engine Lexus GX460 2012 Owners Manual

325
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
GX460_U.S.A. (OM60J00U)
■When the four-wheel drive control switch can be operated
●The “ENGINE START STOP” switch is in IGNITION ON mode.
●The shift lever is in the N position.
●The vehicle is stopped completely.
■The low speed four-wheel drive indicator light
●The indicator light blinks while switching between H4 and L4.
●If the low speed four-wheel drive indicator light continues to blink when you
operate the four-wheel drive control switch to the H4 or L4 position, stop the
vehicle completely, shift the shift lever securely into N and then operate the
switch again.
●If the shift lever is moved before the low speed four-wheel drive indicator turns
on/off, the transfer mode may not be shifted completely. The transfer mode dis-
engages both the front and rear drive shafts from the powertrain and allows the
vehicle to move regardless of the shift position. (At this time, the indicator blinks
and the buzzer sounds.)
Therefore, the vehicle is free to roll even if the shift lever is in P. You or someone
else could be seriously injured. You must complete the shifting of the transfer
mode and confirm that the indicator light has turned off (H4) or turned on (L4).
●If the engine coolant temperature is too low, the four-wheel drive control system
may not be able to shift. When the engine is warmer operate the switch again.
If the indicator continue to blink even if doing so, have the vehicle inspected by your
Lexus dealer as soon as possible. There may be a trouble in the four-wheel drive
system.

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2-4. Using other driving systems
GX460_U.S.A. (OM60J00U)
■When the center differential lock/unlock switch can be operated
The “ENGINE START STOP” switch is in IGNITION ON mode.
■The center differential lock indicator light
●The indicator light blinks while locking/unlocking the center differential.
●If the center differential lock indicator light blinks and the buzzer sounds when
the center differential is locked, stop the slipping or spinning and push the
switch again.
If the indicator continue to blink even if doing so, have the vehicle inspected by your
Lexus dealer as soon as possible. There may be a trouble in the four-wheel drive
system.
■Locking/unlocking the center differential
●When the four-wheel drive control switch is in L4 with the center differential
locked, VSC is automatically turned off. (The center differential lock and VSC
OFF indicator light will come on.)
●If the operation is not completed, the center differential lock indicator blinks. If
the indicator light does not turn off when unlocking the center differential, drive
straight ahead while accelerating or decelerating, or drive in reverse.
●Avoid turning suddenly while the center differential is locked. If you do turn sud-
denly, the difference in turning speeds between the front and rear wheels may
have a similar effect to braking, thus making driving difficult.

330
2-4. Using other driving systems
GX460_U.S.A. (OM60J00U)
■Automatic system cancelation
In the following situations, the system is canceled automatically:
At that time, the buzzer will sound, the slip indicator turns off, and the Crawl Con-
trol indicator flashes.
A notification will be displayed on the multi-information display for several seconds.
(→ P. 700)
●When the shift lever is moved to P or N.
●When the four-wheel drive control switch is in H4.
●When the driver’s door is opened.
When turning off Crawl Control while traveling, stop the vehicle before the Crawl
Control indicator turns off, or drive extremely carefully.
■Function limit
●In the following situations, you will be able to use brake control to drive downhill
at a fixed low speed, but you will be unable to use engine control to drive uphill
at a fixed low speed.
• When the driving mode is set to second start mode.
• When the vehicle speed is higher than 6 mph (10 km/h).
●In the following situation, engine control and brake control will stop temporarily:
At that time, the Crawl Control indicator flashes.
When the vehicle speed is higher than 15 mph (25 km/h).
■When the Crawl Control system is operated continuously
This may cause the brake actuator to overheat. In this case, the Crawl Control sys-
tem will stop operating, a buzzer will sound, the Crawl Control indicator will turn off
after flashing and the TRAC OFF will be shown on the multi-information display. In
this case, quickly stop the vehicle in a safe place and give the actuator adequate
time to cool off. Refrain from using the system until the message goes off. (The vehi-
cle can be driven normally during this time.)

