Page 390 of 601
STARTING AND DRIVING
369
(d) Turning off the rear height control airsuspension
To turn off the rear height control air suspension with the
vehicle stopped, push the “HEIGHT CONTROL OFF”
switch. The height control “OFF” indicator light comes on
and the vehicle height is fixed in the same mode as the
height control switch is pushed.
This status is memorized in the system even after the engine
is stopped.
If you push the switch again, the height control “OFF” indicator
light goes out and the rear height control air suspension is
turned on.
Even after the rear height control air suspension is turned off
with the “HEIGHT CONTROL OFF” switch, if the vehicle speed
exceeds 30 km/h (19 mph), the rear height control air
suspension automatically selects the “N” mode.
CAUTION
If you drive through deep water over about 700 mm (28
in.) in depth, put the vehicle height in the “HI” mode with
the height select switch and then turn off the rear height
control air suspension by pushing the “HEIGHT
CONTROL OFF” switch.
NOTICE
When jacking up or installing tire chains, be sure to
turn off the rear height control air suspension with
the “HEIGHT CONTROL OFF” switch and stop the
engine. Otherwise, the vehicle height may change
because of the automatic leveling function resulting
in accident.
If your vehicle must be towed, put the vehicle height
in the “N” mode and turn off the rear height control air
suspension. Otherwise, the vehicle height may
change because of the automatic leveling function
resulting in accident.
If your vehicle gets ditched, turn off the rear height
control air suspension with the “HEIGHT CONTROL
OFF” switch. Otherwise, the vehicle height may
change because of the automatic leveling function
resulting in accident.
Page 418 of 601
SECTION 3 – 2
397
STARTING AND DRIVING
Driving tips
Off−road vehicle precautions 398
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Break−in period 399
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . .
Operation in foreign countries 400
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tips for driving in various conditions 400
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Off −road driving precautions 402
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter driving tips 404
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . .
Dinghy towing 405
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . .
Trailer towing 406
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . .
How to save fuel and make your vehicle last longer 416
. . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle load limits 418
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . .
Cargo and luggage 419
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. .
Page 420 of 601
DRIVING TIPS
399
When driving off road 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 off road vehicle) can tip
over sideways much more easily than forward or
backward.BREAK IN 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).
Page 426 of 601
DRIVING TIPS
405
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.
Keep ice and snow from accumulating under the fenders.
Ice and snow built up under your fenders can make steering
difficult. During bad winter driving, stop and check under the
fenders occasionally.
Depending on where you are driving, we recommend you
carry some emergency equipment.
Some of the things you might put in the vehicle are tire chains,
window scraper, bag of sand or salt, flares, small shovel,
jumper cables, etc.
DINGHY TOWING
Your vehicle is not designed to be dinghy towed (with four
wheels on the ground) behind a motorhome.
NOTICE
Do not tow your vehicle with four wheels on the ground.
This may cause serious damage to your vehicle.
Page 427 of 601
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
Page 428 of 601
DRIVING TIPS
407
Weight distributing hitch receiver
CAUTION
The maximum gross trailer weight (trailer weight plus
cargo weight) must never exceed 2948 kg (6500 lb.)
for vehicle with equipped.
If towing a trailer and cargo weighing over 907 kg
(2000 lb.), Lexus recommends to use a sway control
device with sufficient capacity. The combination of
the gross trailer weight added to the total weight of
the vehicle, occupants and vehicle cargo must never
exceed a total of 5443 kg (12000 lb.).
Exceeding the maximum weight of the trailer, the
vehicle, or the vehicle and trailer combination, can
cause an accident resulting in serious personal
injuries.
Trailer hitch assemblies have different weight
capacities established by the hitch manufacturer.
Even though the vehicle may be physically capable of
towing a higher weight, the operator must determine
the maximum weight rating of the particular hitch
assembly and never exceed the maximum weight
rating specified for the trailer hitch. Exceeding the
maximum weight rating set by the trailer hitch
manufacturer can cause an accident resulting in
serious personal injuries.
Page 430 of 601
DRIVING TIPS
409
Hitches
If you wish to install a trailer hitch, you should consult with
your Lexus dealer.
Use only a hitch recommended by the hitch manufacture
and the one which conforms to the total trailer weight
requirement.
If you wish to install an aftermarket hitch, the hitch must be
bolted securely to the vehicle frame and installed according
to the hitch manufactures’ instructions.
The hitch ball and king pin should have a light coat of grease.
Lexus recommends the ball mount assembly be removed
when not towing to prevent injury and to prevent damage in
the event of a rear end collision. After removing the ball
mount assembly, install the grommet to the hitch to prevent
entry of dirt and mud.NOTICE
Do not use axle mounted hitches as they can cause
damage to the axle housing, wheel bearings, wheels or
tires. Also, never install a hitch which may interfere with
the normal function of an Energy Absorbing Bumper.
Trailer ball
Follow these easy steps to properly determine the correct
trailer ball for your application:
1. Determine the correct trailer ball size for the trailer coupler.
Most couplers are stamped with the required trailer ball size.
The sizes you’ll most likely find stamped on the coupler are:
Trailer Class
Typical Trailer Ball Size
III 2 in.
II 2 in.
I 1 7/8 in.
2. Select the appropriate trailer ball to match or exceed the
gross trailer weight rating of the trailer. The trailer ball load
rating should be printed on the top of the ball.
Page 431 of 601
DRIVING TIPS
410
1Trailer ball load rating
2Ball diameter
3Shank length
4Shank diameter
3. When mounted in the ball mount, the threaded ball shank
must protrude beyond the bottom of the lock washer and nut
at least 2 threads. The trailer ball shank must be matched to
the ball mount hole diameter size.
NOTICE
Only use a ball mount attachment specified for the
Lexus GX470.
Matching trailer ball height to trailer coupler
height
No matter which class of tow hitch applies, for a safe trailer
hookup, the trailer ball setup on must be the proper height for
the coupler on the trailer.
