2006 Lexus GS430 battery

STARTING AND DRIVING
388
When the detection range of the sensors is
shorter
In the following cases, the sensors will detect an obstacle
about 50 cm (1.5 ft.) from either front corner of the vehicle
and the steering guidance will be stopped. Accordingly,
the tire orientation symbol on the screen does not appear.
And only the warning according to the distance up to the
obstacle is given.
a. Any one of the sensors is malfunctioning.
b. Any one of the steering sensors is malfunctioning.
c. The steering sensor signal cannot be received properly.
d. The correct vehicle information cannot be given due to
extremely low battery voltage.
e. Proper steering detection (going straight) cannot be
detected
In case of a., when the intu itive parking assist returns to
normal, the steering guidance also comes back automatically.
In case of b. through e., the steering guidance also comes back
automatically after the neutral point of the steering sensor
calibration is completed.
Rear view monitor display (Vehicles with rear
view monitor system)
G31066
On vehicles equipped with rear view monitor system, a
warning appears on the right top of the rear view monitor
in the following conditions.
 When the selector lever is put in “R” and the rear view
monitor is turned on.
 When the intuitive parking assist main switch is turned on
and any sensor detects an obstacle.
Although “Display Off” is selected in the intuitive parking assist
setting screen, the warning appears on the right top of the rear
view monitor.

STARTING AND DRIVING
431
VARIABLE GEAR RATIO STEERING SYSTEM (GS430 only)
The variable gear ratio steering system adjusts the wheel
turning angle depending on the vehicle speed and how
much you turn the steering wheel.
The vehicle wheel turning angle will be changed with a smaller
degree of wheel maneuvering when you are driving at very low
speed such as when putting your vehicle into a garage.
When you start or stop the engine, you may hear a small noise
and the steering wheel may move slightly. This is caused when
the system starts or stops, and does not indicate a malfunction.
In the following cases, to prevent the system from overheating,
the system could be temporarily deactivated with the change
in the center position of the steering wheel. This is not a
malfunction. After the cause of the problem is eliminated, the
system will return to normal automatically after a few minutes.
 If you continue maneuvering the steering wheel when the
vehicle is stopped or running at very low speed
 If you continue driving holding the steering wheel to the
extreme right or left
 If you maneuver the steering wheel immediately after
starting the engine at less than about −30C (− 22F) While the system is not functioning, a larger degree of wheel
maneuvering is needed during driving at low speed. If the
center position of the steering wheel is changed frequently,
have your vehicle inspected at your Lexus dealer.CAUTION
Take due care especially when driving at low speed as
the vehicle changes direction in greater proportion to
the steering wheel maneuvering.
NOTICE
Do not disconnect the battery with the steering wheel
turned, or the center position of the steering wheel
could be slightly and temporarily changed. However,
after driving for a short while, the system will return to
normal
and the center position of the steering wheel will
be in the appropriate position.
If you disconnect and reconnect the battery terminal, the
system is reset temporarily. However, it is no problem to drive.
Drive for a short while, the system will be set automatically and
return to normal.

STARTING AND DRIVING
438
BRAKE PAD WEAR LIMITINDICATORS
G31006
The brake pad wear limit indicators on your disc brakes
give a warning noise when the brake pads are worn to the
extent that replacement is required.
If you hear a squealing or scraping noise while driving, have
the brake pads checked and replaced by your Lexus dealer as
soon as possible. Expensive rotor damage can result if the
pads are not replaced when needed.
GS430 front brake only—
The high brake performance is achieved by proper wear of
brake pads and discs. As a result, the brake discs may wear
earlier than the ones on the conventional brake system.
When brake pads are replaced, brake disc thickness is
required to be measured.
It is dangerous to continue driving when brake pads and discs
have exceeded the wear limit.
ELECTRIC POWER STEERING SYSTEM
The electric power steering system, using an electric
motor, assists the turning of the steering wheel.
In the following cases, you may feel the steering becomes
heavy. However, the electric power steering system
warning light does not come on. (Because it is not a
malfunction.)
When maneuvering or turning frequently over a long time, the
power steering effect will be reduced to prevent the system
from overheating. A void turning the steering wheel, or stop the
vehicle. The system will become cool in about 10 minutes.
NOTICE
Frequent maneuvering and turning over a long time may
cause damage to the system in which the mechanism
prevents overheating of the electric power steering
system.
When the battery is discharged, check the battery’s condition.
If necessary, recharge or replace the battery. For details, see
“Checking battery condition” on page 581.

