2003 Lexus GX470 differential

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
viiiPage
1Driving position memory switches
171
. . . . . . . . . . .
2Power window switches 33
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3Power door lock switch 20
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4Window lock switch 34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5Power rear view mirror control switches 116 . . . . . . .
6Side vents 189
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7Headlight, turn signal and fog light switches 24 . . . .
8Wiper and washer switch 27
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9Center vents 189
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10Emergency flasher switch 36
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11Car audio 195
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12Multiinformation display 53
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13Automatic air conditioning controls 179
. . . . . . . . . .
14Rear window defogger switch 31
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15Front passenger’s seat belt reminder light 46 . . . . . .
16Glove box 70
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17Ashtray 66
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . \
. .
18Cigarette lighter 66
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19Seat heater switches 37
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
20Fourwheel drive control lever
309
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21Automatic transmission selector lever 303 . . . . . . . .
22Parking brake lever 301
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23Center differential lock switch 309
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24Power outlet (12 VDC) 68
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25Downhill assist control switch 326
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26Electronic modulated suspension
control switch 320 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27Rear height control air suspension
switches 315. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28Ignition switch 300
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
29“2nd STRT” switch 309
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
30Cruise control switch 312
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
31Steering pad switches 214
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
32Hood lock release lever 83
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
33Fuel filler door opener 84
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
34Instrument panel light control dial 60
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
35Outside rear view mirror defogger switch 32 . . . . . . .
36Power outlet (115 VAC) main switch 68
. . . . . . . . . . . .

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each section\
.
PICTORIAL INDEX
xPage
1Automatic transmission second start
indicator light 309
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2Unengaged “Park” warning light 49
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3Automatic transmission fluid temperature
warning light 49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4Low washer fluid warning light 51
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5Automatic transmission indicator lights 303 . . . . . .
6Driver’s seat belt reminder light 45
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7Turn signal indicator light 25
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8Brake system warning light 44
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9Headlight high beam indicator light 25
. . . . . . . . . . . .
10“ABS” warning light 48
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11Open door warning light 49
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12Tachometer 42
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13Headlight indicator light 24
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14Cruise control indicator light 312
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15Engine oil replacement reminder light 51
. . . . . . . . . .
16Engine coolant temperature gauge 41
. . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
17Discharge warning light
50
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18Low engine oil pressure warning light 50
. . . . . . . . . .
19Malfunction indicator lamp 47
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20Slip indicator light 322, 324, 327, 329
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
21Vehicle skid control system off
indicator light 324 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22Center differential lock indicator light 309
. . . . . . . .
23“VSC TRAC” warning light 50
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24Downhill assist control system
indicator light 326 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25Rear height control indicator lights 319
. . . . . . . . . . .
26Security indicator light 12, 175
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27SRS warning light 46
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28Trip meter reset knob 42
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
29Odometer and trip meter 42
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
30Low fuel level warning light 51
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
31Fuel gauge 40
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SECTION 3 – 1
296
STARTING AND DRIVING
Starting and driving
Three−way catalytic converters297
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine exhaust caution 298
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before starting the engine 299
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition switch with steering lock 300
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking brake 301
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . .
How to start the engine 302
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic transmission 303
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Four−wheel drive system 309
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise control 312
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . .
Rear height control air suspension 315
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronic modulated suspension 320
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Active traction control system 321
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle skid control system 323
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Downhill assist control system 326
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hill −start assist control system 329
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake system 331
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . .
Brake pad wear limit indicators 335
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Limited −slip differential 336
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Types of tires 336
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . .

STARTING AND DRIVING
309
(g) If you cannot shift the selector lever
If you cannot shift the selector lever even though the brake
pedal is depressed, use the shift lock override button. For
instructions, see “If you cannot shift automatic transmission
selector lever” on page 382.
(h) Driving in second start mode
In the second start mode, the transmission system shifts up
from second gear. Use this mode when starting your vehicle
in sand, mud, ice or snow.
To set the second start mode, push the “2nd STRT” switch. In
the second start mode, the “2nd STRT” indicator light comes
on. To cancel the second start mode, push the “2nd STRT”
switch once again.
FOURWHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM
(a) Fourwheel drive control
Use the fourwheel drive control lever and center
differential lock button to select the following transfer and
center differential modes.
The “H” and “L” position of the four −wheel drive control lever
provides either lock or unlock mode of the center differential
depending on the center differential lock button position.
Use the center dif ferential lock system if your wheels get stuck
in a ditch, or when you are driving on a slippery or bumpy
surface. When the center dif ferential is locked, the vehicle skid
control system is automatically turned off and the center
differential lock and “VSC OFF” indicator lights come on
because the function that controls engine performance
interferes with the process of freeing your wheels.

