traction control LEXUS LX470 2006 Owners Manual

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR LEXUS
vi
Accessories, spare parts and modification of
your Lexus
A wide variety of non−genuine spare parts and accessories for
Lexus vehicles are currently available in the market. You
should know that Toyota does not warrant these products and
is not responsible for their performance, repair, or
replacement, or for any damage they may cause to, or adverse
effect they may have on, your Lexus vehicle.
This vehicle should not be modified with non −genuine Lexus
products. Modification with non −genuine Lexus products
could af fect its performance, safety or durability, and may even
violate governmental regulations. In addition, damage or
performance problems resulting from the modification may not
be covered under warranty.
If you install any Genuine Accessories such as a bull−bar,
winch, etc., consult your Lexus dealer.
Spark ignition system of your Lexus
The spark ignition system in your Lexus meets all
requirements of the Canadian Interference− Causing
Equipment Standard.
Installation of a mobile twoway radio system
As the installation of a mobile two −way radio system in your
vehicle could affect electronic systems such as the multiport
fuel injection system/sequential multiport fuel injection system,
cruise control system, anti −lock brake system, active traction
control system, vehicle stability control system, active height
control system, adaptive variable suspension system, SRS
airbag system and seat belt pretensioner system, be sure to
check with your Lexus dealer for precautionary measures or
special instructions regarding installation.
Tires and loading on your Lexus
Underinflated or overinflated tire pressure and the
excess load may result in the deterioration of steering
ability and braking ability, leading to an accident. Check
the tire inflation pressure periodically and be sure to
keep the load limits given in this Owner’s Manual. For
details about tire inflation pressure and load limits, see
pages 424 and 328.
Scrapping of your Lexus
The SRS airbag and seat belt pretensioner devices in your
Lexus contain explosive chemicals. If the vehicle is scrapped
with the airbags and seat belt pretensioners left as they are,
this may cause an accident such as a fire. Be sure to have the
systems of the SRS airbag and seat belt pretensioner removed
and disposed of by a qualified service shop or by your Lexus
dealer before you scrap your vehicle.

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
xviPage
1
Roll sensing of curtain shield airbags
off indicator light 45, 146
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 Voltmeter 50
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
3 Fuel gauge 48
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Odometer and trip meter 51
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 “PWR” mode indicator light 261
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Driver’s seat belt reminder light 55
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7 Turn signal indicator light 32
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 Headlight high beam indicator light 32
. . . . . . . . . . .
9 Headlight indicator light 30
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10 Open door warning light 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11 Cruise control indicator light 276
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12 Automatic transmission second start
indicator light 266 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13 Tachometer 51
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14 Engine coolant temperature gauge 48
. . . . . . . . . . . .
15 Engine oil pressure gauge 49
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16 Lexus night view system warning light 275 . . . . . . .
17 Brake system warning light 54
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18 Charging system warning light 61
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19 Automatic transmission fluid temperature
warning light 59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
20 SRS warning light
56
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21 Variable gear ratio steering
system warning light 294 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22 Unengaged “Park” warning light 59
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23 Active height control indicator lights 284
. . . . . . . . .
24 Low washer fluid warning light 61
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25 Engine oil replacement reminder light 56
. . . . . . . . .
26 Vehicle stability control system OFF
indicator light 291 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27 Vehicle stability control system and active traction
control system warning light 289, 291 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28 Slip indicator light 290
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
29 Center differential lock indicator light 266
. . . . . . . .
30 Active traction control system indicator light 288 .
31 Automatic transmission indicator lights 259. . . . . .
32 Odo/Trip knob 51
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
33 Tire pressure warning light 59
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
34 Malfunction indicator lamp 57
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
35 Antilock brake system warning light 58
. . . . . . . . . .
36 Instrument panel light control dial 66
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
37 Low fuel level warning light 61
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
38 Fuel filler door indicator 93
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
xviiiPage
1
Roll sensing of curtain shield
airbags off indicator light 45, 146
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 Voltmeter 50
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
3 Fuel gauge 48
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 Odometer and trip meter 51
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 “PWR” mode indicator light 261
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 Driver’s seat belt reminder light 55
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7 Turn signal indicator light 32
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 Headlight high beam indicator light 32
. . . . . . . . . . .
9 Tail light indicator light 30
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10 Open door warning light 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11 Cruise control indicator light 276
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12 Automatic transmission second start
indicator light 266 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13 Tachometer 51
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14 Engine coolant temperature gauge 48
. . . . . . . . . . . .
15 Engine oil pressure gauge 49
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16 Lexus night view system warning light 275 . . . . . . .
17 Brake system warning light 54
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18 Discharge warning light 61
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19 Automatic transmission fluid temperature
warning light 59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
20 SRS warning light
56
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21 Variable gear ratio steering system
warning light 294 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22 Unengaged “Park” warning light 59
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23 Active height control indicator lights 284
. . . . . . . . .
24 Low washer fluid warning light 61
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25 Vehicle stability control system
OFF indicator light 291 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26 Vehicle stability control system and active traction
control system warning light 289, 291 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27 Slip indicator light 290
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28 Center differential lock indicator light 266
. . . . . . . .
29 Active traction control system indicator light 288 .
30 Automatic transmission indicator lights 259. . . . . .
31 Odo/Trip knob 51
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
32 Tire pressure warning light 59
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
33 Malfunction indicator lamp 57
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
34 Antilock brake system warning light 58
. . . . . . . . . .
35 Instrument panel light control dial 66
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
36 Low fuel level warning light 61
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
37 Fuel filler door indicator 93
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
58
(g) “ABS” Warning Light
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.
If 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 the 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.
(h) Open Door Warning Light
This light remains on until all the side doors and back door are
completely closed.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
60
(l) Vehicle Stability Control System andActive Traction Control System Warning
Light
This light warns that there is a problem somewhere in the
vehicle stability control system and active traction control
system.
If the “VSC/TRAC” warning light and “VSC OFF” indicator light
come on, have your vehicle checked by Lexus dealer as soon
as possible. However, it is no problem that the “VSC/TRAC”
warning light comes on when the brake actuator temperature
becomes high. (For details, see “Active traction control
system” on page 288.)
The lights will stay on with the ignition key turned to “ON”, and
will go off after about 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 out after a
while.
Depressing the brake pedal repeatedly may turn on the lights.
It is normal if they go out after a few seconds.
When the “VSC/TRAC” warning light and “VSC OFF” indicator
light come on, the vehicle stability control system and/or active
traction control system do not operate, but there is no problem
to continue your driving.
(m) Variable Gear Ratio Steering System Warning Light
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.
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.

