2004 Lexus GX470 differential

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. . . . . . . . . . . .

For detailed information, refer to the description given in each Section.
PICTORIAL INDEX
xii
Page
1Automatic transmission second start
indicator light 373. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2Unengaged Parkº warning light 61. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3Automatic transmission fluid temperature
warning light 62. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4Low washer fluid warning light 65. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5Automatic transmission indicator lights 365. . . . . .
6Driver's seat belt reminder light 58. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7Turn signal indicator light 31. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8Brake system warning light 57. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9Headlight high beam indicator light 31. . . . . . . . . . . .
10ABSº warning light 60. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
11Open door warning light 61. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12Tachometer 54. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13Headlight indicator light 29. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14Cruise control indicator light 377. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15Engine oil replacement reminder light 64. . . . . . . . . .
16Engine coolant temperature gauge 52. . . . . . . . . . . . . Page
17Discharge warning light 63. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18Low engine oil pressure warning light 64. . . . . . . . . .
19Malfunction indicator lamp 59. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20Slip indicator light 389, 391, 394, 396. . . . . . . . . . . . .
21Vehicle stability control system off
indicator light 391. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22Center differential lock indicator light 373. . . . . . . .
23VSC TRACº warning light 63. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
24Downhill assist control system
indicator light 393. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25Rear height control indicator lights 386. . . . . . . . . . .
26Security indicator light 14, 26. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27SRS warning light 59. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28Trip meter reset knob 55. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
29Odometer and trip meter 55. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
30Low fuel level warning light 65. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
31Fuel gauge 51. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SECTION 3 ± 1
355
STARTING AND DRIVING
Starting and driving
Three-way catalytic converters356 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine exhaust caution359 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before starting the engine361 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition switch with steering lock361 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking brake363 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How to start the engine363 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic transmission365 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Four-wheel drive system373 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise control377 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear height control air suspension380 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronic modulated suspension387 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Active traction control system388 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle stability control system390 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Downhill assist control system393 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hill-start assist control system396 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake system398 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake pad wear limit indicators402 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Limited-slip differential403 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

STARTING AND DRIVING
373
(g) If you cannot shift the selector lever
If you cannot shift the selector lever even though the brake
pedal is depressed, use the shift lock override button. For
instructions, see If you cannot shift automatic transmission
selector leverº on page 466.
(h) Driving in second start mode
In the second start mode, the transmission system shifts up
from second gear. Use this mode when starting your vehicle
in sand, mud, ice or snow.
To set the second start mode, push the 2nd STRTº switch. In
the second start mode, the 2nd STRTº indicator light comes
on. To cancel the second start mode, push the 2nd STRTº
switch once again.
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM
(a) Four-wheel drive control
Use the four-wheel drive control lever and center
differential lock button to select the following transfer and
center differential modes.
The Hº and Lº position of the four-wheel drive control lever
provides either lock or unlock mode of the center differential
depending on the center differential lock button position.
Use the center differential lock system if your wheels get stuck
in a ditch, or when you are driving on a slippery or bumpy
surface. When the center differential is locked, the vehicle
stability control system is automatically turned off and the
center differential lock and VSC OFFº indicator lights come on
because the function that controls engine performance
interferes with the process of freeing your wheels.

STARTING AND DRIVING
374
NOTICE
As soon as the center differential lock switch is turned
on, the VSC OFFº indicator light comes on. After the
wheels are out of the ditch or off the slippery or bumpy
surface, turn the center differential lock switch off.
Make sure the center differential lock indicator light and
vehicle stability control system off indicator light turn
off.
Hº (high speed position, center differential unlocked):
Lever at Hº, center differential lock button left out
Use this for normal driving on all types of roads, from dry
hard-surfaced roads to wet, icy or snow-covered roads. This
position gives greater economy, quietest ride, least wear and
better vehicle control.
Hº (high speed position, center differential locked): Lever
at Hº, center differential lock button pushed in
Use this for greater traction when you experience a loss of
power, such as wheel slipping, in the center differential unlock
mode.
Nº (neutral position): Lever at Nº
No power is delivered to the wheels. The vehicle must be
stopped.Lº (low speed position, center differential unlocked):
Lever at Lº, center differential lock button left out
Use this for maximum power and traction. Use this for climbing
or descending steep hills, off-road driving, and hard pulling in
sand or mud.
In this mode, the braking feeling that occurs when the wheels
are negotiating a sharp corner is further reduced than in the Lº
(low position, center differential locked) mode.
Lº (low speed position, center differential locked): Lever
at Lº, center differential lock button pushed in
Use this for maximum power and traction. Use this for hard
pulling in situations the vehicle cannot negotiate even in the Lº
(low speed position, center differential unlocked) mode. Also,
using this mode when driving down steep off-road inclines will
help contribute to increased vehicle stability.

