key Lexus ES300 1997 In Case Of An Emergency: In Case Of An Emergency

161
SECTION 4
IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
If your engine stalls while driving 162
If your vehicle will not start 162
If your vehicle overheats 165
If you have a flat tire 166
If your vehicle needs to be towed 172
If you cannot shift automatic transmission
selector lever 177
If you lose your keys or lock yourself out 178

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
163 2. If the engine still will not start, it needs adjustment or
repair. Call a Lexus dealer, Roadside Assistance or
Customer Service Assistance. (See ªForeword.º)
(b) Starting a flooded engine
If the engine will not start, your engine may be flooded
because of repeated cranking.
If this happens, turn the key to ªSTARTº with the accelerator
pedal held down. Continue this operation for 30 seconds and
then stop cranking. Then try starting the engine with your
foot off the accelerator pedal.
If the engine does not start after 30 seconds of cranking,
release the key, wait a few minutes and try again.
If the engine still will not start, it needs adjustment or repair.
Call a Lexus dealer, Roadside Assistance or Customer
Service Assistance. (See ªForeword.º)
NOTICE
Do not crank for more than 30 seconds at a time.
This may overheat the starter and wiring systems.
(c) Jump starting
To avoid serious personal injury and damage to your
vehicle which might result from battery explosion, acid
burns, electrical burns, or damaged electronic
components, these instructions must be followed
precisely.
If you are unsure about how to follow this procedure, we
strongly recommend that you seek help from your Lexus
dealer, Roadside Assistance or Customer Service
Assistance. (See ªForewordº.)
CAUTION!
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which is
poisonous and corrosive. Wear protective safety
glasses when jump starting, and avoid spilling
acid on your skin, clothing, or vehicle.
If you should accidentally get acid on yourself or
in your eyes, remove any contaminated clothing
and flush the affected area with water for at least
15 minutes. Then get immediate medical
attention. If possible, continue to apply water with
a sponge or cloth while en route to the medical
office.
The gas normally produced by a battery will
explode if a flame or spark is brought near. Use
only standardized jumper cables and do not
smoke or light a match while jump starting.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
176
(d) Emergency towing
If towing is necessary, we recommend you have it done
by your Lexus dealer or a commercial tow truck service.
If towing service is not available in an emergency, your
vehicle may be temporarily towed by a cable or chain
secured to the emergency towing eyelet. Use extreme
caution when towing the vehicle.
A driver must be in the vehicle to steer it and operate the
brakes.
Towing in this manner may be done only on hard±surfaced
roads for a short distance and at low speeds. Also, the
wheels, axles, drive train, steering and brakes must all be in
good condition.
CAUTION!
Use extreme caution when towing the vehicle.
Avoid sudden starts or erratic driving maneuvers
which would place excessive stress on the
emergency towing eyelet and towing cable or chain.
The eyelet and towing cable or chain may break and
cause serious injury or damage.
NOTICE
Use only a cable or chain specifically intended for
use in towing vehicles. Securely fasten the cable or
chain to the towing eyelet provided.
Before towing, release the parking brake and put the
transmission in ªNº. The ignition key must be ªACCº (engine
off) or ªONº (engine running).
CAUTION!
If the engine is not running, the power assist for the
brakes and steering will not work so steering and
braking will be much harder than usual.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
177
IF YOU CANNOT SHIFT
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
SELECTOR LEVER
If you cannot shift the selector lever out of ªPº position
to other positions even though the brake pedal is
depressed, use the shift lock override button as
follows:

Turn the ignition key to ªLOCK.º Make sure the parking
brake is applied.
Pry up the cover with a flat±bladed screwdriver or
equivalent.
Insert the screwdriver or equivalent into the hole to push
down the shift lock override button. You can shift out of
ªPº position only while pushing the button.
Shift into ªNº position.
Insert the cover. Start the engine. For your safety, keep
the brake pedal depressed.
Be sure to have the system checked by your Lexus dealer
as soon as possible.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
178
IF YOU LOSE YOUR KEYS OR LOCK
YOURSELF OUT
If you need a replacement key, contact your Lexus
dealer.
See the suggestions given in ªKeysº on page 8.
If your keys are locked in the vehicle and you cannot get a
duplicate, many Lexus dealers can assist you. If you must
break a window to get in, we suggest breaking the smallest
side window because it is the least expensive to replace. Be
extremely cautious to avoid cuts from the glass.