LEXUS GX 460 (2019 year). Instruction - part 22

344

4-5. Using the driving support systems

CAUTION

■

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, and 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, turn off the rear height control air suspen-

sion and stop the engine.

●

When the vehicle must be towed or disconnecting a trailer, put the vehicle height in N

mode and turn off the rear height 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 driving 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 turning 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 turning 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.

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4-5. Using the driving support systems

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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

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4-5. Using the driving support systems

Four-wheel drive system

H4 (high speed position)

Normal driving on all types of roads.

L4 (low speed position)

Driving requiring maximum power and

traction such as climbing or descending

steep hills, off-road driving, and hard

pulling in sand or mud, etc.
The low speed four-wheel drive indica-

tor will come on.

Use the four-wheel drive control switch and center differential lock/unlock
switch to select the following transfer and center differential modes.

Four-wheel drive control switch

1

2

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4-5. Using the driving support systems

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Lock the center differential when your
vehicle’s wheels get stuck in a ditch or
when driving on a slippery or bumpy
surface.

The center differential lock indicator will

come on.
Unlock the center differential after the

wheels have been freed, or after moving

to a flat, non-slippery surface.
To unlock the center differential, push the switch again.

■

Shifting from H4 to L4

Stop the vehicle completely with brake pedal held down.
Shift the shift lever to N.
Push and shift the four-wheel drive control switch to L4.

Maintain this condition until the low speed four-wheel drive indicator turns on.

■

Shifting from L4 to H4

Stop the vehicle completely with brake pedal held down.
Shift the shift lever to N.
Push and shift the four-wheel drive control switch to H4.

Maintain this condition until the low speed four-wheel drive indicator turns off.

Center differential lock/unlock switch

Shifting between H4 and L4

1

2
3

1

2
3

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4-5. Using the driving support systems

■

When the four-wheel drive control switch can be operated

●

The engine switch is in IGNITION ON mode.

●

The shift lever is in the N position.

●

The vehicle is stopped completely.

■

The low speed four-wheel drive indicator

●

The indicator blinks while switching between H4 and L4.

●

If the low speed four-wheel drive indicator continues to blink when you operate the

four-wheel drive control switch to the H4 or L4 position, stop the vehicle completely,

shift the shift lever securely into N and then operate the switch again.

●

If the shift lever is moved before the low speed four-wheel drive indicator turns on/off,

the transfer mode may not be shifted completely. The transfer mode disengages both

the front and rear drive shafts from the powertrain and allows the vehicle to move

regardless of the shift position. (At this time, the indicator blinks and the buzzer sounds.) 

Therefore, the vehicle is free to roll even if the shift lever is in P. You or someone else

could be seriously injured. You must complete the shifting of the transfer mode and

confirm that the indicator has turned off (H4) or turned on (L4).

●

If the engine coolant temperature is too low, the four-wheel drive control system may

not be able to shift. When the engine is warmer operate the switch again.

If the indicator continue to blink even if doing so, have the vehicle inspected by your

Lexus dealer as soon as possible. There may be a trouble in the four-wheel drive system.

■

When the transfer mode is switched to L4
Vehicles without Multi-terrain Select: 

VSC is automatically turned off. (The VSC OFF indicator will come on.)
Vehicles with Multi-terrain Select: 

VSC and TRAC/Active TRAC are automatically turned off. (The VSC OFF indicator will

come on and the “TRAC OFF” will be shown on the multi-information display.)

■

When the center differential lock/unlock switch can be operated
The engine switch is in IGNITION ON mode.

■

The center differential lock indicator

●

The indicator blinks while locking/unlocking the center differential.

●

If the center differential lock indicator blinks and the buzzer sounds when the center

differential is locked, stop the slipping or spinning and push the switch again.

If the indicator continue to blink even if doing so, have the vehicle inspected by your

Lexus dealer as soon as possible. There may be a trouble in the four-wheel drive system.

