2003 Lexus IS300 Basic Functions / LEXUS 2003 IS300 OWNER'S MANUAL (OM53439U)

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
284
IF YOUR VEHICLE NEEDS TO BETOWED
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 288.
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 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.
(a) Towing with a wheel lift type truck
From front
SS41015
MANUAL TRANSMISSION:
We recommend using a towing dolly under the rear wheels.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:
Use a towing dolly under the rear wheels.
NOTICE
Never tow a vehicle with an automatic transmission
from the front with rear wheels on the ground, as thismay cause serious damage to the transmission.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
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From rear
SS41016b
Place the ignition key in the ºACCº position.
NOTICE
Do not tow with the key removed or in the ºLOCKº
position, as the steering lock mechanism is notstrong enough to hold the front wheels straight.
When lifting wheels, take care to ensure adequateground clearance for towing at the opposite end ofthe raised vehicle. Otherwise, the bumper and/orunderbody of the towed vehicle will be damagedduring towing.
(b) Using a flat bed truck
SS41017
 Tie down points
40E014
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

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SS41018a

AFront BRear
If your Lexus is transported by a flat bed, it should be tied
down at locations A and B as shown above.
SV04004

Rear emergency towing eyelets
NOTICE
Do not use the rear emergency towing eyelets.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

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Tie down angle
SV04005
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
SS41021
NOTICE
Do not tow with a sling type truck, either from the front
or rear. This may cause body damage.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
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(d) Emergency towing
SV41032
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 yourvehicle 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.
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 cable or chainto the towing eyelet provided.
Before towing, release the parking brake and put the
transmission in neutral (manual) or ºNº (automatic). 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.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
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IF YOU CANNOT SHIFT
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SELECTOR LEVER
SV04012
If you cannot shift the selector lever, use the shift lock
button as follows:
1Turn the ignition key to ºLOCKº or ºACCº. Make sure the
parking brake is applied. Pry up the cover with a
flat±bladed screwdriver or equivalent.
SV04013
2Insert your finger, the screwdriver or equivalent into the
hole to push down the shift lock override button. You can
shift the selector lever while pushing the button.
For your safety, keep the brake pedal depressed.
Be sure to have the system checked by your Lexus dealer as
soon as possible.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
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IF YOU LOSE YOUR KEYS ORLOCK YOURSELF OUT
You can purchase a new key at your Lexus dealer if you
can give them the key number and master key.
Even if you lose only one key, contact your Lexus dealer to
make a new key. If you lose all your master keys, you cannot
make new keys; the whole engine immobiliser system must be
replaced.
See the suggestion given in ºKeysº on page 8.
You can use the wireless remote control system with the new
key. Contact your Lexus dealer for detailed information.
If your keys are locked in the vehicle and you cannot get a
duplicate, many Lexus dealers can still open the door for you,
using their special tools. If you must break a window to get in,
we suggest breaking the smallest side window because it is the
least expensive to replace. Be extremely cautious to avoid
cuts from the glass.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

SECTION 5
291
MAINTENANCE
Maintenance
Maintenance requirements292
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General maintenance 293
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Does your vehicle need repairing? 296
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Emissions Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) programs 297
. . . . . . . .
For scheduled maintenance information, please refer
to the ºOwner's Manual Supplement/ScheduledMaintenanceº.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)