spare wheel Lexus GX470 2003 Basic Functions / LEXUS 2003 GX470 OWNER'S MANUAL (OM60A45U)

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STARTING AND DRIVING
336
LIMITEDSLIP DIFFERENTIAL
Your Lexus is equipped with a limited−slip center differential
(transfer).
If one wheel − either front or rear − begins to spin, the transfer
(limited −slip center differential) is designed to aid traction by
automatically transmitting driving force to the wheels on the
other drive axle. It transmits driving force to the front wheels
if a rear wheel spins, and to the rear wheels if a front wheel
spins.
CAUTION
Do not start or run the engine while your vehicle is
supported by a jack. The vehicle could be driven off the
jack and could pose a danger or result in serious injury.
NOTICE
Use only a spare tire of the same size, construction and
load capacity as the original tires on your Lexus
because damage to the limitedslip differential could
possibly occur with another tire type.
TYPES OF TIRES
Determine what kind of tires your vehicle is originally equipped
with.
1. Summer tires
Summer tires are high −speed capability tires best suited to
highway driving under dry conditions.
Since summer tires do not have the same traction performance
as snow tires, summer tires are inadequate for driving on
snow−covered or icy roads. For driving on snow −covered or
icy roads, we recommend using snow tires. If installing snow
tires, be sure to replace all four tires.
2. All season tires
All season tires are designed to provide better traction in snow
and to be adequate for driving in most winter conditions, as well
as for use all year round.
All season tires, however, do not have adequate traction
performance compared with snow tires in heavy or loose snow.
Also, all season tires fall short in acceleration and handling
performance compared with summer tires in highway driving.

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IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
365
Make sure to set the jack properly in the jack point.
Raising the vehicle with jack improperly positioned
will damage the vehicle or may allow the vehicle to fall
off the jack and cause personal injury.
 Never get under the vehicle when the vehicle is
supported by the jack alone.
 Use the jack only for lifting your vehicle during wheel
changing.
 Do not raise the vehicle with someone in the vehicle.
 When raising the vehicle, do not place any objects on
top of or underneath the jack.
 Raise the vehicle only high enough to remove and
change the tire.
NOTICE
Do not continue driving with a deflated tire. Driving
even a short distance can damage a tire and wheel
beyond repair.
 When jacking up or installing tire chains, be sure to
turn off the rear height control air suspension with
the “HEIGHT CONTROL OFF” switch and stop the
engine. Otherwise, the vehicle height may change
because of the automatic leveling function resulting
in accident.
40PY040
 1 Jack

2 Spare tire

3 Tool tray
1. Get the tool, jack and spare tire.
To remove the tool tray, turn the knob counterclockwise and
open the cover, then pull the tray out.

Page 380 of 483

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
367
40PY041
 1 Lower2 Raise3 Cloth To remove the spare tire:
1. Open the back door and remove the spare tire carrier lid
using a flat−
bladed screwdriver.
2. Insert the end of the jack handle extension into the lowering
screw and put a cloth between the jack handle extension and
rear bumper for protecting the bumper surface.
3. Turn the jack handle counterclockwise with the handle,
making sure the handle remains firmly fitted onto the jack
handle extension.
4. After the tire is lowered completely to the ground, remove
the holding bracket.
When storing the spare tire, put it in place with the outer side
of the wheel facing up. Then secure the tire, taking care that
the tire goes straight up without catching on any other part, to
prevent it from flying forward during a collision or sudden
braking.
NOTICE
Tighten the spare tire clamp bolt to hold the spare wheel
carrier by the hook securely.

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IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
371
6. After making sure no one is in the vehicle, raise it high
enough so that the spare tire can be installed.
Allow for the fact that you need more ground clearance when
putting on the spare tire than when removing the flat tire.
To raise the vehicle, insert the jack handle extension into the
jack (it is a loose fit) and turn it clockwise with the handle,
making sure the handle remains firmly fitted onto the jack
handle extension. As the jack touches the vehicle and begins
to lift, double− check that it is properly positioned.
CAUTION
Never get under the vehicle when the vehicle is
supported by the jack alone.
7. Remove the wheel nuts and remove the flat tire.
Lift the flat tire straight off and put it aside.
Roll the spare wheel into position and align the holes in the
wheel with the bolts. Then lift up the wheel and get at least the
top bolt started through its hole. Wiggle the tire and press it
back over the other bolts.