1998 Lexus LS400 tow

STARTING AND DRIVING
163 5. Release the parking brake and brake pedal. Depress the
accelerator pedal slowly for smooth starting.
In normal cruising, the vehicle will start in the first gear and
automatically shift up to the most suitable gear. On inclines, declines
or winding roads, etc., the vehicle shifts up and down automatically
according to the running conditions to obtain the suitable driving
power and engine braking.
In ”4” position, the automatic transmission system will select the
most suitable gear for the running conditions such as hill climbing,
hard towing, etc.
If you need to accelerate rapidly while driving, depress the
accelerator pedal to the full throttle position. This provides more
acceleration by automatically downshifting the transmission to the
next lower gear or beyond, depending on the vehicle speed.
If engine braking is needed, such as in descending a long hill, see ”(b)
Using engine braking”.
(b) Using engine braking
31L010-3
To use the braking power of the engine, downshift the transmission
in the way described below:
1
Shift into the ”4” position. The transmission will downshift to
the fourth gear and engine braking will be obtained.
When the cruise control is being used, even if you downshift
from ”D” to ”4”, engine braking will not be applied because the
cruise control is not cancelled. If you need to decrease the
vehicle speed, see page 170.
2
Shift into the ”3” position. The transmission will downshift to
the third gear when the vehicle speed is or becomes lower than
154 km/h (96 mph) and more powerful engine braking will be
obtained.

STARTING AND DRIVING
164
3
Shift into the ”2” position. The transmission will downshift to
the second gear when the vehicle speed is or becomes lower
than 104 km/h (65 mph) and more powerful engine braking
than that of ”3” position will be obtained.
4
Shift into the ”L” position. The transmission will downshift to
the first gear when the vehicle speed is or becomes lower than
18 km/h (11 mph) and maximum engine braking will be
applied.
CAUTION
Be careful when downshifting on a slippery surface. The
abrupt change in engine speed could cause the vehicle to spin
or skid.
(c) Using the ”3”, ”2” and ”L” positions
The ”3”, ”2” and ”L” positions are used for strong engine braking as
described previously.
With the selector lever in ”3”, ”2” or ”L”, you can start the vehicle
in motion as with the lever in ”D”.
With the selector lever in ”3” or ”2”, the vehicle will start in the first
gear and automatically shift to the third or second gear.
With the selector lever in ”L”, the transmission is engaged in the first
gear.
NOTICE
Be careful not to overrev the engine. Watch the tachometer
to keep engine rpm from going into the red zone. The
approximate maximum allowable speed for each position is
given below for your reference:
”3” 160 km/h (99 mph). . . .
”2” 104 km/h (65 mph). . . .
”L” 68 km/h (42 mph). . . .
Do not continue hill climbing or hard towing for a long time
in the ”3”, ”2” or ”L” position. This may cause severe
automatic transmission damage from overheating. To
prevent such damage, ”4” position should be used in hill
climbing or hard towing.

STARTING AND DRIVING
166
(f) Good driving practice
If the transmission repeatedly upshifts and downshifts between
the fourth and overdrive gears when climbing a gentle slope, shift
the selector lever to the ”4” position. Be sure to shift the selector
lever to the ”D” position after climbing the slope.
When towing a trailer, in order to maintain efficient engine
braking and electrical charging performance, do not use
overdrive. The selector lever must be in the ”4” position.
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 to overheat. Always use
the brake pedal or parking brake.
(g) 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 back as
it becomes unstuck, 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 is completely shifted
to forward or reverse gear.
Do not race the engine and avoid spinning the wheels.
If your vehicle remains stuck after rocking the vehicle several
times, consider other ways such as towing.

SECTION 3 2
180
STARTING AND DRIVING
Driving tips
Breakin period 181. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation in foreign countries 181. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tips for driving in various conditions 181. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter driving tips 182. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trailer towing 183. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
How to save fuel and make your vehicle
last longer 189. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

DRIVING TIPS
181
BREAKIN PERIOD
Drive gently and avoid high speeds.
You need not follow a breakin schedule with your new Lexus. But
following a few simple tips for the first 1600 km (1000 miles) can
add to the future economy and long life of your vehicle:
Do not drive over 88 km/h (55 mph).
Avoid overrevving. Maintain engine speed between 2000 and
4000 rpm.
Avoid fullthrottle starts.
Try to avoid hard stops during the first 300 km (200 miles).
Do not drive for a long time at any single speed, either fast or slow.
Do not tow a trailer during the first 800 km (500 miles).
OPERATION IN FOREIGN
COUNTRIES
If you plan to drive your Lexus in another country ...
First, comply with the vehicle registration laws.
Second, confirm the availability of the correct fuel (unleaded and
minimum octane rating).
TIPS FOR DRIVING IN VARIOUS
CONDITIONS
Always slow down in gusty crosswinds. This will allow you
much better control.
Drive slowly onto curbs and, if possible, at a right angle. Avoid
driving onto high, sharpedged objects and other road hazards.
Failure to do so can lead to severe tire damage resulting in tire
bursts.
When parking on a hill, turn the front wheels until they touch the
curb so that the vehicle will not roll. Apply the parking brake, and
place the transmission in ”P”. If necessary, block the wheels.
Washing your vehicle or driving through deep water may get the
brakes wet. To see whether they are wet, check that there is no
traffic near you and then press the pedal lightly. If you do not feel
a normal braking force, the brakes are probably wet. To dry them,
drive the vehicle cautiously while lightly pressing the brake pedal
with the parking brake applied. If they still do not work safely,
pull to the side of the road and call a Lexus dealer for assistance.
CAUTION
Before driving off, make sure the parking brake is fully
released and that the parking brake reminder light is off.

