2006 Lexus GS430 warning light

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Variable gear ratio steering system failure
warning
G31044
If there is any malfunction in the system, the above message
appears and the master warning light comes on.
If the warning message and light come on while driving, the
system is not working. Although conventional steering
operates when maneuvered, a larger degree of wheel
maneuvering (than at the time when the system is functioning
properly) is needed when driving at low speed. At this time, the
center position of the steering wheel could be changed.
Although it is no problem to continue driving, have your vehicle
repaired at your Lexus dealer.
VEHICLE DYNAMICS
INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT (GS430 only)
Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) helps
manage control for vehicle stability control system,
antilock brake system, brake assist system, traction
control system, engine output control, hillstart assist
control system and also manages variable gear ratio
steering system and electric power steering system.
In order to control sudden steering wheel operation and
the sideslip on slippery road surfaces, this system
provides excellent vehicle stability by automatically
controlling the brake, engine output and front wheel
angle.
The state of the tires will affect the performance of the vehicle
dynamics integrated management system. Be sure to check
the following:
 Are tires of specified size installed?
 Are tires of identical type installed?
 Do the tires have stipulated tire pressure?
 Are the tires worn?
A problem with the tires or modified suspension systems will
have an adverse effect on the system and may cause a
malfunction, so be careful.

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When the slip indicator light comes on, and the message
“CHECK ECB*” appears
on the multi−information display, the
vehicle dynamics integrated management does not operate.
Have your vehicle checked by your Lexus dealer as soon as
possible.
*: Electronically Controlled Brake System
In addition, when the master warning light comes on, and the
message “CHECK VGRS” or “CHECK P/S” appears on the
multi−information display, the system will not be temporarily
functioning. Although it is no problem in driving as usual, have
your vehicle checked by your Lexus dealer as soon as
possible.
CAUTION
Do not overestimate the vehicle dynamics integrated
management. Even when this management is
functional, there is a limit to vehicle stability, and
irresponsible driving may lead to an accident. When
driving, you should always pay attention to your speed
and keep a safe distance between your vehicle and the
vehicle in front.
BRAKE SYSTEM
GS430:
This brake system has 3 independent hydraulic circuits. If any
circuits should fail, the other will still work. However, the pedal
will be harder to press, and your stopping distance will
increase. Also, the brake system warning light (red) may come
on.
GS300:
The tandem master cylinder brake system is a hydraulic
system with two separate sub −systems. If either sub −system
should fail, the other will still work. However, the pedal will be
harder to press, and your stopping distance will increase. Also,
the brake system warning light (red) may come on.
CAUTION
Do not drive your vehicle with only a single brake
system. Have your brakes fixed immediately.
Brake actuator (GS430)
The brake actuator uses brake fluid pressurized by the pump
to power −assist the brakes. If the brake actuator fails during
driving, the brake system warning light (red) comes on and the
buzzer sounds continuously. In this case, the brakes may not
work properly. If the brake system warning light comes on,
immediately stop your vehicle and contact your Lexus dealer.

STARTING AND DRIVING
434Any of the following conditions may occur, but does not
indicate a malfunction:

The brake system warning light (red) may stay on for about
60 seconds after the engine is started. It is normal if the light
turns off after a while.
 Depressing the brake pedal repeatedly may turn on the
brake system warning light (red). It is normal if the light goes
out after a few seconds.
 You may hear a small sound in the engine compartment
after the engine is started or the brake pedal is depressed
repeatedly. This is a pump pulsating sound of the brake
system.
CAUTION
Do not pump the brake pedal if the engine stalls.
Each push on the pedal uses up your reserved brake
fluid pressure.
 Even if the power assist is completely lost, the brakes
will still work. But you will have to push the pedal
hard, much harder than normal. And your braking
distance will increase.
Brake booster (GS300)
The brake booster uses engine vacuum to power −assist the
brakes. If the engine should quit while you are driving, you can
bring the vehicle to a stop with normal pedal pressure. There
is enough reserved vacuum for one or two stops but no more!
CAUTION
 Do not pump the brake pedal if the engine stalls.
Each push on the pedal uses up your reserved
vacuum.
 Even if the power assist is completely lost, the brakes
will still work. But you will have to push the pedal
hard, much harder than normal. And your braking
distance will increase.
Antilock brake system
The antilock brake system is designed to automatically
help prevent lockup of the wheels during a sudden
braking or braking on slippery road surfaces. This assists
in providing directional stability and steering
performance of the vehicle under these circumstances.
Effective way to press the ABS brake pedal: When the
anti−lock brake system function is in action, you may feel the
brake pedal pulsating and hear a noise. In this situation, to
let the anti−lock brake system work for you, just hold the
brake pedal down more firmly. Do not pump the brake in a
panic stop. This will result in reduced braking performance.

