tow LEXUS RX450h 2016 Repair Manual

492 6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
RX450h_U_OM0E013U ■
Situations in which the tire pressure warning system may not operate properly ●
In the following cases, the tire pressure warning system may not operate properly.
• If non-genuine Lexus wheels are used.
• A tire has been replaced with a tire that is not an OE (Original Equipment) tire.
• A tire has been replaced with a tire that is not of the specified size.
• Tire chains etc. are equipped.
• If a window tint that affects the radio wave signals is installed.
• If there is a lot of snow or ice on the vehicle, particularly around the wheels or wheel
housings.
• If the tire inflation pressure is extremely higher than the specified level.
• If wheel without the tire pressure warning valve and transmitter is used.
• If the ID code on the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters is not registered
in the tire pressure warning computer. ●
Performance may be affected in the following situations.
• Near a TV tower, electric power plant, gas station, radio station, large display, air-
port or other facility th at generates strong radio waves or electrical noise.
• When carrying a portable radio, cellular phone, cordless ph one or other wireless
communication device.
If tire position information is not correctl y displayed due to the radio wave conditions,
the display may be corrected by driving and changing the radio wave conditions. ●
When the vehicle is parked, the time taken for the warning to start or go off could be
extended. ●
When tire inflation pressure declines rapidly for example when a tire has burst, the
warning may not function. ■
The initialization operation ●
Make sure to carry out initialization af ter adjusting the tire inflation pressure.
Also, make sure the tires are cold before carry ing out initialization or tire inflation pres-
sure adjustment. ●
If you have accidentally turned the power swit ch off during initializat ion, it is not neces-
sary to press the reset switch again as init ialization will restart automatically when the
power switch has been turned to ON mode for the next time. ●
If you accidentally press the reset switch when initialization is not necessary, adjust the
tire inflation pressure to the specified leve l when the tires are co ld, and conduct initial-
ization again. ●
While the position of each tire is being de termined and the inflation pressures are not
being displayed on the mu lti-information display, if the in flation pressure of a tire drops,
the tire pressure warning light will come on.

4956-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
RX450h_U_OM0E013U WA R N I N G ■
When inspecting or replacing tires
Observe the following precautions to prevent accidents.
Failure to do so may cause damage to parts of the drive train as well as dangerous han-
dling characteristics, which may lead to an accident resultin g in death or serious injury.●
Do not mix tires of different makes, models or tread patterns.
Also, do not mix tires of remarkably different treadwear. ●
Do not use tire sizes other than those recommended by Lexus. ●
Do not mix differently constructed tires (radial, bias-belted or bias-ply tires). ●
Do not mix summer, all season and snow tires. ●
Do not use tires that have been used on another vehicle.
Do not use tires if you do not know how they were used previously. ●
Do not tow if your vehicle has a compact spare tire installed. ■
When initializing the tire pressure warning system
Do not initializing tire inflation pressure wi thout first adjusting the tire inflation pressure
to the specified level. Otherwise, the tire pressure warning light may not come on even
if the tire inflation pressure is low, or it may come on when the tire inflation pressure is
actually normal.
NOTICE ■
Repairing or replacing tires, wheels, tire pressure warning valves, transmitters and
tire valve caps ●
When removing or fitting the wheels, tires or the tire pressure warning valves and
transmitters, contact your Lexus dealer as the tire pressure warning valves and trans-
mitters may be damaged if not handled correctly.●
Make sure to install the tire valve caps. If the tire valve caps ar e not installed, water
could enter the tire pressure warning valves and the tire pressure warning valves
could be bound. ●
When replacing tire valve caps, do not use tire valve caps other than those specified.
The cap may become stuck. ■
To avoid damage to the tire pressu re warning valves and transmitters
When a tire is repaired with liquid sealants, the tire pressure warning valve and trans-
mitter may not operate properly. If a liquid se alant is used, contact your Lexus dealer or
other qualified service shop as soon as possible. Make sure to replace the tire pressure
warning valve and transmitter when replacing the tire. (  P. 4 8 8 )■
Driving on rough roads
Take particular care when driving on roads with loose surfaces or potholes.
These conditions may cause losses in tire inflation pressure, reducing the cushioning
ability of the tires. In addition, driving on rough roads may cause damage to the tires
themselves, as well as the vehicle’s wheels and body. ■
If tire inflation pressure of ea ch tire becomes low while driving
Do not continue driving, or your tires and/or wheels may be ruined.

