2020 Lexus GX460 suspension

GX460_OM_OM60R27U_(U)
3374-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
■When HI mode is selected
The vehicle height will change to N mode when driving at the speeds of 18 mph (30 km/h).
Even if vehicle speed is then reduced to un der 18 mph (30 km/h), height will not return to
HI mode.
■When LO mode is selected
The vehicle height will change to N mode when vehicle speed exceeds 7 mph (12 km/h).
Even if vehicle speed is then reduced to un der 7 mph (12 km/h), height will not return to
LO mode.
■Automatic leveling function
Regardless of the number of occupants and the luggage load, vehicle height in any mode
is always adjusted to a fixed height by the automatic leveling function.
■The rear height control air suspension will not operate in the following cases:
●The underbody of the vehicle is touching the surface of the road.
●The area around the suspension is covered with ice.
■Even if you hear an operating noise
This does not indicate a problem in th e rear height control air suspension.
■Parking and stopping tips
●If you immediately stop the engine after off- road driving, or park the vehicle for a long
time, the vehicle height may gradually lower. When parking, make sure there is nothing
under the vehicle that may come in contact with the underbody. The vehicle will return
to the set height when the engine is started.
●The vehicle height may change as the temperature changes when the engine is
stopped. The vehicle will return to the set height when the engine is started.
■When lowering the vehicle
In order to prevent the vehicle height from rising as occupants leave the vehicle, lowering
control will occur for a short while after the engine has been stopped.
■The rear height control air suspension failure warning
●If a malfunction occurs in the rear height control air suspension, N mode is automati-
cally selected. However, the system may not switch to N mode depending on the loca-
tion of the malfunction.
●The “CHECK AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM”/“C heck air suspension system” is dis-
played on the multi-information display, and the rear height control air suspension can-
not be activated until the malfunction is corrected.
Stop the engine and start it again. If the warning message turns off, the system is operat-
ing correctly. If the warning message continues to be displayed, have your vehicle
inspected by your Lexus dealer as soon as possible.

338
GX460_OM_OM60R27U_(U)4-5. Using the driving support systems
WARNING
■The rear height control air suspension must be turned off
Be sure to observe the following precautions. Otherwise, the automatic leveling func-
tion may cause vehicle height to change, an
d you may catch part of your body in the
vehicle, resulting in an accident:
●When jacking up the vehicle, installing tire chains or tying the vehicle with chains/
wires for transportation via flatbed truck, tu rn off the rear height control air suspen-
sion and stop the engine.
●When the vehicle must be towed or disconnect ing a trailer, put the vehicle height in N
mode and turn off the rear he ight control air suspension.
●When the vehicle is stuck, turn off the rear height control air suspension.
■Selecting the correct height mode
●HI mode should only be used when drivin g on rough roads, for example when driving
off-road.
Because the vehicle’s center of gravity will become higher when in the mode, the
vehicle may become unstable when turnin g abruptly, resulting in an accident.
●Do not select HI mode when loading cargo on the roof luggage carrier.
Because the vehicle’s center of gravity will become higher when in the mode, the
vehicle may become unstable when turnin g abruptly, resulting in an accident.
●Before lowering vehicle height, check that there is no one under the vehicle.
NOTICE
■Be careful in any place where overhead space is limited
The vehicle height will rise when a higher mode is selected or cargo is unloaded. This
may cause damage to the vehicle.
■Do not select LO mode when driving on bumpy roads
If the underbody of the vehicle touches a rugged road surface, the vehicle may be
damaged.
■Changing vehicle height
Do not change vehicle height frequently.
The compressor may overheat and stop operation.
■When on the extremely uneven roads with rocks
Sometimes the vehicle height is not adjusted because it is judged as uneven road driv-
ing.

