Lexus ES300h 2014 Owner's Manual

7507-1. Essential information
ES350_300h_OM_OM33A60U_(U)
CAUTION
■If the engine <hybrid system> has to be turned off while driving
Power assist for the steering wheel will be lost, making the steering wheel heavier
to turn. Decelerate as much as possible before turning off the engine <hybrid sys-
tem>.

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7
When trouble arises
7-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If your vehicle needs to be towed
The following may indicate a problem with your transmission <hybrid
transmission>. Contact your Lexus dealer before towing.
●The engine is running <hybrid system is operating> but the vehicle will
not move.
●The vehicle makes an abnormal sound.
If towing is necessary, we recommend having your vehicle towed by
your Lexus dealer or a commercial towing service, using a lift-type
truck or flat bed truck.
Use a safety chain system for all towing, and abide by all state/provin-
cial and local laws.
Before towing

7527-2. Steps to take in an emergency
ES350_300h_OM_OM33A60U_(U)
Gasoline vehicles: If a tow truck is
not available in an emergency, your
vehicle may be temporarily towed
using a cable or chain secured to
the emergency towing eyelet. This
should only be attempted on hard
surfaced roads for short distances
at low speeds.
A driver must be in the vehicle to steer and operate the brakes. The vehi-
cle’s wheels, drive train, axles, steering and brakes must be in good condi-
tion.
Hybrid vehicles: If a tow truck is not available in an emergency, your vehi-
cle may be temporarily towed using a cable or chain secured to the emer-
gency towing eyelet. This should only be attempted on hard surfaced
roads for short distances at under 18 mph (30 km/h).
A driver must be in the vehicle to steer and operate the brakes. The vehi-
cle’s wheels, drive train, axles, steering and brakes must be in good condi-
tion.
Emergency towing

7537-2. Steps to take in an emergency
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7
When trouble arises
Take out the towing eyelet. (→P. 793)
Remove the eyelet cover using a
flathead screwdriver.
To protect the bodywork, place a rag
between the screwdriver and the vehi-
cle body as shown in the illustration.
Insert the towing eyelet into the
hole and tighten partially by hand.
Tighten down the towing eyelet
securely using a wheel nut
wrench.
Installing towing eyelet
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2
3
4

7547-2. Steps to take in an emergency
ES350_300h_OM_OM33A60U_(U)
Do not tow with a sling-type truck to
prevent body damage.
Towing with a sling-type truck
Towing with a wheel-lift type truck
XFrom the frontXFrom the rear
Release the parking brake. Use a towing dolly under the front wheels.

7557-2. Steps to take in an emergency
ES350_300h_OM_OM33A60U_(U)
7
When trouble arises
If your Lexus is transported by a flat
bed truck, it should be tied down at
the locations shown in the illustra-
tion.
If you use chains or cables to tie
down your vehicle, the angles
shaded in black must be 45°.
Do not overly tighten the tie downs
or the vehicle may be damaged.
■Before emergency towing Release the parking brake.
Shift the shift lever to N.
Gasoline vehicles: Turn the “START STOP ENGINE” switch to ACCESSORY
(engine off) or IGNITION ON (engine running) mode.
Hybrid vehicles: Turn the “POWER” switch to ACCESSORY (hybrid system off)
or ON (hybrid system operating) mode.
Using a flat bed truck
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2
3

7567-2. Steps to take in an emergency
ES350_300h_OM_OM33A60U_(U)
CAUTION
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.
■Caution while towing
●Use extreme caution when towing the vehicle.
Avoid sudden starts or erratic driving maneuvers which place excessive stress on
the emergency towing eyelet and the cable or chain. Always be cautious of the
surroundings and other vehicles while towing.
●Gasoline vehicles: If the engine is not running, the power assist for the brakes and
steering will not function, making steering and braking more difficult.
Hybrid vehicles: If the hybrid system is off, the power assist for the brakes and
steering will not function, making steering and braking more difficult.
■Installing towing eyelet to the vehicle
Make sure that towing eyelet is installed securely.
If not securely installed, towing eyelet may come loose during towing.
NOTICE
■To prevent causing serious damage to the transmission when towing using a
wheel-lift type truck
Never tow this vehicle from the rear with the front wheels on the ground. This may
cause serious damage to the transmission.
■To prevent damage to the vehicle when towing using a wheel-lift type truck
When raising the vehicle, ensure adequate ground clearance for towing at the
opposite end of the raised vehicle. Without adequate clearance, the vehicle could
be damaged while being towed.
■To prevent body damage when towing with a sling-type truck
Do not tow with a sling-type truck, either from the front or rear.

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When trouble arises
7-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If you think something is wrong
●Fluid leaks under the vehicle.
(Water dripping from the air conditioning after use is normal.)
●Flat-looking tires or uneven tire wear
●Engine coolant temperature gauge needle continually points higher
than normal.
●Changes in exhaust sound
●Excessive tire squeal when cornering
●Strange noises related to the suspension system
●Pinging or other noises related to the engine <hybrid system>
●Engine missing, stumbling or running roughly
●Appreciable loss of power
●Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when braking
●Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when driving on a level road
●Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling, pedal almost touches the
floor
If you notice any of the following symptoms, your vehicle probably
needs adjustment or repair. Contact your Lexus dealer as soon as pos-
sible.
Visible symptoms
Audible symptoms
Operational symptoms

758
ES350_300h_OM_OM33A60U_(U)
7-2. Steps to take in an emergency
Fuel pump shut off system (gasoline vehicles)
Follow the procedure below to restart the engine after the system is acti-
vated.Turn the “START STOP ENGINE” switch to ACCESSORY mode or
turn it off.
Restart the engine.
To minimize the risk of fuel leakage when the engine stalls or when an
airbag inflates upon coll ision, the fuel pump shut off system stops the
supply of fuel to the engine.
NOTICE
■Before starting the engine
Inspect the ground under the vehicle.
If you find that fuel has leaked onto the ground, the fuel system has been damaged
and is in need of repair. Do not restart the engine.
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When trouble arises
7-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If a warning light turns on or a warning buzzer
sounds
The following warning indicates a possible problem in the brake system.
Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact your Lexus
dealer.
*: Brake system warning buzzer (hybrid vehicles): When there is a possible problem that could affect braking performance, the
warning light will come on and a warning buzzer will sound.
Parking brake engaged warning buzzer:
→ P. 7 76
■Brake system warning light operation (hybrid vehicles)
Although depressing the brake pedal repeatedly may cause the red brake system
warning light to turn on and the buzzer to sound, this does not indicate a malfunction.
Calmly perform the following actions if any of the warning lights comes
on or flashes. If a light comes on or flashes, but then goes off, this does
not necessarily indicate a malfunction in the system. However, if this
continues to occur, have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer.
Stop the vehicle immediately. Continuing to drive the vehicle may
be dangerous.
Warning lightWarning light/Details
(U.S.A.)
(Canada)
Brake system warning light (warning buzzer)*
• Low brake fluid
• Malfunction in the brake booster system
This light also comes on when the parking brake is not released.
If the light turns off after the parking brake is fully released the
system is operating normally.