Use caution, just as you would when backing up any vehicle.
Be sure to back up slowly, depressing the brake pedal to control vehicle
speed.
The instructions given are only guidelines.
When and how much to turn the steering wheel will vary according to traffic
conditions, road surface conditions, vehicle condition, etc. when parking. It is
necessary to be fully aware of this before using the rear view monitor system.
When parking, be sure to check that the parking space will accommodate your
vehicle before maneuvering into it.
Do not use the rear view monitor system in the following cases:
• On icy or slick road surfaces, or in snow
• When using tire chains
• When the trunk lid is not closed completely
• On roads that are not flat or straight, such as curves or slopes.
In low temperatures, the screen may darken or the image may become faint.
The image could distort when the vehicle is moving, or you may become
unable to see the image on the screen. Be sure to check direct visually and
with the mirrors all around the vehicle before proceeding.
If the tire sizes are changed, the position of the fixed guide lines displayed on
the screen may change.
The camera uses a special lens. The distances between objects and pedestrians
that appear in the image displayed on the screen will differ from the actual
distances.
(P. 281)

2934-5. Using the driving support systems
4
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
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
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
4
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
IS300h_EE(OM53B95E)
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.