engine Lexus GX470 2008 Owner's Manual

5
When trouble arises
379
5-1. Essential information
Event data recorder
In a crash or a near car crash eventThe EDR may record some or all of the following information.
● Engine speed
● Whether the brake pedal was applied or not
● Ve h i c l e s p e e d
● To what extent the accelerator pedal was depressed
● Position of the transmission shift lever
● Whether the driver and front passenger wore seat belts or not
● Driver’s seat position
● Front passenger’s occupant classification
● SRS airbag deployment data
● SRS airbag system diagnostic data
Your Lexus’ Electronic Control Unit (ECU) may contain another EDR.
There are a variety of driving situations which include activating the vehi-
cle stability control (VSC) under which the VSC EDR will record certain
information. The VSC EDR may record some or all of the following infor-
mation:
● Behavior of the vehicle
● Steering wheel angle
Your vehicle has computers that monitor and control certain aspects of
your vehicle. These computers assist in driving and maintaining optimal
vehicle performance.
Besides storing data useful for troubleshooting, there is a system to record
data in a crash or a near car crash event. This is called an Event Data
Recorder (EDR).

382
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
Stop the vehicle immediately.
The following warning indicates the possibility of damage to the vehicle
that may lead to an accident. Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place
and contact your Lexus dealer.
Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately. Failing to investigate the cause of the following warnings may lead to the
system operating abnormally and possibly cause an accident. Have the
vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
Warning lightWarning light/Details
Charging system warning light Indicates a malfunction in the vehicle’s charging system
while the engine is running.
Low engine oil pressure warning lightIndicates an abnormal level of engine oil pressure.
This warning light may turn on if the level of engine oil
declines. The light should turn off after checking the oil and
adding oil if necessary.
Warning lightWarning light/Details
(U.S.A.)

(Canada)
Malfunction indicator lamp
Malfunction in:
• The electronic engine control system;
• The electronic throttle control system; or
• The electronic automatic transmission control system.
SRS warning lightMalfunction in:
• The SRS airbag system;
• The front passenger occupant classification system; or
• The seat belt pretensioner system.

384
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
Have the malfunction repaired immediately.After taking the specified steps to correct the suspected problem, check
that the warning light turns off.
Warning lightWarning light/DetailsCorrection procedure
Open door warning light A door or a back door is not
fully closed.Check that all doors and the
back door are closed.
Low fuel level warning lightRemaining fuel
(Approximately 2.9 gal. [11 L,
2.4 Imp.gal.] or less)
Refuel the vehicle.
Low washer fluid warning
lightLow level of washer fluid.
Fill the tank.
Engine oil replacement
reminder light
Illuminates for about 3 sec-
onds and then flashes for
about 12 seconds: The engine
oil is scheduled to be changed.
Check the engine oil, and
change if necessary.
Comes on and remains on:
The engine oil should be
changed.Check and change the engine
oil.

5
When trouble arises
385
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
*: Driver’s seat belt reminder buzzer:
The driver’s seat belts reminder sounds to alert the driver that his or her seat
belt is not fastened. Once the engine switch is turned to the “ON” or “START”
position, the reminder light flashes and a buzzer sounds if the driver’s seat belt is
not fastened. Unless the driver fastens the belt, the light continues flashing,
however the buzzer stops after about 4 to 8 seconds.
Warning lightWarning light/DetailsCorrection procedure
Driver’s seat belt reminder
light (warning buzzer)
*
Warns the driver to fasten
his/her seat belt.Fasten the seat belt.
(on the center panel)
Front passenger’s seat belt
reminder lightWarns the front passenger to
fasten his/her seat belt.
Fasten the seat belt.
Tire pressure warning light
When the light comes on:
Low tire inflation pressure.Adjust the tire inflation pres-
sure.
When the light stays on after
blinking for 1 minute:
Malfunction in the tire pres-
sure warning system.
Have the system checked by
your Lexus dealer.

388
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
The tire pressure warning system may become inoperative in the following condi-
tions:
(When the condition becomes normal, the system will work properly.)
●If electronic devices or facilities using similar radio wave frequencies are nearby.
●If a radio set at similar frequencies is in use in the vehicle.
●If a window tint that affects the radio wave signals is installed.
●If there is a lot of snow or ice on the vehicle, in particular around the wheels or
wheel housings.
●If non-genuine Lexus wheels are used. (Even if you use genuine Lexus wheels,
the tire pressure warning system may not work properly with some types of
tires.)
●If tire chains are used.
●If the spare tire is in a location subject to poor radio wave signal reception.
● If a large metallic object which can interfere with signal reception is put in the
luggage compartment.
■If the tire pressure warning light comes on after blinking for 1 minute frequently
If the tire pressure warning light comes on after blinking for 1 minute frequently
when the engine switch is turned to the “ON” position, have it checked by your
Lexus dealer.
■After changing the engine oil (U.S.A. only)
Make sure to reset the oil maintenance data. (→P. 3 2 6 )
CAUTION
■If the tire pressure warning light comes on
Be sure to observe the following precautions. Failure to do so could cause loss of
vehicle control and result in death or serious injury.
●Stop your vehicle in a safe place as soon as possible. Adjust the tire inflation pres-
sure immediately.
●If the tire pressure warning light comes on even after tire inflation pressure adjust-
ment, it is probable that you have a flat tire. Check the tires. If the tire is flat,
change to the spare tire and have the flat tire repaired by the nearest Lexus
dealer.
●Avoid abrupt maneuvering and braking. If the vehicle tires deteriorate, you could
lose control of the steering wheel or the brakes.

