engine coolant Lexus GX470 2004 Pictorial Index / LEXUS 2004 GX470 THROUGH OCT. 2003 PROD. OWNER'S MANUAL (OM60A46U)

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each Section.
PICTORIAL INDEX
xii
Page
1Automatic transmission second start
indicator light 373. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2Unengaged Parkº warning light 61. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3Automatic transmission fluid temperature
warning light 62. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4Low washer fluid warning light 65. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5Automatic transmission indicator lights 365. . . . . .
6Driver's seat belt reminder light 58. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7Turn signal indicator light 31. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8Brake system warning light 57. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9Headlight high beam indicator light 31. . . . . . . . . . . .
10ABSº warning light 60. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11Open door warning light 61. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12Tachometer 54. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13Headlight indicator light 29. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14Cruise control indicator light 377. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15Engine oil replacement reminder light 64. . . . . . . . . .
16Engine coolant temperature gauge 52. . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
17Discharge warning light 63. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18Low engine oil pressure warning light 64. . . . . . . . . .
19Malfunction indicator lamp 59. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20Slip indicator light 389, 391, 394, 396. . . . . . . . . . . . .
21Vehicle stability control system off
indicator light 391. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22Center differential lock indicator light 373. . . . . . . .
23VSC TRACº warning light 63. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24Downhill assist control system
indicator light 393. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25Rear height control indicator lights 386. . . . . . . . . . .
26Security indicator light 14, 26. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27SRS warning light 59. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28Trip meter reset knob 55. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
29Odometer and trip meter 55. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
30Low fuel level warning light 65. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
31Fuel gauge 51. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SECTION 1 ± 3
50
INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
Gauges, meters and service reminder indicators
Fuel gauge51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine coolant temperature gauge52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tachometer54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Odometer and trip meter55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service reminder indicators and warning buzzers55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Multi-information display67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument panel light control73 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
52
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 Cº when the ignition switch is
turned to the STARTº.

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
53
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 overheatsº on page 443.

STARTING AND DRIVING
361
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
1. Check the area around the vehicle before entering it.
2. Adjust seat position, seatback angle, head restraint height
and steering wheel angle.
3. Adjust the inside and outside rear view mirrors.
4. Lock all doors.
5. Fasten seat belts.
Remember to check that the service reminder indicators
function when turning the key to ONº, and check the fuel
gauge to see that you have sufficient fuel.
IGNITION SWITCH WITH STEERING
LOCK
STARTº Ð Starter motor on. The key will return to the
ONº position when released.
For starting tips, see page 363.
It is not a malfunction even if the needle of the tachometer, fuel
gauge or engine coolant temperature gauge returns to the
bottom position when the ignition switch is turned to the
STARTº position.
ONº Ð Engine on and all accessories on.
This is the normal driving position.
It is not malfunction even if the needle on the speedometer may
move when the ignition switch is turned to the ONº position.

STARTING AND DRIVING
364
Starting the engine
Before starting the engine, be sure to follow the instructions in
Before crankingº.
Normal starting procedure
The multiport fuel injection system/sequential multiport fuel
injection system in your engine automatically controls the
proper air-fuel mixture for starting. You can start a cold or hot
engine as follows:
With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition key to
STARTº position, then release it.Engine should be warmed up by driving, not in idle. For
warming up, drive with smoothly turning engine until engine
coolant temperature is within normal range.
If the engine stalls...
Simply restart it, using the correct procedure given in normal
starting.
If the engine will not start...
See If your vehicle will not startº on page 438.
NOTICE
Do not race a cold engine.
If the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls
frequently, have the engine checked immediately.

STARTING AND DRIVING
367

1Brake pedal2Dº (Drive) position
2. With your foot holding down the brake pedal, shift the
selector lever to Dº.
Always use the Dº position to improve fuel economy and quiet
driving. Only in this position, shifting into the overdrive gear is
possible. However, while the engine coolant temperature is
low, the transmission will not shift into the overdrive gear even
in the Dº position. (See (b) Using engine brakingº and (f)
Good driving practiceº for exceptions.)
CAUTION
Never put your foot on the accelerator pedal while
shifting.
3. Release the parking brake and brake pedal. Depress
the accelerator pedal slowly for smooth starting.
In normal cruising, the vehicle will start in first gear and
automatically shift up to the most suitable gear. On inclines,
declines or winding roads, etc., the vehicle shifts up and down
automatically according to the running conditions to obtain the
suitable driving power and engine braking.
When the lever is in the 4º position, the automatic
transmission system will select the most suitable gear for the
running conditions such as hill climbing, hard towing, etc.
If you need to accelerate rapidly while driving, depress the
accelerator pedal to the full throttle position. This provides
more acceleration by automatically downshifting the
transmission to the next lower gear or beyond, depending on
the vehicle speed.
If engine braking is needed, such as in descending a long hill,
see (b) Using engine brakingº.