STARTING AND DRIVING
375 The indicator light tells when the differential lock is engaged.
Note that the differential is not still locked as long as the
indicator light remains off.
When the operation is not completed, the indicator blinks. If the
indicator light does not go off when you push out the center
differential lock switch, drive straight ahead while accelerating
or decelerating, or drive in reverse.
The center differential lock system operation is not completed
within 5 seconds while the cruise control system is set, cancel
the cruise control system. To cancel the cruise control system,
see Cruise controlº on page 377.
If the indicator light does not go off when you push out the
center differential lock button, drive straight ahead while
accelerating or decelerating, or drive in reverse.
See (b) Shifting procedureº for further instructions.
Advice for driving on slippery roads in Lº (low speed
position) mode
If you shift the four-wheel drive control lever to Lº, the
automatic transmission lever to 2º when you drive in steep
off-road areas, the output of the brake can be controlled
effectively by the active traction control system, which assists
the driver to control the driving power of 4 wheels.
Use the Lº position of the automatic transmission lever for
maximum power and traction when your wheels get stuck or
when you drive down a steep incline. In the following cases,
the out put of the brake can be controlled by the active traction
control system if the engine speed is under 3,000 rpm
(normally engine speed is under 3,000 rpm when the wheels
get unstuck).The four-wheel drive control lever in the Lº position and the
automatic transmission lever in the Lº position or the
automatic transmission lever in the Dº or 2º with the
transmission downshifting to the first gear.
The four-wheel drive control lever in the Lº position and the
automatic transmission lever in the Rº position
(As for the automatic transmission lever positions, see
Automatic transmissionº on page 365.)

STARTING AND DRIVING
376
(b) Shifting procedure
To shift between unlock and lock modes in Hº, push the
center differential lock button.
To shift between unlock and lock modes in Lº, push the
center differential lock button.
To shift between Hº and Lº, stop the vehicle, put the
transmission into Nº and move the four-wheel drive control
lever.CAUTION
Never move the four-wheel drive control lever if wheels
are slipping. Stop the slipping or spinning before
shifting.
NOTICE
For normal driving on dry and hard surface roads,
unlock the center differential. To prevent damage to the
center differential lock system, do not push the center
differential lock button when the vehicle is cornering or
when its wheels are spinning freely off the ground. If the
indicator light does not go off when unlocking the
center differential, drive straight ahead while
accelerating or decelerating, or drive in reverse.

STARTING AND DRIVING
391
Only use tires of specified size. The size,
manufacturer, brand and tread pattern for all 4 tires
should be the same. If you use the tires other than
specified, or different type or size, the vehicle
stability control system may not function correctly.
When replacing the tires or wheels, contact your
Lexus dealer.
In situations where the road surface is covered with
ice or snow, your vehicle should be fitted with snow
tires or tire chains.

Slip indicator light
If the vehicle is going to skid during driving, the slip indicator
light blinks and an alarm sounds intermittently. Special care
should be taken while driving.The slip indicator light comes on for a few seconds when the
ignition key is turned to ONº. If the indicator light does not
come on when the ignition is turned on, contact your Lexus
dealer.
Pushing the center differential lock switch automatically
turns the vehicle stability control system off. At this time,
the VSC OFFº indicator comes on with the center
differential lock indicator light.
VSC OFFº indicator light comes on for a few seconds when
the ignition key is turned to ONº. It will come on again when
you push the center differential lock switch to turn off the
system.
In the following cases, contact your Lexus dealer:
The indicator light does not come on when the ignition key
is turned ONº.
The indicator light remains on after the ignition is turned on.