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Install all 4 tires of specified size at appropriate
pressure: The antilock brake system detects vehicle
speeds using the speed sensors for respective wheels’
turning speeds. The use of tires other than specified
may fail to detect the accurate turning speed resulting
in a longer stopping distance.“ABS” warning light
G31080
 1 U.S.A. 2Canada
GS430—The light comes on when the engine switch is
selected in “IG −ON” mode. If the anti −lock brake system and
the brake assist system work properly, the light turns off in a
few seconds after the engine is started.
GS300—The light comes on for a few seconds when the
engine switch is selected in “IG −ON” mode. It indicates the
anti− lock brake system and the brake assist system work
properly.
If either system malfunctions, the light comes on again.
When the “ABS” warning light is on, the anti− lock brake system
and the brake assist system do not operate, but the brake
system still operates conventionally.

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If any of the following conditions occur, this indicates a
malfunction
somewhere in the components monitored by
the warning light system. Contact your Lexus dealer as
soon as possible to service the vehicle.
 The light does not come on when engine switch is selected
in “IG− ON” mode.
 The light remains on after the engine is started (GS430), or
remains on a few seconds after the engine switch is
selected in “IG −ON” mode (GS300).
 The light comes on while you are driving.
A warning light turning on briefly during operation does not
indicate a problem.
CAUTION
If the “ABS” warning light remains on together with the
brake system warning light (red), immediately stop your
vehicle at a safe place and contact your Lexus dealer.
In this case, not only the antilock brake system will fail
but also the vehicle will become extremely unstable
during braking.
GS430 only—Either of the following conditions may
occur, but does not indicate a malfunction:
 The light may stay on for about 60 seconds after the engine
is started. It is normal if it turns off after a while.
 Depressing the brake pedal repeatedly may turn on the
light. It is normal if it turns off after a few seconds.
Drumindisc type parking brake system
Your vehicle has a drum−in−disc type parking brake system.
This type of brake system needs bedding −down of the brake
shoes periodically or whenever the parking brake shoes
and/or drums are replaced.
Have your Lexus dealer perform the bedding −down.
Brake assist system
When you slam the brakes on, the brake assist system
judges as an emergency stop and provides more powerful
braking for a driver who cannot hold down the brake pedal
firmly.
When you slam the brakes on, more powerful braking will be
applied. At this time, you may hear a sound in the engine
compartment and feel the vibrations of the brake pedal. This
does not indicate a malfunction.
The brake assist system becomes operative after the vehicle
has accelerated to a speed in excess of approximately 10 km/h
(6 mph). It stops operating when the vehicle decelerates to a
speed below approximately 5 km/h (3 mph).
The brake assist system may not work for about 60 seconds
after the engine is started.
For an explanation of this system’s warning light, see “ABS”
warning light on page 80 or 436.

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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.

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G31040
Electric power steering system warning light
The light comes on when the engine switch is selected in
“IG−ON” mode. If the electric power steering system works
properly, the light turns off after a few seconds. If the system
has malfunctions, the light comes on again.
If the following conditions occur, this indicates a
malfunction somewhere in the components monitored by
the warning light system. Contact your Lexus dealer as
soon as possible to service the vehicle.
 The light does not come on when the engine switch is
selected in “IG −ON” mode or remains on.
 The light stays on while you are driving.
CAUTION
If the electric power steering system warning light
comes on, take your vehicle to your Lexus dealer as
soon as possible. In this case, more effort is required
for the steering wheel to turn than usual. Drive your
vehicle while firmly gripping the steering wheel.

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TIRE PRESSURE WARNINGSYSTEM
The tire pressure warning system warns you that the tire
inflation pressure is low.
The tire pressure warning syst em is not a substitute for
checking n ormal tire inflation pressure. Check the tire inflation
pressure with a tire pressure gauge regularly.
CAUTION
The warning system may not activate immediately if
bursts or sudden air leakage should occur.
G31003
 Tire pressure warning light
The tire pressure warning light comes on when the engine
switch “IG−ON” mode is selected, and goes off after a few
seconds. This means the tire pressure warning light is
operating properly. If the tire inflation pressure becomes low,
the light comes on again. At this time, the master warning light
comes on and the message “LOW TIRE” appears on the
multi−information display.
In this case, adjusting the tire inflation pressure will turn off the
light after a few minutes. If the light blinks, the tire pressure
warning system is not working properly. At this time, the
master warning light comes on and the message “CHECK
SYSTEM” appears on the multi −information display.