LEXUS RC350 2015 Owners Manual

2814-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
RC350/RCF_U (OM24636U)
■Operation of the air conditioning system in Eco drive mode
Eco drive mode controls the heating/cooling operations and fan speed of the air condi-
tioning system to enhance fuel efficiency ( P. 416). To improve air conditioning perfor-
mance, adjust the fan speed or turn off Eco drive mode.
■Sport mode automatic deactivation
Sport mode is automatically deactivated if the engine switch is turned off after driving in
sport mode.

2824-5. Using the driving support systems
RC350/RCF_U (OM24636U)
◆ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied suddenly, or if the
brakes are applied while drivin g on a slippery road surface
◆Brake assist
Generates an increased level of braking 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 suddenly or turning on
slippery road surfaces
◆Enhanced VSC (Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control)
Provides cooperative control of the ABS, TRAC, VSC and EPS.
Helps to maintain directional stability when swerving on slippery road sur-
faces by controlling steering performance.
◆TRAC (Traction Control)
Helps to maintain drive power and prevent the drive wheels from spinning
when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads
◆Hill-start assist control
Prevents the vehicle from rolling backward when starting on an incline or slip-
pery slope
◆VGRS (Variable Gear Ratio Steering) (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 characteristics and responsiveness of the vehicle
by slightly adjusting the rear wheel angle of the vehicle in accordance with
steering wheel movement.
Driving assist systems
To help enhance driving safety and performance, 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 operating the vehicle.

2834-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
RC350/RCF_U (OM24636U)
◆EPS (Electric Power Steering)
Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed to turn the
steering wheel
◆Adaptive Variable Suspension system (if equipped)
By independently controlling the dampin g force of the shock absorbers for
each of the 4 wheels according to the road and driving conditions, this system
combines riding comfort with superior steering stability, and helps good vehi-
cle posture. ( P. 2 7 9 )
◆LDH (Lexus Dynamic Handling system) (if equipped)
Provides integrated control of the VGRS, DRS and EPS. Contributes to turn-
ing characteristics at low speeds, re sponsiveness 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 Integrated Management)
Provides integrated control of the ABS, brake assist, TRAC, VSC, hill-start
assist control, EPS, VGRS (if equi pped) and DRS (if equipped) systems
Helps to maintain vehicle stability when swerving on slippery road surfaces by
controlling the brakes, engine output, steering assist, and if equipped with
VGRS, steering ratio
◆PCS (Pre-Collision System) (if equipped)
 P. 2 9 0
◆BSM (Blind Spot Monitor) (if equipped)
P. 2 9 7
◆TVD (Torque Vectoring Differential) (if equipped)
P. 3 1 3

2844-5. Using the driving support systems
RC350/RCF_U (OM24636U)
The slip indicator light will flash while
the TRAC/VSC systems are operating.
If the vehicle gets stuck in mud, dirt or snow, the TRAC system may reduce
power from the engine to the wheels. Pressing (
) to turn the system
off may make it easier for you to rock the vehicle in order to free it.
RC350
To turn the TRAC system off, quickly
press and release .
The “TRAC OFF” will be shown on the
multi-information display.
Press again to turn the system
back on.
When the TRAC/VSC systems are operating
Disabling the TRAC system

2854-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
RC350/RCF_U (OM24636U)
RC F
To turn the TRAC system off, quickly
press and release ( ).
The “TRAC OFF” indicator light will
come on.
Press ( ) again to turn the
system back on.
■Turning off both TRAC and VSC systems
RC350
To turn the TRAC and VSC systems off, pr ess and hold for more than 3 seconds
while the vehicle is stopped.
The VSC OFF indicator light will come on and the “TRAC OFF” will be shown on the
multi-information display.
*1
Press again to turn the systems back on.
RC F
To turn the TRAC and VSC systems off, press and hold ( ) for more
than 3 seconds.
The “TRAC OFF” indicator light and the VSC OFF indicator light will come on.
*2
Press ( ) again to turn the systems back on.
*1: On vehicles with PCS (Pre-Collision System), pre-collision brake assist, pre-collision
braking, and steering cont rol (performed through cooperative control of PCS and
LDH) (if equipped) will also be disabled. The pre-collision system warning light will
come on and a message will be displaye d on the multi-information display. (P. 2 9 0 )
*2: On vehicles with PCS (Pre-Collision System ), pre-collision brake assist and pre-colli-
sion braking will also be di sabled. The pre-collision system warning light will come on
and a message will be displayed on the multi-information display. ( P. 2 9 0 )

