suspension LEXUS LS500 2021 User Guide

2904-5. Using the driving support systems
■The Parking Support Brake function
(static object) will operate when
The function will operate when the PKSB
OFF indicator is not illuminated ( P.72)
and all of the following conditions are met:
●Engine output restriction control
• The Parking Support Brake is enabled.
• The vehicle speed is 9 mph (15 km/h) or
less.
• There is a static object in the traveling
direction of the vehicle and 6 to 13 ft. (2
to 4 m) away.
• The Parking Support Brake determines
that a stronger-than-normal brake opera-
tion is necessary to avoid a collision.
●Brake control
• Engine output restriction control is oper- ating.
• The Parking Support Brake determines that an immediate brake operation is nec-
essary to avoid a collision.
■The Parking Support Brake function
(static objects) will stop operating when
The function will stop operating if any of the
following conditions are met:
●Engine output restriction control
• The Parking Support Brake is disabled.
• The system determines that the collision
has become avoidable with normal brake
operation.
• The static object is no longer 6 to 13 ft. (2 to 4 m) away from the vehicle or in the
traveling direction of the vehicle.
●Brake control
• The Parking Support Brake is disabled.
• Approximately 2 seconds have elapsed
since the vehicle was stopped by brake
control.
• The brake pedal is depressed after the vehicle is stopped by brake control.
• The static object is no longer 6 to 13 ft. (2
to 4 m) away from the vehicle or in the
WARNING
■If the Parking Support Brake function
(static objects) operates unnecessar-
ily, such as at a railroad crossing
In the event that the Parking Support
Brake function (static objects) operates
unnecessarily, such as at a railroad cross-
ing, brake control w ill be canceled after
approximately 2 seconds, allowing you
to proceed forward and leave the area,
brake control can also be canceled by
depressing the brake pedal. Depressing
the accelerator pedal after brake control
is canceled will allow you to proceed for-
ward and leave the area.
■Notes when washing the vehicle
Do not apply intensive bursts of water or
steam to the sensor area.
Doing so may result in the sensor mal-
functioning.
●When using a high pressure washer to
wash the vehicle, do not spray the sen-
sors directly, as doing so may cause a
sensor to malfunction.
●When using steam to clean the vehicle,
do not direct steam too close to the
sensors as doing so may cause a sen-
sor to malfunction.
■When to disable the Parking Support
Brake
In the following situations, disable the
Parking Support Brake as the system
may operate even though there is no
possibility of a collision.
●When inspecting the vehicle using a
chassis roller, chassis dynamo or free
roller
●When loading the vehicle onto a boat,
truck or other transport vessel
●If the suspension has been modified or
tires of a size other than specified are
installed
●If the front of the vehicle is raised or
lowered due to the carried load
●When equipment that may obstruct a
sensor is installed, such as a towing
eyelet, bumper protector (an addi-
tional trim strip, etc.), bicycle carrier, or
snow plow
●When using an automatic car wash

