STARTING AND DRIVING
279
ACTIVE HEIGHT CONTROLSUSPENSION (AHC)
This active height control suspension controls the vehicle
height depending on the vehicle driving condition. Select
your desired height among the “HI” (high), “N” (normal)
and “LO” (low) modes with the height select switch.
31X600
(a) Vehicle height modes
“HI” (high) mode
The vehicle height is about 40 mm (1.6 in.) higher at front
and about 50 mm (2.0 in.) higher at rear than the normal
mode height.
This mode is suitable when driving on bumpy roads and
through water.
This mode is available when the vehicle speed is under about
30 km/h (19 mph).
CAUTION
The “HI” (high) or “Extra high” mode should be used for
severe off road driving condition only. Because the
vehicle’s center of gravity is higher in this setting, the
vehicle may become unstable when turning abruptly,
resulting in an accident.
When the four −wheel drive control lever is put at “L”, this mode
may change to the extra high mode automatically in
accordance with the driving condition.
When the vehicle exceeds the specified vehicle speed, the
vehicle height changes to the following:
With the four wheel drive control lever at “H” and at the
vehicle speed of 30 km/h (19 mph) or over, the normal mode
is automatically selected.
With the four wheel drive control lever at “L” and at the
vehicle speed of 50 km/h (30 mph) or over, the vehicle
height becomes automatically about 25 mm (1.0 in.) higher
than the normal mode height. If the vehicle speed is lowered
about 20 km/h (12 mph) or le ss after that, the high mode
automatically resumes.
Extra high mode
This mode is automatically selected from the high mode
with the four wheel drive control lever placed in “L”
position depending on the vehicle driving condition.
If the vehicle becomes stuck, the vehicle height rises
automatically to the extra high mode (slightly higher or at about
70 mm (2.8 in.) higher than normal mode height).
STARTING AND DRIVING
280In the following cases, the extra high mode changes to the high
mode automatically:
When your vehicle is no longer stuck.
When the four −wheel drive control lever is put in a position
other than “L”.
When you push the height select switch on the “
” side
in the extra high mode, the normal mode is selected.
Since the extra high mode is automatically selected, you
cannot select this mode on purpose with the height select
switch.
“N” (normal) mode
The vehicle height in this mode is standard.
This mode is suitable for ordinary driving.
“LO” (low) mode
The vehicle height is about 50 mm (2.0 in.) lower at front
and about 40 mm (1.6 in.) lower at rear than the normal
mode height.
This mode allows you easy access to the vehicle (getting in
and out) and easy loading and unloading operation.
This mode is available when the vehicle is stopped. When you
start the vehicle, the normal mode is automatically selected.
NOTICE
The normal mode is automatically selected when the
vehicle begins to move in the low mode. So be careful
when you drive in any place where the overhead height
is limited.
(b) Automatic leveling function
Regardless of the number of occupants or the luggage
loading condition, the vehicle height is always
automatically adjusted to a fixed height in any mode.
However, the vehicle height cannot be raised if the vehicle load
exceeds the limits. (See page 281.)
(c) Vehicle height mode changing condition
To change the vehicle height, it is necessary to meet the
following 3 conditions.
The engine should be running.
All the side doors and back door should be closed.
The height control “OFF” indicator light should go off.
When selecting a mode with the four −wheel drive control lever
at “H”, there is a vehicle speed limit. Refer to the following
table.
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.
STARTING AND DRIVING
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.
IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
355
(d) Emergency towing
40x600a
If towing is necessary, we recommend you to have it done
by your Lexus dealer or a commercial tow truck service.
If towing service is not available in an emergency, your
vehicle may be temporarily towed by a cable or chain
secured to the emergency towing hook. Use extreme
caution when towing the vehicle.
NOTICE
Never tow a vehicle from the rear with four wheels on the
ground. This may cause serious damage to the
transmission.
A driver must be in the vehicle to steer it and operate the
brakes.
Towing in this manner may be done only on hard −surfaced
roads for a short distance and at low speeds. Also, the wheels,
axles, drive train, steering and brakes must all be in good
condition.
CAUTION
Use extreme caution when towing the vehicle. Avoid
sudden starts or erratic driving maneuvers which would
place excessive stress on the emergency towing hook
and towing cable or chain. The hook and towing cable
or chain may break and cause serious injury or damage.
NOTICE
Do not use front and rear eyelets. It is not designed
for towing.
Use only a cable or chain specifically intended for
use in towing vehicles. Securely fasten the cable or
chain to the towing hook provided.
Before towing, check that the center differential is unlocked.
(The indicator light must be off with the ignition on.) Release
the parking brake and put the transmission in “N”. The ignition
key must be in “ACC” (engine off) or “ON” (engine running).