2006 LEXUS LX470 ignition

STARTING AND DRIVING
285
31X052a
: Blinking \f: Illuminating
When changing the vehicle height from the normal mode
to high:
1. The “N” (normal) mode indicator light goes off and the “HI”
(high) mode indicator light blinks.
2. After the vehicle height control reaches the high mode, the
high mode indicator light remains on.
With the active height control suspension turned off, if
you operate the height select switch or the vehicle height
is changing depending on the vehicle speed, the vehicle
height control enters the ready mode. In this case, the
height control indicator lights change as follows:
1. The present mode indicator light comes on and at the same
time the ready mode indicator light blinks.
2. When the active height control suspension is turned on, the
present mode indicator light goes off and the ready mode
indicator light blinks. (The vehicle height changes.) 3. After the vehicle height has changed completely, the
changed mode indicator light stays on.
If the vehicle is loaded heavily, the vehicle height cannot
be raised even if the height select switch is operated. If the
underbody of the vehicle has touched the surface on
bumpy roads, the vehicle height cannot be lowered with
the height select switch. The height control indicator
lights change as follows:
1. The present mode indicator light goes off and the selected
mode indicator light blinks.
2. The selected mode indicator light goes off. (The vehicle
height does not change.) The present mode indicator light
comes on again.
Height control “OFF” indicator light: When the ignition
switch is turned on, this light comes on. If it goes out after a few
seconds, the active height control suspension operates
correctly. If you push the height control switch, the active
height
control is turned off. The height control “OFF” indicator
light comes on.
In the following cases, there is a problem somewhere in your
active height control suspension. Although there is no problem
to continue normal driving, have the active height control
suspension checked by your Lexus dealer as soon as
possible.
 The height control “OFF” indicator light does not come on
when the ignition switch is turned on.
 The height control “OFF” indicator light blinks.

STARTING AND DRIVING
288When your vehicle is loaded heavily or you are driving in an
unpaved
road, the mode
3
or 4 will be recommended. To
provide good vehicle stability, the damping effect will be harder
than for ordinary driving mode.
With the four−wheel drive control lever at “L”, the damping
effect suitable for off −road driving will be provided.ACTIVE TRACTION CONTROL
SYSTEM
31X518a
Active traction control system indicator light
The active traction control system automatically helps
control the spinning of 4 wheels which may occur when
accelerating on slippery road surfaces, by controlling the
output of the brake and engine. Thus, the system assists
driver to control the driving power of 4 wheels. When you
turn the ignition switch on, the active traction control
system always turns on automatically, and the active
traction control indicator light will come on. The indicator
light will go off after a few seconds.
When active traction control is applied, the active traction
control system indicator light blinks.

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289
You may hear a sound in the engine compartment for a few
seconds when the engine is started or just after the vehicle
begins to move. This means that the active traction control
system is in the self
−check mode, and does not indicate
malfunction. When the active traction control system is
operating, you may feel vibration or hear noise of your vehicle,
caused by operation of the brakes. This indicates the system
is functioning properly.
When getting the vehicle out of mud or newly fallen snow, etc.,
the active traction control system will help operate to prevent
the wheels from spinning.
31X503
 Active traction control system failure warning
This light warns when there is a problem somewhere in the
active traction control system or vehicle stability control
system.
If the “VSC/TRAC” warning light comes on, have your vehicle
checked by your Lexus dealer as soon as possible. The brake actuator temperature increases during the active
traction control system or vehicle stability control system
operating. If the brake actuator temperature becomes too high
while the active traction cont
rol system or vehicle stability
control system is operating, a buzzer will start to sound
intermittently to indicate that the active traction control system
can no longer operate. In this case, immediately stop your
vehicle at a safe place. If the system continues to operate, the
buzzer sound changes from intermittent to continuous. (The
continuous buzzer sound will stop after about 3 seconds.) At
the time the “VSC/TRAC” warning light will come on and the
active traction control system temporarily stops operating in
order to protect the brake actuator. (Although the active
traction control system does not operate, there is no problem
to continue your driving.) The system will be automatically
restored after a short time and “VSC/TRAC” warning light goes
off if the accelerator pedal is released.
When the “ABS” warning light comes on, the active traction
control system is not operating.
The “VSC/TRAC” warning light will come on when the ignition
key is turned to “ON”, and will go off after a few seconds.
The “VSC/TRAC” warning light may stay on for 60 seconds
after the ignition key is turned to the “ON” position. It is normal
if it goes off after a few seconds.
Depressing the brake pedal repeatedly may turn on the
“VSC/TRAC” warning light. It is normal if it goes off after a few
seconds.
When the “VSC/TRAC” warning light comes on, the active
traction control system is not operating, but there is no problem
if you continue to drive.

