Lexus GS350 (2020 year). Manual in english - page 12

WARNING

Observe the following precautions.

Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.

■

When driving on slippery road surfaces

●

Sudden braking, acceleration and steering may cause tire slippage and reduce your

ability to control the vehicle.

●

Sudden acceleration, engine braking due to shifting, or changes in engine speed

could cause the vehicle to skid, resulting in an accident.

●

After driving through a puddle, lightly depress the brake pedal to make sure that the

brakes are functioning properly. Wet brake pads may prevent the brakes from func-

tioning properly. If the brakes on only one side are wet and not functioning properly,

steering control may be affected.

■

When shifting the shift lever

●

Do not let the vehicle roll backward while the shift lever is in a driving position, or roll

forward while the shift lever is in R.

Doing so may cause the engine to stall or lead to poor brake and steering perfor-

mance, resulting in an accident or damage to the vehicle.

●

Do not shift the shift lever to P while the vehicle is moving.

Doing so can damage the transmission and may result in a loss of vehicle control.

●

Do not shift the shift lever to R while the vehicle is moving forward.

Doing so can damage the transmission and may result in a loss of vehicle control.

●

Do not shift the shift lever to a driving position while the vehicle is moving backward.

Doing so can damage the transmission and may result in a loss of vehicle control.

●

Moving the shift lever to N while the vehicle is moving will disengage the engine from

the transmission. Engine braking is not available when N is selected.

●

Be careful not to shift the shift lever with the accelerator pedal depressed. Shifting the

shift lever to a gear other than P or N may lead to unexpected rapid acceleration of

the vehicle that may cause an accident and result in death or serious injury.

■

If you hear a squealing or scraping noise (brake pad wear limit indicators) (GS350)

Have the brake pads checked and replaced by your Lexus dealer as soon as possible.

Rotor damage may result if the pads are not replaced when needed.
Front brakes of F SPORT models: Moderate levels of brake pad and disc wear allow

enhanced front braking power. As a result, the discs may wear more quickly than con-

ventional brake discs. Therefore, when replacing the brake pads, Lexus recommends

that you also have the thickness of the discs measured.

It is dangerous to drive the vehicle when the wear limits of the brake pads and/or those

of the brake discs are exceeded.

193

iving

WARNING

Observe the following precautions.

Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.

■

If a brake pad wear warning message is displayed (GS F)

Have the brake pads checked and replaced by your Lexus dealer as soon as possible.

Rotor damage may result if the pads are not replaced when needed.

Moderate levels of the brake pad and disc wear allow enhanced braking power. As a

result, the discs may wear more quickly than conventional brake discs. Therefore, when

replacing the brake pads, Lexus recommends that you also have the thickness of the

discs measured.

It is dangerous to drive the vehicle when the wear limits of the brake pads and/or those

of the brake discs are exceeded.

■

When the vehicle is stopped

●

Do not race the engine.

If the vehicle is any gear other than P or N, the vehicle may accelerate suddenly and

unexpectedly, causing an accident.

●

In order to prevent accidents due to the vehicle rolling away, always keep depressing

the brake pedal while the engine is running, and apply the parking brake as neces-

sary.

●

If the vehicle is stopped on an incline, in order to prevent accidents caused by the

vehicle rolling forward or backward, always depress the brake pedal and securely

apply the parking brake as needed.

●

Avoid revving or racing the engine.

Running the engine at high speed while the vehicle is stopped may cause the exhaust

system to overheat, which could result in a fire if combustible material is nearby.

194

WARNING

Observe the following precautions.

Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.

■

When the vehicle is parked

●

Do not leave glasses, cigarette lighters, spray cans, or soft drink cans in the vehicle

when it is in the sun.

Doing so may result in the following:
• Gas may leak from a cigarette lighter or spray can, and may lead to a fire.

• The temperature inside the vehicle may cause the plastic lenses and plastic mate-

rial of glasses to deform or crack.

• Soft drink cans may fracture, causing the contents to spray over the interior of the

vehicle, and may also cause a short circuit in the vehicle’s electrical components.

●

Do not leave cigarette lighters in the vehicle. If a cigarette lighter is in a place such as

the glove box or on the floor, it may be lit accidentally when luggage is loaded or the

seat is adjusted, causing a fire.

●

Do not attach adhesive discs to the windshield or windows. Do not place containers

such as air fresheners on the instrument panel or dashboard. Adhesive discs or con-

tainers may act as lenses, causing a fire in the vehicle.

