tow Lexus IS300 2002 Pictorial Index / LEXUS 2002 IS300 WAGON (OM53423U) Owner's Guide

STARTING AND DRIVING
234
(g) Good driving practice
If the transmission repeatedly shifts up and down between the
fourth and overdrive gears when climbing a gentle slope, shift
the selector lever to the ºMº position and select the fourth gear
by pushing the transmission switch. Be sure to shift the
selector lever to the ºDº position after climbing the slope.
CAUTION
Always keep your foot on the brake pedal while stopped
with the engine running. This prevents the vehicle from
creeping.
NOTICE
Do not hold the vehicle on an upgrade with the accelerator pedal. This can cause the transmission tooverheat. Alw ays use the brake pedal or parking brake.
(h) Rocking your vehicle if stuck
CAUTION
If your vehicle becomes stuck in snow, mud, sand, etc.,
then you may attempt to rock the vehicle free by moving
it forward and backward. Do not attempt this procedure
if people or objects are anywhere near the vehicle.
During the rocking operation the vehicle may suddenly
move forward or backward as it becomes un±stuck,
causing injury or damage to nearby people or objects.
NOTICE
If you rock your vehicle, observe the following precautions to prevent damage to the transmission and
other parts.
Do not depress the accelerator pedal while shifting the selector lever or before the transmission iscompletely shifted to forward or reverse gear.
Do not race the engine and avoid spinning thewheels.
If your vehicle remains stuck after rocking the vehicleseveral times, consider other ways such as towing.

STARTING AND DRIVING
236gear km/h (mph)
1 to 2 or 2 to 1 24 (15)
2 to 3 or 3 to 2 40 (25)
3 to 4 or 4 to 3 64 (40)
4 to 5 or 5 to 4 72 (45)
Downshift to the appropriate gear if acceleration is needed
when you are cruising below the above downshifting speeds.
Upshifting too soon or downshifting too late will cause lugging,
and possibly pinging. Regularly revving the engine to
maximum speed in each gear will cause excessive engine
wear and high fuel consumption.
Maximum allowable speeds
To get on a highway or to pass slower traffic, maximum
acceleration may be necessary. Make sure you observe the
following maximum allowable speeds in each gear: gear km/h (mph)
1 56 (35)
2 98 (61)
3 145 (91)
NOTICE
Do not downshift if you are going faster than the maxi-
mum allowable speed for the next lower gear.
Good driving practice
 If it is difficult to shift into reverse, put the transmission in
neutral, release the clutch pedal momentarily, and then try
again.
 When towing a trailer, in order to maintain engine braking
efficiency, do not use fifth gear.
CAUTION
Be careful when downshifting on a slippery surface.
Abrupt shifting could cause the vehicle to spin or skid.
NOTICE
Make sure the vehicle is completely stopped before
shifting into reverse.

SECTION 3 ± 2
253
STARTING AND DRIVING
Driving tips
Break±in period254
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Operation in foreign countries 254
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Tips for driving in various conditions s 255. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter driving tips 256
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Dinghy towing 258
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Trailer towing 258
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How to save fuel and make your vehicle last longer 259
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DRIVING TIPS
258
DINGHY TOWING
SV32002
Your vehicle is not designed to be dinghy towed (with four
wheels on the ground) behind a motorhome.
NOTICE
Do not tow your vehicle with four wheels on the ground.This may cause serious damage to your vehicle.
TRAILER TOWING
SV32001
Lexus does not recommend towing a trailer with your
vehicle. It is not designed for trailer towing.

SECTION 4
261
IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
If your engine stalls while driving262
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If you cannot increase the engine speed 262
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If your vehicle will not start 263
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If your vehicle overheats 267
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If you have a flat tire 268
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.
If your vehicle needs to be towed 279
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If you cannot shift automatic transmission selector lever 284
. . . . . . .
If you lose your keys or lock yourself out 285
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
278
SL41002
10. Reinstall the wheel ornament.
Put the wheel ornament into position and then tap it firmly with
the side or heel of your hand to snap it into place.
CAUTION
Take due care in handling the ornament to avoid
unexpected personal injury.
11. After changing the wheel, check the air pressure of the
replaced tire. Stow all the tools, jack and flat tire securely.
If the pressure of the replaced tire is low, drive slowly to the
nearest service station and fill to the correct pressure.
Do not forget to reinstall the tire valve cap as dirt and moisture
could get into the valve core and possible cause air leakage.
If the cap is missing, put a new one on as soon as possible.
This is the same procedure for changing or rotating your tires.
CAUTION
 When reinstalling a standard tire, take due care in
handling the ornament to avoid unexpected personal
injury.
 Before driving, make sure all the tools, jack and flat
tire are securely in place in their storage location to
reduce the possibility of personal injury during a
collision or sudden braking.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
279
IF YOUR VEHICLE NEEDS TO BETOWED
If towing is necessary, we recommend you to have it done
by your Lexus dealer or a commercial tow truck service.
In consultation with them, have your vehicle towed using
either (a) or (b).
(a) Towing with a wheel lift type truck
(b) Using a flat bed truck
(c) Never tow with a sling type truck
Only when you cannot receive a towing service from a
Lexus dealer or commercial tow truck service, tow your
vehicle carefully in accordance with the instructions
given in º(d) Emergency towingº on page 283.
Proper equipment will help ensure that your vehicle is not
damaged while being towed. Commercial operators are
generally aware of the state/provincial and local laws
pertaining to towing.
Your vehicle can be damaged if it is towed incorrectly.
Although most operators know the correct procedure, it is
possible to make a mistake. To avoid damage to your vehicle,
make sure the following precautions are observed. If
necessary, show this page to the tow truck driver.
TOWING PRECAUTIONS:
Use a safety chain system for all towing, and abide by the
state/provincial and local laws. The wheels and axle on the
ground must be in good condition. If they are damaged, use
a towing dolly.
(a) Towing with a wheel lift type truck
From front
SS41015
MANUAL TRANSMISSION:
We recommend using a towing dolly under the rear wheels. If
you do not use a towing dolly, release the parking brake and
put the transmission in neutral.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:
Use a towing dolly under the rear wheels.
NOTICE
Never tow a vehicle with an automatic transmission
from the front with rear wheels on the ground, as thismay cause serious damage to the transmission.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
280
From rear
SS41016b
Place the ignition key in the ºACCº position.
NOTICE
Do not tow with the key removed or in the ºLOCKº
position, as the steering lock mechanism is notstrong enough to hold the front wheels straight.
When lifting wheels, take care to ensure adequateground clearance for towing at the opposite end ofthe raised vehicle. Otherwise, the bumper and/orunderbody of the towed vehicle will be damagedduring towing.
(b) Using a flat bed truck
SS41017
 Tie down points
40E014

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
281
SS41018a

AFront BRear
If your Lexus is transported by a flat bed, it should be tied
down at locations A and B as shown above.
SV04004

Rear emergency towing eyelets
NOTICE
Do not use the rear emergency towing eyelets.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
282
Tie down angle
SV04005
If you use chains or wires to tie down your vehicle, the
angles shaded black must be at 45.
(c) Towing with a sling type truck
SS41021
NOTICE
Do not tow with a sling type truck, either from the front
or rear. This may cause body damage.