change wheel LEXUS LX470 2006 User Guide

STARTING AND DRIVING
279
ACTIVE HEIGHT CONTROLSUSPENSION (AHC)
This active height control suspension controls the vehicle
height depending on the vehicle driving condition. Select
your desired height among the “HI” (high), “N” (normal)
and “LO” (low) modes with the height select switch.
31X600
(a) Vehicle height modes
 “HI” (high) mode
The vehicle height is about 40 mm (1.6 in.) higher at front
and about 50 mm (2.0 in.) higher at rear than the normal
mode height.
This mode is suitable when driving on bumpy roads and
through water.
This mode is available when the vehicle speed is under about
30 km/h (19 mph).
CAUTION
The “HI” (high) or “Extra high” mode should be used for
severe offroad driving condition only. Because the
vehicle’s center of gravity is higher in this setting, the
vehicle may become unstable when turning abruptly,
resulting in an accident.
When the four −wheel drive control lever is put at “L”, this mode
may change to the extra high mode automatically in
accordance with the driving condition.
When the vehicle exceeds the specified vehicle speed, the
vehicle height changes to the following:
With the fourwheel drive control lever at “H” and at the
vehicle speed of 30 km/h (19 mph) or over, the normal mode
is automatically selected.
With the fourwheel drive control lever at “L” and at the
vehicle speed of 50 km/h (30 mph) or over, the vehicle
height becomes automatically about 25 mm (1.0 in.) higher
than the normal mode height. If the vehicle speed is lowered
about 20 km/h (12 mph) or le ss after that, the high mode
automatically resumes.
Extra high mode
This mode is automatically selected from the high mode
with the fourwheel drive control lever placed in “L”
position depending on the vehicle driving condition.
If the vehicle becomes stuck, the vehicle height rises
automatically to the extra high mode (slightly higher or at about
70 mm (2.8 in.) higher than normal mode height).

STARTING AND DRIVING
280In the following cases, the extra high mode changes to the high
mode automatically:

When your vehicle is no longer stuck.
 When the four −wheel drive control lever is put in a position
other than “L”.
When you push the height select switch on the “
” side
in the extra high mode, the normal mode is selected.
Since the extra high mode is automatically selected, you
cannot select this mode on purpose with the height select
switch.
 “N” (normal) mode
The vehicle height in this mode is standard.
This mode is suitable for ordinary driving.
 “LO” (low) mode
The vehicle height is about 50 mm (2.0 in.) lower at front
and about 40 mm (1.6 in.) lower at rear than the normal
mode height.
This mode allows you easy access to the vehicle (getting in
and out) and easy loading and unloading operation.
This mode is available when the vehicle is stopped. When you
start the vehicle, the normal mode is automatically selected.
NOTICE
The normal mode is automatically selected when the
vehicle begins to move in the low mode. So be careful
when you drive in any place where the overhead height
is limited.
(b) Automatic leveling function
Regardless of the number of occupants or the luggage
loading condition, the vehicle height is always
automatically adjusted to a fixed height in any mode.
However, the vehicle height cannot be raised if the vehicle load
exceeds the limits. (See page 281.)
(c) Vehicle height mode changing condition
To change the vehicle height, it is necessary to meet the
following 3 conditions.
 The engine should be running.
 All the side doors and back door should be closed.
 The height control “OFF” indicator light should go off.
When selecting a mode with the four −wheel drive control lever
at “H”, there is a vehicle speed limit. Refer to the following
table.

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281
Yes= The mode can be selected.
No = The mode cannot be selected.
Low
modeNormal modeHigh
mode
At vehicle
stoppageYe 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 active height control
suspension does not operate even if the above conditions
are all met.
 The brake pedal has been depressed for longer than about
5 seconds with the vehicle stopped.
 The suspension fluid temperature is lower than −30 C
(−22 F). If the engine is warmed up, the suspension fluid
temperature will be raised as the inside of the engine
compartment becomes warmer. Then the active height
control suspension becomes operable.
 Driving on bumpy roads, which may cause the suspension
to fully elongate.
 The steering wheel is operated abruptly more than 3/4 turn
with center differential lock system activated.
(d) Vehicle height adjustment
31X049b
 1
Higher 2Lower
To change the mode, push the height select switch on
either side of “ ” and “
”.
The height control indicator light indicates which mode is
selected. (See page 284.)
NOTICE
 If you change the vehicle height frequently, the pump
may overheat. To prevent this, the active height
control suspension should be stopped temporarily
for a minute between selections. Operate it again.

