2003 Lexus ES300 flat tire

HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
iii
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
The contents of this manual are explained briefly on this
page to help you make the best use of the manual. Please
read this page and the rest of the Owner’s Manual
carefully to make sure you fully understand the operation
of your vehicle.
This will help you enjoy safe and comfortable driving.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
The table of contents and the pictorial index provide easy
reference to the appropriate pages.
BASIC OPERATION QUICK REFERENCE
Operation of basic equipment is briefly explained in an easily
understandable way for quick reference.
SECTION 1 INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
The vehicle’s equipment is divided into the 7 groups listed
below. Use of the equipment is explained, including any points
you should pay particular attention to.
1. Keys and doors
2. Switches
3. Gauges, meters and service reminder indicators
4. Interior equipment
5. Exterior equipment
6. Comfort adjustment
7. Theft deterrent
SECTION 2 AIR CONDITIONING AND AUDIO
The features of the vehicle’s air conditioning and audio are
explained in detail. Be sure to read this section so that you can
make full use of them.
SECTION 3 STARTING AND DRIVING
Starting the engine, driving, stopping, operation of features
affecting vehicle handling, hints on vehicle safety and safe
driving techniques are all explained. Please read everything
in this section, and remember − drive safely!
SECTION 4 IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
This section explains what to do in the event of an urgent
situation such as the engine not starting or getting a flat tire,
etc. If such a problem occu rs, check the contents of this
Owner’s Manual and follow the instructions given.
SECTION 5 MAINTENANCE
This section explains the importance of regular maintenance.
Regular and periodic inspection and maintenance of your
Lexus will help to keep your vehicle in its best condition.
SECTION 6 SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Simple maintenance procedure and service data are provided
here for your reference should you wish to perform inspection
and maintenance yourself.

DRIVING TIPS
257
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 500 kg (1102 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.
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 200 (2.0, 29)
Rear 200 (2.0, 29)
 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.

DRIVING TIPS
2603. Release the
parking brake and brake pedal and slowly pull
or back away from the wheel blocks. Stop and apply your
brakes.
4. Have someone retrieve the blocks.
CAUTION
 Do not exceed 72 km/h (45 mph) or the posted towing
speed limit, whichever is lower. Because instability
(swaying) of a towing vehicletrailer combination
usually increases as the speed increases, exceeding
72 km/h (45 mph) may cause loss of control.
 Slow down and downshift before descending steep
or long downhill grades. Do not make sudden
downshifts.
 Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long or too
frequently. This could cause the brakes to overheat
and result in reduced braking efficiency.
HOW TO SAVE FUEL AND MAKE
YOUR VEHICLE LAST LONGER
Improving fuel economy is easy − just take it easy. It will help
make your vehicle last longer, too. Here are some specific tips
on how to save money on both fuel and repairs:
 Keep your tires inflated at the correct pressure. Check
the pressure every two weeks, or at least once a month.
Underinflation causes tire wear and wastes fuel.
 Do not carry unneeded weight in your vehicle. Excess
weight puts a heavier load on the engine, causing greater
fuel consumption.
 Avoid lengthy warmup idling. Once the engine is
running smoothly, begin driving − but gently. Remember,
however, that on cold winter days this may take a little
longer.
 Always drive with the automatic transmission selector
lever in the “D” position when engine braking is not
required. Driving with the overdrive off will reduce the fuel
economy. (For details, see “Automatic transmission” on
page 227.)
 Accelerate slowly and smoothly. Avoid jackrabbit starts.
 Avoid long engine idling. If you have a long wait and you
are not in traffic, it is better to turn off the engine and start
again later.

SECTION 4
263
IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
In case of an emergency
If your engine stalls while driving264
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If your vehicle will not start 264
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If you cannot increase the engine speed 268
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If your vehicle overheats 269
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If you have a flat tire 270
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
.
If your vehicle becomes stuck 277
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If your vehicle needs to be towed 278
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If you cannot shift automatic transmission
selector lever 284
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . .
If you lose your keys or lock yourself out 285
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
270
IF YOU HAVE A FLAT TIRE
1. Reduce your speed gradually, keeping a straight line. Move
cautiously off the road to a safe place − well away from the
traffic. A void stopping on the center divider of a highway. Park
on a level spot with firm ground.
2. Stop the engine and turn on your emergency flashers.
3. Firmly set the parking brake and put the transmission in “P”.
4. Have everyone get out of the vehicle on the side away from
traffic.
5. Read the following instructions thoroughly.
CAUTION
When jacking, be sure to observe the following to
reduce the possibility of personal injury:
 Follow jacking instructions.
 Do not put any part of your body under a vehicle
supported by a jack. Otherwise, personal injury may
occur.
 Do not start or run the engine while your vehicle is
supported by the jack.
 Stop the vehicle on a level firm ground, firmly set the
parking brake and put the transmission in “P”. Block
the wheel diagonally opposite to the one being
changed if necessary.
 Make sure to set the jack properly in the jack point.
Raising the vehicle with jack improperly positioned
will damage the vehicle or may allow the vehicle to fall
off the jack and cause personal injury.
 Never get under the vehicle when the vehicle is
supported by the jack alone.
 Use the jack only for lifting your vehicle during wheel
changing.
 Do not raise the vehicle with someone in the vehicle.
 When raising the vehicle, do not place any objects on
top of or underneath the jack.
 Raise the vehicle only high enough to remove and
change the tire.
NOTICE
Do not continue driving with a deflated tire. Driving
even a short distance can damage a tire and wheel
beyond repair.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
273
3. Block the wheel diagonally opposite the flat tire to keep
the vehicle from rolling when it is jacked up.
When blocking the wheel, place a wheel block in front of one
of the front wheels or behind one of the rear wheels.4. Loosen all the wheel nuts.
Always loosen the wheel nuts before raising the vehicle.
Turn the wheel 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.
CAUTION
Never use oil or grease on the bolts or nuts. The nuts
may loose and the wheels may fall off, which could
cause a serious accident.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
274
5. Position the jack at the jack points as shown. Rotate
the load rest 90 from storage position to lifting position.
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.
To 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 the vehicle is
supported by the jack alone.

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
275
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 ca n cause wheel nuts to loosen and eventually cause
a wheel to come off while driving.
8. Reinstall all the 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.
CAUTION
Never use oil or grease on the bolts or nuts. Doing so
may lead to overtightening the nuts and damaging the
bolts. The nuts may loose and the wheels may fall off,
which could cause a serious accident. If there is oil or
grease on any bolt or nut, clean it.