2005 Lexus GX470 Gx 470

SECTION 3 ± 2
458
STARTING AND DRIVING
Driving tips
Off±road vehicle precautions459
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Break±in period 460
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Operation in foreign countries 461
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Tips for driving in various conditions s 461. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
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Off±road driving precautions 464
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Winter driving tips 467
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Dinghy towing 469
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Trailer towing 470
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How to save fuel and make your vehicle last longer 482
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Vehicle load limits 483
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Cargo and luggage 485
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DRIVING TIPS
470
TRAILER TOWING
Your vehicle is designed primarily as a passenger±and±load
carrying vehicle. Towing a trailer will have an adverse ef fect on
handling, performance, braking, durability and driving
economy (fuel consumption, etc.). Your safety and satisfaction
depend on the proper use of correct equipment and cautious
driving habits. For your safety and the safety of others, you
must not overload your vehicle or trailer. Lexus warranties do
not apply to damage or malfunction caused by towing a trailer
for commercial purposes. Ask your local Lexus dealer for
further details before towing.
CAUTION
When disconnecting a trailer, put the vehicle height in
the ªLOº (low) mode and push the ªHEIGHT CONTROL
OFFº switch to turn off the rear height control air
suspension. Otherwise, the vehicle height may be
changed in the automatic leveling function, resulting in
accident. For details see ªRear height control air
suspensionº on page 422.
Weight limits
Before towing, make sure the total trailer weight, gross
vehicle weight, gross axle weight and trailer tongue load
are all within the limits.
The total trailer weight and tongue load can be measured with
platform scales found at a highway weighing station, building
supply company, trucking company, junk yard, etc.

Certification label

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
486
Capacity and distribution
Cargo capacity depends on the total weight of the
occupants.
(Cargo capacity) = (Total load capacity) ± (Total weight
of occupants)
Steps for determining correct load limit
1. Locate the statement ªThe combined weight of
occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX
poundsº on your vehicle's placard.
2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and
passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and
passengers from XXX kilograms or XXX pounds.
4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of
cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if the
ªXXXº amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will be five
150 lb. passengers in your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs.
(1400 ± 750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs).
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and
cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may
not safely exceed the available cargo and luggage
load capacity calculated in Step 4.6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your
trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this
manual to determine how this reduces the available
cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.
For details about trailer towing, see page 470.

cm±2
Maintenance procedures for the engine, chassis,
body, electrical system, and more, are clearly
explained and illustrated.
Periodic maintenance and tune±up
Periodic maintenance and tune±up helps to prevent small
problems from growing into larger ones later on. The repair
manual outlines exactly what maintenance is required and
clearly explains how to do the work yourself step±by±step.
Areas covered include such things as spark plug replacement,
valve clearance adjustment and engine oil and filter
replacement.
Where to obtain theRepair Manual
The repair manual for GX470 may be purchased from any
Lexus dealer or the Material Distribution Center. To purchase
the repair manual, please contact your Lexus dealer or call the
Material Distribution Center toll±free at 1±800±622±2033.

WE REALLY CARE ABOUT YOU - PLEASE BUCKLE UP
Lexus has made a special effort to encourage use of seat belts.
Lexus belts are:

Comfortable

Easy to use

Convenient
We encourage you to use your belts every time you drive.
2005 GX470 from Nov. '04 Prod. (OM60B11U)