cooling LEXUS LX470 2006 Owners Manual

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
49
Your vehicle may overheat during severe operating conditions,
such as:

Driving up a long hill on a hot day.
 Reducing speed or stopping after high speed driving.
 Idling for a long period with the air conditioning on in
stop−and−go traffic.
 Towing a trailer.
NOTICE
Do not remove the thermostat in the engine cooling
system as this may cause the engine to overheat. The
thermostat is designed to control the flow of coolant
to keep the temperature of the engine within the
specified operating range.
 Do not continue driving with an overheated engine.
See “If your vehicle overheats” on page 338.
ENGINE OIL PRESSURE GAUGE
13X623
 1
Normal driving 2Idling
The engine oil pressure gauge indicates engine oil
pressure when the ignition is on. Check it while driving to
make sure the needle is in the proper range.
If the engine oil pressure should stay below the normal range,
pull off the road to a safe place and stop the engine
immediately. Call a Lexus dealer or qualified repair shop for
assistance.
Engine oil pressure may not build up when the engine oil level
is too low. The engine oil pressure gauge is not designed to
indicate engine oil level, and the engine oil level must be
checked using the level dipstick.

AIR CONDITIONING
206SETTING OPERATION manual control
When one of the manual control buttons is depressed
while operating in automatic mode, the mode relevant to
the depressed button is set. Other conditions continue to
be adjusted automatically.
If manual air flow selection is desired
20X021a
The outlets from which air is delivered can be selected
manually by pressing the button. The function of each mode
is as follows:
1
Panel − Air flows mainly from the instrument panel vents.
2
Bilevel − Air flows from both the floor vents and the
instrument panel vents.
3 Floor − Air flows mainly from the floor vents.
It is recommended that you close the lower vent. For details
about this, see page 212.
4 Floor/Windshield − Air flows mainly from the floor vents
and windshield vents.
It is recommended that you close the lower vent. For details
about this, see page 212.
If quick heating or cooling is desired
Turn the “TEMP” knob until “MAX. HOT” or “MAX. COLD”
appears on the display.
If manual fan speed control is desired
21x600
 1 Fan speed at low 2Fan speed at high
The fan speed can be set to your desired speed by pushing the
appropriate side of fan speed control button. The higher the
fan speed is, the more air is delivered. Pushing the “OFF”
button turns off the fan.
To remove exterior windshield frost, use the high speed
setting.

AIR CONDITIONING
208
20X062d
When you turn the “TEMP” knob, the sensitivity changes from
“+3” down to “−3”. If you do not operate any button for a few
seconds or if you push a button other than the air intake control
button and temperature control knob, the previous display
returns.
If manual onoff of the air conditioning is desired
Push the “A/C” button to turn the air conditioning on and push
it again to turn the air conditioning off. If you turn off the air
conditioning manually, the EXHAUST GAS AUTOMATIC
mode will be cancelled.
If the outside temperature is lowered down to around 0 C
(32 F), the air conditioning will turn off automatically. At this
time, the indicator on the A/C button is off and the EXHAUST
GAS AUTOMATIC indicator light remains on. However, the
EXHAUST GAS AUTOMA TIC mode does not operate. When
the air conditioning turns on as with the raised temperature, the
EXHAUST GAS AUTOMATIC mode resumes. If the system is used for ventilation, heating in dry weather or
removing frost or exterior fog on the windshield, turn the air
conditioning off
once it is no longer required. This will improve
fuel economy. The air conditioning can be used for year −round
automatic temperature control including cooling and
dehumidifying operation.
If the air conditioning compressor does not operate, the
indicator of the “A/C” button will blink. If the indicator of the
“A/C” button blinks even when the “A/C” button is pushed
again, have the compressor checked by your nearest Lexus
dealer.

