2004 Lexus GX470 light

STARTING AND DRIVING
419
Brake assist system
When you slam the brakes on, the brake assist system
judges as an emergency stop and provides more powerful
braking for a driver who cannot hold down the brake pedal
firmly.
When you slam the brakes on, more powerful braking will be
applied. At this time, you may hear a sound in the engine
compartment and feel the vibrations of the brake pedal. This
does not indicate a malfunction.
The brake assist system becomes operative after the vehicle
has accelerated to a speed in excess of approximately 10 km/h
(6 mph). It stops operating when the vehicle decelerates to a
speed below approximately 5 km/h (3 mph).
The brake assist system may not work for about 60 seconds
after the engine is started.
For an explanation of this system's warning light, see ABS
warning lightº on page 58.
Drum-in-disc type parking brake system
Your vehicle has a drum-in-disc type parking brake system.
This type of brake system needs bedding-down of the brake
shoes periodically or whenever the parking brake shoes and/or
drums are replaced.
Have your Lexus dealer perform the bedding-down.
TIRE PRESSURE WARNING SYSTEM
The tire pressure warning system is designed to provide
warning when tire inflation pressure of one or more of
your tires (including the spare tire) is low. The low tire
pressure warning light comes on to inform you that low
tire inflation pressure may hamper driving.

Low tire pressure warning light
This light comes on when the ignition key is turned to the ONº
position. It goes off after a few seconds. This indicates that the
tire pressure warning system is functioning properly.

STARTING AND DRIVING
420If the low tire pressure warning light comes on or blinks,
do the following.
If the warning light comes on:
Stop your vehicle in a safe place as soon as possible and
check that the inflation pressure of all tires (including the
spare tire) is as specified on the tire and loading
information
label. (See Checking tire inflation pressureº
on page 559.) If the warning light comes on even after tire
inflation pressure adjustment, you may have a flat tire. If
you have a flat tire, replace it with the spare tire. For
details, see If you have a flat tireº on page 469.
The warning light goes off a few minutes after air is put into the
deflated tire.
This warning light may turn on due to natural causes such as
natural air leaks or tire pressure changes caused by
temperature. In this case, adjusting the tire pressure will turn
off the warning light.
CAUTION
When the low tire pressure warning light comes on,
observe the following instructions:
 Depending on the conditions, reduce to an
appropriate speed as soon as possible.
 Adjust the tire pressure to the specified level as soon
as possible.
 Avoid abrupt steering wheel maneuvering and
braking. Tire deterioration may reduce steering
wheel control and brake effectiveness. This may lead
to serious injury or death.
 The tire pressure warning system may not activate
immediately if sudden bursts of air leakage occur.

STARTING AND DRIVING
421
NOTICE
Do not use liquid sealants for a flat tire as air pressuresensors will be damaged.
When the tires must be repaired or replaced, havethem repaired or replaced by the nearest Lexusdealer or authorized tire dealer. The tire pressuresensors will be affected by the installation or removal
of tires.
The tire pressure warning system is not to be used as a substitute for regular inspections. Be sure to check
the air pressure in the tires on a regular basis.
When the tires must be replaced, replace the grommets for air pressure sensors as well.
If the warning light blinks:
The tire pressure warning system may be malfunctioning.
Contact your Lexus dealer.System malfunction
The tire pressure warning system does not function
properly under certain circumstances. In the following
cases, the low 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.
 Electric devices or facilities using similar radio wave
frequencies are nearby.
 A radio set to similar frequencies is in use.
 A lot of snow or ice covers the vehicle, in particular, around
the wheels or wheel housings.
 The tires are not equipped with an air pressure sensor.
 Tire chains are used.

STARTING AND DRIVING
422
Non-genuine Lexus wheels are used.
 Although the tires are equipped with air pressure sensors,
the selector switch (see page 427.) is set to other tire setting.
CAUTION
The use of non-genuine wheels will cause the air
pressure sensors to transmit the electronic code in
different manner, resulting in the system failure.
 The use of different type of tires with genuine wheels
may also cause the malfunction of the system.
CAUTION
When the tire pressure monitoring system warning light
is lit, one or more of your tires is significantly
under-inflated. You should stop and check your tires as
soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper
pressure as indicated on the vehicle's tire information
placard. Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire
causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire
tread life, and may affect the vehicle's handling and
stopping ability. Each tire, including the spare, should
be checked monthly when cold and set to the
recommended inflation pressure as specified in the
vehicle placard and owner's manual.

DRIVING TIPS
433
OPERATION IN FOREIGNCOUNTRIES
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).
TIPS FOR DRIVING IN VARIOUS CONDITIONS
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 Pº. 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 w et. To dry them, drive the vehicle cautiously while
lightly pressing the brake pedal with the parking brake
applied. If they still do not work safely, pull to the side of the
road and call a Lexus dealer for assistance.

DRIVING TIPS
434
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 381.
 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 spin or skid.
 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 high-speed
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 high-speed
capability tires or not before driving at such speeds.

DRIVING TIPS
446
Hitches
If you wish to install a trailer hitch, you should consult with
your Lexus dealer.
 Use only a hitch recommended by the hitch manufacture
and the one which conforms to the total trailer weight
requirement.
 According to the hitch receiver type, the maximum gross
trailer weight and hitch that can be used differs. Refer to the
illustrations to confirm the hitch receiver type for your
vehicle.
 If you wish to install an aftermarket hitch, the hitch must be
bolted securely to the vehicle frame and installed according
to the hitch manufactures' instructions.
 The hitch ball and king pin should have a light coat of grease.
 Lexus recommends the ball mount assembly be removed
when not towing to prevent injury and to prevent damage in
the event of a rear end collision. After removing the ball
mount assembly, install the grommet to the hitch to prevent
entry of dirt and mud.

DRIVING TIPS
451
Trailer lights
Your vehicle is equipped with a wire harness stored in the rear
end underbody. 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.
Break-in 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
Maintenanceº.
 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 rear height control air suspension in the LOº (low)
mode. Turn the ignition switch off or push the HEIGHT
CONTROL OFFº switch to turn off the rear height control air
suspension.
2. Connect a trailer.
3. Turn the ignition switch on or push the HEIGHT CONTROL
OFFº switch to turn on the rear height control air suspension.
Select the Nº (normal) mode with the height select switch.
Disconnecting a trailer
Stop your vehicle and a trailer in line and perform the following:
1. Put the rear height control air suspension in the LOº (low)
mode. (Make sure the vehicle height is in the LOº (low) mode
by pushing the height select switch on the  º side.)
2. Turn the ignition switch off or push the HEIGHT CONTROL
OFFº switch to turn off the rear height control air 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
OFFº switch to turn on the rear height control air suspension.
5. Wait for about 20 seconds until the rear vehicle height is
lowered by the automatic leveling function.