spec Lexus GX470 2005 Engine / LEXUS 2005 GX470 (OM60B11U) Repair Manual

DRIVING TIPS
478
Tires
Ensure that your vehicle's tires are properly inflated. Adjust
the tire inflation pressure to the recommended cold tire
inflation pressure indicated below.
Tire inflation 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
Your vehicle is equipped with a wire harness stored in the rear
end underbody. 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.
Break±in 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.
Maintenance
 If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will require more frequent
maintenance due to the additional load. For this
information, please refer to the scheduled maintenance
information in the ªOwner's Manual Supplement/Scheduled
Maintenanceº.
 Retighten all fixing bolts of the towing ball and bracket after
approximately 1000 km (600 miles) of trailer driving.

DRIVING TIPS
480
Trailer towing tips
When towing a trailer, your vehicle will handle differently
than when not towing. The three main causes of
vehicle±trailer accidents are driver error, excessive speed
and improper trailer loading. Keep these in mind when
towing:
 Before starting out, check the operation of the lights and all
vehicle±trailer connections. After driving a short distance,
stop and recheck the lights and connections. Practice
turning, stopping and backing with a trailer in an area away
from traffic until you learn the feel.
 Backing with a trailer is difficult and requires practice. Grip
the bottom of the steering wheel and move your hand to the
left to move the trailer to the left. Move your hand to the right
to move the trailer to the right. (This procedure is generally
opposite to that when backing without a trailer.) Also, just
turn the steering wheel a little at a time, avoiding sharp or
prolonged turning. Have someone guide you when backing
to reduce the risk of an accident.
 Because stopping distance may be increased,
vehicle±to±vehicle distance should be increased when
towing a trailer. For each 16 km/h (10 mph) of speed, allow
at least one vehicle and trailer length between you and the
vehicle ahead. Avoid sudden braking as you may skid,
resulting in jackknifing and loss of control. This is especially
true on wet or slippery surfaces. 
Avoid jerky starts or sudden acceleration.
 Avoid jerky steering and sharp turns. The trailer could hit
your vehicle in a tight turn. Slow down before making a turn
to avoid the need of sudden braking.
 Remember 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 ª4º position.

DRIVING TIPS
482
HOW TO SAVE FUEL AND MAKEYOUR VEHICLE LAST LONGER
Improving fuel economy is easy Ð just take it easy. It will help
make your vehicle last longer, too. Here are some specific tips
on how to save money on both fuel and repairs:
 Keep your tires inflated at the correct pressure. Check
the pressure every two weeks, or at least once a month.
Underinflation causes tire wear and wastes fuel.
 Do not carry unneeded weight in your vehicle. Excess
weight puts a heavier load on the engine, causing greater
fuel consumption.
 Avoid lengthy warm±up idling. Once the engine is
running smoothly, begin driving Ð but gently. Remember,
however, that on cold winter days this may take a little
longer.
 Always keep the automatic transmission selector lever
in the ªDº position when engine braking is not required.
Driving with the overdrive off will reduce the fuel economy.
(For details, see ªAutomatic transmissionº on page 403.)
 Accelerate slowly and smoothly. Avoid jackrabbit starts.
 Avoid long engine idling. If you have a long wait and you
are not in traffic, it is better to turn off the engine and start
again later. 
Avoid engine over±revving. Use a gear position suitable
for the road on which you are traveling.
 Avoid continuous speeding up and slowing down.
Stop±and±go driving wastes fuel.
 Avoid unnecessary stopping and braking. Maintain a
steady pace. Try to time the traffic si gnals so you only need
to stop as little as possible or take advantage of through
streets to avoid traffic lights. Keep a proper distance from
other vehicles to avoid sudden braking. This will also
reduce wear on your brakes.
 Avoid heavy traffic or traffic jams whenever possible.
 Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal. This causes
premature wear, overheating and poor fuel economy.
 Maintain a m oderate speed on highways. The faster you
drive, the greater the fuel consumption. By reducing your
speed, you will cut down on fuel consumption.
 Keep the front wheels in proper alignment. Avoid hitting
the curb and slow down on rough roads. Improper
alignment not only causes faster tire wear but also puts an
extra load on the engine, which, in turn, wastes fuel.
 Keep the bottom of your vehicle free from mud, etc. This
not only lessens weight but also helps prevent corrosion.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
496
IF YOU CANNOT INCREASEENGINE SPEED
If engine speed does not increase when the accelerator pedal
is depressed, there may be a problem somewhere in the
electronic throttle control system.
At this time, vibration may occur. However, if you depress the
accelerator pedal more firmly and slowly, you can drive your
vehicle at low speeds. Have your vehicle checked by your
Lexus dealer as soon as possible.
Even if the abnormality of the electronic throttle control system
is corrected during low speed driving, the system may not be
recovered until the engine is stopped and the ignition key is
turned to ªACCº or ªLOCKº position.
CAUTION
Be especially careful to prevent erroneous pedal
operation.
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 ªPº 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.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
522
(d) Emergency towingIf towing is necessary, we recommend you to have it done
by your Lexus dealer or a commercial tow truck service.
If towing service is not available in an emergency, your
vehicle may be temporarily towed by a cable or chain
secured to the emergency towing eyelet. Use extreme
caution when towing the vehicle.
NOTICE
Only use specified towing eyelet; otherwise yourvehicle may be damaged.
Never tow a vehicle from the rear with four wheels on
the ground. This may cause serious damage to the transmission.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
523
A driver must be in the vehicle to steer it and operate the
brakes.
Towing in this manner may be done only on hard±surfaced
roads
for a short distance and at low speeds. Also, the wheels,
axles, drive train, steering and brakes must all be in good
condition.
CAUTION
Use extreme caution when towing the vehicle. Avoid
sudden starts or erratic driving maneuvers which would
place excessive stress on the emergency towing eyelet
and towing cable or chain. The eyelet and towing cable
or chain may break and cause serious injury or damage.
NOTICE
Use only a cable or chain specifically intended for use in towing vehicles. Securely fasten the cable or chainto the towing eyelet provided.
Before towing, check that the center differential is unlocked.
(The indicator light must be off with the ignition on.) Release
the parking brake and put the transmission in ªNº. The ignition
key must be in ªACCº (engine off) or ªONº (engine running).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.
Emergency towing hook precautions:
 Before emergency towing, check that the eyelet is not
broken or damaged and that the installation bolts are not
loose.
 Fasten the towing cable or chain securely to the hook.
 Do not jerk the eyelet. Apply steady and even force.
 To avoid damaging the eyelet, do not pull from the side or at
a vertical angle. Always pull straight ahead.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
525
3Push down the shift lock override button. You can shift out
of ªPº position only while pushing the button.
4Shift into ªNº position.
Insert the cover. Start the engine. For your safety, keep
the brake pedal depressed.
Be sure to have the system checked by your Lexus dealer as
soon as possible.
IF YOU LOSE YOUR KEYS OR LOCK YOURSELF OUT
You can purchase a new key at your Lexus dealer if you
can give them the key number and master key.
Even if you lose only one key, contact your Lexus dealer to
make a new key. If you lose all your master keys, you cannot
make new keys; the whole engine immobilizer system must be
replaced.
See the suggestion given in ªKeysº on page 8.
You can use the wireless remote control system with the new
key. Contact your Lexus dealer for detailed information.
If your keys are locked in the vehicle and you cannot get a
duplicate, many Lexus dealers can still open the door for you
using special tools. If you must break a window to get in, we
suggest breaking the smallest side window because it is the
least expensive to replace. Be extremely cautious to avoid
glass cuts.

