LEXUS LS500 2018 Owners Manual

2914-5. Using the driving support systems
LS500_OM_OM50F54U_(U) 4
Driving *
:If equipped
■
Situations in which the vehicle height
control may not operate properly●
In the following situations, the vehicle
height may change slowly or may not
change to the correct height:
• When the vehicle comes into contact
with snow, ice, stone, etc.
• When the ambient temperature is low
• When the accumulator tank pressure is
low●
In the following situations, the vehicle
height may not change:
• If the hood or trunk is not fully closed
• If the brake pedal depressed and the
vehicle is stopped
• When the vehicle is on a significantly
uneven or undulating road
• When the vehicle is on a slanted road or a
slope
■
Operating sound of the air suspension
compressor and valves
When the vehicle height is changed, such
as due to passengers entering the vehicle or
cargo being loaded, or when the vehicle
height is changed using the vehicle height
adjustment switch, the air suspension com-
pressor and valves may operate and a
sound may be heard. This does not indicate a malfunction. ■
When the accumulator tank pressure is
low
When the accumulator tank pressure is low,
the air suspension compressor and valves
may operate repeatedly even though the
vehicle height is not being changed. This
does not indicate a malfunction.
Electronically modulated air
suspension *
The height of the vehicle when driv-
ing can be selected using the vehi-
cle height adjustment switch. The
selected height level will be main-
tained regardless of the number of
passengers or weight of cargo.
Additionally, setti ngs of the follow-
ing functions can be changed:
 Access mode control
 Parking height control
 Vehicle height control WARNING■
Situations in whic h the operation of
the electronically modulated air sus-
pension should be canceled
In the following situations, make sure to
disable all functions of the vehicle height
control of the electronically modulated
air suspension and then stopping the
engine. Otherwise, the vehicle height
may change and part of your body may
be caught under the vehicle, possibly
causing injury. ●
When the vehicle is parked on a curb ●
If any of the wheels is not touching the
ground ●
If the vehicle needs to be jacked up ●
If the vehicle is to be tied down ●
If the vehicle is to be towed
■
Vehicle height control precautions
In the following situations, make sure to
check the safety of the area around the
vehicle, as the vehicle height may change
and part of someone’s body may be
caught in the vehicle, possibly causing
injury or the vehicle may be damaged.
●
When opening a door
●
When unlocking the doors using the
smart access system with push-button
start
●
When changing the vehicle height
using the vehicle height adjustment
switch

292 4-5. Using the driving support systems
LS500_OM_OM50F54U_(U) To adjust the vehicle height to one
appropriate for road and driving con-
ditions, press the vehicle height adjust-
ment switch. When high mode is enabled, the high
mode indicator on the meter will illuminate.
When the vehicle height is increased by
the access mode control function, press
the vehicle height adjustment switch twice
to enable/disable high mode.
■
The vehicle height adjustment switch
can be changed when
The engine switch is in IGNITION ON
mode. ■
System protection function
If the vehicle height is repeatedly increased
and decreased using the vehicle height
adjustment switch, etc ., the system may not
operate temporarily.
The following settings can be changed
using the meter control switches for
the easy access to the vehicle. ( → P.77)
1 Press or to select .
2 Press or to select “Vehicle
Settings” and then press .
3 Press or to select
and then press .
4 Press or to select “Access
Mode” or “Select Parking Height”
and then press . These settings are memorized even if the
engine switch is turned off.
 Access mode control (“Access
Mode”) When access mode cont rol is enabled, the
vehicle height will incr ease automatically in
the following situations:
• When the doors are unlocked using the
smart access system with push-button
start
• When the doors are unlocked using the
wireless remote control and then a door
is opened.
The vehicle height will increase by approxi-
mately 1.2 in. (30 mm) from its normal
position.NOTICE■
Parking precaution
If the vehicle is parked for a long time, the
vehicle height may change due to
changes in the ambient temperature.
When parking the vehicle, make sure
that the area above and below the vehi-
cle is clear, so that the vehicle will not
contact anything if its height changes.
Be careful when parking the vehicle in an
area with a low ceiling or near low hang-
ing objects, as the vehicle height will
increase when passengers exit the vehi-
cle and the access mode control oper-
ates.
Selecting the vehicle height Changing setting of the access
mode control and parking height
control

