stop start LEXUS LX470 2006 Owner's Manual

STARTING AND DRIVING
283
NOTICE
Do not select the low mode on bumpy roads. If the
underbody of the vehicle touches the rugged road
surface, the vehicle may be damaged.
Even if the engine is stopped while the vehicle height is
being lowered, the operation continues for up to 12
seconds.
(e) Turning off the active height controlsuspension
31X051d
To turn off the active height control suspension with the
vehicle stopped, push the height control switch. The
height control “OFF” indicator light comes on and the
vehicle height is fixed in the same mode as the height
control switch is pushed.
This status is memorized in the system even after the engine
is stopped.
If you push the switch again, the height control “OFF” indicator
light goes out and the active height control suspension is
turned on.

STARTING AND DRIVING
284
CAUTION
If you drive through deep water over about 500 mm (20
in.) in depth, put the vehicle height in the “HI” (High)
mode with the height select switch and then turn off the
active height control suspension by pushing the height
control switch. Drive your vehicle at 30 km/h (19 mph)
or lower speed.
NOTICE
 When jacking up or installing tire chains, be sure to
turn off the active height control suspension and
stop the engine. Otherwise, the vehicle height may
change because of the automatic leveling function,
resulting in an accident.
 If your vehicle must be towed, put the vehicle height
in the normal mode and turn off the active height
control suspension. Otherwise, the vehicle height
may change because of the automatic leveling
function, resulting in an accident.
 If your vehicle gets ditched, turn off the active height
control suspension with the height control switch.
Otherwise, the vehicle height may change because of
the automatic leveling function, resulting in an
accident.
Even after the active height control suspension is turned
off with the height control switch, if the vehicle speed
exceeds 30 km (19 mph), the active height control
automatically selects the normal mode.
(f) Height control indicator lights
31X050d
 1 Height control indicator lights
2Height control “OFF” indicator light
When the ignition switch is turned on, all the indicator
lights come on. The indicator light showing the present
mode only remains on and all other lights go off after a few
seconds. This means the system operates correctly.
If you change the vehicle height mode, the indicator lights
change as follows:

STARTING AND DRIVING
286
(g) Operation in cold weather
The active height control suspension does not operate in
cold weather when the suspension fluid temperature
drops below 30C (22F).
In this case, operating the height select switch does not
change the vehicle height. The vehicle height control enters
the ready mode and the selected height control indicator light
blinks. The active height control becomes operable if the
engine is warmed up with the suspension fluid temperature
being raised within normal operating limits. The vehicle
changes to the selected height when the vehicle height control
is in the ready mode.
When the suspension fluid temperature is around −30 C
(−22 F), the vehicle height cannot be raised even within the
available load capacity. After warming up the engine, push the
control switch on the “
” side once and then on the “ ” side
to select the desired vehicle height.
It takes longer to change the vehicle height when the
suspension fluid temperature drops below 15C (5F).
(h) Parking and stopping tips
If you immediately stop the engine to park the vehicle after
off−road driving, the vehicle height is lowered slightly as the
vehicle becomes cool. When parking, make sure there is
nothing that will be in contact with the underbody of the vehicle.
When you start the engine, the vehicle returns to the previous
height.
If you park the vehicle for a long time, the vehicle height may
gradually lower. When parking for a long time, make sure there
is nothing that will come in contact with the underbody of the
vehicle. When you start the engine, the vehicle returns to the
previous height.
If you stop the engine, the vehicle height may change in
accordance with the change in the temperature. When you
start the engine, the vehicle returns to the previous height.
(i) Installing or removing heavy equipment
If you install or remove heavy equipment exceeding 15 kg (33
lb.), the front torsion bar should be adjusted. Consult your
Lexus dealer.

