2001 Lexus ES300 tow

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
372If 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
40E020±1
NOTICE
Do not tow with a sling type truck, either from the
front or rear. This may cause body damage.
(d) Emergency towing
40E043

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
373
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.
NOTICE
Only use specified towing eyelet; otherwise your
vehicle may be damaged.
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 ªNº. The ignition key must be in 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.

INTRODUCTION
394
NOTICE
Remember that battery and ignition cablescarry high currents or voltages. Be careful ofaccidentally causing a short circuit.
Before closing the engine hood, check to seethat you have not forgotten any tools, rags, etc.
Do not drive with the air cleaner removed, or
excessive engine wear could result. Alsobackfiring could cause a fire in the enginecompartment.
Do not overfill automatic transmission fluid, orthe transmission could be damaged.
Be careful not to scratch the glass surface withthe wiper frame.
PARTS AND TOOLS
Here is a list of parts and tools you will need to perform
do±it±yourself maintenance. Remember all Lexus parts
are designed in metric sizes, so your tools must be
metric.
Checking the engine oil level
Parts (if level is low):
 Use API grade SJ, ªEnergy±Conservingº multigrade
engine oil or ILSAC multigrade engine oil. For
recommended oil viscosity, see page 414.
Tools:
 Rag or paper towel
 Funnel (only for adding oil)
Checking the engine coolant level
Parts (if level is low):
ªToyota Long Life Coolantº or equivalent
See ªChecking the engine coolant levelº on page 415
for instructions.
 Demineralized or distilled water
Tools:
 Funnel (only for adding coolant)

INTRODUCTION
395
Checking brake fluid
Parts (if level is low):
FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3 or SAE J1703 brake fluid
Tools:
 Funnel (only for adding fluid)
Checking power steering fluid
Parts (if level is low):
Automatic transmission fluid DEXRON
II or III
Tools:
 Rag or paper towel
 Funnel (only for adding fluid)
Checking battery condition
Tools:
Warm water
 Baking soda
 Grease
 Conventional wrench (for terminal clamp bolts)
Checking and replacing the blade type
fuses
Parts (if replacement is necessary):
Fuse with same amperage rating as original
Checking the cartridge type fuses
Parts (if replacement is necessary):
Genuine Lexus fuse or equivalent with same
amperage rating as original
Adding washer fluid
Parts:
Water
 Washer fluid containing antifreeze (for winter use)
Tools:
 Funnel

CHASSIS
423
± TIRES AND WHEELS
Tire size
Recommended cold tire inflation pressure Vehicle load up to 4 occupants
Vehicle loaded up to vehicle capacity weight
Spare tire
Trailer towing (conventional and snow tires)
Wheel size
Wheel nut torque
Type A: P205/65R15 92V
Type B: P205/60R16 91V
180 kPa (1.8 kgf/cm
2 or bar, 26 psi) (Both front and
rear)
220 kPa (2.2 kgf/cm
2 or bar, 32 psi) (Both front and
rear)
220 kPa (2.2 kgf/cm
2 or bar, 32 psi)
220 kPa (2.2 kgf/cm2 or bar, 32 psi) (Both front and
rear)
Type A: 15
6 JJ
Type B: 16
6 JJ
103 N´m (10.5 kgf´m, 76 ft´lbf.)
NOTE: For a complete information on tires (e.g. replacing tires or replacing \
wheels), see ªChecking tire pressureº
through ªAluminum wheel precautionsº on page 431 through 440.

BODY
481
Plastic wheel ornaments:
The plastic wheel
ornaments are damaged easily by organic substances.
If any organic substances splashes an ornament, be
sure to wash it off with water and check if the ornament
is damaged.
CAUTION
Do not attach the heavily damaged plastic wheel
ornament. It may fly off the wheel and cause accidents
while the vehicle is moving.
Aluminum wheels: Use only a mild soap or neutral
detergent.
Urethane bumpers and side moldings: Wash
carefully. Do not scrub with abrasive cleaners. The
bumper and side molding faces are soft.
Road tar: Remove with turpentine or cleaners that are
marked safe for painted surfaces.
NOTICE
Do not use organic substances (gasoline, kerosene, benzine or strong solvents), which may
be toxic or cause damage.
3. Rinse thoroughly ± dried soap can cause streaking.
In hot weather you may need to rinse each section right
after you wash it. 4. To prevent water spots, dry the vehicle using a clean
soft cotton towel. Do not rub or press hard ± you might
scratch the paint.
Automatic car wash
Your vehicle may be washed in an automatic car wash,
but remember that the paint can be scratched by some
type of brushes, unfiltered washing water, or the
washing process itself. Scratching reduces paint
durability and gloss, especially on darker colors. The
manager of the car wash should be able to advise you
whether
the process is safe for the paint on your vehicle.