ignition Lexus GX470 2005 Engine / LEXUS 2005 GX470 (OM60B11U) Owners Manual

STARTING AND DRIVING
439
HILL±START ASSIST CONTROL
The hill±start assist control assists you in starting to move
up a steep or slippery hill. When you start to move up the
hill slope, the system helps to prevent the vehicle from
rolling backward in the interval while you move your foot
from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal.
CAUTION
Do not rely excessively on the hill±start assist
control. The vehicle may not be able to start
smoothly on road surfaces or off±road surfaces such
as extremely steep slopes or icy roads, on which
sliding can occur very easily.
 Do not use the hill±start assist control to stop the
vehicle. The hill±start assist control is not designed
as a function for stopping the vehicle on a uphill
slope.
The hill±start assist control will operate for 5 seconds
maximally when all of the following conditions apply.
When the transmission is in any of positions ªDº, ª4º,
ª3º, ª2º or ªLº
 When the brake pedal is not depressed
The system is designed to operate when the vehicle is starting
on an uphill slope; therefore, if the transmission is in ªPº or ª\
Nº
it will not operate. It will not operate either if the vehicle starts
to move in reverse on a slope with the transmission in the ªRº.

Slip indicator light
When the hill±start assist control is operating, the slip indicator
light flashes and an alarm sounds intermittently. At the same
time, the stop lamps and high mounted stoplight are lit.
The slip indicator light comes on for a few seconds when the
ignition key is turned to ªONº. If the indicator light does not
come on when the ignition is turned on, contact your Lexus
dealer.

STARTING AND DRIVING
441
ªVSC TRACº warning light
If there is any abnormality in the system, the ªVSC TRACº
warning light will come on.
If the system malfunctions, the ªVSC TRACº warning light will
come on.
If the ªVSC TRACº warning light comes on, there may be an
abnormality in any of the following systems in addition to the
hill±start assist control.
Downhill assist control system
 Active traction control system
 Vehicle stability control system
When the system is normal and the ignition key is turned to
ªONº, the warning light will come on and will go off after a few
seconds. It is not a malfunction that the warning light may stay
on for 60 seconds after the ignition key is turned to the ªONº
position. Depressing the brake pedal repeatedly may turn on the light.
It is normal if it goes out after a few seconds.
If the ªVSC TRACº warning light and slip indicator light comes
on while driving, the system does not work. However, as
normal braking operates when being applied, it is no problem
to continue your driving.
In the following cases, contact your Lexus dealer:

The warning light does not come on after the ignition key is
turned to ªONº.
 The warning light remains on after the ignition key is turned
to ªONº.
 The warning light comes on while driving.

STARTING AND DRIVING
442
BRAKE SYSTEM
This brake system has 2 independent hydraulic circuits. If
either circuit should fail, the other will still work. However, the
pedal will be harder to press, and your stopping distance will
increase. Also, the brake system warning light may come on.
CAUTION
Do not drive your vehicle with only a single brake
system. Have your brakes fixed immediately.
Brake booster
The brake booster uses brake fluid pressurized by the pump
to power±assist the brakes. If the brake booster fails during
driving, the brake system warning light comes on and buzzer
sounds continuously. In this case, the brakes may not work
properly. If they do not work well, depress the brake pedal
firmly. If the brake system warning light comes on, immediately
stop your vehicle and contact your Lexus dealer.
The brake system warning light may stay on for about 60
seconds after the ignition key is turned to the ªONº position. It
is normal if the light turns off after a while.
Depressing the brake pedal repeatedly may turn on the brake
system warning light and buzzer. It is normal if the light goes
out and the buzzer stops sounding after a few seconds. You may hear a small sound in the engine compartment after
the engine is started or the brake pedal is depressed
repeatedly. This is a pump pulsating sound of the brake
system, and it is not a malfunction.
CAUTION

Do not pump the brake pedal if the engine stalls.
Each push on the pedal uses up your brake fluid
pressure reserve.
 Even if the power assist is completely lost, the brakes
will still work. But you will have to push the pedal
hard, much harder than normal. And your braking
distance will increase.
Anti±lock brake system
The anti±lock brake system is designed to automatically
help pr event lock±up of the wheels during a sudden brake
or braking on slippery road surfaces. This assists in
providing directional stability and steering performance
of the vehicle under these circumstances.
Effective way to press the ABS brake pedal: When the
anti±lock brake system function is in action, you may feel the
brake pedal pulsating and hear a noise. In this situation, to
let the anti±lock brake system work for you, just hold the
brake pedal down more firmly. Do not pump the brake in a
panic stop. This will result in reduced braking performance.