STARTING AND DRIVING
289
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, and does not indicate
malfunction. When the active traction control system is
operating, you may feel vibration or hear noise of your vehicle,
caused by operation of the brakes. This indicates the system
is functioning properly.
When getting the vehicle out of mud or newly fallen snow, etc.,
the active traction control system will help operate to prevent
the wheels from spinning.
31X503
 Active traction control system failure warning
This light warns when there is a problem somewhere in the
active traction control system or vehicle stability control
system.
If the “VSC/TRAC” warning light comes on, have your vehicle
checked by your Lexus dealer as soon as possible. The brake actuator temperature increases during the active
traction control system or vehicle stability control system
operating. If the brake actuator temperature becomes too high
while the active traction cont
rol system or vehicle stability
control system 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 sound will stop after about 3 seconds.) At
the time the “VSC/TRAC” warning 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 “VSC/TRAC” warning light goes
off if the accelerator pedal is released.
When the “ABS” warning light comes on, the active traction
control system is not operating.
The “VSC/TRAC” warning light will come on when the ignition
key is turned to “ON”, and will go off after a few seconds.
The “VSC/TRAC” warning light may stay on for 60 seconds
after the ignition key is turned to the “ON” position. It is normal
if it goes off after a few seconds.
Depressing the brake pedal repeatedly may turn on the
“VSC/TRAC” warning light. It is normal if it goes off after a few
seconds.
When the “VSC/TRAC” warning light comes on, the active
traction control system is not operating, but there is no problem
if you continue to drive.

STARTING AND DRIVING
293
VARIABLE GEAR RATIO STEERINGSYSTEM
The variable gear ratio steering system adjusts the wheel
turning angle depending on the vehicle speed and how
much you turn the steering wheel.
The vehicle wheel turning angle will be changed with a smaller
degree of wheel maneuvering when you are driving at very low
speed such as when putting your vehicle into a garage.
In the following cases, to prevent the system from overheating,
the system could be temporarily deactivated with the change
in the center position of the steering wheel. This is not a
malfunction. After the cause of the problem is eliminated, the
system will return to normal automatically after a few minutes.
 If you continue maneuvering the steering wheel when the
vehicle is stopped or running at very low speed
 If you continue driving holding the steering wheel to the
extreme right or left
 If you maneuver the steering wheel immediately after
starting the engine at less than about −30C (− 22F) While the system is not functioning, a larger degree of wheel
maneuvering is needed during driving at low speed. If the
center position of the steering wheel is changed frequently,
have your vehicle inspected at your Lexus dealer.
CAUTION
Take due care especially when driving at low speed as
the vehicle changes direction in greater proportion to
the steering wheel maneuvering.
NOTICE
Do not disconnect the battery with the steering wheel
turned, or the center position of the steering wheel
could be slightly and temporarily changed. However,
after driving for a short while, the system will return to
normal
and the center position of the steering wheel will
be in the appropriate position.
The light will flash if you disconnect and reconnect the battery
terminal. This is because the system is reset temporarily.
However, it is no problem to drive. To turn off the light, drive for
a short while. The system will be set automatically and return
to normal.

STARTING AND DRIVING
294
Variable gear ratio steering system failure
warning
31x500b
This light warns that there is a problem somewhere in the
variable gear ratio steering system.
The light will come on when the ignition key is turned to “ON”
and will go off after a few seconds.
If the light comes on while driving, the system is not working.
Although conventional steering operates when maneuvered,
a larger degree of wheel maneuvering (than at the time when
the system is functioning properly) is needed when driving at
low speed. At this time, the center position of the steering
wheel could be changed. Although it is no problem to continue
driving, have your vehicle repaired at your Lexus dealer. 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.

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300
31x608
Tire pressure warning light
The tire pressure warning light comes on when the ignition
switch is turned to the “ON” position and goes off after a few
seconds. This means the tire pressure warning light is
operating properly. If the tire inflation pressure becomes low,
the light comes on again. In this case, adjusting the tire
inflation pressure will turn off the light after a few minutes. If the
light blinks, the tire pressure warning system is not working
properly.
Indicator status
MeaningsDo this
ONTire inflation
pressure is lowAdjust the tire
inflation pressure
BlinkingTire pressure
warning system
malfunctionHave the system
checked at your
Lexus dealer
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 pressure immediately.
 If the tire pressure warning light comes on even after
tire inflation pressure adjustment, 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.

