trailer Lexus GS300h 2017 Owner's Manual

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GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F92E_(EE) 3-5. Opening, closing the
windows and moon roof
Power windows............................ 193
Moon roof ...................................... 196
4-1. Before driving Driving the vehicle .................... 200
Cargo and luggage .................. 208
Trailer towing (vehicles without towing package) .....209
Trailer towing (vehicles with towing package)....................... 210
4-2. Driving procedures Power (ignition) switch ..............217
EV drive mode ............................ 222
Hybrid transmission .................. 224
Turn signal lever .......................... 231
Parking brake ..............................232
Brake Hold....................................235
4-3. Operating the lights and wipers
Headlight switch ......................... 237
AHS (Adaptive High-beam System)......................................... 241
Automatic High Beam ............. 246
Fog light switch .......................... 250
Windshield wipers and washer.................................. 251 4-4. Refueling
Opening the fuel tank cap...... 257
4-5. Using the driving support systems
Lexus Safety System+ ............... 261
PCS (Pre-Crash Safety system)......................................... 270
LKA (Lane-Keeping Assist)...........................................282
RSA (Road Sign Assist)............ 291
Dynamic radar cruise control with full-speed
range ............................................ 296
Cruise control ............................ 308
Driving mode select switch.......311
BSM (Blind Spot Monitor) ...... 314

961-3. Theft deterrent system
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F92E_(EE)
■Tilt sensor detection cons iderations (if equipped)
The sensor may trigger the alarm in the following situations:
●The vehicle is transported by a ferry, trailer, train, etc.
●The vehicle is parked in a parking garage.
●The vehicle is inside a car wash that moves the vehicle.
●Any of the tires loses air pressure.
●The vehicle is jacked up.
●An earthquake occurs or the road caves in.
NOTICE
■To ensure the intrusion sensor function correctly
●Installing accessories other than genuine Lexus parts or leaving objects between the
driver’s seat and front passenger’s seat may reduce the detection performance.
●To ensure that the sensors operate properly,
do not touch or cover them.
●Do not spray air fresheners or other products
directly into the sensor holes.

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4Driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F92E_(EE) 4-1. Before driving
Driving the vehicle.................... 200
Cargo and luggage .................. 208
Trailer towing (vehicles without towing package) .....209
Trailer towing (vehicles with towing package)....................... 210
4-2. Driving procedures Power (ignition) switch ..............217
EV drive mode ............................ 222
Hybrid transmission .................. 224
Turn signal lever .......................... 231
Parking brake .............................. 232
Brake Hold....................................235
4-3. Operating the lights and wipers
Headlight switch ......................... 237
AHS (Adaptive High-beam System)......................................... 241
Automatic High Beam ............. 246
Fog light switch .......................... 250
Windshield wipers and washer.................................. 251 4-4. Refueling
Opening the fuel tank cap ..... 257
4-5. Using the driving support systems
Lexus Safety System+ ................261
PCS (Pre-Crash Safety system) ........................................ 270
LKA (Lane-Keeping Assist) .......................................... 282
RSA (Road Sign Assist) ............291
Dynamic radar cruise control with full-speed
range ............................................ 296
Cruise control ............................ 308
Driving mode select switch ...... 311
BSM (Blind Spot Monitor) ...... 314

2024-1. Before driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F92E_(EE)
■Breaking in your new Lexus
To extend the life of the vehicle, observing the following precautions is recommended:
●For the first 300 km (186 miles):
Avoid sudden stops.
●For the first 800 km (500 miles):
Do not tow a trailer.
●For the first 1000 km (621 miles):

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4-1. Before driving
Driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F92E_(EE)
Trailer towing (vehicles without towing package)
Lexus does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle. Lexus also does
not recommend the installation of a tow hitch or the use of a tow hitch carrier
for a wheelchair, scooter, bicycle, etc. Your vehicle is not designed for trailer
towing or for the use of tow hitch mounted carriers.

