suspension LEXUS LX470 2006 User Guide

STARTING AND DRIVING
286
(g) Operation in cold weather
The active height control suspension does not operate in
cold weather when the suspension fluid temperature
drops below 30C (22F).
In this case, operating the height select switch does not
change the vehicle height. The vehicle height control enters
the ready mode and the selected height control indicator light
blinks. The active height control becomes operable if the
engine is warmed up with the suspension fluid temperature
being raised within normal operating limits. The vehicle
changes to the selected height when the vehicle height control
is in the ready mode.
When the suspension fluid temperature is around −30 C
(−22 F), the vehicle height cannot be raised even within the
available load capacity. After warming up the engine, push the
control switch on the “
” side once and then on the “ ” side
to select the desired vehicle height.
It takes longer to change the vehicle height when the
suspension fluid temperature drops below 15C (5F).
(h) Parking and stopping tips
If you immediately stop the engine to park the vehicle after
off−road driving, the vehicle height is lowered slightly as the
vehicle becomes cool. When parking, make sure there is
nothing that will be in contact with the underbody of the vehicle.
When you start the engine, the vehicle returns to the previous
height.
If you park the vehicle for a long time, the vehicle height may
gradually lower. When parking for a long time, make sure there
is nothing that will come in contact with the underbody of the
vehicle. When you start the engine, the vehicle returns to the
previous height.
If you stop the engine, the vehicle height may change in
accordance with the change in the temperature. When you
start the engine, the vehicle returns to the previous height.
(i) Installing or removing heavy equipment
If you install or remove heavy equipment exceeding 15 kg (33
lb.), the front torsion bar should be adjusted. Consult your
Lexus dealer.

STARTING AND DRIVING
287
(j) Active height control failure warning
If there is a problem somewhere in the active height control
suspension, the normal mode is automatically selected. If this
occurs, the height control “OFF” indicator light blinks and the
vehicle height control cannot be activated until the malfunction
is corrected.
Stop the engine and start it again. If the height control “OFF”
indicator light goes out, the active height control suspension
returns to normal. If the height control “OFF” indicator blinks
again, bring your vehicle to your Lexus dealer as soon as
possible and have it checked.
ADAPTIVE VARIABLE SUSPENSION (AVS)
This adaptive variable suspension adjusts the damping
effect on the shock absorbers with the damping mode
select switch. Select one of the 4 modes which is suited
to the driving conditions with the damping mode select
switch to provide good riding comfort and stability.
31X053c
 1For driving on a bumpy road
2For ordinary driving such as in the city traffic
3For moderate high speed driving
4For sporty type driving such as on winding
mountain roads and high speed driving
We recommend you to select the mode
2 for ordinary
driving. The damping effect will be changed automatically to
provide good riding comfort.

DRIVING TIPS
311
When driving offroad or in rugged terrain, do not
drive at excessive speeds, jump, make sharp turns,
strike objects, etc. This may cause loss of control or
vehicle rollover causing death or serious injury. You
are also risking expensive damage to your vehicle’s
suspension and chassis.
 Do not drive horizontally across steep slopes.
Driving straight up or straight down is preferred.
Your vehicle (or any similar offroad vehicle) can tip
over sideways much more easily than forward or
backward.BREAKIN PERIOD
Drive gently and avoid high speeds.
You need not follow a break −in schedule with your new Lexus.
But following a few simple tips for the first 1600 km (1000 miles)
can add to the future economy and long life of your vehicle:
 Avoid full throttle acceleration when starting and driving.
 Avoid racing the engine.
 Try to avoid hard stops during the first 300 km (200 miles).
 Do not drive for a long time at any single speed, either fast
or slow.
 Do not tow a trailer during the first 800 km (500 miles).
OPERATION IN FOREIGN
COUNTRIES
If you plan to drive your Lexus in another country ...
First, comply with the vehicle registration laws.
Second, confirm the availability of the correct fuel (unleaded
and minimum octane rating).