●

Do not leave a door or window open if the curved glass is coated with a metallized

film such as a silver-colored one. Reflected sunlight may cause the glass to act as a

lens, causing a fire.

●

Always apply the parking brake, shift the shift lever to P, stop the engine and lock the

vehicle.

Do not leave the vehicle unattended while the engine is running.

If the vehicle is parked with the shift lever in P but the parking brake is not set, the

vehicle may start to move, possibly leading to an accident.

●

Do not touch the exhaust pipes while the engine is running or immediately after turn-

ing the engine off.

Doing so may cause burns.

■

When taking a nap in the vehicle

Always turn the engine off. Otherwise, if you accidentally move the shift lever or

depress the accelerator pedal, this could cause an accident or fire due to engine over-

heating. Additionally, if the vehicle is parked in a poorly ventilated area, exhaust gases

may collect and enter the vehicle, leading to death or a serious health hazard.

195

iving

WARNING

Observe the following precautions.

Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.

■

When braking

●

When the brakes are wet, drive more cautiously.

Braking distance increases when the brakes are wet, and this may cause one side of

the vehicle to brake differently than the other side. Also, the parking brake may not

securely hold the vehicle.

●

If the brake booster device does not operate, do not follow other vehicles closely and

avoid hills or sharp turns that require braking.

In this case, braking is still possible, but the brake pedal should be depressed more

firmly than usual. Also, the braking distance will increase. Have your brakes fixed

immediately.

●

Do not pump the brake pedal if the engine stalls.

Each push on the brake pedal uses up the reserve for the power-assisted brakes.

●

The brake system consists of 2 individual hydraulic systems; if one of the systems fails,

the other will still operate. In this case, the brake pedal should be depressed more

firmly than usual and the braking distance will increase. Have your brakes fixed imme-

diately.

■

If the vehicle becomes stuck

Do not spin the wheels excessively when any of the tires is up in the air, or the vehicle is

stuck in sand, mud, etc. This may damage the driveline components or propel the vehi-

cle forward or backward, causing an accident.

NOTICE

■

When driving the vehicle

●

Do not depress the accelerator and brake pedals at the same time during driving, as

this may restrain the engine output.

●

Do not use the accelerator pedal or depress the accelerator and brake pedals at the

same time to hold the vehicle on a hill.

■

When parking the vehicle

Always set the parking brake, and shift the shift lever to P. Failure to do so may cause

the vehicle to move or the vehicle may accelerate suddenly if the accelerator pedal is

accidentally depressed.

■

Avoiding damage to vehicle parts

●

Do not turn the steering wheel fully in either direction and hold it there for an

extended period of time.

Doing so may damage the power steering motor.

●

When driving over bumps in the road, drive as slowly as possible to avoid damaging

the wheels, underside of the vehicle, etc.

196

NOTICE

■

If you get a flat tire while driving

A flat or damaged tire may cause the following situations. Hold the steering wheel

firmly and gradually depress the brake pedal to slow down the vehicle.

●

It may be difficult to control your vehicle.

●

The vehicle will make abnormal sounds or vibrations.

●

The vehicle will lean abnormally.

Information on what to do in case of a flat tire (



P. 473, 484)

■

When encountering flooded roads

Do not drive on a road that has flooded after heavy rain etc. Doing so may cause the

following serious damage to the vehicle:

●

Engine stalling

●

Short in electrical components

●

Engine damage caused by water immersion

In the event that you drive on a flooded road and the vehicle is flooded, be sure to have

your Lexus dealer check the following:

●

Brake function

●

Changes in quantity and quality of oil and fluid used for the engine, transmission,

transfer (AWD models), differential, etc.

●

Lubricant condition for the propeller shaft, bearings and suspension joints (where

possible), and the function of all joints, bearings, etc.

197

iving

Cargo and luggage

Cargo capacity depends on the total weight of the occupants.
(Cargo capacity) = (Total load capacity) — (Total weight of occupants)
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit —

(1) Locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and cargo should

never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your vehicle’s placard.

(2) Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will be rid-

ing in your vehicle.

(3) Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kg or

XXX lbs.

(4) The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage load

capacity.
For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will be five 150
lb passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo and luggage load
capacity is 650 lbs. (1400



750 (5



150) = 650 lbs.)

