ABS Lexus GX470 2003 Basic Functions / LEXUS 2003 GX470 (OM60979U) User Guide

STARTING AND DRIVING
334“ABS” warning light
The light comes on when the ignition key is turned to the “ON”
position. If the anti−lock brake system and the brake assist
system work properly, the light turns off after a few seconds.
Thereafter, if either of the systems malfunctions, the light
comes on again.
When the “ABS” warning light is on (and the brake system
warning light is off), the anti
−lock brake system, the brake
assist system, the active traction control system and the
vehicle skid control system do/does not operate, but the brake
system still operates conventionally.
When the “ABS” warning light is on (and the brake system
warning light is off), the anti −lock brake system does not
operate so that the wheels could lock up during a sudden
braking or braking on slippery road surfaces. If either of the following conditions occurs, this indicates
a malfunction somewhere in the parts monitored by the
warning
light system. Contact your Lexus dealer as soon
as possible to service the vehicle.
 The light does not come on when the ignition key is turned
to the “ON” position, or remains on.
 The light comes on while you are driving.
A warning light turning on briefly during operation does not
indicate a problem.
CAUTION
If the “ABS” warning light remains on together with the
brake system warning light, immediately stop your
vehicle at a safe place and contact your Lexus dealer.
In this case, not only the antilock brake system will fail
but also the vehicle will become extremely unstable
during braking.
Either of the following conditions may occur, but do not
indicate the malfunction:
 The light may stay on for about 60 seconds after the ignition
key is turned to the “ON” position. It is normal if it turns off
after a while.
 Depressing the brake pedal repeatedly may turn on the
light. It is normal if it turns off after a few seconds.

STARTING AND DRIVING
335
Brake assist system
When you slam the brakes on, the brake assist system
judges as an emergency stop and provides more powerful
braking for a driver who cannot hold down the brake pedal
firmly.
When you slam the brakes on, more powerful braking will be
applied. At this time, you may hear a sound in the engine
compartment and feel the vibrations of the brake pedal. This
does not indicate a malfunction.
The brake assist system becomes operative after the vehicle
has accelerated to a speed in excess of approximately 10 km/h
(6 mph). It stops operating when the vehicle decelerates to a
speed below approximately 5 km/h (3 mph).
The brake assist system may not work for about 60 seconds
after the engine is started.
For an explanation of this system’s warning light, see “ABS
warning light” on page 48.
Drumindisc type parking brake system
Your vehicle has a drum−in−disc type parking brake system.
This type of brake system needs bedding −down of the brake
shoes periodically or whenever the parking brake shoes and/or
drums are replaced.
Have your Lexus dealer perform the bedding −down.
BRAKE PAD WEAR LIMIT
INDICATORS
The brake pad wear limit indicators on your disc brakes
give a warning noise when the brake pads are worn to the
extent that replacement is required.
If you hear a squealing or scraping noise while driving, have the
brake pads checked and replaced by your Lexus dealer as
soon as possible. Expensive rotor damage can result if the
pads are not replaced when needed.

DRIVING TIPS
355

Crosswinds and rough roads will adversely affect handling
of your vehicle and trailer, causing sway. Pay attention to
the rear from time to time to prepare yourself for being
passed by large trucks or buses, which may cause your
vehicle and trailer to sway. If swaying happens, firmly grip
the steering wheel and reduce speed immediately but
gradually. Never increase speed. If it is necessary to
reduce speed, brake slowly. Steer straight ahead. If you
make no extreme correction with the steering or brakes,
your vehicle and trailer will stabilize.
 Be careful when passing other vehicles. Passing requires
considerable distance. After passing a vehicle, do not forget
the length of your trailer and be sure you have plenty of room
before changing lanes.
 In order to maintain efficient engine braking and electrical
charging performance, do not use overdrive. Transmission
must be “4” position.
 Because of the added load of the trailer, your vehicle’s
engine may overheat on hot days (at temperatures over
30C [85 F]) when going up a long or steep grade with a
trailer. If the engine coolant temperature gauge indicates
overheating, immediately turn off the air conditioning (if in
use), pull your vehicle off the road and stop in a safe spot.
See “If your vehicle overheats” on page 363. 
Always pl ace wheel blocks under both the vehicle and trailer
wheels when parking. Apply the parking brake firmly. Put
the transmission in “P”. Avoid parking on a slope with a
trailer, but if it cannot be avoided, do so only after performing
the following:
1. Apply the brakes and keep them applied.
2. Have someone place wheel blocks under both the vehicle
and trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel blocks are in place, release your brakes
slowly until the blocks absorb the load.
4. Apply the parking brake firmly.
5. Shift into “P” and turn off the engine.

