Page 194 of 640
194
GX460_OM_OM60Q09U_(U)4-2. Driving procedures
Automatic transmission
While the engine switch is in IGNITION ON mode, move the shift lever
with the brake pedal depressed.
When shifting the shift lever between P and D, make sure that the vehicle is
completely stopped. 
*1: Shifting to the D position allows the system
 to select a gear suitable for the driving
conditions. Setting the shift lever to the D  position is recommended for normal driv-
ing.
*2: Selecting shift ranges using S mode rest ricts the upper limit of the possible gear
ranges, controls engine braking forces , and prevents unnecessary upshifting.
Shifting the shift lever
Shift position purpose
Shift positionPurpose and condition
PParking the vehicle/starting the engine
RReversing
NNeutral 
(Condition in which the power is not transmitted)
DNormal driving*1
SS mode driving*2 ( → P. 196) 
     
        
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198
GX460_OM_OM60Q09U_(U)4-2. Driving procedures
■If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P
First, check whether the brak
e pedal is being depressed.
If the shift lever cannot be shifted with your foot on the brake pedal, there may be a prob-
lem with the shift lock system. Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer, immedi-
ately.
The following steps may be used as an emergency measure to ensure that the shift lever
can be shifted.
Releasing the shift lock: Set the parking brake.
Turn the engine switch off.
Depress the brake pedal.
■If the “S” indicator does not come on ev en after shifting the shift lever to S
This may indicate a malfunction in the automatic transmission system. Have the vehicle
inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately. 
(In this situation, the transmission will operat e in the same manner as when the shift lever
is in D.)
■Downshift restriction warning buzzer (S mode)
To help ensure safety and  driving performance, downshifti ng operation may sometimes
be restricted. In some circum stances, downshifting may not  be possible even when the
shift lever is operated. (A buzzer will sound twice.) Pry the cover up with 
a flathead screwdriver
or tool.
Press the shift lock override button.
The shift lever can be shifted while the button
is pressed.
1
2
3
4
5 
     
        
        Page 311 of 640

GX460_OM_OM60Q09U_(U)
3114-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
■The Multi-terrain Select can be operated when
The Crawl Control is off.
■When using Multi-terrain Select
The following functions cannot be switched on or off.
●VSC
●Active TRAC
●Second start mode
A message will be shown on the multi-inform ation display stating that these functions
cannot be switched using the VSC OFF switch or the menu and “ENTER” switches.
■When selecting a terrain mode
If you are unsure which mode is appropriate, select MOGUL when the four-wheel drive
control switch is in L4 or select  MUD & SAND when it is in H4.
Guidance DisplayVehicle StatusProcedure
SHIFT TO L4LOOSE ROCK, MOGUL or ROCK
mode is selected when the four-wheel
drive control switch is in H4Set the four-wheel
drive control switch to
L4
STOP THE VEHI-
CLE AND SHIFT
THE AUTO-
MATIC TRANS-
MISSION TO NThe four-wheel drive control switch
has been shifted to H4 or L4 and
LOOSE ROCK, MOGUL or ROCK
mode is selected, but the automatic
transmission is not in N position or the
vehicle is not stopped
Stop the vehicle com-
pletely and shift the
shift lever into N
ACCELERATE OR
DECELERATE
The center differential lock/unlock
switch is pressed when Multi-terrain
Select is operating, but the center dif-
ferential cannot be switched between
lock and unlockDrive straight ahead
while accelerating or
decelerating, or drive
in reverse
RETURN THE
FOUR-WHEEL
DRIVE CON-
TROL SWITCHThe four-wheel drive control switch is
shifted when Multi-terrain Select is
operating, but the transfer cannot be
shifted to H4 or L4 positionReturn the four-wheel
drive control switch to
L4 or H4
MULTI-TERRAIN
SELECT NOT
AVAILABLEThe VSC, EFI, 4WD and/or Multi-ter-
rain Select system may be malfunc-
tioningContact your Lexus
dealer 
     
        
        Page 348 of 640

348
GX460_OM_OM60Q09U_(U)4-5. Using the driving support systems
■When the Crawl Control system
 is operated continuously
This may cause the brake actuator to overheat . In this case, the Crawl Control system will
stop operating, a buzzer will sound, the Crawl  Control indicator will turn off after flashing
and the “TRAC OFF” will be show n on the multi-information display. In this case, quickly
stop the vehicle in a safe place and give the  actuator adequate time to cool off. Refrain
from using the system until the message goes  off. (The vehicle can be driven normally
during this time.)
■If the automatic transmission system overheats
The system will cease operation, a buzzer w ill sound and a warning message will be dis-
played to alert the driver. Stop the vehicle in a safe place until the warning message turns
off. ( →P. 533)
■Sounds and vibrations caused  by the Crawl Control system
●A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the engine is started or just
after the vehicle begins to move. This soun d does not indicate that a malfunction has
occurred in Crawl Control system.
●Either of the following conditions may occu r when the Crawl Control system is operat-
ing. None of these are indicators that a malfunction has occurred.
• Vibrations may be felt through  the vehicle body and steering. 
• A motor sound may be heard afte r the vehicle comes to a stop.
■If the slip indicator comes on...
It may indicate a malfunction in the system. Cons ult your Lexus dealer.
CAUTION
■When using Crawl Control
Do not rely solely on the Crawl Control. This function does not extend the vehicle’s
performance limitations. Always thoroughly  check the road conditions, and drive
safely.
■These conditions may cause the system not to operate properly
When driving on the following surfaces, the sy stem may not be able to maintain a fixed
low speed, which may re sult in an accident:
●Extremely steep inclines.
●Extremely uneven surfaces.
●Snow-covered roads, or other slippery surfaces. 
     
