2006 Lexus GX470 suspension

STARTING AND DRIVING
371
(f) Parking and stopping tips
If you immediately stop the engine to park the vehicle after
off−road driving, the vehicle height is lowered slightly as the
vehicle becomes cool. When parking, make sure there is
nothing that will be in contact with the underbody of the vehicle.
When you start the engine, the vehicle returns to the previous
height.
If you park the vehicle for a long time, the vehicle height may
be gradually lowered. When parking for a long time, make sure
there is nothing that will be in contact with the underbody of the
vehicle. When you start the engine, the vehicle returns to the
previous height.
If you stop the engine, the vehicle height may change in
accordance with the change in the temperature. When you
start the engine, the vehicle returns to the previous height.
(g) Rear height control failure warning
If there is a problem somewhere in the rear height control air
suspension, the “N” mode is automatically selected. If this
occurs, the height control “OFF” indicator light blinks and the
vehicle height control cannot be activated until the malfunction
is corrected. If this is the case, bring your vehicle to your Lexus
dealer as soon as possible and have it checked.
ELECTRONIC MODULATED SUSPENSION
This electronic modulated suspension adjusts the
damping effect on the shock absorbers with the control
switch. Select one of the 4 modes which is suited to the
driving conditions with the control switch to provide good
riding comfort and stability.
1For driving on a bumpy road
2For ordinary driving such as in the city traffic
3For moderate high speed driving
4For sporty type driving such as on winding mountain
roads and high speed driving
5Soft
6Firm

DRIVING TIPS
399
When driving offroad or in rugged terrain, do not
drive at excessive speeds, jump, make sharp turns,
strike objects, etc. This may cause loss of control or
vehicle rollover causing death or serious injury. You
are also risking expensive damage to your vehicle’s
suspension and chassis.
 Do not drive horizontally across steep slopes.
Driving straight up or straight down is preferred.
Your vehicle (or any similar offroad vehicle) can tip
over sideways much more easily than forward or
backward.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.
 Do not tow a trailer during the first 800 km (500 miles).

DRIVING TIPS
401
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 352.
 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.
 Do not drive in excess of the speed limit. 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.
 If you drive through deep water over about 500 mm
(20 in.) in depth, put the vehicle height in the HI (High)
mode with the active height select switch and then
turn off the active height control suspension by
pushing the height control switch. Drive your vehicle
at 30 km/h (19 mph) or lower speed.

DRIVING TIPS
403
When driving offroad or in rugged terrain, do not
drive at excessive speeds, jump, make sharp turns,
strike objects, etc. This may cause loss of control or
vehicle rollover causing death or serious injury. You
are also risking expensive damage to your vehicle’s
suspension and chassis.
NOTICE
 If driving through water, such as when crossing
shallow streams, first check the depth of the water
and the bottom of the river bed for firmness. Drive
slowly and avoid deep water.
 Take all necessary safety measures to ensure that
water damage to the engine or other components
does not occur.
Water entering the engine air intake will cause severe
engine damage.
Water can wash the grease from wheel bearings,
causing rusting and premature failure, and may also
enter the differentials, transmission and transfer
case, reducing the gear oil’s lubricating qualities.
 Sand and mud that has accumulated in brake drums
and around brake discs may affect braking ef ficiency
and may damage brake system components.
 Always perform a maintenance inspection after each
day of offroad driving that has taken you through
rough terrain, sand, mud, or water. For scheduled
maintenance information, refer to the “Owner’s
Manual Supplement/Scheduled Maintenance”.