STARTING AND DRIVING
305
Replacing tires and wheels
When replacing the tires and wheels, be sure to install tire
pressure warning valves and transmitters. ID codes on the tire
pressure warning valves and transmitters are registered on the
tire pressure warning ECU. When replacing a tire pressure
warning valve and transmitter, it is necessar y to register the ID
code of tire pressure warning valve and transmitter. Have the
ID code registered by your Lexus dealer.
If the ID code is not registered, the system will not work
properly. After about 1 hour, the tire pressure warning light
blinks to indicate a system malfunction.
NOTICE
When the tires or tire pressure warning valves and
transmitters must be replaced, have them replaced by
your Lexus dealer. The tire pressure warning valves
and transmitters will be affected by the installation or
removal of tires.
Tire pressure warning reset switch
31x612
When initializing the system, the present tire inflation pressure
is stored as standard. The tire pressure warning system
determines decreased air pressure by comparing the present
and the standard tire inflation pressures. When you change
the set tire inflation pressure, it is necessary to initialize the tire
pressure warning system.
 When rotating the tires on vehicles differing with front and
rear tire inflation pressures.
 When changing the tire inflation pressure by changing
traveling speed or load weight, etc.
 When changing the tire size.

DRIVING TIPS
312
TIPS FOR DRIVING IN VARIOUSCONDITIONS
Always slow down in gusty crosswinds. This will allow you
much better control.
 Drive slowly onto curbs and, if possible, at a right angle.
Avoid driving onto high, sharp −edged objects and other
road hazards. Failure to do so can lead to severe tire
damage such as a tire burst.
Drive slowly when passing over bumps or travelling on a
bumpy road. Otherwise, the impact could cause severe
damage to the tires and/or wheels.
 When parking on a hill, turn the front wheels until they touch
the curb so that the vehicle will not roll. Apply the parking
brake, and place the transmission in “P”. If necessary, block
the wheels.
 Washing your vehicle or driving through deep water may get
the brakes wet. To see whether they are wet, check that
there is no traffic near you and then press the pedal lightly.
If you do not feel a normal braking force, the brakes are
probably wet. To dry them, drive the vehicle cautiously while
lightly pressing the brake pedal with the parking brake
applied. If they still do not work saf ely, pull to the side of the
road and call a Lexus dealer for assistance.
CAUTION
 Before driving off, make sure the parking brake is
fully released and that the parking brake reminder
light is off.
 Do not leave your vehicle unattended while the
engine is running.
 Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while driving.
It can cause dangerous overheating, needless wear,
and poor fuel economy.
 To drive down a long or steep hill, reduce your speed
and downshift. Remember, if you ride the brakes
excessively, they may overheat and not work
properly. See page 263.
 Be careful when accelerating, upshifting,
downshifting or braking on a slippery surface. The
abrupt change in engine speed, such as sudden
acceleration or engine braking, could cause the
vehicle to skid or spin.
 Do not drive in excess of the speed limit. Even if the
legal speed limit permits it, do not drive over 140 km/h
(85 mph) unless your vehicle has highspeed
capability tires. Driving over 140 km/h (85 mph) may
result in tire failure, loss of control and possible
injury. Be sure to consult a tire dealer to determine
whether the tires on your vehicle are highspeed
capability tires or not before driving at such speeds.

DRIVING TIPS
317
DINGHY TOWING
32x602
Your vehicle is not designed to be dinghy towed (with four
wheels on the ground) behind a motorhome.
NOTICE
Do not tow your vehicle with four wheels on the ground.
This may cause serious damage to your vehicle.
TRAILER TOWING
Your vehicle is designed primarily as a passenger−and−load
carrying vehicle. Towing a trailer will have an adverse effect
on handling, performance, braking, durability and driving
economy (fuel consumption, etc.). Your safety and satisfaction
depend on the proper use of correct equipment and cautious
driving habits. For your safety and the safety of others, you
must not overload your vehicle or trailer. Lexus warranties do
not apply to damage or malfunction caused by towing a trailer
for commercial purposes. Ask your local Lexus dealer for
further details before towing.
CAUTION
When disconnecting a trailer, put the vehicle height in
the “LO” (Low) mode and push the height control
switch to turn off the active height control suspension.
Otherwise, the vehicle height may be changed because
of the automatic leveling function, resulting in an
accident. For details, see “Active height control
suspension (AHC)” on page 279.