suspension Lexus GX470 2003 Basic Functions / LEXUS 2003 GX470 OWNER'S MANUAL (OM60A45U)

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
viiiPage
1Driving position memory switches
171
. . . . . . . . . . .
2Power window switches 33
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3Power door lock switch 20
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4Window lock switch 34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5Power rear view mirror control switches 116 . . . . . . .
6Side vents 189
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7Headlight, turn signal and fog light switches 24 . . . .
8Wiper and washer switch 27
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9Center vents 189
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10Emergency flasher switch 36
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11Car audio 195
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12Multiinformation display 53
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13Automatic air conditioning controls 179
. . . . . . . . . .
14Rear window defogger switch 31
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15Front passenger’s seat belt reminder light 46 . . . . . .
16Glove box 70
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17Ashtray 66
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. .
18Cigarette lighter 66
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19Seat heater switches 37
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
20Fourwheel drive control lever
309
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21Automatic transmission selector lever 303 . . . . . . . .
22Parking brake lever 301
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23Center differential lock switch 309
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24Power outlet (12 VDC) 68
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25Downhill assist control switch 326
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26Electronic modulated suspension
control switch 320 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27Rear height control air suspension
switches 315. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28Ignition switch 300
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
29“2nd STRT” switch 309
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
30Cruise control switch 312
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
31Steering pad switches 214
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
32Hood lock release lever 83
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
33Fuel filler door opener 84
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
34Instrument panel light control dial 60
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
35Outside rear view mirror defogger switch 32 . . . . . . .
36Power outlet (115 VAC) main switch 68
. . . . . . . . . . . .

COMFORT ADJUSTMENT
133
CAUTION
Do not modify, remove, strike or open the front seat belt
pretensioner assemblies, airbag sensor or surrounding
area or wiring. Doing so may cause sudden operation
of the front seat belt pretensioners or disable the
system, which could result in death or serious injury.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in death
or serious injury. Consult your Lexus dealer about any
repairs and modifications.
NOTICE
Do not perform any of the following changes without
consulting your Lexus dealer. Such changes can
interfere with proper operation of the front seat belt
pretensioners in some cases.
 Installation of electronic devices such as a mobile
twoway radio, cassette tape player or compact disc
player.
 Repairs on or near the front seat belt retractor
assemblies.
 Modification of the suspension system.
 Modification of the front end structure.
 Attachment of a grille guard (bull bar, kangaroo bar,
etc.), snowplow, winches or any other equipment to
the front end.
Repairs made on or near the front fenders, the front
end structure and console.
This front seat belt pretensioner system has a service reminder
indicator to inform the driver of operating problems. If any of
the following conditions occurs, this indicates a malfunction of
the airbags or pretensioners. Contact your Lexus dealer as
soon as possible to service the vehicle.
 When the ignition key is turned to the “ON” position, the light
does not come on or flashes.
 The light flashes while driving.
 If either front seat belt does not retract or cannot be pulled
out due to a malfunction or activation of the relevant front
seat belt pretensioner.

COMFORT ADJUSTMENT
148
Do not use seat accessories which cover the parts
where the side airbags inflate. Such accessories may
prevent the side airbags from activating correctly,
causing death or serious injury.
 Do not modify or remove any wiring. Do not modify,
remove, strike or open any components, such as the
steering wheel pad, steering wheel, column cover,
front passenger airbag cover or airbag sensor
assembly. Doing so may cause sudden front airbags
inflation or disable the system, which could result in
death or serious injury.
 Do not modify or replace the seats or upholstery of
front seats with side airbags. Such changes may
disable the system or cause the side airbags to inflate
accidentally, resulting in death or serious injury.
 Do not disassemble or repair the front pillars and roof
side rail containing the curtain shield airbags. Such
changes may disable the system or cause the curtain
shield airbags to inflate accidentally, resulting in
death or serious injury.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in death
or serious injury. Consult your Lexus dealer about any
repairs and modifications.NOTICE
Do not perform any of the following changes without
consulting your Lexus dealer. Such changes can
interfere with proper operation of the SRS in some
cases.
 Installation of electronic devices such as a mobile
twoway radio, cassette tape player or compact disc
player
 Modification of the suspension system
 Modification of the front end structure and side
structure of the passenger compartment
 Attachment of a grille guard (bull bar, kangaroo bar,
etc.), snowplow, winches or any other equipment to
the front end
 Repairs made on or near the front fenders, front end
structure, console, steering column, steering wheel,
dashboard near the front passenger airbag or front
seats

SECTION 3 – 1
296
STARTING AND DRIVING
Starting and driving
Three−way catalytic converters297
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine exhaust caution 298
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before starting the engine 299
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition switch with steering lock 300
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking brake 301
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . .
How to start the engine 302
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic transmission 303
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Four−wheel drive system 309
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise control 312
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . .
Rear height control air suspension 315
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronic modulated suspension 320
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Active traction control system 321
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle skid control system 323
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Downhill assist control system 326
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hill −start assist control system 329
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake system 331
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . .
Brake pad wear limit indicators 335
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Limited −slip differential 336
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Types of tires 336
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . .

STARTING AND DRIVING
315
REAR HEIGHT CONTROL AIRSUSPENSION
This rear height control air suspension controls the
vehicle height depending on the vehicle driving condition.
Select your desired height among the “HI” (high), “N”
(normal) and “LO” (low) modes with the height select
switch.
(a) Vehicle height modes
“N” (normal) mode: The vehicle height in this mode is
standard. Regardless of the number of occupants or the
luggage loading condition, the vehicle height is always
automatically adjusted to a fixed height in any mode while the
engine is running.
This mode is suitable for ordinary driving. “HI”
(high) mode: The vehicle height is about 40 mm (1.6 in.)
higher at the rear than the “N” mode height.
This mode is suitable when driving on the bumpy roads and
through water.
However, when the vehicle speed exceeds about 30 km/h (19
mph) or over in the “HI” mode, the “N” mode is automaticall\
y
selected.
CAUTION
The “HI” mode should be used for severe offroad
driving condition only. As the vehicle’s center of gravity
is higher in this setting, the vehicle may become
unstable when turning abruptly resulting in accident.
“LO” (low) mode: The vehicle height is about 20 mm (0.8 in.)
lower at the rear than the “N” mode height.
This mode allows you easy access to the vehicle (getting in and
out) and easy loading and unloading operation.
This mode is available when the vehicle speed is under about
12 km/h (7 mph).

STARTING AND DRIVING
316
NOTICE
Use the “LO” mode when the vehicle is stopped.
Otherwise, when the vehicle speed exceeds about 12
km/h (7 mph), “N” mode is selected automatically. So
be careful when you drive in any place where the
overhead height is limited.
(b) Vehicle height mode changing condition
To change the vehicle height, it is necessary to meet the
following conditions.
The engine should be running.
 The height control “OFF” indicator light should go off.
 When selecting a mode, there is a vehicle speed limit. Refer
to the following table.
\f = The mode can be selected.
 = The mode cannot be selected.
“LO”
mode“N”
mode“HI”
mode
Under about
12 km/h (7 mph)\f\f\f
Under about
30 km/h (19 mph)\f\f
About 30 km/h
(19 mph) or over\f
In the following cases, the rear height control suspension
will not operate.
 The underbody of the vehicle has touched the surface on
bumpy roads.
 The area around the rear suspension is coated with ice.
If the vehicle is moved to its usual location or the ice is removed
and the height select switch is pressed, the vehicle height
control cannot be operated. In this case, turn off and restart the
engine, then push the control switches.
(c) Vehicle height adjustment
 1 Higher2 Lower
To change the mode, push the height select switch on
either side of “ ” (higher) or “
” (lower).

STARTING AND DRIVING
317
The height control indicator light indicates which mode is
selected. (See “(e) Height control indicator light” described
below.)

Selecting the “HI” mode
Push the height select switch on the “ ” side when the vehicle
speed is under about 30 km/h (19 mph).
To change the “N” mode to “HI”: Push the switch once.
To change the “LO” mode to “HI”: Push the switch twice.
It takes about 30 seconds until the “LO” mode changes to the
“HI” mode.
 Selecting the “N” mode
To change the “HI” mode to “N”: Push the height select
switch on the “
” side once.
To change the “LO” mode to “N”: Push the height select
switch on the “ ” side once.
 Selecting the “LO” mode
Push the height select switch on the “
” side while the vehicle
is stopped.
To change the “N” mode to “LO”: Push the switch once.
To change the “HI” mode to “LO”: Push the switch twice.
Even if the engine is stopped while the vehicle height is being
lowered, the operation continues for up to 25 seconds. If within
this 25 seconds, any of the side doors or the back door is
opened, operation will continue for a further 15 seconds.
NOTICE
 If the vehicle height is changed frequently when the
vehicle is heavily loaded, the compressor may
overheat causing the vehicle height adjustment
operation to stop.
 Before you lower the vehicle height with the height
select switch, check under the vehicle to make sure
nothing to damage the vehicle or no one to be injured
is there and that the underbody of the vehicle does
not touch the ground.
 After unloading, the height of a vehicle equipped with
the rear height control air suspension becomes
slightly higher than the normal vehicle height. Take
sufficient care where the overhead height is
restricted.
 Do not select the “LO” mode in the bumpy roads. If
the underbody of the vehicle touches the rugged
road surface, the vehicle may be damaged.