2934-5. Using the driving support systems
LS500_OM_OM50F54U_(U) 4
Driving The vehicle height may not increase, if the
vehicle height already reaches the
selected height.
The vehicle will return to its normal height
when the vehicle speed reaches approxi-
mately 12 mph (20 km/h).
When access mode control is disabled, the
parking height control will also be disabled.
 Parking height control (“Select
Parking Height”) When “High” is selected, the vehicle height
will automatically increase when the P shift
position is selected and a door is opened.
The vehicle height will increase by approxi-
mately 0.4 in. (10 mm) from its normal
position.
The vehicle height may not increase, if the
vehicle height already reaches the
selected height.
The vehicle will return to its normal height
when the vehicle speed reaches approxi-
mately 12 mph (20 km/h).
■
When the vehicle height has been
increased by the access mode control
function
Press the vehicle height adjustment switch
with the engine switch in any mode to return
the vehicle to its previous vehicle height. ■
Situations in which the access mode
control function will not operate
The access mode cont rol function will not
operate if the vehicle is not parked on a
level road surface.
The vehicle height control functions
can be disabled using the meter con-
trol switches. ( → P.77)
1 Press or to select . 2 Press or to select “Vehicle
Settings” and then press .
3 Press or to select
and then press .
4 Press or to select “Height
Control” and then press . This setting is memorized even if the
engine switch is turned off.
Even if the vehicle height control func-
tions are disabled, they will be enabled
automatically when the vehicle speed
reaches approximately 19 mph (30
km/h). ■
When “Check Air Suspension System”
is displayed on th e multi-information
display
The system may not operate properly. Have
the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer. ■
Customization
Some functions can be customized.
( → P.468)
Disabling the vehicle height con-
trol functions

294 4-5. Using the driving support systems
LS500_OM_OM50F54U_(U) ■
ECB (Electronically Controlled
Brake System) (if equipped)
The electronically controlled system
generates braking force correspond-
ing to the brake operation ■
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 brak-
ing 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 sudden ly or turning on
slippery road surfaces. ■
Secondary Collision Brake
When the airbag sensor detects a colli-
sion, the brakes and brake lights are
automatically controlled to reduce the vehicle speed and that helps reduce
the possibility of further damage due to
a secondary collision. ■
TRAC (Traction Control)
Helps to maintain drive power and pre-
vent the drive wheels from spinning
when starting the vehicle or accelerat-
ing on slippery roads ■
Hill-start assist control
Helps to reduce the backward move-
ment of the vehicle when starting on an
uphill ■
VGRS (Variable Gear Ratio Steer-
ing) (if equipped)
Adjusts the front wheel turning angle in
accordance with the vehicle speed and
steering wheel movement ■
DRS (Dynamic Rear Steering) (if
equipped)
Contributes to the turning characteris-
tics and responsiveness of the vehicle
by adjusting the rear wheel angle of the
vehicle in accordance with steering
wheel movement. ■
EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce
the amount of effort needed to turn the
steering wheel. ■
Active stabilizer suspension sys-
tem (if equipped)
Reduces sway when cornering accord-
ing to steering wheel movement in
order to maintain a stable vehicle pos-
ture.Driving assist systems To keep driving safety and perfor-
mance, the following systems oper-
ate automatically in response to
various driving situations. Be aware,
however, that these systems are
supplementary and should not be
relied upon too heavily when oper-
ating the vehicle.
Summary of the driving assist
systems