2104-1. Before driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F92E_(EE)
Trailer towing (vehicles with towing package)
◆Weight limits
Check the allowable towing capacity, GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass), MPAC
(Maximum Permissible Axle Capacity), and permissible drawbar load before
towing. ( P. 546)
◆Towing hitch/bracket
Lexus recommends the use of the Lexus hitch/bracket for your vehicle. Other
products of a suitable nature and comparable quality may also be used.
Your vehicle is designed primaril y as a passenger carrying vehicle.
Towing a trailer will have an adverse effect on handling, performance, brak-
ing, durability, and fuel consumption. Your safety and satisfaction depend on
the proper use of correct equipment and cautious driving habits. For your
safety and the safety of others, do not overload the vehicle or trailer.
To tow a trailer safely, use extreme care and drive the vehicle in accordance
with the trailer’s characteristics and operating conditions.
Lexus warranties do not apply to damage or malfunction caused by towing a
trailer for commercial purposes.
Ask your local authorized Lexus retailer or Lexus authorized repairer, or any
reliable repairer for further details before towing, as there are additional legal
requirements in some countries.

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4-1. Before driving
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Driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F92E_(EE)
■Total trailer weight and permissible drawbar load
Total trailer weight
Weight of the trailer itself plus the
trailer load should be within the max-
imum towing capacity. Exceeding
this weight is dangerous. ( P. 546)
When towing a trailer, use a friction
coupler or friction stabilizer (sway
control device).
Permissible drawbar load
Allocate the trailer load so that the drawbar load is greater than 25 kg (55.1 lb.) or
4% of the towing capacity. Do not let the drawbar load exceed the indicated
weight. ( P. 546)
■Information tag (manufacturer’s label)
Gross vehicle mass
The combined weight of the driver,
passengers, towing hitch, luggage,
total curb mass and drawbar load
should not exceed the gross vehicle
mass by more than 100 kg (220.5
lb.). Exceeding this weight is danger-
ous.
Maximum permissible rear axle capacity
The weight borne by the rear axle should not exceed the maximum permissible
axle capacity by 15% or more. Exceeding this weight is dangerous.
The values for towing capacity were derived from testing conducted at sea level.
Take note that engine output and towing capacity will be reduced at high altitudes.
Important points regarding trailer loads
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WARNING
■When the gross vehicle mass limit or maximum permissible axle capacity is exceeded
Do not exceed the established speed limit fo r towing a trailer in built-up areas or 100
km/h (62 mph), whichever is lower.
Failing to observe this precaution may lead to an accident causing death or serious
injury.
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4-1. Before driving
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Driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F92E_(EE)
■Tire information
●Increase the tire inflation pressure to 20.0 kPa (0.2 kgf/cm 2
or bar, 3 psi) greater than
the recommended value when towing. ( P. 555)
●Increase the air pressure of the trailer tires in accordance with the total trailer weight
and according to the values recommended by the manufacturer of your trailer.
■Trailer lights
●Please consult any authorized Lexus retailer or Lexus authorized repairer, or any reli-
able repairer when installing trailer lights, as incorrect installation may cause damage to
the vehicle’s lights. Please take care to comply with your state’s laws when installing
trailer lights.
●Check that the turn signal lights and stoplights are operating correctly every time you
hitch up the trailer. Directly wiring up to your vehicle may damage the electrical systemand stop the lights from functioning correctly.
■Break-in schedule
Lexus recommends that vehicles fitted with new power train components should not be
used for towing trailers for the first 800 km (500 miles).
■Safety checks before towing
●Check that the maximum load limit for the towing hitch/bracket and hitch ball is not
exceeded. Bear in mind that the coupling weight of the trailer will add to the load
exerted on the vehicle. Also make sure that the total load exerted on the vehicle is
within the range of the weight limits. ( P. 211)
●Ensure that the trailer load is secure.
●Supplementary outside rear view mirrors should be added to the vehicle if the traffic
behind cannot be clearly seen with standard mirrors. Adjust the extending arms of
these mirrors on both sides of the vehicle so that they always provide maximum visibility
of the road behind.
■Maintenance
●Maintenance must be performed more frequently when using the vehicle for towing
due to the greater weight burden placed on the vehicle compared to normal driving.
●Retighten all bolts securing the hitching ball and bracket after towing for approximately
1000 km (600 miles).
NOTICE
■When the rear bumper strengthening material is aluminum
Ensure the steel bracket part does not come directly in contact with that area.
When steel and aluminum come into contact, there is a reaction similar to corrosion,
which will weaken the section concerned and may result in damage. Apply a rust inhib-
itor to parts that will come in co ntact when attaching a steel bracket.

