tow Lexus GS350 2011 Owner's Guide

5
When trouble arises
523
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.

524
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

5
When trouble arises
525
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.

526
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.

5
When trouble arises
527
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.

528
5-1. Essential information
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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When trouble arises
557
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

5
When trouble arises
563
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
GS_G_U (OM30C11U)
October 28, 2011 5:15 pm
Firmly tighten each nut two or
three times in the order shown in
the illustration.
Tightening torque:
76 ft•lbf (103 N•m, 10.5 kgf•m)
Stow the flat tire, tire jack and all tools.
STEP4
■If you have a flat rear tire on a road covered with snow or ice
Install the compact spare tire on the front of the vehicle. Perform the following steps
and fit tire chains to the rear tires.Replace a front tire with the compact spare tire.
Replace the flat rear tire with the tire removed from the front of the vehi-
cle.
Fit tire chains to the rear tires.
■After completing the tire change
The tire pressure warning system must be reset. ( →P. 4 6 4 )
STEP5
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3

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When trouble arises
581
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 )
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
STEP5

640
Alphabetical index
GS_G_U (OM30C11U)
October 28, 2011 5:15 pm
Daytime running light system ........... 156
DefoggerRear window........................................255
Side mirror ............................................255
Dimension ............................................... 584
Dinghy towing ........................................ 224
Display Multi-information display................. 152
Touch screen ....................................... 228
Trip information ....................................153
Warning message............................. 544
Do-it-yourself maintenance ............. 442
Door courtesy lights ............................382
Door pocket............................................392
Doors Door lock...................................29, 41, 43
Rear door child protector ................ 44
Driver’s seat belt reminder light .....536
Driver’s seat position memory ...........55
Driving
Correct posture .................................... 90
Procedures ............................................. 124
DVD player/changer......................... 280
Electric power steering ....................... 199
Electronic key If the electronic key does not operate properly ...................... 571
Replacing battery .............................. 482 Emergency, in case of
If a warning light turns on .............. 534
If a warning message is displayed ............................................ 544
If the electronic key does not operate properly ..................... 571
If the engine will not start .......................................................568
If the shift lever cannot be shifted from “P” ............................... 569
If the 12 volt battery is discharged ........................................574
If you have a flat tire ............ 557, 567
If you lose your keys ........................ 570
If you think something is wrong .................................................. 530
If your vehicle becomes stuck ......581
If your vehicle has to be stopped in an emergency ............................ 582
If your vehicle needs to be
towed ................................................... 520
If your vehicle overheats................ 578
Engine ACCESSORY mode....................... 134
Compartment ..................................... 448
Engine (ignition) switch.................... 133
Hood ....................................................... 445
How to start the engine ................... 133
If the engine will not start ...............568
Overheating ........................................ 578
Engine compartment cover ............. 450
Engine coolant temperature gauge .......................................................145D
E