trailer LEXUS LS430 2006 Owners Manual

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2-3. Operating the headlight and windshield wipers ..................... 110
Headlight switch ............................. 110
Fog light switch ................................ 113
Windshield wipers and 
washer............................................... 114
Headlight cleaner switch ............. 117
2-4. Using other driving systems..... 118 Lexus park assist system ............. 118
Rear view monitor system ......... 123
Cruise control ................................ 126
Dynamic radar/ laser cruise 
control............................................. 129
Electronically modulated air 
suspension..................................... 138
Driver assist systems.................... 140
Pre-collision system 
(if equipped) ................................. 143
2-5. Driving information ................... 145 Cargo & luggage .......................... 145
Vehicle load limits ......................... 148
Winter driving tips ........................ 149
Trailer Towing................................. 152
Dinghy towing ................................ 160
3-1. Using the air conditioning 
system and defogger .............. 162 Automatic air conditioning

control............................................. 162
Rear window defogger ............... 170
Rear air conditioning controls .. 172
3-2. Using the audio system............. 174 Audio system ................................... 174
Operating the radio ...................... 176
Operating the cassette player............................................... 182
Using the CD changer ............... 185
Optimal use of the audio 
system ............................................... 191
Using the rear controller ........... 193
Using the steering switches ...... 195
3-3. Turning on interior lights......... 198 Interior lights list............................. 198
3-4. Storage......................................... 201 Storage features ............................ 201
3-5. Other interior features .......... 208 Sun visors........................................ 208
Vanity mirror and light ............... 209
Clock.................................................. 210
Ashtray ................................................ 211
Cigarette li ghter
............................ 213
Power outlets .................................. 214
Outside temperature display ... 216
Seat heaters..................................... 218
Climate control seat 
switches ......................................... 220
3Interior features

2When driving
85
2-1. Driving procedures ................. 86Driving the vehicle ...................... 86
Starting the engine ...................... 94
Automatic transmission ............ 98
Turn signal lever ............................ 101
Parking brake .............................. 102
2-2. Instrument cluster .................. 103 Gauges and meters .................. 103
Indicators and warning 
lights ............................................. 105
Multi-information display ........ 107
2-3. Operating the headlight and 
windshield wipers .................. 110
Headlight switch .......................... 110
Fog light switch ............................. 113
Windshield wipers and 
washer ........................................... 114
Headlight cleaner switch.......... 117 2-4. Using other driving

systems ..................................... 118
Lexus park assist system ........... 118
Rear view monitor system....... 123
Cruise control .............................. 126
Dynamic radar/ laser cruise 
control .......................................... 129
Electronically modulated air 
suspension.................................. 138
Driver assist systems ................. 140
Pre-collision system 
(if equipped) .............................. 143
2-5. Driving information ................ 145 Cargo & luggage ....................... 145
Vehicle load limits....................... 148
Winter driving tips...................... 149
Trailer Towing ............................... 152
Dinghy towing.............................. 160

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2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
CAUTION
■To avoid accidentally engaging the cruise control
Keep the ON-OFF switch OFF when not in use.
■To avoid death or serious injury
The following conditions are unsuitable for cruise control use:
• In bad weather (rain, fog, sno
w, sandstorms, etc.)
• If the wipers are operated at high speed (radar cruise control), or at high or low spe
eds (laser cruise control.) This includes when the wiper lever is set to the
“AUTO” position.
• In heavy traffic.
• On roads with sharp bends.
• On slippery road surfaces.
• On steep downhill slopes.
• When the warning tone sounds frequently.
• On roads with steep, short inclines and declines.
• When exiting from, or when ente ri
ng or merging onto a freeway.
■When using the dynamic radar/laser cruise control
Always drive carefully and attentively.
Do not rely on the system to avoid accidents or control the vehicle’s speed in emer -
gency situations. The cruise control is not a collision-av
oidance system.
■Conditions which hinder the radar cruise control's vehicle detection capability
●The rear section of the vehicle ahead is extremely small (unloaded trailer etc.)
●The vehicle ahead or other vehicles are flinging up water or snow.
●Heavy luggage in your trunk or on your rear seats causes the nose of your vehicle
to rise.

