2004 Lexus GX470 power steering

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each Section.
PICTORIAL INDEX
x
Page
1Driving position memory switches 200. . . . . . . . . . .
2Power window switches 43. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3Power door lock switch 22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4Window lock switch 44. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5Power rear view mirror control switches 205. . . . . .
6Side vents 228. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7Headlight, turn signal and
fog light switches 29, 31, 32. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8Wiper and washer switch 32. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9Center vents 228. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10Emergency flasher switch 46. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11Car audio 235. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12Multi-information display 67. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13Automatic air conditioning controls 215. . . . . . . . . .
14Rear window defogger switch 40. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15Front passenger's seat belt reminder light 58. . . . . .
16Glove box 84. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17Ashtray 79. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18Cigarette lighter 79. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19Seat heater switches 47. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
20Four-wheel drive control lever 373. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21Automatic transmission selector lever 365. . . . . . . .
22Parking brake lever 363. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23Center differential lock switch 373. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24Power outlet (12 VDC) 81. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25Downhill assist control switch 393. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26Electronic modulated suspension
control switch 387. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27Rear height control air suspension
switches 380. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28Ignition switch 361. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
292nd STRTº switch 373. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
30Cruise control switch 377. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
31Steering pad switches 256. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
32Hood lock release lever 99. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
33Fuel filler door opener 100. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
34Instrument panel light control dial 73. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
35Outside rear view mirror defogger switch 42. . . . . . .
36Power outlet (115 VAC) main switch 81. . . . . . . . . . . .

STEERING WHEEL AND MIRRORS
205
CAUTION
Do not adjust the mirror while the vehicle is moving.
Doing so may cause the driver to mishandle the
vehicle and an accident may occur, resulting in death
or serious injuries.
Since the mirror surfaces can get hot, do not touch
them when the outside rear view mirror defogger
switch is on.
Power rear view mirror control

1Master switch2Control switch
To adjust the power rear view mirror, first place the master
switch at Lº (left) or Rº (right), and push the control
switch on the desired side.
The power rear view mirrors can be adjusted when the key is
in the ACCº or ONº position.
When the automatic transmission selector lever is shifted
into Rº position with the master switch in the Lº or Rº
position, the rear view mirrors automatically down to help
backing up.
The mirrors return to the previous position in the following
operations.
Shift the transmission lever out of Rº position.
Place the master switch in the neutral position.

STEERING WHEEL AND MIRRORS
213 Perform circling calibration just after you have purchased
your Lexus. And then always perform circling calibration
after the battery has been removed, replaced or
disconnected.
Do not perform circling calibration of the compass in a place
where the earth's magnetic field is subject to interference by
artificial magnetic fields (underground parking, under a steel
tower, between buildings, roof parking, near a crossing,
near a large vehicle, etc.).
During calibration, do not operate electric systems (moon
roof, power windows, etc.) as they may interfere with the
calibration.
CAUTION
When doing the circling calibration, be sure to secure
a wide space, and watch out for people and vehicles
in the neighborhood. Do not violate any local traffic
rules while performing circling calibration.
Do not adjust the display while the vehicle is moving.
Be sure to adjust the display only when the vehicle is
stopped.

STARTING AND DRIVING
399 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.
CAUTION
Do not pump the brake pedal if the engine stalls.
Each push on the pedal uses up your brake fluid
pressure reserve.
Even if the power assist is completely lost, the brakes
will still work. But you will have to push the pedal
hard, much harder than normal. And your braking
distance will increase.
Anti-lock brake system
The anti-lock brake system is designed to automatically
help prevent lock-up of the wheels during a sudden brake
or braking on slippery road surfaces. This assists in
providing directional stability and steering performance
of the vehicle under these circumstances.
Effective way to press the ABS brake pedal: When the
anti-lock brake system function is in action, you may feel the
brake pedal pulsating and hear a noise. In this situation, to
let the anti-lock brake system work for you, just hold the
brake pedal down more firmly. Do not pump the brake in a
panic stop. This will result in reduced braking performance.
The anti-lock brake 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).
Depressing the brake pedal on slippery road surfaces such as
on a manhole cover, a steel plate at a construction site, joints
in a bridge, etc. on a rainy day tends to activate the anti-lock
brake system.
You may hear a click or motor sound in the engine
compartment for a few seconds when the engine is started or
just after the vehicle begins to move. This means that the
anti-lock brake system is in the self-check mode, and does not
indicate a malfunction.
When the anti-lock brake system is activated, the
following conditions may occur. They do not indicate a
malfunction of the system:
You may hear the anti-lock brake system operating and feel
the brake pedal pulsating and the vibrations of the vehicle
body and steering wheel. You may also hear the motor
sound in the engine compartment even after the vehicle is
stopped.
At the end of the anti-lock brake system activation, the
brake pedal may move a little to the forward.

