snow LEXUS LS430 2005 Owner's Manual

STARTING AND DRIVING
338
Dynamic laser cruise control should not be used in the
following conditions, to avoid serious injury or death.
 In bad weather (such as rain, fog, snow, sandstorms
or direct sunlight, or when raindrops or snowflakes
get in the laser radar sensor glass), the
vehicletovehicle distance will not be measured
accurately.
If the wipers are operated at high or low speeds
(including the high and low speed operation with the
wiper lever in the “AUTO” position), dynamic laser
cruise control is automatically cancelled. (In the case
of intermittent wiper operation, it is not cancelled.)
Dynamic laser cruise control is automatically
cancelled when the measurement is extremely
unstable due to bad weather.
 On the roads in heavy traffic or at sharp bends:
As an appropriate speed cannot be maintained,
serious injury or death could result.
 On slippery road surfaces (icy or snowcovered road
surfaces):
The tires will race and you will be unable to control.On steep downhill slopes:
If there is no vehicle detected ahead, the preset speed
will be easily exceeded because of inefficient engine
braking, resulting in serious injury or death. (In this
case, automatic braking will not work.) If there is a
vehicle detected ahead, the delay in deceleration
timing could cause serious injury or death.
 When the warning tone sounds frequently (because
acceleration or deceleration was repeated or
sufficient vehicletovehicle distance was not
maintained), an appropriate vehicle speed cannot be
attained, resulting in serious injury or death.
 On roads with steep and short inclines and declines,
failure to detect the vehicle ahead will shorten the
distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead,
resulting in serious injury or death.

STARTING AND DRIVING
342In the following case, the preset speed automatically
cancels out. At this time, the multiinformation display
shows “RADAR READY” and the dynamic radar/laser
cruise control enters the ready mode.
The vehicle speed falls below about 40 km/h (25 mph). (40
km/h (25 mph) is designated as a cancel speed.)
CAUTION
In this case, the warning tone reminds you that the
dynamic
radar/laser cruise control is cancelled and you
must apply the brakes to slow the vehicle.
In the following cases, the warning messages appear and
the preset speed automatically cancels out. When
dynamic radar/laser cruise control is restored, the
warning messages turn off and dynamic radar/laser
cruise control enters “RADAR READY” mode.
a. The slip indicator light blinks and a warning tone sounds.
(This occurs when the vehicle is about to skid.)
b. The driving pattern selector switch is set to “SNOW” mode.
c. The anti −lock brake system is activated by automatic
braking. (The warning tone sounds.)
d. The sensor does not operate properly because a foreign
matter sticks to the sensor.
Dynamic radar cruise control—
e. The wipers are operated at high speed (including high
speed operation with the wiper lever in the “AUTO” position.)
Dynamic laser cruise control—
f. The wipers are operated at high or low speeds (including
high and low speed operations with the wiper lever in the
“AUTO” position.)

STARTING AND DRIVING
353
w280
If the system cannot easily measure the
vehicletovehicle distance because of the following
conditions while the dynamic radar/laser cruise control is
on, the above message appears.
Dynamic radar cruise control—
 The driving pattern selector switch is set to the “SNOW”
mode.
 It is determined that it is difficult to make a measurement
because of bad weather (such as extremely hot weather)
 The wipers are operated at high speed with the wiper lever
in the “AUTO” position
Dynamic laser cruise control—
 The driving pattern selector switch is set to the “SNOW”
mode.
 It is determined that it is difficult to make a measurement
because of bad weather (such as rainy, foggy, or snowy
weather)
 The wipers are operated at high or low speeds with the
wiper lever in the “AUTO” position.
 Direct sunlight from the front In the following
cases, the dynamic radar/laser cruise
control switches to the “RADAR READY” mode:
Dynamic radar cruise control—
 The driving pattern selector switch is changed to the
“normal” or “power” position.
 The wipers are stopped or are switched to low speed or
intermittent operation. (Including intermittent and stopped
wipers in the “AUTO” position)
In the above conditions, press the control lever upward in the
“+ RES” direction and release it. The dynamic radar cruise
control will be restored, however, even after the weather
clears, if the setting operation cannot be performed or if the
warning message still appears, the system might have
malfunctioned. Although it is no problem to continue driving,
contact your Lexus dealer.