5
When trouble arises
391
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If you have a flat tire
Remove the flat tire and replace it with the spare provided.
■Before jacking up the vehicle
● Stop the vehicle on a hard, flat surface.
● Set the parking brake.
● Shift the shift lever to “P”.
● Turn off the rear height control air suspension. ( →P. 1 4 9 )
● Stop the engine.
● Turn on the emergency flashers.
■ Location of the spare tire, jack and tools
Wheel nut
wrench
Spare tire
Jack
To o l s
Jack handle and extensions

5
When trouble arises
399
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
CAUTION
■Using the tire jack
Improper use of the tire jack may lead to death or injuries due to the vehicle sud-
denly falling off the jack.
●Do not use the tire jack for any purpose other than replacing tires or installing and
removing tire chains.
●Only use the tire jack that comes with this vehicle for replacing a flat tire.
Do not use it on other vehicles, and do not use other tire jacks for replacing tires
on this vehicle.
●Always check that the tire jack is securely set to the jack point.
●Be sure to turn off the rear height control air suspension and stop the engine.
●Do not raise the vehicle while someone is in it.
●When raising the vehicle, do not put an object on or under the jack.
●Do not raise the vehicle to a height greater than that required to replace the tire.
●Use a jack stand if it is necessary to get under the vehicle.
●Do not put any part of your body under the vehicle supported by a jack.
●Do not start or run the engine while your vehicle is supported by the jack.
Take particular care when lowering the vehicle to ensure that no one working on or
near the vehicle may be injured.
■Using the jack handle
Tighten all the jack handle bolts securely using a Phillips-head screwdriver, to pre-
vent the extension parts from coming apart unexpectedly.

402
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If the engine will not start
If the engine will not start even though correct starting procedures are
being followed (
→P. 118), consider each of the following points.
■The engine will not start even when the starter motor operates
normally
One of the following may be the cause of the problem.
●There may not be sufficient fuel in the vehicle’s tank.
Add fuel to the vehicle.
● The engine may be flooded.
Try to restart the engine once more following correct starting
procedures. ( →P. 1 1 8 )
● There may be a malfunction in the engine immobilizer system.
(→ P. 7 0 )
■ The starter motor turns over slowly, interior lights and headlights
are dim, or the horn does not sound or sounds at a low volume
One of the following may be the cause of the problem.
● The battery may be discharged. ( →P. 405)
● The battery terminal connections may be loose or corroded.
■ The starter motor does not turn ov er, interior lights and headlights
do not turn on, or the horn does not sound
One of the following may be the cause of the problem.
● One or both of the battery terminals may be disconnected.
● The battery may be discharged. ( →P. 405)
Contact your Lexus dealer if the problem cannot be repaired, or if
repair procedures are unknown.

5
When trouble arises
403
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P
If the shift lever cannot be shifted with your foot on the brake, there may be
a problem with the shift lock system (a system to prevent accidental opera-
tion of the shift lever). Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer
immediately.
The following steps may be used as an emergency measure to ensure that
the shift lever can be shifted.
Set the parking brake.
Turn the engine switch to the “ON” position.
Depress the brake pedal.
Pry the cover up with a flathead
screwdriver or equivalent.
Press the shift lock override but-
ton.
The shift lever can be shifted
while the button is pressed.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
STEP5

5
When trouble arises
405
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If the vehicle battery is discharged
The following procedures may be used to start the engine if the vehicle’s
battery is discharged.
You can call your Lexus dealer, or qualified repair shop.
If you have a set of jumper (or booster) cables and a second vehicle
with a 12 volt battery, you can jump start your Lexus by following the
steps below.
Open the hood.
Connecting the jumper cables. If required, remove all vent plugs from the booster battery. Lay a
cloth over the open vents on the booster battery. (This helps reduce
the chance of explosion, personal injuries and burns.)
Positive (+) battery terminal on your vehicle.
Positive (+) battery terminal on the second vehicle.
Negative (-) battery terminal on the second vehicle.
Negative (-) battery terminal on your vehicle. Start the engine of the second vehicle. Increase the engine
speed slightly and maintain at that level for approximately 5
minutes to recharge the 12 volt battery of your vehicle.
Maintain the engine speed of the second vehicle and start your
vehicle’s engine.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4