2004 Lexus GX470 brake

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
470
Do not start or run the engine while your
vehicle is supported by the jack.
 Stop the vehicle on a level firm ground, firmly
set the parking brake and put the
transmission in Pº. Block the wheel
diagonally opposite to the one being changed
if necessary.
 Make sure to set the jack properly in the jack
point. Raising the vehicle with jack
improperly positioned will damage the vehicle
or may allow the vehicle to fall off the jack
and cause personal injury.
 Never get under the vehicle when the vehicle
is supported by the jack alone.
 Use the jack only for lifting your vehicle
during wheel changing.
 Do not raise the vehicle with someone in the
vehicle.
 When raising the vehicle, do not place any
objects on top of or underneath the jack.
 Raise the vehicle only high enough to remove
and change the tire.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
492
(d) Emergency towingIf towing is necessary, we recommend you to have it done
by your Lexus dealer or a commercial tow truck service.
If towing service is not available in an emergency, your
vehicle may be temporarily towed by a cable or chain
secured to the emergency towing eyelet. Use extreme
caution when towing the vehicle.
NOTICE
Only use specified towing eyelet; otherwise yourvehicle may be damaged.
Never tow a vehicle from the rear with four wheels on
the ground. This may cause serious damage to the transmission.
A driver must be in the vehicle to steer it and operate the
brakes. Towing in this manner may be done only on hard-surfaced
roads
for a short distance and at low speeds. Also, the wheels,
axles, drive train, steering and brakes must all be in good
condition.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
493
CAUTION
Use extreme caution when towing the vehicle. Avoid
sudden starts or erratic driving maneuvers which would
place excessive stress on the emergency towing eyelet
and towing cable or chain. The eyelet and towing cable
or chain may break and cause serious injury or damage.
NOTICE
Use only a cable or chain specifically intended for use in towing vehicles. Securely fasten the cable or chainto the towing eyelet provided.
Before towing, check that the center differential is unlocked.
(The indicator light must be off with the ignition on.) Release
the parking brake and put the transmission in Nº. The ignition
key must be in ACCº (engine off) or ONº (engine running).CAUTION
If the engine is not running, the power assist for the
brakes and steering will not work so steering and
braking will be much harder than usual.
Emergency towing hook precautions:
 Before emergency towing, check that the eyelet is not
broken or damaged and that the installation bolts are not
loose.
 Fasten the towing cable or chain securely to the hook.
 Do not jerk the eyelet. Apply steady and even force.
 To avoid damaging the eyelet, do not pull from the side or at
a vertical angle. Always pull straight ahead.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
494
CAUTION
If the emergency towing eyelet is used to get out when
your vehicle becomes stuck in the mud, sand or other
condition from which the vehicle cannot be driven out
under its own power, make sure to observe the
precautions mentioned below. Otherwise, excessive
stress will be put on the eyelet and the towing cable or
chain may break, causing serious injury or damage.
If the towing vehicle can hardly move, do not forcibly
continue the towing. Contact your Lexus dealer or a
commercial tow truck service for assistance.
 Tow the vehicle as straight ahead as possible.
 Keep away from the vehicle during towing.
Tips for towing a stuck vehicle:
The following methods are effective to use when your
vehicle is stuck in the mud, sand or other condition from
which the vehicle cannot be driven out under its own
power. Use extreme caution when towing the vehicle. In
addition, keep away from the vehicles and towing cable or
chain when towing.
 Remove the sand and soil in the front and the back of the
tires.
 Place stones or wood under the tires.
IF YOU CANNOT SHIFT AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION SELECTOR LEVER
If you cannot shift the selector lever out of Pº position to
other positions even though the brake pedal is depressed,
use the shift lock override button as follows:
1Turn the ignition key to LOCKº. Make sure the parking
brake is applied.
2Pry up the cover with a flat-bladed screwdriver or
equivalent.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
495
3Push down the shift lock override button. You can shift out
of Pº position only while pushing the button.
4Shift into Nº position.
Insert the cover. Start the engine. For your safety, keep
the brake pedal depressed.
Be sure to have the system checked by your Lexus dealer as
soon as possible.
LEXUS LINK SYSTEM (U.S.A. ONLY)
The Lexus Link System is an in-vehicle communications
service that provides you with enhanced safety, security
and convenience. With an active subscription you can
push the SERVICESº button for operator assistance or in
an emergency situation such as a vehicle accident (in
which the airbag was activated), you will automatically be
connected to the Lexus Link Call Center which will assist
you and/or send help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The Lexus Link System can also record your voice or your
conversation with the Lexus Link Call Center Advisor.