AIR CONDITIONING
209
(b) Windshield defogging and defrosting
20X024b
To remove interior fog on the windshield
Push the windshield air flow button.
To remove frost or exterior fog on the windshield
1. Place the temperature control lever at the maximum
temperature.
2. Push the windshield air flow button.
3. Push the “HI” button of the fan speed control button to obtain
a maximum air flow.
4. Leave the air conditioning on −off button off.
For further information for removing frost and fog, see “Lower
vent” on page 212.
When the windshield air flow button is pushed while operating,
the OUTSIDE AIR mode is set. Push
the “A/C” button for dehumidified heating or cooling. This
setting clears the front view more quickly.
Pushing this button once again returns the air flow mode to the
last one used.
CAUTION
Do not use the windshield air flow button during cooled
air operation in extremely humid weather. The
difference between the temperature of the outside air
and that of the windshield could cause the outer surface
of the windshield to fog up blocking your vision.

STARTING AND DRIVING
255

To ensure that the threeway catalytic converter and
the entire emission control system operate properly,
your vehicle must receive the periodic inspections
required by the Lexus Maintenance Schedule. For
scheduled maintenance information, refer to the
“Owner’s Manual Supplement / Scheduled
Maintenance”.
ENGINE EXHAUST CAUTION
CAUTION
Avoid inhaling the engine exhaust. It contains
carbon monoxide, which is a colorless and odorless
gas. It can cause unconsciousness or even death.
 Make sure the exhaust system has no holes or loose
connections. The system should be checked from
time to time. If you hit something, or notice a change
in the sound of the exhaust, have the system checked
immediately.
 Do not run the engine in a garage or enclosed area
except for the time needed to drive the vehicle in or
out. The exhaust gases cannot escape, making this
a particularly dangerous situation.
 Do not remain for a long time in a parked vehicle with
the engine running. If it is unavoidable, however, do
so only in an unconfined area and adjust the heating
or cooling system to force outside air into the vehicle.
Keep the back door closed while driving. An open or
unsealed back door may cause exhaust gases to be
drawn into the vehicle.
 To allow proper operation of your vehicle’s
ventilation system, keep the inlet grilles in front of the
windshield clear of snow, leaves, or other
obstructions.
 If you smell exhaust fumes in the vehicle, open the
windows and close the back door to ensure plenty of
fresh air enters the vehicle. If you can smell exhaust
fumes even though there are no other vehicles in the
surrounding area, have your vehicle checked by your
Lexus dealer. Continued inhalation of exhaust fumes
can lead to death by gas poisoning.

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.

ENGINE
404– COOLING SYSTEM
Capacity
15.4 L (16.3 qt., 13.6 lmp.qt.)
Coolant type“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or similar high quality ethylene glyco\
l
based non −silicate, non− amine, non−nitrite, and non −borate coolant
with long− life hybrid organic acid technology (Coolant with long −life
hybrid organic acid technology is a combination of low phosphates and
organic acids.)
Do not use plain water alone.
NOTE:
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is used in your Lexus vehicle at factory fil\
l. In order to avoid technical problems, only use “Toyota
Super Long Life Coolant” or similar high quality ethylene glycol based non −silicate, non −amine, non −nitrite, and non −borate coolant
with long−life hybrid organic acid technology. (Coolant with long −life hybrid organic acid technology is a combination of low
phosphates and organic acids.) Do not use plain water alone. Please contact you\
r Lexus dealer for further details.
– IGNITION SYSTEM
Spark plug – Make DENSO NGK
– Gap
SK20R11
IFR6A11
1.1 mm (0.043 in.)
– ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Battery – Open voltage at 20 C (68F):
– Charging rates
12.6 − 12.8 V Fully charged
12.2 − 12.4 V Half charged
11.8 − 12.0 V Discharged
[Voltage that is checked 20 minutes after the key is removed with all the
lights turned off]
5A max.

