suspension Lexus IS300h 2017 User Guide

3534-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
IS300h_EE(OM53D89E)
◆Adaptive Variable Suspension System (if equipped)
Controls the damping force of the shoc k absorber of each wheel according to
the road and driving conditions, helpin g achieve a comfortable ride, excellent
driveability and a high level of stability.
If SPORT S+ mode is selected using the driving mode select switch, the
damping force will become more suitable for sporty driving. (P. 349)
◆VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management)
Provides integrated control of the AB S, brake assist, TRC, VSC, hill-start
assist control, and EPS systems
Helps to maintain vehicle stability when swerving on slippery road surfaces by
controlling the brakes and hybrid system output
◆Emergency brake signal
When the brakes are applied suddenly, the stop lights automatically flash to
alert the vehicle behind.
The slip indicator light will flash while
the TRC/VSC/ABS systems are oper-
ating.
When the TRC/VSC/ABS systems are operating

3574-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
IS300h_EE(OM53D89E)
WARNING
■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 sh orten the vehicle’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/VSC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slippery road surfaces, even if the TRC/VSC 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 pe riod 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 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 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 tire s 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 retailer or Le xus authorized repairer, or any reliable
repairer 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.

5057-1. Maintenance and care
7
Maintenance and care
IS300h_EE(OM53D89E)
NOTICE
■To prevent paint deterioration and corrosion on the body and components (aluminum wheels etc.)
●Wash the vehicle immediately in the following cases:
• After driving near the sea coast • After driving on salted roads
• If coal tar or tree sap is present on the paint surface
• If dead insects, insect droppings or bird droppings are present on the paint surface • After driving in an area contaminated wi th soot, oily smoke, mine dust, iron pow-
der or chemical substances
• If the vehicle becomes heavily soiled with dust or mud • If liquids such as benzene and gaso line are spilled on the paint surface
●If the paint is chipped or scratched, have it repaired immediately.
●To prevent the wheels from corroding, remove any dirt and store in a place with low
humidity when storing the wheels.
■Cleaning the exterior lights
●Wash carefully. Do not use organic subs tances or scrub with a hard brush.
This may damage the surfaces of the lights.
●Do not apply wax to the surfaces of the lights. Wax may cause damage to the lenses.
■When using an automatic car wash (vehicle s with rain-sensing windshield wipers)
Set the wipers to the intermittent windshield wipers. ( P. 248) If AUTO mode is selected, the wipers may operate and the wiper blades may be dam-
aged.
■When using a high pressure car wash
●When washing the vehicle, do not spray the camera or its surrounding area directly
with a high pressure washer. Shock applie d from high pressure water may cause the
device to not operate normally.
●Do not bring the nozzle tip close to boots (rubber or resin manufactured cover), con-
nectors or the following parts. The parts may be damaged if they come into contact
with high-pressure water.
• Traction related parts
• Steering parts
• Suspension parts
• Brake parts

5107-2. Maintenance
IS300h_EE(OM53D89E)
■Where to go for maintenance service?
In order to maintain your vehicle in the be st possible condition, Lexus recommends that
maintenance service operations as well as other inspections and repairs be carried out by authorized Lexus reta ilers or Lexus authorized repairers, or any reliable repairers. For
repairs and services covered by your warranty, please visit an authorized Lexus retailer
or repairer, who will use genuine Lexus pa rts in repairing any difficulties you may encounter. There can also be advantages in utilizing authorized Lexus retailers or repair-
ers for non-warranty repairs an d services, as members of the Lexus network will be able
to expertly assist you with an y difficulties you may encounter.
Your authorized Lexus retailer or Lexus author ized repairer, or any reliable repairer will
perform all of the scheduled maintenance on your vehicle reliably and economically due
to their experience with Lexus vehicles.
■Does your vehicle need repairs?
Be on the alert for changes in performance an d sounds, and visual tip-offs that indicate
service is needed. Some important clues are:
●Engine missing, stumbling or pinging
●Appreciable loss of power
●Strange engine noises
●A fluid leak under the vehicle (However, wate r dripping from the air conditioning sys-
tem after use is normal.)
●Change in exhaust sound (This may indicate a dangerous carbon monoxide leak. Drive with the windows open and have the exhaust system checked immediately.)
●Flat-looking tires, excessive tire squeal when cornering, uneven tire wear
●Vehicle pulls to one side when driven straight on a level road
●Strange noises related to suspension movement
●Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling brake pedal, pedal almost touches the floor,
vehicle pulls to one side when braking
●Engine coolant temperature cont inually higher than normal (P. 105)
If you notice any of these clues, take your vehicle to any authorized Lexus retailer or
Lexus authorized re pairer, or any reliable repairer as soon as possible. Your vehicle may need adjustment or repair.
WARNING
■If your vehicle is not properly maintained
Improper maintenance could result in se rious damage to the vehicle and possible death or serious injury.
■Handling of the 12-volt battery
12-volt battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead com- pounds which are known to cause brain da mage. Wash your hands after handling.
( P. 522)

