emergency towing Lexus ES350 2009 Owner's Manual

5
When trouble arises
365
5-1. Essential information
ES350_U_(L/O_0808)
If your vehicle needs to be towed
Before towingThe following may indicate a problem with your transmission. Contact
your Lexus dealer before towing.
● The engine is running, but the vehicle will not move.
● The vehicle makes an abnormal sound.
Emergency towing
If a tow truck is not available, in an emergency your vehicle may be tem-
porarily towed using a cable or chain secured to the emergency towing
eyelet. This should only attempted on hard, surfaced roads for short dis-
tances 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. Towing eyelet
If towing is necessary, we recommend having your vehicle towed by your
Lexus dealer or a commercial towing se rvice, using a lift-type truck or a flat
bed truck.
Use a safety chain system for all towing, and abide by all state/provincial
and local laws.
If towing from the front, the vehicle’s rear wheels and axles must be in good
condition. ( →P. 3 6 9 )
If they are damaged, use a towing dolly or flat bed truck.

366
5-1. Essential information
ES350_U_(L/O_0808)
Installing towing eyeletRemove the eyelet cover using a
flat head screwdriver.
To protect the bodywork, place a
rag between the screwdriver and
the vehicle body, as shown in the
illustration.
■Emergency towing procedureRelease the parking brake.
Shift the shift lever to N.
Turn the “ENGINE START STOP” switch to ACCESSORY (engine off)
or IGNITION ON mode (engine running).
CAUTION
■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 eyelets and the cables or chains.
●If the engine is not running, the power assist for the brakes and steering will not
function, making steering and braking more difficult.
NOTICE
■To prevent causing serious da mage to the transmission
Never tow this vehicle from the rear with front wheels on the ground.
This may cause serious damage to the transmission.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP1

5
When trouble arises
367
5-1. Essential information
ES350_U_(L/O_0808)Insert the towing eyelet into the
hole and tighten partially by hand.
Tighten down the towing eyelet
securely using a wheel nut wrench.
STEP2
STEP3
■Location of the emergency towing eyelet
→
P. 3 9 7
CAUTION
■Installing towing eyelet to the vehicle
Make sure that towing eyelet are installed securely.
If not securely installed, towing eyelet may come loose during towing. This may lead
to accidents that cause serious injury or even death.

5
When trouble arises
397
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
ES350_U_(L/O_0808)
If you have a flat tire
Remove the flat tire and replace it with the spare provided.
■Before jacking up the vehicle
●Stop the vehicle on a hard, flat surface.
● Set the parking brake.
● Shift the shift lever to P.
● Stop the engine.
● Turn on the emergency flashers.
■ Location of the spare tire, jack and tools
Jack
Jack handle
Spare tireCompact spare tire
Wr e n c h
Towing eyelet

5
When trouble arises
419
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
ES350_U_(L/O_0808)
If the vehicle becomes stuck
CAUTION
■When attempting to free a stuck vehicle
If you choose to rock the vehicle back and forth to free it, make sure the surround-
ing area is clear, to avoid striking other vehicles, objects or persons. The vehicle
may also lunge forward or lunge back suddenly as it becomes free. Use extreme
caution.
■When shifting the shift lever
Be careful not to shift the shift lever with the accelerator pedal depressed.
This may lead to unexpected rapid acceleration of the vehicle that may cause an
accident and result in death or serious injury.
NOTICE
■To avoid damaging the transmission and other components
●Avoid spinning the wheels and do not rev the engine.
●If the vehicle remains stuck after trying these procedures, the vehicle may require
towing to be freed.
Carry out the following procedures if the tires spin or the vehicle becomes
stuck in mud, dirt, or snow.
●Stop the engine. Set the parking brake and put the shift lever in P.
● Remove the mud, snow, or sand from around the stuck tire.
● Place wood, stones or some other material to help provide trac-
tion under the tires.
● Restart the engine.
● Carefully apply the accelerator to free the vehicle.

462
Alphabetical index
ES350_U_(L/O_0808)
Cooling systemEngine overheating ............................416
Cornering assist sensors .................... 155
Cruise control Cruise control ....................................... 143
Dynamic radar crui se control .......146
Cup holders ............................................260
Curtain shield airbags............................ 77
Customizable features ....................... 447
Daytime running light system ........... 136
Defogger Rear window......................................... 195
Side mirror ............................................. 195
Dimension ................................................ 422
Dinghy towing ......................................... 185
Display Dynamic radar crui se control .......146
Trip information .................................... 132
Warning message.............................386
Do-it-yourself maintenance .............304
Door courtesy lights Door courtesy lights......................... 253
Wattage.................................................... 431
Doors Door glasses ........................................... 60
Door lock................................. 22, 34, 37
Side mirrors ............................................. 58
Driver's seat belt reminder light ..... 377
Driving Break-in tips .......................................... 109
Correct posture .................................... 75
Procedures ............................................ 108
Winter driving tips............................... 172
Driving position memory ...................... 44 Electronic key
If the electronic key does not
operate properly................................ 411
Emergency, in case of
If the electronic key does not operate properly................................ 411
If the engine will not start ............... 407
If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P................................... 409
If the vehicle has discharged
battery ................................................... 413
If the warning buzzer sounds.......375
If the warning light turns on...........375
If the warning message is
displayed ............................................ 386
If you have a flat tire .........................397
If you lose your keys .......................... 410
If you think something is
wrong .................................................... 371
If your vehicle becomes stuck ...... 419
If your vehicle needs to be towed ................................................... 365
If your vehicle overheats.................. 416
Emergency flashers
Switch...................................................... 364
Engine
Compartment ......................................... 311
Engine switch .......................................... 116
Hood .......................................................308
How to start the engine ..................... 116
Identification number .......................423
If the engine will not start ............... 407
Ignition switch .........................................116
Overheating .......................................... 416
Engine compartment cover ...............312
D
E

468
Alphabetical index
ES350_U_(L/O_0808)
TiresChains ....................................................... 174
Checking ............................................... 326
If you have a flat tire.......................... 397
Inflation pressure................................ 334
Inflation pressure sensor................ 327
Information............................................ 435
Replacing............................................... 397
Rotating tires ........................................ 326
Size ........................................................... 429
Snow tires ................................................ 176
Spare tire................................................ 397
Tools ........................................................... 397
Total load capacity .................................. 171
Towing Dinghy towing ...................................... 185
Emergency towing ...........................365
Trailer towing.........................................178
TRAC............................................................ 161
Traction control ........................................ 161
Trip meter ................................................. 125
Trunk Extending a space............................. 276
Opener ........................................................ 41
Trunk light Trunk light..................................................42
Wattage.................................................... 431
Turn signal lights
Replacing light bulbs........................ 354
Switch ........................................................ 122
Wattage.................................................... 431 Vanity lights
Vanity lights...........................................264
Wattage ................................................... 431
Vanity mirrors ........................................ 264
Vehicle identification number ......... 423
Vehicle stability control ........................ 161
Ventilators ................................................. 271
VSC .............................................................. 161
Warning buzzers
Brake system........................................375
Downshifting............................................ 121
Open door ........................................... 377
Seat belt reminder ............................. 377
Warning lights Anti-lock brake system ...................376
Brake assist system ...........................376
Brake system........................................375
Charging system ................................376
Low fuel level........................................ 377
Low tire pressure warning light......................................................... 377
Malfunction indicator lamp ...........376
Master warning light......................... 377
Open door ............................................ 377
Pre-collision system..........................376
Pretensioners .......................................376
Rear light failure warning light ..... 377
Seat belt reminder light ................... 377
SRS airbags...........................................376V
W