tires LEXUS LX470 2006 User Guide

STARTING AND DRIVING
302
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS
(tire pressure warning system) malfunction
indicator to indicate when the system is not
operating properly. The TPMS (tire pressure
warning system) malfunction indicator is combined
with the low tire pressure telltale (tire pressure
warning light). When the system detects a
malfunction, the telltale w ill flash for approximately
one minute and then remain continuously
illuminated. This sequenc e will continue upon
subsequent vehicle startups as long as the
malfunction exists. When the malfunction indicator
is illuminated, the system may not be able to
detect or signal low tire pressure as intended.
TPMS (tire pressure warning system) malfunction
may occur for a variety of reasons, including the
installation of replacemen t or alternate tires or
wheels on the vehicle th at prevent the TPMS (tire
pressure warning system) from functioning
properly. Always check the TPMS (tire pressure
warning system) malfunction telltale after replacing
one or more tires or wheels on your vehicle to
ensure that the replacemen t and alternate tires and
wheels allow the TPMS (t ire pressure warning
system) to continue to function properly.NOTICE
 Do not use liquid sealants for a flat tire as tire
pressure warning valve and transmitter will be
damaged.
 When the tires must be repaired or replaced, have
them repaired or replaced by your Lexus dealer or an
authorized tire dealer. The tire pressure warning
valves and transmitters will be affected by the
installation or removal of tires.

STARTING AND DRIVING
303
If the tire pressure warning light blinks...
31x609
If the tire pressure warning light blinks when the ignition
switch is turned to the “ON” position, the tire pressure
warning system is not working properly.
The system will be disabled in the following conditions:
(When the condition becomes normal, the system will work
properly.)

If tires not equipped with tire pressure warning valves and
transmitters are used.
 If the ID code on the tire pressure warning valves and
transmitters is not registered.
 If electronic devices or facilities using similar radio wave
frequencies are nearby.
 If a radio set at similar frequencies is in use in the vehicle. 
If a window tint that affects the radio wave signals is
installed.
 If the tire pressure warning select switch is set to a dif ferent
tire setting.
 If there is a lot of snow or ice on the vehicle, in particular
around the wheels or wheel housings.
 If non− genuine Lexus wheels are used.
 If tire chains are used.
 If the spare tire is in a location subject to poor radio wave
signal reception.
 If the tire inflation pressure is 500 kPa (5.1 kgf/cm2
or bar,
73 psi) or higher.
If the tire pressure warning light blinks frequently when the
ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position, have it checked
by your Lexus dealer.
Even if you use genuine wheels, the tire pressure warning
system may not work properly with some types of tires.
Pushing the tire pressure warning reset switch should not turn
off the tire pressure warning light.

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.

STARTING AND DRIVING
306To initialize the system, perform the following:
1. Park the vehicle in a safe place and turn the ignition switch
to the “OFF” position.
2. Adjust the pressure of all the installed tires to the specified
cold tire inflation pressure level. (See “Tire and wheels” on
page 420.)
3. Turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position.
4. Push and hold the tire pressure warning reset switch until
the tire pressure warning light blinks slowly three times.
5. Wait for a few minutes with the ignition switch “ON”, and
then turn the ignition switch to the “OFF” position.
If you push the tire pressure reset switch while the vehicle is
moving, initialization is not performed.
If you push the tire pressure reset switch accidentally and
initialization is performed, adjust the tire inflation pressure to
the specified level and initialize the system again.
31x609
If the tire pressure warning light does not blink slowly three
times when you push and hold the reset switch, initialization
has failed and the tire pressure warning system may not work
properly. In this case, initialize the system again. If
initialization
cannot be performed, have the system checked at
your Lexus dealer.
CAUTION
Do not push the reset switch without first adjusting the
tire inflation pressure to the specified level. Otherwise,
the tire pressure warning light may not come on even if
the tire inflation pressure is low, or it may come on when
the tire inflation pressure is actually normal.

STARTING AND DRIVING
307
Tire pressure warning select switch
31x614a
 1Main position 22nd position
2 sets of tire pressure warning valve and transmitter ID codes
can be registered.
Once a second set of tires is registered at “2nd”, you can switch
between tire set settings simply by pressing the tire pressure
warning select switch.
There are 2 settings
“MAIN” position: The ID code of the tire pressure warning valve
and transmitter on the tires originally installed on the vehicle is
registered.
“2nd” position: The code is not registered. When you replace
a new set of tires, purchase tire pressure warning valves and
transmitters from your Lexus dealer and have the new ID code
registered by your Lexus dealer. If the tire pressure select switch is set to the wrong tire setting,
the system will not work properly. After about 1 hour, the tire
pressure
warning light blinks to indicate a system malfunction.

