2008 Lexus GX470 check engine

365
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
Light bulbs
You may replace the following bulbs yourself. For more information about
replacing other light bulbs, contact your Lexus dealer.
■Prepare a replacement light bulb.
Check the wattage and color of the light bulb being replaced.
(→ P. 4 2 0 )
■ Remove the engine compartment cover if necessary.
→ P. 322
■ Front bulb locations
Headlight low beam
Headlight high beam

382
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
Stop the vehicle immediately.
The following warning indicates the possibility of damage to the vehicle
that may lead to an accident. Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place
and contact your Lexus dealer.
Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately. Failing to investigate the cause of the following warnings may lead to the
system operating abnormally and possibly cause an accident. Have the
vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
Warning lightWarning light/Details
Charging system warning light Indicates a malfunction in the vehicle’s charging system
while the engine is running.
Low engine oil pressure warning lightIndicates an abnormal level of engine oil pressure.
This warning light may turn on if the level of engine oil
declines. The light should turn off after checking the oil and
adding oil if necessary.
Warning lightWarning light/Details
(U.S.A.)

(Canada)
Malfunction indicator lamp
Malfunction in:
• The electronic engine control system;
• The electronic throttle control system; or
• The electronic automatic transmission control system.
SRS warning lightMalfunction in:
• The SRS airbag system;
• The front passenger occupant classification system; or
• The seat belt pretensioner system.

384
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
Have the malfunction repaired immediately.After taking the specified steps to correct the suspected problem, check
that the warning light turns off.
Warning lightWarning light/DetailsCorrection procedure
Open door warning light A door or a back door is not
fully closed.Check that all doors and the
back door are closed.
Low fuel level warning lightRemaining fuel
(Approximately 2.9 gal. [11 L,
2.4 Imp.gal.] or less)
Refuel the vehicle.
Low washer fluid warning
lightLow level of washer fluid.
Fill the tank.
Engine oil replacement
reminder light
Illuminates for about 3 sec-
onds and then flashes for
about 12 seconds: The engine
oil is scheduled to be changed.
Check the engine oil, and
change if necessary.
Comes on and remains on:
The engine oil should be
changed.Check and change the engine
oil.

5
When trouble arises
385
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
*: Driver’s seat belt reminder buzzer:
The driver’s seat belts reminder sounds to alert the driver that his or her seat
belt is not fastened. Once the engine switch is turned to the “ON” or “START”
position, the reminder light flashes and a buzzer sounds if the driver’s seat belt is
not fastened. Unless the driver fastens the belt, the light continues flashing,
however the buzzer stops after about 4 to 8 seconds.
Warning lightWarning light/DetailsCorrection procedure
Driver’s seat belt reminder
light (warning buzzer)
*
Warns the driver to fasten
his/her seat belt.Fasten the seat belt.
(on the center panel)
Front passenger’s seat belt
reminder lightWarns the front passenger to
fasten his/her seat belt.
Fasten the seat belt.
Tire pressure warning light
When the light comes on:
Low tire inflation pressure.Adjust the tire inflation pres-
sure.
When the light stays on after
blinking for 1 minute:
Malfunction in the tire pres-
sure warning system.
Have the system checked by
your Lexus dealer.

388
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
The tire pressure warning system may become inoperative in the following condi-
tions:
(When the condition becomes normal, the system will work properly.)
●If electronic devices or facilities using similar radio wave frequencies are nearby.
●If a radio set at similar frequencies is in use in the vehicle.
●If a window tint that affects the radio wave signals is installed.
●If there is a lot of snow or ice on the vehicle, in particular around the wheels or
wheel housings.
●If non-genuine Lexus wheels are used. (Even if you use genuine Lexus wheels,
the tire pressure warning system may not work properly with some types of
tires.)
●If tire chains are used.
●If the spare tire is in a location subject to poor radio wave signal reception.
● If a large metallic object which can interfere with signal reception is put in the
luggage compartment.
■If the tire pressure warning light comes on after blinking for 1 minute frequently
If the tire pressure warning light comes on after blinking for 1 minute frequently
when the engine switch is turned to the “ON” position, have it checked by your
Lexus dealer.
■After changing the engine oil (U.S.A. only)
Make sure to reset the oil maintenance data. (→P. 3 2 6 )
CAUTION
■If the tire pressure warning light comes on
Be sure to observe the following precautions. Failure to do so could cause loss of
vehicle control and result in death or serious injury.
●Stop your vehicle in a safe place as soon as possible. Adjust the tire inflation pres-
sure immediately.
●If the tire pressure warning light comes on even after tire inflation pressure adjust-
ment, it is probable that you have a flat tire. Check the tires. If the tire is flat,
change to the spare tire and have the flat tire repaired by the nearest Lexus
dealer.
●Avoid abrupt maneuvering and braking. If the vehicle tires deteriorate, you could
lose control of the steering wheel or the brakes.

5
When trouble arises
399
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 control 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 greater 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.

406
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
■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 part 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 order in which they were con-
nected.
Once the engine starts, have the vehicle 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