2006 Lexus GS430 engine

STARTING AND DRIVING
449
If the tire pressure select switch is set to the wrong tire setting,
the system will not work properly. After about 1 hour, the tire
pressure
warning light blinks to indicate a system malfunction.
PRECOLLISION SYSTEM
(Vehicles with dynamic radar cruise control)
When the precollision system detects what it perceives
to be an unavoidable collision, the front seat belts are
quickly drawn back by the retractors (precollision seat
belts) and more powerful braking is applied according to
the amount of pedal depression to help reduce injury to
the occupants and damage to the vehicle body. In
addition, the adaptive variable suspension works to help
regulate the vehicle not to pitch forward so much.
The pre−collision system will operate when the engine switch
is selected in “IG −ON” mode.

STARTING AND DRIVING
452
Adaptive variable suspension control (GS430
only)
When the precollision sensor detects an object or
vehicle with which your vehicle may collide, and
determines that a collision may be unavoidable, the
adaptive variable suspension adjusts the damping effect
on the shock absorbers and regulates the vehicle not to
pitch forward so much.
The adaptive variable suspension will operate when the
following all conditions are met.
When the vehicle speed is about 5 km/h (3 mph) or over.
 When the approaching speed in regard to the object or the
vehicle exceeds about 30 km/h (18 mph).
Precollision system failure warning
G31079
Precollision system warning light
The light warns that there is a problem somewhere in the
precollision system.
The light comes on when the engine switch is selected in
“IG−ON” mode. If the system works properly, the light goes off
after a few seconds.
If the light does not come on when the engine switch is selected
in “IG−ON” mode, have your vehicle checked by your Lexus
dealer.
If the system has a problem, the pre− collision system warning
light comes on or blinks. At this time, the master warning light
comes on, a warning tone sounds, and either of the following
messages appears on the multi−information display.
 PCS DISABLED NOW
 CHECK PCS

DRIVING TIPS
456
BREAKIN PERIOD
Drive gently and avoid high speeds.
You need not follow a break−in schedule with your new Lexus.
But following a few simple tips for the first 1600 km (1000 miles)
can add to the future economy and long life of your vehicle:
 Avoid full throttle acceleration when starting and driving.
 Avoid racing the engine.
 Try to avoid hard stops during the first 300 km (200 miles).
 Do not drive for a long time at any single speed, either fast
or slow.
OPERATION IN FOREIGN
COUNTRIES
If you plan to drive your Lexus in another country ...
First, comply with the vehicle registration laws.
Second, confirm the availability of the correct fuel (unleaded
and minimum octane rating).
TIPS FOR DRIVING IN VARIOUS CONDITIONS
Always slow down in gusty crosswinds. This will allow you
much better control.
 Drive slowly onto curbs and, if possible, at a right angle.
Avoid driving onto high, sharp −edged objects and other
road hazards. Failure to do so can lead to severe tire
damage such as a tire burst.
Drive slowly when passing over bumps or travelling on a
bumpy road. Otherwise, the impact could cause severe
damage to the tires and/or wheels.
 When parking on a hill, turn the front wheels until they touch
the curb so that the vehicle will not roll. Apply the parking
brake, and place the transmission in ”P”. If necessary, block
the wheels.
 Washing your vehicle or driving through deep water may get
the brakes wet. To see whether they are wet, check that
there is no traffic near you and then press the pedal lightly.
If you do not feel a normal braking force, the brakes are
probably wet. To dry them, drive the vehicle cautiously while
lightly pressing the brake pedal with the parking brake
applied. If they still do not work safel y, pull to the side of the
road and call a Lexus dealer for assistance.

