2008 Lexus GX470 engine

5
When trouble arises
391
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If you have a flat tire
Remove the flat tire and replace it with the spare provided.
■Before jacking up the vehicle
●Stop the vehicle on a hard, flat surface.
● Set the parking brake.
● Shift the shift lever to “P”.
● Turn off the rear height control air suspension. ( P. 1 4 9 )
● Stop the engine.
● Turn on the emergency flashers.
■ Location of the spare tire, jack and tools
Wheel nut
wrench
Spare tire
Jack
Tools
Jack handle and extensions

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5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
CAUTION
■Using the tire jack
Improper use of the tire jack may lead to death or injuries due to the vehicle sud-
denly falling off the jack.
●Do not use the tire jack for any purpose other than replacing tires or installing and
removing tire chains.
●Only use the tire jack that comes with this vehicle for replacing a flat tire.
Do not use it on other vehicles, and do not use other tire jacks for replacing tires
on this vehicle.
●Always check that the tire jack is securely set to the jack point.
●Be sure to turn off the rear height co ntrol air suspension and stop the engine.
●Do not raise the vehicle while someone is in it.
●When raising the vehicle, do not put an object on or under the jack.
●Do not raise the vehicle to a height greate r than that required to replace the tire.
●Use a jack stand if it is necessary to get under the vehicle.
●Do not put any part of your body under the vehicle supported by a jack.
●Do not start or run the engine while your vehicle is supported by the jack.
Take particular care when lowering the vehicle to ensure that no one working on or
near the vehicle may be injured.
■Using the jack handle
Tighten all the jack handle bolts securely using a Phillips-head screwdriver, to pre-
vent the extension parts from coming apart unexpectedly.

402
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If the engine will not start
If the engine will not start even though correct starting procedures are
being followed (
P. 118), consider each of the following points.
■The engine will not start even when the starter motor operates
normally
One of the following may be the cause of the problem.
● There may not be sufficient fuel in the vehicle’s tank.
Add fuel to the vehicle.
● The engine may be flooded.
Try to restart the engine once more following correct starting
procedures. ( P. 118)
● There may be a malfunction in the engine immobilizer system.
( P. 7 0 )
■ The starter motor turns over slowly, interior lights and headlights
are dim, or the horn does not sound or sounds at a low volume
One of the following may be the cause of the problem.
●The battery may be discharged. ( P. 405)
● The battery terminal connections may be loose or corroded.
■ The starter motor does not turn over, interior lights and headlights
do not turn on, or the horn does not sound
One of the following may be the cause of the problem.
●One or both of the battery terminals may be disconnected.
● The battery may be discharged. ( P. 405)
Contact your Lexus dealer if the problem cannot be repaired, or if
repair procedures are unknown.

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5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P
If the shift lever cannot be shifted with your foot on the brake, there may be
a problem with the shift lock system (a system to prevent accidental opera-
tion of the shift lever). Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer
immediately.
The following steps may be used as an emergency measure to ensure that
the shift lever can be shifted.
Set the parking brake.
Turn the engine switch to the “ON” position.
Depress the brake pedal.
Pry the cover up with a flathead
screwdriver or equivalent.
Press the shift lock override but-
ton.
The shift lever can be shifted
while the button is pressed.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
STEP5

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5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If the vehicle battery is discharged
The following procedures may be used to start the engine if the vehicle’s
battery is discharged.
You can call your Lexus dealer, or qualified repair shop.
If you have a set of jumper (or booster) cables and a second vehicle
with a 12 volt battery, you can jump start your Lexus by following the
steps below.
Open the hood.
Connecting the jumper cables. If required, remove all vent plugs from the booster battery. Lay a
cloth over the open vents on the booster battery. (This helps reduce
the chance of explosion, pe rsonal injuries and burns.)
Positive (+) battery terminal on your vehicle.
Positive (+) battery terminal on the second vehicle.
Negative (-) battery terminal on the second vehicle.
Negative (-) battery terminal on your vehicle.
Start the engine of the second vehicle. Increase the engine
speed slightly and maintain at that level for approximately 5
minutes to recharge the 12 volt battery of your vehicle.
Maintain the engine sp eed of the second vehicle and start your
vehicle’s engine.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4

406
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
■Starting the engine when the battery is discharged
The vehicle cannot be started by push-starting.
■To prevent battery discharge
●Turn off the headlights and the audio system while the engine is off.
●Turn off any unnecessary electrical components when the vehicle is running at a
low speed for an extended period, such as in heavy traffic, etc.
■When the battery is removed or discharged
The power windows and moon roof must be initialized.
CAUTION
■Avoiding battery fires or explosions
Observe the following precautions to prevent accidentally igniting the flammable
gas that may be emitted from the battery.
●Make sure the jumper cable is connected to the correct terminal and that it is not
unintentionally in contact with any pa rt other than the intended terminal.
●Do not allow the jumper cables to come into contact with the “+” and “-” termi-
nals.
●Do not allow open flame or use matches, cigarette lighters or smoke near the
battery.
Once your vehicle’s engine has started, remove the jumper
cables in the exact reverse ord er in which they were con-
nected.
Once the engine starts, have the ve hicle checked at your Lexus dealer
as soon as possible.STEP5

408
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If your vehicle overheats
If the engine overheats:
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and turn off the automatic air
conditioning system.
Check to see if steam is coming out from under the hood.
If you see steam: Turn off the engine and carefully lift the hood.
If you do not see steam: Leave the engine running and carefully lift the hood.
Check to see if the cooling fan is operating.
If the fan is operating: Wait until the engine coolant temperature gauge begins to
fall and then stop the engine.
If the fan is not operating: Stop the engine immediately and call your local Lexus
dealer.
After the engine has cooled
down sufficiently, check the
coolant level and inspect the
radiator for any leaks.STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4

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5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
■Overheating
In the following situations, your vehicle may be overheating.
●The engine coolant temperature gauge enters the red zone or a loss of power is
experienced.
●Steam is coming from under the hood.
CAUTION
■To prevent an accident or injury when in specting under the hood of your vehicle
●Keep hands and clothing away from the fan and engine drive belt while the
engine is running.
●Do not loosen the radiator cap while the engine and radiator are hot.
Serious injury, such as burns, may result from hot coolant and steam released
under pressure.
NOTICE
■When adding coolant
Wait until the engine has cooled down before adding coolant.
When adding coolant, do so slowly. Adding cold coolant to a hot engine too quickly
can cause damage to the engine.
Add coolant if required.
Water can be used as an emer-
gency measure if coolant is
unavailable. ( P. 4 1 6 )
Have the vehicle checked at your nearest Lexus dealer as soon as pos-
sible.
STEP5