142
2-4. Using other driving systems
CAUTION
Any of the following conditions may result in-an accident which could cause death
or serious injury:
■The ABS may not operate effectively when:
●The limits of tire gripping performance have been exceeded.
●If the vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed while the road is wet or
slick.
■Stopping distance when the ABS is activated will exceed that of normal condi -
tions
The ABS is not designed to shorten the v
ehicle’s stopping distance. Always main -
tain a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you, particularly in the
fo
llowing situations.
• When driving on dirt, gravel or snow-covered roads
• When driving with tire chains
• When driving over bumps in the road
• When driving over roads with potholes or uneven roads
• When towing a trailer
■TRAC may not operate effectively when:
Directional control and power may not be ac hi
evable while driving on slippery road
surfaces, even if the TRAC system is operating. 
Do not drive the vehicle in conditions where control and power may be lost.
■When the slip indicator flashe s and a warning buzzer sounds
This situation occurs immediately before VSC is activated. Always drive carefully.
R
eckless driving may cause an at the recommended level. 
Exercise particular care when an indicator light flashes and a buzzer sounds.
■Replacing tires
Ensure that all tires are the same size an d
brand, have the same tread pattern, and
that the level of tire pressure is at the recommended level. 
The ABS and VSC systems may not operate no rmal
ly if different tires are installed
to the vehicle. 
Contact your Lexus dealer for further info rmati
on when replacing tires or wheels.

146
2-5. Driving information
Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being
loaded on the vehicle.
The weight may not safely exceed the available cargo and luggage load
capacity calculated in Step .
If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be
transferred to your vehicle. Consu lt this manual to determine ho
w
this reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity of
your vehicle. ( P.148 )
Example on your vehicle
Cargo capacity
Total load capacity
2 people with the combined weight of 366 lb. (166 kg) are riding in your
v
ehicle which has a total load capacity of 900 lb. (410 kg), the available
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity will be as follows:
900 lb. -366 lb. = 534 lb. (410 kg - 166 kg = 244 kg)
In this condition, if 3 mor
e passengers with the combined weight of 388
lb. (176 kg) get on, the available cargo and luggage load will be reduced
as follows:
534 lb. -388 lb. = 146 lb. (244 kg - 176 kg = 68 kg)
4
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2

148
2-5. Driving information
Vehicle load limits
■Total load capacity and seating capacity
These are also described on the tire and loading information label. ( P. 2 8 3 )
CAUTION
■Overload
Do not apply excess load. 
It may cause not only damage to the tires, but also
deterioration of steering ability
and braking ability, resu lting in an accident.
Vehicle load limits include total load ca pacity, seating capacity, towing capac-
ity and cargo capacity.
■ Total load capacity: 900 lb. (410 kg)
Total load capacity means the comb ined w
eight of occupants, cargo
and luggage.
■ Seating capacity: T
otal 5 (Front 2, Rear 3)
Seating capacity means the maxi mum number of occupants whose
estimated a
verage weight is 150 lb. (68 kg) per person.
Even if the number of occupants ar e within the seating capacity, do not
exceed the total load capacity.
■ Towing capacity: 2000 lb. (907 kg)
Towing capacity means the maximum gross trailer weight (trailer
w

eight plus its cargo weight) that your vehicle is able to tow.
■ Car
go capacity
Cargo capacity ma y incr
ease or decrease depending on the weight
and the number of occupants. ( P.145 )

