stop start Lexus GX470 2006 Gauges, Meters and Service Reminder Indicators / LEXUS 2006 GX470 (OM60B99U) Owner's Guide

STARTING AND DRIVING
357
“L” (low speed position, center differential unlocked):
Lever at “L”, center differential lock switch left out
Use this for maximum power and traction. Use this for climbing
or descending steep hills, off
−road driving, and hard pulling in
sand or mud.
In this mode, the braking feeling that occurs when the wheels
are negotiating a sharp corner is further reduced than in the “L”
(low position, center differential locked) mode.
“L” (low speed position, center differential locked): Lever
at “L”, center differential lock switch pushed in
Use this for maximum power and traction. Use this for hard
pulling in situations the vehicle cannot negotiate even in the “L”
(low speed position, center differential unlocked) mode. Also,
using this mode when driving down steep off −road inclines will
help contribute to increased vehicle stability.
The indicator light tells when the differential lock is engaged.
Note that the differential is not still locked as long as the
indicator light remains off.
When the operation is not completed, the indicator blinks. If the
indicator light does not go off when you push out the center
differential lock switch, drive straight ahead while accelerating
or decelerating, or drive in reverse.
The center differential lock system operation is not completed
within 5 seconds while the cruise control system is set, cancel
the cruise control system. To cancel the cruise control system,
see “Cruise control” on page 362. If the indicator light does not go off when you push out the
center differential lock switch, drive straight ahead while
accelerating or decelerating, or drive in reverse.
See “(b) Shifting procedure” for further instructions.
(b) Shifting procedure
To shift between unlock and lock modes in “H”,
push the
center differential lock switch.
To shift between unlock and lock modes in “L”, push the
center differential lock switch.
To shift between “H” and “L”, stop the vehicle, put the
transmission into “N” and move the four −wheel drive control
lever.
CAUTION
Never move the fourwheel drive control lever if wheels
are slipping. Stop the slipping or spinning before
shifting.

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367
NOTICE
Use the “LO” mode when the vehicle is stopped.
Otherwise, when the vehicle speed exceeds about 12
km/h (7 mph), “N” mode is selected automatically. So
be careful when you drive in any place where the
overhead height is limited.
(b) Vehicle height mode changing condition
To change the vehicle height, it is necessary to meet the
following conditions.
The engine should be running.
 The height control “OFF” indicator light should go off.
 When selecting a mode, there is a vehicle speed limit. Refer
to the following table.
Yes = The mode can be selected.
No = The mode cannot be selected.
“LO”
mode“N”
mode“HI”
mode
Under about
12 km/h (7 mph)Ye sYe sYe s
Under about
30 km/h (19 mph)NoYe sYe s
About 30 km/h
(19 mph) or overNoYe sNo
In the following cases, the rear height control suspension
will not operate.
 The underbody of the vehicle has touched the surface on
bumpy roads.
 The area around the rear suspension is coated with ice.
If the vehicle is moved to its usual location or the ice is removed
and the height select switch is pressed, the vehicle height
control cannot be operated. In this case, turn off and restart the
engine, then push the control switches.
(c) Vehicle height adjustment
1Higher2Lower
To change the mode, push the height select switch on
either side of “ ” (higher) or “
” (lower).

STARTING AND DRIVING
368The height control indicator light indicates which mode is
selected. (See “(e) Height control indicator light” described
below.)

Selecting the “HI” mode
Push the height select switch on the “ ” side when the vehicle
speed is under about 30 km/h (19 mph).
To change the “N” mode to “HI”: Push the switch once.
To change the “LO” mode to “HI”: Push the switch twice. It
takes about 30 seconds until the “LO” mode changes to the “HI”
mode.
 Selecting the “N” mode
To change the “HI” mode to “N”: Push the height select
switch on the “
” side once.
To change the “LO” mode to “N”: Push the height select
switch on the “ ” side once.
 Selecting the “LO” mode
Push the height select switch on the “
” side while the vehicle
is stopped.
To change the “N” mode to “LO”: Push the switch once.
To change the “HI” mode to “LO”: Push the switch twice.
Even if the engine is stopped while the vehicle height is being
lowered, the operation continues for up to 25 seconds. If within
this 25 seconds, any of the side doors or the back door is
opened, operation will continue for a further 15 seconds.
NOTICE
 If the vehicle height is changed frequently when the
vehicle is heavily loaded, the compressor may
overheat causing the vehicle height adjustment
operation to stop.
 Before you lower the vehicle height with the height
select switch, check under the vehicle to make sure
nothing to damage the vehicle or no one to be injured
is there and that the underbody of the vehicle does
not touch the ground.
 After unloading, the height of a vehicl e equipped with
the rear height control air suspension becomes
slightly higher than the normal vehicle height. Take
sufficient care where the overhead height is
restricted.
 Do not select the “LO” mode in the bumpy roads. If
the underbody of the vehicle touches the rugged
road surface, the vehicle may be damaged.