        
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384
GX460_OM_OM60Q09U_(U)4-6. Driving tips
NOTICE
■To prevent the water damage
Take all necessary safety measures to ensure that water damage to the engine or other
components does not occur.
●Water entering the engine air intake
 will cause severe engine damage. 
●Water entering the automatic transmission  will cause deterioration in shift quality,
locking up of your transmission accompanied by vibration, and ultimately damage.
●Water can wash the grease from wheel be arings, causing rusting and premature fail-
ure, and may also enter the differentials, tr ansmission and transfer case, reducing the
gear oil’s lubricating qualities.
■When you drive through water
If driving through water, such as when cro ssing shallow streams, first check the depth of
the water and the bottom of the riverbed  for firmness. Drive slowly and avoid deep
water.
■Inspection after off-road driving
●Sand and mud that has accumulated in  brake drums and around brake discs may
affect braking efficiency and may damage brake system components.
●Always perform a maintenance inspection afte r each day of off-road driving that has
taken you through rough terrain, sand, mud,  or water. For scheduled maintenance
information, refer to the “Warranty and Se rvices Guide”, “Owner’s Manual Supple-
ment” or “Scheduled Maintenance”. 
     
        
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456
GX460_OM_OM60Q09U_(U)6-2. Maintenance
Vehicle interior
ItemsCheck points
Accelerator pedal• The accelerator pedal should move smoothly 
(without uneven pedal effort or catching).
Automatic transmission 
“Park” mechanism• When parked on a slope and the shift lever is in P, isthe vehicle securely stopped?
Brake pedal
• Does the brake pedal move smoothly?
• Does the brake pedal have appropriate clearance
from the floor? ( →P. 577)
• Does the brake pedal have the correct amount of
free play? ( →P. 577)
Brakes
• The vehicle should not pull to one side when the
brakes are applied.
• The brakes should work effectively.
• The brake pedal should not feel spongy.
• The brake pedal should no t get too close to the floor
when the brakes are applied.
Head restraints• Do the head restraints move smoothly and lock
securely?
Indicators/buzzers• Do the indicators and buzzers function properly?
Lights• Do all the lights come on?
• Are the headlights aimed correctly? ( →P. 496)
Parking brake• Does the parking brake pedal move smoothly?
• When parked on a slope and the parking brake is on,
is the vehicle securely stopped?
Seat belts• Do the seat belts operate smoothly?
• The seat belts should not be damaged.
Seats• Do the seat controls operate properly?
Steering wheel
• Does the steering wheel rotate smoothly?
• Does the steering wheel have the correct amount offree play?
• There should not be any strange sounds coming from the steering wheel. 
     
        
        Page 460 of 640
460
GX460_OM_OM60Q09U_(U)6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
Headlight aim 
(
→ P. 496)• Phillips-head screwdriver
Light bulbs 
(→ P. 498)
• Bulb with same number and wattage rating as original
• Phillips-head screwdriver•Flathead sc rewdriver
•Wrench
Power steering fluid
level (→P. 471)• Automatic transmission fluid DEXRON® II or III
• Rag or paper towel•Clean funnel
Radiator and con-
denser (→ P. 469)⎯
Tire inflation pres-
sure (→P. 483)• Tire pressure gauge• Compressed air source
Washer fluid 
(→ P. 475)• Water or washer fluid containing antifreeze (for winter use)
• Funnel (used only for adding water or washer fluid)
ItemsParts and tools 
     
        
        Page 471 of 640
GX460_OM_OM60Q09U_(U)
4716-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
■Fluid level
The fluid level should be within the appropriate range.Full (when cold)
Add fluid (when cold)
Full (when hot)
Add fluid (when hot)
Hot: The vehicles has been driven around 50 mph (80 km/h) for 20 min- utes, or slightly longer  in frigid temperatures. 
(Fluid temperature, 140 °F - 175 °F [60° C - 80 °C]).
Cold: The engine has not been run for about 5 hours.  (Room temperature, 50 °F - 85 °F [10 °C - 30 °C]).
■Checking the fluid level
Make sure to check the fluid type and prepare the necessary items.
Clean all dirt off the reservoir.
Remove the cap by turnin g it counterclockwise.
Wipe the dipstick clean.
Reinstall the cap and remove it again.
Check the fluid level.
Power steering fluid
1
2
3
4
Fluid typeAutomatic transmission fluid DEXRON® II or III
ItemsRag or paper, clean funnel (only for adding fluid)
1
2
3
4
5