weight Lexus GX470 2003 How To Use This Manual / LEXUS 2003 GX470 OWNER'S MANUAL (OM60979U)

SWITCHES
37
SEAT HEATER SWITCHES
The seat heater has two dials; one marked “L” (for the
driver’s seat) and the other marked “R” (for the front
passenger’s seat). To turn the seat heaters on, turn the
dials forward. The indicator lights come on. To turn them
off, turn the dials backward until they stop. The indicator
lights go off.
You can adjust the heating temperature to 5 stages. To
increase the temperature, turn them forward. To decrease the
temperature, turn them backward.
The ignition key must be in the “ON” position.
CAUTION
Occupants must use caution when operating the seat
heater because they may experience minor burns even
at low temperatures. Use extra caution for;
 Babies, small children, elderly persons, sick persons
or handicapped persons
 Persons who have delicate skin
 Persons who are exhausted
 Persons who have taken alcohol or drugs which
induce sleep (sleeping drug, cold remedy, etc.).
To prevent the seat from overheating, do not use the
seat heater with a blanket, cushion, or other insulating
objects which cover the seat.
NOTICE
 Do not put unevenly weighted objects on the seat and
do not stick sharp objects (needles, nails, etc.) into
the seat.
 When cleaning the seats, do not use organic
substances (paint thinner, benzine, alcohol,
gasoline, etc.). They may damage the heater and seat
surface.
 To prevent the battery from being discharged, turn
the switches off when the engine is not running.

Finish
GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
46
(c) Front Passenger’s Seat Belt ReminderLight
This light reminds you to buckle up the front passenger’s seat
belt.
Once the ignition key is turned to “ON” or “START”, the
reminder light flashes if a passenger sits in the front passenger
seat and does not fasten the seat belt. Unless the front
passenger fastens the belt, the light stays flashing.
If luggage or other load is placed on the front passenger seat,
depending on its weight and how it is placed on the seat,
built−in sensors in the seat cushion may detect the pressure,
causing the reminder light to come on.
(d) SRS Warning Light
The indicator comes on when the ignition key is turned to
the “ON” position. It goes off after about 6 seconds. This
means the SRS airbags and front seat belt pretensioners
are operating properly.
This warning light system monitors the airbag sensor
assembly, front airbag sensors, side and curtain shield airbag
sensor assemblies, curtain shield airbag sensor assemblies,
driver’s seat position sensor, driver’s seat belt buckle switch,
front seat belt pretensioner assemblies, inflators, warning light,
interconnecting wiring and power sources.
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.
 When the ignition key is turned to the “ON” position, the light
does not come on, remains on or flashes.
 The light comes on or starts flashing while driving.
If the light stays on, it indicates that the driver and front
passenger airbags have a problem. If the light flashes, the side
and curtain shield airbags and/or seat belt pretensioners have
a problem.

Finish
INTERIOR EQUIPMENT
81
LUGGAGE STOWAGEPRECAUTIONS
When stowing luggage or cargo in or on the vehicle,
observe the following:
Put luggage or cargo in the luggage compartment when at
all possible. Be sure all items are secured in place.
 Be careful to keep the vehicle level. Placing the weight as
far forward as possible helps maintain vehicle balance.
 For better fuel economy, do not carry unnecessary weight.
CAUTION
To prevent luggage or packages from sliding forward
during braking, do not stack anything in the luggage
compartment higher than the seatbacks. Keep
luggage or packages low, as close to the floor as
possible.
 Never allow anyone to ride in the luggage
compartment. It is not designed for passengers.
They should ride in their seats with their seat belts
properly fastened. Otherwise, they are much more
likely to suffer serious bodily injury, in the event of
sudden braking or a collision.
Do not place anything on the luggage cover. Such
items may be thrown about and possibly injury
people in the vehicle during sudden braking or an
accident.
 Do not drive with objects left on top of the instrument
panel. They may interfere with the driver’s field of
view. Or they may move during sharp vehicle
acceleration or turning, and impair the driver’s
control of the vehicle. In an accident they may injure
the vehicle occupants.
NOTICE
Do not load the vehicle beyond the vehicle capacity
weight specified on the tire pressure label.