2144-1. Before driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F92E_(EE) Your vehicle will handle differently when towing a trailer
. In order to avoid acci-
dent, death or serious injury, keep the following in mind when towing:
■Checking connections between trailer and lights
Stop the vehicle and check the operation of the connection between the
trailer and lights after driving for a brief period as well as before starting off.
■Practicing driving with a coupled trailer ●Get the feel for turning, stopping an d reversing with the trailer coupled by
practicing in an area with no or light traffic.
● When reversing with a coupled trailer, hold the section of the steering
wheel nearest to you and rotate clockwise to turn the trailer left or counter-
clockwise to turn it right. Always rotate a little at a time to prevent steerin g
error. Have someone guide you when reversing to lessen the risk of an
accident.
■Increasing vehicle-to-vehicle distance
At a speed of 10 km/h (6 mph), the distance to the vehicle runni ng ahead of
you should be equivalent to or greater than the combined length of your v ehi-
cle and trailer. Avoid sudden braking that may cause skidding. Otherwise, the
vehicle may spin out of control. This is especially true when driving on wet or
slippery road surfaces.
■Sudden acceleration/steering input/cornering
Executing sharp turns when towing may result in the trailer colliding with your
vehicle. Decelerate well in advance when approaching turns and take them
slowly and carefully to avoid sudden braking.
■Important points regarding turning
The wheels of the trailer will travel closer to the inside of the curve than the
wheels of the vehicle. To make allowance for this, take the turns wider than you
would normally do.
■Important points regarding stability
Vehicle movement resulting from uneven road surfaces and strong cross-
winds will affect handling. The vehicle may also be rocked by passing buses or
large trucks. Frequently check behind when moving alongside such vehicles.
As soon as such vehicle movement occurs, immediately start to decelerate
smoothly by slowly applying the brakes. Always steer the vehicle straight
ahead while braking.
Guidance

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4-1. Before driving
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Driving
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30F92E_(EE)
■Passing other vehicles
Consider the total combined length of your vehicle and trailer and ensure that
the vehicle-to-vehicle distance is sufficient before executing lane change s.
■Transmission information
To maintain engine braking efficiency, when using engine braking, when driv-
ing on a long steep downgrade, do not use the transmission in D. (P. 227)
■If the engine overheats
Towing a loaded trailer up a long, steep incline in temperatures exceeding 30 C (85 F) may result in the engine overheating. If the engine coolant tem-
perature gauge indicates that the engine is overheating, turn the air condition-
ing off immediately, leave the road and stop the vehicle in a safe place. (  P. 535)
■When parking the vehicle
Always place wheel chocks under the wheels of both the vehicle and trailer.
Firmly set the parking brake and shift the shift lever to P.
WARNING
Follow all the instructions described in this se ction. Failure to do so could cause an acci-
dent resulting in death or serious injury.
■Trailer towing precautions
When towing, make sure that none of the weight limits are exceeded. ( P. 211)
■To avoid accident or injury
●Do not tow a trailer when the compact spare tire is installed on your vehicle.
●Do not tow a trailer when the tire installed is repaired with the emergency tire punc-
ture repair kit.
●Do not use cruise control (if equipped) or dynamic radar cruise control with full-
speed range (if equipped) when trailer towing.
■Vehicle speed in towing
Observe the legal maximum speeds for trailer towing.
■Before descending hills or long declines
Reduce speed and downshift. However, never downshift suddenly while descending
steep or long downhill grades.
■Operation of the brake pedal
Do not hold the brake pedal depressed often or for long periods of time.
Doing so may result in the brake ov erheating or reduce braking effects.