2954-5. Using the driving support systems
LS500_OM_OM50F54U_(U) 4
Driving ■
Adaptive Variable Suspension Sys-
tem (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 supe-
rior vehicle stabilit y, and helps good
vehicle posture.
Also, the damping force changes
depending on the selected driving
mode. ( → P.289)■
LDH (Lexus Dynamic Handling
system) (if equipped)
Provides integrated control of the
VGRS, DRS and EPS. Contributes to
turning characteristics at low speeds,
responsiveness at medium speeds and
safety at high speeds by controlling the
steering angle of the front and rear
wheels in accordance with the steering
wheel operation and vehicle speed. ■
VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Inte-
grated Management)
Provides integrated control of the
ABS, brake assist, TRAC, VSC,
hill-start assist control, EPS, VGRS (if
equipped), DRS (if equipped), active
stabilizer suspension system (if
equipped) and Adaptive Variable Sus-
pension System (if equipped)
Helps to maintain vehicle stability when
swerving on slippery road surfaces by
controlling the brakes, engine output,
steering assist, and steering ratio ■
When the TRAC/VSC systems are
operating (vehicles without Lexus
Safety System+A)
The slip indicator light will flash while the
TRAC/VSC systems are operating.
■
When the TRAC/VSC/ABS systems are
operating (vehicles with Lexus Safety
System+A)
The slip indicator light will flash while the
TRAC/VSC/ABS systems are operating.
■
Disabling the TRAC system
If the vehicle gets stuck in mud, dirt or snow,
the TRAC system may reduce power from
the engine to the wheels. Pressing the
switch to turn the system off may make it
easier for you to rock the vehicle in order to
free it.
To turn the TRAC system off, quickly press
and release the switch.
The “Traction Co ntrol Turned Off” will be
shown on the multi-information display.
Press the switch ag ain to turn the sys-
tem back on.

296 4-5. Using the driving support systems
LS500_OM_OM50F54U_(U) ■
Disabling both TRAC and VSC systems
To turn the TRAC and VSC systems 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 “Traction Cont rol Turned Off” will
be shown on the mult i-information display. *
Press the switch again to turn the sys-
tem back on. *
: On vehicles with PCS (Pre-Collision
System), PCS will also be disabled (only
Pre-Collision warning is available). The
PCS warning light will come on and a
message will be displayed on the
multi-information display. ( → P.210, 217)■
When the message is displayed on the
multi-information display showing that
TRAC has been disabled even if the
switch has not been pressed
TRAC cannot be operated. Contact your
Lexus dealer. ■
Operating conditions of hill-start assist
control
When the following four conditions are met,
the hill-start assist control will operate:
●
The shift position is in a position other
than P or N (when stating off for-
ward/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: ●
Shift the shift position to P or N ●
The accelerator pedal is depressed ●
The parking brake is engaged ●
2 seconds at maximum elapsed after the
brake pedal is released ■
VGRS is disabled when
VGRS may stop operat ing in the following
situations.
In this event, the steering wheel may move
from its straight forward position, but it will
return when the system restarts. ●
When the steering wheel is operated for
an extended period of time while the
vehicle is stopped or is moving very
slowly (on vehicles with LDH, DRS is dis-
abled together with VGRS) ●
When the steering wheel has been held
fully to the left or right
The center position of the steering wheel
may change when VGRS is disabled. How-
ever, the position will return to normal after
VGRS is reactivated. ■
When the battery is disconnected (vehi-
cles with VGRS)
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, VSC, TRAC, hill-start
assist control and VGRS systems ●
A sound may be heard from the engine
compartment when the brake pedal is
depressed repeatedly, when the engine 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 oper-
ating. None of these indicates that a mal-
function has occurred.
• Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle
body and steering.
• A motor sound may be heard also after
the vehicle comes to a stop.
• Vehicles without Lexus Safety Sys-
tem+A: The brake pedal may pulsate
slightly after the ABS is activated.