DRIVING TIPS
430Avoid continuous speeding up and slowing down.
Stop-and-go driving wastes fuel.
Avoid unnecessary stopping and braking. Maintain a
steady pace. Try to time the traffic signals so you only need
to stop as little as possible or take advantage of through
streets to avoid traffic lights. Keep a proper distance from
other vehicles to avoid sudden braking. This will also
reduce wear on your brakes.
Avoid heavy traffic or traffic jams whenever possible.
Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal. This causes
premature wear, overheating and poor fuel economy.
Maintain a moderate speed on highways. The faster you
drive, the greater the fuel consumption. By reducing your
speed, you will cut down on fuel consumption.
Keep the front wheels in proper alignment. Avoid hitting
the curb and slow down on rough roads. Improper
alignment not only causes faster tire wear but also puts an
extra load on the engine, which, in turn, wastes fuel.
Keep the bottom of your vehicle free from mud, etc. This
not only lessens weight but also helps prevent corrosion.Keep your vehicle tuned-up and in top shape. A dirty air
cleaner, improper valve clearance, dirty plugs, dirty oil and
grease, brakes not adjusted, etc. all lower engine
performance and contribute to poor fuel economy. For
longer life of all parts and lower operating costs, keep all
maintenance work on schedule, and if you often drive under
severe conditions, see that your vehicle receives more
frequent maintenance. (For scheduled maintenance
information, please refer to the Owner's Manual
Supplement/Scheduled Maintenanceº.)
CAUTION
Never turn off the engine to coast down hills. Your
power steering and brake booster will not function
without the engine running. Also, the emission control
system operates properly only when the engine is
running.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
438
IF YOUR ENGINE STALLS WHILE
DRIVING
If your engine stalls while driving...
1. Reduce your speed gradually, keeping a straight line. Move
cautiously off the road to a safe place.
2. Turn on your emergency flashers.
3. Turn the ignition key to ACCº or LOCKº, and try starting the
engine again.
If the engine will not start, see If your vehicle will not startº.
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.
IF YOUR VEHICLE WILL NOT
START
(a) Simple checks
Before making these checks, make sure you have followed the
correct starting procedure instructions in How to start the
engineº on page 363 and that you have sufficient fuel. Since
your vehicle is equipped with the engine immobilizer system,
also check whether the other keys will start the engine. If they
work, your key may be broken. Have the key checked at your
Lexus dealer. If none of your keys work, there may be a
malfunction in the immobilizer system. Call your Lexus dealer.
See Keysº on page 8.
If the engine is not turning over or is turning over too
slowly Ð
1. Check that the battery terminals are tight and clean.
2. If the battery terminals are O.K., switch on the interior light.
3. If the light is out, dim or goes out when the starter is cranked,
the battery is discharged. You may try jump starting. See (c)
Jump startingº for further instruction.
If the light is O.K., but the engine still will not start, it needs
adjustment or repair. Call a Lexus dealer, Roadside
Assistance or Customer Service Assistance. (See
Forewordº.)

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
464
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 chain
to 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.

MAINTENANCE
490Battery
Check the battery condition by the indicator color. See page
562 for additional information.
Brake fluid level
Make sure the brake fluid level is correct. See page 529 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 515 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 530 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 359.)
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 effort
or catching.
Brake pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation and the proper
clearance and free play. Check the brake booster function.