2004 Lexus GX470 ECU

DRIVING TIPS
410
Do not continue normal driving when the brakes are
wet. If they are wet, your vehicle will require a longer
stopping distance, and it may pull to one side when
the brakes are applied. Also, the parking brake will
not hold the vehicle securely.
If you drive through deep water over about 500 mm
(20 in.) in depth, put the vehicle height in the HI (High)
mode with the active height select switch and then
turn off the active height control suspension by
pushing the height control switch. Drive your vehicle
at 30 km/h (19 mph) or lower speed.

DRIVING TIPS
421
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
424
Matching trailer ball height to trailer coupler
height
No matter which class of tow hitch applies, for a safe trailer
hookup, the trailer ball setup on must be the proper height for
the coupler on the trailer.
32PY007

1Coupler2Trailer ball
Brakes and safety chains
Lexus recommends trailers with brakes that conform to
any applicable federal and state/provincial regulations.
A safety chain must always be used between the towing
vehicle and the trailer. Leave sufficient slack in the
chain for turns. The chain should cross under the
trailer tongue to prevent the tongue from dropping to
the ground in case it becomes damaged or separated.
For correct safety chain procedures, consult your
Lexus dealer.
CAUTION
If the total trailer weight exceeds 453 kg (1000 lb.),
trailer brakes are required.
Never tap into your vehicle's hydraulic system as it
will lower its braking effectiveness.
Never tow a trailer without using a safety chain
securely attached to both the trailer and the vehicle.
If damage occurs to the coupling unit or hitch ball,
there is possible danger of the trailer wandering over
into another lane.

DRIVING TIPS
427 7. Move the vehicle forward in the LOº (low) mode where the
hitch does not touch anything in the Nº (normal) mode.
8. Put the rear height control air suspension in the Nº (normal)
mode.
Pre-towing safety check
Check that your vehicle remains level when a loaded or
unloaded trailer is hitched. Do not drive if the vehicle has an
abnormal nose-up or nose-down condition, and check for
improper tongue load, overload, worn suspension or other
possible causes.
Make sure the trailer cargo is securely loaded so that it
cannot shift.
Check that your rear view mirrors conform to any federal,
state/provincial or local regulations. If they do not, install
required rear view mirrors appropriate for towing purposes.
Trailer towing tips
When towing a trailer, your vehicle will handle differently
than when not towing. The three main causes of
vehicle-trailer accidents are driver error, excessive speed
and improper trailer loading. Keep these in mind when
towing:
Before starting out, check the operation of the lights and all
vehicle-trailer connections. After driving a short distance,
stop and recheck the lights and connections. Practice
turning, stopping and backing with a trailer in an area away
from traffic until you learn the feel.
Backing with a trailer is difficult and requires practice. Grip
the bottom of the steering wheel and move your hand to the
left to move the trailer to the left. Move your hand to the right
to move the trailer to the right. (This procedure is generally
opposite to that when backing without a trailer.) Also, just
turn the steering wheel a little at a time, avoiding sharp or
prolonged turning. Have someone guide you when backing
to reduce the risk of an accident.
Because stopping distance may be increased,
vehicle-to-vehicle distance should be increased when
towing a trailer. For each 16 km/h (10 mph) of speed, allow
at least one vehicle and trailer length between you and the
vehicle ahead. Avoid sudden braking as you may skid,
resulting in jackknifing and loss of control. This is especially
true on wet or slippery surfaces.
Avoid jerky starts or sudden acceleration.
Avoid jerky steering and sharp turns. The trailer could hit
your vehicle in a tight turn. Slow down before making a turn
to avoid the need of sudden braking.

DRIVING TIPS
432
Towing capacity:
For weight carrying hitch 2268 kg (5000 lb.)
Also for weight distributing hitch
2948 kg (6500 lb.)
Towing capacity means the maximum gross trailer
weight (trailer weight plus its cargo weight) that your
vehicle is able to tow.
Cargo capacity
Cargo capacity may increase or decrease depending
on the size (weight) and the number of occupants.
For details, see Capacity and distributionº that
follows.
CAUTION
Do not apply the load more than each load limit.
That may cause not only damage to the tires,
but also deterioration to the steering ability and
braking ability, which may cause an accident.
CARGO AND LUGGAGE
Stowage precautions
When stowing cargo and luggage in the vehicle,
observe the following:
Put cargo and luggage in the luggage compartment
when at all possible. Be sure all items are secured
in place.
Be careful to keep the vehicle level. Placing the
weight as far forward as possible helps maintain
vehicle balance.
For better fuel economy, do not carry unnecessary
weight.
CAUTION
To prevent cargo and luggage from sliding
forward during braking, do not stack anything
in the luggage compartment higher than the
seatbacks. Keep luggage or packages low,
as close to the floor as possible.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
447
40PY040

1Jack
2Spare tire
3Tool tray
1. Get the tool, jack and spare tire.To remove the tool tray, turn the knob
counterclockwise and open the cover, then pull the
tray out.
To prepare yourself for an emergency, you should
familiarize yourself with the use of the jack and each
tool, and their storage locations.
When storing the jack, put it into place and secure
to prevent it from flying forward during a collision or
sudden braking.

1Jack handle extension with bolt
2Jack handle extension without bolt
3Jack handle
To remove the spare tire under the luggage
compartment:
Put a jack handle and jack handle extensions together
as shown in the illustration.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
448
CAUTION
Make sure they are securely fixed with the
screws.
When connecting the jack handle extensions, use a
Phillips-head screwdriver or jack handle to tighten the
bolts on the joints as shown in the illustration. When
connecting the jack handle with extension, tighten the
bolt on the joint securely. Make sure the hollow meets
the bolt on every joint when you tighten the bolts.
NOTICE
Tighten all the joints securely. Otherwise, the
extension may come off and it may damage the
paint or vehicle body.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
449
40PY041

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 for protecting the
bumper surface.
3. Turn the jack handle counterclockwise with the
handle, making sure the handle remains firmly fitted
onto the jack handle extension.
4. After the tire is lowered completely to the ground,
remove the holding bracket.
When storing the spare tire, put it in place with the
outer side of the wheel facing up. Then secure the
tire, taking care that the tire goes straight up without
catching on any other part, to prevent it from flying
forward during a collision or sudden braking.
NOTICE
Tighten the spare tire clamp bolt to hold the
spare wheel carrier by the hook securely.