LEXUS LX470 2006 Owners Manual

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
290In the following cases, contact your Lexus dealer:

The “VSC/TRAC” warning light does not come on after the
ignition is turned to on.
 The “VSC/TRAC” remains on after the ignition is turned to
on.
CAUTION
Under certain slippery road conditions, full traction of
the vehicles and power to 4 wheels may not be
maintained, even though the active traction control
system is in operation. Do not drive the vehicle under
any speed or maneuvering conditions which will cause
the vehicle to lose traction. In situations where the road
surface is covered with ice or snow, your vehicle should
be fitted with snow tires or tire chains. Always drive at
an appropriate and cautious speed for the road
conditions present.
VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM
31X504
The vehicle stability control system helps provide
integrated control of the systems such as antilock
brakes, traction control, engine control, etc. This system
automatically controls the output of the brakes or engine
to help prevent the vehicle from skidding under adverse
conditions.
When you turn the ignition switch on, the slip indicator light will
come on. The slip indicator light will go off after a few seconds.
If the vehicle is going to skid during driving, the slip indicator
light flashes and an alarm sounds intermittently.

STARTING AND DRIVING
291
The vehicle stability control system is activated when the
vehicle speed is about more than 15 km/h (9 mph).
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 vehicle stability control
is in the self−
check mode and does not indicate a malfunction.
31X529
Pushing the center differential lock button automatically turns
the vehicle stability control system off. At this time, the “VSC
OFF” indicator comes on with the center differential lock
indicator light. (For details, see “Four −wheel drive system” on
page 266.)
31x505
 Vehicle stability control system failure warning
These lights warn when there is a problem somewhere in the
vehicle stability control system or active traction control
system.
If the “VSC/TRAC” warning light and “VSC OFF” indicator light
come on, have your vehicle checked by your Lexus dealer as
soon as possible. However, there is no problem even if the
“VSC/TRAC” warning light comes on when the brake actuator
temperature becomes high. (For details, see “Active traction
control system” on page 288.)
When the “ABS” warning light comes on, the vehicle stability
control system is not operating.
The lights will come on when the ignition key is turned to “ON”,
and will go off after a few seconds.
The lights may stay on for 60 seconds after the ignition key is
turned to the “ON” position. It is normal if they go off after a few
seconds.

STARTING AND DRIVING
292Depressing
the brake pedal repeatedly may turn on the lights.
It is normal if they go off after a few seconds.
When the “VSC/TRAC” warning light and “VSC OFF” indicator
light come on, the vehicle stability control system is not
operating, but there is no problem if you continue to drive.
In the following cases, contact your Lexus dealer:
 The “VSC/TRAC” warning light, “VSC OFF” indicator light
and slip indicator light do not come on after the ignition is
turned to on.
 The “VSC/TRAC” warning light and “VSC OFF” indicator
light remain on after the ignition is turned to on.
 The “VSC OFF” indicator light comes on while driving
without pushing the center differential lock switch.
CAUTION
Active traction control system, vehicle stability
control system and antilock brake system are
electronic systems designed to help the driver
maintain control under adverse conditions. They are
not a substitute for safe driving practices. Factors
including speed, road conditions and driver steering
input can all affect whether active traction control
system, vehicle stability control system and
antilock brake system will be effective in preventing
a loss of control. Always keep safety driving in mind.
If the slip indicator light flashes, sounding an alarm,
special care should be taken while driving.
 Only use tires of specified size. The size,
manufacturer, brand and tread pattern for all 4 tires
should be the same. If you use the tires other than
specified, or different type or size, the vehicle
stability control system may not function correctly.
When replacing the tires or wheels, contact your
Lexus dealer. (See “Checking and replacing tires” on
page 438.)

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
294
Variable gear ratio steering system failure
warning
31x500b
This light warns that there is a problem somewhere in the
variable gear ratio steering system.
The light will come on when the ignition key is turned to “ON”
and will go off after a few seconds.
If the light comes on while driving, the system is not working.
Although conventional steering operates when maneuvered,
a larger degree of wheel maneuvering (than at the time when
the system is functioning properly) is needed when driving at
low speed. At this time, the center position of the steering
wheel could be changed. Although it is no problem to continue
driving, have your vehicle repaired at your Lexus dealer. In the following cases, contact your Lexus dealer.

The warning light does not come on after the ignition key is
turned to “ON”.
 The warning light remains on after the ignition key is turned
to “ON”.
 The warning light comes on while driving.

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.