STARTING AND DRIVING
355
Conventional (fixed speed) cruise control
mode
This mode allows you to cruise at a desired speed over
about 45 km/h (28 mph) with your foot off the accelerator
pedal.
Cruising speed can be maintained, although a slight speed
change may occur when driving up or down a gradient, within
the limits of engine performance. On steeper hills, the speed
will change more radically so it is better to drive without cruise
control.
When cruise control is on, the driving pattern of the automatic
transmission is fixed in the normal position, regardless of the
position of the selector switch.
CAUTION
 In the conventional (fixed speed) cruise control
mode, an approach warning does not activate even if
you are too close to the vehicle ahead, as neither the
presence of the vehicle ahead nor the
vehicletovehicle distance is detected. Pay special
attention to the distance between your vehicle and
the vehicle ahead. Always confirm the setting in the
multiinformation display.
 The conventional (fixed speed) cruise control mode
of the dynamic radar/laser cruise control should not
be used in the following conditions, which could
result in death or serious injury.
 To help maintain maximum control of your vehicle,
do not use fixed speed control mode when using
dynamic radar/laser cruise control while driving in
heavy or varying traffic, or on slippery (rainy, icy
or snowcovered) or winding roads.
 Avoid vehicle speed increasing when driving
downhill. If the vehicle speed is too fast in relation
to the preset speed in the fixed speed control
mode, cancel the fixed control mode and then
downshift the transmission to use engine braking
to slow down.

STARTING AND DRIVING
362
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
The traction control system automatically helps prevent
the spinning of rear wheels when the vehicle is started or
accelerated on slippery road surfaces.
When the ignition switch is turned to “ON”, the system
automatically turns on.
CAUTION
Under certain slippery road conditions, full traction of
the vehicle and power against rear wheels cannot be
maintained, even though the traction control system is
in operation. Do not drive the vehicle under any speed
or maneuvering conditions which may cause the
vehicle to lose traction control. In situations where the
road surface is covered with ice or snow, your vehicle
should be fitted with snow tires or tire chains. Always
drive at an appropriate and cautious speed for the
present road conditions.
31L138a
 Slip indicator light
Leave the system on during the ordinary driving so that it
can operate when needed.
You may hear a sound in the engine compartment for a few
seconds just after the vehicle begins to move. This means that
the traction control system is in the self −check mode, but does
not indicate a malfunction.
When the traction control system is operating, the following
conditions occur:
 The system controls the spinning of the rear wheels. At this
time, the slip indicator light blinks.
 You may feel vibration or noise in your vehicle, caused by
operation of the brakes. This indicates the system is
functioning properly.
The slip indicator light comes on for a few seconds when the
ignition switch is turned to “ON”. If the indicator light does not
come on when the ignition is turned on, contact your Lexus
dealer.

STARTING AND DRIVING
365
CAUTION
Do not rely excessively on the vehicle stability
control system. Even if the vehicle stability control
system is operating, you must always drive carefully
and attentively to avoid serious injury. Reckless
driving will result in an accident. If the slip indicator
light blinks, sounding an alarm, special care should
be taken while driving.
 Only use tires of specified size. The size,
manufacturer, brand and tread pattern for all 4 tires
should be the same. If you use the tires other than
specified, or different type or size, the vehicle
stability control system may not function correctly.
When replacing the tires or wheels, contact your
Lexus dealer.
 In situations where the road surface is covered with
ice or snow, your vehicle should be fitted with snow
tires or tire chains.
31L138a
Slip indicator light
If the vehicle is going to skid during driving, the slip indicator
light blinks and an alarm sounds intermittently. Special care
should be taken while driving.
The slip indicator light comes on for a few seconds when the
ignition switch is turned to “ON”. If the indicator light does not
come on when the ignition is turned on, contact your Lexus
dealer.

STARTING AND DRIVING
368
Antilock brake system is not designed to shorten the
stopping distance: Always drive at a moderate speed
and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of
you. Compared with vehicles without an antilock
brake system, your vehicle may require a longer
stopping distance in the following cases:
Driving on rough, gravel or snowcovered roads.
 Driving with tire chains installed.
 Driving over the steps such as the joints on the road.
 Driving on roads where the road surface is pitted or
has other differences in surface height.
Install all 4 tires of specified size at appropriate
pressure: The antilock brake system detects vehicle
speeds u sing the speed sensors for respective wheels’
turning speeds. The use of tires other than specified
may fail to detect the accurate turning speed resulting
in a longer stopping distance.“ABS” warning light
31L350
 1 U.S.A. 2Canada
The light comes on when the ignition switch is turned to the
“ON” position. If the anti−lock brake system and the brake
assist system work properly, the light turns off after a few
seconds. Thereafter, if either of the systems malfunctions, the
light comes on again.
When the “ABS” warning light is on (and the brake system
warning light is off), the anti −lock brake system, the brake
assist system, the traction control system and/or the vehicle
stability control system do/does not operate, but the brake
system still operates conventionally.
When the “ABS” warning light is on (and the brake system
warning light is off), the anti− lock brake system does not
operate so that the wheels could lock up during a sudden
braking or braking on slippery road surfaces.

