emergency towing Lexus GS350 2008 Do-it-yourself maintenance / LEXUS 2008 GS460/350 OWNER'S MANUAL (OM30A87U)

478
GS_G_U
May 13, 2008 5:14 pm
5-1. Essential information
If your vehicle needs to be towed
Before towingThe following may indicate a problem with your automatic 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 ch ain 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 s teer and operate the brakes. The vehi-
cle’s wheels, drive train, axles, steering and brakes must be in good condi-
tion.
If towing is necessary, we recommen d having your vehicle towed by your
Lexus dealer or a commercial towing service, 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 rear, the wheels and axle on the ground must be in good
condition.
If they are damaged, use a to wing dolly or flat bed truck.

5
When trouble arises
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5-1. Essential information
GS_G_U
May 13, 2008 5:14 pm
Towing eyelet
■Emergency towing procedureRelease the parking brake.
Put the shift lever in “N”.
The “ENGINE START STOP” switch must be in the ACCESSORY mode
(engine off) or the IGNITION ON mode (engine on).
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.
●If the engine is not running, the power assi st for the brakes and steering will not
function, making steering and braking more difficult.
NOTICE
■To prevent causing serious damage to the automatic transmission
Never tow this vehicle from the front with the rear wheels (2WD models) or four
wheels (4WD models) on the ground. 
This may cause serious damage to the automatic transmission.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3

480
5-1. Essential information
GS_G_U
May 13, 2008 5:14 pm
Installing towing eyeletRemove the eyelet cover using a
flathead screwdriver.
To protect the bodywork, place a
rag between the screwdriver and
the vehicle 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.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
■Location of the emergency towing eyelet
P. 5 1 2

512
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
GS_G_U
May 13, 2008 5:14 pm
If you have a flat tire (Vehicles with standard tires)
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
Wheel nut wrench Jack
Jack handle
Spare tireTi g h t e n
Loosen
Tools
Towing eyelet

5
When trouble arises
537
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
GS_G_U
May 13, 2008 5:14 pm
NOTICE
■To avoid damaging the automatic transmission and other components
●Avoid spinning the wheels and racing the engine.
●If the vehicle remains stuck after trying these procedures, the vehicle may require
towing to be freed.

590
Alphabetical index
GS_G_U
May 13, 2008 5:14 pm
Smart access system with 
push-button start Antenna location....................................24
Entry function...........................................22
Starting the engine ................................121
Spare tire Inflation pressure............................... 550
Spare tire..................................................513
Spark plug ................................................546
Specifications ........................................ 540
Speedometer........................................... 132
Steering wheel Adjustment............................................... 60
Audio switches ...................................288
Steering wheel position 
memory...................................................47
Storage compartment ........................ 344
Storage feature......................................340
Stuck If your vehicle becomes stuck.....536
Sun visors ................................................. 347
Switch “ENGINE START STOP” 
switch .......................................................121
Fog light switch .....................................145
Ignition switch..........................................121
Light switches ........................................ 142
Mode select switch............................. 126
Power door lock switch .....................37
Power window switch ........................ 64
Tire pressure warning 
reset switch ....................................... 422
Tire pressure 
warning select switch................... 424
Window lock switch ........................... 64
Wipers and washer switch .............146 Tachometer ..............................................132
Tail lights
Switch ........................................................ 142
Theft deterrent system Alarm........................................................... 75
Immobilizer system .............................. 73
Theft prevention labels........................... 77
Tire inflation pressure .........................550
Tire information Glossary ................................................ 562
Size ........................................................... 559
Tire identification number .............558
Uniform Tire Quality Grading ... 560
Tires Chains..................................................... 200
Checking................................................. 421
Compact spare tire............................ 513
If you have a flat tire ............... 512, 522
Inflation pressure ...............................550
Information ........................................... 556
Replacing ................................................ 512
Rotating tires.......................................... 421
Size ...........................................................550
Snow tires.............................................. 202
Tire pressure warning system....... 421
Tools.............................................................512
Total load capacity ................................ 198
Touch screen..........................................208
Towing Dinghy towing .................................... 205
Emergency towing ........................... 478
Trailer towing ...................................... 204
Traction control...................................... 184
Trip meter ..................................................132T