DRIVING TIPS
183 Use a washer fluid containing an antifreeze solution.
This product is available at your Lexus dealer and most auto parts
stores. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for how much to mix
with water.
NOTICE
Do not use engine antifreeze or any other substitute because it
may damage your vehicle’s paint.
Do not use your parking brake when there is a possibility it could
freeze.
When parking, put the transmission into ”P” and block the front
wheels. Do not use the parking brake, or snow or water accumulated
in and around the parking brake mechanism may freeze the parking
brake, making it hard to release.
Keep ice and snow from accumulating under the fenders.
Ice and snow built up under your fenders can make steering difficult.
During bad winter driving, stop and check under the fenders
occasionally.
Depending on where you are driving, we recommend you carry
some emergency equipment.
Some of the things you might put in the vehicle are tire chains,
window scraper, bag of sand or salt, flares, small shovel, jumper
cables, etc.
TRAILER TOWING
Your vehicle is designed primarily as a passengercarrying vehicle.
Towing a trailer will have an adverse effect on handling,
performance, braking, durability and driving economy (fuel
consumption, etc.). Your safety and satisfaction depend on the
proper use of correct equipment and cautious driving habits. For
your safety and the safety of others, you must not overload your
vehicle or trailer. Lexus warranties do not apply to damage or
malfunction caused by towing a trailer for commercial purposes.
Ask your local Lexus dealer for further details before towing.
NOTICE
When towing a trailer, be sure to consult your Lexus dealer for
further information on additional requirements.
Weight limits
Before towing, make sure the total trailer weight, gross vehicle
weight, gross axle weight and trailer tongue load are all within
the limits.
The total trailer weight and tongue load can be measured with
platform scales found at a highway weighing station, building
supply company, trucking company, junk yard, etc.

DRIVING TIPS
185
Hitches
If you wish to install a trailer hitch, your Lexus dealer should be
consulted.
Use only a hitch which is recommended by the hitch
manufacturer and conforms to the total trailer weight
requirement.
Follow the directions supplied by the hitch manufacturer.
Lubricate the hitch ball with a light coat of grease.
Lexus recommends removing the trailer hitch whenever you are
not towing a trailer to reduce the possibility of additional damage
caused by the hitch if your vehicle is struck from behind. After
removing the hitch, seal any mounting holes in the vehicle body
to prevent entry of pollutants such as exhaust fumes, dirt, water,
etc.
NOTICE
Install the trailer hitch using only the position recommended
by your Lexus dealer. Do not install the trailer hitch on the
bumper; this may cause body damage.
Do not use axlemounted hitches as they can cause damage
to the axle housing, wheel bearings, wheels or tires.
Brakes and safety chains
Lexus recommends trailers with brakes that conform to any
applicable federal and state/provincial regulations.
A safety chain must always be used between the towing
vehicle and the trailer. Leave sufficient slack in the chain for
turns. The chain should cross under the trailer tongue to
prevent the tongue from dropping to the ground in case it
becomes damaged or separated. For correct safety chain
procedures, follow the hitch or trailer manufacturer’s
recommendations.
CAUTION
If the total trailer weight exceeds 450 kg (1000 lb.), trailer
brakes are required.
Never tap into your vehicle’s hydraulic system as it will
lower its braking effectiveness.
Never tow a trailer without using a safety chain securely
attached to both the trailer and the vehicle. If damage
occurs to the coupling unit or hitch ball, there is possible
danger of the trailer wandering over into another lane.

DRIVING TIPS
186
Tires
Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated. Adjust the
tire pressure to the recommended cold tire pressure indicated
below:
Tire pressure, kPa (kgf/cm
2 or bar, psi)
Front 220 (2.2, 32)
Rear 220 (2.2, 32)
The trailer tires should be inflated to the pressure recommended
by the trailer manufacturer in respect to the total trailer weight.
Trailer lights
Trailer lights must comply with federal, state/provincial and local
regulations. See your local recreational vehicle dealer or rental
agency for the correct type of wiring and relays for your trailer.
Check for correct operation of the turn signals and stop lights
each time you hitch up. Direct splicing may damage your
vehicle’s electrical system and cause a malfunction of your lights.
Breakin schedule
Lexus recommends that you do not tow a trailer with a new
vehicle or a vehicle with any new power train component (engine,
transmission, differential, wheel bearing, etc.) for the first 800 km
(500 miles) of driving.
Maintenance
If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will require more frequent
maintenance due to the additional load. For this information,
please refer to the scheduled maintenance information in the
”Owner ’s Manual Supplement/ Maintenance Schedule”.
Retighten all fixing bolts of the towing ball and bracket after
approximately 1000 km (600 miles) of trailer driving.
Pretowing safety check
Check that your vehicle remains level when a loaded or unloaded
trailer is hitched. Do not drive if the vehicle has an abnormal
noseup or nosedown condition, and check for improper tongue
load, overload, worn suspension or other possible causes.
Make sure the trailer cargo is securely loaded so that it cannot
shift.
Check that your rear view mirrors conform to any federal,
state/provincial or local regulation. If they do not, install required
rear view mirrors appropriate for towing purposes.