152
2-5. Driving information
Trailer Towing
Your vehicle is designed primarily as a passenger-carrying vehicle, thus tow-
ing a trailer will have an adverse effec t on
handling, performance, braking,
durability, and fuel consumption. For yo ur safety and the safety of others, do
not overload the vehicle or trailer.
Lexus warranties do not apply to damage or malfunction caused b
y towing a
trailer for commercial purposes
■ Weight limits
Confirm the total trailer weight, gross v
ehicle weight, gross axle weight
and trailer tongue load are all within the limits.
■ Gr
oss vehicle weight
The gross vehicle weight must not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight
R
ating (GVWR) indicated on the Certification Label. The gross vehi -
cle weight is the sum weight of th e unloaded v
ehicle, driver, passen-
gers, luggage, hitch and trailer tongue load. Also included is the w
eight
of any special equipment installed on your vehicle.
■ Gr
oss axle weight
The load on either the front or rear axle r
esulting from distribution of
the gross vehicle weight on both ax les must not exceed the Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR) listed on the Certification Label.
Certification label

153
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
Towing a trailer
Consult your Lexus dealer for further information on additional require -
ments such as a towing kit, etc.
■Trailer tongue load
The trailer cargo load should be dis tributed so that the tongue load is 9
to 11% of the total trailer weight , not exceeding the maximum of 200
lb. (90 kg) (Tongue load / Total trailer weight) x 100 = 9 to 11%) 
The total trailer weight and tongue load can be measur
ed with plat-
form scales found at a highw
ay weighing station, building supply com -
pany, trucking company, junk yard, etc.
Total trailer weight
Tongue load
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154
2-5. Driving information
■Before towing
●Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated. (P.283 )
●Trailer tires should be inflated according to the trailer manufacturer’s recom -
mendation.
●All trailer lights must work to be legal.
●Confirm all lights work each time you connect them.
●Check that your vehicle remains level when a loaded or unloaded trailer is
hitched. Do not drive if the vehicle is not level, and check for improper tongue
load, overloading, worn suspension, or other possible causes.
●Make sure the trailer cargo is securely loaded.
●Check that your rear view mirrors conform to any federal, state/provincial or
local regulations. If they do not, instal l rear view mirrors appropriate for towing
purposes.
■Break-in schedule
Lexus recommends that you do not use a new vehicle or a vehicle with any new
p

ower train components (engine, transmissi on, differential, wheel bearing, etc.) to
tow a trailer for the first 500 miles (800 km) of driving.
■Maintenance
●If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will require more frequent maintenance due to
the additional load. (see “Owner’s Manual Supplement/ Scheduled Mainte -
nance”)
●Retighten the fixing bolts of the towing ball and bracket after approximately
600 miles (1000 km) of trailer towing.

155
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
CAUTION
■To avoid accident or injury
●The total trailer weight (trailer weight plus the weight of cargo) must not exceed
2000 lb. (907 kg).
●Do not exceed the trailer hitch assembly weight, gross vehicle weight, gross axle
weight and trailer tongue load capacities.
●Never load more weight in the back than in the front of the trailer. About 60% of
the load should be in the front half of the trailer, and the remaining 40% in the
rear.
■Hitches
Trailer hitch assemblies have different weight capacities established by the hitch
ma

nufacturer. Even though the vehicle may be physically capable of towing a
higher weight, the operator must never exceed the maximum weight rating speci -
fied for the trailer hitch.
• If you wish to install a trailer hitch, your Lexus dealer should be consulted.
• Use only a hitch that conforms to the total trailer weight requirement.
• Follow the directions supplied by the hitch manufacturer.
• Lubricate the hitch ball with a light coat of grease.
• Remove the trailer hitch whenever you are not towing a trailer. After r
emoving the hitch, seal any mounting holes in the vehicle body to prevent
entry of any substances into the vehicle.
■When towing a trailer
●If the total trailer weight exceeds 1000 lb . (450 kg), trailer brakes are required.
●Never tap into your vehicle's hydraulic system, as this will lower the vehicle's
braking effectiveness.
●Never tow a trailer without using a safety chain securely attached to both the
trailer and the vehicle. If damage occurs to the coupling unit or hitch ball, there is
danger of the trailer wandering into another lane.