STARTING AND DRIVING
290In the following cases, contact your Lexus dealer:

The “VSC/TRAC” warning light does not come on after the
ignition is turned to on.
 The “VSC/TRAC” remains on after the ignition is turned to
on.
CAUTION
Under certain slippery road conditions, full traction of
the vehicles and power to 4 wheels may not be
maintained, even though the active traction control
system is in operation. Do not drive the vehicle under
any speed or maneuvering conditions which will cause
the vehicle to lose traction. In situations where the road
surface is covered with ice or snow, your vehicle should
be fitted with snow tires or tire chains. Always drive at
an appropriate and cautious speed for the road
conditions present.
VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM
31X504
The vehicle stability control system helps provide
integrated control of the systems such as antilock
brakes, traction control, engine control, etc. This system
automatically controls the output of the brakes or engine
to help prevent the vehicle from skidding under adverse
conditions.
When you turn the ignition switch on, the slip indicator light will
come on. The slip indicator light will go off after a few seconds.
If the vehicle is going to skid during driving, the slip indicator
light flashes and an alarm sounds intermittently.

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291
The vehicle stability control system is activated when the
vehicle speed is about more than 15 km/h (9 mph).
You may hear a sound in the engine compartment for a few
seconds when the engine is started or just after the vehicle
begins to move. This means that the vehicle stability control
is in the self−
check mode and does not indicate a malfunction.
31X529
Pushing the center differential lock button automatically turns
the vehicle stability control system off. At this time, the “VSC
OFF” indicator comes on with the center differential lock
indicator light. (For details, see “Four −wheel drive system” on
page 266.)
31x505
 Vehicle stability control system failure warning
These lights warn when there is a problem somewhere in the
vehicle stability control system or active traction control
system.
If the “VSC/TRAC” warning light and “VSC OFF” indicator light
come on, have your vehicle checked by your Lexus dealer as
soon as possible. However, there is no problem even if the
“VSC/TRAC” warning light comes on when the brake actuator
temperature becomes high. (For details, see “Active traction
control system” on page 288.)
When the “ABS” warning light comes on, the vehicle stability
control system is not operating.
The lights will come on when the ignition key is turned to “ON”,
and will go off after a few seconds.
The lights may stay on for 60 seconds after the ignition key is
turned to the “ON” position. It is normal if they go off after a few
seconds.

STARTING AND DRIVING
292Depressing
the brake pedal repeatedly may turn on the lights.
It is normal if they go off after a few seconds.
When the “VSC/TRAC” warning light and “VSC OFF” indicator
light come on, the vehicle stability control system is not
operating, but there is no problem if you continue to drive.
In the following cases, contact your Lexus dealer:
 The “VSC/TRAC” warning light, “VSC OFF” indicator light
and slip indicator light do not come on after the ignition is
turned to on.
 The “VSC/TRAC” warning light and “VSC OFF” indicator
light remain on after the ignition is turned to on.
 The “VSC OFF” indicator light comes on while driving
without pushing the center differential lock switch.
CAUTION
Active traction control system, vehicle stability
control system and antilock brake system are
electronic systems designed to help the driver
maintain control under adverse conditions. They are
not a substitute for safe driving practices. Factors
including speed, road conditions and driver steering
input can all affect whether active traction control
system, vehicle stability control system and
antilock brake system will be effective in preventing
a loss of control. Always keep safety driving in mind.
If the slip indicator light flashes, sounding an alarm,
special care should be taken while driving.
 Only use tires of specified size. The size,
manufacturer, brand and tread pattern for all 4 tires
should be the same. If you use the tires other than
specified, or different type or size, the vehicle
stability control system may not function correctly.
When replacing the tires or wheels, contact your
Lexus dealer. (See “Checking and replacing tires” on
page 438.)

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294
Variable gear ratio steering system failure
warning
31x500b
This light warns that there is a problem somewhere in the
variable gear ratio steering system.
The light will come on when the ignition key is turned to “ON”
and will go off after a few seconds.
If the light comes 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. In the following cases, contact your Lexus dealer.

The warning light does not come on after the ignition key is
turned to “ON”.
 The warning light remains on after the ignition key is turned
to “ON”.
 The warning light comes on while driving.

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295
BRAKE SYSTEM
This brake system has 2 independent hydraulic circuits. If
either circuit 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 may come on.
CAUTION
Do not drive your vehicle with only a single brake
system. Have your brakes fixed immediately.
Brake booster
The brake booster uses brake fluid pressurized by the pump
to power−assist the brakes. If the brake booster fails during
driving, the brake system warning light comes on and buzzer
sounds continuously. In this case, the brakes may not work
properly. If they do not work well, depress the brake pedal
firmly. If the brake system warning light comes on, immediately
stop your vehicle and contact your Lexus dealer.
The brake system warning light may stay on for about 60
seconds after the ignition key is turned to the “ON” position.
It is normal if the light turns off after a while.
Depressing the brake pedal repeatedly may turn on the brake
system warning light and buzzer. It is normal if the light goes
out and the buzzer stops sounding 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, and it is not a malfunction.
CAUTION

Do not pump the brake pedal if the engine stalls.
Each push on the pedal uses up your brake fluid
pressure reserve.
 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 brake
or braking on slippery roa d 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.