339
GX460_OM_OM60R27U_(U)4-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
AVS (Adaptive Variable Suspension System)
Sport mode
For winding mountain
road driving or
high speed driving
Normal mode
For normal driving
Comfort mode
When compared to normal mode, ride
comfort is improved.
■Driving mode
●Mode is suitable for heavy load or driving on a unpaved road.
●With the four-wheel drive control switch at L4, the damping effect suitable for off-road
driving will be provided, regardless of the position of the AVS switch.
: If equipped
The driving modes can be selected to suit driving condition.
1
2
3
1

352
GX460_OM_OM60R27U_(U)4-5. Using the driving support systems
◆Active TRAC (Traction Control) for L4 position*
Helps to maintain drive power and prevent the 4 wheels from spinning when starting
the vehicle or accelerating on slippe
ry roads, or in off-road conditions
*: The function only works in vehicles with Multi-terrain Sele ct when Multi-terrain
Select is switched on
◆Hill-start assist control
Helps to prevent the vehicle from rolling back ward when starting on an incline or slip-
pery slope
◆KDSS (Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System)
KDSS helps to enhance ride comfort and hand ling response by using a hydraulic con-
trol system to control the su spension stabilizer bars in response to road surface and
driving conditions during co rnering or off-road driving
◆Trailer Sway Control
Helps the driver to control trailer sway by selectively applying brake pressure for indi-
vidual wheels and reducing driving torque when trailer sway is detected.
The slip indicator light will flash while
the TRAC/Active TRAC/VSC/ABS/
Multi Terrain ABS/Trailer Sway Control
systems are operating.
When the TRAC/Active TRAC/VSC/ABS/Multi Terrain ABS/Trailer
Sway Control systems are operating

356
GX460_OM_OM60R27U_(U)4-5. Using the driving support systems
WARNING
■Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are
of the specified size, brand, tread pattern and total load
capacity. In addition, make sure that the tire s are inflated to the recommended tire infla-
tion pressure level.
The ABS/Multi Terrain ABS, TRAC/Active TRAC, Trailer Sway Control and VSC sys-
tems will not function correctly if diff erent tires are installed on the vehicle.
Contact your Lexus dealer for further in formation when replacing tires or wheels.
■Handling of tires and the suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modi fying the suspension will affect the driving
assist systems, and may cause a system to malfunction.
■Trailer Sway Control precaution
The Trailer Sway Control system is not able to reduce trailer sway in all situations.
Depending on many factors such as the condit ions of the vehicle, trailer, road surface
and driving environment, the Trailer Sway Control system may not be effective. Refer to
your trailer owner’s manual for information on how to tow your trailer properly.
■If trailer sway occurs
Observe the following precautions.
Failing to do so may cause death or serious injury.
●Firmly grip the steering wh eel. Steer straight ahead.
Do not try to control trailer sway by turning the steering wheel.
●Begin releasing the accelerator pedal immediately but very gradually to reduce
speed.
Do not increase speed. Do not apply vehicle brakes.
If you make no extreme correction with the steering or brakes, your vehicle and trailer
should stabilize. ( P. 191)

GX460_OM_OM60R27U_(U)
3734-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
WARNING
■Off-road driving precautions
Always observe the following precautions to minimize the risk of death, serious injury
or damage to your vehicle:
●Drive carefully when off the road. Do not ta ke unnecessary risks by driving in danger-
ous places.
●Do not grip the steering wheel spokes when driving off-road. A bad bump could jerk
the wheel and injure your hands. Keep both hands and especially your thumbs on the
outside of the rim.
●Always check your brakes for effectiveness immediately after driving in sand, mud,
water or snow.
●After driving through tall grass, mud, rock , sand, rivers, etc., check that there is no
grass, bush, paper, rags, stone, sand, etc. adhering or trapped on the underbody.
Clear off any such matter from the underbody. If the vehicle is used with these materi-
als trapped or adhering to the underbody, a breakdown or fire could occur.
●When driving off-road or in rugged terrain , do not drive at excessive speeds, jump,
make sharp turns, strike obje cts, etc. This may cause loss of control or vehicle rollover
causing death or serious injury. You are also risking expensive damage to your vehi-
cle’s suspension and chassis.

