Lexus IS300h 2015 Owner's Manual

3014-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
IS300h_EE(OM53D56E)
CAUTION
■The ABS does not operate effectively when
●The limits of tire gripping performance have been exceeded (such as excessively
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 conditions
The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehi cle’s stopping distance. Always maintain a
safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, especially 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 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 co ntrol is not intended to hold the vehicle
stationary for an extended period of time. Do not attempt to use hill-start assist con-
trol 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 dr ive 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 help 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 specif ied size, brand, tread pattern and total load
capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are inflated to the recommended tire infla-
tion 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 modi fying the suspension will affect the driving
assist systems, and may cause a system to malfunction.

3024-5. Using the driving support systems
IS300h_EE(OM53D56E)
◆Pre-crash warning
When a high possibility of a frontal
collision is detected, the pre-crash
safety system warning light flashes, a
buzzer sounds and a message is
shown on the multi-information dis-
play to urge the driver to take eva-
sive action.
◆Pre-crash brake assist
When there is a high possibility of a frontal collision, the system applies
greater braking force in relation to how strongly the brake pedal is depressed.
The system may not warn the driver using a warning light, warning display and
buzzer when the system detects and judges braking operations.
◆Pre-crash braking
When there is a high possibility of a frontal collision, the system warns the
driver using a warning light, warning display and buzzer. If the system deter-
mines that a collision is unavoidable, the brakes are automatically applied to
reduce the collision speed.
◆Suspension control (vehicles with Ad aptive Variable Suspension System)
When the system determines that there is a high possibility of a frontal colli-
sion, the operation of Adaptive Variable Suspension System ( →P. 2 9 7 ) o p t i -
mally controls the damping force of the shock absorber.
PCS (Pre-Crash Safety system)∗
∗
: If equipped
When the radar sensor detects the possibili ty of a frontal collision, brakes are
automatically engaged to lessen im pact as well as vehicle damage.
The pre-crash safety system can be turned on and off as necessary by operat-
ing the switch. ( →P. 303)

3034-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
IS300h_EE(OM53D56E)
Enabled
Disabled
The pre-crash safety system warning
light comes on when pre-crash safety
system is disabled.
The radar sensor detects vehicles or
other obstacles on or near the road
ahead and determines whether a colli-
sion is imminent based on the position,
speed, and heading of the obstacles.
Disabling pre-crash safety system
1
2
Radar sensor

3044-5. Using the driving support systems
IS300h_EE(OM53D56E)
■The pre-crash safety system is operational when
The pre-crash safety system is enabled and the following conditions are met:
●Pre-crash warning:
• Vehicle speed is greater than about 15 km/h (10 mph).
• The speed at which your vehicle is approaching the obstacle or the vehicle runningahead of you is greater than about 15 km/h (10 mph).
●Pre-crash brake assist:
• The VSC system is not disabled.
• Vehicle speed is greater than about 30 km/h (19 mph).
• The speed at which your vehicle is approaching the obstacle or the vehicle runningahead of you is greater than about 30 km/h (19 mph).
• The brake pedal is depressed.
●Pre-crash braking:
• The VSC system is not disabled.
• Vehicle speed is greater than about 15 km/h (10 mph).
• The speed at which your vehicle is approaching the obstacle or the vehicle running ahead of you is greater than about 15 km/h (10 mph).
●Suspension control (vehicles with Adap tive Variable Suspension System):
• Vehicle speed is greater than about 5 km/h (4 mph).
• The speed at which your vehicle is approaching the obstacle or the vehicle running ahead of you is greater than about 30 km/h (19 mph).
■Conditions that may trigger the system ev en if there is no danger of a collision
In any of the following situations where the frontal area of the radar sensor is interrupted,
the radar sensor may detect possibility of a frontal collision and the system may be acti-
vated.
●When passing by an oncoming vehicle in a curve or a turn to the right or the left.
●When rapidly approaching an obstacle ahead (e.g.preceding vehicle, toll gate barrier,
etc.)
●When there is a structural object (billboard , low ceiling, fluorescent light, etc.) above
the uphill road ahead
●When driving on a narrow road or through under a low overhead structure (bridge,
tunnel, fly-under, etc.)
●When driving on an uneven road surface
●When there is a metal object, bump, or protrusion on the road surface
●When vehicle’s front part is raised or lowered depending on loading conditions
●When the direction of radar sensor is misaligned by strong impact applied on an area
around the radar sensor, etc.
●When there is an obstacle (guard rail, etc.) by the roadside at the entrance to a curve
●When the front of your vehicle is pointing upwards (caused by putting a heavy load in
the trunk etc.)
When the system is activated in the situations described above, there is also a possibility
that the brakes may be applied with a force greater than normal.