DRIVING TIPS
414
WINTER DRIVING TIPS
Make sure your coolant is properly protected against
freezing.
Only use Toyota Super Long Life Coolantº or similar high
quality ethylene glycol based non- silicate, non- amine,
non- nitrite, and non- borate coolant with long- life hybrid
organic acid technology.
See Checking the engine coolant levelº on page 519 for
details of coolant type selection.
Toyota Super Long Life Coolantº is pre- mixed with 50%
coolant and 50% deionized water. This coolant provides
protection down to about -35C (-31F).
NOTICE
Do not use plain water alone.
Check the condition of the battery and cables.
Cold temperatures reduce the capacity of any battery, so it
must be in top shape to provide enough power for winter
starting. Page 562 tells you how to visually inspect the battery.
Your Lexus dealer and most service stations will be pleased to
check the battery charge level.Make sure the engine oil viscosity is suitable for the cold
weather.
See page 518 for recommended viscosity. Leaving a heavy
summer oil in your vehicle during winter months may cause
harder starting. If you are not sure about which oil to use, call
your Lexus dealer Ð they will be pleased to help.
Check the electronic ignition system for loose
connections or obvious damage.
Keep the door locks from freezing.
Squirt lock de-icer or glycerine into the locks to keep them from
freezing.

DRIVING TIPS
428Remember that when making a turn, the trailer wheels will
be closer than the vehicle wheels to the inside of the turn.
Therefore, compensate for this by making a larger than
normal turning radius with your vehicle.
Crosswinds and rough roads will adversely affect handling
of your vehicle and trailer, causing sway. Pay attention to
the rear from time to time to prepare yourself for being
passed by large trucks or buses, which may cause your
vehicle and trailer to sway. If swaying happens, firmly grip
the steering wheel and reduce speed immediately but
gradually. Never increase speed. If it is necessary to
reduce speed, brake slowly. Steer straight ahead. If you
make no extreme correction with the steering or brakes,
your vehicle and trailer will stabilize.
Be careful when passing other vehicles. Passing requires
considerable distance. After passing a vehicle, do not forget
the length of your trailer and be sure you have plenty of room
before changing lanes.
In order to maintain efficient engine braking and electrical
charging performance, do not use overdrive. Transmission
must be 4º position.
Because of the added load of the trailer, your vehicle's
engine may overheat on hot days (at temperatures over
30C [85F]) when going up a long or steep grade with a
trailer. If the engine coolant temperature gauge indicates
overheating, immediately turn off the air conditioning (if in
use), pull your vehicle off the road and stop in a safe spot.
See If your vehicle overheatsº on page 443.Always place wheel blocks under both the vehicle and trailer
wheels when parking. Apply the parking brake firmly. Put
the transmission in Pº. Avoid parking on a slope with a
trailer, but if it cannot be avoided, do so only after performing
the following:
1. Apply the brakes and keep them applied.
2. Have someone place wheel blocks under both the vehicle
and trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel blocks are in place, release your brakes
slowly until the blocks absorb the load.
4. Apply the parking brake firmly.
5. Shift into Pº and turn off the engine.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
443
IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS
If your engine coolant temperature gauge indicates
overheating, if you experience a loss of power, or if you
hear a loud knocking or pinging noise, the engine has
probably overheated.
When the engine overheats
Pull safely off the road, stop the vehicle and turn on your
emergency flashers. Put the transmission in Pº and apply the
parking brake.
A: If steam is coming from your engine:
Turn off the engine. Leave the hood closed until there is no sign
of steam or coolant. Your engine could have been seriously
damaged already. Call your Lexus dealer for assistance.
CAUTION
To help avoid personal injury, keep the hood closed until
there is no steam. Escaping steam or coolant is sign of
very high pressure.
B: If no steam is coming from your engine:
Leave the engine running and turn off the air conditioning.
Check the following.
Is the cooling fan operating?
Is the coolant in the acceptable range?
Is the engine drive belt O.K.?
CAUTION
When the engine is running, keep hands and clothing
away from the moving fan and engine drive belt.
Do not attempt to remove the radiator cap when the
engine and radiator are hot. Serious injury could
result from scalding hot fluid and steam blown out
under pressure.
If the cooling fan is not operating or the coolant is not in the
acceptable range, turn off the engine and call your Lexus
dealer.
If both conditions are O.K., after the engine coolant
temperature has cooled to normal, continue driving your
vehicle.
If the engine coolant temperature does not cool down, or your
vehicle overheats again, have it checked as soon as possible
by your Lexus dealer.