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
320
Hitches
If you wish to install a trailer hitch, you should consult with
your Lexus dealer.
 Use only a hitch recommended by the hitch manufacturer
and the one which conforms to the total trailer weight
requirement.
 The hitch must be bolted securely to the vehicle frame and
installed according to the hitch manufacturer’s instructions.
 The hitch ball and king pin should have a light coat of
grease.
 Lexus recommends removing the trailer hitch whenever
you are not towing a trailer to reduce the possibility of
additional damage caused by the hitch if your vehicle is
struck from behind. After removing the hitch, seal any
mounting holes in the vehicle body to prevent entry of
pollutants such as exhaust fumes, dirt, water, etc.
NOTICE
Do not use axlemounted hitches as they can cause
damage to the axle housing, wheel bearings, wheels or
tires. Also, never install a hitch which may interfere with
the normal function of an Energy Absorbing Bumper, if
so equipped.
Trailer ball
Follow these easy steps to properly determine the correct
trailer ball for your application:
1. Determine the correct trailer ball size for the trailer coupler.
Most couplers are stamped with the required trailer ball size.
The sizes you’ll most likely find stamped on the coupler are:
Trailer Class
Typical Trailer Ball Size
III 2 in.
II 2 in.
I 1 7/8 in.
2. Select the appropriate trailer ball to match or exceed the
gross trailer weight rating of the trailer. The trailer ball load
rating should be printed on the top of the ball.

DRIVING TIPS
322
Brakes and safety chains
Lexus recommends trailers with brakes that conform to
any applicable federal and state/provincial regulations.
 A safety chain must always be used between the towing
vehicle and the trailer. Leave sufficient slack in the
chain for turns. The chain should cross under the
trailer tongue to prevent the tongue from dropping to
the ground in case it becomes damaged or separated.
For correct safety chain procedures, consult your
Lexus dealer.
CAUTION
If the total trailer weight exceeds 453 kg (1000 lb.),
trailer brakes are required.
 Never tap into your vehicle’s hydraulic system as it
will lower its 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 possible danger of the trailer wandering over
into another lane.
Tires
Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated. Adjust
the tire inflation pressure to the recommended cold tire
inflation pressure indicated below:
Tire inflation pressure, kPa (kgf/cm
2 or bar, psi)
Front 220 (2.2, 32)
Rear 240 (2.4, 35)
 The trailer tires should be inflated to the pressure
recommended by the trailer manufacturer in respect to the
total trailer weight.

DRIVING TIPS
327
HOW TO SAVE FUEL AND MAKEYOUR VEHICLE LAST LONGER
Improving fuel economy is easy − just take it easy. It will help
make your vehicle last longer, too. Here are some specific tips
on how to save money on both fuel and repairs:
 Keep your tires inflated at the correct pressure. Check
the pressure every two weeks, or at least once a month.
Underinflation causes tire wear and wastes fuel.
 Do not carry unneeded weight in your vehicle. Excess
weight puts a heavier load on the engine, causing greater
fuel consumption.
 Avoid lengthy warmup idling. Once the engine is
running smoothly, begin driving − but gently. Remember,
however, that on cold winter days this may take a little
longer.
 Accelerate slowly and smoothly. Avoid jackrabbit starts.
 Avoid long engine idling. If you have a long wait and you
are not in traffic, it is better to turn off the engine and start
again later.
 Avoid engine overrevving. Use a gear position suitable
for the road on which you are traveling. 
Avoid continuous speeding up and slowing down.
Stop−and−go driving wastes fuel.
 Avoid unnecessary stopping and braking. Maintain a
steady pace. Try to time the traf fic signals so you only need
to stop as little as possible or take advantage of through
streets to avoid traffic lights. Keep a proper distance from
other vehicles to avoid sudden braking. This will also
reduce wear on your brakes.
 Avoid heavy traffic or traffic jams whenever possible.
 Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal. This causes
premature wear, overheating and poor fuel economy.
 Maintain a moderate speed on highways. The faster you
drive, the greater the fuel consumption. By reducing your
speed, you will cut down on fuel consumption.
 Keep the front wheels in proper alignment. Avoid hitting
the curb and slow down on rough roads. Improper
alignment not only causes faster tire wear but also puts an
extra load on the engine, which, in turn, wastes fuel.
 Keep the bottom of your vehicle free from mud, etc.
This not only lessens weight but also helps prevent
corrosion.

DRIVING TIPS
329
Towing capacity:2948 kg (6500 lb.)
Towing capacity means the maximum gross trailer
weight (trailer weight plus its cargo weight) that your
vehicle is able to tow.
Cargo capacity
Cargo capacity may increase or decrease depending on
the size (weight) and the number of occupants. For
details, see “Capacity and distribution” that follows.
CAUTION
Do not apply the load more than each load limit.
That may cause not only damage to the tires, but
also deterioration to the steering ability and
braking ability, which may cause an accident.
CARGO AND LUGGAGE
Stowage precautions
When stowing cargo and luggage in or on the
vehicle, observe the following:
 Put cargo and luggage in the luggage compartment
when at all possible. Be sure all items are secured in
place.
 Be careful to keep the vehicle level. Placing the
weight as far forward as possible helps maintain
vehicle balance.
 For better fuel economy, do not carry unnecessary
weight.
CAUTION
To prevent cargo and luggage from sliding
forward during braking, do not stack anything
in the luggage compartment higher than the
seatbacks. Keep cargo and luggage low, as
close to the floor as possible.