STARTING AND DRIVING
444
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.ªABSº warning light

1U.S.A.2Canada
The light comes on when the ignition key is turned to the ªONº
position. If the anti±lock brake system and the brake assist
system work properly, the light turns off after a few seconds.
Thereafter, if either of the systems malfunctions, the light
comes on again.
When the ªABSº warning light is on (and the brake system
warning light is off), the anti±lock brake system, the brake
assist system, the active traction control system and the
vehicle stability control system do/does not operate, but the
brake system still operates conventionally.
When the ªABSº warning light is on (and the brake system
warning light is off), the anti±lock brake system does not
operate so that the wheels could lock up during a sudden
braking or braking on slippery road surfaces.

STARTING AND DRIVING
445
If either of the following conditions occurs, this indicates
a malfunction somewhere in the components monitored
by the warning light system. Contact your Lexus dealer as
soon as possible to service the vehicle.

The light does not come on when the ignition key is turned
to the ªONº position, or remains on.
 The light comes on while you are driving.
A warning light turning on briefly during operation does not
indicate a problem.
CAUTION
If the ªABSº warning light remains on together with the
brake system warning light, immediately stop your
vehicle at a safe place and contact your Lexus dealer.
In this case, not only the anti±lock brake system will fail
but also the vehicle will become extremely unstable
during braking.
Either of the following conditions may occur, but do not
indicate a malfunction:
 The light may stay on for about 60 seconds after the ignition
key is turned to the ªONº position. It is normal if it turns off
after a while.
 Depressing the brake pedal repeatedly may turn on the
light. It is normal if it turns off after a few seconds.
Brake assist system
When you slam the brakes on, the brake assist system
judges as an emergency stop and provides more powerful
braking for a driver who cannot hold down the brake pedal
firmly.
When you slam the brakes on, more powerful braking will be
applied. At this time, you may hear a sound in the engine
compartment and feel the vibrations of the brake pedal. This
does not indicate a malfunction.
The brake assist system becomes operative after the vehicle
has accelerated to a speed in excess of approximately 10 km/h
(6 mph). It stops operating when the vehicle decelerates to a
speed below approximately 5 km/h (3 mph).
The brake assist system may not work for about 60 seconds
after the engine is started.
For an explanation of this system's warning light, see ªABS
warning lightº on page 67.
Drum±in±disc type parking brake system
Your vehicle has a drum±in±disc type parking brake system.
This type of brake system needs bedding±down of the brake
shoes periodically or whenever the parking brake shoes and/or
drums are replaced.
Have your Lexus dealer perform the bedding±down.

STARTING AND DRIVING
446
TIRE PRESSURE WARNINGSYSTEM
The tire pressure warning system is designed to provide
warning when tire inflation pressure of one or more of
your tires (including the spare tire) is low. The low tire
pressure warning light comes on to inform you that low
tire inflation pressure may hamper driving.

Low tire pressure warning light
This light comes on when the ignition key is turned to the ªONº
position. It goes off after a few seconds. This indicates that the
tire pressure warning system is functioning properly. If the low tire pressure warning light comes on or blinks,
do the following.
If the warning light comes on:
Stop your vehicle in a safe place as soon as possible and
check that the inflation pressure of all tires (including the
spare tire) is as specified on the tire and loading
information
label. (See ªChecking tire inflation pressureº
on page 574.) If the warning light comes on even after tire
inflation pressure adjustment, you may have a flat tire. If
you have a flat tire, replace it with the spare tire. For
details, see ªIf you have a flat tireº on page 497.
The warning light goes off a few minutes after air is put into the
deflated tire.
This warning light may turn on due to natural causes such as
natural air leaks or tire pressure changes caused by
temperature. In this case, adjusting the tire pressure will turn
off the warning light.

DRIVING TIPS
468Check 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 608
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 559 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.
Use a washer fluid containing an antifreeze solution.
This product is available at your Lexus dealer and most auto
parts stores. Follow the manufacturer's directions for how
much to mix with water.
NOTICE
Do not use engine antifreeze or any other substitute because it may damage your vehicle's paint.

