2005 Lexus GX470 spec

DRIVING TIPS
468Check the condition of the battery and cables.
Cold temperatures reduce the capacity of any battery, so it
must be in top shape to provide enough power for winter
starting. Page 608
tells you how to visually inspect the battery.
Your Lexus dealer and most service stations will be pleased to
check the battery charge level.
Make sure the engine oil viscosity is suitable for the cold
weather.
See page 559 for recommended viscosity. Leaving a heavy
summer oil in your vehicle during winter months may cause
harder starting. If you are not sure about which oil to use, call
your Lexus dealer Ð they will be pleased to help. Check the electronic ignition system for loose
connections or obvious damage.
Keep the door locks from freezing.
Squirt
lock de±icer or glycerine into the locks to keep them from
freezing.
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.

DRIVING TIPS
471

Weight distributing hitch receiver
CAUTION
The maximum gross trailer weight (trailer weight plus
cargo weight) must never exceed 2948 kg (6500 lb.)
for vehicle with equipped.
If towing a trailer and cargo weighing over 907 kg
(2000 lb.), Lexus recommends to use a sway control
device with sufficient capacity. The combination of
the gross trailer weight added to the total weight of
the vehicle, occupants and vehicle cargo must never
exceed a total of 5443 kg (12000 lb.).
Exceeding the maximum weight of the trailer, the
vehicle, or the vehicle and trailer combination, can
cause an accident resulting in serious personal
injuries.
 Trailer hitch assemblies have different weight
capacities established by the hitch manufacturer.
Even though the vehicle may be physically capable of
towing a higher weight, the operator must determine
the maximum weight rating of the particular hitch
assembly and never exceed the maximum weight
rating specified for the trailer hitch. Exceeding the
maximum weight rating set by the trailer hitch
manufacturer can cause an accident resulting in
serious personal injuries.

Tongue load
Total trailer weight

100 = 10%
DRIVING TIPS
472
 The gross vehicle weight must not exceed the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) indicated on the
Certification Label. The gross vehicle weight is the
sum weight of the unloaded vehicle, driver,
passengers, luggage, hitch and trailer tongue load.
It also includes the weight of any special equipment
installed on your vehicle.
 The load on either the front or rear axle resulting from
distribution of the gross vehicle weight on both axles
must not exceed the front and rear Gross Axle W eight
Ratings (GAWR) listed on the Certification Label.

Total trailer weight
Tongue load
 The trailer cargo load should be distributed so that
the tongue load is 10% of the total trailer weight, not
exceeding the maximum of 294 kg (650 lb.).
 Never load the trailer with more weight in the back
than in the front. About 60% of the trailer load should
be in the front half of the trailer and the remaining 40%
in the rear.

DRIVING TIPS
475
3. When mounted in the ball mount, the threaded ball shank
must protrude beyond the bottom of the lock washer and nut
at least 2 threads. The trailer ball shank must be matched to
the ball mount hole diameter size.
NOTICE
Only use a ball mount attachment specified for the
Lexus GX470.

DRIVING TIPS
478
Tires
Ensure that your vehicle's tires are properly inflated. Adjust
the tire inflation pressure to the recommended cold tire
inflation pressure indicated below.
Tire inflation pressure: 220 kPa (2.2 kgf/cm
2 or bar, 32 psi)
 The trailer tires should be inflated to the pressure
recommended by the trailer manufacturer in respect to the
total trailer weight.
Trailer lights
Your vehicle is equipped with a wire harness stored in the rear
end underbody. Use either of them to connect and operate the
trailer lights. However, the trailer lights must comply with
federal, state/provincial and local regulations. See your local
recreational vehicle dealer or rental agency for the correct type
of wiring and relays for your trailer. Check for correct operation
of the turn signals and stop lights each time you hitch up. Direct
splicing may damage your vehicle's electrical system and
cause a malfunction of your lights.
Break±in schedule
Lexus recommends that you do not tow a trailer with a new
vehicle or a vehicle with any new power train component
(engine, transmission, differential, wheel bearing, etc.) for the
first 800 km (500 miles) of driving.
Maintenance
 If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will require more frequent
maintenance due to the additional load. For this
information, please refer to the scheduled maintenance
information in the ªOwner's Manual Supplement/Scheduled
Maintenanceº.
 Retighten all fixing bolts of the towing ball and bracket after
approximately 1000 km (600 miles) of trailer driving.

DRIVING TIPS
480
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.
 Remember that when making a turn, the trailer wheels will
be closer than the vehicle wheels to the inside of the turn.
Therefore, compensate for this by making a larger than
normal turning radius with your vehicle.
 Crosswinds and rough roads will adversely affect handling
of your vehicle and trailer, causing sway. Pay attention to
the rear from time to time to prepare yourself for being
passed by large trucks or buses, which may cause your
vehicle and trailer to sway. If swaying happens, firmly grip
the steering wheel and reduce speed immediately but
gradually. Never increase speed. If it is necessary to
reduce speed, brake slowly. Steer straight ahead. If you
make no extreme correction with the steering or brakes,
your vehicle and trailer will stabilize.
 Be careful when passing other vehicles. Passing requires
considerable distance. After passing a vehicle, do not forget
the length of your trailer and be sure you have plenty of room
before changing lanes.
 In order to maintain efficient engine braking and electrical
charging performance, do not use overdrive. Transmission
must be ª4º position.

DRIVING TIPS
482
HOW TO SAVE FUEL AND MAKEYOUR VEHICLE LAST LONGER
Improving fuel economy is easy Ð just take it easy. It will help
make your vehicle last longer, too. Here are some specific tips
on how to save money on both fuel and repairs:
 Keep your tires inflated at the correct pressure. Check
the pressure every two weeks, or at least once a month.
Underinflation causes tire wear and wastes fuel.
 Do not carry unneeded weight in your vehicle. Excess
weight puts a heavier load on the engine, causing greater
fuel consumption.
 Avoid lengthy warm±up idling. Once the engine is
running smoothly, begin driving Ð but gently. Remember,
however, that on cold winter days this may take a little
longer.
 Always keep the automatic transmission selector lever
in the ªDº position when engine braking is not required.
Driving with the overdrive off will reduce the fuel economy.
(For details, see ªAutomatic transmissionº on page 403.)
 Accelerate slowly and smoothly. Avoid jackrabbit starts.
 Avoid long engine idling. If you have a long wait and you
are not in traffic, it is better to turn off the engine and start
again later. 
Avoid engine over±revving. Use a gear position suitable
for the road on which you are traveling.
 Avoid 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 si gnals 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 m oderate 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.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
496
IF YOU CANNOT INCREASEENGINE SPEED
If engine speed does not increase when the accelerator pedal
is depressed, there may be a problem somewhere in the
electronic throttle control system.
At this time, vibration may occur. However, if you depress the
accelerator pedal more firmly and slowly, you can drive your
vehicle at low speeds. Have your vehicle checked by your
Lexus dealer as soon as possible.
Even if the abnormality of the electronic throttle control system
is corrected during low speed driving, the system may not be
recovered until the engine is stopped and the ignition key is
turned to ªACCº or ªLOCKº position.
CAUTION
Be especially careful to prevent erroneous pedal
operation.
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 ªPº 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.