(5) Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the

vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo and luggage
load capacity calculated in Step 4.

(6) If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be transferred

to your vehicle. Consult this manual to determine how this reduces the avail-
able cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle. (

P. 200)

Lexus does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle. Your vehicle is not

designed for trailer towing.

Take notice of the following information about storage precautions, cargo
capacity and load:

Capacity and distribution

198

Cargo capacity
Total load capacity (vehicle capacity
weight) (

P. 516)

When 2 people with the combined weight of A lb. (kg) are riding in your vehicle,
which has a total load capacity (vehicle capacity weight) of B lb. (kg), the avail-
able amount of cargo and luggage load capacity will be C lb. (kg) as follows:
B

lb. (kg) - A

lb. (kg) = C

lb. (kg)

: A = Weight of people

: B = Total load capacity

: C = Available cargo and luggage load

In this condition, if 3 more passengers with the combined weight of D lb. (kg) get on,

the available cargo and luggage load will be reduced E lb. (kg) as follows:

C lb. (kg) - D

lb. (kg) = E

lb. (kg)

: D = Additional weight of people

: E = Available cargo and luggage load

As shown in the example above, if the number of occupants increases, the cargo
and luggage load will be reduced by an amount that equals the increased weight
due to the additional occupants. In other words, if an increase in the number of
occupants causes an excess of the total load capacity (combined weight of occu-
pants plus cargo and luggage load), you must reduce the cargo and luggage on
your vehicle.

Calculation formula for your vehicle

199

iving

WARNING

■

Things that must not be carried in the trunk

The following things may cause a fire if loaded in the trunk:

●

Receptacles containing gasoline

●

Aerosol cans

■

Storage precautions

Observe the following precautions.

Failure to do so may prevent the pedals from being depressed properly, may block the

driver’s vision, or may result in items hitting the driver or passengers, possibly causing

an accident.

●

Stow cargo and luggage in the trunk whenever possible.

●

Do not place cargo or luggage in or on the following locations.
• At the feet of the driver

• On the front passenger or rear seats (when stacking items)

• On the package tray

• On the instrument panel

• On the dashboard

• In front of the Remote Touch screen

●

Secure all items in the occupant compartment.

■

Capacity and distribution

●

Do not exceed the maximum axle weight rating or the total vehicle weight rating.

●

Even if the total load of occupant’s weight and the cargo load is less than the total load

capacity, do not apply the load unevenly. Improper loading may cause deterioration

of steering or braking control which may cause death or serious injury.

200

Vehicle load limits

◆

Total load capacity (vehicle capacity weight):

P. 516

Total load capacity means the combined weight of occupants, cargo and lug-
gage.

◆

Seating capacity: 5 occupants (Front 2, Rear 3)

Seating capacity means the maximum number of occupants whose estimated
average weight is 150 lb. (68 kg) per person.

◆

Towing capacity

Lexus does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle.

◆

Cargo capacity

Cargo capacity may increase or decrease depending on the weight and the
number of occupants.

■

Total load capacity and seating capacity

These details are also described on the tire and loading information label. (

P. 404)

Vehicle load limits include total load capacity, seating capacity, towing capac-
ity and cargo capacity.

WARNING

■

Overloading the vehicle

Do not overload the vehicle.

It may not only cause damage to the tires, but also degrade steering and braking ability,

resulting in an accident.

201

iving

Trailer towing

Lexus does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle. Lexus also does
not recommend the installation of a tow hitch or the use of a tow hitch carrier
for a wheelchair, scooter, bicycle, etc. Your vehicle is not designed for trailer
towing or for the use of tow hitch mounted carriers.

202

Dinghy towing

Your vehicle is not designed to be dinghy towed (with 4 wheels on the ground)
behind a motor home.

NOTICE

■

To avoid serious damage to your vehicle

Do not tow your vehicle with the four wheels on the ground.

203

iving

Engine (ignition) switch

Press the parking brake switch to check that the parking brake is set.
(

P. 217)

Parking brake indicator will come on.

Check that the shift lever is in P.
Firmly depress the brake pedal.

and a message (GS F only) will be displayed on the multi-information display.

If it is not displayed, the engine cannot be started.

Press the engine switch shortly and
firmly.

When operating the engine switch, one

short, firm press is enough.

