2008 Lexus GX470 ABS

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1-3. Adjustable components (seats, mirrors, steering wheel, etc.)
1
Before driving
Folding up the third seats■ Before folding up the third seats
Stow the rear seat belt buckles.
Use the seat belt hangers to pre-
vent the belts from becoming tan-
gled.
For the center seat belt, stow the
seat belt tabs in the cover set in the
roof as shown.

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1-3. Adjustable components (seats, mirrors, steering wheel, etc.)
1
Before driving
■Release method
The belt can be completely released when not required, such as when
removing the third seat.
To release the hooked tab, insert
the vehicle’s key into the hole on
the buckle with the light gray
buckle release button.
Stow the seat belt tabs in the cover
set in the roof as shown.
■ Extracting the belt
Pull the belt out partially, then remove the tabs from the cover.
STEP1
STEP2

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2-2. Instrument cluster
2
When driving
CAUTION
■If a safety system warning light does not come on
Should a safety system light such as ABS and the SRS airbag warning light not
come on when you turn the engine switch to the “ON” position, this could mean
that these systems are not available to help protect you in an accident, which could
result in death or serious injury. Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer
immediately if this occurs.
■Warning lights
Warning lights inform the driver of malfunctions in the indicated
vehicle’s systems. ( →P. 381)
*: These lights turn on when the engine switch is turned to the “ON” posi-
tion to indicate that a system check is being performed. They will turn off
after the engine is running, or afte r a few seconds. There may be a mal-
function in a system if the lights do not come on, or turn off. Have the
vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer.
(U.S.A.)(Canada)(U.S.A.)(Canada)
(if equipped)(U.S.A.)(Canada)
*******
*****
**

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2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
Driving assist systems
To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following systems
operate automatically in response to various driving situations. Be aware,
however, that these systems are supplementary and should not be relied
upon too heavily when operating the vehicle.
■ ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
Helps to prevent wheel lock when the brakes are applied suddenly, or if
the brakes are applied while driving on a slippery road surface.
■Brake Assist
Generates an increased level of braking force after the brake pedal is
depressed, when the system detects a panic stop situation.
■VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)
Helps the driver to control skidding when swerving suddenly or turning on
slippery road surfaces.
■Active traction control
Maintains drive power and prevents the 4 wheels from spinning when
starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads.
■Hill-start assist control
Helps prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards when starting on an
incline or slippery slope. It operates for approximately 5 seconds at maxi-
mum.
■Limited Slip Differential
Transfers drive power to the rear tires when front tires spin, and vice versa,
in order to improve traction.
■Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (if equipped)
Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System helps to significantly enhance han-
dling response by reducing roll stiffness of the suspension stabilizer bars
through means of a hydraulic control system.

160
2-4. Using other driving systems
When the VSC/TRAC/hill-start assist control systems are operating
If the vehicle is in danger of slip-
ping, rolling backwards when
starting on an incline, or if the rear
wheels spin, the slip indicator light
flashes to indicate that the VSC/
TRAC/hill-start assist control sys-
tems have been engaged.
A buzzer (intermittent) sounds to
indicate that VSC is operating.
The stop lights and high mounted
stoplight turn on when the hill-start
assist control system is operating.
The slip indicator light flashes as
well when ABS is operating.
■Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS, brake assist, VSC, TRAC and hill-start
assist control systems
●A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the engine is
started or just after the vehicle begins to move. This sound does not indicate that
a malfunction has occurred in any of these systems.
●Any of the following conditions may occur when the above systems are operat-
ing. None of these indicates that a malfunction has occurred.
• Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.
• A motor sound may be heard after the vehicle comes to a stop.
• The brake pedal may pulsate slightly after the ABS is activated.
• The brake pedal may move down slightly after the ABS is activated.
■Hill-start assist control is operational when
●The shift lever is in any of the positions “D”, “4”, “3”, “2” or “L”.
●The brake pedal is not depressed.

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2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
CAUTION
Any of the following conditions may result in an accident which could cause death or
serious injury:
■The ABS does not operate effectively when
●The limits of tire gripping performance have been exceeded.
●The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on the wet or slick road.
■Stopping distance when the ABS is operating on the wet or slick roads
The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehicle’s stopping distance. Always main-
tain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you in the following situations.
●When driving on dirt, gravel or snow-covered roads
●When driving with tire chains
●When driving over bumps in the road
●When driving over roads with potholes or roads with uneven roads
■TRAC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slippery road
surfaces, even if the TRAC is operating.
Do not drive the vehicle in conditions where stability and power may be lost.
■The hill-start assist control may not operate effectively when
●On steep inclines.
●On icy surfaces.
■When the VSC is activated
The slip indicator light flashes and a warning buzzer sounds. Always drive carefully.
Reckless driving may cause an accident. Exercise particular care when the indica-
tor light flashes and a buzzer sounds.

162
2-4. Using other driving systems
CAUTION
■Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the same size, brand, tread pattern and total load
capacity. In addition, make sure that the tires are inflated to the specified tire pres-
sure level.
The ABS and VSC will not function correctly if different tires are fitted on the vehi-
cle.
Contact your Lexus dealer for further information when replacing tires or wheels.
■Handling of tires and suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modifying the suspension will affect the driv-
ing assist systems, and may cause the system to malfunction.

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2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
●Always place wheel blocks under both the vehicle and the trailer
wheels when parking. Apply the parking brake firmly, and put the
transmission in “P”. Avoid parking on a slope, but if unavoidable, do so
only after performing the following:
Apply the brakes and keep them applied.
Have someone place wheel blocks under both the vehicle and
trailer wheels.
When the wheel blocks are in place, release the brakes slowly
until the blocks absorb the load.
Apply the parking brake firmly.
Shift into “P” and turn off the engine.
● When restarting after parking on a slope:
With the transmission in the “P” position, start the engine. Be sure
to keep the brake pedal pressed.
Shift into “3”, “2”, “L”, or “R” position (if reversing).
Release the parking brake and brake pedal, and slowly pull or
back away from the wheel blocks. Stop and apply the brakes.
Have someone retrieve the blocks.
CAUTION
■To avoid an accident
●Do not exceed 45 mph (72 km/h) or the posted towing speed limit, whichever is
lower. A instability (swaying) of the towing vehicle-trailer combination increases
as speed increases, exceeding 45 mph (72 km/h) may cause loss of control.
●Slow down and downshift before descending steep or long downhill grades. Do
not make sudden downshifts.
●Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long or applying the brakes too fre-
quently.
This could cause the brakes to overheat and result in reduced braking efficiency.
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