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(d) Turning off the rear height control airsuspension
To turn off the rear height control air suspension with the
vehicle stopped, push the “HEIGHT CONTROL OFF”
switch. The height control “OFF” indicator light comes on
and the vehicle height is fixed in the same mode as the
height control switch is pushed.
This status is memorized in the system even after the engine
is stopped.
If you push the switch again, the height control “OFF” indicator
light goes out and the rear height control air suspension is
turned on.
Even after the rear height control air suspension is turned off
with the “HEIGHT CONTROL OFF” switch, if the vehicle speed
exceeds 30 km/h (19 mph), the rear height control air
suspension automatically selects the “N” mode.
CAUTION
If you drive through deep water over about 700 mm (28
in.) in depth, put the vehicle height in the “HI” mode with
the height select switch and then turn off the rear height
control air suspension by pushing the “HEIGHT
CONTROL OFF” switch.
NOTICE
 When jacking up or installing tire chains, be sure to
turn off the rear height control air suspension with
the “HEIGHT CONTROL OFF” switch and stop the
engine. Otherwise, the vehicle height may change
because of the automatic leveling function resulting
in accident.
 If your vehicle must be towed, put the vehicle height
in the “N” mode and turn off the rear height control air
suspension. Otherwise, the vehicle height may
change because of the automatic leveling function
resulting in accident.
 If your vehicle gets ditched, turn off the rear height
control air suspension with the “HEIGHT CONTROL
OFF” switch. Otherwise, the vehicle height may
change because of the automatic leveling function
resulting in accident.

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(f) Parking and stopping tips
If you immediately stop the engine to park the vehicle after
off−road driving, the vehicle height is lowered slightly as the
vehicle becomes cool. When parking, make sure there is
nothing that will be in contact with the underbody of the vehicle.
When you start the engine, the vehicle returns to the previous
height.
If you park the vehicle for a long time, the vehicle height may
be gradually lowered. When parking for a long time, make sure
there is nothing that will be in contact with the underbody of the
vehicle. When you start the engine, the vehicle returns to the
previous height.
If you stop the engine, the vehicle height may change in
accordance with the change in the temperature. When you
start the engine, the vehicle returns to the previous height.
(g) Rear height control failure warning
If there is a problem somewhere in the rear height control air
suspension, the “N” mode is automatically selected. If this
occurs, the height control “OFF” indicator light blinks and the
vehicle height control cannot be activated until the malfunction
is corrected. If this is the case, bring your vehicle to your Lexus
dealer as soon as possible and have it checked.
ELECTRONIC MODULATED SUSPENSION
This electronic modulated suspension adjusts the
damping effect on the shock absorbers with the control
switch. Select one of the 4 modes which is suited to the
driving conditions with the control switch to provide good
riding comfort and stability.
1For driving on a bumpy road
2For ordinary driving such as in the city traffic
3For moderate high speed driving
4For sporty type driving such as on winding mountain
roads and high speed driving
5Soft
6Firm

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373
Slip indicator light
Leave the system on during the ordinary driving so that it
can operate when needed.
You may hear a sound in the engine compartment for a few
seconds when the engine is started or just after the vehicle
begins to move. This means that the active traction control
system is in the self−check mode, but does not indicate a
malfunction.
When the active traction control system is operating, the
following conditions occur:
 The system controls the spinning of the 4 wheels. At this
time, the slip indicator light blinks.
 You may feel vibration or noise in your vehicle, caused by
operation of the brakes. This indicates the system is
functioning properly. The slip indicator light comes on for a few seconds when the
ignition key is turned to “ON”. If the indicator light does not
come on when the ignition is turned on, contact your Lexus
dealer.
The brake actuator temperature increase during continuous
operation of the following systems.

Active traction control system
 Vehicle stability control system
 Downhill assist control system
 Hill −start assist control
If the brake actuator temperature becomes too high while any
of the systems is operating, a buzzer will start to sound
intermittently to indicate that the active traction control system
can no longer operate. In this case, immediately stop your
vehicle at a safe place.
If the system continues to operate, the buzzer sound changes
from intermittent to continuous. (The continuous buzzer
sounds for about 3 seconds.) At the time, the slip indicator light
will come on and the active traction control system temporarily
stops operating in order to protect the brake actuator.
(Although the active traction control system does not operate,
there is no problem to continue your driving.) The system will
be automatically restored after a short time and the slip
indicator light goes out.

