I bought the fully loaded AWD GS350 and a big factor for the collision avoidance and alert features.

Do these only work when on Cruise or ?

I try looking away for awhile when it is safe to do so and straight driving. But nothing happens

I see when I start the Cruise control, I get a message "Radar ready'

Any experience with this feature? Any accidents avoided?

I would appreciate some insights and explanations on how this works.

 

I turned my PCS (pre-collision system) off, because it almost got me into an accident a few times. The way I drive, I guess is too aggressive. My PCS system was constantly engaging, it was applying brakes when I did not need it to. I'm not alone though, there are other members here who have turned their PCS off. Don't let this scare you though, we all drive differently, so it may work good for you.

 

That "radar ready" message is for the adaptive cruise control, the one that maintains a set distance from the car in front. The pre-collision system should be on all the time, unless you turned it off. I don't have either of these in my car, so can't comment on how well they do or don't work for me.

 

I love the active cruise control part, but the PCS part hasn't given me any warnings, not even if I turn away for a few seconds at cruise speed (with a "safety pilot" in the pax seat). The system in our Volvo us far superior, in this regard.

The radar ready is just telling you that cruise is ON, but not engaged. There were some occasions last winter when a snow/slush buildup on the emblem caused this light to go out, until I pulled over to remove it.

This was a must have for me, so I waited over 4 months for it to be built. Needless to say, there weren't even any demos on the lots with it. Lexus does a lot of things right, but collision avoidance is NOT one of them.

 

My PCS warning has gone off a few times. The big thing is there is a faint beeping noise, and the dash where the tire pressure etc lights up red with the works brake. I haven't felt the brakes applied....
So far I haven't had any issues with mine...

 

MIxed messages.

This rather expensive Add-on doesn't seem to have much benefit.

Am I wrong?

Is this a flaw in the system as promotoed

 

the car does not have to be in cruise mode in order to engage or for the CA to work. i too owned a fully loaded AWD GS350 F Sport, DAM, the works. stopped prematurely (IMO) on it's own. could have been a statistic on the highway. as stated above, it may be for you but i will never buy another Lexus with CA.

 

With the CA, is sounds like you may not run into anything, but you will be run into! Sort of glad don't have it! But I hear the insurance folks love it. That is until they start getting lots of rear end claims!

 

I have the "warning only" CA (PCS, not APCS) on my 13 LS460 as I wanted a look-see BEFORE I invited another driver to share the seat with me. From what I've seen (approx. 10 activations in 16 months), I am not a good candidate for the active system. Turns with guardrails set it off as do quick (but SAFE!) lane changes in traffic. I believe the active system would have "saved" me from nothing (no crashes in last 16 months), but it possibly could have put me in jeopardy, given what I've read here on the system's deficiencies.

 

They should consult with google...no use doing the work other companies are doing ten fold better.

 

There are quite a few situations that trigger PCS when there is no eminent collision. There is a stop at the top of a steep grade on Laurel St near San Diego airport, with some metal in the road. Come up on it a little too quick and you get a red warning with the word BRAKE in the center display.