STARTING AND DRIVING
370
TIRE PRESSURE WARNINGSYSTEM
The tire pressure warning system is designed to provide
warning using a message in the multiinformation
display, master warning light and warning tone when tire
inflation pressure is critically low while driving. This
message appears to inform you that such low tire
pressure may hamper driving.
As this system is not designed to operate when the vehicle is
stopped, check the tire inflation pressure regularly. The
recommended cold tire inflation pressure, tire size and the
vehicle capacity weight are on the tire and loading information
label. (For instructions, see “Checking tire inflation pressure”
on page 468.)
Installed tires should be of the specified size. They should be
of the same size and construction. If tires other than the
specified size are used, or if tires of different sizes or
constructions are mixed, the tire pressure warning system will
not function properly.
Low tire pressure warning message
w264
When the low tire inflation pressure is detected while
driving, the master warning light comes on, the above
message appears and a warning tone sounds.
If the above message appears and adjust the tire inflation
pressure to the specified level as soon as possible. Push the
tire pressure warning system reset switch for a few seconds
and make sure the warning message goes off. If the message
still remains on, have your vehicle checked by your Lexus
dealer as soon as possible.
The tire pressure warning system does not function
properly under certain circumstances. In the following
cases, the low tire pressure warning may not turn on even
if the tire inflation pressure is low, or it may turn on when
the tire inflation pressure is actually normal.
 A compact spare tire, snow tires, or tire chains are used.
 The tire inflation pressure is excessively higher than
specified, or tire inflation pressure suddenly drops due to
bursting or other causes.
 You are driving on slippery road surfaces such as rough or
frozen roads.
 You are driving under 30 km/h (19 mph) or above 100 km/h
(62 mph) for less than 5 minutes.
 The tires differ in tread pattern or manufacturer.
 The tires are not the specified size.

STARTING AND DRIVING
374
PRECOLLISION SAFETY SYSTEM
(Vehicles with dynamic radar cruise control)
When the precollision safety system detects what it
perceives to be an unavoidable collision, the front seat
belts are quickly drawn back by the retractors
(precollision seat belts) and more powerful braking is
applied according to the amount of pedal depression to
help reduce injury to the occupants and damage to the
vehicle body. In addition, the electronically modulated air
suspension works to help regulate the vehicle not to pitch
forward so much.
Precollision sensor
The millimeter wave radar sensor detects vehicles or
objects near or on the road your vehicle is traveling and
determines the possibility of a collision based on the
object position, vehicle speeds and the course you are
traveling.
The pre −collision sensor will operate in the following
conditions:
 When the ignition switch is turned on.
 When the vehicle speed is about 5 km/h (3 mph) or over.
(The pre−collision safety system does not work with the
vehicle stopped.)
31L359a
 1
Millimeter wave grille cover
2Millimeter wave radar sensor
The millimeter wave radar sensor is installed in the front grille
of the hood.
The millimeter wave radar sensor cannot detect plastic objects
such as pylons, and may not detect people, animals, bicycles,
motor cycles, trees, snowbanks, etc. as objects with which
your vehicle may collide.

DRIVING TIPS
384
WINTER DRIVING TIPS
Make sure you have a proper freeze protection for engine
coolant.
Only use “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or similar high
quality ethylene glycol based non−silicate, non −amine,
non− nitrite, and non −borate coolant with long −life hybrid
organic acid technology. (Coolant with long −life hybrid organic
acid technology is a combination of low phosphates and
organic acids.)
See “Checking the engine coolant level” on page 455 for
details of coolant type selection.
For the U.S.A.—“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture
of 50% coolant and 50% deionized water. This coolant
provides protection down to about −35C (− 31F).
For Canada—“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of
55% coolant and 45% deionized water. This coolant provides
protection down to about −42C (− 44F).
NOTICE
Do not use plain water alone.
Check the condition of the battery and cables.
Cold temperatures reduce the capacity of any battery, so it
must be in top shape to pr ovide enough power for winter
starting. Page 496 tells you how to visually inspect the battery.
Your Lexus dealer and most service stations will be pleased to
check the battery charge level. Make sure the engine oil viscosity is suitable for the cold
weather.
See page 454 for recommended viscosity. Leaving a heavy
summer oil in your vehicle during winter months may cause
harder starting. If you are not sure about which oil to use, call
your Lexus dealer
− they will be pleased to help.
Check the electronic ignition system for loose
connections or obvious damage.
Keep the door locks from freezing.
Squirt lock de −icer or glycerine into the locks to keep them from
freezing.
Use a washer fluid containing an antifreeze solution.
This product is available at your Lexus dealer and most auto
parts stores. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for how
much to mix with water.
NOTICE
Do not use engine antifreeze or any other substitute
because it may damage your vehicle’s paint.
Do not use your parking brake when there is a possibility
it could freeze.
When parking, put the transmission into “P” and block the front
wheels. Do not use the parking brake, or snow or water
accumulated in and around the parking brake mechanism may
freeze the parking brake, making it hard to release.