LEXUS GS F (2018 year). Instruction - part 18

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4-5. Using the driving support systems

BSM (Blind Spot Monitor)

∗

The Blind Spot Monitor is a system that has 2 functions;

●

The Blind Spot Monitor function
Assists the driver in making the decision when changing lanes

●

The Rear Cross Traffic Alert function
Assists the driver when backing up

These functions use same sensors.

Switching the BSM function

The Blind Spot Monitor function and Rear Cross Traffic Alert function can be

switched on and off using the multi-information display. (

→P. 279)

When switched on, the BSM indicator illuminates on the meter and the buzzer

sounds.

Outside rear view mirror indicators

Blind Spot Monitor function: 

When a vehicle is detected in the blind spot, the outside rear view mirror indicator

comes on while the turn signal lever is not operated. If the turn signal lever is operated

toward the detected side, the outside rear view mirror indicator flashes.
Rear Cross Traffic Alert function: 

When a vehicle approaching from the right or left rear of the vehicle is detected, the

outside rear view mirror indicators flash.

Rear Cross Traffic Alert buzzer (Rear Cross Traffic Alert function only)

When a vehicle approaching from the right or left rear of the vehicle is detected, a

buzzer sounds from behind the rear seat.

∗

: If equipped

Summary of the Blind Spot Monitor

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■

The outside rear view mirror indicators visibility
When under strong sunlight, the outside rear view mirror indicator may be difficult to

see.

■

Rear Cross Traffic Alert buzzer hearing
Rear Cross Traffic Alert function may be difficult to hear over loud noises such as high

audio volume.

■

When there is a malfunction in the Blind Spot Monitor
If a system malfunction is detected due to any of the following reasons, warning mes-

sages will be displayed: (

→P. 441)

●

There is a malfunction with the sensors

●

The sensors have become dirty

●

The outside temperature is extremely high or low

●

The sensor voltage has become abnormal

■

Switching the Blind Spot Monitor function and Rear Cross Traffic Alert function on and

off

Settings can be changed from 

 on the multi-information display (

→P. 100, 108).

Press 

 or 

 on the meter control switch and select “BSM”.

Each time   on the meter control switch is pressed, the function switches between
“On” and “Off”.

■

Certification for the Blind Spot Monitor



For vehicles sold in the U.S.A., Hawaii, Guam and Puerto Rico



For vehicles sold in Canada

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4-5. Using the driving support systems

WARNING

■

Handling the radar sensor

●

Keep the sensor and its surrounding area on the bumper clean at all times.

●

Do not subject the sensor or surrounding area on the bumper to a strong impact. If

the sensor moves even slightly off position, the system may malfunction and vehicles

that enter the detection area may not be detected. If the sensor or surrounding area is

subject to a strong impact, always have the area inspected by your Lexus dealer.

●

Do not disassemble the sensor.

●

Do not attach accessories or stickers to the sensor or surrounding area on the

bumper.

●

Do not modify the sensor or surrounding area on the bumper.

●

Do not paint the rear bumper any color other than an official Lexus color.

One Blind Spot Monitor sensor is installed

inside the left and right side of the vehicle rear

bumper respectively. Observe the following to

ensure the Blind Spot Monitor can function

correctly.

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4-5. Using the driving support systems

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The Blind Spot Monitor function uses radar sensors to detect vehicles that are
traveling in an adjacent lane in the area that is not reflected in the outside rear
view mirror (the blind spot), and advises the driver of the vehicle’s existence via
the outside rear view mirror indicator.

The areas that vehicles can be detected in are outlined below.
The range of the detection area
extends to:

Approximately 11.5 ft. (3.5 m) from
the side of the vehicle

The first 1.6 ft. (0.5 m) from the side of

the vehicle is not in the detection area

Approximately 9.8 ft. (3 m) from the
rear bumper
Approximately 3.3 ft. (1 m) forward
of the rear bumper

The Blind Spot Monitor function

The Blind Spot Monitor function detection areas

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WARNING

■

Cautions regarding the use of the system
The driver is solely responsible for safe driving. Always drive safely, taking care to

observe your surroundings.
The Blind Spot Monitor function is a supplementary function which alerts the driver

that a vehicle is present in the blind spot. Do not overly rely on the Blind Spot Monitor

function. The function cannot judge if it is safe to change lanes, therefore over reliance

could cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
According to conditions, the system may not function correctly. Therefore the driver’s

own visual confirmation of safety is necessary.

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4-5. Using the driving support systems

■

The Blind Spot Monitor function is operational when

●

The BSM function is turned on.

●

Vehicle speed is greater than approximately 10 mph (16 km/h).

■

The Blind Spot Monitor function will detect a vehicle when

●

A vehicle in an adjacent lane overtakes your vehicle.

●

Another vehicle enters the detection area when it changes lanes.

■

Conditions under which the Blind Spot Monitor function will not detect a vehicle
The Blind Spot Monitor function is not designed to detect the following types of vehicles

and/or objects:

●

Small motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians etc.

*

●

Vehicles traveling in the opposite direction

●

Guardrails, walls, signs, parked vehicles and similar stationary objects

*

●

Following vehicles that are in the same lane

*

●

Vehicles driving 2 lanes across from your vehicle

*

*

: Depending on conditions, detection of a vehicle and/or object may occur.

■

Conditions under which the Blind Spot Monitor function may not function correctly

●

The Blind Spot Monitor function may not detect vehicles correctly in the following con-

ditions:
• During bad weather such as heavy rain, fog, snow etc.

• When ice or mud etc. is attached to the rear bumper

• When driving on a road surface that is wet due to rain, standing water etc.

