2005 Lexus GX470 engine

STARTING AND DRIVING
395

If the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls
frequently, take your vehicle in for a check±up assoon as possible. Remember, your Lexus dealerknows your vehicle and its three±way catalyticconverter system best.
To ensure that the three±way catalytic converter andthe entire emission control system operate properly,your vehicle must receive the periodic inspectionsrequired by the Lexus Maintenance Schedule. For
scheduled maintenance information, refer to theªOwner's Manual Supplement/ScheduledMaintenanceº.

STARTING AND DRIVING
396
ENGINE EXHAUST CAUTIONCAUTION
Avoid inhaling the engine exhaust. It contains
carbon monoxide, which is a colorless and odorless
gas. It can cause unconsciousness or even death.
 Make sure the exhaust system has no holes or loose
connections. The system should be checked from
time to time. If you hit something, or notice a change
in the sound of the exhaust, have the system checked
immediately.
 Do not run the engine in a garage or enclosed area
except for the time needed to drive the vehicle in or
out. The exhaust gases cannot escape, making this
a particularly dangerous situation.
 Do not remain for a long time in a parked vehicle with
the engine running. If it is unavoidable, however, do
so only in an unconfined area and adjust the heating
or cooling system to force outside air into the vehicle.
 Keep the back door closed while driving. An open or
unsealed back door may cause exhaust gases to be
drawn into the vehicle.

STARTING AND DRIVING
398
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE
1. Check the area around the vehicle before entering it.
2. Adjust seat position, seatback angle, head restraint height
and steering wheel angle.
3. Adjust the inside and outside rear view mirrors.
4. Lock all doors.
5. Fasten seat belts.
Remember to check that the service reminder indicators
function when turning the key to ªONº, and check the fuel
gauge to see that you have sufficient fuel.
IGNITION SWITCH
ªSTARTº Ð Starter motor on. The key will return to the
ªONº position when released.
For starting tips, see page 401.
ªONº Ð Engine on and all accessories on.
This is the normal driving position.
NOTICE
Do not leave the key in the ªONº position if the engineis not running. The battery will discharge and theelectronic ignition system could be damaged.

STARTING AND DRIVING
399
ªACCº Ð Accessories such as the radio operate, but the
engine is off.
If you leave the key in the ªACCº or ªLOCKº position and open
the driver's door, a buzzer will remind you to remove the key.
ªLOCKº Ð Engine is off and the steering wheel is locked.
The ignition key can be removed only at this position.
To turn the key from ªACCº to the ªLOCKº position, you must
put the transmission selector lever in the ªPº position.
Once you remove the key, the engine immobilizer system is
automatically set. See ªEngine immobilizer systemº on page
14.
When starting the engine, the key may seem stuck at the
ªLOCKº position. To free it, first be sure the key is pushed all
the way in, and then rock the steering wheel slightly while
turning the key gently.
Approximately
five hours after the engine is turned off, you may
hear sound coming from underneath the luggage compartment
for several minutes. This is normal operation and does not
indicate a malfunction. (See ªLeak detection pumpº on page
vi.)
If, in an emergency, you must turn the engine off while the
vehicle is moving, turn the key only to ªACCº.

STARTING AND DRIVING
401
To set: Pull up the lever. For better holding power, first
depress the brake pedal and hold it while setting the
parking brake.
To release: Pull up the lever slightly (
1), press the lock
release button (2), and lower the lever (3).
Before leaving your vehicle, firmly apply the parking brake. For
better holding power, first depress the brake pedal and hold it
while setting the parking brake.
CAUTION
Before driving, make sure the parking brake is fully
released and that the parking brake reminder light is off.
HOW TO START THE ENGINE
Cranking hold function
Once you turn the ignition key to ªSTARTº position and release
it, the cranking hold function continues to crank the engine in
ªONº position until it starts.
The function stops cranking the engine after about 25 seconds
maximum if the engine has not started yet. When you crank
the engine again, wait a few seconds and restart it.
If you hold the key in ªSTARTº position, the function will keep
cranking for about 30 seconds maximum.
Before cranking
1. Apply the parking brake firmly.
2. Turn off unnecessary lights and accessories.
3. Put the selector lever in ªPº. If you need to restart the engine
while the vehicle is moving, put the selector lever in ªNº. A
starter safety device will prevent the starter from operating if
the selector lever is in any drive position.
4. Depress the brake pedal and hold it to the floor until driving
off.

STARTING AND DRIVING
402
Starting the engine
Before starting the engine, be sure to follow the instructions in
ªBefore crankingº.
Normal starting procedure
The multiport fuel injection system/sequential multiport fuel
injection system in your engine automatically controls the
proper air±fuel mixture for starting. You can start a cold or hot
engine as follows:
With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition key to
ªSTARTº position, then release it. Engine should be warmed up by driving, not in idle. For
warming up, drive with smoothly turning engine until engine
coolant temperature is within normal range.
If the engine stalls...
Simply restart it, using the correct procedure given in normal
starting.
If the engine will not start...
See ªIf your vehicle will not startº on page 491.
NOTICE
Do not race a cold engine.
If the engine becomes difficult to start or stalls
frequently, have the engine checked immediately.

STARTING AND DRIVING
403
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Your automatic transmission has a shift lock system to
minimize the possibility of incorrect operation. This
means you can only shift out of ªPº position when the
brake pedal is depressed with the ignition switch in ªONº
position. ()
31PY039

The shift position is displayed beside the selector lever
and on the instrument cluster.
P: Parking, engine starting and key removal position
R: Reverse position
N: Neutral position
D: Normal driving position (Shifting into overdrive possible)
4: Position for engine braking (Shifting into overdrive not
possible)
When the cruise control is being used, even if you
downshift from ªDº to ª4º, engine braking will not be
enabled because the cru ise control is not cancelled. For
the operation to decrease the vehicle speed, see page
421.
3, 2: Position for more powerful engine braking
L: Position for maximum engine braking

STARTING AND DRIVING
404Correct use of the automatic transmission is explained in
the following parts.
(a) Normal driving
(b) Using engine braking
(c) Using the ª3º, ª2º and ªLº positions
(d) Backing up
(e) Parking
(f) Good driving practice
(g) If you cannot shift the selector lever
(h) Driving in second start mode
(a) Normal driving

1ªPº (Park) position2ªNº (Neutral) position
1. Start the engine as instructed in ªHow to start the
engineº on page 401.
The transmission must be in ªPº or ªNº. The engine will not st\
art
in any drive position even if the ignition key is turned to
ªSTARTº.