2924-5. Using the driving support systems
to normal)
• If heavy rain or water strikes a sensor
• When driving in incl ement weather such
as fog, snow or a sandstorm
• When strong winds are blowing
●Other ultrasonic wave sources
• When vehicle horns, vehicle detectors, motorcycle engines, air brakes of large
vehicles, the clearance sonar of other
vehicles or other devices which produce
ultrasonic waves are near the vehicle
• If a sticker or an el ectronic component,
such as a backlit license plate (especially
fluorescent type), fog lights, fender pole
or wireless antenna is installed near a
sensor
●Changes in the vehicle posture
• If the vehicle is significantly tilted
• If the front of the vehicle is raised or low- ered due to the carried load
• If the orientation of a sensor has been changed due to a collision or other
impact
■Situations in which the Parking Support
Brake function (stati c objects) may not
operate properly
In some situations, such as the following, this
function may not operate properly.
●Weather
• When a sensor or the area around a sen-
sor is extremely hot or cold
• When strong winds are blowing
• If a sensor is covered with water drops, ice, snow, dirt, etc. (when cleared, the sys-
tem will return to normal)
• If heavy rain or water strikes a sensor
• When driving in incl ement weather such
as fog, snow or a sandstorm
• When the sensor is frozen (Once the
sensor thaws, the system will return to
normal)
●Vehicle surroundings
• When an object that cannot be detected is between the vehicle and a detected
object
• If an object such as a vehicle, motorcycle, bicycle or pedestrian cuts in front of the
vehicle or runs out from the side of the
vehicle
• The vehicle is approaching a tall or
curved curb.
• On an extremely bumpy road, on an incline, on gravel, or on grass.
• If objects draw too close to the sensor.
●Other ultrasonic waves sources
• When vehicle horns, vehicle detectors, motorcycle engines, air brakes of large
vehicles, the clearance sonar of other
vehicles or other de vices which produce
ultrasonic waves are near the vehicle
• If a sticker or an electronic component,
such as a backlit license plate (especially
fluorescent type), fog lights, fender pole
or wireless antenna is installed near a
sensor
●Changes in the vehicle posture
• If the vehicle is significantly tilted
• If the front of the vehicle is raised or low- ered due to the carried load
• If the orientation of a sensor has been
changed due to a collision or other
impact
• When equipment that may obstruct a sensor is installed, such as a towing eye-
let, bumper protector (an additional trim
strip, etc.), bicycle carrier, or snow plow
• If the suspension has been modified or tires of a size othe r than specified are
installed
• If a sensor has been painted or covered with a sticker, etc.

2954-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
●When a detected vehicle turns while
approaching the vehicle
●When a vehicle passes by the side of your
vehicle
●When the distance between your vehicle
and metal objects, such as a guardrail,
wall, sign, or parked vehicle, which may
reflect electrical waves toward the rear of
the vehicle, is short
●When there are spinning objects near
your vehicle such as the fan of an air con-
ditioning unit
●When water is splashed or sprayed
toward the rear bumper, such as from a
sprinkler
■Situations in which the Parking Support
Brake function (rear-crossing vehicles)
may not operate properly
In some situations, such as the following, the
radar sensors may not detect an object and
this function may not operate properly
●Stationary objects
●When a sensor or the area around a sen-
sor is extremely hot or cold
●If the rear bumper is covered with ice,
snow, dirt, etc.
●When it is raining he avily or water strikes
the vehicle
●If the vehicle is significantly tilted
●When equipment that may obstruct a
sensor is installed, such as a towing eye-
let, bumper protector (an additional trim
strip, etc.), bicycle carrier, or snow plow
●If the suspension has been modified or
tires of a size othe r than specified are
installed
●If the front of the vehicle is raised or low-
ered due to the carried load
●If an electronic component, such as a
backlit license plate (especially fluores-
cent type), fog lights, fender pole or wire-
less antenna is installed near a radar
sensor
●If the orientation of a radar sensor has
been changed
●When multiple vehicl es are approaching
with only a small gap between each vehi-
cle
●If a vehicle is approaching the rear of
your vehicle rapidly
●Situations in which the radar sensor may
not detect a vehicle
• When a vehicle approaches from the right or left at the rear of the vehicle while
you are turning while backing up
• When turning while backing up

2984-5. Using the driving support systems
Brake function (rear pedestrians) differs
from the detection area of the RCD func-
tion (P.282). Therefore, even if the RCD
function detects a pedestrian and provides
an alert, the Parking Support Brake function
(rear pedestrians) may not start operating.
■Situations in which the system may not
operate properly
●Some pedestrians, such as the following,
may not be detected by the Parking Sup-
port Brake function (rear pedestrians),
preventing the function from operating
properly:
• Pedestrians who are bending forward or squatting
• Pedestrians who are lying down
• Pedestrians who are running
• Pedestrians who suddenly enter the detection area
• People riding a bicycle, skateboard, or other light vehicle
• Pedestrians wearing oversized clothing such as a rain coat, long skirt, etc., making
their silhouette obscure
• Pedestrians whose body is partially hid- den by an object, such as a cart or
umbrella
• Pedestrians which are obscured by dark- ness, such as at night
●In some situations, such as the following,
pedestrians may not be detected by the
Parking Support Brake function (rear
pedestrians), preventing the function
from operating properly:
• When backing up in inclement weather
(rain, snow, fog, etc.)
• When the rear camera is obscured (dirt, snow, ice, etc. are attached) or scratched
• When a very bright light, such as the sun, or the headlights of another vehicle,
shines directly into the rear camera
• When backing up in a place where the surrounding brightness changes sud-
denly, such as at the entrance or exit of a
garage or underground parking lot
• When backing up in a dim environment such as during dusk or in an underground
parking lot
●Even though there are no pedestrians in
the detection area, some objects, such as
the following, may be detected, possibly
causing the Parking Support Brake func- tion (rear pedestrians) to operate.
• Three dimensional objects, such as a pole, traffic cone, fence, or parked vehi-
cle
• Moving objects, such as a car or motor- cycle
• Objects moving toward your vehicle when backing up, such as flags or pud-
dles (or airborne matter, such as smoke,
steam, rain, or snow)
• Cobblestone or gravel roads, tram rails, road repairs, white lines, pedestrian
crossings, puddles or fallen leaves on the
road
• Metal covers (gratings), such as those
used for drainage ditches
• Objects reflected in a puddle or on a wet road surface
• The roadside or bumps on the road
•Shadows on the road
●In some situations, such as the following,
the Parking Support Brake function (rear
pedestrians) may operate even though
there are no pedestrians in the detection
area.
• When backing up toward the roadside or
a bump on the road
• If the vehicle is signif icantly tilted, such as
when carrying a heavy load
• When backing up toward an incline/decline
• If the suspension has been modified or
tires of a size othe r than specified are
installed
• If the rear of the vehicle is raised or low-
ered due to the carried load
• If an electronic component, such as a backlit license plate or rear fog light, is
installed near the rear camera
• If a bumper protector, such as an addi- tional trim strip, is installed to the rear
bumper
• If the orientation of the rear camera has been changed
• If a towing eyelet is in stalled to the rear of
the vehicle
• When water is flowing over the rear cam- era lens
• When the rear camera is obscured (dirt,
snow, ice, etc. are at tached) or scratched
• If there is a flashing light in the detection
area, such as the emergency flashers of
another vehicle

2994-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
Vehicles without Adaptive Variable
Suspension System
1 Normal mode
Provides an optimal ba lance of fuel econ-
omy, quietness, and dynamic performance.
Suitable for city driving.
Press the switch to change the driving
mode to normal mode when not in normal
mode.
2 Eco drive mode
Helps the driver accelerate in an
eco-friendly manner and improve fuel
economy through moderate throttle char-
acteristics and by controlling the operation
of the air conditioning system (heat-
ing/cooling).
When not in Eco drive mode, if the driving
mode select switch is turned backward, the
Eco drive mode indicator will come on.
3Sport mode
Controls the transmission and engine to
provide quick, powerful acceleration. This
mode also changes the steering feel, mak-
ing it suitable for when agile driving
response is desired, such as when driving on roads with many curves.
When not in sport mode, if the driving
mode select switch is turned forward, the
sport mode indicator will comes on.
Vehicles with Adaptive Variable
Suspension System
Except F SPORT models
F SPORT models
1 Normal mode/Custom mode
Normal mode and custom mode are
selected by pressing the driving mode
select switch. Each time the switch is
pressed, the driving mode changes
between normal mode and custom mode.
When normal mode is selected, the normal
mode indicator comes on.
When custom mode is selected, the cus-
tom mode indicator comes on.
Press the switch to change the driving
mode to normal mode when not in normal
mode.
• Normal mode
Provides an optimal ba lance of fuel econ-
omy, quietness, and dynamic performance.
Driving mode select switch
The driving modes can be selected
to suit driving condition.
Selecting a drive mode
A
B

3004-5. Using the driving support systems
Suitable for city driving.
When the shift position is in D, an appropri-
ate gear for sporty driving may automati-
cally be selected according to driver
performance and driving conditions.
•Custom mode
Allows you to drive with the powertrain,
chassis and air conditioning system func-
tions set to your preferred settings. Cus-
tom mode settings can only be changed on
the drive mode customization display of
the Center Display. ( P.316)
2 Comfort mode
By controlling the suspension, riding com-
fort is further enhanc ed. Suitable for city
driving.
When not in comfort mode and the driving
mode select switch is turned backward, the
comfort mode indicator comes on.
3 Eco drive mode
Helps the driver accelerate in an
eco-friendly manner and improve fuel
economy through moderate throttle char-
acteristics and by controlling the operation
of the air conditioning system (heat-
ing/cooling).
When in comfort mode, if the driving mode
select switch is turned backward, the Eco
drive mode indicator comes on.
4Sport mode
•Sport S mode
Controls the transmission and engine to
provide quick, powerful acceleration. This
mode is suitable for when agile driving
response is desired, such as when driving
on roads with many curves.
When not in Sport S mode, if the driving
mode select switch is turned forward, the
Sport S mode indicator comes on.
•Sport S+ mode
Helps to ensure stee ring performance and
driving stability by simultaneously con- trolling the steering and suspension in
addition to the transmission and engine.
Suitable for sportier driving.
When in Sport S mode, if the driving mode
select switch is turned forward, the Sport
S+ mode indicator comes on.
■If the driving mode select switch is oper-
ated while the opening screen is being
displayed
If the driving mode sele ct switch is operated
while the opening screen is being displayed,
the driving mode will be changed and the
meter display will chan ge accordingly after
the opening screen operation has com-
pleted.
■Operation of the air conditioning sys-
tem in Eco drive mode
Eco drive mode controls the heating/cool-
ing operations and fan speed of the air con-
ditioning system to enhance fuel efficiency.
To improve air condit ioning performance,
perform the following operations:
●Turn off eco air conditioning mode
(  P.328)
●Adjust the fan speed ( P.323)
●Turn off Eco drive mode
■Automatic deactivation of sport mode
and custom mode
If the engine switch is turned off after driv-
ing in sport mode or custom mode, the
drive mode will be changed to normal
mode.
■Driving mode pop-up display
When the driving mode is changed, the
selected driving mode will be temporarily
displayed on the side display. ( P.317)

3014-5. Using the driving support systems
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
In the following situations the air suspension
compressor and valves may operate and a
sound may be heard, but this does not indi-
cate a malfunction.
●When passengers enter or exit the vehi-
cle or cargo is loaded or unloaded, caus- ing the vehicle height to change
●When the height of the vehicle is
changed using the vehicle height adjust-
ment switch
●When the doors are opened/closed
●When the doors are locked/unlocked
■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.
■When “Air Suspension System Malfunc-
tion Visit Your Dealer” is displayed on
the multi-information display
The system may not operate properly. Have
the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer.
■Customization
Some functions can be customized.
(  P.476)
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:
 Enabling/Disabling controls of
access mode
 Temporarily disabling vehicle
height control
WARNING
■Precautions for the electronically
modulated air suspension
●Even if the engine is not running, the
vehicle height may change through
vehicle height control. Be sure to keep
your hands and feet away from the
area underneath the vehicle and
between the tires and vehicle body.
Otherwise part of your body may get
caught, possibly causing an injury.
●In situations such as the following,
make sure to disable all functions of
the vehicle height control of the elec-
tronically modulated air suspension.
Otherwise, the vehicle height may
change and part or 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

3044-5. Using the driving support systems
■ECB (Electronically Controlled
Brake System) (vehicles with Lexus
Safety System + A)
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.
■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.
■Adaptive Variable Suspension Sys-
tem (if equipped)
By independently controlling the
damping force of th e shock absorbers
for each of the 4 wheels according to
the road and driving conditions, this
system helps riding comfort with supe-
rior vehicle stability, and helps good
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

3054-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
vehicle posture.
Also, the damping force changes
depending on the selected driving
mode. (P.299)
■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
■The Secondary Collision Brake
When the SRS airbag sensor detects a
collision and the system operates, the
brakes and stop lights are automati-
cally controlled to reduce the vehicle
speed and help redu ce the possibility
of further damage due to a secondary
collision.
■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.

3084-5. Using the driving support systems
WARNING
●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
■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 systems to help ensure
vehicle stability and driving force, do not
turn the TRAC/VSC systems off unless
necessary.
■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.
■Secondary Collision Brake
Do not rely solely upon the Secondary
Collision 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.