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4-5. Using the driving support systems

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■

Locking/unlocking the center differential

●

If the operation is not completed, the center differential lock indicator blinks. If the indi-

cator does not turn off when unlocking the center differential, drive straight ahead

while accelerating or decelerating, or drive in reverse.

●

Avoid turning suddenly while the center differential is locked. If you do turn suddenly,

the difference in turning speeds between the front and rear wheels may have a similar

effect to braking, thus making driving difficult.

CAUTION

■

While driving
Observe the following precautions. Failure to do so may cause an accident resulting in

death or serious injury.

●

Never move the four-wheel drive control switch if the wheels have lost traction.

●

Do not operate the center differential lock/unlock when the vehicle is turning or

when its wheels are spinning freely off the ground.

NOTICE

■

To prevent damage to the center differential

●

For normal driving on dry and hard surface roads, unlock the center differential.

●

Unlock the center differential after the wheels are out of the ditch or off the slippery

or bumpy surface.

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4-5. Using the driving support systems

Crawl Control



ON/OFF switch
Speed selection switch

On/off

The Crawl Control indicator is lit and

the slip indicator flashes when operat-

ing.
Also, the operating status and speed

select status of the Crawl Control are

shown on the multi-information display.

Higher
Lower



: If equipped

Allows travel on extremely rough off-road surfaces at a fixed low speed with-
out pressing the accelerator or brake pedal. Minimizes loss of traction or
vehicle slip when driving on slippery road surfaces, helping for stable driving.

Crawl Control switch

1

2

System operation

1

2
3

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4-5. Using the driving support systems

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●

LO (low mode)
Effective when traveling on rocks, or descending a slope of mogul and rub-
ble.

*

●

MED (medium mode)
Effective when ascending a slope of mogul.

*

●

HI (high mode)
Effective when ascending a slope of mogul and rubble, or traveling on snow,
dirt, mud, sand, gravel, grass etc.

*

The position between low and medium modes and the position between medium
and high modes can also be selected.

*

: Depending on the road surface, may not be the most effective.

■

The Crawl Control can be operated when

●

The shift lever is in any gear other than P or N.

●

The four-wheel drive control switch is in L4.

●

The driver’s door is closed.

■

Automatic system cancelation
In the following situations, the system is canceled automatically:

At that time, the buzzer will sound, the slip indicator turns off, and the Crawl Control indi-

cator flashes.

A notification will be displayed on the multi-information display for several seconds. 

(

P. 526)

●

When the shift lever is moved to P or N.

●

When the four-wheel drive control switch is in H4.

●

When the driver’s door is opened.

When turning off Crawl Control while traveling, stop the vehicle before the Crawl Con-

trol indicator turns off, or drive extremely carefully.

■

Function limit

●

In the following situations, you will be able to use brake control to drive downhill at a

fixed low speed, but you will be unable to use engine control to drive uphill at a fixed low

speed.
• When the driving mode is set to second start mode.

• When the vehicle speed is higher than 6 mph (10 km/h).

●

When the vehicle speed is higher than 15 mph (25 km/h), engine control and brake

control will stop temporarily. At that time, the Crawl Control indicator flashes.

Speed modes

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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 shown 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 will 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. 531)

■

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 sound does not indicate that a malfunction has

occurred in Crawl Control system.

●

Either of the following conditions may occur 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 after the vehicle comes to a stop.

■

If the slip indicator comes on...
It may indicate a malfunction in the system. Consult 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 system may not be able to maintain a fixed

low speed, which may result in an accident:

●

Extremely steep inclines.

●

Extremely uneven surfaces.

●

Snow-covered roads, or other slippery surfaces.

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4-5. Using the driving support systems

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Downhill assist control system



Shift the “DAC” switch to ON. The
downhill assist control system indicator
light comes on and the system will
operate.

When the system is in operation, the slip

indicator light will flash, and the stop

lights/high mounted stop lights will be lit.

Shift the “DAC” switch to OFF while the system is in operation. The downhill
assist control system indicator will flash as the system gradually ceases operation,
and will turn off when the system is fully off.
Shift the “DAC” switch to ON while the downhill assist control system indicator is
flashing to start the system again.



: If equipped

The downhill assist control system helps to prevent excessive speed on steep
downhill slopes. 
The system will operate when the vehicle is traveling under 15 mph (25 km/h)
and the four-wheel drive control switch is in the L4 position.

System operation

Turning off the system

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4-5. Using the driving support systems

■

Operating tips
The system will operate when the shift lever is in a position other than P, however to make

effective use of the system it is recommended that the shift lever be shifted to 2 or 1 range

of S mode.

■

If the four-wheel drive control switch is in H4
The system does not operate.

■

When the downhill assist control system is operated continuously
This may cause the brake actuator to overheat. In this case, the downhill assist control

system will stop operating, a buzzer will sound and the downhill assist control system

indicator will start flashing, and the “TRAC OFF” will be shown on the multi-information

display. Refrain from using the system until the downhill assist control system indicator

stays on and the message goes off. (The vehicle can be driven normally during this time.)

■

Sounds and vibrations caused by the downhill assist 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 sound does not indicate that a malfunction has

occurred in downhill assist control system.

●

Either of the following conditions may occur when the downhill assist control system is

operating. 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 after the vehicle comes to a stop.

■

System malfunction

●

The downhill assist control system indicator does not come on when the engine switch

is turned to IGNITION ON mode.

●

The downhill assist control system indicator does not come on when the “DAC” switch

is pressed.

●

The slip indicator comes on.

In the above cases, have your vehicle checked by your Lexus dealer.

CAUTION

■

When using downhill assist control system
Do not rely overmuch on the downhill assist control system. This function does not

extend the vehicle’s performance limitations. Always thoroughly check the road condi-

tions, and drive safely.

■

The system may not operate on the following surfaces, which may lead to an accident

causing death or serious injury

●

Slippery surfaces such as wet or muddy roads

●

Icy surface

●

Unpaved roads

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4-5. Using the driving support systems

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Driving assist systems

◆

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

◆

Multi Terrain ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) (vehicles with a Multi-terrain
Select 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, or in off-road conditions (such as

rough roads, sand and mud)
The Multi Terrain ABS operates in synchronization with the Multi-terrain Select

◆

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

◆

TRAC (Traction Control) for H4 position

Helps to maintain drive power and prevent the drive wheels from spinning when start-

ing the vehicle or accelerating on slippery roads

To help enhance driving safety and performance, the following systems oper-
ate automatically in response to various driving situations. Be aware, however,
that these systems are supplementary and should not be relied upon too heav-
ily when operating the vehicle.

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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 slippery roads, or in off-road conditions

◆

Hill-start assist control (if equipped)

Helps to prevent the vehicle from rolling backward when starting on an incline or slip-

pery slope

◆

KDSS (Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System)

KDSS helps to enhance ride comfort and handling response by using a hydraulic con-

trol system to control the suspension stabilizer bars in response to road surface and

driving conditions during cornering or off-road driving

◆

PCS (Pre-Collision system) (if equipped)

P. 372

◆

Trailer Sway Control

Helps the driver to control trailer sway by selectively applying brake pressure for indi-

vidual wheels and reducing engine torque when trailer sway is detected.
Trailer Sway Control is part of the VSC system and will not operate if VSC turned off

or experiences a malfunction.

*

: The function only works in vehicles with Multi-terrain Select when Multi-terrain

Select is switched on

If the vehicle is in danger of slipping or
rolling backward when starting on an
incline, or if any of the drive wheels
spins, the slip indicator light flashes to
indicate that the TRAC or Active
TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Control/hill-
start assist control systems are operat-
ing.

The stop lights and high mounted stoplight turn on when the hill-start assist control

system is operating.

When the TRAC or Active TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Control/hill-start
assist control systems are operating

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4-5. Using the driving support systems

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If the vehicle gets stuck in fresh snow or mud, the TRAC or Active TRAC/VSC/
Trailer Sway Control systems may reduce power from the engine to the wheels.
You may need to turn the system off to enable you to rock the vehicle in order to
free it.

