2003 Lexus GX470 engine

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SECTION 1 – 3
39
INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
Gauges, meters and service reminder indicators
Fuel gauge40
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Engine coolant temperature gauge 41
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Tachometer 42
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Odometer and trip meter 42
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Service reminder indicators and warning buzzers 43
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Multi−information display 53
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Instrument panel light control 60
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GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
41
ENGINE COOLANT
TEMPERATURE GAUGE
 Normal range
The gauge indicates the engine coolant temperature when
the ignition switch is on. The engine operating
temperature will vary with changes in weather and engine
load.
If the needle points to the red zone or higher, stop your vehicle
and allow the engine to cool.
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. It is not a malfunction even if the needle of the engine coolant
temperature gauge returns to “C” when the ignition switch is
turned to the “START”.
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 364.

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GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
42
TACHOMETER
The tachometer indicates engine speed in thousands of
rpm (revolutions per minute). Use it while driving to
prevent engine overrevving.
Driving with the engine running too fast causes excessive
engine wear and poor fuel economy. Remember, in most
cases the slower the engine speed, the greater the fuel
economy.
It is not a malfunction even if the needle of the tachometer
returns to the bottom position when the ignition switch is turned
to the “START” position.
NOTICE
Do not let the indicator needle get into the red zone. This
may cause severe engine damage.
ODOMETER AND TRIP METER
 Trip meter reset knob
This meter displays the odometer and two trip meters. To
change the mode indication, push the trip meter reset
knob briefly. Each time you push the knob, the mode
changes in order from the odometer to trip meter A to trip
meter B, then back to the odometer, etc.
The odometer records the total distance the vehicle has
been driven. The twin trip meter records two different
distances independently.
For example, you can use one meter to calculate the fuel
economy and the other to measure the distance on each trip.
To set the A trip meter to zero, display the A meter reading,
push the knob and hold it. The same applies for the B trip
meter.
The data of trip meters will be cancelled if the electrical power
source is disconnected.

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GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
44IF THIS INDICATOR OR
BUZZER COMES ON ...
DO THIS.
(k)Stop and check.
(l)Stop and check.
(m)Replace engine oil.
(n)Fill up tank.
(o)Add washer fluid.
(p)Key reminder buzzerRemove key.
(a) Brake System Warning Light and Buzzer
This light comes on in the following cases when the ignition key
is in the “ON” position.
 When the parking brake is applied ...
This light comes on for a few seconds when the ignition key is
in the “ON” position even after the parking brake is released.
 When the brake fluid level is low ...
CAUTION
It is dangerous to continue driving normally when the
brake fluid level is low.
When the hydraulic brake booster fails ...
If the hydraulic booster causes a problem resulting in poor
braking performance, the warning light comes on and buzzer
sounds continuously.
Have your vehicle checked at your Lexus dealer in the
following cases:
 The light does not come on even if the parking brake is
applied when the ignition key is in the “ON” position.
 The light does not come on even if the ignition key is turned
on with the parking brake released.
A warning light turning on briefly during operation does not
indicate a problem.

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GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
45
CAUTION
If any of the following conditions occurs, immediately
stop your vehicle at a safe place and contact your Lexus
dealer.
 The light does not turn off even after the parking
brake is released while the engine is running.
 The warning buzzer comes on together with the
warning light.
In either case, this can indicate that the brakes may not
work properly and your stopping distance will become
longer. Depress the brake pedal firmly and bring the
vehicle to an immediate stop.
 The brake system warning light remains on together
with the “ABS” warning light.
In this case, not only the antilock brake system will fail,
but also the vehicle will become extremely unstable
during braking.
Any of the following conditions may occur, but do not
indicate the malfunction:
 The light may stay on for about 60 seconds after the ignition
key is turned to the “ON” position. It is normal if it turns off
after a while.
 Depressing the brake pedal repeatedly may turn on the
warning light and buzzer. It is normal if the light turns off and
the buzzer stops sounding after a few seconds.
 You may hear a small sound in the engine compartment
after the engine is started or the brake pedal is depressed
repeatedly. This is a pump pulsating sound of the brake
system, and it is not a malfunction.
(b) Driver’s Seat Belt Reminder Light and
Buzzer
This light and buzzer remind you to buckle up the driver’s seat
belt.
Once the ignition key is turned to “ON” or “START”, the
reminder light flashes and buzzer sounds if the driver’s seat
belt is not fastened. Unless the driver fastens the belt, the light
stays flashing and the buzzer stops after about 4 to 8 seconds.

