overheating Lexus GS350 2008 Do-it-yourself maintenance / LEXUS 2008 GS460/350 OWNER'S MANUAL (OM30A87U)

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2-1. Driving procedures
GS_G_U
May 13, 2008 5:14 pm
CAUTION
■When taking a nap in the vehicle
Always turn the engine off. Otherwise, you may accidentally move the shift lever or
depress the accelerator pedal, which could cause an accident or fire due to engine
overheating. Additionally, if the vehicle is parked in a poorly ventilated area, exhaust
gases may collect and enter th e vehicle, leading to death or a serious health hazard.
■When braking the vehicle
●When the brakes are wet, drive more cautiously. 
Braking distance increases when the brakes are wet, and may cause one side of
the vehicle to brake differently than the other side. Also the parking brake may
not securely hold the vehicle.
●If the brake actuator (GS460) or brake booster (GS350) does not operate, do
not follow other vehicles closely and avoi d downhill or sharp turns that require
making. 
In this case, braking is still possible, but it will require more force on the pedal than
usual. Braking distance may also increase.
●Do not pump the brake pedal if turning the engine off. 
Each push on the brake pedal uses up the reserve for the power-assisted brakes.
●The brake system consists of 3 (GS460) or 2 (GS350) individual hydraulic sys-
tems: If one of the systems fails, the other will still operate. In this case, the brake
pedal should be depressed more firmly th an usual and braking distance becomes
longer. 
Do not drive your vehicle with only a single brake system. Have your brakes fixed
immediately.
■If the vehicle becomes stuc k or bogged (4WD models)
Do not spin the wheels recklessly when any of the tires is up in the air, or stuck in
sand or mud, etc. This may damage the drive system components or propel the
vehicle forward (or in another direction) and cause an accident.

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2-2. Instrument cluster
2
When driving
GS_G_U
May 13, 2008 5:14 pm
NOTICE
■To prevent damage to the engine and its components
●The engine may be overheating if the engine coolant temperature gauge is in the
red zone (“H”). In this case, immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place. Check
the engine after it has cooled completely. (P. 5 3 3 )
●Do not let the indicator needle of the tachometer enter the red zone, which indi-
cates the maximum engine speed.
■To activate the light sensitivity function properly
Do not affix a sticker or window tint to the rear window glass, or put an object
behind the rear seat.

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2-4. Using other driving systems
GS_G_U
May 13, 2008 5:14 pm
■Reduced effectiveness of EPS
The effectiveness of EPS is reduced to prevent the system from overheating when
there is frequent steering input over an extended period of time. The steering wheel
may feel heavy as a result. Should this occur, refrain from excessive steering input or
stop the vehicle and turn the engine off. The system should return to normal about
10 minutes.
■GS460: VGRS is disabled in the following situations
●During stopping or the steering wheel has been moved for a long time while
driving at lower speeds.
●After the engine is restarted at less than -22°F (-30°C).
CAUTION
Any of the following conditions may result in an accident which could cause death or
serious injury:
■The ABS does not operate effectively when
●The limits of tire gripping performance have been exceeded.
●The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on the wet or slick road.
■Stopping distance when the ABS is operating will exceed that of normal condi-
tions
The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehicle’s stopping dist ance. Always main-
tain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you in the following situations.
●When driving on dirt, gravel or snow-covered roads
●When driving with tire chains
●When driving over bumps in the road
●When driving over roads with potholes or roads with uneven roads
■TRAC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be ac hievable while driving on slippery road
surfaces, even if the TRAC is operating. 
Do not drive the vehicle in conditions where stability and power may be lost.

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3-7. Other interior features
3
Interior features
GS_G_U
May 13, 2008 5:14 pm
CAUTION
■Burns
●Use caution when seating the following persons in a seat with the seat heater on
to avoid the possibility of burns:
• Babies, small children, the elderly, the sick and the disabled
• Persons with sensitive skin
• Persons who are fatigued
• Persons who have taken alcohol or drugs that induce sleep (sleeping drugs,
cold remedies, etc.)
●Do not cover the seat with anything when using the seat heater. 
Using the seat heater with a blanket or cushion increases the temperature of the
seat and may lead to overheating.
NOTICE
■To prevent damage to the seat heaters/ventilators
Do not put heavy objects on the seat and do not stick sharp objects (needles, nails,
etc.) into the seat.
■To prevent 12 volt battery discharge
Turn the switches off when the engine is off.

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5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
GS_G_U
May 13, 2008 5:14 pm
■Overheating
In the following situations, your vehicle may be overheating.
●The engine coolant temperature gauge enters the red zone or a loss of power is
experienced.
●Steam is coming from under the hood.
CAUTION
■To prevent an accident or injury when in specting under the hood of your vehicle
●Keep hands and clothing away from the fan and engine drive belt while the
engine is running.
●Do not loosen the radiator cap while the engine and radiator are hot. 
Serious injury, such as burns, may resu lt from hot coolant and steam released
under pressure.
Add coolant if necessary.
Water can be used in an emer-
gency measure if coolant is
unavailable. ( P. 5 4 6 )
Have the vehicle checked at your nearest Lexus dealer as soon as pos-
sible.
STEP6