STARTING AND DRIVING
318
(d) Turning off the rear height control airsuspension
To turn off the rear height control air suspension with the
vehicle stopped, push the “HEIGHT CONTROL OFF”
switch. The height control “OFF” indicator light comes on
and the vehicle height is fixed in the same mode as the
height control switch is pushed.
This status is memorized in the system even after the engine
is stopped.
If you push the switch again, the height control “OFF” indicator
light goes out and the rear height control air suspension is
turned on.
Even after the rear height control air suspension is turned off
with the “HEIGHT CONTROL OFF” switch, if the vehicle speed
exceeds 30 km/h (19 mph), the rear height control air
suspension automatically selects the “N” mode.
CAUTION
If you drive through deep water over about 700 mm (28
in.) in depth, put the vehicle height in the “HI” mode with
the height select switch and then turn off the rear height
control air suspension by pushing the “HEIGHT
CONTROL OFF” switch.
NOTICE
 When jacking up or installing tire chains, be sure to
turn off the rear height control air suspension with
the “HEIGHT CONTROL OFF” switch and stop the
engine. Otherwise, the vehicle height may change
because of the automatic leveling function resulting
in accident.
 If your vehicle must be towed, put the vehicle height
in the “N” mode and turn off the rear height control air
suspension. Otherwise, the vehicle height may
change because of the automatic leveling function
resulting in accident.
 If your vehicle gets ditched, turn off the rear height
control air suspension with the “HEIGHT CONTROL
OFF” switch. Otherwise, the vehicle height may
change because of the automatic leveling function
resulting in accident.

STARTING AND DRIVING
319
(e) Height control indicator lights
 1 Height control indicator lights

2 Height control “OFF” indicator light
When the ignition switch is turned on, all the indicator lights
come on. Only the indicator light showing the present mode
remains on and all other lights go off after a few seconds. This
means the system operates correctly.
When you change the vehicle height mode, the indicator lights
change as follows:
When changing the vehicle height from the “N” mode to
“HI”:
1. The “N” mode indicator light goes off and the “HI” mode
indicator light blinks.
2. After the vehicle height control reaches the “HI” mode, the
“HI” mode indicator light remains on. If the underbody of the vehicle has touched the surface on
bumpy roads or the area around the rear suspension is
coated with ice, the height control suspension will not
operate and the indicator lights change as follows:
1. The present mode indicator light goes off and the selected
mode indicator light blinks.
2. The selected mode indicator light goes off. (The vehicle
height does not change.) The present mode indicator light
comes on again.
Height control “OFF” indicator light:
When the ignition
switch is turned on, this light comes on. If it goes out after a few
seconds, the rear height control air suspension operates
correctly. If you push the “HEIGHT CONTROL OFF” switch,
the rear height control air suspension is turned off. The height
control “OFF” indicator light comes on.
In the following cases, there is a problem somewhere in the
rear height control air suspension. Although there is no
problem to continue normal driving, have the rear height
control air suspension checked by your Lexus dealer as soon
as possible.
 The height control “OFF” indicator light does not come on
when the ignition switch is turned on.
 The height control “OFF” indicator light blinks.

STARTING AND DRIVING
320
(f) Parking and stopping tips
If you immediately stop the engine to park the vehicle after
off−road driving, the vehicle height is lowered slightly as the
vehicle becomes cool. When parking, make sure there is
nothing that will be in contact with the underbody of the vehicle.
When you start the engine, the vehicle returns to the previous
height.
If you park the vehicle for a long time, the vehicle height may
be gradually lowered. When parking for a long time, make sure
there is nothing that will be in contact with the underbody of the
vehicle. When you start the engine, the vehicle returns to the
previous height.
If you stop the engine, the vehicle height may change in
accordance with the change in the temperature. When you
start the engine, the vehicle returns to the previous height.
(g) Rear height control failure warning
If there is a problem somewhere in the rear height control air
suspension, the “N” mode is automatically selected. If this
occurs, the height control “OFF” indicator light blinks and the
vehicle height control cannot be activated until the malfunction
is corrected. If this is the case, bring your vehicle to your Lexus
dealer as soon as possible and have it checked.
ELECTRONIC MODULATED SUSPENSION
This electronic modulated suspension adjusts the
damping effect on the shock absorbers with the control
switch. Select one of the 4 modes which is suited to the
driving conditions with the control switch to provide good
riding comfort and stability.
1 For driving on a bumpy road
2 For ordinary driving such as in the city traffic
3 For moderate high speed driving
4 For sporty type driving such as on winding mountain
roads and high speed driving
5 Soft
6 Firm
We recommend you to select the mode
2
for ordinary
driving. The damping effect will be changed automatically to
provide good riding comfort.