DRIVING TIPS
406
TRAILER TOWING
Your vehicle is designed primarily as a passenger−and−load
carrying vehicle. T owing a trailer will have an adverse ef fect on
handling, performance, braking, durability and driving
economy (fuel consumption, etc.). Y our 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 “LO” (low) mode and push the “HEIGHT CONTROL
OFF” 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 “Rear height control air
suspension” on page 366.
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
413
Trailer lights
Your vehicle is equipped with a wire harness stored in the rear
end underbody. Use either of them to connect and operate the
trailer lights. However, the trailer lights must comply with
federal, state/provincial and local regulations. See your local
recreational vehicle dealer or rental agency for the correct type
of wiring and relays for your trailer. Check for correct operation
of the turn signals and stop lights each time you hitch up. Direct
splicing may damage your vehicle’s electrical system and
cause a malfunction of your lights.
Breakin schedule
Lexus recommends that you do not tow a trailer with a new
vehicle or a vehicle with any new power train component
(engine, transmission, differential, wheel bearing, etc.) for the
first 800 km (500 miles) of driving.
Maintenance
 If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will require more frequent
maintenance due to the additional load. For this
information, please refer to the scheduled maintenance
information in the “Owner’s Manual Supplement/Scheduled
Maintenance”.
 Retighten all fixing bolts of the towing ball and bracket after
approximately 1000 km (600 miles) of trailer driving.
Connecting a trailer
Stop your vehicle and a trailer in line and perform the following:
1. Put the rear height control air suspension in the “LO” (low)
mode. Turn the ignition switch off or push the “HEIGHT
CONTROL OFF” switch to turn off the rear height control air
suspension.
2. Connect a trailer.
3. Turn the ignition switch on or push the “HEIGHT CONTROL
OFF” switch to turn on the rear height control air suspension.
Select the “N” (normal) mode with the height select switch.
Disconnecting a trailer
Stop your vehicle and a trailer in line and perform the following:
1. Put the rear height control air suspension in the “LO” (low)
mode. (Make sure the vehicle height is in the “LO” (low) mode
by pushing the height select switch on the “
” side.)
2. Turn the ignition switch off or push the “HEIGHT CONTROL
OFF” switch to turn off the rear height control air suspension.
3. Set the supporting leg of a trailer on the ground and raise the
hitch by 100 mm (4 in.).
4. Turn the ignition switch on or push the “HEIGHT CONTROL
OFF” switch to turn on the rear height control air suspension.

DRIVING TIPS
4145. Wait for about 20 seconds until the rear vehicle height is
lowered by the automatic leveling function.
6. Make sure the hitch is disconnected. If not, raise the hitch
higher and repeat steps 2 through 5.
7. Move the vehicle
forward in the “LO” (low) mode where the
hitch does not touch anything in the “N” (normal) mode.
8. Put the rear height control air suspension in the “N” (normal)
mode.
Pretowing safety check
 Check that your vehicle remains level when a loaded or
unloaded trailer is hitched. Do not drive if the vehicle has an
abnormal nose −up or nose− down condition, and check for
improper tongue load, overload, worn suspension or other
possible causes.
 Make sure the trailer cargo is securely loaded so that it
cannot shift.
 Check that your rear view mirrors conform to any federal,
state/provincial or local regulations. If they do not, install
required rear view mirrors appropriate for towing purposes.
Trailer towing tips
When towing a trailer, your vehicle will handle differently
than when not towing. The three main causes of
vehicletrailer accidents are driver error, excessive speed
and improper trailer loading. Keep these in mind when
towing:
 Before starting out, check the operation of the lights and all
vehicle −trailer connections. After driving a short distance,
stop and recheck the lights and connections. Practice
turning, stopping and backing with a trailer in an area away
from traffic until you learn the feel.
 Backing with a trailer is difficult and requires practice. Grip
the bottom of the steering whe el and move your hand to the
left to move the trailer to the left. Move your hand to the right
to move the trailer to the right. (This procedure is generally
opposite to that when backing without a trailer.) Also, just
turn the steering wheel a little at a time, avoiding sharp or
prolonged turning. Have someone guide you when backing
to reduce the risk of an accident.
 Because stopping distance may be increased,
vehicle −to−vehicle distance should be increased when
towing a trailer. For each 16 km/h (10 mph) of speed, allow
at least one vehicle and trailer length between you and the
vehicle ahead. Avoid sudden braking as you may skid,
resulting in jackknifing and loss of control. This is especially
true on wet or slippery surfaces.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
432
IF YOU HAVE A FLAT TIRE
1. Reduce your speed gradually, keeping a straight
line. Move cautiously off the road to a safe place
— well away from the traffic. Avoid stopping on the
center divider of a highway. Park on a level spot with
firm ground.
2. Stop the engine and turn on your emergency
flashers.
3. F i r m l y s e t t h e p a r k i n g b r a k e a n d p u t t h e
transmission in “P”.
4. Have everyone get out of the vehicle on the side
away from traffic.
5. Read the following instructions thoroughly.
CAUTION
When jacking, be sure to observe the following
to reduce the possibility of personal injury:
Turn off the active height control suspension
by pushing the active height control switch.
 Follow jacking instructions.
Do not put any part of your body under a
vehicle supported by a jack. Personal injury
may occur.
 Do not start or run the engine while your
vehicle is supported by the jack.
 Stop the vehicle on a level firm ground, firmly
set the parking brake and put the
transmission in “P”. Block the wheel
diagonally opposite to the one being changed
if necessary.
 Make sure to set the jack properly in the jack
point. Raising the vehicle with jack
improperly positioned will damage the vehicle
or may allow the vehicle to fall off the jack
and cause personal injury.
 Never get under the vehicle when the vehicle
is supported by the jack alone.
 Use the jack only for lifting your vehicle
during wheel changing.
 Do not raise the vehicle with someone in the
vehicle.