STARTING AND DRIVING
287
(j) Active height control failure warning
If there is a problem somewhere in the active height control
suspension, the normal mode is automatically selected. If this
occurs, the height control “OFF” indicator light blinks and the
vehicle height control cannot be activated until the malfunction
is corrected.
Stop the engine and start it again. If the height control “OFF”
indicator light goes out, the active height control suspension
returns to normal. If the height control “OFF” indicator blinks
again, bring your vehicle to your Lexus dealer as soon as
possible and have it checked.
ADAPTIVE VARIABLE SUSPENSION (AVS)
This adaptive variable suspension adjusts the damping
effect on the shock absorbers with the damping mode
select switch. Select one of the 4 modes which is suited
to the driving conditions with the damping mode select
switch to provide good riding comfort and stability.
31X053c
 1For driving on a bumpy road
2For ordinary driving such as in the city traffic
3For moderate high speed driving
4For sporty type driving such as on winding
mountain roads and high speed driving
We recommend you to select the mode
2 for ordinary
driving. The damping effect will be changed automatically to
provide good riding comfort.

STARTING AND DRIVING
289
You may hear a sound in the engine compartment for a few
seconds when the engine is started or just after the vehicle
begins to move. This means that the active traction control
system is in the self
−check mode, and does not indicate
malfunction. When the active traction control system is
operating, you may feel vibration or hear noise of your vehicle,
caused by operation of the brakes. This indicates the system
is functioning properly.
When getting the vehicle out of mud or newly fallen snow, etc.,
the active traction control system will help operate to prevent
the wheels from spinning.
31X503
 Active traction control system failure warning
This light warns when there is a problem somewhere in the
active traction control system or vehicle stability control
system.
If the “VSC/TRAC” warning light comes on, have your vehicle
checked by your Lexus dealer as soon as possible. The brake actuator temperature increases during the active
traction control system or vehicle stability control system
operating. If the brake actuator temperature becomes too high
while the active traction cont
rol system or vehicle stability
control system is operating, a buzzer will start to sound
intermittently to indicate that the active traction control system
can no longer operate. In this case, immediately stop your
vehicle at a safe place. If the system continues to operate, the
buzzer sound changes from intermittent to continuous. (The
continuous buzzer sound will stop after about 3 seconds.) At
the time the “VSC/TRAC” warning light will come on and the
active traction control system temporarily stops operating in
order to protect the brake actuator. (Although the active
traction control system does not operate, there is no problem
to continue your driving.) The system will be automatically
restored after a short time and “VSC/TRAC” warning light goes
off if the accelerator pedal is released.
When the “ABS” warning light comes on, the active traction
control system is not operating.
The “VSC/TRAC” warning light will come on when the ignition
key is turned to “ON”, and will go off after a few seconds.
The “VSC/TRAC” warning light may stay on for 60 seconds
after the ignition key is turned to the “ON” position. It is normal
if it goes off after a few seconds.
Depressing the brake pedal repeatedly may turn on the
“VSC/TRAC” warning light. It is normal if it goes off after a few
seconds.
When the “VSC/TRAC” warning light comes on, the active
traction control system is not operating, but there is no problem
if you continue to drive.

STARTING AND DRIVING
293
VARIABLE GEAR RATIO STEERINGSYSTEM
The variable gear ratio steering system adjusts the wheel
turning angle depending on the vehicle speed and how
much you turn the steering wheel.
The vehicle wheel turning angle will be changed with a smaller
degree of wheel maneuvering when you are driving at very low
speed such as when putting your vehicle into a garage.
In the following cases, to prevent the system from overheating,
the system could be temporarily deactivated with the change
in the center position of the steering wheel. This is not a
malfunction. After the cause of the problem is eliminated, the
system will return to normal automatically after a few minutes.
 If you continue maneuvering the steering wheel when the
vehicle is stopped or running at very low speed
 If you continue driving holding the steering wheel to the
extreme right or left
 If you maneuver the steering wheel immediately after
starting the engine at less than about −30C (− 22F) While the system is not functioning, a larger degree of wheel
maneuvering is needed during driving at low speed. If the
center position of the steering wheel is changed frequently,
have your vehicle inspected at your Lexus dealer.
CAUTION
Take due care especially when driving at low speed as
the vehicle changes direction in greater proportion to
the steering wheel maneuvering.
NOTICE
Do not disconnect the battery with the steering wheel
turned, or the center position of the steering wheel
could be slightly and temporarily changed. However,
after driving for a short while, the system will return to
normal
and the center position of the steering wheel will
be in the appropriate position.
The light will flash if you disconnect and reconnect the battery
terminal. This is because the system is reset temporarily.
However, it is no problem to drive. To turn off the light, drive for
a short while. The system will be set automatically and return
to normal.

