1999 Lexus LS400 emergency towing

DRIVING TIPS
326Depending 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, w indow scraper, bag of sand or salt, flares, small
shovel, jumper cables, etc.
TRAILER TOWING
Your vehicle is designed primarily as a
passenger±carrying 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 such as a towing kit, etc.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
366
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 373.
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
367
(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
368
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
371
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
372
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
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.