1999 Lexus LS400 ECU

DRIVING TIPS
331
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
332
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.
Break±in 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 ºOwner's Manual
Supplement/ Maintenance Scheduleº.
 Retighten all fixing bolts of the towing ball and bracket
after approximately 1000 km (600 miles) of trailer
driving.
Pre±towing 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 nose±up or nose±down
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.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
352
40L004a

1 Joint
2 When removing the jack, turn the joint by hand in
the ºcontractº direction until the jack is free.
3 When storing, turn the joint by hand in the
ºexpandº direction until the jack is firmly secured
to prevent it from flying forward during a collision
or sudden braking.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
362
40L014±1
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 the order shown.
Repeat the process until all the nuts are tight.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
365
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
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
373
(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.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
374
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 cableor chain to the towing eyelet provided.
Before towing, release the parking brake and put the
transmission in ºNº. The ignition key must be in ºACCº
(engine off) or ºONº (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.

MAINTENANCE
381
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Listed below are the general maintenance items that
should be performed at the intervals specified. It is
recommended that any problem you notice be brought
to the attention of your Lexus dealer or qualified service
shop for their advice.
CAUTION
Make these checks only where adequate ventilation can
be obtained if you run the engine.
Vehicle exterior
Items listed below should be performed from time to
time, unless otherwise specified.
Tire pressure
Check the pressure with a gauge every two weeks, or at
least once a month and adjust as shown on the tire
pressure label. See page 421 for additional information.
Tire surface
Check the tires carefully for cuts, damage or excessive
wear. See page 425 for additional information.
Wheel nuts
When checking the tires, make sure to check the nuts for
looseness. Tighten them if necessary. Tire rotation
Rotate
the tires every 12000 km (7500 miles). See page
423 for additional information.
Fluid leaks
Check underneath for leaking fuel, oil, water or other
fluid after the vehicle has been parked for a while. If you
smell fuel fumes or notice any leak, have the cause
found and corrected immediately.
Doors and engine hood
Check that all doors, including trunk lid, operate
smoothly and all latches lock securely. Make sure the
engine hood secondary latch secures the hood when the
primary latch is released.