1997 Lexus ES300 In Case Of An Emergency: In Case Of An Emergency

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
169
4. Loosen all the wheel nuts.
Always loosen the wheel nuts before raising the vehicle.
Turn the nuts counterclockwise to loosen them. To get
maximum leverage, fit the wrench to the nut so that the
handle is on the right side, as shown above. Grab the wrench
near the end of the handle and pull up on the handle. Be
careful that the wrench does not slip off the nut.
Do not remove the nuts yet ± just unscrew them about
one±half turn.5. Position the jack at the jack points as shown.
Make sure the jack is positioned on a level and solid surface.
6. After making sure no one is in the vehicle, raise it
high enough so that the spare tire can be installed.
Allow for the fact that you need more ground clearance when
putting on the spare tire than when removing the flat tire.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
170To raise the vehicle, insert the jack handle into the jack (it is
a loose fit) and turn it clockwise. As the jack touches the
vehicle and begins to lift, double±check that it is properly
positioned.
CAUTION!
Never get under the vehicle when it is supported by
the jack alone.
7. Remove the wheel nuts and remove the flat tire.
Lift the flat tire straight off and put it aside.
Before putting on the wheel, remove any corrosion on the
mounting surfaces with a wire brush or such. Installation of
wheels without good metal±to±metal contact at the
mounting surface can cause wheel nuts to loosen and
eventually cause a wheel to come off while driving.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
171
8. Reinstall all wheel nuts finger tight.
Align the holes in the wheel with the bolts. Then lift up the
wheel and get at least the top bolt started through its hole.
Wiggle the tire and press it back over the other bolts.
Reinstall the wheel nuts and tighten them as much as you
can by hand. Press the tire back and see if you can tighten
them more.9. Lower the vehicle completely and tighten the wheel
nuts.
Turn the jack handle counterclockwise to lower the vehicle.
Use only the wheel nut wrench to tighten the nuts. Do not use
other tools or any additional leverage other than your hands,
such as a hammer, pipe or your foot. Make sure the wrench
is securely engaged over the nut.
Tighten each nut a little at a time in order shown. Repeat the
process until all the nuts are tight.
CAUTION!
When lowering the vehicle, make sure all portions
of your body and all other persons around will not
be injured as the vehicle is lowered to the ground.
As soon as possible after changing wheels, have
the wheels nuts tightened by torque wrench at
103 N´m (10.5 kgf´m, 76 ft´lbf.).

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
17210. 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.
IF YOUR VEHICLE NEEDS TO BE
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 ª(d) Emergency towingº on page 176.
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 few 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
173
(a) Towing with a wheel lift type truck
From front
Release the parking brake.
NOTICE
When lifting wheels, take care to ensure adequate
ground clearance for towing at the opposite end of
the raised vehicle. Otherwise, the bumper and/or
underbody of the towed vehicle will be damaged
during towing.
From rear
Use a towing dolly under the front wheels.
NOTICE
Never tow a vehicle with an automatic transmission
from the rear with front wheels on the ground, as
this may cause serious damage to the transmission.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
174
(b) Using a flat bed truck
Tie down points
If your Lexus is transported by a flat bed, it should be
tied down at locations A and B as shown above.
Rear emergency towing eyelets
NOTICE
Do not use the rear emergency towing eyelets.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
175
Tie down angle
If you use chains or wires to tie down your vehicle, the
angles shaded with black must be at 455.
(c) Towing with a sling type truck
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
176
(d) Emergency towing
If towing is necessary, we recommend you 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.
CAUTION!
Use extreme caution when towing the vehicle.
Avoid sudden starts or erratic driving maneuvers
which would place excessive stress on the
emergency towing eyelet and towing cable or chain.
The eyelet and towing cable or chain may break and
cause serious injury or damage.
NOTICE
Use only a cable or chain specifically intended for
use in towing vehicles. Securely fasten the cable or
chain to the towing eyelet provided.
Before towing, release the parking brake and put the
transmission in ªNº. The ignition key must be ªACCº (engine
off) or ªONº (engine running).
CAUTION!
If the engine is not running, the power assist for the
brakes and steering will not work so steering and
braking will be much harder than usual.