MAINTENANCE
517
Battery
Check the battery condition by the indicator color. See page
592 for additional information.
Brake fluid level
Make sure the brake fluid level is correct. See page 556 for
additional information.
Engine oil level
Check the level on the dipstick with the engine turned off and
the vehicle parked on a level spot. See page 542 for
additional
information.
Power steering fluid level
Check the level through the reservoir. The level should be in
the HOTº or COLDº range depending on the fluid
temperature. See page 557 for additional information.
Exhaust system
If you notice any change in the sound of the exhaust or smell
exhaust fumes, have the cause located and corrected
immediately. (See Engine exhaust cautionº on page 372.)
Vehicle interior
Items listed below should be checked regularly, e.g. while
performing periodic services, cleaning the vehicle, etc.
Lights
Make sure the headlights, stop lights, tail lights, turn signal
lights, and other lights are working. Check headlight aim. Service reminder indicators and warning buzzers
Check
that all service reminder indicators and warning buzzers
function properly.
Steering wheel
Check that it has the specified free play. Be alert for changes
in steering condition, such as hard steering, excessive free
play or strange noise.
Seats
Check that all front seat controls such as seat adjusters,
seatback recliner, etc. operate smoothly. Check that the head
restraints move up and down smoothly and that the locks hold
securely in any latched position. For folding-up second and
third seats, and detachable third seat, check that the latches
lock securely.
Seat belts
Check that the seat belt system such as buckles, retractors
and anchors operate properly and smoothly. Make sure the
belt webbing is not cut, frayed, worn or damaged.
Accelerator pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation and uneven pedal ef fort
or catching.
Brake pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation and the proper
clearance and free play. Check the brake booster function.

MAINTENANCE
518Brakes
At a safe place, check that the brakes do not pull to one side
when applied.
Parking brake
Check that the lever has the proper travel and that, on a safe
incline,
your vehicle is held securely with only the parking brake
applied.
Automatic transmission Parkº mechanism
Check the lock release button of the selector lever for proper
and smooth operation. On a safe incline, check that your
vehicle is held securely with the selector lever in Pº position
and all brakes released.
Vehicle exterior
Items listed below should be performed from time to time,
unless otherwise specified.
Fluid leaks
Check underneath for leaking fuel, oil, water or other fluid after
the vehicle has been parked for a while. If you smell fuel fumes
or notice any leak, have the cause found and corrected
immediately.
Doors and engine hood
Check that all side doors and back door, operate smoothly and
all latches lock securely. Make sure the engine hood
secondary latch secures the hood when the primary latch is
released.
Tire inflation pressure
Check the pressure with a gauge every two weeks,
or at least once a month and adjust as shown on the
tire pressure label. See page 559 for additional
information.
Tire surface
Check the tires carefully for cuts, damage or
excessive wear. See page 574 for additional
information.
Wheel nuts
When checking the tires, make sure to check the nuts
for looseness. Tighten them if necessary.
Tire rotation
Rotate the tires according to the maintenance
schedule. (For scheduled maintenance information,
please refer to the Owner's Manual
Supplement/Scheduled Maintenanceº.) See page 573
for additional information.

MAINTENANCE
519
DOES YOUR VEHICLE NEEDREPAIRING?
Be on the alert for changes in performance and sounds, and
visual tip-offs that indicate service is needed. Some important
clues are:

Engine missing, stumbling, or pinging

Appreciable loss of power

Strange engine noises

A fluid leak under the vehicle (However, water dripping from
the air conditioning after use is normal.)

Change in exhaust sound (This may indicate a dangerous
carbon monoxide leak. Drive with the windows open and
have the exhaust system checked immediately.)

Flat-looking tires, excessive tire squeal when cornering,
uneven tire wear

Vehicle pulls to one side when driving straight on a level
road

Strange noises related to suspension movement

Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling brake pedal,
pedal almost touches floors, vehicle pulls to one side when
braking

Engine coolant temperature continually higher than normal If you notice any of these clues, take your vehicle to your Lexus
dealer as soon as possible. It probably needs adjustment or
repair.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving with the vehicle unchecked. It
could result in serious vehicle damage and possibly
personal injury.