Lexus GX470 2004 Engine / LEXUS 2004 GX470 FROM SEP. 2004 PROD. OWNER'S MANUAL (OM60B57U)

SECTION 3 ± 1
382
STARTING AND DRIVING
Starting and driving
Three-way catalytic converters383
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Engine exhaust caution 386
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Before starting the engine 388
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Ignition switch with steering lock 388
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Parking brake 390
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How to start the engine 391
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Automatic transmission 392
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Four-wheel drive system 400
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Rear view monitor system 404
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Cruise control 408
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Rear height control air suspension 411
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Electronic modulated suspension 418
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Active traction control system 419
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Vehicle stability control system 421
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Downhill assist control system 424
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Hill-start assist control system 427
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Brake system 429
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Tire pressure warning system 433
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Brake pad wear limit indicators 443
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Limited-slip differential 444
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STARTING AND DRIVING
383
THREE-W AY CATALYTICCONVERTERSThree-way catalytic converters are emission control
devices installed in the exhaust system.
The purpose is to reduce pollutants in the exhaust gas.
CAUTION
Keep people and combustible materials away from
the exhaust pipe while the engine is running. The
exhaust gas is very hot.
 Do not drive, idle or park your vehicle over anything
that might burn easily such as grass, leaves, paper or
rags.

STARTING AND DRIVING
384
NOTICE
A large amount of unburned gases flowing into thethree-way catalytic converter may cause it to overheatand create a fire hazard. To prevent this and otherdamage, observe the following precautions:
Use only unleaded gasoline.
Do not drive with an extremely low fuel level; runningout of fuel could cause the engine to misfire, creatingan excessive load on the three-way catalyticconverter.
Do not allow the engine to run at idle speed for morethan 20 minutes.
Avoid racing the engine.
Do not push-start or pull-start your vehicle.
Do not turn off the ignition while the vehicle ismoving.
Keep your engine in good running order.Malfunctions in the engine electrical system, electricignition system or fuel system could cause anextremely high three-way catalytic convertertemperature.

STARTING AND DRIVING
385

If the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls
frequently, take your vehicle in for a check-up assoon as possible. Remember, your Lexus dealerknows your vehicle and its three-way catalyticconverter system best.
To ensure that the three-way catalytic converter andthe entire emission control system operate properly,your vehicle must receive the periodic inspectionsrequired by the Lexus Maintenance Schedule. For
scheduled maintenance information, refer to theOwner's Manual Supplement/ScheduledMaintenanceº.

STARTING AND DRIVING
386
ENGINE EXHAUST CAUTIONCAUTION
Avoid inhaling the engine exhaust. It contains
carbon monoxide, which is a colorless and odorless
gas. It can cause unconsciousness or even death.
 Make sure the exhaust system has no holes or loose
connections. The system should be checked from
time to time. If you hit something, or notice a change
in the sound of the exhaust, have the system checked
immediately.
 Do not run the engine in a garage or enclosed area
except for the time needed to drive the vehicle in or
out. The exhaust gases cannot escape, making this
a particularly dangerous situation.
 Do not remain for a long time in a parked vehicle with
the engine running. If it is unavoidable, however, do
so only in an unconfined area and adjust the heating
or cooling system to force outside air into the vehicle.
 Keep the back door closed while driving. An open or
unsealed back door may cause exhaust gases to be
drawn into the vehicle.

STARTING AND DRIVING
387
To allow proper operation of your vehicle's
ventilation system, keep the inlet grilles in front of the
windshield clear of snow, leaves, or other
obstructions.
 If you smell exhaust fumes in the vehicle, drive with
the windows open and the back door closed. Have
the cause immediately located and corrected.

STARTING AND DRIVING
388
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
1. Check the area around the vehicle before entering it.
2. Adjust seat position, seatback angle, head restraint height
and steering wheel angle.
3. Adjust the inside and outside rear view mirrors.
4. Lock all doors.
5. Fasten seat belts.
Remember to check that the service reminder indicators
function when turning the key to ONº, and check the fuel
gauge to see that you have sufficient fuel.
IGNITION SWITCH WITH STEERINGLOCK
STARTº Ð Starter motor on. The key will return to the
ONº position when released.
For starting tips, see page 391.
It is not a malfunction even if the needle of the tachometer, fuel
gauge or engine coolant temperature gauge returns to the
bottom position when the ignition switch is turned to the
STARTº position.
ONº Ð Engine on and all accessories on.
This is the normal driving position.
It is not malfunction even if the needle on the speedometer may
move when the ignition switch is turned to the ONº position.

STARTING AND DRIVING
389
NOTICE
Do not leave the key in the ONº position if the engineis not running. The battery will discharge and theelectronic ignition system could be damaged.
ACCº Ð Accessories such as the radio operate, but the
engine is off.
If you leave the key in the ACCº or LOCKº position and open
the driver's door, a buzzer will remind you to remove the key.
LOCKº Ð Engine is off and the steering wheel is locked.
The ignition key can be removed only at this position.
To turn the key from ACCº to the LOCKº position, you must
put the transmission selector lever in the Pº position.
Once you remove the key, the engine immobilizer system is
automatically set. See Engine immobilizer systemº on page
14.
When starting the engine, the key may seem stuck at the
LOCKº position. To free it, first be sure the key is pushed all
the way in, and then rock the steering wheel slightly while
turning the key gently.
If, in an emergency, you must turn the engine off while the
vehicle is moving, turn the key only to ACCº.

STARTING AND DRIVING
390
PARKING BRAKE

U.S.A.

Canada
To set: Pull up the lever. For better holding power, first
depress the brake pedal and hold it while setting the
parking brake.
To release: Pull up the lever slightly (
1), press the lock
release button (2), and lower the lever (3).
Before leaving your vehicle, firmly apply the parking brake. For
better holding power, first depress the brake pedal and hold it
while setting the parking brake.
CAUTION
Before driving, make sure the parking brake is fully
released and that the parking brake reminder light is off.

STARTING AND DRIVING
391
HOW TO START THE ENGINE
Cranking hold function
Once you turn the ignition key to STARTº position and release
it, the cranking hold function continues to crank the engine in
ONº position until it starts.
The function stops cranking the engine after about 25 seconds
maximum if the engine has not started yet. When you crank
the engine again, wait a few seconds and restart it.
If you hold the key in STARTº position, the function will keep
cranking for about 30 seconds maximum.
Before cranking
1. Apply the parking brake firmly.
2. Turn off unnecessary lights and accessories.
3. Put the selector lever in Pº. If you need to restart the engine
while the vehicle is moving, put the selector lever in Nº. A
starter safety device will prevent the starter from operating if
the selector lever is in any drive position.
4. Depress the brake pedal and hold it to the floor until driving
off.
Starting the engine
Before starting the engine, be sure to follow the instructions in
Before crankingº.
Normal starting procedure
The multiport fuel injection system/sequential multiport fuel
injection system in your engine automatically controls the
proper air-fuel mixture for starting. You can start a cold or hot
engine as follows:
With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition key to
STARTº position, then release it.
Engine should be warmed up by driving, not in idle. For
warming up, drive with smoothly turning engine until engine
coolant temperature is within normal range.
If the engine stalls...
Simply restart it, using the correct procedure given in normal
starting.
If the engine will not start...
See If your vehicle will not startº on page 480.
NOTICE
Do not race a cold engine.
If the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls frequently, have the engine checked immediately.