331
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
GX460_U.S.A. (OM60J00U)
■If the automatic transmission system overheats
The system will cease operation, a buzzer will sound and a warning message will be
displayed to alert the driver. Stop the vehicle in a safe place until the warning mes-
sage turns off. (→P. 700)
■Sounds and vibrations caused by the Crawl Control system
●A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the engine is
started or just after the vehicle begins to move. This sound does not indicate that
a malfunction has occurred in Crawl Control system.
●Either of the following conditions may occur when the Crawl Control system is
operating. None of these are indicators that a malfunction has occurred.
• Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.
• A motor sound may be heard after the vehicle comes to a stop.
■If the slip indicator comes on...
It may indicate a malfunction in the system. Consult your Lexus dealer.
CAUTION
■When using Crawl Control
Do not rely solely on the Crawl Control. This function does not extend the vehicle’s
performance limitations. Always thoroughly check the road conditions, and drive
safely.
■These conditions may cause the system not to operate properly
When driving on the following surfaces, the system may not be able to maintain a
fixed low speed, which may result in an accident:
●Extremely steep inclines.
●Extremely uneven surfaces.
●Snow-covered roads, or other slippery surfaces.

333
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
GX460_U.S.A. (OM60J00U)
■Operating tips
The system will operate when the shift lever is in a position other than P, however to
make effective use of the system it is recommended that the shift lever be shifted to
2 or 1 range of S mode.
■If the four-wheel drive control switch is in H4
The system does not operate.
■When the downhill assist control system is operated continuously
This may cause the brake actuator to overheat. In this case, the downhill assist con-
trol system will stop operating, a buzzer will sound and the DAC indicator will start
flashing, and the TRAC OFF will be shown on the multi-information display. Refrain
from using the system until the DAC indicator stays on and the message goes off.
(The vehicle can be driven normally during this time.)
■Sounds and vibrations caused by the DAC
●A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the engine is
started or just after the vehicle begins to move. This sound does not indicate that
a malfunction has occurred in DAC.
●Either of the following conditions may occur when the DAC is operating. None
of these are indicators that a malfunction has occurred.
• Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.
• A motor sound may be heard after the vehicle comes to a stop.
■System malfunction
●The DAC indicator does not come on when the “ENGINE START STOP”
switch is turned to IGNITION ON mode.
●The “DAC” indicator does not come on when the “DAC” switch is pressed.
●The slip indicator comes on.
In the above cases, have your vehicle checked by your Lexus dealer.

338
2-4. Using other driving systems
GX460_U.S.A. (OM60J00U)
Disabling the TRAC or Active TRAC/VSC systems
If the vehicle gets stuck in fresh snow or mud, the TRAC or Active TRAC/
VSC systems may reduce power from the engine to the wheels. You may
need to turn the system off to enable you to rock the vehicle in order to
free it.
■ Turning off TRAC or Active TRAC system only
To turn the TRAC or Active TRAC
system off, quickly press and
release the button.
The TRAC OFF will be shown on
the multi-information display.
Press the button again to turn the
system back on.
■Turning off both TRAC or Active TRAC and VSC systems
To turn the TRAC or Active TRAC
and VSC systems off, press and
hold the button for more than 3
seconds while the vehicle is
stopped.
The VSC OFF indicator light will
come on and the TRAC OFF will
be shown on the multi- information
display.
Press the button again to turn the
system back on.

