info Lexus IS250 2008 Manual Online

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4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
08_IS350/250_U_(L/O_0708)
Washer fluidIf any washer does not work or the
warning message appears on the
multi-information display, the
washer tank may be empty. Add
washer fluid.
NOTICE
■When recharging the battery
Never recharge the battery while the engine is running. Also, be sure all accesso-
ries are turned off.
CAUTION
■When refilling the washer fluid
Do not refill the washer fluid when the engine is hot or running, as the washer fluid
contains alcohol and may catch fire if spilled on the engine etc.
NOTICE
■Do not use any fluid other than washer fluid
Do not use soapy water or engine antifreeze instead of washer fluid.
Doing so may cause streaking on the vehicle’s painted surfaces.
■Diluting washer fluid
Dilute washer fluid with water as necessary.
Refer to the freezing temperatures listed on the washer fluid tank.

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Maintenance and care
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How to initialize the tire pressure warning system
To initialize the system, use the satellite switch. ( →P. 245)
Park the vehicle in safe place and turn the “ENGINE START
STOP” switch to OFF.
While the vehicle is moving, initialization is not performed.
Adjust the tire inflation pressure to the specified cold tire inflation
pressure level. ( →P. 415)
Make sure to adjust the tire pressure to the specified cold tire inflation
pressure level. The tire pressure warning system will operate based on
this pressure level.
Turn the “ENGINE START STOP” switch to IGNITION ON
mode.
The tire inflation pressure initial-
ization setting display
Continue to press < or > until the
initialization setting display
appears.
It may take several minutes to com-
plete the setting. Wait for several
minutes before turning the
“ENGINE START STOP” switch to
OFF if necessary.
Recording tire inflation pressure
settings
Press and hold the “ON/OFF” but-
ton until the tire pressure warning
light blinks slowly 3 times and the
message “PRESSURE INITIAL”
showing that the initial setting is
complete is displayed on the multi-
information display.
Wait for a few minutes with the IGNITION ON mode, and then
turn the “ENGINE START STOP” switch OFF.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
STEP5

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■Tire types
1 Summer tiresSummer tires are high-speed performance tires best suited to highway driving
under dry conditions. Since summer tires do not have the same traction perfor-
mance as snow tires, summer tires are inadequate for driving on snow-covered
or icy roads. For driving on snow-covered roads or icy roads, the use of snow tires
is recommended. When installing snow tires, be sure to replace all four tires.
2 All season tires All season tires are designed to provide better traction in snow and to be ade-
quate for driving in most winter conditions, as well as for use year round. All sea-
son tires, however, do not have adequate traction performance compared with
snow tires in heavy or loose snow. Also, al l season tires fall short in acceleration
and handling performance compared with summer tires in highway driving.
3Snow tires For driving on snow-covered roads or icy roads, we recommend using snow tires.
If you need snow tires, select tires of the same size, construction and load capac-
ity as the originally installed tires. Since your vehicle has radial tires as original
equipment, make sure your snow tires also have radial construction. Do not install
studded tires without first checking local regulations for possible restriction.
Snow tires should be installed on all wheels. (
→P. 1 8 3 )
■Initializing the tire pressure warning system
Initialize the tires with the tire inflation pressure adjusted to the specified level.
■When the initialization of the tire pressure warning system has failed
Initialization can be completed in a few minutes. However, in the following cases,
the settings have not been recorded and the system will not operate properly. If
repeated attempts to record tire inflation pressure settings are unsuccessful, have
the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer.
●When operating the tire pressure warning reset switch, the tire pressure warn-
ing light does not flash 3 times and the setting message does not appear on the
multi-information display.
●After driving for a certain period of time since the initialization has been com-
pleted, the tire pressure warning light comes on after blinking for 1 minute.

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Tire inflation pressure
■Tire inflation pressure
The recommended cold tire inflation pressure and tire size is dis-
played on the tire and loading information label. ( →P. 415)

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Maintenance and care
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■Checking interval
Inspect and replace the air conditioning filter according to the maintenance sched-
ule. In dusty areas or areas with heavy traffic flow, early replacement may be
required. (For scheduled maintenance information, please refer to the "Owner's
Manual Supplement/Scheduled Maintenance".)
■If air flow from the vents decreases dramatically
The filter may be clogged. Check the filter and replace if necessary.
■Cleaning method
If the filter is dirty, clean by blow-
ing compressed air through the
filter from the downward side.
Hold the air gun 2 in. (5 cm)
from the filter and blow for
approximately 2 minutes at
72 psi (500 kPa, 5.0 kgf/cm
2
or bar).
If it is not available, have the
filter cleaned by your Lexus
dealer.
■ Replacement method
Remove the air conditioning fil-
ter from the filter case and
replace it with a new one.
The “↑UP” marks shown on the
filter and the filter case should
be pointing up.

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Light bulbs
You may replace the following bulbs yourself. For more information about
replacing other light bulbs, contact your Lexus dealer.
■Preparing a replacement light bulb
Check the wattage of the light bulb being replaced. ( →P. 4 2 0 )
■ Removing the engine compartment cover
→P. 2 9 4
■ Front bulb locations
■ Rear bulb locations
Parking light
Headlight
high beam
Rear turn signal light
Back-up light

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Maintenance and care
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■When replacing the front left headlight and parking light bulbs
■Condensation build-up on the inside of the lens
Contact your Lexus dealer for more information in the following situations. Tempo-
rary condensation build-up on the inside of the headlight lens does not indicate a
malfunction.
●Large drops of water are built up on the inside of the lens.
●Water has built up inside the headlight.
■Discharge headlights (if equipped)
If voltage to the discharge bulbs is insufficient, the bulbs may not come on, or may
go out temporarily. The discharge bulbs will come on when normal power is
restored. Remove the securing bolt and move the
washer fluid filler opening to allow easy
access to the light bulbs.
After replacing the bulbs, make sure to
secure the washer fluid filler opening with the
bolt.

When trouble arises5
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08_IS350/250_U_(L/O_0708)
5-1. Essential information................... 350
If your vehicle needs to be towed ..................................... 350
If you think something is wrong ...................................... 356
Fuel pump shut off system ..................................... 357
Event data recorder ............. 358
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency.................... 360
If a warning light turns on or a warning buzzer
sounds... ................................ 360
If a warning message is displayed ................................ 369
If you have a flat tire .............. 382
If the engine will not start ...... 391
If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P........................ 392
If you lose your keys ............... 393
If the electronic key does not operate properly .......... 394 If the vehicle battery is
discharged ............................ 397
If your vehicle overheats............................... 400
If the vehicle becomes stuck........................................ 402

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5-1. Essential information
If your vehicle needs to be towed
Before towingThe following may indicate a problem with your 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 chain secured to the emergency towing
eyelet(s). This should only 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 eyelets
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 vehicle’s front wheels and axles must be in good
condition. (
→P. 3 5 4 )
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
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■Emergency towing procedureRelease the parking brake.
Shift the shift lever to N.
Put the “ENGINE START STOP” switch in ACCESSORY mode (engine
off) or IGNITION ON mode (engine running).
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.
●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