engine coolant Lexus GX470 2006 Basic Functions In Frequent Use / LEXUS 2006 GX470 OWNER'S MANUAL (OM60B99U)

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each Section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
xviPage
1Automatic transmission second start
indicator light 355
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2Unengaged “Park” warning light 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3Automatic transmission fluid temperature
warning light 58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4Low washer fluid warning light 61
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5Automatic transmission indicator lights 349 . . . . . .
6Driver’s seat belt reminder light 54
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7Turn signal indicator light 32
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8Brake system warning light 53
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9Headlight high beam indicator light 32
. . . . . . . . . . . .
10Antilock brake system warning light 57
. . . . . . . . . . .
11Open door warning light 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12Tachometer 50
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13Headlight indicator light 30
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14Cruise control indicator light 362
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15Engine oil replacement reminder light 60
. . . . . . . . . .
16Slip indicator light 373, 375, 378, 381
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
17Low engine oil pressure warning light 60
. . . . . . . . . .
18Charging system warning light 59
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
19Engine coolant temperature gauge
49
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
20Malfunction indicator lamp 56
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21Vehicle stability control system off
indicator light 376 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22Roll sensing of curtain shield airbags off
indicator light 174. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23Kinetic dynamic suspension system
warning light 59. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24Center differential lock indicator light 356
. . . . . . . .
25Vehicle stability control system and active
traction control system warning light 59 . . . . . . . . . . .
26Downhill assist control system
indicator light 378. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27Height control indicator lights 370
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28Security indicator light 12, 27
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
29SRS warning light 55
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
30Trip meter reset knob 50
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
31Odometer and trip meter 50
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
32Low fuel level warning light 61
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
33Low tire pressure warning light 61
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
34Fuel gauge 48
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each Section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
xviiiPage
1Automatic transmission second start
indicator light 355
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2Unengaged “Park” warning light 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3Automatic transmission fluid temperature
warning light 58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4Low washer fluid warning light 61
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5Automatic transmission indicator lights 349 . . . . . .
6Driver’s seat belt reminder light 54
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7Turn signal indicator light 32
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8Brake system warning light 53
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9Headlight high beam indicator light 32
. . . . . . . . . . . .
10Antilock brake system warning light 57
. . . . . . . . . . .
11Open door warning light 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12Tachometer 50
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13Tail light indicator light 30
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14Cruise control indicator light 362
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15Slip indicator light 373, 375, 378, 381
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
16Low engine oil pressure warning light 60
. . . . . . . . . .
17Charging system warning light 59
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18Engine coolant temperature gauge 49
. . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
19Malfunction indicator lamp
56
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20Vehicle stability control system off
indicator light 376 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21Roll sensing of curtain shield airbags off
indicator light 174. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22Kinetic dynamic suspension system
warning light 59. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23Center differential lock indicator light 356
. . . . . . . .
24Vehicle stability control system and active
traction control system warning light 59 . . . . . . . . . . .
25Downhill assist control system
indicator light 378. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26Height control indicator lights 370
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27Security indicator light 12, 27
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28SRS warning light 55
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
29Trip meter reset knob 50
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
30Odometer and trip meter 50
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
31Low fuel level warning light 61
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
32Low tire pressure warning light 61
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
33Fuel gauge 48
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SECTION 1 – 3
47
INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
Gauges, meters and service reminder indicators
Fuel gauge48
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . . . . .
Engine coolant temperature gauge 49
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tachometer 50
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. . . . . . . . . .
Odometer and trip meter 50
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service reminder indicators and warning buzzers 51
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Multi−information display 63
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument panel light control 74
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
49
ENGINE COOLANT
TEMPERATURE GAUGE
 Normal range
The gauge indicates the engine coolant temperature when
the ignition switch is on. The engine operating
temperature will vary with changes in weather and engine
load.
If the needle points to the red zone or higher, stop your vehicle
and allow the engine to cool.
Your vehicle may overheat during severe operating conditions,
such as:
 Driving up a long hill on a hot day.
 Reducing speed or stopping after high speed driving.
 Idling for a long period with the air conditioning on in
stop−and−go traffic.
 Towing a trailer.
NOTICE
Do not remove the thermostat in the engine cooling
system as this may cause the engine to overheat. The
thermostat is designed to control the flow of coolant
to keep the temperature of the engine within the
specified operating range.
 Do not continue driving with an overheated engine.
See “If your vehicle overheats” on page 431.

STARTING AND DRIVING
348
HOW TO START THE ENGINE
Cranking hold function
Once you turn the ignition key to “START” position and release
it, the cranking hold function continues to crank the engine in
“ON” 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 “START” 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 “P”. If you need to restart the engine
while the vehicle is moving, put the selector lever in “N”. 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 cranking”.
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
“START” 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 start” on page 426.
NOTICE
 Do not race a cold engine.
 If the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls
frequently, have the engine checked immediately.

STARTING AND DRIVING
351
1Brake pedal2“D” (Drive) position
2. With your foot holding down the brake pedal, shift the
selector lever to “D”.
Always use the “D” position to improve fuel economy and quiet
driving. Only in this position, shifting into the overdrive gear is
possible. However, while the engine coolant temperature is
low, the transmission will not shift into the overdrive gear even
in the “D” position. (See “(b) Using engine braking” and\
“(f)
Good driving practice” for exceptions.)
CAUTION
Never put your foot on the accelerator pedal while
shifting.
3. Release the parking brake and brake pedal. Depress
the accelerator pedal slowly for smooth starting.
In normal cruising, the vehicle will start in first gear and
automatically shift up to the most suitable gear. On inclines,
declines or winding roads, etc., the vehicle shifts up and down
automatically according to the running conditions to obtain the
suitable driving power and engine braking.
When the lever is in the “4” position, the automatic
transmission system will select the most suitable gear for the
running conditions such as hill climbing, hard towing, etc.
If you need to accelerate rapidly while driving, depress the
accelerator pedal to the full throttle position. This provides
more acceleration by automatically downshifting the
transmission to the next lower gear or beyond, depending on
the vehicle speed.
If engine braking is needed, such as in descending a long hill,
see “(b) Using engine braking”.

DRIVING TIPS
404
WINTER DRIVING TIPS
Make sure your coolant is properly protected against
freezing.
Only use “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or similar high
quality ethylene glycol based non−silicate, non −amine,
non− nitrite, and non −borate coolant with long −life hybrid
organic acid technology. (Coolant with long −life hybrid organic
acid technology is a combination of low phosphates and
organic acids.)
See “Checking the engine coolant level” on page 514 for
details of coolant type selection.
For the U.S.A. — “T oyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture
of 50% coolant and 50% deionized water. This coolant
provides protection down to about −35C (− 31F).
For Canada — “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture
of 55% coolant and 45% deionized water. This coolant
provides protection down to about −42C (− 44F).
NOTICE
Do not use plain water alone.
Check the condition of the battery and cables.
Cold temperatures reduce the capacity of any battery, so it
must be in top shape to provide enough power for winter
starting. Page 551 tells you how to visually inspect the battery.
Your Lexus dealer and most service stations will be pleased to
check the battery charge level.
Make sure the engine oil viscosity is suitable for the cold
weather.
See page 513 for recommended viscosity. Leaving a heavy
summer oil in your vehicle during winter months may cause
harder starting. If you are not sure about which oil to use, call
your Lexus dealer — they will be pleased to help.
Check the electronic ignition system for loose
connections or obvious damage.
Keep the door locks from freezing.
Squirt lock de− icer or glycerine into the locks to keep them from
freezing.
Use a washer fluid containing an antifreeze solution.
This product is available at your Lexus dealer and most auto
parts stores. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for how
much to mix with water.
NOTICE
Do not use engine antifreeze or any other substitute
because it may damage your vehicle’s paint.

DRIVING TIPS
415

Avoid jerky starts or sudden acceleration.
 Avoid jerky steering and sharp turns. The trailer could hit
your vehicle in a tight turn. Slow down before making a turn
to avoid the need of sudden braking.
 Remember that when making a turn, the trailer wheels will
be closer than the vehicle wheels to the inside of the turn.
Therefore, compensate for this by making a larger than
normal turning radius with your vehicle.
 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 431.
 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.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
431
IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS
If your engine coolant temperature gauge indicates
overheating, if you experience a loss of power, or if you
hear a loud knocking or pinging noise, the engine has
probably overheated.
When the engine overheats
Pull safely off the road, stop the vehicle and turn on your
emergency flashers. Put the transmission in “P” and apply the
parking brake.
A: If steam is coming from your engine:
Turn off the engine. Leave the hood closed until there is no sign
of steam or coolant. Your engine could have been seriously
damaged already. Call your Lexus dealer for assistance.
CAUTION
To help avoid personal injury, keep the hood closed until
there is no steam. Escaping steam or coolant is sign of
very high pressure.
B: If no steam is coming from your engine:
Leave the engine running and turn off the air conditioning.
Check the following.
 Is the cooling fan operating?
 Is the coolant in the acceptable range?
 Is the engine drive belt O.K.?
CAUTION
When the engine is running, keep hands and clothing
away from the moving fan and engine drive belt.
 Do not attempt to remove the radiator cap when the
engine and radiator are hot. Serious injury could
result from scalding hot fluid and steam blown out
under pressure.
If the cooling fan is not operating or the coolant is not in the
acceptable range, turn off the engine and call your Lexus
dealer.
If both conditions are O.K., after the engine coolant
temperature has cooled to normal, continue driving your
vehicle.
If the engine coolant temperature does not cool down, or your
vehicle overheats again, have it checked as soon as possible
by your Lexus dealer.

MAINTENANCE
485
Your copy of the repair order is proof that all required
maintenance has been performed for warranty coverage. If
any problems should arise with your vehicle while under
warranty,
your Lexus dealer will promptly take care of it. Again,
be sure to keep a copy of the repair order for any service
performed on your Lexus.
What about doityourself maintenance?
Many of the maintenance items are easy to do yourself, if you
have a little mechanical ability and a few basic automotive
tools. Simple instructions for how to perform them are
presented in Section 6.
If you are a skilled do −it− yourself mechanic, the Lexus service
manuals are recommended. Please be aware that
do−it−yourself maintenance can affect your warranty
coverage. See your “Owner’s Guide”, “Owner’s Manual
Supplement” or “Warranty Booklet” for the details.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Listed below are the general maintenance items that should be
performed at the intervals specified. It is recommended that
any problem you notice be brought to the attention of your
Lexus dealer or qualified service shop for their advice.
CAUTION
Make these checks only with adequate ventilation if you
run the engine.
Engine compartment
Items listed below should be checked from time to time,
e.g. each time when refueling.
Washer fluid
Make sure there is sufficient fluid in the tank. See page 558 for
additional information.
Engine coolant level
Make sure the coolant level is between the “F” and “L” lines on
the see− through reservoir when the engine is cold. See page
514 for additional information.
Radiator, condenser and hoses
Check that the front of the radiator and condenser are clean
and not blocked with leaves, dirt, or insects. See page 516 for
additional information.