2006 Lexus GS 300 Owners Manual - Page 1077

STARTING AND DRIVING VARIABLE GEAR RATIO STEERING SYSTEM (GS430 only) The variable gear ratio steering system adjusts the wheel turning angle depending on the vehicle speed and how much you turn the steering wheel. The vehicle wheel turning angle will be changed with a smaller degree of wheel maneuvering when you are driving at very low speed such as when putting your vehicle into a garage. When you start or stop the engine, you may hear a small noise and the steering wheel may move slightly. This is caused when the system starts or stops, and does not indicate a malfunction. In the following cases, to prevent the system from overheating, the system could be temporarily deactivated with the change in the center position of the steering wheel. This is not a malfunction. After the cause of the problem is eliminated, the system will return to normal automatically after a few minutes. D If you continue maneuvering the steering wheel when the vehicle is stopped or running at very low speed D If you continue driving holding the steering wheel to the extreme right or left D If you maneuver the steering wheel immediately after starting the engine at less than about −30_C (−22_F) While the system is not functioning, a larger degree of wheel maneuvering is needed during driving at low speed. If the center position of the steering wheel is changed frequently, have your vehicle inspected at your Lexus dealer. CAUTION Take due care especially when driving at low speed as the vehicle changes direction in greater proportion to the steering wheel maneuvering. NOTICE Do not disconnect the battery with the steering wheel turned, or the center position of the steering wheel could be slightly and temporarily changed. However, after driving for a short while, the system will return to normal and the center position of the steering wheel will be in the appropriate position. If you disconnect and reconnect the battery terminal, the system is reset temporarily. However, it is no problem to drive. Drive for a short while, the system will be set automatically and return to normal. 431