lights. Lexus ES350, ES350 2012

2-1. Driving procedures

NOTICE

■ To prevent battery discharge

Do not leave the “ENGINE START STOP” switch in ACCESSORY or IGNITION

ON mode for long periods without the engine running.

■ When starting the engine

● Do not race a cold engine.

● If the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls frequently, have the engine checked immediately.

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2-1. Driving procedures

Automatic Transmission

Select a shift position appropriate for the driving conditions.

■ Shifting the shift lever

While the “ENGINE

START STOP” switch is in IGNITION ON mode, depress the brake pedal and move the shift lever.

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■ Shift position uses

Shift position

P

R

N

D

S

Function

Parking the vehicle or starting the engine

Reversing

Neutral

Normal driving * 1

S mode driving * 2 (

P. 133)

2-1. Driving procedures

* 1 : Shifting to the D position allows the system to select a gear suitable for the driving conditions. Setting the shift lever to the D position is recommended for normal driving.

* 2

: Selecting shift ranges using S mode restricts the upper limit of the possible gear ranges, controls engine braking forces, and prevents unnecessary upshifting.

Changing shift ranges in S mode

Shift the shift lever to the S mode driving position and operate the shift lever.

Upshifting

Downshifting

2

The initial shift range in S mode is automatically set to 5 or 4 according to vehicle speed. However, the initial shift range may be set to 3 if AI-SHIFT has operated while the shift lever was in the D position. (

P. 134)

■ Shift ranges and their functions

● Automatically selecting gears between 1 and 6 according to vehicle speed and driving conditions. However, the gear is limited according to selected shift range.

● You can choose from 6 levels of engine braking force.

● A lower shift range will provide greater engine braking force than a higher shift range, and the engine speed will also increase.

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2-1. Driving procedures

■ Downshifting restrictions warning buzzer (in the S mode)

To help ensure safety and driving performance, downshifting operation may sometimes be restricted. In some circumstances, downshifting may not be possible even when the shift lever is operated. (The warning buzzer will sound twice.)

■ When driving with the cruise control system or dynamic radar cruise control system

The engine brake will not operate in the S mode, even when downshifting to 5 or 4.

(

P. 160, 164)

■ If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P

P. 472

■ If the indicator does not come on even after shifting the shift lever to S mode driving position

This may indicate a malfunction in the automatic transmission system. Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.

(In this situation, the transmission will operate in the same as manner as when the shift lever is in D.)

■ S mode

● When the shift range is 5 or lower, holding the shift lever toward “+” sets the shift range to 6.

● To prevent excessive engine speed, a function was adopted that automatically selects a higher shift range before engine speed becomes too high.

● To protect the automatic transmission, a function is adopted that automatically selects a higher shift range when the fluid temperature is high.

■ AI-SHIFT

AI-SHIFT automatically selects the suitable gear according to driver performance and driving conditions.

AI-SHIFT automatically operates when the shift lever is in the D position. (Shifting the shift lever to the S mode driving position cancels the function.)

The engine speed may remain high after releasing the accelerator pedal. This does not indicate a malfunction.

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