DRIVING TIPS
313
Do not continue normal driving when the brakes are
wet. If they are wet, your vehicle will require a longer
stopping distance, and it may pull to one side when
the brakes are applied. Also, the parking brake will
not hold the vehicle securely.
 If you drive through deep water over about 500 mm
(20 in.) in depth, put the vehicle height in the HI (High)
mode with the active height select switch and then
turn off the active height control suspension by
pushing the height control switch. Drive your vehicle
at 30 km/h (19 mph) or lower speed.OFFROAD DRIVING PRECAUTIONS
When driving your vehicle off −road, please observe the
following precautions to ensure your driving enjoyment and to
help prevent the closure of areas to off −road vehicles.
a. Drive your vehicle only in areas where off −road vehicles are
permitted to travel.
b. Respect private property. Get owner’s permission before
entering private property.
c. Do not enter areas that are closed. Honor gates, barriers
and signs that restrict travel.
d. Stay on established roads. When conditions are wet,
driving techniques should be changed or travel delayed to
prevent damage to roads.
For owners in U.S. mainland, Hawaii and Puerto Rico:
To obtain additional information pertaining to driving your
vehicle off −road, consult the following organizations.
 State and Local Parks and Recreation Departments
 State Motor Vehicle Bureau
 Recreational Vehicle Clubs
 U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management

DRIVING TIPS
314
CAUTION
Always observe the following precautions to help
minimize the risk of serious personal injury or damage
to your vehicle:
Drive carefully when off the road. Do not take
unnecessary risks by driving in dangerous places.
 Do not grip the steering wheel spokes when driving
offroad. A bad bump could jerk the wheel and injure
your hands. Keep both hands and especially your
thumbs on the outside of the rim.
 Always check your brakes for effectiveness
immediately after driving in sand, mud, water or
snow.
 After driving through tall grass, mud, rock, sand,
rivers, etc., check that there is no grass, bush, paper,
rags, stone, sand, etc. adhering or trapped on the
underbody. Clear off any such matter from the
underbody. If the vehicle is used with these materials
trapped or adhering to the underbody, a breakdown
or fire could occur.
 In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is
significantly more likely to die than a person wearing
a seat belt. Therefore, the driver and all passengers
should fasten their seat belts whenever the vehicle is
moving.
 When driving offroad or in rugged terrain, do not
drive at excessive speeds, jump, make sharp turns,
strike objects, etc. This may cause loss of control or
vehicle rollover causing death or serious injury. You
are also risking expensive damage to your vehicle’s
suspension and chassis.
NOTICE
 If driving through water, such as when crossing
shallow streams, first check the depth of the water
and the bottom of the river bed for firmness. Drive
slowly and avoid deep water.
 Take all necessary safety measures to ensure that
water damage to the engine or other components
does not occur.
 Water entering the engine air intake will cause severe
engine damage.
 Water entering the automatic transmission will cause
deterioration in shift quality, locking up of your
transmission accompanied by vibration, and
ultimately damage.
 Water can wash the grease from wheel bearings,
causing rusting and premature failure, and may also
enter the differentials, transmission and transfer
case, reducing the gear oil’s lubricating qualities.
 Sand and mud that has accumulated in brake drums
and around brake discs may affect braking ef ficiency
and may damage brake system components.

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.

DRIVING TIPS
323
Trailer lights
32x601b
Your vehicle is equipped with a wire harness stored in the
rear end underbody. Some models are fitted with a socket
for trailer lights under the rear bumper. Use either of them
to connect and operate the trailer lights. However, the trailer
lights must comply with federal, state/provincial and local
regulations. See your local recreational vehicle dealer or
rental agency for the correct type of wiring and relays for
your trailer. Check for correct operation of the turn signals
and stop lights each time you hitch up. Direct splicing may
damage your vehicle’s electrical system and cause a
malfunction of your lights.
Breakin schedule
 Lexus recommends that you do not tow a trailer with a new
vehicle or a vehicle with any new power train component
(engine, transmission, differential, wheel bearing, etc.) for
the first 800 km (500 miles) of driving.
Maintenance
 If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will require more frequent
maintenance due to the additional load. For this
information, please refer to the scheduled maintenance
information in the “Owner’s Manual Supplement /
Scheduled Maintenance”.
 Retighten all fixing bolts of the towing ball and bracket after
approximately 1000 km (600 miles) of trailer driving.
Connecting a trailer
Stop your vehicle and a trailer in line and perform the following:
1. Put the active height control suspension in the “LO” (low)
mode. Turn the ignition switch off or push the height control
switch to turn off the active height control suspension.
2. Connect a trailer.
3. Turn the ignition switch on or push the height control switch
to turn on the active height control suspension. Select the “N”
(normal) mode with the height select switch.
When a vehicle loaded with 4 occupants tows a trailer of about
1800 kg (4000 lb.) with more than about 180 kg (400 lb.) tongue
load, the normal mode may not be selected with the height
control indicator “LO”. However, there is no problem to
continue normal driving. Drive with sufficient care because of
large load.