2864-5. Using the driving support systems
RC350/RCF_U (OM24636U)
■Expert mode (RC F)
When expert mode is selected, it is possible to drive in a more sporty manner than other
drive modes. Expert mode disables the TRAC and VSC systems but the engine and
brakes may be controlled depending on the vehicle behavior.
■When the message is displayed on the mu lti-information display showing that TRAC
has been disabled even if has not been pressed (RC350)
TRAC and hill-start assist control cannot be operated. Contact your Lexus dealer.
■When the “TRAC OFF” indicator light comes on even if () has not been
pressed (RC F)
TRAC and hill-start assist control cannot be operated. Contact your Lexus dealer.
■VGRS is disabled when
VGRS may stop operating in the following situations.
In this event, the steering wheel may move fr om 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 disabled 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. However,
the position will return to normal after VGRS is reactivated.
■When the battery is disconnected (vehicles with VGRS)
The steering wheel may move fr om its straight forward position, but this will be corrected
automatically when driving. To select expert mode, press
()
when in SPORT S+ mode.
The “EXPERT” indicator will come on together
with the TRAC OFF and VSC OFF indicators.
To cancel expert mode, press
()
or use the driving mode se lect switch to select a
driving mode other than SPORT S+ mode.

2874-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
RC350/RCF_U (OM24636U)
■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 sys-
tems.
●Any of the following condit ions may occur when the above systems are operating.
None of these indicates that a malfunction has occurred.
• Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.
• A motor sound may be heard after the vehicle comes to a stop.
• The brake pedal may pulsate slig htly after the ABS is activated.
• The brake pedal may move down s lightly after the ABS is activated.
■EPS, VGRS and DRS operation sound
When the steering wheel is operated, a motor sound may be heard. This does not indi-
cate a malfunction.
■Reactivation of the TRAC/VSC systems
Even after the TRAC/VSC systems have been turned off, turning the engine off and then
on again will automatically reactivate the TRAC/VSC systems.
■Reactivation of the TRAC system linked to vehicle speed
When only the TRAC system is turned off, the TRAC system will turn on when vehicle
speed increases. However, when both TRAC /VSC systems are turned off, the systems
will not turn on even when vehicle speed increases.
■Reduced effectiveness of the EPS system
The effectiveness of the EPS system is reduced to prevent the system from overheating
when there is frequent steering input over an extended period of time. The steering
wheel may feel heavy as a result. Should this occur, refrain from excessive steering input
or stop the vehicle and turn the engine of f. The EPS system should return to normal
within 10 minutes.
■Operating conditions of hill-start assist control
When the following four conditions are met, the hill-start assist control will operate:
●The shift lever is in a position other than P or N (when starting off forward/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:
●The shift lever is moved to P or N.
●The accelerator pedal is depressed.
●The parking brake is engaged.
●Approximately 2 seconds elapse after the brake pedal is released.

2884-5. Using the driving support systems
RC350/RCF_U (OM24636U)
WA R N I N G
■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 operat ing may exceed that of normal conditions
The ABS is not designed to shorten 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
■TRAC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while drivin g on slippery road
surfaces, even if the TRAC 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 contro l. 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 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.

2894-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
RC350/RCF_U (OM24636U)
WA R N I N G
■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 st ability and driving force, do not turn the
TRAC/VSC systems off unless necessary.
■Expert mode precautions
●Do not use on public roads.
●Use only when the road conditions and safety of the surrounding area can be
ensured.
●Proper use of expert mode requires a profes sional level of driving skill. When using
expert mode, always check the road conditions and surrounding area and drive more
carefully than usual.
■Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the specified 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, 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 modi fying the suspension will affect the driving
assist systems, and may caus e a system to malfunction.

2904-5. Using the driving support systems
RC350/RCF_U (OM24636U)
◆ Pre-collision warning
When a high possibility of a frontal
collision is detected, the pre-colli-
sion 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-collision brake assist
When there is a high possibility of a frontal collision, the system applies
greater braking force in relation to ho w 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-collision braking
When there is a high possibility of a frontal collision, the system warns the
driver using a warning light, warning di splay and buzzer. If the system deter-
mines that a collision is unavoidable, the brakes are automatically applied to
reduce the collision speed.
◆Suspension control (if equipped)
When the system determines that there is a high possibility of a frontal colli-
sion, the operation of Adaptive Variable Suspension System ( P. 2 8 3 ) o p t i -
mally controls the damping force of the shock absorber.
PCS (Pre-Collision System)

: If equipped
When the radar sensor detects the possibility of a frontal collision, brakes are
automatically engaged to lessen im pact as well as vehicle damage.
The pre-collision system can be turned on and off as necessary by operating
the switch. ( P. 2 9 1 )