2004 Lexus GX470 sensor

OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEMS
183


1Side and curtain shield airbag sensor assemblies
2Curtain shield airbag modules (airbag and inflator)
3Side airbag modules (airbag and inflator)
4Curtain shield airbag sensor assemblies
5SRS warning light and RSCA OFFº indicator light
6Roll sensing of curtain shield airbags off switch
7Airbag sensor assembly
The SRS side airbag and curtain shield airbag system consists
mainly of the above components, and their locations are shown
in the illustration.
The SRS side airbag and curtain shield airbag system is
controlled by the airbag sensor assembly. The airbag sensor
assembly consists of a safing sensor and airbag sensor.
In a severe side impact, the side and curtain shield airbag
sensor and/or the curtain shield airbag sensor trigger(s) the
side airbag inflators and/or the curtain shield airbag inflators.
At this time a chemical reaction in the inflators quickly fills the
airbags with non-toxic gas to help restrain the lateral motion
of the occupants.
In a vehicle rollover, the airbag sensor assembly triggers the
curtain shield airbag inflator. At this time, a chemical reaction
in the inflators quickly fills the airbags with non-toxic gas to
help restrain the lateral motion of the occupants.
When the airbags inflate, they produce a fairly loud noise and
release some smoke and residue along with non-toxic gas.
This
does not indicate a fire. This smoke may remain inside the
vehicle for some time, and may cause some minor irritation to
the eyes, skin or breathing. Be sure to wash off any residue as
soon as possible to prevent any potential skin irritation with
soap and water. If you can safely exit from the vehicle, you
should do so immediately.
Deployment of the airbags happens in a fraction of a second,
so the airbags must inflate with considerable force. While the
system is designed to reduce serious injuries, it may also
cause minor burns or abrasions and swelling.
Front seats as well as parts of the front and rear pillars, and roof
side rail may be hot for several minutes, but the airbags
themselves will not be hot. The airbags are designed to inflate
only once.
CAUTION
SRS side airbags and curtain shield airbags inflate with
considerable force. To reduce the possibility of death
or serious injury when they inflate, the driver, front
passenger and second outside passengers must:
 Wear their seat belts properly.
 Remain properly seated with their backs upright and
against the seats at all times.

OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEMS
191
The indicator comes on when the ignition key is turned to
the ONº position. It goes off after about 6 seconds. This
means the SRS side airbags and curtain shield airbags are
operating properly.
This warning light system monitors the airbag sensor
assembly, front airbag sensors, side and curtain shield airbag
sensor assemblies, curtain shield airbag sensor assemblies,
driver's seat position sensor, driver's seat belt buckle switch,
front seat b elt pretensioner assemblies, inflators, warning light,
RSCA OFFº indicator light, interconnecting wiring and power
sources. (For details, see Service reminder indicators and
warning buzzersº on page 62 for instructions.) If any of the following conditions occurs, this indicates a
malfunction of the airbags or seat belt pretensioners. Contact
your Lexus dealer as soon as possible.

The light does not come on when the ignition key is turned
to the ONº position or remains on for more than 6 seconds
or flashes.
 The light comes on or starts flashing while driving.
If the light stays on, it indicates that the SRS front airbags have
a problem. If the light flashes, the SRS side and curtain shield
airbags have a problem.

STEERING WHEEL AND MIRRORS
228When the outside air temperature is low, it may take a little
longer for the mirror to darken in response to the detection of
headlights.
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.
To ensure correct functioning of the anti-glare mirror
sensors located on both sides of the mirror, do not touch
or cover the sensors with your finger or a piece of cloth,
etc.
Compass
The compass indicates the direction in which the vehicle
is heading. The illustration shown above indicates the
vehicle is heading north.
Push the COMPº switch to turn the compass system on
and off.
If the ignition switch was turned off with the system on, the
system
will automatically turn back on when the ignition switch
is turned on.

STEERING WHEEL AND MIRRORS
230If the direction is not indicated or the system does not operate
properly, contact your Lexus dealer.

Compass sensor
NOTICE
Do not put magnets or a metal object on or near the
inside rear view mirror of the vehicle. Doing this maycause malfunction of the compass sensor in the mirror.

AUDIO
372
NOTICE
To prevent the battery from being discharged, do notuse the power outlet longer than necessary when theengine is not running.
Close the power outlet lid when the power outlet isnot in use. Inserting anything other than anappropriate plug that fits the outlet, or allowing anyliquid to get into the outlet may cause electricalfailure or short circuits.
The power outlet is not designed for the following electric
appliances even though their power consumption is
under 115 VAC/100W. These appliances may not operate
properly.
 Appliances with high initial peak wattage: Cathode-ray
tube type televisions, compressor-driven refrigerators,
electric pumps, electric tools, etc.
 Measuring devices which process precise data: Medical
equipment, measuring instruments, etc.
 Other appliances requiring an extremely stable power
supply: Microcomputer-controlled electric blankets, touch
sensor lamps, etc.
Certain electrical appliances may cause radio noise.Headphone input jacks
To use the jack, push the lid.

STARTING AND DRIVING
432
CAUTION
Do not overestimate the anti-lock brake system:
Although the anti-lock brake system assists in
providing vehicle control, it is still important to drive
with all due care and maintain a moderate speed and
safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, because
there are limits to the vehicle stability and effectiveness
of steering wheel operation even with the anti-lock
brake system on.
If tire grip performance exceeds its capability, or if
hydroplaning occurs during high speed driving in the
rain, the anti-lock brake system does not provide
vehicle control.
Anti-lock brake system is not designed to shorten the
stopping distance: Always drive at a moderate speed
and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of
you. Compared with vehicles without an anti-lock
brake system, your vehicle may require a longer
stopping distance in the following cases:
 Driving on rough, gravel or snow-covered roads.
 Driving with tire chains installed.
Driving over the steps such as the joints on the road.
 Driving on roads where the road surface is pitted or
has other differences in surface height.
Install all 4 tires of specified size at appropriate
pressure: The anti-lock brake system detects vehicle
speeds using the speed sensors for respective wheels'
turning speeds. The use of tires other than specified
may fail to detect the accurate turning speed resulting
in a longer stopping distance.

STARTING AND DRIVING
436
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
437

Non-genuine Lexus wheels are used.
 Although the tires are equipped with air pressure sensors,
the selector switch (see page 443.) 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.