trailer Lexus GX470 2003 Basic Functions / LEXUS 2003 GX470 OWNER'S MANUAL (OM60979U)

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GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
41
ENGINE COOLANT
TEMPERATURE GAUGE
 Normal range
The gauge indicates the engine coolant temperature when
the ignition switch is on. The engine operating
temperature will vary with changes in weather and engine
load.
If the needle points to the red zone or higher, stop your vehicle
and allow the engine to cool.
Your vehicle may overheat during severe operating conditions,
such as:
 Driving up a long hill on a hot day.
 Reducing speed or stopping after high speed driving.
 Idling for a long period with the air conditioning on in
stop−and−go traffic.
 Towing a trailer. It is not a malfunction even if the needle of the engine coolant
temperature gauge returns to “C” when the ignition switch is
turned to the “START”.
NOTICE

Do not remove the thermostat in the engine cooling
system as this may cause the engine to overheat. The
thermostat is designed to control the flow of coolant
to keep the temperature of the engine within the
specified operating range.
 Do not continue driving with an overheated engine.
See “If your vehicle overheats” on page 364.

STARTING AND DRIVING
308
(e) Parking
 1 Brake pedal

2 Parking brake lever

3 “P” (Park) position
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Apply the parking brake fully.
3. With the brake pedal held down with your foot, shift the
selector lever to the “P” position.
CAUTION
While the vehicle is moving, never attempt to move the
selector lever into “P” under any circumstances.
Serious mechanical damage and loss of vehicle control
may result.
(f) Good driving practice
 If the transmission repeatedly shifts up and down between
the fourth and overdrive gears when climbing a gentle slope,
shift the selector lever to the “4” position. Be sure to shift the
selector lever to the “D” position after climbing the slope.
 When towing a trailer, in order to maintain efficient engine
braking and electrical charging performance, do not use
overdrive.
CAUTION
Always keep your foot on the brake pedal while stopped
with the engine running. This prevents the vehicle from
creeping.
NOTICE
Always use the brake pedal or parking brake to hold the
vehicle on an upgrade. Do not attempt to hold the
vehicle using the accelerator pedal, as this can cause
the transmission to overheat.

SECTION 3 – 2
338
STARTING AND DRIVING
Driving tips
Off−road vehicle precautions 339
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Break−in period 340
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Operation in foreign countries 341
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Tips for driving in various conditions 341
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Off −road driving precautions 343
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Winter driving tips 345
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Dinghy towing 346
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Trailer towing 347
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How to save fuel and make your vehicle
last longer 356
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DRIVING TIPS
340
When driving offroad or in rugged terrain, do not
drive at excessive speeds, jump, make sharp turns,
strike objects, etc. This may cause loss of control or
vehicle rollover causing death or serious injury. You
are also risking expensive damage to your vehicle’s
suspension and chassis.
 Do not drive horizontally across steep slopes.
Driving straight up or straight down is preferred.
Your vehicle (or any similar offroad vehicle) can tip
over sideways much more easily than forward or
backward.BREAKIN PERIOD
Drive gently and avoid high speeds.
You need not follow a break −in schedule with your new Lexus.
But following a few simple tips for the first 1600 km (1000 miles)
can add to the future economy and long life of your vehicle:
 Avoid full throttle acceleration when starting and driving.
 Avoid racing the engine.
 Try to avoid hard stops during the first 300 km (200 miles).
 Do not drive for a long time at any single speed, either fast
or slow.
 Do not tow a trailer during the first 800 km (500 miles).

DRIVING TIPS
347
TRAILER TOWING
Your vehicle is designed primarily as a passenger−and−load
carrying vehicle. T owing a trailer will have an adverse ef fect on
handling, performance, braking, durability and driving
economy (fuel consumption, etc.). Y our safety and satisfaction
depend on the proper use of correct equipment and cautious
driving habits. For your safety and the safety of others, you
must not overload your vehicle or trailer. Lexus warranties do
not apply to damage or malfunction caused by towing a trailer
for commercial purposes. Ask your local Lexus dealer for
further details before towing.
CAUTION
When disconnecting a trailer, put the vehicle height in
the “LO” (low) mode and push the “HEIGHT CONTROL
OFF” switch to turn off the rear height control air
suspension. Otherwise, the vehicle height may be
changed in the automatic leveling function, resulting in
accident. For details see “Rear height control air
suspension” on page 315.
Weight limits
Before towing, make sure the total trailer weight, gross
vehicle weight, gross axle weight and trailer tongue load
are all within the limits.
The total trailer weight and tongue load can be measured with
platform scales found at a highway weighing station, building
supply company, trucking company, junk yard, etc.
 Certification label
CAUTION
 The maximum gross trailer weight (trailer weight plus
cargo weight) must never exceed 2268 kg (5000 lb.)
for vehicle with equipped. If towing a trailer and
cargo weighing over 907 kg (2000 lb.), it is necessary
to use a sway control device with sufficient capacity.
The combination of the gross trailer weight added to
the total weight of the vehicle, occupants and vehicle
cargo must never exceed a total of 4764 kg (10500 lb.).
Exceeding the maximum weight of the trailer, the
vehicle, or the vehicle and trailer combination, can
cause an accident resulting in serious personal
injuries.

