2004 Lexus GX470 brake fluid

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each Section.
PICTORIAL INDEX
xiv
Page
1Automatic transmission second start
indicator light 384. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2Unengaged Parkº warning light 64. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3Automatic transmission fluid temperature
warning light 64. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4Low washer fluid warning light 67. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5Automatic transmission indicator lights 376. . . . . .
6Driver's seat belt reminder light 60. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7Turn signal indicator light 33. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8Brake system warning light 59. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9Headlight high beam indicator light 33. . . . . . . . . . . .
10ABSº warning light 63. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11Open door warning light 64. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12Tachometer 56. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13Headlight indicator light 31. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14Cruise control indicator light 392. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15Engine oil replacement reminder light 67. . . . . . . . . .
16Slip indicator light 404, 406, 409, 411. . . . . . . . . . . . .
17Low engine oil pressure warning light 66. . . . . . . . . . Page
18Discharge warning light 65. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19Engine coolant temperature gauge 54. . . . . . . . . . . . .
20Malfunction indicator lamp 62. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21Vehicle stability control system off
indicator light 406. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22RSCA OFFº indicator light 183. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23KDSSº warning light 65. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24Center differential lock indicator light 384. . . . . . . .
25VSC TRACº warning light 65. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26Downhill assist control system
indicator light 408. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27Rear height control indicator lights 401. . . . . . . . . . .
28Security indicator light 14, 27. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
29SRS warning light 61. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
30Trip meter reset knob 57. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
31Odometer and trip meter 57. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
32Low fuel level warning light 67. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
33Low tire pressure warning light 67. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
34Fuel gauge 53. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

GAUGES, METERS AND SERVICE REMINDER INDICATORS
59 IF THIS INDICATOR OR
BUZZER COMES ON...
DO THIS.
(q)Add washer fluid.
(r)Key reminder buzzerRemove key.
(a) Brake System Warning Light and Buzzer
This light comes on in the following cases when the ignition key
is in the ONº position.
When the parking brake is applied...
This light comes on for a few seconds when the ignition key is
in the ONº position even after the parking brake is released.
When the brake fluid level is low...
CAUTION
It is dangerous to continue driving normally when the
brake fluid level is low.
When the hydraulic brake booster fails...
If the hydraulic booster causes a problem resulting in poor
braking performance, the warning light comes on and buzzer
sounds continuously.
Have your vehicle checked at your Lexus dealer in the
following cases:
The light does not come on even if the parking brake is
applied when the ignition key is in the ONº position.
The light does not come on even if the ignition key is turned
on with the parking brake released.
A warning light turning on briefly during operation does not
indicate a problem.

STARTING AND DRIVING
413 Depressing the brake pedal repeatedly may turn on the light.
It is normal if it goes out after a few seconds.
The brake actuator temperature increases during continuous
operation of the above mentioned system on such as slippery
roads. If the brake actuator temperature becomes too high
while any of the systems is operating, a buzzer will start to
sound intermittently to indicate that the hill-start assist control
system can no longer operate. In this case, stop your vehicle
immediately at a safe place.
If the system continues to operate, the buzzer sound changes
from intermittent to continuous. (The continuous buzzer
sounds for about 3 seconds.) At this time, the VSC TRACº
warning light will come on and the hill-start assist control
system stops operating temporarily in order to protect the
brake actuator. (Although the hill-start assist control system
does not operate, it is no problem to continue your driving.) The
system will be automatically restored after a short time and the
VSC TRACº warning light goes out.
If the warning light comes on while driving, the system does not
work. However, as normal braking operates when being
applied, it is no problem to continue your driving.
In the following cases, contact your Lexus dealer:
The warning light does not come on after the ignition key is
turned to ONº.
The warning light remains on after the ignition key is turned
to ONº.
The warning light comes on while driving.
BRAKE SYSTEM
This brake system has 2 independent hydraulic circuits. If
either circuit should fail, the other will still work. However, the
pedal will be harder to press, and your stopping distance will
increase. Also, the brake system warning light may come on.
CAUTION
Do not drive your vehicle with only a single brake
system. Have your brakes fixed immediately.
Brake booster
The brake booster uses brake fluid pressurized by the pump
to power-assist the brakes. If the brake booster fails during
driving, the brake system warning light comes on and buzzer
sounds continuously. In this case, the brakes may not work
properly. If they do not work well, depress the brake pedal
firmly. If the brake system warning light comes on, immediately
stop your vehicle and contact your Lexus dealer.
The brake system warning light may stay on for about 60
seconds after the ignition key is turned to the ONº position. It
is normal if the light turns off after a while.
Depressing the brake pedal repeatedly may turn on the brake
system warning light and buzzer. It is normal if the light goes
out and the buzzer stops sounding after a few seconds.

STARTING AND DRIVING
414You 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
439 Use a washer fluid containing an antifreeze solution.
This product is available at your Lexus dealer and most auto
parts stores. Follow the manufacturer's directions for how
much to mix with water.
NOTICE
Do not use engine antifreeze or any other substitute
because it may damage your vehicle's paint.
Do not use your parking brake when there is a possibility
it could freeze.
When parking, put the transmission into Pº and block the front
wheels. Do not use the parking brake, or snow or water
accumulated in and around the parking brake mechanism may
freeze the parking brake, making it hard to release.Keep ice and snow from accumulating under the fenders.
Ice and snow built up under your fenders can make steering
difficult. During bad winter driving, stop and check under the
fenders occasionally.
Depending on where you are driving, we recommend you
carry some emergency equipment.
Some of the things you might put in the vehicle are tire chains,
window scraper, bag of sand or salt, flares, small shovel,
jumper cables, etc.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
467
IF YOUR VEHICLE OVERHEATS
If your engine coolant temperature gauge indicates
overheating, if you experience a loss of power, or if you
hear a loud knocking or pinging noise, the engine has
probably overheated.
When the engine overheats
Pull safely off the road, stop the vehicle and turn on your
emergency flashers. Put the transmission in Pº and apply the
parking brake.
A: If steam is coming from your engine:
Turn off the engine. Leave the hood closed until there is no sign
of steam or coolant. Your engine could have been seriously
damaged already. Call your Lexus dealer for assistance.
CAUTION
To help avoid personal injury, keep the hood closed until
there is no steam. Escaping steam or coolant is sign of
very high pressure.
B: If no steam is coming from your engine:
Leave the engine running and turn off the air conditioning.
Check the following.
Is the cooling fan operating?
Is the coolant in the acceptable range?
Is the engine drive belt O.K.?
CAUTION
When the engine is running, keep hands and clothing
away from the moving fan and engine drive belt.
Do not attempt to remove the radiator cap when the
engine and radiator are hot. Serious injury could
result from scalding hot fluid and steam blown out
under pressure.
If the cooling fan is not operating or the coolant is not in the
acceptable range, turn off the engine and call your Lexus
dealer.
If both conditions are O.K., after the engine coolant
temperature has cooled to normal, continue driving your
vehicle.
If the engine coolant temperature does not cool down, or your
vehicle overheats again, have it checked as soon as possible
by your Lexus dealer.

MAINTENANCE
516Battery
Check the battery condition by the indicator color. See page
589 for additional information.
Brake fluid level
Make sure the brake fluid level is correct. See page 554 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 541 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 555 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 370.)
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.

MAINTENANCE
517 Brakes
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 557 for additional
information.
Tire surface
Check the tires carefully for cuts, damage or
excessive wear. See page 571 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 570
for additional information.