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

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
162
IF YOUR ENGINE STALLS WHILE
DRIVING
If your engine stalls while driving....
1. Reduce your speed gradually, keeping a straight line.
Move cautiously off the road to a safe place.
2. Turn on your emergency flashers.
3. Try starting the engine again.
If the engine will not start, see ªIf your vehicle won't start.º
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.
IF YOUR VEHICLE WILL NOT START
(a) Simple checks
Before making these checks, make sure you have followed
the correct starting procedure instructions in ªHow to start
the engineº on page 135 and that you have sufficient fuel.
If the engine is not turning over or is turning over too
slowly ±
1. Check that the battery terminals are tight and clean.
2. If the battery terminals are O.K., switch on the interior
light.
3. If the light is out, dim or goes out when the starter is
cranked, the battery is discharged. You may try jump
starting. See ª(c) Jump startingº for further instruction.
If the light is O.K., but 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 pull± or push±start the vehicle. It may
damage the vehicle or cause a collision when the
engine starts. Also the three±way catalytic
converter may overheat and become a fire hazard.
If the engine turns over at its normal speed but will not
start ±
1. The engine may be flooded because of repeated
cranking. See ª(b) Starting a flooded engineº for further
instructions.

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
1664. If the coolant is leaking, stop the engine immediately.
Call a Lexus dealer, Roadside Assisatnce or Customer
Service Assistance. (See ªForeword.º)
5. If there are no obvious leaks, check the coolant
reservoir. If it is dry, add water to the reservoir while he
engine is running. Fill it about half full.
CAUTION!
Do not attempt to remove the radiator cap when the
engine and radiator are hot. Serious injury could
result from scalding hot fluid and steam blown out
under pressure.
6. After the engine coolant temperature has cooled to
normal, again check the coolant level in the reservoir. If
necessary, bring it up to half full again. Serious coolant loss
indicates a leak in the system. You should have it checked
as soon as possible by your Lexus dealer.
IF YOU HAVE A FLAT TIRE
1. Reduce your speed gradually, keeping a straight line.
Move cautiously off the road to a safe place ± well away from
the traffic. Avoid stopping on the center divider of a highway.
Park on a level spot with firm ground.
2. Stop the engine and turn on your emergency flashers.
3. Firmly set the parking brake and put the transmission in
ªP.º4. Have everyone get out of the vehicle on the side away
from traffic.
5. Read the following instructions thoroughly.
CAUTION!
When jacking, be sure to observe the following to
reduce the possibility of personal injury:
Follow jacking instructions.
Never get beneath the vehicle when supported by
a jack.
Stop the vehicle at a level place and chock the
wheel diagonally opposite to the one being
changed. Otherwise, the vehicle the will move
and possibly cause unexpected accident.
Make sure to set the jack properly in the jack
point. Raising the vehicle with jack improperly
positioned will damage the vehicle or may allow
the vehicle to fall off the jack and cause injury to
the person.
Never get under the vehicle when the vehicle is
supported by the jack alone.
Use a jack only for lifting your vehicle during
wheel changing.
Do not raise the vehicle with someone in the
vehicle.
When raising the vehicle, do not put an object on
or under the jack.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
17210. After changing the wheel, check the air pressure of
the replaced tire. Stow all the tools, jack and flat tire
securely.
If the pressure of the replaced tire is low, drive slowly to the
nearest service station and fill to the correct pressure.
Do not forget to reinstall the tire valve cap as dirt and
moisture could get into the valve core and possible cause air
leakage. If the cap is missing, put a new one on as soon as
possible.
This is the same procedure for changing or rotating your
tires.
CAUTION!
Before driving, make sure all the tools, jack and flat
tire are securely in place in their storage location to
reduce the possibility of personal injury during a
collision or sudden braking.
IF YOUR VEHICLE NEEDS TO BE
TOWED
If towing is necessary, we recommend you to have it
done by your Lexus dealer or a commercial tow truck
service. In consultation with them, have your vehicle
towed using either (a) or (b).
(a) Towing with a wheel lift type truck
(b) Using a flat bed truck
(c) Never tow with a sling type truck
Only when you cannot receive a towing service from a
Lexus dealer or commercial tow truck service, tow your
vehicle carefully in accordance with the instructions
given in ª(d) Emergency towingº on page 176.
Proper equipment will help ensure that your vehicle is not
damaged while being towed. Commercial operators are
generally aware of the state/provincial and local laws
pertaining to towing.
Your vehicle can be damaged if it is towed incorrectly.
Although most operators know the correct procedure, it is
possible to make a mistake. To avoid damage to your
vehicle, make sure the following few precautions are
observed. If necessary, show this page to the tow truck
driver.
TOWING PRECAUTIONS:
Use a safety chain system for all towing, and abide by the
state/provincial and local laws. The wheels and axle on the
ground must be in good condition. If they are damaged, use
a towing dolly.

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.