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Lexus IS: How to Use Voice Commands to Control Your Lexus

Avoid messing around with touch screens and remote controls by using Lexus' voice commands.

By Cynthia Griffith - December 23, 2014

This article applies to the Lexus IS (2005-2014).

Lexus' voice control system was specifically designed to make life easier, but it can easily make life harder if the driver finds the controls confusing. Additionally, failed attempts at controlling your Lexus could lead you to become distracted, and distracted drivers pose a threat to themselves and everyone around them. Before you start zig-zagging across the highway in your high tech automobile, learn how to operate the voice control system by reading the steps below.

Step 1 - Locate the voice command system operating switches

These are the nifty buttons running up and down your steering wheel. To launch the voice command program, press the talk switch. Read on to Step 2.

Figure 1. These are the buttons that operate your voice command system.

Step 2 - State the command of your choice

The list of acceptable commands can be located in the shortcut menu by pressing the help button on your touch screen, which is located dead center just below the dash. Each command listed under Navigation, POI, Destination, Audio, Phone and Climate can be spoken aloud.

For example, if the air conditioning needs to be set to the automatic mode, simply press the talk button on your steering wheel, wait for the beep, and state the command listing, "automatic air conditioning."

Figure 2. Climate is one of many systems you can control by voice command.

Pro Tip

Not all of the voice commands that are programmed into the system are listed in the shortcut menu. If you shout out a command the system doesn't recognize, try describing the action you want your Lexus to perform. For example: "Find nearby dining in South Philadelphia, PA."

Step 3 - Scroll through the pages as needed

If the command you're looking for isn't on the first page, simply say "next page" for more command options. Scroll backward and forward through the command pages as needed. If the command you wish to use doesn't result in the outcome you were hoping for, simply command the navigation system to return to the menu by saying the phrase, "Go back."

Figure 3. Scroll through the voice command pages as necessary.

Pro Tip

Pressing and holding the "Talk" switch for an extended period of time cancels voice recognition, so if you keep pressing the talk button and your voice command system isn't responding, it's possible that you've been holding this button down for too long.

The Lexus Owner's Manual (which is also available online) can walk you through the multitude of available voice commands. If you're a more hands-on type of learner, the featured video below covers a number of voice commands as well. Bear in mind the fact that hands-free systems such as the one installed in your Lexus IS were invented for your safety and convenience. If you find yourself feeling frustrated, it helps to pull over and scroll through the commands while in a park at least until you commit the commands you use most to memory.

Featured Video: Lexus ES350 Voice Command Overview

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