DRIVING TIPS
324
Disconnecting a trailer
Stop your vehicle and a trailer in line and perform the following:
1. Put the active height control suspension in the “LO” mode.
(Make sure the vehicle height is in the “LO” mode by pushing
the height select switch on the “
”side.)
2. Turn the ignition switch off or push the height control switch
to turn off the active height control suspension.
3. Set the supporting leg of a trailer on the ground and raise the
hitch by 100 mm (4 in.).
4. Turn the ignition switch on or push the height control switch
to turn on the active height control suspension.
5. Wait for about 20 seconds until the rear vehicle height is
lowered by the automatic leveling function.
6. Make sure the hitch is disconnected. If not, raise the hitch
higher and repeat steps 2 through 5.
7. Move the vehicle forward in the “LO” mode where the hitch
does not touch anything in the “N” mode.
8. Put the active height control suspension in the “N” mode.
Pretowing safety check
 Check that your vehicle remains level when a loaded or
unloaded trailer is hitched. Do not drive if the vehicle has
an abnormal nose −up or nose− down condition, and check
for improper tongue load, overload, worn suspension or
other possible causes.
 Make sure the trailer cargo is securely loaded so that it
cannot shift.
 Check that your rear view mirrors conform to any federal,
state/provincial or local regulations. If they do not, install
required rear view mirrors appropriate for towing purposes.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
339
B: If no steam is coming from your engine:
Leave the engine running and turn off the air conditioning.
Check the following.

Is the cooling fan operating?
 Is the coolant in the acceptable range?
 Is the engine drive belt O.K.?
CAUTION
When the engine is running, keep hands and clothing
away from the moving fan and engine drive belt.
 Do not attempt to remove the radiator cap when the
engine and radiator are hot. Serious injury could
result from scalding hot fluid and steam blown out
under pressure.
If the cooling fan is not operating or the coolant is not in the
acceptable range, turn off the engine and call your Lexus
dealer.
If both conditions are O.K., after the engine coolant
temperature has cooled to normal, continue driving your
vehicle.
If the engine coolant temperature does not cool down, or your
vehicle overheats again, have it checked as soon as possible
by your Lexus dealer.
IF YOU HAVE A FLAT TIRE
1. Reduce your speed gradually, keeping a straight line.
Move cautiously off the road to a safe place − well away
from the traffic. Avoid stopping on the center divider of
a highway. Park on a level spot with firm ground.
2. Stop the engine and turn on your emergency flashers.
3. Firmly set the parking brake and put the transmission
in “P”.
4. Have everyone get out of the vehicle on the side away
from traffic.
5. Read the following instructions thoroughly.
CAUTION
When jacking, be sure to observe the following to
reduce the possibility of personal injury:
 Turn off the active height control suspension by
pushing the active height control switch.
 Follow jacking instructions.
 Do not put any part of your body under a vehicle
supported by a jack. Personal injury may occur.
 Do not start or run the engine while your vehicle
is supported by the jack.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
351
IF YOUR VEHICLE NEEDS TO BETOWED
If towing is necessary, we recommend you to have it done
by your Lexus dealer or a commercial tow truck service.
In consultation with them, have your vehicle towed using
either (a) or (b).
(a) Towing with a wheel lift type truck
(b) Using a flat bed truck
(c) Never tow with a sling type truck
Only when you cannot receive a towing service from a
Lexus dealer or commercial tow truck service, tow your
vehicle carefully in accordance with the instructions
given in “(d) Emergency towing” on page 355.
Proper equipment will help ensure that your vehicle is not
damaged while being towed. Commercial operators are
generally aware of the state/provincial and local laws
pertaining to towing. Your vehicle can be damaged if it is towed incorrectly.
Although most operators know
the correct procedure, it is
possible to make a mistake. To avoid damage to your vehicle,
make sure the following precautions are observed. If
necessary, show this page to the tow truck driver.
TOWING PRECAUTIONS:
Use a safety chain system for all towing, and abide by the
state/provincial and local laws. The wheels and axle on the
ground must be in good condition. If they are damaged, use
a towing dolly.
CAUTION
When your vehicle is towed, put the vehicle height in the
“N” (Normal) mode and push the height control switch
to turn off the 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.