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.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
468
IF YOUR ENGINE STALLS WHILEDRIVING
If your engine stalls while driving . . .
1. Reduce your speed gradually, keeping a straight line. Move
cautiously off the road to a safe place.
2. Turn on your emergency flashers.
3. Turn the engine switch off, and try starting the engine again.
If the engine will not start, see ”If your vehicle will not start”\
.
CAUTION
If the engine is not running, the power assist for the
brakes and steering will not work, so steering and
braking will be much harder than usual.
IF YOUR VEHICLE WILL NOT START
(a) Simple checks
Before making these checks, make sure you have followed the
correct starting procedure instructions in ”Operating the
engine switch” on page 348 and that you have sufficient fuel.
Since your vehicle is equipped with the engine immobilizer,
also check whether the other keys will start the engine. If they
work, your electronic key may be broken. Have the key
checked at your Lexus dealer. If none of your keys work, there
may be a malfunction in the engine immobilizer. Call your
Lexus dealer. See ”Keys” on page 8.
If the engine is not turning over or is turning over too
slowly
1. Check that the battery terminals are tight and clean.
2. If the battery terminals are O.K., switch on the interior light.
3. If the light is out, dim or goes out when the starter is cranked,
the battery is discharged. You may try jump starting. See ”(c)
Jump starting” for further instruction.
4. If the engine does not start even after the battery has been
recharged or replaced, see “(d) Starting the engine after a
battery discharge” on page 472.
If the light is O.K., but the engine still will not start, it needs
adjustment or repair. Call a Lexus dealer, Roadside
Assistance or Customer Service Assistance. (See
”Foreword”.)

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
469
NOTICE
Do not pull or pushstart the vehicle. It may damage
the vehicle or cause a collision when the engine starts.
Also the threeway catalytic converter may overheat
and become a fire hazard.
If the engine turns over at its normal speed but will not
start
1. The engine may be flooded because of repeated cranking.
See ”(b) Starting a flooded engine” for further instructions.
2. If the engine still will not start, it needs adjustment or repair.
Call a Lexus dealer, Roadside Assistance or Customer
Service Assistance. (See ”Foreword”.)
(b) Starting a flooded engine
If the engine will not start, your engine may be flooded
because of repeated cranking.
If this happens, push the engine switch while the brake pedal
is depressed with your left foot and the accelerator pedal is
depressed with your right foot. Then the cranking hold function
stops automatically, and you can try starting the engine with
your foot off the accelerator pedal.
If the engine does not start, wait a few minutes and try again.
If the engine still will not start, it needs adjustment or repair.
Call a Lexus dealer, Roadside Assistance or Customer
Service Assistance. (See ”Foreword”.)
(c) Jump starting
To avoid serious personal injury and damage to your
vehicle which might result from battery explosion, acid
burns, electrical burns, or damaged electronic
components, these instructions must be followed
precisely.
If you are unsure about how to follow this procedure, we
strongly recommend that you seek help from your Lexus
dealer, Roadside Assistance or Customer Service Assistance.
(See ”Foreword”.)
CAUTION
 Batteries contain sulfuric acid which is poisonous
and corrosive. Wear protective safety glasses when
jump starting, and avoid spilling acid on your skin,
clothing, or vehicle.
 If you should accidentally get acid on yourself or in
your eyes, remove any contaminated clothing and
flush the affected area with water immediately. Then
get immediate medical attention. If possible,
continue to apply water with a sponge or cloth while
en route to the medical office.
 The gas normally produced by a battery will explode
if a flame or spark is brought near. Use only
standardized jumper cables and do not smoke or
light a match while jump starting.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
470
NOTICE
The battery used for boosting must be 12 V. Do not jump
start unless you are sure that the booster battery is
correct.
G40026
 GS430 5
Discharged battery 6Booster battery

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
471
G40027
GS300 5
Discharged battery 6Booster battery
GS300 only—Before carrying out the following procedure,
remove the engine compartment cover. (See page 512.)
JUMP STARTING PROCEDURE
1. If the booster battery is installed in another vehicle, make
sure the vehicles are not touching. Turn off all unnecessary
lights and accessories. When boosting, use the battery of matching or higher quality.
Any other battery may be difficult to jump start with.
If jump starting is difficult, charge the battery for several
minutes.
2. If required, remove all the vent plugs from the booster
battery. Lay a cloth over
the open vents on the booster battery.
(This helps reduce the explosion hazard, personal injuries and
burns.)
If the booster battery is an extended maintenance interval
battery, it is not necessary to remove the vent plugs.
3. If the engine in the vehicle with the booster battery is not
running, start it and let it run for about 5 minutes. During jump
starting, run the engine at about 2000 rpm with the accelerator
pedal lightly depressed.
4. Locate positive (+) and negative ( −) terminals of each
battery. Connect the jumper cables in the exact order (
1 2
3 4) shown in the illustration.
1 Connect a positive (red) jumper cable clamp to the
positive (+) terminal of the discharged battery.
2Connect the clamp at the other end of the positive (red)
cable to the positive (+) terminal of the booster battery.
3Connect a negative (black) cable clamp to the negative
(−) terminal of the booster battery.
4Connect the clamp at the other end of the negative (black)
cable to a solid, stationary, unpainted metallic point (such
as shown in the illustration) away from the battery. Do not
connect it to or near any part that moves when the engine
is cranked.