STARTING AND DRIVING
295
BRAKE SYSTEM
This brake system has 2 independent hydraulic circuits. If
either circuit should fail, the other will still work. However, the
pedal will be harder to press, and your stopping distance will
increase. Also, the brake system warning light may come on.
CAUTION
Do not drive your vehicle with only a single brake
system. Have your brakes fixed immediately.
Brake booster
The brake booster uses brake fluid pressurized by the pump
to power−assist the brakes. If the brake booster fails during
driving, the brake system warning light comes on and buzzer
sounds continuously. In this case, the brakes may not work
properly. If they do not work well, depress the brake pedal
firmly. If the brake system warning light comes on, immediately
stop your vehicle and contact your Lexus dealer.
The brake system warning light may stay on for about 60
seconds after the ignition key is turned to the “ON” position.
It is normal if the light turns off after a while.
Depressing the brake pedal repeatedly may turn on the brake
system warning light and buzzer. It is normal if the light goes
out and the buzzer stops sounding after a few seconds. You may hear a small sound in the engine compartment after
the engine is started or the brake pedal is depressed
repeatedly. This is a pump pulsating sound of the brake
system, and it is not a malfunction.
CAUTION

Do not pump the brake pedal if the engine stalls.
Each push on the pedal uses up your brake fluid
pressure reserve.
 Even if the power assist is completely lost, the brakes
will still work. But you will have to push the pedal
hard, much harder than normal. And your braking
distance will increase.
Antilock brake system
The antilock brake system is designed to automatically
help prevent lockup of the wheels during a sudden brake
or braking on slippery roa d surfaces. This assists in
providing directional stability and steering performance
of the vehicle under these circumstances.
Effective way to press the ABS brake pedal: When the
anti−lock brake system function is in action, you may feel the
brake pedal pulsating and hear a noise. In this situation, to
let the anti−lock brake system work for you, just hold the
brake pedal down more firmly. Do not pump the brake in a
panic stop. This will result in reduced braking performance.

STARTING AND DRIVING
296The anti
−lock brake 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).
Depressing the brake pedal on slippery road surfaces such as
on a manhole cover, a steel plate at a construction site, joints
in a bridge, etc. on a rainy day tends to activate the anti −lock
brake system.
You may hear a click or motor sound in the engine
compartment for a few seconds when the engine is started or
just after the vehicle begins to move. This means that the
anti−lock brake system is in the self− check mode, and does not
indicate a malfunction.
When the antilock brake system is activated, the
following conditions may occur. They do not indicate a
malfunction of the system:
 You may hear the anti− lock brake system operating and feel
the brake pedal pulsating and the vibrations of the vehicle
body and steering wheel. You may also hear the motor
sound in the engine compartment even after the vehicle is
stopped.
 At the end of the anti−lock brake system activation, the
brake pedal may move a little to the forward.
CAUTION
Do not overestimate the antilock brake system:
Although the antilock brake system assists in
providing vehicle control, it is still important to drive
with all due care and maintain a moderate speed and
safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, because
there are limits to the vehicle stability and effectiveness
of steering wheel operation even with the antilock
brake system on.
If tire grip performance exceeds its capability, or if
hydroplaning occurs during high speed driving in the
rain, the antilock brake system does not provide
vehicle control.
Antilock brake system is not designed to shorten the
stopping distance: Always drive at a moderate speed
and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of
you. Compared with vehicles without an antilock
brake system, your vehicle may require a longer
stopping distance in the following cases:
 Driving on rough, gravel or snowcovered roads.
 Driving with tire chains installed.

STARTING AND DRIVING
297
Driving over the steps such as the joints on the road.
 Driving on roads where the road surface is pitted or
has other differences in surface height.
Install all 4 tires of specified size at appropriate
pressure: The antilock brake system detects vehicle
speeds using the speed s ensors for respective wheels’
turning speeds. The use of tires other than specified
may fail to detect the accurate turning speed resulting
in a longer stopping distance.“ABS” warning light
31X506
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/or the
vehicle stability 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.

STARTING AND DRIVING
298If either of the following conditions occurs, this indicates
a malfunction somewhere in the components 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 a 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.
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 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 58 or 297.