DRIVING TIPS
457
CAUTION
Before driving off, make sure the parking brake is
fully released and that the parking brake reminder
light is off.
 Do not leave your vehicle unattended while the
engine is running.
 Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while driving.
It can cause dangerous overheating, needless wear,
and poor fuel economy.
 To drive down a long or steep hill, reduce your speed
and downshift. Remember, if you ride the brakes
excessively, they may overheat and not work
properly. See page 366.
 Be careful when accelerating, upshifting,
downshifting or braking on a slippery surface. The
abrupt change in engine speed, such as sudden
acceleration or engine braking, could cause the
vehicle to skid or spin.
 Even if the legal speed limit permits it, do not drive
over 140 km/h (85 mph) unless your vehicle has
highspeed capability tires. Driving over 140 km/h
(85 mph) may result in tire failure, loss of control and
possible injury. Be sure to consult a tire dealer to
determine whether the tires on your vehicle are
highspeed capability tires or not before driving at
such speeds.
Do not continue normal driving when the brakes are
wet. If they are wet, your vehicle will require a longer
stopping distance, and it may pull to one side when
the brakes are applied. Also, the parking brake will
not hold the vehicle securely.

DRIVING TIPS
458
WINTER DRIVING TIPS
Make sure your coolant is properly protected against
freezing.
Only use ”Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or similar high
quality ethylene glycol based non−silicate, non −amine,
non− nitrite, and non −borate coolant with long −life hybrid
organic acid technology. (Coolant with long −life hybrid organic
acid technology is a combination of low phosphates and
organic acids.)
See “Checking the engine coolant level” on page 534 for
details of coolant type selection.
For the U.S.A.—“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture
of 50% coolant and 50% deionized water. This coolant
provides protection down to about −35C (− 31F).
For Canada—“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of
55% coolant and 45% deionized water. This coolant provides
protection down to about −42C (− 44F).
NOTICE
Do not use plain water alone.
Check the condition of the battery and cables.
Cold temperatures reduce the capacity of any battery, so it
must be in top shape to pr ovide enough power for winter
starting. Page 581 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 533 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
− 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.
Do not use your parking brake when there is a possibility
it could freeze.
When parking, put the transmission into ”P” 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.

DRIVING TIPS
460
TRAILER TOWING
G32002
Lexus does not recommend towing a trailer with your
vehicle. Lexus also does not recommend the installation
of a tow hitch or the use of a tow hitch carrier for a
wheelchair, scooter, bicycle, etc. Your Lexus is not
designed for trailer towing or for the use of tow hitch
mounted carriers.
HOW TO SAVE FUEL AND MAKE YOUR VEHICLE LAST LONGER
Improving fuel economy is easy − 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 inflation 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 warmup idling. Once the engine is
running smoothly, begin driving − but gently. Remember,
however, that on cold winter days this may take a little
longer.
 Always keep the automatic transmission selector lever
in the “D” position when engine braking is not required.
Driving with the overdrive off will reduce the fuel economy.
(For details, see “Automatic transmission” on page 359.)
 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 overrevving. Use a gear position suitable
for the road on which you are traveling.

DRIVING TIPS
461

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 traf fic signals 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 moderate 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. 
Keep your vehicle tunedup and in top shape. A dirty air
cleaner, improper valve clearance, dirty plugs, dirty oil and
grease, brakes not adjusted, etc. all lower engine
performance and contribute to poor fuel economy. For
longer life of all parts and lower operating costs, keep all
maintenance work on schedule, and if you often drive under
severe conditions, see that your vehicle receives more
frequent maintenance (For scheduled maintenance
information, please refer to the “Owner’s Manual
Supplement / Scheduled Maintenance”.)
CAUTION
Never turn off the engine to coast down hills. Your
power steering and brake booster will not function
without the engine running. Also, the emission control
system operates properly only when the engine is
running.

SECTION 4
467
IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
In case of an emergency
If your engine stalls while driving468
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If your vehicle will not start 468
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If you cannot increase engine speed 473
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If your vehicle overheats 473
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If you have a flat tire (vehicles with run −flat tires) 474
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
If you have a flat tire (vehicles with standard tires) 476
. . . . . . . . . . . .
If your vehicle becomes stuck 487
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If your vehicle needs to be towed 488
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If you cannot shift automatic transmission
selector lever 496
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . .
If you lose your keys or lock yourself out 497
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .