2006 LEXUS LX470 tow

STEERING WHEEL AND MIRRORS
199
CAUTION
Do not adjust the display while the vehicle is moving.
Be sure to adjust the display only when the vehicle is
stopped.
CALIBRATING THE COMPASS (circling calibration)
16x280a
“C” appears on the display in case the circling calibration is
required due to a drastic change in the magnetic field. To
rectify this, follow the calibration procedure below.
16x270
Drive the vehicle slowly (at 8 km/h (5 mph) or lower) in a circle
until the direction is displayed. If there is not enough space to
drive in a circle, drive around the block until the direction is
displayed.
After driving in 1 to 3 circles in the above method, calibration
is complete with the direction shown on the display.
If calibration cannot be performed because of the magnetized
vehicle, etc., take your vehicle to Lexus dealer.
 Do not perform circling calibration of the compass in a place
where the earth’s magnetic field is subject to interference by
artificial magnetic fields (underground parking, under a
steel tower, between buildings, roof parking, near a
crossing, near a large vehicle, etc.).
 During calibration, do not operate electric systems (moon
roof, power windows, etc.) as they may interfere with the
calibration.

STARTING AND DRIVING
262
31X008e
 1Brake pedal 2“D” (Drive) position
4. With your foot holding down the brake pedal, shift the
selector lever to “D”.
Always use the “D” position to improve fuel economy and quiet
driving. Only in this position, shifting into the overdrive gear is
possible. However, while the engine coolant temperature is
low, the transmission will not shift into the overdrive gear even
in the “D” position. (See “(b) Using engine braking” and\
“(f)
Good driving practice” for exceptions.)
CAUTION
Never put your foot on the accelerator pedal while
shifting.
5. Release the parking brake and brake pedal. Depress
the accelerator pedal slowly for smooth starting.
In normal cruising, the vehicle will start in first gear and
automatically shift up to the most suitable gear. On inclines,
declines or winding roads, etc., the vehicle shifts up and down
automatically according to the running conditions to obtain the
suitable driving power and engine braking.
When the lever is in the “4” position, the automatic
transmission system will select the most suitable gear for the
running conditions such as hill climbing, hard towing, etc.
If you need to accelerate rapidly while driving, depress the
accelerator pedal to the full throttle position. This provides
more acceleration by automatically downshifting the
transmission to the next lower gear or beyond, depending on
the vehicle speed.
If engine braking is needed, such as in descending a long hill,
see “(b) Using engine braking”.

STARTING AND DRIVING
264
(c) Using the “3”, “2” and “L” positions
The “3”, “2” and “L” positions are used for strong engine
braking as described previously.
With the selector lever in “3”, “2” or “L”, you can start the vehicle
in motion as with the lever in “D”.
With the selector lever in “3” or “2”, the vehicle will start in firs\
t
gear and automatically shift to second gear.
With the selector lever in “L”, the transmission is engaged in
first gear.
NOTICE
 Be careful not to overrev the engine. Watch the
tachometer to keep engine rpm from going into the
red zone. The approximate maximum allowable
speed for each position is given below for your
reference:
Transmission Transfer
“L” “H”
“4” 72 km/h (45 mph) 178 km/h (111 mph)
“3” 52 km/h (32 mph) 127 km/h (79 mph)
“2” 36 km/h (22 mph) 87 km/h (54 mph)
“L” 20 km/h (12 mph) 51 km/h (32 mph)
 Do not continue hill climbing or hard towing for a long
time in the “3”, “2” or “L” position. This may cause
severe automatic transmission damage from
overheating. To prevent such damage, “4” position
should be used in hill climbing or hard towing.
(d) Backing up
31X010e
 1
Brake pedal 2“R” (Reverse) position
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. With the brake pedal held down with your foot, shift the
selector lever to the “R” position.
NOTICE
Never shift into reverse while the vehicle is moving.
When you are backing up, you can adjust the outside rear view
mirror on the passenger’s side down quickly. For details, see
page 195.

STARTING AND DRIVING
265
(e) Parking
31X011d
 1Brake pedal 2Parking brake lever
3“P” (Park) position
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Apply the parking brake fully.
3. With the brake pedal held down with your foot, shift the
selector lever to the “P” position.
CAUTION
While the vehicle is moving, never attempt to move the
selector lever into “P” under any circumstances.
Serious mechanical damage and loss of vehicle control
may result.
(f) Good driving practice
 If the transmission repeatedly shifts up and down between
the fourth and overdrive gears when climbing a gentle
slope, shift the selector lever to the “4” position. Be sure to
shift the selector lever to the “D” position after climbing the
slope.
 When towing a trailer, in order to maintain efficient engine
braking and electrical charging performance, do not use
overdrive.
CAUTION
Always keep your foot on the brake pedal while stopped
with the engine running. This prevents the vehicle from
creeping.
NOTICE
Always use the brake pedal or parking brake to hold the
vehicle on an upgrade. Do not attempt to hold the
vehicle using the accelerator pedal, as this can cause
the transmission to overheat.

STARTING AND DRIVING
284
CAUTION
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 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.
NOTICE
 When jacking up or installing tire chains, be sure to
turn off the active height control suspension and
stop the engine. Otherwise, the vehicle height may
change because of the automatic leveling function,
resulting in an accident.
 If your vehicle must be towed, put the vehicle height
in the normal mode and turn off the active height
control suspension. Otherwise, the vehicle height
may change because of the automatic leveling
function, resulting in an accident.
 If your vehicle gets ditched, turn off the active height
control suspension with the height control switch.
Otherwise, the vehicle height may change because of
the automatic leveling function, resulting in an
accident.
Even after the active height control suspension is turned
off with the height control switch, if the vehicle speed
exceeds 30 km (19 mph), the active height control
automatically selects the normal mode.
(f) Height control indicator lights
31X050d
 1 Height control indicator lights
2Height control “OFF” indicator light
When the ignition switch is turned on, all the indicator
lights come on. The indicator light showing the present
mode only remains on and all other lights go off after a few
seconds. This means the system operates correctly.
If you change the vehicle height mode, the indicator lights
change as follows:

SECTION 3 – 2
309
STARTING AND DRIVING
Driving tips
Off−road vehicle precautions 310
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Break−in period 311
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Operation in foreign countries 311
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Tips for driving in various conditions 312
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Off −road driving precautions 313
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Winter driving tips 315
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Dinghy towing 317
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Trailer towing 317
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How to save fuel and make your vehicle
last longer 327
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Vehicle load limits 328
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Cargo and luggage 329
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DRIVING TIPS
311
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).
OPERATION IN FOREIGN
COUNTRIES
If you plan to drive your Lexus in another country ...
First, comply with the vehicle registration laws.
Second, confirm the availability of the correct fuel (unleaded
and minimum octane rating).

DRIVING TIPS
317
DINGHY TOWING
32x602
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.
TRAILER TOWING
Your vehicle is designed primarily as a passenger−and−load
carrying vehicle. Towing a trailer will have an adverse effect
on handling, performance, braking, durability and driving
economy (fuel consumption, etc.). Your 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
switch to turn off the active height control suspension.
Otherwise, the vehicle height may be changed because
of the automatic leveling function, resulting in an
accident. For details, see “Active height control
suspension (AHC)” on page 279.