■

Turning off TRAC or Active TRAC system only
To turn the TRAC or Active TRAC
system off, quickly press and release
the switch.

The “TRAC OFF” will be shown on

the multi-information display.
Press the switch again to turn the sys-

tem back on.

■

Turning off both TRAC or Active TRAC and VSC/Trailer Sway Control sys-
tems
To turn the TRAC or Active TRAC
and VSC/Trailer Sway Control sys-
tems off, press and hold the switch
for 3 seconds and more while the
vehicle is stopped.

The VSC OFF indicator light will

come on and the “TRAC OFF” will

be shown on the multi-information

display.
Press the switch again to turn the sys-

tem back on.

■

When the “TRAC OFF” is displayed on the multi-information display even if the VSC

OFF switch has not been pressed
TRAC/Active TRAC, hill-start assist control, downhill assist control and Crawl Control

cannot be operated. Contact your Lexus dealer.

■

Hill-start assist control operation conditions

●

The shift lever is in D or S.

●

The brake pedal is not depressed.

Disabling the TRAC or Active TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Control sys-
tems

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4-5. Using the driving support systems

■

Sounds and vibrations caused by the ABS/Multi Terrain ABS, brake assist, TRAC/

Active TRAC, VSC/Trailer Sway Control 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 operating.

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/Multi Terrain ABS is activated.

• The brake pedal may move down slightly after the ABS/Multi Terrain ABS is acti-

vated.

■

Reactivation of the TRAC or Active TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Control systems after

turning off the engine
Turning off the engine after turning off the TRAC or Active TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway

Control systems will automatically re-enabled them.

■

Reactivation of the TRAC or Active TRAC system linked to vehicle speed
When only the TRAC or Active TRAC system is turned off, the TRAC or Active TRAC

system will turn on when vehicle speed increases. However, when both TRAC or Active

TRAC and VSC/Trailer Sway Control systems are turned off, the systems will not turn on

even when vehicle speed increases.

■

When the brake system operates continuously
The brake actuator may overheat. In this case, the TRAC or Active TRAC and hill-start

assist control systems will stop operating, a buzzer will sound and the “TRAC OFF” will

be shown on the multi-information display. Refrain from using the system until the mes-

sage goes off. (There is no problem with continuing normal driving.)

■

If the slip indicator comes on...
It may indicate a malfunction in the TRAC/Active TRAC, VSC/Trailer Sway Control or

hill-start assist control system. Consult your Lexus dealer.

■

KDSS
Some difference of vehicle height between left and right side can appear. This does not

indicate a malfunction in the KDSS system. For more information, contact your Lexus

dealer.

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CAUTION

■

The ABS/Multi Terrain ABS does not operate effectively when

●

The limits of tire gripping performance have been exceeded (such as excessively

worn tires on a snow covered road).

●

The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on the wet or slick road.

■

Stopping distance when the ABS/Multi Terrain ABS is operating may exceed that of

normal conditions
The ABS/Multi Terrain ABS is not designed to shorten the vehicle’s stopping distance.

Always maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, especially in the follow-

ing 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 uneven surfaces

■

TRAC/Active TRAC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be achievable while driving on slippery road

surfaces, even if the TRAC/Active TRAC system is operating. 

Do not drive the vehicle in conditions where stability and power may be lost.

■

Hill-start assist control does not operate effectively when
Do not overly rely on the hill-start assist control. The hill-start assist control may not

operate effectively on steep inclines and roads covered with ice.

■

When the VSC/Trailer Sway Control is activated
The slip indicator light flashes. Always drive carefully.

Reckless driving may cause an accident. Exercise particular care when the indicator

light flashes.

■

When the TRAC or Active TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Control systems are turned off
Be especially careful and drive at a speed appropriate to the road conditions. As these

are the systems to help ensure vehicle stability and driving force, do not turn the TRAC

or Active TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Control systems off unless necessary.