STARTING AND DRIVING
310
NOTICE
As soon as the center differential lock switch is turned
on, the “VSC OFF” indicator light comes on. After the
wheels are out of the ditch or off the slippery or bumpy
surface, turn the center differential lock switch off.
Make sure the center differential lock indicator light and
vehicle skid control system off indicator light turn off.
“H” (high speed position, center differential unlocked):
Lever at “H”, center differential lock button left out
Use this for normal driving on all types of roads, from dry
hard−surfaced roads to wet, icy or snow −covered roads. This
position gives greater economy, quietest ride, least wear and
better vehicle control.
“H” (high speed position, center differential locked):
Lever at “H”, center differential lock button pushed in
Use this for greater traction when you experience a loss of
power, such as wheel slipping, in the center dif ferential unlock
mode.
“N” (neutral position): Lever at “N”
No power is delivered to the wheels. The vehicle must be
stopped. “L” (low speed position, center differential unlocked):
Lever at “L”, center differential lock button left out
Use this for maximum power and traction. Use this for climbing
or descending steep hills, off
−road driving, and hard pulling in
sand or mud.
In this mode, the braking feeling that occurs when the wheels
are negotiating a sharp corner is further reduced than in the “L”
(low position, center differential locked) mode.
“L” (low speed position, center differential locked): Lever
at “L”, center differential lock button pushed in
Use this for maximum power and traction. Use this for hard
pulling in situations the vehicle cannot negotiate even in the “L”
(low speed position, center differential unlocked) mode. Also,
using this mode when driving down steep off −road inclines will
help contribute to increased vehicle stability.
The indicator light tells when the differential lock is engaged.
Note that the differential is not still locked as long as the
indicator light remains off.
When the operation is not completed, the indicator blinks. If the
indicator light does not go off when you push out the center
differential lock switch, drive straight ahead while accelerating
or decelerating, or drive in reverse.
The center differential lock system operation is not completed
within 5 seconds while the cruise control system is set, cancel
the cruise control system. To cancel the cruise control system,
see “Cruise control” on page 312.
If the indicator light does not go off when you push out the
center differential lock button, drive straight ahead while
accelerating or decelerating, or drive in reverse.

STARTING AND DRIVING
311
See “(b) Shifting procedure” for further instructions.
Advice for driving on slippery roads in “L” (low speed
position) mode
If you shift the four−wheel drive control lever to “L”, the
automatic transmission lever to “2” when you drive in steep
off−road areas, the output of the brake can be controlled
effectively by the active traction control system, which assists
the driver to control the driving power of 4 wheels.
Use the “L” position of the automatic transmission lever for
maximum power and traction when your wheels get stuck or
when you drive down a steep incline. In the following cases,
the out put of the brake can be controlled by the active traction
control system if the engine speed is under 3,000 rpm
(normally engine speed is under 3,000 rpm when the wheels
get unstuck).
 The four− wheel drive control lever in the “L” position and the
automatic transmission lever in the “L” position or the
automatic transmission lever in the “D” or “2” with the
transmission downshifting to the first gear.
 The four− wheel drive control lever in the “L” position and the
automatic transmission lever in the “R” position
(As for the automatic transmission lever positions, see
“Automatic transmission” on page 303.)
(b) Shifting procedure
To shift between unlock and lock modes in “H”, push the
center differential lock button.
To shift between unlock and lock modes in “L”, push the
center differential lock button.
To shift between “H” and “L”, stop the vehicle, put the
transmission into “N” and move the four −wheel drive control
lever.
CAUTION
Never move the fourwheel drive control lever if wheels
are slipping. Stop the slipping or spinning before
shifting.
NOTICE
For normal driving on dry and hard surface roads,
unlock the center differential. To prevent damage to the
center differential lock system, do not push the center
differential lock button when the vehicle is cornering or
when its wheels are spinning freely of f the ground. If the
indicator light does not go off when unlocking the
center differential, drive straight ahead while
accelerating or decelerating, or drive in reverse.

STARTING AND DRIVING
324
Only use tires of specified size. The size,
manufacturer, brand and tread pattern for all 4 tires
should be the same. If you use the tires other than
specified, or different type or size, the vehicle skid
control system may not function correctly. When
replacing the tires or wheels, contact your Lexus
dealer.
 In situations where the road surface is covered with
ice or snow, your vehicle should be fitted with snow
tires or tire chains.
 Slip indicator light
If the vehicle is going to skid during driving, the slip indicator
light blinks and an alarm sounds intermittently. Special care
should be taken while driving. The slip indicator light comes on for a few seconds when the
ignition key is turned to “ON”. If the indicator light does not
come on when the ignition is turned on, contact your Lexus
dealer.
Pushing the center differential lock switch automatically
turns
the vehicle skid control system off. At this time, the
“VSC OFF” indicator comes on with the center differential
lock indicator light.
“VSC OFF” indicator light comes on for a few seconds when
the ignition key is turned to “ON”. It will come on again when
you push the center differential lock switch to turn off the
system.
In the following cases, contact your Lexus dealer:
 The indicator light does not come on when the ignition key
is turned “ON”.

STARTING AND DRIVING
336
LIMITEDSLIP DIFFERENTIAL
Your Lexus is equipped with a limited−slip center differential
(transfer).
If one wheel − either front or rear − begins to spin, the transfer
(limited −slip center differential) is designed to aid traction by
automatically transmitting driving force to the wheels on the
other drive axle. It transmits driving force to the front wheels
if a rear wheel spins, and to the rear wheels if a front wheel
spins.
CAUTION
Do not start or run the engine while your vehicle is
supported by a jack. The vehicle could be driven off the
jack and could pose a danger or result in serious injury.
NOTICE
Use only a spare tire of the same size, construction and
load capacity as the original tires on your Lexus
because damage to the limitedslip differential could
possibly occur with another tire type.
TYPES OF TIRES
Determine what kind of tires your vehicle is originally equipped
with.
1. Summer tires
Summer tires are high −speed capability tires best suited to
highway driving under dry conditions.
Since summer tires do not have the same traction performance
as snow tires, summer tires are inadequate for driving on
snow−covered or icy roads. For driving on snow −covered or
icy roads, we recommend using snow tires. If installing snow
tires, be sure to replace all four tires.
2. All season tires
All season tires are designed to provide better traction in snow
and to be adequate for driving in most winter conditions, as well
as for use all year round.
All season tires, however, do not have adequate traction
performance compared with snow tires in heavy or loose snow.
Also, all season tires fall short in acceleration and handling
performance compared with summer tires in highway driving.