222
GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
63
The following service reminder indicators go off after a few
seconds.

w73

w72a

218
214 wtracorw227
or

The following service reminder indicat
or goes off after about 6
seconds.
The anti −lock brake system warning light, vehicle stability
control system off indicator light and vehicle stability control
system and active traction control system warning light may
stay on for about 60 seconds after the ignition key is turned to
the “ON” position. It is normal if they go out after a while.
If any service reminder indicator or warning buzzer does not
function as described above, have it checked by your Lexus
dealer as soon as possible.
TRIP INFORMATION DISPLAY (Vehicles without navigation system)
13x541z
The following information is shown with the ignition
switch turned on. Each time you push the “MODE” button,
the displayed information is changed.
 Average vehicle speed
 Driving distance after engine starting
 Available driving range
 Average fuel consumption after being refueled
 Current fuel consumption
The displayed trip information values indicate the general
driving condition and may not always reflect precise and actual
conditions.

SECTION 3 – 1
253
STARTING AND DRIVING
Starting and driving
Three−way catalytic converters254
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine exhaust caution 255
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before starting the engine 256
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition switch 256
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . .
Parking brake 258
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . .
How to start the engine 258
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic transmission 259
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Four−wheel drive system 266
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear view monitor system 269
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lexus night view system 272
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise control 275
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . .
Active height control suspension (AHC) 279
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adaptive variable suspension (AVS) 287
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Active traction control system 288
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle stability control system 290
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Variable gear ratio steering system 293
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake system 295
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . .
Brake pad wear limit indicators 299
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire pressure warning system 299
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

STARTING AND DRIVING
267
NOTICE
As soon as the center differential lock switch is turned
on, the “VSC OFF” indicator light comes on. After the
wheels are out of the ditch or off the slippery or bumpy
surface, turn the center differential lock switch off.
Make sure the center differential lock indicator light and
vehicle stability control system off indicator light turn
off.
“H” (high speed position, center differential unlocked):
Lever at “H”, center differential lock button left out
Use this for normal driving on all types of roads, from dry
hard−surfaced roads to wet, icy or snow −covered roads. This
position gives greater economy, quietest ride, least wear and
better vehicle control.
“H” (high speed position, center differential locked):
Lever at “H”, center differential lock button pushed in
Use this for greater traction when you experience a loss of
power, such as wheel slipping, in the center dif ferential unlock
mode.
“N” (neutral position): Lever at “N”
No power is delivered to the wheels. The vehicle must be
stopped. “L” (low speed position, center differential unlocked):
Lever at “L”, center differential lock button left out
Use this for maximum power and traction. Use this for climbing
or descending steep hills, off
−road driving, and hard pulling in
sand or mud.
In this mode, the braking feeling that occurs when the wheels
are negotiating a sharp corner is further reduced than in the “L”
(low position, center differential locked) mode.
“L” (low speed position, center differential locked): Lever
at “L”, center differential lock button pushed in
Use this for maximum power and traction. Use this for hard
pulling in situations the vehicle cannot negotiate even in the “L”
(low speed position, center differential unlocked) mode. Also,
using this mode when driving down steep off −road inclines will
help contribute to increased vehicle stability.
The indicator light tells when the differential lock is engaged.
Note that the differential is not still locked as long as the
indicator light remains off.
When the operation is not completed, the indicator blinks. If
the indicator light does not go off when you push out the center
differential lock switch, drive straight ahead while accelerating
or decelerating, or drive in reverse.
The center differential lock system operation is not completed
within 5 seconds while the cruise control system is set, cancel
the cruise control system. To cancel the cruise control system,
see “Cruise control” on page 275.