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Alphabetical index
GS_G_U
May 13, 2008 5:14 pm
BrakeFluid ............................................................ 416
Parking brake ..........................................131
Brake assist ............................................... 184
Care Exterior ...................................................388
Interior....................................................... 391
Seat belts ............................................... 392
Cargo capacity ....................................... 194
Cargo hooks .......................................... 360
CD player/changer .............................242
Chains....................................................... 200
Child-protectors ..................................... 38
Child restraint system Definition................................................... 98
Installation................................................ 102
Installing CRS with lower 
anchors .................................................106
Installing CRS with seatbelts .........103
Installing CRS with top straps ....... 107
Child safety Airbag precautions ............................. 87
Battery precautions ................ 419, 532
Child restraint system ........................ 98
Child-protectors................................... 38
How your child should wear 
the seatbelt ........................................... 56
Installing child restraints ................... 102
Moon roof precautions ..................... 69
Power window lock switch ..............64
Power window precautions.............64
Removed electronic key battery 
precautions ......................................... 441
Seat belt comfort guide..................... 54
Seat belt precautions...........................57 Seat heater precautions................ 355
Trunk precautions................................. 44
Cigarette lighter....................................352
Cleaning Exterior................................................... 388
Interior ...................................................... 391
Seat belts ................................................392
Clock ......................................................... 349
Coin holder .............................................345
Compass ..................................................369
Condenser ............................................... 415
Console box ........................................... 342
Cooling system Engine overheating.......................... 533
Cruise control Cruise control....................................... 150
Dynamic radar cruise control....... 153
Cup holders ............................................345
Curtain shield airbags........................... 80
Customizable features .......................569
Daytime running light system ........... 143
Defogger Rear window ........................................ 225
Side mirror............................................. 225
Dimension................................................540
Dinghy towing ........................................205
Display Multi-information display ................ 139
Touch screen ...................................... 208
Trip information ................................... 140
Warning message ............................. 497
Do-it-yourself maintenance ............ 400
Door courtesy lights ............................ 337
Door pocket............................................ 346
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Alphabetical index
GS_G_U
May 13, 2008 5:14 pm
DoorsDoor lock................................. 22, 34, 37
Rear door child protector ................ 38
Driver’s seat belt reminder light .....490
Driver’s seat position memory ........... 47
Driving Correct posture .................................... 78
Procedures ...............................................112
DVD player/changer........................... 251
Electric power steering ....................... 184
Electronic key If the electronic key does 
not operate properly .................... 526
Replacing battery .............................. 440
Emergency, in case of If a warning light turns on ............. 488
If a warning message is 
displayed ............................................ 497
If the electronic key does 
not operate properly .................... 526
If the engine will not 
start........................................................ 523
If the shift lever cannot be  shifted from “P”................................ 524
If the 12 volt battery is 
discharged ....................................... 529
If you have a flat tire ............... 512, 522
If you lose your keys......................... 525
If you think something is 
wrong ................................................... 484
If your vehicle becomes stuck.....536
If your vehicle needs to be 
towed ................................................... 478
If your vehicle overheats ................ 533 Engine
ACCESSORY mode........................122
Compartment ..................................... 406
Engine (ignition) switch...................... 121
Hood ....................................................... 403
How to start the engine ..................... 121
If the engine will not start ............... 523
Overheating ........................................ 533
Engine compartment cover .............408
Engine coolant temperature 
gauge .......................................................132
Engine coolant Capacity ................................................ 546
Checking................................................. 414
Preparing and checking 
before winter...................................... 199
Engine oil Capacity ................................................ 544
Checking............................................... 409
Preparing and checking 
before winter...................................... 199
Engine oil maintenance data .............412
Engine (ignition) switch......................... 121
Event data recorder ............................ 486
First-aid kit storage belt ..................... 360
Floor mats ................................................ 359
Fluid Brake ......................................................... 416
Washer................................................... 420
Fog lights Switch ........................................................ 145
Wattage ................................................. 552
Foot light .................................................. 337
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F

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Alphabetical index
GS_G_U
May 13, 2008 5:14 pm
JackPositioning a floor jack.................... 404
Replacing the wheel...........................512
Jack handle ............................................... 512
Keyless entry.............................................. 34
Keys Engine (ignition) switch ......................121
If the electronic key does 
not operate properly .................... 526
If you lose your keys......................... 525
Key number plate ................................. 20
Keys ............................................................. 20
Mechanical key...................................... 20
Wireless remote control key .......... 34
Lexus Link System ................................ 373
Light bulbs Replacing ............................................... 470
Wattage.................................................. 552
Light sensitive optitron meter ........... 134
Lights Fog light switch .....................................145
Headlights switch ................................ 142
Interior lights list.................................. 337
Replacing light bulbs........................ 470
Turn signal lever .................................. 130
Vanity lights ..........................................348
Wattage.................................................. 552 Maintenance
Do-it-yourself maintenance.........400
General maintenance..................... 396
Maintenance data ............................. 540
Maintenance requirements.......... 394
Meter Instrument panel light control ....... 133
Meters....................................................... 132
Micro dust and pollen filter ................ 221
Mirrors Inside rear view mirror ........................ 61
Side mirror heater..............................225
Side mirrors.............................................. 62
Vanity mirrors ..................................... 348
Moon roof....................................................67
MP3 disc...................................................247
Multi-information display ....................139
Odometer .................................................132
Oil Engine oil............................................... 409
Opener Fuel filler door .........................................70
Hood ....................................................... 403
Trunk............................................................ 42
Outer foot lights.................................... 337
Outside rear view mirrors Adjusting and folding .......................... 62
Mirror position memory .................... 47
Outside temperature 
display ..........................................140, 350
Overhead console ............................... 343
Overheating, Engine .......................... 533J
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