Lexus GX470 2008 Owner's Manual

400
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
CAUTION
■Replacing a flat tire
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of injury.
●Lower the spare tire completely to the ground before removing it from under the
vehicle.
●Do not try to remove the wheel ornament by hand. Take due care in handling the
ornament to avoid unexpected personal injury.
●Never use oil or grease on the wheel bolts or wheel nuts.
The oil or grease can cause the wheel nuts to loosen, causing a serious accident.
Remove any oil or grease on the wheel bolts or wheel nuts.
●Have the wheel nuts tightened with a torque wrench to 83 ft•lbf (112 N•m, 11.5
kgf•m) as soon as possible after changing wheels.
Failure to follow these precautions could cause the nuts to loosen and the wheels
may fall off, which could lead to an accident causing death or serious injury.
●Do not attach a heavily damaged wheel ornament, as it may fly off the wheel while
the vehicle is moving.

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When trouble arises
401
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
NOTICE
■Do not drive the vehicle with a flat tire
Do not continue driving with a flat tire.
Driving even a short distance with a flat tire can damage the tire and the wheel
beyond repair.
■When stowing the flat tire
●Ensure that there is no object caught between the tire and the vehicle underbody.
●Vehicles with kinetic dynamic suspension: To avoid damaging the suspension sys-
tem, make sure that the spare tire does not interfere with the suspension compo-
nents when stowed.
■When replacing the tires
●When removing or fitting the wheels, tires or the tire pressure warning valve and
transmitter, contact your Lexus dealer as the tire pressure warning valve and
transmitter may be damaged if not handled correctly.
●Replace the grommets for the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters as
well.
■To avoid damaging the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters
Do not use liquid sealants on flat tires.

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

404
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If you lose your keys
New genuine Lexus keys can be made and programmed to your vehicle by
your Lexus dealer, using one of the master keys and the key number
stamped on your key number plate.

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

406
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
■To prevent battery discharge
●Turn off the headlights and the audio system while the engine is off.
●Turn off any unnecessary electrical components when the vehicle is running at a
low speed for an extended period, such as in heavy traffic, etc.
■When the battery is removed or discharged
The power windows and moon roof must be initialized.
CAUTION
■Avoiding battery fires or explosions
Observe the following precautions to prevent accidentally igniting the flammable
gas that may be emitted from the battery.
●Make sure the jumper cable is connected to the correct terminal and that it is not
unintentionally in contact with any part other than the intended terminal.
●Do not allow the jumper cables to come into contact with the “+” and “-” termi-
nals.
●Do not allow open flame or use matches, cigarette lighters or smoke near the
battery.
Once your vehicle’s engine has started, remove the jumper
cables in the exact reverse order in which they were con-
nected.
Once the engine starts, have the vehicle checked at your Lexus dealer
as soon as possible.STEP5

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When trouble arises
407
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
CAUTION
■Battery precautions
The battery contains poisonous and corrosive acidic electrolyte, while related parts
contain lead and lead compounds. Observe the following precautions when han-
dling the battery:
●When working with the battery, always wear safety glasses and take care not to
allow any battery fluids (acid) to come into contact with skin, clothing or the vehi-
cle body.
●Do not lean over the battery.
●If the battery fluid comes into contact with the skin or eyes, immediately wash the
affected area with water and seek medical attention.
Place a wet sponge or cloth over the affected area until medical attention can be
received.
●Always wash your hands after handling the battery support, terminals, and other
battery-related parts.
●Do not allow children near the battery.
NOTICE
■To avoid damaging the vehicle
Do not pull or push-start the vehicle, as the three-way catalytic converter may over-
heat and become a fire hazard.
■When handling jumper cables
Be careful that the jumper cables do not become tangled in the cooling fan or any
of the belts when connecting or disconnecting them.

408
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If your vehicle overheats
If the engine overheats:
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and turn off the automatic air
conditioning system.
Check to see if steam is coming out from under the hood.
If you see steam: Turn off the engine and carefully lift the hood.
If you do not see steam: Leave the engine running and carefully lift the hood.
Check to see if the cooling fan is operating.
If the fan is operating: Wait until the engine coolant temperature gauge begins to
fall and then stop the engine.
If the fan is not operating: Stop the engine immediately and call your local Lexus
dealer.
After the engine has cooled
down sufficiently, check the
coolant level and inspect the
radiator for any leaks.STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4

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When trouble arises
409
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
■Overheating
In the following situations, your vehicle may be overheating.
●The engine coolant temperature gauge enters the red zone or a loss of power is
experienced.
●Steam is coming from under the hood.
CAUTION
■To prevent an accident or injury when inspecting under the hood of your vehicle
●Keep hands and clothing away from the fan and engine drive belt while the
engine is running.
●Do not loosen the radiator cap while the engine and radiator are hot.
Serious injury, such as burns, may result from hot coolant and steam released
under pressure.
NOTICE
■When adding coolant
Wait until the engine has cooled down before adding coolant.
When adding coolant, do so slowly. Adding cold coolant to a hot engine too quickly
can cause damage to the engine.
Add coolant if required.
Water can be used as an emer-
gency measure if coolant is
unavailable. (→P. 4 1 6 )
Have the vehicle checked at your nearest Lexus dealer as soon as pos-
sible.
STEP5