key Lexus GX470 2005 Scheduled Maintenance Guide / LEXUS 2005 GX470 OWNER'S MANUAL (OM60B11U)

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
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.

SECTION 4
490
IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
In case of an emergency
If your engine stalls while driving491
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If your vehicle will not start 491
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If you cannot increase engine speed 496
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If your vehicle overheats 496
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If you have a flat tire 497
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If your vehicle becomes stuck 515
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If your vehicle needs to be towed 517
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If you cannot shift automatic transmission selector lever 524
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If you lose your keys or lock yourself out 525
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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.

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
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
524
CAUTION
If the emergency towing eyelet is used to get out when
your vehicle becomes stuck in the mud, sand or other
condition from which the vehicle cannot be driven out
under its own power, make sure to observe the
precautions mentioned below. Otherwise, excessive
stress will be put on the eyelet and the towing cable or
chain may break, causing serious injury or damage.
If the towing vehicle can hardly move, do not forcibly
continue the towing. Contact your Lexus dealer or a
commercial tow truck service for assistance.
 Tow the vehicle as straight ahead as possible.
 Keep away from the vehicle during towing.
Tips for towing a stuck vehicle:
The following methods are effective to use when your
vehicle is stuck in the mud, sand or other condition from
which the vehicle cannot be driven out under its own
power. Use extreme caution when towing the vehicle. In
addition, keep away from the vehicles and towing cable or
chain when towing.
 Remove the sand and soil in the front and the back of the
tires.
 Place stones or wood under the tires.
IF YOU CANNOT SHIFT AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION SELECTOR LEVER
If you cannot shift the selector lever out of ªPº position to
other positions even though the brake pedal is depressed,
use the shift lock override button as follows:
1Turn the ignition key to ªLOCKº. Make sure the parking
brake is applied.
2Pry up the cover with a flat±bladed screwdriver or
equivalent.