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Turning on the system
1. Shift the fourwheel drive control lever to the “L”
position.
The system will not operate if the four−wheel drive control lever
is in the “H” position.
2. In order to make full use of the engine brake, putting the
transmission in “L” or “2” is recommended.
The system will operate even if the transmission selector lever
is in “D”, “4”, “3” or “N”. However, when it is in “L” or “2” the
engine brake can also be utilized enabling the system to
operate more effectively.
3. Push the “DAC” switch to turn the system on. The
downhill assist control system indicator light on the
instrument panel will come on. If the downhill assist control system indicator light flashes, the
transmission selector lever may be in “N” or four
−wheel drive
control lever may be in the “H” position.
If the indicator light does not come on when the switch is
pushed, contact your Lexus dealer.
 Slip indicator light
With the vehicle traveling at a speed of 25 km/h (15 mph) or
less, release your foot from the accelerator or brake pedal to
activate the system. The vehicle will descend the hill at a low
speed. While the system is operating, the slip indicator light on
the instrument panel will flash and the stop lights and high
mounted stoplight will be lit.

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If you push the “DAC” switch to turn the system off while it is
in operation, the system will stop operating gradually. The
downhill assist control system indicator light will flash to alert
the driver. To continue driving at a low speed, push the “DAC”
switch to turn the system on.
The slip indicator light and downhill assist control system
indicator
light come on for a few seconds when the ignition key
is turned to “ON”. If any of the indicator lights does not come
on when the ignition is turned on, contact your Lexus dealer.
The brake actuator temperature increases during continuous
operation of the following systems.
 Active traction control system
 Vehicle stability control system
 Downhill assist control system
 Hill −start assist control
If the brake actuator temperature becomes too high while any
of the systems is operating, a buzzer will start to sound
intermittently to indicate that the downhill assist control system
can no longer operate. In this case, stop your vehicle
immediately at a safe place.
If the system continues to operate, the buzzer sound changes
from intermittent to continuous. (The continuous buzzer
sounds for about 3 seconds.) At this time, the slip indicator light
will come on and the downhill assist control system stops
operating temporarily in order to protect the brake actuator.
(Although the downhill assist control system does not operate,
it is no problem to continue your driving.) The system will be
automatically restored after a short time and the slip indicator
light goes out.
“VSC TRAC” warning light
If there is any abnormality in the system, the “VSC TRAC”
warning light will come on. When the “DAC” switch is
pushed, the downhill assist control system indicator light
also flash.

STARTING AND DRIVING
380If the “VSC TRAC” warning light comes on, there may be an
abnormality in any of the following systems in addition to the
downhill assist control system.

Hill −start assist control
 Active traction control system
 Vehicle stability control system
When the system is normal and the ignition key is turned to
“ON”, 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 “ON”
position.
Depressing the brake pedal repeatedly may turn on the light.
It is normal if it goes out after a few seconds.
If the “VSC TRAC” 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 “ON”.
 The warning light remains on after the ignition key is turned
to “ON”.
 The warning light comes on while driving.
HILLSTART ASSIST CONTROL
The hillstart 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 hillstart assist
control. The vehicle may not be able to start
smoothly on road surfaces or offroad surfaces such
as extremely steep slopes or icy roads, on which
sliding can occur very easily.
 Do not use the hillstart assist control to stop the
vehicle. The hillstart assist control is not designed
as a function for stopping the vehicle on a uphill
slope.

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The hillstart assist control will operate for 5 seconds
maximally when all of the following conditions apply.

When the transmission is in any of positions “D”, “4”,
“3”, “2” or “L”
 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 “P” or “\
N”
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 “R”.
 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 “ON”. If the indicator light does not
come on when the ignition is turned on, contact your Lexus
dealer. Keep in mind the following when driving.

The hill −start assist control operates for 5 seconds
maximally. If both the brake and accelerator pedals remain
undepressed for longer than 5 seconds, the buzzer will
sound at more frequent intervals and the system will
gradually stop operating.
 The hill −start assist control is not designed as a function for
stopping the vehicle on a uphill slope. When stopping the
vehicle, be sure to depress the brake pedal.
The brake actuator temperature increases during continuous
operation of the following systems.
 Active traction control system
 Vehicle stability control system
 Downhill assist control system
 Hill −start assist control
If the brake actuator temperature becomes too high while any
of the systems is operating, a buzzer will start to sound
intermittently to indicate that the hill −start assist control can no
longer operate. In this case, stop your vehicle immediately at
a safe place.