tow lexus LS400 2000 Engine / LEXUS 2000 LS400 (OM50533U) Owner's Guide

DRIVING TIPS
342
Trailer towing tips
When towing a trailer, your vehicle will handle
differently than when not towing. The three main
causes of vehicle±trailer accidents are driver error,
excessive speed and improper trailer loading. Keep
these in mind when towing:
 Before starting out, check the operation of the lights
and all vehicle±trailer connections. After driving a
short distance, stop and recheck the lights and
connections. Practice turning, stopping and backing
with a trailer in an area away from traffic until you learn
the feel.
 Backing with a trailer is difficult and requires practice.
Grip the bottom of the steering wheel and move your
hand to the left to move the trailer to the left. Move
your hand to the right to move the trailer to the right.
(This procedure is generally opposite to that when
backing without a trailer.) Also, just turn the steering
wheel a little at a time, avoiding sharp or prolonged
turning. Have someone guide you when backing to
reduce the risk of an accident.
 Because stopping distance may be increased,
vehicle±to±vehicle distance should be increased
when towing a trailer. For each 16 km/h (10 mph) of
speed, allow at least one vehicle and trailer length
between you and the vehicle ahead. Avoid sudden
braking as you may skid, resulting in jackknifing and
loss of control. This is especially true on wet or slippery surfaces.
 Avoid jerky starts or sudden acceleration.

DRIVING TIPS
344When restarting out after parking on a slope:
1. With
the transmission in ºPº position, start the engine.
Be sure to keep the brake pedal depressed.
2. Shift into the º3º, º2º, ºLº or ºRº position.
3. Release the parking brake and brake pedal and
slowly pull or back away from the wheel blocks. Stop
and apply your brakes.
4. Have someone retrieve the blocks.
CAUTION
 Do not exceed 72 km/h (45 mph) or the posted towing
speed limit, whichever is lower. Because instability
(swaying) of a towing vehicle±trailer combination
usually increases as the speed increases, exceeding
72 km/h (45 mph) may cause loss of control.
 Slow down and downshift before descending steep
or long downhill grades. Do not make sudden
downshifts.
 Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long or too
frequently. This could cause the brakes to overheat
and result in reduced braking efficiency.

SECTION 4
349
IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
If your engine stalls while driving350
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If your vehicle will not start 351
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If your vehicle overheats 356
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If you have a flat tire 358
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If your vehicle needs to be towed 375
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If you cannot shift automatic transmission
selector lever 384
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If you lose your keys or lock yourself out 386
. . . . . . . . .

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
37411. 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
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
375
IF YOUR VEHICLE NEEDS TOBE TOWED
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 382.
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.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
376
(a) Towing with a wheel lift type truck
From front
40L021
Use a towing dolly under the rear wheels.
NOTICE
Never tow a vehicle with an automatic
transmission from the front with rear wheels onthe ground, as this may cause serious damage tothe transmission.
 From rear

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
377
40L022±1
Place the ignition key in the ºACCº position.
NOTICE
Do not tow with the key removed or in theºLOCKº position, as the steering lockmechanism is not strong enough to hold thefront wheels straight.
When lifting wheels, take care to ensureadequate ground clearance for towing at theopposite end of the raised vehicle. Otherwise,the bumper and/or underbody of the towedvehicle will be damaged during towing.
(b) Using a flat bed truck

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
380
40L019±1

Rear emergency towing eyeletsNOTICE
Do not use the rear emergency towing eyelets.
For vehicles sold in U.S.A., before your vehicleis transported by flat bed, the height control
switch, if so equipped, must be in the ºHIGHºmode.
 Tie down angle

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
381
40L020±2
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
40L023±1
NOTICE
Do not tow with a sling type truck, either from the
front or rear. This may cause body damage.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
382
(d) Emergency towing
40L031±3
If towing is necessary, we recommend you to have
it done by your Lexus dealer or a commercial tow
truck service.
If towing service is not available in an emergency,
your vehicle may be temporarily towed by a cable or
chain secured to the emergency towing eyelet. Use
extreme caution when towing the vehicle.
A driver must be in the vehicle to steer it and operate the
brakes.
Towing in this manner may be done only on
hard±surfaced roads for a short distance and at low
speeds. Also, the wheels, axles, drive train, steering
and brakes must all be in good condition.