DRIVING TIPS
479
Connecting a trailer
Stop your vehicle and a trailer in line and perform the following:
1. Put the rear height control air suspension in the ªLOº (low)
mode. Turn the ignition switch off or push the ªHEIGHT
CONTROL OFFº switch to turn off the rear height control air
suspension.
2. Connect a trailer.
3. Turn the ignition switch on or push the ªHEIGHT CONTROL
OFFº switch to turn on the rear height control air suspension.
Select the ªNº (normal) mode with the height select switch.
Disconnecting a trailer
Stop your vehicle and a trailer in line and perform the following:
1. Put the rear height control air suspension in the ªLOº (low)
mode. (Make sure the vehicle height is in the ªLOº (low) mode
by pushing the height select switch on the ª º side.)
2. Turn the ignition switch off or push the ªHEIGHT CONTROL
OFFº switch to turn off the rear height control air suspension.
3. Set the supporting leg of a trailer on the ground and raise the
hitch by 100 mm (4 in.).
4. Turn the ignition switch on or push the ªHEIGHT CONTROL
OFFº switch to turn on the rear height control air suspension. 5. Wait for about 20 seconds until the rear vehicle height is
lowered by the automatic leveling function.
6. Make sure the hitch is disconnected. If not, raise the hitch
higher and repeat steps 2 through 5.
7. Move the vehicle forward in the ªLOº (low) mode where the
hitch does not touch anything in the ªNº (normal) mode.
8. Put the rear height control air suspension in the ªNº (normal)
mode.
Pre±towing safety check

Check that your vehicle remains level when a loaded or
unloaded tra iler is hitched. Do not drive if the vehicle has an
abnormal nose±up or nose±down condition, and check for
improper tongue load, overload, worn suspension or other
possible causes.
 Make sure the trailer cargo is securely loaded so that it
cannot shift.
 Check that your rear view mirrors conform to any federal,
state/provincial or local regulations. If they do not, install
required rear view mirrors appropriate for towing purposes.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
491
IF YOUR ENGINE STALLS WHILEDRIVING
If your engine stalls while driving...
1. Reduce your speed gradually, keeping a straight line. Move
cautiously off the road to a safe place.
2. Turn on your emergency flashers.
3. Turn the ignition key to ªACCº or ªLOCKº, and try starting the
engine again.
If the engine will not start, see ªIf your vehicle will not startº\
.
CAUTION
If the engine is not running, the power assist for the
brakes and steering will not work, so steering and
braking will be much harder than usual.
IF YOUR VEHICLE WILL NOT START
(a) Simple checks
Before making these checks, make sure you have followed the
correct starting procedure instructions in ªHow to start the
engineº on page 401 and that you have sufficient fuel. Since
your vehicle is equipped with the engine immobilizer system,
also check whether the other keys w ill start the engine. If they
work, your key may be broken. Have the key checked at your
Lexus dealer. If none of your keys work, there may be a
malfunction in the i mmobilizer system. Call your Lexus dealer.
See ªKeysº on page 8.
If the engine is not turning over or is turning over too
slowly Ð
1. Check that the battery terminals are tight and clean.
2. If the battery terminals are O.K., switch on the interior light.
3. If the light is out, dim or goes out when the starter is cranked,
the battery is discharged. You may try jump starting. See ª(c)
Jump startingº for further instruction.
If the light is O.K., but the engine still will not start, it needs
adjustment or repair. Call a Lexus dealer, Roadside
Assistance or Customer Service Assistance. (See
ªForewordº.)

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
492
NOTICE
Do not pull± or push±start the vehicle. It may damagethe vehicle or cause a collision when the engine starts.Also the three±way catalytic converter may overheatand become a fire hazard.
If the engine turns over at its normal speed but will not
start Ð
1. Turn the ignition key to ªACCº or ªLOCKº and try starting the
engine again.
2. The engine may be flooded because of repeated cranking.
See ª(b) Starting a flooded engineº for further instructions.
3. If the engine still will not start, it needs adjustment or repair.
Call a Lexus dealer, Roadside Assistance or Customer Service
Assistance. (See ªForewordº.)(b) Starting a flooded engine
If the engine will not start, your engine may be flooded
because of repeated cranking.
If this happens, turn the ignition key to ªSTARTº with the
accelerator pedal fully depressed, and hold the key at this
position for about 30 seconds. Then the cranking hold function
stops cranking automatically, and you can try starting the
engine with your foot off the accelerator pedal.
If the engine does not start, wait a few minutes and try again.
If the engine still will not start, it needs adjustment or repair.
Call a Lexus dealer, Roadside Assistance or Customer Service
Assistance. (See ªForewordº.)
(c) Jump starting
To avoid serious personal injury and damage to your
vehicle which might result from battery explosion, acid
burns, electrical burns, or damaged electronic
components, these instructions must be followed
precisely.