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GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
47
(e) Malfunction Indicator Lamp
This lamp comes on when the ignition key is turned to the
“ON” position and goes off after the engine starts. This
means that the warning light system is operating properly.
If the lamp remains on, or the lamp comes on while driving,
first check the followings.
 Empty fuel tank
If the fuel tank is empty, refuel immediately.
 Loose fuel tank cap
If the fuel tank cap is loose, securely tighten it.
These cases are temporary malfunctions. The malfunction
indicator lamp will go off after taking several driving trips.
If the lamp will not go off even after the several trips, contact
your Lexus dealer as soon as possible.
If the fuel tank is not empty or the fuel tank cap is not
loose ...
 There is a problem somewhere in the engine, emission
control system, electronic throttle control system, automatic
transmission electrical system or warning light system itself.
Contact your Lexus dealer as soon as possible to service the
vehicle.
If the engine speed does not increase with the accelerator
pedal depressed down, there may be a problem somewhere
in your electronic throttle control system. At this time, vibration may occur. However, if you depress the
accelerator pedal more firmly and slowly, you can drive your
vehicle at low speeds. Have your vehicle checked by your
Lexus dealer as soon as possible.
Even if the abnormality of the electronic throttle control system
is corrected during low speed driving, the system may not be
recovered until the engine is stopped and the ignition key is
turned to “ACC” or “LOCK” position.
CAUTION
Be especially careful to prevent erroneous pedal
operation.
Emissions inspection and maintenance (I/M) programs
Your vehicle may not pass a state emission inspection if the
malfunction indicator lamp remains on. Contact your Lexus
dealer to check your vehicle’s emission control system and
OBD (On−Board Diagnostics) system before taking your
vehicle for the inspection.
For details, see “Emissions inspection and maintenance (I/M)
programs” on page 401.

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GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
49
(g) Open Door Warning Light
This light remains on until all the side doors and back door are
completely closed.
(h) Unengaged “Park” Warning Light
This light warns that the transmission “Park” mechanism is not
engaged. If the four −wheel drive control is in the “N” position
while the selector lever is in the “P” position, the transmission
will disengage and the wheels will not lock.
CAUTION
To restore the park function, shift the fourwheel drive
control out of “N”.
(i) Automatic Transmission Fluid Temperature Warning Light
This light warns that the automatic transmission fluid
temperature is too high.
If this light comes on while you are driving, slow down and pull
off the road. Stop the vehicle at a safe place and put the
selector lever in “P” and leave the engine idling until the light
goes off. If the light goes off, you can start the vehicle again.
If the light does not go off, call a Lexus dealer or qualified repair
shop for assistance.
NOTICE
Continued driving with the warning light on may
damage the automatic transmission.

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GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
50
(j) “VSC TRAC” Warning Light
The light warns that there is a problem somewhere in the
following.
Vehicle skid control system
 Active traction control system
 Downhill assist control system
 Hill− start assist control system
The light will come on when the ignition key turned to “ON”, and
will go off after a few seconds.
It is not a malfunction that the warning light may stay on for 60
seconds after the ignition key is turned to the “ON” position.
Depressing the brake pedal repeatedly may turn on the lights.
It is normal if they go out after a few seconds.
There is no problem when the “VSC TRAC” warning light
comes on when the brake actuator temperature becomes high.
If the light comes on while driving, the above mentioned
systems do not work. However, as conventional braking
operates when applied, there is no problem to continue your
driving.
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.
(k) Discharge Warning Light
This light warns that the battery is being discharged.
If it comes on while you are driving, stop the vehicle, turn off the
engine, and check for the cause. Look first at the engine drive
belt.
 If it is loose or broken, the generator will not charge the
battery properly.
 If the belt is O.K., there is a problem somewhere in the
charging system.
The engine ignition will continue to operate, however, until the
battery is discharged. Turn off the air conditioning, blower,
radio, etc., and drive directly to the nearest Lexus dealer or
repair shop.
NOTICE
Do not continue driving if the engine drive belt is broken
or loose.
(l) Low Engine Oil Pressure Warning Light
This light warns that the engine oil pressure is too low.
If it flickers or stays on while you are driving, pull off the road
to a safe place and stop the engine immediately. Call a Lexus
dealer or qualified repair shop for assistance.