EXTERIOR EQUIPMENT
92
CAUTION
When you load cargo on the roof luggage carrier,
observe the following:
Place the cargo so that its weight is distributed
evenly between the front and rear axles.
 If loading long or wide cargo, never exceed the
vehicle overall length or width. (See “Specifications”
on page 459 for information on your vehicle overall
length and width.
 Before driving, make sure the cargo is securely
fastened on the roof luggage carrier.
 Loading cargo on the roof luggage carrier will make
the center of the vehicle gravity higher. Avoid high
speeds, sudden starts, sharp turns, sudden braking
or abrupt maneuvers, otherwise it may result in loss
of control or vehicle rollover due to failure to operate
this vehicle correctly.
 If driving for a long distance, on rough roads, or at
high speeds, stop the vehicle now and then during
the trip to make sure the cargo remains in its place.
 Do not exceed 58 kg (130 lb.) cargo weight on the roof
luggage carrier.
NOTICE
When loading the luggages, be careful not to scratch
the surface of the moon roof.
REAR STEP BUMPER
The rear step bumper is for rear end protection and easier
stepup loading.
CAUTION
Do not allow more than one person to get on the rear
step bumper at a time. It is designed for only one
person.
 Never drive the vehicle with anyone on the rear step
bumper.

COMFORT ADJUSTMENT
145
Do not lean against the door when the vehicle is in
use, since the side airbag and curtain shield airbag
inflate with considerable speed and force.
Otherwise, you may be killed or seriously injured.
Special care should be taken especially when you
have a small child in the vehicle.
 Sit up straight and well back in the seat, distributing
your weight evenly in the seat. Do not apply
excessive weight to the outer side of the front seats
on vehicles with side airbags.Do not get your head closer to the area where the side
airbag and curtain shield airbag inflate, since these
airbags inflate with considerable speed and force;
you may be killed or seriously injured. Special care
should be taken especially when you have a small
child in the vehicle.
 Do not allow a child to kneel on the passenger seat
facing the passenger’s side door, since the side
airbag and curtain shield airbag inflate with
considerable speed and force. Otherwise, the child
may be killed or seriously injured.

DRIVING TIPS
347
TRAILER TOWING
Your vehicle is designed primarily as a passenger−and−load
carrying vehicle. T owing a trailer will have an adverse ef fect on
handling, performance, braking, durability and driving
economy (fuel consumption, etc.). Y our safety and satisfaction
depend on the proper use of correct equipment and cautious
driving habits. For your safety and the safety of others, you
must not overload your vehicle or trailer. Lexus warranties do
not apply to damage or malfunction caused by towing a trailer
for commercial purposes. Ask your local Lexus dealer for
further details before towing.
CAUTION
When disconnecting a trailer, put the vehicle height in
the “LO” (low) mode and push the “HEIGHT CONTROL
OFF” switch to turn off the rear height control air
suspension. Otherwise, the vehicle height may be
changed in the automatic leveling function, resulting in
accident. For details see “Rear height control air
suspension” on page 315.
Weight limits
Before towing, make sure the total trailer weight, gross
vehicle weight, gross axle weight and trailer tongue load
are all within the limits.
The total trailer weight and tongue load can be measured with
platform scales found at a highway weighing station, building
supply company, trucking company, junk yard, etc.
 Certification label
CAUTION
 The maximum gross trailer weight (trailer weight plus
cargo weight) must never exceed 2268 kg (5000 lb.)
for vehicle with equipped. If towing a trailer and
cargo weighing over 907 kg (2000 lb.), it is necessary
to use a sway control device with sufficient capacity.
The combination of the gross trailer weight added to
the total weight of the vehicle, occupants and vehicle
cargo must never exceed a total of 4764 kg (10500 lb.).
Exceeding the maximum weight of the trailer, the
vehicle, or the vehicle and trailer combination, can
cause an accident resulting in serious personal
injuries.

Tongue load
Total trailer weight x 100= 9 to 11%
DRIVING TIPS
348

Trailer hitch assemblies have different weight
capacities established by the hitch manufacturer.
Even though the vehicle may be physically capable of
towing a higher weight, the operator must determine
the maximum weight rating of the particular hitch
assembly and never exceed the maximum weight
rating specified for the trailer hitch. Exceeding the
maximum weight rating set by the trailer hitch
manufacturer can cause an accident resulting in
serious personal injuries.
 The gross vehicle weight must not exceed the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) indicated on the
Certification Label. The gross vehicle weight is the
sum weight of the unloaded vehicle, driver,
passengers, luggage, hitch and trailer tongue load.
It also includes the weight of any special equipment
installed on your vehicle.
 The load on either the front or rear axle resulting from
distribution of the gross vehicle weight on both axles
must not exceed the front and rear Gross Axle W eight
Ratings (GAWR) listed on the Certification Label.
 Total trailer weight  Tongue load
 The trailer cargo load should be distributed so that
the tongue load is 9 to 11% of the total trailer weight,
not exceeding the maximum of 226 kg (500 lb.).
 Never load the trailer with more weight in the back
than in the front. About 60 % of the trailer load should
be in the front half of the trailer and the remaining 40%
in the rear.