339
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
GX460_U.S.A. (OM60J00U)
■When the TRAC OFF is displayed on the multi-information display even if the
VSC OFF switch has not been pressed
TRAC/Active TRAC, hill-start assist control, downhill assist control and Crawl
Control cannot be operated. Contact your Lexus dealer.
■Hill-start assist control operation conditions
●The shift lever is in D or S.
●The brake pedal is not depressed.
■Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS/Multi Terrain ABS, brake assist, VSC,
TRAC/Active TRAC and hill-start assist control systems
●A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the engine is
started or just after the vehicle begins to move. This sound does not indicate that
a malfunction has occurred in any of these systems.
●Any of the following conditions may occur when the above systems are operat-
ing. None of these indicates that a malfunction has occurred.
• Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.
• A motor sound may be heard after the vehicle comes to a stop.
• The brake pedal may pulsate slightly after the ABS/Multi Terrain ABS is acti-vated.
• The brake pedal may move down slightly after the ABS/Multi Terrain ABS is
activated.
■Reactivation of the TRAC or Active TRAC/VSC systems after turning off the
engine
Turning off the engine after turning off the TRAC or Active TRAC/VSC systems
will automatically reactivate them.
■Reactivation of the TRAC or Active TRAC system linked to vehicle speed
When only the TRAC or Active TRAC system is turned off, the TRAC or Active
TRAC system will turn on when vehicle speed increases. However, when both
TRAC or Active TRAC and VSC systems are turned off, the systems will not turn on
even when vehicle speed increases.

357
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
GX460_U.S.A. (OM60J00U)
NOTICE
■To prevent the water damage
Take all necessary safety measures to ensure that water damage to the engine or
other components does not occur.
●Water entering the engine air intake will cause severe engine damage.
●Water entering the automatic transmission will cause deterioration in shift quality,
locking up of your transmission accompanied by vibration, and ultimately dam-
age.
●Water can wash the grease from wheel bearings, causing rusting and premature
failure, and may also enter the differentials, transmission and transfer case, reduc-
ing the gear oil’s lubricating qualities.
■When you drive through water
If driving through water, such as when crossing shallow streams, first check the
depth of the water and the bottom of the riverbed for firmness. Drive slowly and
avoid deep water.
■Inspection after off-road driving
●Sand and mud that has accumulated in brake drums and around brake discs may
affect braking efficiency and may damage brake system components.
●Always perform a maintenance inspection after each day of off-road driving that
has taken you through rough terrain, sand, mud, or water. For scheduled mainte-
nance information, refer to the “Warranty and Services Guide”, “Owner’s Manual
Supplement” or “Scheduled Maintenance”.

366
2-5. Driving information
GX460_U.S.A. (OM60J00U)
Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving the
vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropriate to the
prevailing weather conditions.
■Pre-winter preparations
●Use fluids that are appropriate to the prevailing outside tempera-
tures.
• Engine oil
• Engine coolant
• Washer fluid
● Have a service technician inspect the level and specific gravity of
battery electrolyte.
● Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set of
tire chains for the rear tires.
Ensure that all tires are the same size and brand, and that chains match
the size of the tires.
■ Before driving the vehicle
Perform the following according to the driving conditions:
●Do not try to forcibly open a window or move a wiper that is fro-
zen. Pour warm water over the frozen area to melt the ice. Wipe
away the water immediately to prevent it from freezing.
● To ensure proper operation of the climate control system fan,
remove any snow that has accumulated on the air inlet vents in
front of the windshield.
● Remove any ice that has accumulated on the vehicle chassis.
● Periodically check for and remove any excess ice or snow that
may have accumulated in the wheel well or on the brakes.

380
2-5. Driving information
GX460_U.S.A. (OM60J00U)
Connecting and disconnecting a trailer
Stop your vehicle and a trailer in line and perform the following:
● Connecting a trailer
Set the rear height control air suspension to N mode.
Turn off the “ENGINE START STOP” switch or the rear height
control air suspension.
Connect the trailer.
Turn on the switch that was turned off on .
● Disconnecting a trailer
Set the rear height control air suspension to N mode.
Turn off the rear height control air suspension.
Turn off the “ENGINE START STOP” switch.
Set the supporting leg of the trailer on the ground and raise the
hitch by 4 in. (100 mm)
Turn on the “ENGINE START STOP” switch.
Turn on the rear height control air suspension.
Wait until vehicle height is stabilized.
Make sure the hitch is disconnected. If the hitch does not disconnect,
raise the hitch higher and repeat steps 2 through 7.
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