2004 Lexus GX470 suspension

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
473
40PY046

1Lower2Raise3Cloth
To remove the spare tire:
1. Open the back door and remove the spare tire
carrier lid using a flat-bladed screwdriver.
2. Insert the end of the jack handle extension into the
lowering screw and put a cloth between the jack
handle extension and rear bumper to protect the
bumper surface.
3. Turn the jack handle counterclockwise until the
spare tire completely lowered to the ground. Make
sure the handle remains firmly fitted onto the jack
handle extension.
Vehicles with kinetic dynamic suspension system Ð
When lowering the spare tire, make sure the spare
tire does not to interfere with the suspension
components. If interference occurs, raise the spare
tire, and pull it toward the rear of the vehicle, and
start again.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
475
Vehicles with kinetic dynamic suspension system Ð
When raising the spare tire, pull the tire toward the
rear of the vehicle. After raising the tire, visually check
that the tire does not interfere with the suspension
components. If interference occurs, lower the spare
tire and start again.
NOTICE
Tighten the spare tire clamp bolt to hold the
spare wheel carrier by the hook securely.
Vehicles with kinetic dynamic suspension
system Ð Make sure that the spare tire does
not interfere with the suspension components
when the spare tire is stowed. If interference
occurs, the suspension system will be
damaged.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
484
IF YOUR VEHICLE NEEDS TO BE
TOWED
If towing is necessary, we recommend you to have it done
by your Lexus dealer or a commercial tow truck service.
In consultation with them, have your vehicle towed using
either (a) or (b).
(a) Towing with a wheel lift type truck
(b) Using a flat bed truck
(c) Never tow with a sling type truck
Only when you cannot receive a towing service from a
Lexus dealer or commercial tow truck service, tow your
vehicle carefully in accordance with the instructions
given in (d) Emergency towingº on page 489.
Proper equipment will help ensure that your vehicle is not
damaged while being towed. Commercial operators are
generally aware of the state/provincial and local laws
pertaining to towing.
Your vehicle can be damaged if it is towed incorrectly. Although
most operators know the correct procedure, it is possible to
make a mistake. To avoid damage to your vehicle, make sure
the following precautions are observed. If necessary, show
this page to the tow truck driver.TOWING PRECAUTIONS:
Use a safety chain system for all towing, and abide by the
state/provincial and local laws. The wheels and axle on the
ground must be in good condition. If they are damaged, use
a towing dolly.
CAUTION
When your vehicle is towed, put the vehicle height in the
Nº (normal) mode and push the HEIGHT CONTROL
OFFº switch to turn off the rear height control air
suspension. Otherwise, the vehicle height may be
changed in the automatic leveling function, resulting in
accident. For details, see Rear height control air
suspensionº on page 395.

MAINTENANCE
518
DOES YOUR VEHICLE NEED
REPAIRING?
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 normalIf 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.

SECTION 6 ± 3
549
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Chassis
Specifications550 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking brake fluid554 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking power steering fluid555 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking tire inflation pressure557 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire information561 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Types of tires569 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rotating tires570 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking and replacing tires571 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing snow tires and chains573 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing wheels577 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aluminum wheel precautions578 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Suspension and chassis578 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

CHASSIS
576
Chain installation
Install the chains on the rear tires as tightly as possible.
Do not use tire chains on the front tires. Retighten chains
after driving 0.5 Ð 1.0 km (1/4 Ð 1/2 mile).
When installing chains on your tires, carefully follow the
instructions of the chain manufacturer.CAUTION
Do not exceed 50 km/h (30 mph) or the chain
manufacturer's recommended speed limit,
whichever is lower.
Drive carefully avoiding bumps, holes, and sharp
turns, which may cause the vehicle to bounce.
Avoid sharp turns or locked-wheel braking, as use of
chains may adversely affect vehicle handling.
When driving with chains installed, be sure to drive
carefully. Slow down before entering curves to avoid
losing control of the vehicle. Otherwise an accident
may occur.
NOTICE
When jacking up or installing tire chains, be sure to turn
off the rear height control air suspension with the
HEIGHT CONTROL OFFº switch and stop the engine.
Otherwise, the vehicle height may change because of
the automatic leveling function resulting in accident.

CHASSIS
578
ALUMINUM WHEEL PRECAUTIONS
When installing aluminum wheels, check that the wheel nuts
are tight after driving your vehicle the first 1600 km (1000
miles).
If you have rotated, repaired, or changed your tires, check
that the wheel nuts are still tight after driving 1600 km (1000
miles).
When using tire chains, be careful not to damage the
aluminum wheels.
Use only the Lexus wheel nuts and wrench designed for
your aluminum wheels.
When balancing your wheels, use only Lexus balance
weights or equivalent and a plastic or rubber hammer.
As with any wheel, periodically check your aluminum
wheels for damage. If damaged, replace immediately.
SUSPENSION AND CHASSIS
CAUTION
Do not modify the suspension/chassis with lift kits,
spacers, springs, etc. It can cause dangerous handling
characteristics, resulting in loss of control.

ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
583
No.FUSEAMPERECIRCUIT
1SPARE10Spare fuse
2ALT140
Charging system and all
components in AM1º,
HEATERº, CDS FANº, FR
FOGº, DEFOGº, AIR SUSº,
AC115V INVº, SEAT HEATERº,
BATT CHGº, TOWING BRKº
and TOWINGº fuses
3SPARE15Spare fuse
4HEATER50Air conditioning system
5AIR
SUS50Rear height control air
suspension
6AM150
All components in ACCº, CIGº,
IG1º, FR WIP-WSHº, RR
WIPº, RR WSHº, DIFFº,
TEMSº and STAº fuses
7TOWING
BRK30Trailer brake controller
8J/B50
All components in P FR P/Wº,
P RR P/Wº, D RR P/Wº, D
P/SEATº, P P/SEATº, TAILº,
PANELº and POWER OR
TI&TEº fuses
9BATT
CHG30Trailer sub battery
10TOWING40Trailer lights
11CDS FAN20Electric cooling fan
12RR A/C30Rear air conditioning system
No.FUSEAMPERECIRCUIT