Driving assist systems

To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following systems operate 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.

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

TRAC (Traction Control)

Maintains drive power and helps to prevent any of the drive wheels from spinning when the vehicle is started or accelerated on a slippery road surface

EPS (Electric Power Steering)

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

Active stabilizer suspension system (if equipped)

Reduces sway when cornering according to vehicle conditions such as steering wheel movement and vehicle speed, in order to maintain a stable vehicle posture

VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management)

Provides integrated control of the ABS, brake assist, TRAC, VSC, hill-start assist control, and EPS systems.

Maintains vehicle stability when swerving on slippery road surfaces by controlling the brakes and hybrid system output.

When the VSC/TRAC systems are operating

If the vehicle is in danger of slipping


If the vehicle is in danger of slipping or if any of the drive wheels spins, the slip indicator light flashes to indicate that the VSC/TRAC systems are operating.

A buzzer (intermittent) sounds to indicate that VSC is operating.

Disabling TRAC and/or VSC systems

If the vehicle gets stuck in fresh snow or mud, the TRAC/VSC systems may reduce power from the hybrid system to the wheels. You may need to turn the system off to enable you to rock the vehicle in order to free it.

Turning off the TRAC system only

To turn the TRAC system off,


To turn the TRAC system off, quickly press and release the button.

A message will be shown on the multi-information display.

Press the button again to turn the system back on.

Turning off both TRAC and VSC systems

To turn the TRAC and VSC systems


To turn the TRAC and VSC systems off, press and hold the button for more than 3 seconds while the vehicle is stopped.

A message will be shown on the multi-information display and VSC off indicator light will come on.

Press the button again to turn the systems back on.

Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, VSC, TRAC and brake assist

A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the hybrid system is started or just after the vehicle begins to move. This sound does not indicate that
a malfunction has occurred in any of these systems.

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 operation sound

When the steering wheel is operated, a motor sound (whirring sound) may be heard. This does not indicate a malfunction.

Reactivation of the TRAC /VSC systems

Turning off the hybrid system after turning off the TRAC/VSC systems will automatically
reactivate them.

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 and 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 hybrid system off. The EPS system
should return to normal within 10 minutes.

If the slip indicator comes on

It may indicate a malfunction in the VSC or TRC function.

Contact your Lexus dealer.

CAUTION:
The ABS does not operate effectively when Tires with inadequate gripping ability are used (such as excessively worn tires on
a snow covered road).

The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on a wet or slick road.

Stopping distance when the ABS is operating will 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 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 roads with 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.

Do not drive the vehicle in conditions where stability and power may be lost.

CAUTION:
When the VSC is activated The slip indicator light flashes and a warning buzzer sounds. Always drive carefully.

Reckless driving may cause an accident. Exercise particular care when the indicator
light flashes and a buzzer sounds.

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 ensure vehicle stability and driving force, do not turn the
TRAC/VSC systems off unless necessary.

Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the same size, brand, tread pattern and total load
capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are inflated to the recommended tire
inflation pressure level.

The ABS 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 suspension Using tires with any kind of problem or modifying the suspension will affect the driving
assist systems, and may cause a system malfunction.

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