2974-5. Using the driving support systems
LS500_OM_OM50F54U_(U) 4
Driving • Vehicles without Lexus Safety Sys-
tem+A: The brake pedal may move down
slightly after the ABS is activated.■
ECB operating sound
ECB operating sound may be heard in the
following cases, but it does not indicate that
a malfunction has occurred. ●
Operating sound heard from the engine
compartment when the brake pedal is
operated.●
Motor sound of the brake system heard
from the front part of the vehicle when
the driver’s door is opened.●
Operating sound heard from the engine
compartment when one or two minutes
passed after the stop of the engine.■
EPS, VGRS and DRS operation sound
When the steering wheel is operated, a
motor sound (whirring sound) may be
heard. This does not indicate a malfunction. ■
Automatic reactivation of TRAC and
VSC systems
After turning the TRAC and VSC systems
off, the systems will be automatically
re-enabled in the following situations: ●
When the engine switch is turned off●
If only the TRAC system is turned off, the
TRAC will turn on when vehicle speed
increases
If both the TRAC and VSC systems are
turned off, automatic re-enabling will not
occur when vehicle speed increases.■
Reduced effectiveness of the EPS sys-
tem
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, re frain from excessive
steering input or stop the vehicle and turn
the engine off. The EPS system should
return to normal within 10 minutes.
■
Secondary Collision Brake operating
conditions
The vehicle speed is approximately 6 mph
(10 km/h) or more and the airbag sensor detects a collision. (The Secondary Colli-
sion Brake will not operate when the vehicle
speed is below approximately 6 mph [10
km/h].) ■
Secondary Collision Brake automatic
cancellation
The Secondary Collision Brake is automati-
cally canceled in the following situations: ●
The vehicle speed drops below approxi-
mately 6 mph (10 km/h) ●
A certain amount of time elapses during
operation ●
The accelerator pedal is depressed a
large amount ■
When “Check VGRS System” or
“CHECK DRS” is displayed on the
multi-information display
The VGRS or DRS may not operate prop-
erly. Have the vehicle inspected by your
Lexus dealer.
WARNING■
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
conditions
The ABS is not designed to shorten the
vehicle’s stopping di stance. Always main-
tain 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

298 4-5. Using the driving support systems
LS500_OM_OM50F54U_(U) WARNING■
TRAC/VSC may not operate effec-
tively when
Directional control and power may not
be achievable while driving on slippery
road surfaces, even if the TRAC/VSC
system is operating. Drive the vehicle
carefully in conditions where stability and
power may be lost. ■
Hill-start assist control does not oper-
ate 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 vehi-
cle on an incline, as doing so may lead
to an accident.■
When the TRAC/VSC is activated
(vehicles without Lexus Safety Sys-
tem+A)
The slip indicator light flashes. Always
drive carefully. Re ckless driving may
cause an accident. Exercise particular
care when the indicator light flashes.
■
When the TRAC/ABS/VSC is acti-
vated (vehicles with Lexus Safety Sys-
tem+A)
The slip indicator light flashes. Always
drive carefully. Re ckless driving may
cause an accident. Exercise particular
care when the indicator light flashes.
■
When the TRAC/VSC systems are
turned off
Be especially careful and drive at a speed
appropriate to the road conditions. As
these are the system s to help ensure
vehicle stability and driving force, do not
turn the TRAC/VSC systems off unless
necessary. ■
Secondary Collision Brake
Do not overly rely on the Secondary Col-
lision Brake. This system is designed to
help reduce the possibility of further
damage due to a secondary collision,
however, that effect changes according
to various conditions. Overly relying on
the system may result in death or serious
injury. ■
Replacing tires
Make sure that all ti res are of the speci-
fied 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, TRAC and VSC systems will
not function correctly if different tires are
installed on the vehicle.
Contact your Lexus dealer for further
information when replacing tires or
wheels. ■
Handling of tires and the suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or
modifying the suspensi on will affect the
driving assist systems, and may cause a
system to malfunction.