5216-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
6
Maintenance and care
RX450h_U_OM0E013U Remove the taillight unit.
Attach 2 long pieces of mask-
ing tape to the taillight unit and
fold the excess in half.
Hold the folded portion and
pull it toward the rear of the
vehicle to remove the light unit.
Turn the bulb base counterclock-
wise and remove it.
Remove the light bulb. 4
1
2
5
6

522 6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
RX450h_U_OM0E013U Install a new light bulb and then
install the bulb base to the light
unit by inserting it and turning it
clockwise. After installing the bulb base, wiggle
it lightly to make sure it is securely
installed and turn on the rear turn sig-
nal lights to visually check that there
is no light leaking from between the
bulb base and light unit.
Install the light unit. Align the tabs and push the light unit
toward the front of the vehicle to
install it.
Install the 2 screws.
Install the cover.
Remove the protective tape. 47
8
9
10
11

527
7When trouble arises
RX450h_U_OM0E013U 7-1. Essential information
Emergency flashers .................. 528
If your vehicle has to be
stopped in an
emergency................................. 529
7-2. Steps to take in an
emergency
If your vehicle needs to be
towed ...........................................530
If you think something is
wrong ........................................... 535
If a warning light turns
on or a warning buzzer
sounds.......................................... 536
If a warning message is
displayed..................................... 543
If you have a flat tire................... 549
If the hybrid system will not
start .................................................561
If the shift lever cannot be
shifted from P............................ 563
If the electronic key does
not operate properly ............. 564
If the 12-volt battery is
discharged .................................568
If your vehicle overheats .......... 574
If the vehicle becomes
stuck ............................................. 578

530
RX450h_U_OM0E013U 7-2. Steps to take in an emergency
The following may indicate a problem with your hybrid transmission. Contact
your Lexus dealer or commercial towing service before towing. ●
The hybrid warning message shows on and the vehicle does not move. ●
The vehicle makes an abnormal sound.
Do not tow with a sling-type truck to
prevent body damage.If your vehicle needs to be towed If towing is necessary, we recommend having your vehicle towed by your
Lexus dealer or commercial towing se rvice, using a wheel-lift type truck or
flatbed truck.
Use a safety chain system for all towing, and abide by all state/provincial and
local laws.
2WD models: If towing your vehicle with a wheel-lift type truck from the front,
the vehicle’s rear wheels and axles must be in good conditions. (  P. 531, 533)
If they are damaged, use a towing dolly or flatbed truck.
AWD models: If towing your vehicle with a wheel-lift type truck, use a towing
dolly. (  P. 531, 533)
Situations when it is necessary to contact dealers before towing
Towing with a sling-type truck

5317-2. Steps to take in an emergency
7
When trouble arises
RX450h_U_OM0E013U Towing with a wheel-lift type truck 
From the front (2WD models) 
From the front (AWD models)
Release the parking brake. Use a towing dolly under the rear
wheels.
From the rear
Use a towing dolly under the front
wheels.

5337-2. Steps to take in an emergency
7
When trouble arises
RX450h_U_OM0E013U WA R N I N G
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury. ■
When towing the vehicle 
2WD models 
AW D m o d e l sBe sure to transport the vehicle with the front
wheels raised or with all four wheels raised off
the ground. If the vehicle is towed with the front
wheels contacting the ground, the drivetrain
and related parts may be damaged or electric-
ity generated by the operation of the motor
may cause a fire to occur depending on the
nature of the damage or malfunction.
Be sure to transport the vehicle with all four
wheels raised off the ground. If the vehicle is
towed with the tires contacting the ground, the
drivetrain or related parts may be damaged,
the vehicle may fly off the truck, or electricity
generated by the operation of the motor may
cause a fire to occur depending on the nature
of the damage or malfunction.

534 7-2. Steps to take in an emergency
RX450h_U_OM0E013U NOTICE ■
To prevent damage to the vehicle when towing using a wheel-lift type truck●
Do not tow the vehicle from the rear when the power switch is 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 oppo-
site end of the raised vehicle. Without adequate clearance, the vehicle could be dam-
aged while being towed. ■
To prevent damage to the vehicle when towing with a sling-type truck
Do not tow with a sling-type truck, either from the front or rear. ■
To prevent damage to the vehicle during emergency towing
Do not secure cables or chains to the suspension components. ■
Recreational towing (behind motor home, etc)
Never dinghy tow your vehicle to prevent caus-
ing serious damage to the Hybrid AWD system
(AWD models) and transmission. (  P. 2 3 1 )

5577-2. Steps to take in an emergency
7
When trouble arises
RX450h_U_OM0E013U Remove any dirt or foreign matter
from the wheel contact surface. If foreign matter is on the wheel contact
surface, the wheel nuts may loosen
while the vehicle is in motion, causing
the tire to come off.
Install the spare tire and loosely
tighten each wheel nut by hand by
approximately the same amount. Tighten the wheel nuts until the tapered
portion comes into loose contact with
the disc wheel seat.
Lower the vehicle.
Firmly tighten each wheel nut two or
three times in the order shown in the
illustration. For vehicles with wheel lock nuts,
tighten the wheel lock nut last
Tightening torque:
76 ft•lbf (103 N•m, 10.5 kgf•m)
Stow the flat tire, tire jack and all tools.Installing the spare tire 1
Disc wheel
seatTapered portion2
3
4
5