Tongue load
Total trailer weight x 100= 9 to 11%
DRIVING TIPS
348

Trailer hitch assemblies have different weight
capacities established by the hitch manufacturer.
Even though the vehicle may be physically capable of
towing a higher weight, the operator must determine
the maximum weight rating of the particular hitch
assembly and never exceed the maximum weight
rating specified for the trailer hitch. Exceeding the
maximum weight rating set by the trailer hitch
manufacturer can cause an accident resulting in
serious personal injuries.
 The gross vehicle weight must not exceed the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) indicated on the
Certification Label. The gross vehicle weight is the
sum weight of the unloaded vehicle, driver,
passengers, luggage, hitch and trailer tongue load.
It also includes the weight of any special equipment
installed on your vehicle.
 The load on either the front or rear axle resulting from
distribution of the gross vehicle weight on both axles
must not exceed the front and rear Gross Axle W eight
Ratings (GAWR) listed on the Certification Label.
 Total trailer weight  Tongue load
 The trailer cargo load should be distributed so that
the tongue load is 9 to 11% of the total trailer weight,
not exceeding the maximum of 226 kg (500 lb.).
 Never load the trailer with more weight in the back
than in the front. About 60 % of the trailer load should
be in the front half of the trailer and the remaining 40%
in the rear.

DRIVING TIPS
349
Tow hitch receiver (on some models)
The tow hitch receiver is installed under the rear bumper.
CAUTION
A tow hitch receiver is rated for weight carrying towing
only up to 2268 kg (5000 lbs.) Only use this tow hitch
receiver on your vehicle. Do not use this tow hitch
receiver on any other vehicle.
Hitches
Use only weight carrying hitch hardware designed for the
total trailer weight with the factory installed hitch.
 If you wish to install an aftermarket hitch, the hitch must be
bolted securely to the vehicle frame and installed according
to the hitch manufactures’ instructions.
 The hitch ball and king pin should have a light coat of grease.
 Lexus recommends the ball mount assembly be removed
when not towing to prevent injury and to prevent damage in
the event of a rear end collision. After removing the ball
mount assembly, install the grommet to the hitch to prevent
entry of dirt and mud.
Trailer ball
Follow these easy steps to properly determine the correct
trailer ball for your application:
1. Determine the correct trailer ball size for the trailer coupler.
Most couplers are stamped with the required trailer ball size.
The sizes you’ll most likely find stamped on the coupler are:
Trailer Class
Typical Trailer Ball Size
III 2−5/16 in.
II 2 in.
I1 −7/8 in.
2. Select the appropriate trailer ball to match or exceed the
gross trailer weight rating of the trailer. The trailer ball load
rating should be printed on the top of the ball.

DRIVING TIPS
350
 1 Trailer ball load rating 2 Ball diameter

3 Shank length 4 Shank diameter
3. When mounted in the ball mount, the threaded ball shank
must protrude beyond the bottom of the lock washer and nut
at least 2 threads. The trailer ball shank must be matched to
the ball mount hole diameter size.
NOTICE
Only use a ball mount attachment specified for the
Lexus GX470.
Matching trailer ball height to trailer coupler
height
No matter which class of tow hitch applies, for a safe trailer
hookup, the trailer ball setup on must be the proper height for
the coupler on the trailer.
32PY007
 1 Coupler2 Trailer ball

DRIVING TIPS
351
Brakes and safety chains
Lexus recommends trailers with brakes that conform to
any applicable federal and state/provincial regulations.
 A safety chain must always be used between the towing
vehicle and the trailer. Leave sufficient slack in the
chain for turns. The chain should cross under the
trailer tongue to prevent the tongue from dropping to
the ground in case it becomes damaged or separated.
For correct safety chain procedures, consult your
Lexus dealer.
CAUTION
If the total trailer weight exceeds 453 kg (1000 lb.),
trailer brakes are required.
 Never tap into your vehicle’s hydraulic system as it
will lower its braking effectiveness.
 Never tow a trailer without using a safety chain
securely attached to both the trailer and the vehicle.
If damage occurs to the coupling unit or hitch ball,
there is possible danger of the trailer wandering over
into another lane.
Service connector for towing brake controller
Your vehicle is equipped with a service connector for the
towing brake controller as shown. Link the connector to the
towing brake controller via the sub wire harness stored in the
glove box. The detailed explanation of the sub wire harness
circuit is packed together with the sub wire harness. Be sure
to position the towing brake controller where it does not prevent
the driver from operating the pedal. Lexus recommends that
the sub wire harness be stored in the glove box when it is not
in use.

DRIVING TIPS
352
Tires
Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated. Adjust
the tire pressure to the recommended cold tire pressure
indicated below.
Tire pressure: 220 kPa (2.2 kgf/cm
2 or bar, 32 psi)
 The trailer tires should be inflated to the pressure
recommended by the trailer manufacturer in respect to the
total trailer weight.
Trailer lights
 Socket for trailer lights
Your vehicle is equipped with a wire harness stored in the rear
end underbody. Models with tow hitch receiver are fitted with
a socket for trailer lights under the rear bumper. Use either of
them to connect and operate the trailer lights. However, the
trailer lights must comply with federal, state/provincial and
local regulations. See your local recreational vehicle dealer or
rental agency for the correct type of wiring and relays for your
trailer. Check for correct operation of the turn signals and stop
lights each time you hitch up. Direct splicing may damage your
vehicle’s electrical system and cause a malfunction of your
lights.
Breakin schedule
Lexus recommends that you do not tow a trailer with a new
vehicle or a vehicle with any new power train component
(engine, transmission, differential, wheel bearing, etc.) for the
first 800 km (500 miles) of driving.