CHASSIS
430
CHECKING BRAKE FLUID
To check the fluid level, simply look at the seethrough
reservoir. The level should be between the “MAX” and
“MIN” lines on the tank.
It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as the
brake pads wear or when the fluid level in the accumulator is
high.
If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, it may indicate a serious
mechanical problem.
If the level is low, add FMVSS No.116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703
brake fluid to the brake reservoir. Refilling brake fluid:
1. Turn the ignition switch off.
2. Depress the brake pedal more than 40 times.
3. Remove the reservoir cap by hand. Add brake fluid up to
the “MAX” line.
If you do not follow the procedure above, the reservoir may
overflow.
Use only newly opened brake fluid. Once opened, brake fluid
absorbs
moisture from the air, and excess moisture can cause
a dangerous loss of braking efficiency.CAUTION
Take care when filling the reservoir because brake fluid
can harm your hands or eyes and damage painted
surfaces. If fluid gets in your eyes, flush them with clean
water immediately. If you still feel uncomfortable with
your eyes, go to the doctor.
NOTICE
If you spill some of the fluid, be sure to wipe it off to
prevent it from damaging the parts or paintwork.

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
445
No.FUSEAMPERECIRCUIT
13 MIR
HEATER10Outside rear view mirror defog-
ger
14 STOP10
Stop lights, high m ounted
stoplight, shift lock control
system, vehicle skid control
system, electronic m odulated
suspension, rear height control
air suspension, multiport fuel
injection system/sequential
multiport fuel injection system
15 AC115V
INV15Power outlet (115 VAC)
16 FR FOG15Front fog lights
17 OBD7.5On −board diagnosis system
18 HEAD
(LO RH)10Right− hand headlight (low beam)
19 HEAD
(LO LH)10Left− hand headlight (low beam)
20 HEAD
(HI RH)10Right− hand headlight (high
beam)
21 HEAD
(HI LH)10Left− hand headlight (high beam)
22 EFI NO.210Multiport fuel injection system/
sequential multiport fuel injection
system
23 HEATER
NO.27.5Air conditioning system
24 DEFOG30Rear window defogger
No.FUSEAMPERECIRCUIT
25 AIRSUSNO.210Rear height control air suspen-
sion
26 SEAT
HEATER20Seat heaters
27 DOME10
Ignition switch light, interior
lights, personal lights, foot
lights, running board lights,
door courtesy lights, inside
door handle lights,
multi− information display
28 RADIO
NO.120Car audio system, navigation
system
29 ECUB10
Multiplex communication
system, vehicle skid control
system, wireless remote
control system, inside rear
view mirror, air conditioning
system, electronic modulated
suspension, driving position
memory system, power
windows, moon roof
30 ECUB NO.210Theft deterrent system
31 ABS
MTR40
Anti −lock brake system,
vehicle skid control system,
active traction control system,
brake assist system
32 AM230Starting system, all components
in “IGN”, “SRS”, “GAUGE” and
“ST2” fuses

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
446
No.FUSEAMPERECIRCUIT
33 ABSSOL50
Anti −lock brake system,
vehicle skid control system,
active traction control system,
brake assist system
34 ALTS7.5Charging system
35 MAYDAY7.5Lexus link system
36 HORN10Horns
37 TRNHAZ15Turn signal lights
38 ETCS10Electronic throttle control system
39 EFI20Multiport fuel injection
system/sequential multiport fuel
injection system
40 D FR P/W20Power window
41 DR/LCK25Power door lock
42 TOWING30Towing converter
43 RADIO
NO.230Car audio system, navigation
system
44 IGN10
Multiport fuel injection
system/sequential multiport fuel
injection system, vehicle skid
control system
45 SRS10SRS airbag system
46 GAUGE7.5Gauges and meters
47 ST27.5Multiport fuel injection
system/sequential multiport fuel
injection system
No.FUSEAMPERECIRCUIT
48 FR
WIPWSH30Windshield wipers, windshield
washer
49 TEMS20Electronic modulated suspen-
sion
50 DIFF20Four−wheel drive system
51 RR WIP15Rear window wiper
52 D P/SEAT30Driver’s power seats
53 P P/SEAT30Front passenger’s power seats
54 PWR
OUTLET15Power outlet (12 VDC)
55 IG1 NO.210Rear air conditioning system, in-
side rear view mirror
56 RR WSH15Rear window washer
57 ECUIG10
Shift lock control system, power
windows, outside rear view
mirror defogger, anti −lock brake
system, active traction control
system, vehicle skid control
system, air conditioning system,
navigation system, power
windows, moon roof, Lexus link
system, tilt and telescopic
steering, multi −information
display, driving position
memory system
58 IG110
Air conditioning system, back −up
lights, rear window defogger,
seat heaters, vehicle skid control
system