four wheel drive Lexus GX460 2012 User Guide

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.

326
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.

327
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
GX460_U.S.A. (OM60J00U)
CAUTION
■While driving
Observe the following precautions. Failure to do so may cause an accident result-
ing in death or serious injury.
●Never move the four-wheel drive control switch if the wheels have lost traction.
●Do not operate the center differential lock/unlock when the vehicle is turning or
when its wheels are spinning freely off the ground.
NOTICE
■To prevent damage to the center differential
●For normal driving on dry and hard surface roads, unlock the center differential.
●Unlock the center differential after the wheels are out of the ditch or off the slip-
pery or bumpy surface.

329
2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
GX460_U.S.A. (OM60J00U)
■The Crawl Control can be operated when
●The shift lever is in any gear other than P or N.
●The four-wheel drive control switch is in L4.
●The driver’s door is closed.
■Speed modes
● LO (low mode)
Effective when traveling on rocks, or descending a slope of
mogul and rubble.
*
●MED (medium mode)
Effective when ascending a slope of mogul.
*
●HI (high mode)
Effective when ascending a slope of mogul and rubble, or travel-
ing on snow, dirt, mud, sand, gravel, grass etc.
*
The position between low and medium modes and the position
between medium and high modes can also be selected.
*: Depending on the road surface, may not be the most effective.

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.)

332
2-4. Using other driving systems
GX460_U.S.A. (OM60J00U)
DAC (Downhill Assist Control system)∗
∗: If equipped
The DAC helps to prevent excessive speed on steep downhill slopes.
The system will operate when the vehicle is traveling under 15 mph
(25 km/h) and the four-wheel drive control switch is in the L4 position.
■System operation
Shift the “DAC” switch to ON.
The downhill assist control indi-
cator light comes on and the
system will operate.
When the system is in operation,
the slip indicator light will flash,
and the stop lights/high
mounted stop lights will be lit.
■Turning off the system
Shift the “DAC” switch to OFF while the system is in operation. The
downhill assist control indicator will flash as the system gradually
ceases operation, and will turn off when the system is fully off.
Shift the “DAC” switch to ON while the downhill assist control indi-
cator is flashing to start the system again.

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.

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.

5
When trouble arises
681
5-1. Essential information
GX460_U.S.A. (OM60J00U)
■Before emergency towingThe “ENGINE START STOP” switch must be in the ACCESSORY mode
(engine off) or IGNITION ON mode (engine running).
Put the four-wheel drive control switch in H4. (The center differential is
unlocked.)
Put the vehicle height in the N mode and press height control switch to
turn off the rear height control air suspension.
Shift the shift lever in N.
Release the parking brake.
CAUTION
■Caution while towing
●Use extreme caution when towing the vehicle.
Avoid sudden starts or erratic driving maneuvers which place excessive stress on
the emergency towing eyelets and the cables or chains. Always be cautious of the
surroundings and other vehicles while towing.
●Do not turn the “ENGINE START STOP” switch off.
Doing so will lock the steering wheel an d prevent operation, possibly causing an
accident and resulting in death or serious injury.
●If the engine is not running, the power assist for the brakes and steering will not
function, making steering and braking more difficult.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
STEP5

5
When trouble arises
691
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
GX460_U.S.A. (OM60J00U)
*: If equipped
Warning lightWarning light/Details
(Flashing)
“AFS OFF” indicator light*
Indicates a malfunction in the AFS (Adaptive Front-lighting
System). ( →P. 223)
(Flashing)
Automatic High Beam indicator light*
Indicates a malfunction in the automatic high beam system.
(→ P. 2 2 6 )
(Flashing)
“LDA” indicator light*
Indicates a malfunction in the lane departure alert.
(→ P. 2 7 5 )
(Flashing)
Cruise control indicator light*
Indicates a malfunction in the cruise control system.
(→ P. 2 4 6 , 2 5 0 )
(Flashing)
Radar cruise control indicator light*
Indicates a malfunction in the Dynamic radar cruise control
system. ( →P. 2 5 0 )
Kinetic dynamic suspension system warning light
Malfunction in the kinetic dynamic suspension system.
(Flashing)
Multi-terrain Select indicator light*
Indicates a malfunction in the Multi-terrain Select system.
(→ P. 2 9 6 )
Low speed four-wheel drive indicator light
Indicates a malfunction in the four-wheel drive system if the
light continues flashing. ( →P. 3 2 2 )
Center differential lock indicator light
Indicates a malfunction in the four-wheel drive system if the
light continues flashing. ( →P. 3 2 2 )