rear LEXUS LX470 2006 Owners Manual

DRIVING TIPS
325
Trailer towing tips
When towing a trailer, your vehicle will handle differently
than when not towing. The three main causes of
vehicletrailer accidents are driver error , excessive speed
and improper trailer loading. Keep these in mind when
towing:
 Before starting out, check the operation of the lights and all
vehicle −trailer connections. After driving a short distance,
stop and recheck the lights and connections. Practice
turning, stopping and backing with a trailer in an area away
from traffic until you learn the feel.
 Backing with a trailer is difficult and requires practice. Grip
the bottom of the steering wheel and move your hand to the
left to move the trailer to the left. Move your hand to the right
to move the trailer to the right. (This procedure is generally
opposite to that when backing without a trailer.) Also, just
turn the steering wheel a little at a time, avoiding sharp or
prolonged turning. Have someone guide you when backing
to reduce the risk of an accident.
 Because stopping distance may be increased,
vehicle− to−vehicle distance should be increased when
towing a trailer. For each 16 km/h (10 mph) of speed, allow
at least one vehicle and trailer length between you and the
vehicle ahead. Avoid sudden braking as you may skid,
resulting in jackknifing and loss of control. This is especially
true on wet or slippery surfaces.
 Avoid jerky starts or sudden acceleration. 
Avoid jerky steering and sharp turns. The trailer could hit
your vehicle in a tight turn. Slow down before making a turn
to avoid the need of sudden braking.
 Remember that when making a turn, the trailer wheels will
be closer than the vehicle wheels to the inside of the turn.
Therefore, compensate for this by making a larger than
normal turning radius with your vehicle.
 Crosswinds and rough roads will adversely affect handling
of your vehicle and trailer, causing sway. Pay attention to
the rear from time to time to prepare yourself for being
passed by large trucks or buses, which may cause your
vehicle and trailer to sway. If swaying happens, firmly grip
the steering wheel and reduce speed immediately but
gradually. Never increase speed. If it is necessary to
reduce speed, brake slowly. Steer straight ahead. If you
make no extreme correction with the steering or brakes,
your vehicle and trailer will stabilize.
 Be careful when passing other vehicles. Passing requires
considerable distance. After passing a vehicle, do not
forget the length of your trailer and be sure you have plenty
of room before changing lanes.
 In order to maintain efficient engine braking and electrical
charging performance, do not use overdrive. T ransmission
must be “4” position.

DRIVING TIPS
328
Keep your vehicle tunedup and in top shape. A dirty air
cleaner, improper valve clearance, dirty plugs, dirty oil and
grease, brakes not adjusted, etc. all lower engine
performance and contribute to poor fuel economy. For
longer life of all parts and lower operating costs, keep all
maintenance work on schedule, and if you often drive under
severe conditions, see that your vehicle receives more
frequent maintenance. (For scheduled maintenance
information, please refer to the “Owner’s Manual
Supplement / Scheduled Maintenance”.)
CAUTION
Never turn off the engine to coast down hills. Your
power steering and brake booster will not function
without the engine running. Also, the emission control
system operates properly only when the engine is
running.
VEHICLE LOAD LIMITS
Vehicle load limits include total load capacity, seating
capacity, towing capacity and cargo capacity . Follow the
load limits shown below. Total load capacity and seating
capacity are also described on the tire and loading
information label. For location of the tire and loading
information label, see “Checking tire inflation pressure”
on page 424.
Total load capacity: 545 kg (1200 lb.)
Total load capacity means combined weight of
occupants, cargo and luggage. To ngue load is included
when trailer towing.
Seating capacity: Total 8 (Front 2, Rear 6)
Seating capacity means the maximum number of
occupants whose estimated average weight is 68 kg
(150 lb.) per person. Depending on the weight of each
person, the seating capacity given may exceed the total
load capacity.
NOTICE
Even if the number of occupants are within the
seating capacity, do not exceed the total load
capacity.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
342
40X003f
 1Lower 2Raise 3Paper
To remove the spare tire:
1. Remove the spare tire carrier lid using a flathead
screwdriver.
2. Insert the end of the jack handle extension into the
lowering screw and turn it counterclockwise with the
handle, making sure the handle remains firmly fitted
onto the jack handle extension.
3. After the tire is lowered completely to the ground,
remove the holding bracket.
When storing the spare tire, put it in place with the outer
side of the wheel facing up. Then secure the tire, taking
care that the tire goes straight up without catching on any
other part, to prevent it fr om flying forward during a
collision or sudden braking.
40X004g
2. Block the wheel diagonally opposite the flat tire to
keep the vehicle from rolling when it is jacked up.
When blocking a wheel, place a wheel block in front of
the front wheels or behind the rear wheels.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
344
40X035e
Front
40X036b
Rear
5. Position the jack at the jack points as shown.
Make sure the jack is positioned on a level and solid
surface. JACK POINTS:
Front
− Under the chassis frame side rail at the No.2
body mount bracket
Left rear − Under the rear axle housing
Right rear − Under the bracket on the rear axle housing

