suspension Lexus GX470 2005 Pictorial Index / LEXUS 2005 GX470 (OM60B11U) Owner's Guide

DRIVING TIPS
465
When driving off±road or in rugged terrain, do not
drive at excessive speeds, jump, make sharp turns,
strike objects, etc. This may cause loss of control or
vehicle rollover causing death or serious injury. You
are also risking expensive damage to your vehicle's
suspension and chassis.

DRIVING TIPS
470
TRAILER TOWING
Your vehicle is designed primarily as a passenger±and±load
carrying vehicle. Towing a trailer will have an adverse ef fect 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 ªLOº (low) mode and push the ªHEIGHT 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 ªRear height control air
suspensionº on page 422.
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.

Certification label

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
497
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.
IF YOU HAVE A FLAT TIRE
1. Reduce your speed gradually, keeping a straight
line. Move cautiously off the road to a safe place
Ð well away from the traffic. Avoid stopping on the
center divider of a highway. Park on a level spot with
firm ground.
2. Stop the engine and turn on your emergency
flashers.
3. F i r m l y s e t t h e p a r k i n g b r a k e a n d p u t t h e
transmission in ªPº.
4. Have everyone get out of the vehicle on the side
away from traffic.
5. Read the following instructions thoroughly.
CAUTION
When jacking, be sure to observe the following
to reduce the possibility of personal injury:
Turn off the active height control suspension
by pushing the active height control switch.
 Follow jacking instructions.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
499
NOTICE
Do not continue driving with a deflated tire.Driving even a short distance can damage a
tire and wheel beyond repair.
When jacking up or installing tire chains, besure to turn off the rear height control airsuspension with the ªHEIGHT CONTROL
OFFº switch and stop the engine. Otherwise,the vehicle height may change because of the
automatic leveling function resulting inaccident.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
503
Vehicles with kinetic dynamic suspension system Ð
When lowering the spare tire, make sure the spare
tire does not to interfere with the suspension
components. If interference occurs, raise the spare
tire, and pull it toward the rear of the vehicle, and
start again.
4. After the tire is lowered completely to the ground,
remove the holding bracket.CAUTION
Do not take out the spare tire from under the
vehicle until it is lowered completely to the
ground. When removing the spare tire, take care
that fingers are not pinched between the wheel
and holding bracket.
When storing the spare tire, place it with the outer
side of the wheel facing up. Then secure the tire,
taking care that the tire goes straight up without
catching on any other part, to prevent it from flying
forward during a collision or sudden braking.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
504
Vehicles with kinetic dynamic suspension system Ð
When raising the spare tire, pull the tire toward the
rear of the vehicle. After raising the tire, visually check
that the tire does not interfere with the suspension
components. If interference occurs, lower the spare
tire and start again.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
505
NOTICE
Tighten the spare tire clamp bolt to hold thespare wheel carrier by the hook securely.
Vehicles with kinetic dynamic suspensionsystem Ð Make sure that the spare tire does
not interfere with the suspension componentswhen the spare tire is stowed. If interference
occurs, the suspension system will bedamaged.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
508

Front (vehicles without kinetic dynamic
suspension system)

Front (vehicles with kinetic dynamic
suspension system)

Rear
5. Position the jack at the jack points as shown.
Front Ð Under the frame side rail
Rear Ð Under the rear axle housing

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
517
IF YOUR VEHICLE NEEDS TO BETOWED
If towing is necessary, we recommend you to have it done
by your Lexus dealer or a commercial tow truck service.
In consultation with them, have your vehicle towed using
either (a) or (b).
(a) Towing with a wheel lift type truck
(b) Using a flat bed truck
(c) Never tow with a sling type truck
Only when you cannot receive a towing service from a
Lexus dealer or commercial tow truck service, tow your
vehicle carefully in accordance with the instructions
given in ª(d) Emergency towingº on page 522.
Proper equipment will help ensure that your vehicle is not
damaged while being towed. Commercial operators are
generally aware of the state/provincial and local laws
pertaining to towing.
Your vehicle can be damaged if it is towed incorrectly. Although
most operators know the correct procedure, it is possible to
make a mistake. To avoid damage to your vehicle, make sure
the following precautions are observed. If necessary, show
this page to the tow truck driver. TOWING PRECAUTIONS:
Use a safety chain system for all towing, and abide by the
state/provincial and local laws. The wheels and axle on the
ground must be in good condition. If they are damaged, use
a towing dolly.
CAUTION
When
your vehicle is towed, put the vehicle height in the
ªNº (normal) mode and push the ªHEIGHT 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 ªRear height control air
suspensionº on page 422.