• When there is a significant difference in speed between your vehicle and the vehicle

that enters the detection area

• When a vehicle is in the detection area from a stop and remains in the detection

area as your vehicle accelerates

• When driving up or down consecutive steep inclines, such as hills, a dip in the road

etc.

• When multiple vehicles approach with only a small gap between each vehicle

• When vehicle lanes are wide, and the vehicle in the next lane is too far away from

your vehicle

• When the vehicle that enters the detection area is traveling at about the same speed

as your vehicle

• When there is a significant difference in height between your vehicle and the vehicle

that enters the detection area

• Directly after the BSM function is turned on

●

Instances of the Blind Spot Monitor function unnecessarily detecting a vehicle and/or

object may increase under the following conditions:
• When there is only a short distance between your vehicle and a guardrail, wall etc.

• When there is only a short distance between your vehicle and a following vehicle

• When vehicle lanes are narrow and a vehicle driving 2 lanes across from your vehi-

cle enters the detection area

• When items such as a bicycle carrier are installed on the rear of the vehicle

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The Rear Cross Traffic Alert functions when your vehicle is in reverse. It can
detect other vehicles approaching from the right or left rear of the vehicle. It uses
radar sensors to alert the driver of the other vehicle’s existence through flashing
the outside rear view mirror indicators and sounding a buzzer.

The Rear Cross Traffic Alert function

Approaching vehicles

Detection areas

WARNING

■

Cautions regarding the use of the system
The driver is solely responsible for safe driving. Always drive safely, taking care to

observe your surroundings.
The Rear Cross Traffic Alert function is only an assist and is not a replacement for care-

ful driving. The driver must be careful when backing up, even when using the Rear

Cross Traffic Alert function. The driver’s own visual confirmation of behind you and

your vehicle is necessary and be sure there are no pedestrians, other vehicles etc.

before backing up. Failure to do so could cause death or serious injury.
According to conditions, the system may not function correctly. Therefore the driver’s

own visual confirmation of safety is necessary.

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4-5. Using the driving support systems

The areas that vehicles can be detected in are outlined below.

To give the driver a more consistent time to react, the buzzer can alert for faster
vehicles from farther away.
Example:

■

The Rear Cross Traffic Alert function is operational when

●

The BSM function is turned on.

●

The shift lever is in R.

●

Vehicle speed is less than approximately 5 mph (8 km/h).

●

Approaching vehicle speed is between approximately 5 mph (8 km/h) and 18 mph

(28 km/h).

■

Conditions under which the Rear Cross Traffic Alert function will not detect a vehicle
The Rear Cross Traffic Alert function is not designed to detect the following types of

vehicles and/or objects.

●

Small motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians etc.

*

●

Vehicles approaching from directly behind

●

Guardrails, walls, signs, parked vehicles and similar stationary objects

*

●

Vehicles moving away from your vehicle

●

Vehicles approaching from the parking spaces next to your vehicle

*

●

Vehicles backing up in the parking space next to your vehicle

*

*

: Depending on conditions, detection of a vehicle and/or object may occur.

The Rear Cross Traffic Alert function detection areas

Approaching vehicle

Speed

Approximate 

alert distance

Fast

18 mph (28 km/h)

65 ft. (20 m)

Slow

5 mph (8 km/h)

18 ft. (5.5 m)

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Conditions under which the Rear Cross Traffic Alert function may not function cor-

rectly
The Rear Cross Traffic Alert function may not detect vehicles correctly in the following

conditions:

●

During bad weather such as heavy rain, fog, snow etc.

●

When ice or mud etc. is attached to the rear bumper

●

When multiple vehicles approach continuously

●

Shallow angle parking

●

When a vehicle is approaching at high speed

●

When parking on a steep incline, such as hills, a dip in the road etc.

●

Directly after the BSM function is turned on

●

When items such as a bicycle carrier are installed on the rear of the vehicle

●

Directly after the engine is started with the BSM function is turned on

●

When the sensors cannot detect vehicles

because of obstacles

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TVD (Torque Vectoring Differential) (GS F)

With the engine switch in IGNITION
ON mode, pressing the TVD switch
changes the TVD control mode.

The current TVD control mode will be

displayed on the meters.

STANDARD mode

This is the default mode and provides

an optimum balance of driving agility

and stability.

SLALOM mode

This mode emphasizes enhanced

steering response.

TRACK mode

This mode emphasizes stability for

high speed sporty driving.

The multi-information display shows the distribution of driving force between the
right and left rear wheels. (

→P. 113)

The TVD system distributes driving force (torque) between the right and left
rear wheels automatically. This system contributes to enhanced steering
response while cornering and increased traction when exiting a corner, pro-
viding an agile driving experience.

Changing TVD control modes

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TVD control status on the multi-information display

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Automatic cancelation of the selected TVD control mode
SLALOM and TRACK mode are canceled when the engine switch is turned off. When

the engine switch is turned to IGNITION ON mode, the TVD system will be in STAN-

DARD mode.

■

Automatic disabling of the TVD system
If a malfunction is detected in the TVD system, a warning message will be displayed on

the multi-information display (

→P. 441) and the TVD system will be disabled automati-

cally. If the system is disabled, driving force will not be distributed by the TVD but through

normal differential operation.

■

To protect the system
If the TVD fluid temperature becomes excessively high due to driving for a long time

under extremely high load conditions, a warning message will be displayed on the multi-

information display. (

→P. 441)

WARNING

■

Cautions regarding the use of the system
The driver is solely responsible for safe driving. Do not overly rely on the TVD system.

Always drive safely, taking care to observe your surroundings.

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4-5. Using the driving support systems

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. 

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◆

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. 273)

◆

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

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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

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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.

*

1

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.

*

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 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. 441)

*

2

: 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. 441)

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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.

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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.