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
352
(a) Towing with a wheel lift type truck
From front
40X019a
Use a towing dolly under the rear wheels.
NOTICE
Never tow a vehicle with an automatic transmission
from the front with rear wheels on the ground, as this
may cause serious damage to the transmission.
From rear
40X020a
Use a towing dolly under the front wheels.
NOTICE
Never tow a vehicle with an automatic transmission
from the rear with front wheels on the ground, as this
may cause serious damage to the transmission.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
353
(b) Using a flat bed truck
40X014b
Tie down points
40X015a
40X016c
If your Lexus is transported by a flat bed, it should be tied
down at locations A and B as shown above.
40X017d
Rear emergency towing hook
NOTICE
Do not use the rear emergency towing hook.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
354
Tie down angle
40X018c
If you use chains or wires to tie down your vehicle, the
angles shaded black must be at 45.
(c) Towing with a sling type truck
40X021b
NOTICE
Do not tow with a sling type truck, either from the front
or rear. This may cause body damage.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
355
(d) Emergency towing
40x600a
If towing is necessary, we recommend you to have it done
by your Lexus dealer or a commercial tow truck service.
If towing service is not available in an emergency, your
vehicle may be temporarily towed by a cable or chain
secured to the emergency towing hook. Use extreme
caution when towing the vehicle.
NOTICE
Never tow a vehicle from the rear with four wheels on the
ground. This may cause serious damage to the
transmission.
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 hook
and towing cable or chain. The hook and towing cable
or chain may break and cause serious injury or damage.
NOTICE
 Do not use front and rear eyelets. It is not designed
for towing.
 Use only a cable or chain specifically intended for
use in towing vehicles. Securely fasten the cable or
chain to the towing hook 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 “N”. The ignition
key must be in “ACC” (engine off) or “ON” (engine running).

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
379


Speak forcefully and clearly. The noisier the environment,
the louder you need to speak. If you are in the driver’s seat,
speak facing the front of the vehicle. If you are a passenger,
speak facing the rearview mirror.
 Speak calmly and naturally. The system may sometimes
fail to hear your repeated attempts to give a command. If
your speech is distorted by shouting or frustration, this may
cause more errors.
 People with high −pitched voices may have better results by
speaking in a deeper, lower−pitched voice. However, do not
lower the volume of the voice.
 Avoid speaking with a rising intonation, like asking a
question. Use a flat or fallin g intonation, like giving an
answer.
Personal calling: oneword commands

Commands—The personal calling system listens for only
one word at a time. (There are some exceptions: two −word
phrases that are spoken and understood as a single word,
e.g., “Advanced services” and “My number”.)
 Numbers—When inputting a phone number, the personal
calling system listens for a continuous string of digits. It can
recognize 7−, 10−, and 11−digit numbers as well as the
number 911. When inputting security codes or
voice−activated keypad numbers, you must say them one
digit at a time.
 Say “Help” at the “Lexus Link ready” prompt to hear the list
of personal calling commands.

MAINTENANCE
388Battery
Your Lexus has a maintenance free battery. You do not have
to add distilled water. For longer life of the battery, however,
see page 450 for additional information.
Brake fluid level
Make sure the brake fluid level is correct. See page 421 for
additional information.
Engine oil level
Check the level on the dipstick with the engine turned off and
the vehicle parked on a level spot.
See page 410 for additional
information.
Suspension fluid level
Make sure the suspension fluid level is correct. See page 423
for additional information.
Power steering fluid level
Check the level through the reservoir. The level should be in
the “HOT” or “COLD” range depending on the fluid
temperature. See page 422 for additional information.
Exhaust system
If you notice any change in the sound of the exhaust or smell
exhaust fumes, have the cause located and corrected
immediately. (See “Engine exhaust caution” on page 255.)
Vehicle interior
Items listed below should be checked regularly, e.g. while
performing periodic services, cleaning the vehicle, etc.
Lights
Make sure the headlights, stop lights, tail lights, turn signal
lights, and other lights are working. Check headlight aim.
Service reminder indicators and warning buzzers
Check that all service reminder indicators and warning
buzzers function properly.
Steering wheel
Check that it ha s the specified free play. Be alert for changes
in steering condition, such as hard steering, excessive free
play or strange noise.
Seats
Check that all front seat controls such as seat adjusters,
seatback recliner, etc. operate smoothly. Check that the head
restraints move up and down smoothly and that the locks hold
securely in any latched position. For folding −down rear
seatbacks, swing− up rear seat cushions and detachable third
seats, check that the latches lock securely.
Seat belts
Check that the seat belt system such as buckles, retractors
and anchors operate properly and smoothly. Make sure the
belt webbing is not cut, frayed, worn or damaged.