DRIVING TIPS
349
Tow hitch receiver (on some models)
The tow hitch receiver is installed under the rear bumper.
CAUTION
A tow hitch receiver is rated for weight carrying towing
only up to 2268 kg (5000 lbs.) Only use this tow hitch
receiver on your vehicle. Do not use this tow hitch
receiver on any other vehicle.
Hitches
Use only weight carrying hitch hardware designed for the
total trailer weight with the factory installed hitch.
 If you wish to install an aftermarket hitch, the hitch must be
bolted securely to the vehicle frame and installed according
to the hitch manufactures’ instructions.
 The hitch ball and king pin should have a light coat of grease.
 Lexus recommends the ball mount assembly be removed
when not towing to prevent injury and to prevent damage in
the event of a rear end collision. After removing the ball
mount assembly, install the grommet to the hitch to prevent
entry of dirt and mud.
Trailer ball
Follow these easy steps to properly determine the correct
trailer ball for your application:
1. Determine the correct trailer ball size for the trailer coupler.
Most couplers are stamped with the required trailer ball size.
The sizes you’ll most likely find stamped on the coupler are:
Trailer Class
Typical Trailer Ball Size
III 2−5/16 in.
II 2 in.
I1 −7/8 in.
2. Select the appropriate trailer ball to match or exceed the
gross trailer weight rating of the trailer. The trailer ball load
rating should be printed on the top of the ball.

DRIVING TIPS
351
Brakes and safety chains
Lexus recommends trailers with brakes that conform to
any applicable federal and state/provincial regulations.
 A safety chain must always be used between the towing
vehicle and the trailer. Leave sufficient slack in the
chain for turns. The chain should cross under the
trailer tongue to prevent the tongue from dropping to
the ground in case it becomes damaged or separated.
For correct safety chain procedures, consult your
Lexus dealer.
CAUTION
If the total trailer weight exceeds 453 kg (1000 lb.),
trailer brakes are required.
 Never tap into your vehicle’s hydraulic system as it
will lower its braking effectiveness.
 Never tow a trailer without using a safety chain
securely attached to both the trailer and the vehicle.
If damage occurs to the coupling unit or hitch ball,
there is possible danger of the trailer wandering over
into another lane.
Service connector for towing brake controller
Your vehicle is equipped with a service connector for the
towing brake controller as shown. Link the connector to the
towing brake controller via the sub wire harness stored in the
glove box. The detailed explanation of the sub wire harness
circuit is packed together with the sub wire harness. Be sure
to position the towing brake controller where it does not prevent
the driver from operating the pedal. Lexus recommends that
the sub wire harness be stored in the glove box when it is not
in use.

DRIVING TIPS
352
Tires
Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated. Adjust
the tire pressure to the recommended cold tire pressure
indicated below.
Tire pressure: 220 kPa (2.2 kgf/cm
2 or bar, 32 psi)
 The trailer tires should be inflated to the pressure
recommended by the trailer manufacturer in respect to the
total trailer weight.
Trailer lights
 Socket for trailer lights
Your vehicle is equipped with a wire harness stored in the rear
end underbody. Models with tow hitch receiver are fitted with
a socket for trailer lights under the rear bumper. Use either of
them to connect and operate the trailer lights. However, the
trailer lights must comply with federal, state/provincial and
local regulations. See your local recreational vehicle dealer or
rental agency for the correct type of wiring and relays for your
trailer. Check for correct operation of the turn signals and stop
lights each time you hitch up. Direct splicing may damage your
vehicle’s electrical system and cause a malfunction of your
lights.
Breakin schedule
Lexus recommends that you do not tow a trailer with a new
vehicle or a vehicle with any new power train component
(engine, transmission, differential, wheel bearing, etc.) for the
first 800 km (500 miles) of driving.