height Lexus GX470 2004 Audio System / LEXUS 2004 GX470 THROUGH OCT. 2003 PROD. (OM60A46U) User Guide

STARTING AND DRIVING
382In 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

1Higher2Lower
To change the mode, push the height select switch on
either side of º (higher) or º (lower).The height control indicator light indicates which mode is
selected. (See (e) Height control indicator lightº described
below.)
Selecting the HIº mode
Push the height select switch on the º side when the vehicle
speed is under about 30 km/h (19 mph).
To change the Nº mode to HIº: Push the switch once.
To change the LOº mode to HIº: Push the switch twice. It
takes about 30 seconds until the LOº mode changes to the HIº
mode.
Selecting the Nº mode
To change the HIº mode to Nº: Push the height select
switch on the º side once.
To change the LOº mode to Nº: Push the height select
switch on the º side once.
Selecting the LOº mode
Push the height select switch on the º side while the vehicle
is stopped.
To change the Nº mode to LOº: Push the switch once.
To change the HIº mode to LOº: 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.

STARTING AND DRIVING
383
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 LOº mode in the bumpy roads. If
the underbody of the vehicle touches the rugged
road surface, the vehicle may be damaged.

STARTING AND DRIVING
384
(d) Turning off the rear height control air
suspension
To turn off the rear height control air suspension with the
vehicle stopped, push the HEIGHT CONTROL OFFº
switch. The height control OFFº 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 OFFº 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 OFFº switch, if the vehicle speed
exceeds 30 km/h (19 mph), the rear height control air
suspension automatically selects the Nº mode.
CAUTION
If you drive through deep water over about 700 mm (28
in.) in depth, put the vehicle height in the HIº mode with
the height select switch and then turn off the rear height
control air suspension by pushing the HEIGHT
CONTROL OFFº switch.

STARTING AND DRIVING
385
NOTICE
When jacking up or installing tire chains, be sure to
turn off the rear height control air suspension with
the HEIGHT CONTROL OFFº 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 Nº 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
OFFº switch. Otherwise, the vehicle height may
change because of the automatic leveling function
resulting in accident.

STARTING AND DRIVING
386
(e) Height control indicator lights

1Height control indicator lights
2Height control OFFº 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 Nº mode to
HIº:
1. The Nº mode indicator light goes off and the HIº mode
indicator light blinks.
2. After the vehicle height control reaches the HIº mode, the
HIº 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 OFFº 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 OFFº switch,
the rear height control air suspension is turned off. The height
control OFFº 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 OFFº indicator light does not come on
when the ignition switch is turned on.
The height control OFFº indicator light blinks.

STARTING AND DRIVING
387
(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 Nº mode is automatically selected. If this
occurs, the height control OFFº 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.
1For driving on a bumpy road
2For ordinary driving such as in the city traffic
3For moderate high speed driving
4For sporty type driving such as on winding mountain
roads and high speed driving
5Soft
6Firm
We recommend you to select the mode 2
for ordinary
driving. The damping effect will be changed automatically to
provide good riding comfort.

STARTING AND DRIVING
400
CAUTION
Do not overestimate the anti-lock brake system:
Although the anti-lock brake system assists in
providing vehicle control, it is still important to drive
with all due care and maintain a moderate speed and
safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, because
there are limits to the vehicle stability and effectiveness
of steering wheel operation even with the anti-lock
brake system on.
If tire grip performance exceeds its capability, or if
hydroplaning occurs during high speed driving in the
rain, the anti-lock brake system does not provide
vehicle control.
Anti-lock brake system is not designed to shorten the
stopping distance: Always drive at a moderate speed
and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of
you. Compared with vehicles without an anti-lock
brake system, your vehicle may require a longer
stopping distance in the following cases:
Driving on rough, gravel or snow-covered roads.
Driving with tire chains installed.
Driving over the steps such as the joints on the road.
Driving on roads where the road surface is pitted or
has other differences in surface height.
Install all 4 tires of specified size at appropriate
pressure: The anti-lock brake system detects vehicle
speeds using the speed sensors for respective wheels'
turning speeds. The use of tires other than specified
may fail to detect the accurate turning speed resulting
in a longer stopping distance.

DRIVING TIPS
406
OFF-ROAD VEHICLE
PRECAUTIONS
This vehicle belongs to the utility vehicle class, which has
higher ground clearance and narrower tread in relation to
the height of its center of gravity to make it capable of
performing in a wide variety of off-road applications.
Specific design characteristics give it a higher center of
gravity than ordinary passenger cars. This vehicle design
feature causes this type of vehicle to be more likely to
rollover. And, utility vehicles have a significantly higher
rollover rate than other types of vehicles. An advantage
of the higher ground clearance is a better view of the road
allowing you to anticipate problems. It is not designed for
cornering at the same speeds as ordinary passenger cars
any more than low-slung sports cars designed to perform
satisfactorily under off-road conditions. Therefore, sharp
turns at excessive speeds may cause rollover.
CAUTION
Always observe the following precautions to minimize
the risk of serious personal injury or damage to your
vehicle:
In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is
significantly more likely to die than a person wearing
a seat belt. Therefore, the driver and all passengers
should fasten their seat belts whenever the vehicle is
moving.
Avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers, if at all
possible. Failure to operate this vehicle correctly
may result in loss of control or vehicle rollover
causing death or serious injury.
Loading cargo on the roof luggage carrier will make
the center of the vehicle gravity higher. Avoid high
speeds, sudden starts, sharp turns, sudden braking
or abrupt maneuvers, otherwise it may result in loss
of control or vehicle rollover due to failure to operate
this vehicle correctly.
Always slow down in gusty crosswinds. Because of
its profile and higher center of gravity, your vehicle is
more sensitive to side winds than an ordinary
passenger car. Slowing down will allow you to have
better control.

DRIVING TIPS
410
Do not continue normal driving when the brakes are
wet. If they are wet, your vehicle will require a longer
stopping distance, and it may pull to one side when
the brakes are applied. Also, the parking brake will
not hold the vehicle securely.
If you drive through deep water over about 500 mm
(20 in.) in depth, put the vehicle height in the HI (High)
mode with the active height select switch and then
turn off the active height control suspension by
pushing the height control switch. Drive your vehicle
at 30 km/h (19 mph) or lower speed.

DRIVING TIPS
417
TRAILER TOWING
Your vehicle is designed primarily as a passenger-and-load
carrying vehicle. Towing a trailer will have an adverse effect on
handling, performance, braking, durability and driving
economy (fuel consumption, etc.). Your 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 LOº (low) mode and push the HEIGHT CONTROL
OFFº 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
suspensionº on page 380.
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.

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