It is not necessary to press and hold the

switch.
The engine will crank until it starts or for

up to 30 seconds, whichever is less.
Continue depressing the brake pedal

until the engine is completely started.
The engine can be started from any

engine switch mode.

Performing the following operations when carrying the electronic key on your
person starts the engine or changes engine switch modes.

Starting the engine

2
3

204

Stop the vehicle.
Set the parking brake (

P. 217), and shift the shift lever to P.

Press the engine switch.
Release the brake pedal and check that “POWER ON” on the multi-informa-
tion display is off.

Modes can be changed by pressing the engine switch with brake pedal released.
(The mode changes each time the switch is pressed.)
Off

The emergency flashers can be used.
“POWER ON” will not be displayed on

the multi-information display.

ACCESSORY mode

Some electrical components such as the

audio system can be used.
“POWER ON” will be displayed on the

multi-information display.

IGNITION ON mode

All electrical components can be used.
“POWER ON” will be displayed on the

multi-information display.

: If the shift lever is in a position other than P when turning off the engine, the engine

switch will be turned to ACCESSORY mode, not to off.

Stopping the engine

Changing engine switch modes

2
3
4

205

iving

If the engine is stopped with the shift lever in a position other than P, the engine
switch will not be turned off but instead be turned to ACCESSORY mode. Per-
form the following procedure to turn the switch off:

Check that the parking brake is set.
Shift the shift lever to P.
Check that “Turn Off Vehicle” is displayed on the multi-information display
and then press the engine switch once.
Check that “Turn Off Vehicle” on the multi-information display is off.

■

Auto power off function

If the vehicle is left in ACCESSORY mode for more than 20 minutes or IGNITION ON

mode (the engine is not running) for more than an hour with the shift lever in P, the engine

switch will automatically turn off. However, this function cannot entirely prevent battery

discharge. Do not leave the vehicle with the engine switch in ACCESSORY or IGNI-

TION ON mode for long periods of time when the engine is not running.

■

Electronic key battery depletion

P. 140

■

Conditions affecting operation

P. 158

■

Notes for the entry function

P. 159

■

If the engine does not start

●

The engine immobilizer system may not have been deactivated. (



P. 77)

Contact your Lexus dealer.

●

Check that the shift lever is securely set in P. The engine may not start if the shift lever is

displaced out of P. “Shift to P position to Start” will be displayed on the multi-information

display.

■

Steering lock

After turning the engine switch off and opening and closing the doors, the steering wheel

will be locked due to the steering lock function. Operating the engine switch again auto-

matically cancels the steering lock.

■

When the steering lock cannot be released

When stopping the engine with the shift lever in a position other than P

“Steering Lock active” will be displayed on the

multi-information display.
Check that the shift lever is set in P. Press the

engine switch while turning the steering wheel

left and right.

2
3

206

■

Steering lock motor overheating prevention

To prevent the steering lock motor from overheating, the motor may be suspended if the

engine is turned on and off repeatedly in a short period of time. In this case, refrain from

operating the engine. After about 10 seconds, the steering lock motor will resume func-

tioning.

■

When “Check Access System with Elec. Key” will be displayed on the multi-informa-

tion display

The system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer

immediately.

■

If the electronic key battery is depleted

P. 411

■

Operation of the engine switch

●

If the switch is not pressed shortly and firmly, the engine switch mode may not change

or the engine may not start.

●

If attempting to restart the engine immediately after turning the engine switch off, the

engine may not start in some cases. After turning the engine switch off, please wait a

few seconds before restarting the engine.

■

If the smart access system with push-button start has been deactivated in a customized

setting

P. 502

WARNING

■

When starting the engine

Always start the engine while sitting in the driver’s seat. Do not depress the accelerator

pedal while starting the engine under any circumstances.

Doing so may cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.

■

Caution while driving

If engine failure occurs while the vehicle is moving, do not lock or open the doors until

the vehicle reaches a safe and complete stop. Activation of the steering lock in this cir-

cumstance may lead to an accident, resulting in death or serious injury.

■

Stopping the engine in an emergency

If you want to stop the engine in an emergency while driving the vehicle, press and hold

the engine switch for more than 2 seconds, or press it briefly 3 times or more in succes-

sion. (



P. 425)

However, do not touch the engine switch while driving except in an emergency. Turning

the engine off while driving will not cause loss of steering or braking control, but the

power assist to these systems will be lost. This will make it more difficult to steer and

brake, so you should pull over and stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.

207