towing Lexus IS220d 2012 User Guide

247
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
IS250/220d/200d_EE
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).
Maintenance
Maintenance must be performed more frequently when using the vehicle
for towing due to the greater weight burden placed on the vehicle com-
pared to normal driving.
Retighten all bolts securing the hitching ball and bracket after towing for
approximately 1000 km (600 miles).
Safety checks before towing
Check that the maximum load limit for the towing hitch/bracket 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 you will
not be towing a load that exceeds the maximum permissible axle capac-
ity.
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.
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 which may result in
damage. Apply a rust inhibitor to parts that will come in contact when
attaching a steel bracket.
When installing a towing harness to the vehicle
To prevent inoperative stop lights and damage to the vehicle stop light wir-
ing, take care when connecting a trailer harness to the vehicle. A relay with
a separate power source must be added to limit the current draw on the vehi-
cle stop light wiring.

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2-5. Driving information
IS250/220d/200d_EE
Guidance
Your vehicle will handle differently when towing a trailer. In order
to avoid accident, 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 setting off.
Practicing driving with a coupled trailer
Get the feel for turning, stopping and 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 counterclockwise to turn right. Always rotate
gradually to prevent steering error. Have someone guide you
when reversing to lessen the risk of accident.
Increasing vehicle-to-vehicle distance
At a speed of 10 km/h (6 mph), the distance to the vehicle run-
ning ahead of you should be equivalent to or greater than the
combined length of your vehicle and trailer. Avoid sudden brak-
ing 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 col-
liding with your vehicle. Decelerate well in advance when
approaching turns and take them slowly and carefully to avoid
sudden braking.

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2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
IS250/220d/200d_EE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.
Important points regarding stability
Vehicle movement resulting from uneven road surfaces and
strong crosswinds 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 vehi-
cle straight ahead while braking.
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 changes.
Transmission information
Refrain from driving in 6 (manual transmission) or 4 range in S
mode (automatic transmission) to maintain the effectiveness of
the engine brake and the charge performance of electrical com-
ponents.
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 temperature gauge indicates that the engine is
overheating, turn the air conditioning off immediately, leave the
road and stop the vehicle in a safe place. (P. 525)
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 for automatic transmissions, and 1 or R for manual trans-
missions.

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2-5. Driving information
IS250/220d/200d_EE
CAUTION
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
Do not hold the brake pedal depressed often or for long periods.
Doing so may result in the brake overheating or reduce braking effects.
To avoid accident or injury
Do not use cruise control when you are towing.
Do not tow the vehicle with the compact spare tire installed.

5
459
5-1. Essential information
When trouble arises
IS250/220d/200d_EE
If your vehicle needs to be towed
Before towing
The following may indicate a problem with your transmission.
Contact any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly
qualified and equipped professional, 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 temporarily towed using a cable or chain secured to the emer-
gency towing eyelet(s). 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
vehicle’s wheels, drive train, axles, steering and brakes must be in
good condition.
If towing is necessary, we recommend having your vehicle towed by
any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and
equipped professional, such as 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/provin-
cial and local laws.
If towing from the rear, the vehicle's front wheels and axles must be in
good condition. (P. 463)
If they are damaged, use a towing dolly or flat bed truck.

460
5-1. Essential information
IS250/220d/200d_EETowing eyelets
Emergency towing procedure
Release the parking brake.
Shift the shift lever to N.
Put the “ENGINE START STOP” switch in ACCESSORY mode
or IGNITION ON mode.
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. 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 transmission
(vehicles with an automatic transmission)
Never tow this vehicle from the front with the rear wheels on the ground.
This may cause serious damage to the transmission.
When towing a vehicle without using a towing dolly
(vehicles with a manual transmission)
The “ENGINE START STOP” switch must not be OFF.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3

5
461
5-1. Essential information
When trouble arises
IS250/220d/200d_EE
Installing towing eyelets
Remove 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. 4 8 5

462
5-1. Essential information
IS250/220d/200d_EE
Towing with a sling-type truck
CAUTION
Installing towing eyelets to the vehicle
Make sure that towing eyelets are installed securely.
If not securely installed, towing eyelets may come loose during towing. This
may lead to accidents that cause serious injury or even death.
NOTICE
To prevent body damage
Do not tow with a sling-type truck, either from the front or rear.

5
463
5-1. Essential information
When trouble arises
IS250/220d/200d_EE
Towing with a wheel lift-type truck
From the front
Vehicles with an automatic
transmission: Use a towing
dolly under the rear wheels.
Vehicles with a manual trans-
mission: We recommend to use
a towing dolly under the rear
wheels.
When not using a towing dolly,
release the parking brake and
shift the shift lever to N.
From the rear
Switch to ACCESSORY mode
so that the steering wheel is
unlocked.
NOTICE
To prevent causing serious damage to the transmission
(vehicles with an automatic transmission)
Never tow this vehicle from the front with the rear wheels on the ground.

464
5-1. Essential information
IS250/220d/200d_EE
Using a flat bed truck
If your Lexus is transported by
a flat bed truck, it should be
tied down at the locations
shown in the illustration.
If you use chains or cables to tie
down your vehicle, the angles
shaded in black must be 45.
Do not overly tighten the tie
downs or the vehicle may be
damaged.
NOTICE
To prevent damaging the vehicle
Do not tow the vehicle from the rear with the “ENGINE START STOP”
switch OFF.
The steering lock mechanism is not strong enough to hold the front wheels
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 from the rear.