434
GX460_OM_OM60R27U_(U)6-1. Maintenance and care
Cleaning and protecting the vehicle exterior
●Working from top to bott
om, liberally apply water to the vehicle body, wheel
wells and underside of the vehicl e to remove any dirt and dust.
●Wash the vehicle body using a sponge or soft cloth, such as a chamois.
●For hard-to-remove marks, use car wa sh soap and rinse thoroughly with
water.
●Wipe away any water.
●Wax the vehicle when the waterproof coating deteriorates.
If water does not bead on a clean surface, apply wax when the vehicle body is cool.
■Automatic car washes
●Fold the mirrors back before washing the ve hicle. Start washing from the front of the
vehicle. Make sure to extend the mirrors before driving.
●Brushes used in automatic car washes may scratch the vehicle surface and harm your
vehicle’s paint.
■High pressure car washes
●As water may enter the cabin, do not bring the nozzle tip near the gaps around the
doors or perimeter of the windows, or spray these areas continuously.
●For vehicles with rear height control air suspension, do not bring the nozzle tip near the
rear air suspension unit.
■Aluminum wheels
●Remove any dirt immediately by using a neutral detergent.
●Wash detergent off with water immediately after use.
●To protect the paint from damage, make sure to observe the following precautions.
• Do not use acidic, alkaline or abrasive detergent
• Do not use hard brushes
• Do not use detergent on the wheels when they are hot, such as after driving or park- ing in hot weather
■Bumpers and side moldings
Do not scrub with abrasive cleaners.
■Front side windows water-repellent coating
●The following precautions can extend the effectiveness of the water-repellent coating.
• Remove any dirt, etc. from the front side windows regularly.
• Do not allow dirt and dust to accumulate on the windows for a long period.
Clean the windows with a soft, damp cloth as soon as possible.
• Do not use wax or glass cleaners that contain abrasives when cleaning the windows.
• Do not use any metallic objects to remove condensation build up.
●When the water-repellent performance has become insufficient, the coating can be
repaired. Contact your Lexus dealer.
Perform the following to protect the ve hicle and maintain it in prime condi-
tion:

436
GX460_OM_OM60R27U_(U)6-1. Maintenance and care
NOTICE
■To prevent paint deterioration and corrosion
on the body and components (aluminum
wheels etc.)
●Wash the vehicle immediatel y in the following cases:
• After driving near the sea coast
• After driving on salted roads
• If coal tar or tree sap is present on the paint surface
• If you see dead insects, insect drop pings or bird droppings on the paint
• After driving in an area contaminated wi th soot, oily smoke, mine dust, iron pow-
der or chemical substances
• If the vehicle becomes heavily soiled in dust or mud
• If liquids such as benzene and gasoli ne are spilled on the paint surface
●If the paint is chipped or scratched, have it repaired immediately.
●To prevent the wheels from corroding, remove any dirt and store in a place with low
humidity when storing wheels.
■Cleaning the exterior lights
●Wash carefully. Do not use organic subs tances or scrub with a hard brush.
This may damage the surfaces of the lights.
●Do not apply wax on the surfaces of the lights.
Wax may cause damage to the lenses.
■To prevent damage to the windshield wiper arms
When lifting the wiper arms away from the windshield, pull the driver side wiper arm
upward first, and repeat for the passenger side. When returning the wipers to their
original position, do so from the passenger side first.
■When using an automatic car wash (vehic les with rain-sensing windshield wiper)
Set the wiper switch to the off position.
If the wiper switch is in “AUTO”, the wipers may operate and the wiper blades may be
damaged.
■When using a high pressure car wash
●Do not bring the nozzle tip close to boots (rubber or resin manufactured cover), con-
nectors or the following parts. The parts may be damages if they come into contact
with high-pressure water.
• Traction related parts
• Steering parts
• Suspension parts
•Brake parts
●Keep the cleaning nozzle at least 11.9 in. (30 cm) away from the vehicle body. Other-
wise resin section, such as moldings and bumpers, may be deformed and damaged.
Also, do not continuously hold the nozzle in the same place.
●Do not spray the lower part of the windshield continuously. If water enters the air con-
ditioning system intake located near the lo wer part of the windshield, the air condi-
tioning system may not operate correctly.