5738-2. Steps to take in an emergency
8
When trouble arises
IS300h_EE(OM53D89E)
NOTICE
■To prevent damage to the vehicle when towing using a wheel-lift type truck
●Do not tow the vehicle from the rear when the power switch is off. The steering lock
mechanism is not strong enough to hold the front wheels straight.
●When raising the vehicle, ensure adequate ground clearance for towing at the oppo- site end of the raised vehicle. Without ad equate clearance, the vehicle could be dam-
aged while being towed.
■To prevent damage to the vehicle wh en towing with a sling-type truck
Do not tow with a sling-type truck, either from the front or rear.
■To prevent damage to the vehicle during emergency towing
Do not secure cables or chains to the suspension components.

5748-2. Steps to take in an emergency
IS300h_EE(OM53D89E)
●Fluid leaks under the vehicle.
(Water dripping from the air co nditioning after use is normal.)
●Flat-looking tires or uneven tire wear
●Engine coolant temperature gauge needle continually points higher than nor-
mal.
●Changes in exhaust sound
●Excessive tire squeal when cornering
●Strange noises related to the suspension system
●Pinging or other noises related to the hybrid system
●Engine missing, stumb ling or running roughly
●Appreciable loss of power
●Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when braking
●Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when driving on a level road
●Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling, pedal almost touches the floor
If you think something is wrong
If you notice any of the following symptoms, your vehicle probably needs
adjustment or repair. Contact any au thorized Lexus retailer or Lexus autho-
rized repairer, or any reliable re pairer as soon as possible.
Visible symptoms
Audible symptoms
Operational symptoms

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IS300h_EE(OM53D89E)
Alphabetical index
Alphabetical index
A/C ............................................................ 466
Air conditioning filter........................ 547
Automatic air conditioning
system ..................................................466
S-FLOW mode..................................469
Blower customization ..................... 475
AAC disc ................................................. 396
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) ....... 352
Warning light ....................................... 576
Adaptive Variable Suspension
system ....................................................353
Air conditioning filter .......................... 547
Air conditioning system ..................... 466
Air conditioning filter........................ 547
Automatic air conditioning
system ..................................................466
S-FLOW mode..................................469
Blower customization ..................... 475
Airbags ........................................................ 43
Airbag manual on-off system......... 53
Airbag operating conditions ...........49
Airbag precautions for
your child .............................................. 45
Correct driving posture.................... 36
Curtain shield airbag operating
conditions ..............................................49
Curtain shield airbag
precautions ........................................... 47
General airbag precautions ........... 45
Locations of airbags ............................43
Modification and disposal of
airbags.................................................... 48
Side airbag operating
conditions ..............................................49
Side airbag precautions .................... 45
Side and curtain shield airbags
operating conditions ........................49
Side and curtain shield airbags
precautions .......................................... 45
SRS airbags ..............................................43
SRS warning light .............................. 576
Airbag manual on-off system ............. 53
Alarm............................................................ 92
Anchor brackets .......................................67
Antennas (smart entry &
start system) ......................................... 157
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