SECTION 5
526
MAINTENANCE
Maintenance
Maintenance requirements527
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General maintenance 528
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Does your vehicle need repairing? 531
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Emissions inspection and maintenance (I/M) programs 532
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For scheduled maintenance information, please
refer to the ªOwner's Manual Supplement/Scheduled Maintenanceº.

MAINTENANCE
527
MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
Your Lexus vehicle has been designed to have fewer
maintenance requirements with longer service intervals to
save both your time and money. However, each regular
maintenance as well as day±to±day care is more important
than ever before to ensure smooth, trouble±free, safe, and
economical driving.
It is the owner's responsibility to make sure the specified
maintenance, including general maintenance services, is
performed. Note that both the new vehicle and emission
control system warranties specify that proper maintenance
and care must be performed. See the ªOwner's Guideº,
ªOwner's Manual Supplementº or ªWarranty Bookletº for
complete warranty information.
General maintenance
General maintenance items are those day±to±day care
practices that are important to your vehicle for proper
operation. It is the owner's responsibility to ensure that the
general maintenance items are performed regularly.
These checks or inspections can be done either by yourself or
your Lexus dealer.
Scheduled maintenance
The scheduled maintenance items listed in the ªOwner's
Manual Supplement/Scheduled Maintenanceº are those
required to be serviced at regular intervals. For details of your maintenance schedule, read the ªOwner's
Manual Supplement/Scheduled Maintenanceº.
It is recommended that only genuine Lexus parts be used
for maintenance or for the repair of the emission control
system.
The owner may elect to use non±Lexus supplied parts for
replacement purposes without invalidating the emission
control system warranty. However, use of replacement
parts which are not of equivalent quality may impair the
effectiveness of the emission control systems.
You may also elect to have maintenance, replacement, or
repair of the emission control devices and system
performed by any automotive repair establishment or
individual without invalidating this warranty. See
ªOwner's Guideº, ªOwner's Manual Supplementº or
ªWarranty Bookletº for complete warranty information.
Where to go for service?
Lexus technicians are well±trained specialists and
are kept up
to date with the latest service information through technical
bulletins, service tips, and in±dealership training programs.
They are well informed about the operation of all the systems
on your vehicle.
You can be confident that your Lexus dealer's service
department performs the best job to meet the maintenance
requirements of your vehicle Ð reliably and economically.

MAINTENANCE
528Your copy of the repair order is proof that all required
maintenance has been performed for warranty coverage. If
any problems should arise with your vehicle while under
warranty,
your Lexus dealer will promptly take care of it. Again,
be sure to keep a copy of the repair order for any service
performed on your Lexus.
What about do±it±yourself maintenance?
Many of the maintenance items are easy to do yourself, if you
have a little mechanical ability and a few basic automotive
tools. Simple instructions for how to perform them are
presented in Section 6.
If you are a skilled do±it±yourself mechanic, the Lexus service
manuals are recommended. Please be aware that
do±it±yourself maintenance can affect your warranty
coverage. See your ªOwner's Guideº, ªOwner's Manual
Supplementº or ªWarranty Bookletº for the details.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Listed below are the general maintenance items that should be
performed at the intervals specified. It is recommended that
any problem you notice be brought to the attention of your
Lexus dealer or qualified service shop for their advice.
CAUTION
Make these checks only with adequate ventilation if you
run the engine.
Engine compartment
Items listed below should be checked from time to time,
e.g. each time when refueling.
Washer fluid
Make sure there is sufficient fluid in the tank. See page 618 for
additional information.
Engine coolant level
Make sure the coolant level is between the ªFº and ªLº lines on
the see±through reservoir when the engine is cold. See page
560 for additional information.
Radiator, condenser and hoses
Check that the front of the radiator and condenser are clean
and not blocked with leaves, dirt, or insects. See page 563 for
additional information.