towing Lexus GS350 2011 User Guide

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When trouble arises
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5-1. Essential information
GS_G_U (OM30C11U)
October 28, 2011 5:15 pm
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.
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 rear, the wheels and axle on the ground must be in good
condition.
If they are damaged, use a towing dolly or flat bed truck.

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5-1. Essential information
GS_G_U (OM30C11U)
October 28, 2011 5:15 pm
Emergency towingIf 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 be attempted on hard, surfaced roads for short
distances at low speeds.
A driver must be in the vehicle to steer and operate the brakes. The vehi-
cle’s wheels, drive train, axles, steer ing and brakes must be in good condi-
tion.
Towing eyelet
■Emergency towing procedure Release 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).
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STEP3

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5-1. Essential information
GS_G_U (OM30C11U)
October 28, 2011 5:15 pm
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. Always be cautious of the
surroundings and other vehicles while towing.
●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 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.

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5-1. Essential information
GS_G_U (OM30C11U)
October 28, 2011 5:15 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

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5-1. Essential information
GS_G_U (OM30C11U)
October 28, 2011 5:15 pm
■Location of the emergency towing eyelet
→P. 5 5 7
CAUTION
■Installing towing eyelet to the vehicle
Make sure that towing eyelet is 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.

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5-1. Essential information
GS_G_U (OM30C11U)
October 28, 2011 5:15 pm
Towing with a sling-type truck
NOTICE
■To prevent body damage
Do not tow with a sling-type truck, either from the front or rear.

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5-1. Essential information
GS_G_U (OM30C11U)
October 28, 2011 5:15 pm
Towing with a wheel lift-type truckFrom front Use a towing dolly under the rear
wheels.
From rear (2WD models) Turn the “ENGINE START STOP”
switch to the ACCESSORY mode
so that the steering wheel is
unlocked.
From rear (4WD models) Use a towing dolly under the front
wheels.

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GS_G_U (OM30C11U)
October 28, 2011 5:15 pm
NOTICE
■To prevent causing serious damage to the automatic transmission
Never tow this vehicle from the front with the rear wheels on the ground.
■To prevent damaging the vehicle
●Do not tow the vehicle with the “ENGINE START STOP” switch is OFF.
The steering lock mechanism is not strong enough to hold the front wheel
straight.
●When raising the vehicle, ensure adequate ground clearance for towing at the
opposite end of the raised vehicle. Without adequate clearance, the vehicle
could be damaged while being towed.

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5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
GS_G_U (OM30C11U)
October 28, 2011 5:15 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

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5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
GS_G_U (OM30C11U)
October 28, 2011 5:15 pm
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 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.
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 shift 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
traction under the tires.
Restart the engine.
Shift the shift lever to the “D” or “R” position and carefully apply
the accelerator to free the vehicle.
Turn off TRAC/Enhanced VSC if these functions are hampering
your attempts to free the vehicle. (→P. 2 0 1 )
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