2994-6. Driving tips
LS500_OM_OM50F54U_(U) 4
Driving 4-6.Driving tips
 Use fluids that are appropriate to
the prevailing outside temperatures. •Engine oil
• Engine coolant
•Washer fluid
 Have a service technician inspect
the condition of the battery.
 Have the vehicle fitted with four
snow tires or purchase a set of tire
chains for the rear tires. *
Ensure that all tires are the specified size
and brand, and that chains match the size
of the tires. *
: Tire chains cannot be mounted on vehi-
cles with front and rear tires of differing
sizes.Winter driving tips Carry out the necessary prepara-
tions and inspections before driving
the vehicle in winter. Always drive
the vehicle in a manner appropriate
to the prevailing weather condi-
tions.
Preparation for winter
WARNING
■
Driving with snow tires
Observe the following precautions to
reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in a loss of
vehicle control and cause death or seri-
ous injury.
●
Use tires of the specified size.
●
Maintain the recommended level of air
pressure. ●
Do not drive in excess of 75 mph (120
km/h), regardless of the type of snow
tires being used. ●
Use snow tires on all, not just some
wheels. ■
When installing tire chains
Before installing tire chains, make sure to
disable all functions of the vehicle height
control of the electronically modulated
air suspension. Otherwise, the vehicle
height may change while installing the
tire chains and part or your body may be
caught under the vehicle, possibly caus-
ing injury. ( → P.293)■
Driving with tire chains
Observe the following precautions to
reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in the vehicle
being unable to be driven safely, and may
cause death or serious injury. ●
Do not drive in excess of the speed
limit specified for the tire chains being
used, or 30 mph (50 km/h), which-
ever is lower. ●
Avoid driving on bumpy road surfaces
or over potholes. ●
Avoid sudden acceleration, abrupt
steering, sudden br aking and shifting
operations that cause sudden engine
braking.
●
Slow down sufficiently before entering
a curve to ensure that vehicle control is
maintained.
●
Do not use LTA (Lane Tracing Assist)
system. (if equipped)
●
Do not use LKA (Lane-Keeping
Assist) system. (if equipped)

300 4-6. Driving tips
LS500_OM_OM50F54U_(U) Perform the following according to the
driving conditions:
 Do not try to forcib ly open a window
or move a wiper that is frozen. Pour
warm water over the frozen area to
melt the ice. Wipe away the water
immediately to prevent it from
freezing.
 To ensure proper operation of the
climate control system fan, remove
any snow that has accumulated on
the air inlet vents in front of the
windshield.
 Check for and remove any excess
ice or snow that may have accumu-
lated on the exterior lights, vehicle’s
roof, chassis, around the tires or on
the brakes.
 Remove any snow or mud from the
bottom of your shoes before getting
in the vehicle.
Accelerate the vehicle slowly, keep a
safe distance between you and the
vehicle ahead, and drive at a reduced
speed suitable to road conditions. Park the vehicle and shift the shift posi-
tion to P without setting the parking
brake. The parking brake may freeze
up, preventing it from being released. If
the vehicle is parked without setting
the parking brake, make sure to block
the wheels.
Failure to do so may be dangerous
because it may cause the vehicle to
move unexpectedly, possibly leading to
an accident. 
Vehicles with front and rear tires of
the same size
Use the correct tire chain size when
mounting the tire chains.
Chain size is regulated for each tire
size.
Side chain (0.12 in. [3 mm] in diam-
eter)
Cross chain (0.16 in. [4 mm] in
diameter) 
Vehicles with front and rear tires of
differing sizes
Tire chains cannot be mounted.
Snow tires should be used instead.NOTICE■
Repairing or replacing snow tires
Request repairs or replacement of snow
tires from Lexus dealers or legitimate tire
retailers.
This is because the removal and attach-
ment of snow tires affects the operation
of the tire pressure warning valves and
transmitters.
Before driving the vehicle
When driving the vehicle When parking the vehicle
Selecting tire chains
A
B