LEXUS GS 300, GS 350 (2019 year). Instruction - part 19

296

Driving assist systems

◆

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 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

Helps to prevent the vehicle from rolling backward when starting on an
incline.

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 heav-
ily when operating the vehicle.

297

4-5. Using the driving support systems

iving

◆

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

◆

EPS (Electric Power Steering)

Employs an electric motor to reduce the amount of effort needed to turn the
steering wheel

◆

AVS (Adaptive Variable Suspension system) (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 superior a high level of stability, and helps good vehi-
cle posture
When SPORT S+ mode is selected by the driving mode select switch, the
damping force is suitable for sporty driving (

P. 281)

◆

LDH (Lexus Dynamic Handling system) (if equipped)

Provides independent 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 Integrated Management)

Provides integrated control of the ABS, brake assist, TRAC, VSC, hill-start
assist control, EPS, VGRS (if equipped) and DRS (if equipped) systems
Helps to maintain vehicle stability when swerving on slippery road surfaces by
controlling the brakes, engine output, steering assist, steering ratio and rear
wheel angle

298

4-5. Using the driving support systems

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 rock the vehicle in order to free it.

When the TRAC/VSC systems are operating

Disabling the TRAC system



GS350/GS300



GS F

299

4-5. Using the driving support systems

iving

To turn the TRAC system off, quickly press and release

GS350/GS300: The “Traction Control Turned Off” will be shown on the multi-infor-

mation display.
GS F: The “TRAC OFF” indicator light will come on.

Press

again to turn the system back on.

■

Turning off both TRAC/VSC systems



GS350/GS300

To turn the TRAC/VSC systems off, press and hold

for more than 3 seconds while

the vehicle is stopped.

The VSC OFF indicator light will come on and the “Traction Control Turned Off” will

be shown on the multi-information display.

Press

again to turn the systems back on.



GS 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.

Press

again to turn the systems back on.

: On vehicles with PCS (Pre-Collision System), pre-collision brake assist, pre-collision

braking, and steering control (performed through cooperative control of PCS [Pre-
Collision System] and LDH) (if equipped) will also be disabled. The pre-collision sys-
tem warning light will come on and a message will be displayed on the multi-informa-
tion display. (

P. 444)

: On vehicles with PCS (Pre-Collision System), pre-collision brake assist and pre-colli-

sion braking will also be disabled. The PCS (Pre-Collision System) warning light will
come on and a message will be displayed on the multi-information display. (

P. 444)

300

4-5. Using the driving support systems

■

Expert mode (GS 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 multi-information display showing that TRAC
has been disabled even if

has not been pressed (GS350/GS300)

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

(GS 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 from its straight forward position, but it will

return when the system restarts.

●

The steering wheel is operated for an extended period of time while the vehicle is

stopped or is moving very slowly.

●

When force is continuously applied for a long time with the steering wheel turned as far

as it will go.

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
The steering wheel may move from 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 select switch to select a driving

mode other than SPORT S+ mode.

301

4-5. Using the driving support systems

iving

■

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 conditions 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 slightly after the ABS is activated.

• The brake pedal may move down slightly after the ABS is activated.

■

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 TRAC and VSC systems are turned off, automatic re-enabling will not occur

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 off. 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 N or P (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 be canceled in any of the following situations;

●

The shift lever is shifted to N or P.

●

The accelerator pedal is depressed.

●

The parking brake is engaged.

●

Approximately 2 seconds elapse after the brake pedal is released.

302

4-5. Using the driving support systems

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 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 driving 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 the hill-start assist control. The 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.

303

4-5. Using the driving support systems

iving

WARNING

■

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.

■

Expert mode precautions (GS F)

●

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 professional 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 modifying the suspension will affect the driving

assist systems, and may cause a system to malfunction.

304

4-6. Driving tips

Winter 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 vehicles with front and rear tires of differing sizes

and vehicles with LDH and 19-inch tires.

●

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.

Ensure that all tires are the specified size and brand.

Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving the vehi-
cle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropriate to the prevail-
ing weather conditions.

Preparation for winter (GS350/GS300)

Preparation for winter (GS F)

305

4-6. Driving tips

iving

Perform the following according to the driving conditions:

●

Do not try to forcibly 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 imme-
diately 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 accumulated 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 move the shift lever 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.

●

If the vehicle is parked without setting the parking brake, confirm that the shift
lever cannot be moved out of P

: The shift lever will be locked if it is attempted to be shifted from P to any other position

without depressing the brake pedal. If the shift lever can be shifted from P, there may
be a problem with the shift lock system. Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus
dealer immediately.