ENGINE
408
FACTS ABOUT ENGINE OILCONSUMPTION
Functions of engine oil
Engine oil has the primary function of lubricating and cooling
the inside of the engine, and plays a major role in maintaining
the engine in proper working order.
Engine oil consumption
It is normal that an engine should consume some engine
oil during normal engine operation. The causes of oil
consumption in a normal engine are as follows.
Oil is used to lubricate pistons, piston rings and cylinders.
A thin film of oil is left on the cylinder wall when a piston
moves downwards in the cylinder. High negative pressure
generated when the vehicle is decelerating sucks some of
this oil into the combustion chamber. This oil as well as
some part of the oil film left on the cylinder wall is burned by
the high temperature combustion gases during the
combustion process.
 Oil is also used to lubricate the stems of the intake valves.
Some of this oil is sucked into the combustion chamber
together with the intake air and is burned along with the fuel.
High temperature exhaust gases also burn the oil used to
lubricate the exhaust valve stems. The amount of engine oil consumed depends on the
viscosity of the oil, the quality of the oil and the way the
vehicle is driven.
More oil is consumed by high−
speed driving and frequent
acceleration and deceleration.
A new engine consumes more oil, since its pistons, piston rings
and cylinder walls have not become conditioned.
Oil consumption: Max. 1.0 L per 1000 km (1.1 qt./600 miles,
0.9 lmp.qt./600 miles)
When judging the amount of oil consumption, keep in
mind that the oil may have become diluted, making it
difficult to judge the true level accurately.
For example, if a vehicle is used for repeated short trips and
consumes a normal amount of oil, the dipstick may not show
any drop in the oil level at all, even after 1000 km (600 miles)
or more. This is because the oil is gradually becoming diluted
with fuel or moisture, making it appear that the oil level has not
changed.
The diluting ingredients evaporate out when the vehicle is then
driven at high speeds, as on an expressway, making it appear
that oil is excessively consumed after driving at high speeds.

ENGINE
413
CHECKING THE ENGINE COOLANTLEVEL
62X003d
 1Radiator cap 2“FULL” line 3“LOW” line
Look at the seethrough coolant reservoir when the
engine is cold. The coolant level is satisfactory if it is
between the“FULL” and “LOW” lines on the reservoir. If
the level is low, add the coolant. (For the coolant type, see
“Coolant type selection” described below.)
The coolant level in the reservoir will vary with engine
temperature. However, if the level is on or below the “LOW”
line, add coolant. Bring the level up to the “FULL” line. If the coolant level drops within a short time after replenishing,
there
may be a leak in the system. V isually check the radiator,
hoses, engine coolant filler cap, radiator cap and drain cock
and water pump.
If you can find no leak, have your Lexus dealer test the radiator
cap pressure and check for leaks in the cooling system.
CAUTION
To prevent burning yourself, do not remove the radiator
cap when the engine is hot.

ENGINE
414
Coolant type selection
Use of improper coolants may damage your engine cooling
system.
Only use “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or similar high
quality ethylene glycol based non−silicate, non −amine,
non− nitrite, and non −borate coolant with long −life hybrid
organic acid technology. (Coolant with long −life hybrid organic
acid technology is a combination of low phosphates and
organic acids.)
For the U.S.A.—“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture
of 50% coolant and 50% deionized water. This coolant
provides protection down to about –35 C (–31F).
For Canada—“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of
55% coolant and 45% deionized water. This coolant provides
protection down to about –42 C (–44F).
NOTICE
Do not use plain water alone.
Lexus recommends “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant”, which
has been tested to ensure that it will not cause corrosion nor
result in malfunction of your engine coolant system with proper
usage. “Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is formulated with
long−life hybrid organic acid technology and has been
specifically designed to avoid engine cooling system
malfunction on Lexus vehicles.
Please contact your Lexus dealer for further details.
CHECKING THE RADIATOR AND CONDENSER
If either of the above parts are extremely dirty or you are not
sure of their condition, take your vehicle to a Lexus dealer.
CAUTION
To prevent burning yourself, be careful not to touch the
radiator or condenser when the engine is hot.
NOTICE
To prevent damage to the radiator and condenser, do
not perform the work by yourself.