3054-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
IS300h_EE(OM53D56E)
■Obstacles not detected
The sensor cannot detect plastic obstacles such as traffic cones. There may also be occa-
sions when the sensor cannot detect pedestri ans, animals, bicycles, motorcycles, trees,
or snowdrifts.
■Situations in which the pre-crash safe ty system does not function properly
The system may not function effectively in situations such as the following:
●On roads with sharp bends or uneven surfaces
●If a vehicle suddenly moves in front of your vehicle, such as at an intersection
●If a vehicle suddenly cuts in front of your vehicle, such as when overtaking
●In inclement weather such as heavy rain, fog, snow or sand storms
●If the vehicle is skidding when VSC is not operating
●When your vehicle is steeply inclined
●When only part of your vehicle’s front end collides with, or contacts, a vehicle or object
in a frontal collision
●When the radar sensor moves off position due to its surrounding area being subjected
to a strong impact
●When an obstacle suddenly appears in front of the vehicle due to the steering wheel
being turned sharply or another cause
■Automatic cancelation of the pre-crash safety system
When a malfunction occurs due to sensor contamination, etc. that results in the sensors
being unable to detect obstacles, the pre-crash safety system will be automatically dis-
abled. In this case, the system will not activa te even if there is a collision possibility.
■When there is a malfunction in the system or if the system is temporarily unusable
The pre-crash safety system warning light will flash and warning messages will be dis-
played. ( →P. 5 2 2 , 5 3 3 )

3064-5. Using the driving support systems
IS300h_EE(OM53D56E)
■Certification

3074-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
IS300h_EE(OM53D56E)

3084-5. Using the driving support systems
IS300h_EE(OM53D56E)
CAUTION
■Limitations of the pre-crash safety system
●The driver is solely responsible for safe driving. Always drive safely, taking care to
observe your surroundings.
Do not use the pre-crash safety system instead of normal braking operations under
any circumstances. This system will not prevent collisions or lessen damage or inju-
ries in all cases. Do not overly rely on this system. Failure to do so may cause an acci-
dent, resulting in death or serious injury.
This system has been designed to help avoid and reduce the impact of collisions.
However, the system operates differently depending on the situation ( →P. 3 0 4 ,
305). As a result, the same level of performance may not be expected in all cases.
Also, the pre-crash safety brakes may not operate if the driver is depressing the
brake pedal or turning the steering wheel, as the system will determine such condi-
tions as collision avoidance operations.
●As the pre-crash safety system is designed to assist the driver in safe driving, it may
operate under sporty driving conditions, which may cause an accident. For this rea-
son under sporty driving conditions, it is recommended that this system be disabled
by using the PCS OFF switch.
■Handling the radar sensor
Observe the following to ensure the pre-cras h safety system can function effectively.
Otherwise, the system may not function correctly and could result in an accident.
●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 damage
them.
●Do not subject the sensor or surrounding area to a strong impact.
If the sensor moves even slightly off position, the system may become inaccurate or
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.
●If the radar sensor needs to be replaced, contact any authorized Lexus dealer or
repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped professional.

3094-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
IS300h_EE(OM53D56E)
CAUTION
■Cautions regarding the assist contents of the system
By means of alarms and brake control, the pre-crash safety system is intended to assist
the driver in avoiding collisions through the process of LOOK-JUDGE-ACT. There are
limits to the degree of assistance the system can provide, so please keep in mind the
following important points.
●Assisting the driver in watching the road
The pre-crash safety system is only able to detect obstacles directly in front of the
vehicle, and only within a limited range. It is not a mechanism that allows careless or
inattentive driving, and it is not a system th at can assist the driver in low-visibility con-
ditions. It is still necessary for the driver to pay close attention to the vehicle’s sur-
roundings.
●Assisting the driver in making correct judgment
When attempting to estimate the possibility of a collision, the only data available to
the pre-crash safety system is that from obstacles it has detected directly in front of
the vehicle. Therefore, it is absolutely nece ssary for the driver to remain vigilant and
to determine whether or not there is a possibility of collision in any given situation.
●Assisting the driver in taking action
The pre-crash safety system’s braking assist feature is designed to help reduce the
severity of a collision, and so only acts when the system has judged that a collision is
unavoidable. This system is not capable of automatically avoiding a collision or bring-
ing the vehicle to a stop safely without appropriate operations performed by the
driver. For this reason, when encountering a dangerous situation the driver must take
direct and immediate action in order to ensure the safety of all involved.

3104-5. Using the driving support systems
IS300h_EE(OM53D56E)
The Blind Spot Monitor is a system that has 2 functions;
●The Blind Spot Monitor function
Assists the driver in making the decision when changing lanes
●The Rear Crossing Traffic Alert function
Assists the driver when backing up
These functions use same sensors.
BSM (Blind Spot Monitor)∗
∗
: If equipped
Summary of the Blind Spot Monitor
BSM main switch
Pressing the switch turns the system on or off. When the switch is set to on, the
switch’s indicator illuminates and the buzze r sounds. Common switch for Blind Spot
Monitor function and Rear Crossing Traffic Alert function.
Outside rear view mirror indicators
Blind Spot Monitor function:
When a vehicle is detected in the blind spot, the outside rear view mirror indicator
comes on while the turn signal lever is no t operated and the outside rear view mirror
indicator flashes while the turn signal lever is operated.
Rear Crossing Traffic Alert function:
When a vehicle approaching from the right or left rear of the vehicle is detected, the
outside rear view mirror indicators flash.
Rear Crossing Traffic Alert buzzer
When a vehicle approaching from the right or left rear of the vehicle is detected, a
buzzer sounds from behind the rear seat.
1
2
3