Before driving the vehicle

When driving the vehicle

When parking the vehicle

306

4-6. Driving tips



Vehicles with front and rear tires of the same size except for the vehicles with
LDH and 19 inch tires

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 diameter)
Cross chain
(0.16 in. [4 mm] in diameter)



Vehicles with front and rear tires of differing sizes and vehicles with LDH and
19 inch tires

Tire chains cannot be mounted.

Snow tires should be used instead.

Tire chains cannot be mounted.

Snow tires should be used instead.

Regulations regarding the use of tire chains vary depending on location and type
of road. Always check local regulations before installing chains.

Selecting tire chains (GS350/GS300)

Selecting tire chains (GS F)

Regulations on the use of tire chains

307

4-6. Driving tips

iving

If heavy snow or icy condition is expected, shift the rest position manually.
Grip the hook section of the wiper arm firmly when shifting the wiper position.

■

To rest position
Raise the wiper in line with the wind-
shield.

You can stand the wipers up for the

rest position.

★: More than 3.9 in. (10 cm)

■

To retract position
Lower the wipers by pressing on the
upper part of the hook section.

■

Tire chain installation
Observe the following precautions when installing and removing chains:

●

Install and remove tire chains in a safe location.

●

Install tire chains on the rear tires. Do not install tire chains on the front tires.

●

Install tire chains on rear tires as tightly as possible. Retighten chains after driving 1/4

 1/2 mile (0.5  1.0 km).

●

Install tire chains following the instructions provided with the tire chains.

Shifting the windshield wiper position

308

4-6. Driving tips

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 serious 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.

■

Driving with tire chains (GS350/GS300 with front and rear tires of the same size

except for the vehicles with LDH and 19 inch tires)
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), whichever is lower.

●

Avoid driving on bumpy road surfaces or over potholes.

●

Avoid sudden acceleration, abrupt steering, sudden braking and shifting operations

that cause sudden engine braking.

●

Slow down sufficiently before entering a curve to ensure that vehicle control is main-

tained.

●

Do not use LKA (Lane-Keeping Assist) system. (if equipped)

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 attachment of snow tires affects the operation of the

tire pressure warning valves and transmitters.

■

Fitting tire chains (GS350/GS300 with front and rear tires of the same size except

for the vehicles with LDH and 19 inch tires)
The tire pressure warning valves and transmitters may not function correctly when tire

chains are fitted.

■

When standing the windshield wipers up
Raise the wipers in line with the windshield. (

P. 307)

Failure to do so may result in damage to the wipers and/or the hood.

309

Interior features

5-1. Remote Touch screen

Remote Touch/12.3-inch

display ...........................................310

5-2. Using the air conditioning

system and defogger

Front automatic

air conditioning system..........316

Rear air conditioning

system ..........................................327

Heated steering wheel/

seat heaters/seat
ventilators.................................. 330

5-3. Using the interior lights

Interior lights list .........................335

• Interior lights..........................336
• Personal lights.......................336

5-4. Using the storage features

List of storage features ............338

• Glove box ...............................339
• Console box...........................339
• Cup holders ...........................340
• Auxiliary boxes ...................... 341

Trunk features .............................342

5-5. Using the other interior

features

Other interior features ............344

• Sun visors ................................344
• Vanity mirrors .......................344
• Clock ........................................345
• Ashtrays...................................345
• Power outlets.........................346
• Armrest....................................346
• Rear sunshade/

rear door sunshades........... 347

• Trunk storage

extension .................................349

• Coat hooks.............................350
• Assist grips..............................350

Garage door opener ................ 351

310

5-1. Remote Touch screen

Remote Touch/12.3-inch display



: If equipped

The Remote Touch can be used to operate the Remote Touch screens.
Owners of models equipped with a navigation system should refer to the
“NAVIGATION AND MULTIMEDIA SYSTEM OWNER’S MANUAL”.

Remote Touch operation

311

5-1. Remote Touch screen

Inte
rior fe

ature

“

•” button

Press this button to change map scale and scroll through lists.

Back button

Press this button to display the previous screen.

“MENU” button

Press this button to display the “Menu” screen.

Remote Touch knob

Move in the desired direction to select a function, letter and screen button.
Press the knob to enter the selected function, letter or screen button.

“ENTER” buttons

Press this button to enter the selected function, letter or screen button.

“HOME” button (vehicles with 8-inch display)

Press this button to display the home screen.

“MAP” button (vehicles with 12.3-inch display)

Press this button to display the vehicle’s current position.

■

Using the Remote Touch knob

Select: Move the knob in the
desired direction.
Enter: Press the knob or “ENTER”
button.

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