STARTING AND DRIVING
268If the indicator light does not go off when you push out the
center differential lock button, drive straight ahead while
accelerating or decelerating, or drive in reverse.
See “(b) Shifting procedure” for further instructions.
Advice for driving on slippery roads in “L” (low speed
position) mode
If you shift the four
−wheel drive control lever to “L”, the
automatic transmission lever to “2” when you drive in steep
off −road areas, the output of the brake can be controlled
effectively by the active traction control system, which assists
the driver to control the driving power of 4 wheels.
Use the “L” position of the automatic transmission lever for
maximum power and traction when your wheels get stuck or
when you drive down a steep incline. In the following cases,
the out put of the brake can be controlled by the active traction
control system if the engine speed is under 3,000 rpm
(normally engine speed is under 3,000 rpm when the wheels
get unstuck).
 The four− wheel drive control lever in the “L” position and the
automatic transmission lever in the “L” position or the
automatic transmission lever in the “D”, “4”, “3” or “2” \
with
the transmission downshifting to the first gear
 The four− wheel drive control lever in the “L” position and the
automatic transmission lever in the “R” position
(As for the automatic transmission lever positions, see
“Automatic transmission” on page 259.)
(b) Shifting procedure
To shift between unlock and lock modes in “H”, push the
center differential lock button.
To shift between unlock and lock modes in “L”, push the
center differential lock button.
To shift between “H” and “L”, stop the vehicle, put the
transmission into “N” and move the four −wheel drive control
lever.
CAUTION
Never move the fourwheel drive control lever if wheels
are slipping. Stop the slipping or spinning before
shifting.
NOTICE
For normal driving on dry and hard surface roads,
unlock the center dif ferential. To prevent damage to the
center differential lock system, do not push the center
differential lock button when the vehicle is cornering or
when its wheels are spinning freely of f the ground. If the
indicator light does not go off when unlocking the
center differential, drive straight ahead while
accelerating or decelerating, or drive in reverse.

STARTING AND DRIVING
282
Before you lower the vehicle height with the height
select switch, check under the vehicle to make sure
that nothing to damage the vehicle or no one to be
injured is there and the underbody of the vehicle
does not touch the ground.
 After unloading, the height of a vehicl e equipped with
the active height control suspension becomes
slightly higher than the normal vehicle height. Take
sufficient care where the overhead height is
restricted.
The vehicle height cannot be raised if the vehicle load
exceeds the following limits:
 Up to 4 occupants* plus about 300 kg (661 lb.) in the normal
mode
 Up to 4 occupants* plus about 170 kg (375 lb.) in the high
mode
*About 68 kg (150 lb.) for a person
If the above load capacity is exceeded, the desired vehicle
height may not be obtained even if the height select switch is
pushed. (If the vehicle height cannot be raised in the normal
mode and the height control indicator indicates “LO”, this is
because the vehicle is loaded too heavily. Under these
conditions, drive your vehicle with due care.)
If the vehicle height cannot be raised even after unloading,
push the height select switch on the “
” side and then on the
“ ” side. If this does not work, turn off the ignition once and
then turn on. Operate the select switch again. If the vehicle height is adjusted on the slope, or with the
selector lever in a position other than “P” or “N” while the\
vehicle is stopped, you may h
ear a sound caused by the
expansion and contraction of the propeller shaft.
 Selecting the high mode:
Push the height select switch on the “ ” side when the vehicle
speed is under about 30 km/h (19 mph).
To change the normal mode to high, push the switch once.
To change the low mode to high, push the switch twice. It
takes about 30 seconds until the low mode changes to the high
mode.
 Selecting the normal mode:
To change the high mode to normal, push the height select
switch on the “
” side once.
To change the low mode to normal, push the height select
switch on the “ ” side once.
 Selecting the low mode:
Push the height select switch on the “
” side while the vehicle
is stopped.
To change the high mode to low, push the switch twice.
To change the normal mode to low, push the switch once.