IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
cccxxiv
(c) Towing with a sling type truck
NOTICE
Do not tow with a sling type truck, either from the front
or rear. This may cause body damage.
(d) Emergency towing
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.
To install the front towing eyelet, see “(e) Installing front towing
eyelet” on page cccxxv.
NOTICE
Only use specified towing eyelet; otherwise your
vehicle may be damaged.
Never tow a vehicle from the rear with four wheels on
the ground. This may cause serious damage to the
transmission.
IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
cccxxv
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 chain
to the towing eyelet provided.
Before towing, release the parking brake and put the
transmission in “N”. The ignition key must be in “ACC” (engine
off) or “ON” (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.
(e) Installing front towing eyelet
1. Remove the front towing eyelet cover on the front bumper
using a flathead screwdriver. To protect the bodywork, place
a piece of rag over the cover.
IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
cccxxvii
IF YOU CANNOT SHIFT AUTOMATICTRANSMISSION SELECTOR LEVER
If you cannot shift the selector lever out of “P” position to
other pos itions even though the brake pedal is depressed,
use the shift lock override button as follows:
1Turn the ignition key to “LOCK”. Make sure the parking
brake is applied.
2Pry up the cover with a flathead screwdriver or equivalent.
3Push down the shift lock override button. You can shift out
of “P” position only while pushing the button.
4Shift into “N” position.
Insert the cover. Start the engine. For your safety, keep
the brake pedal depressed.
Be sure to have the system checked by your Lexus dealer as
soon as possible.
MAINTENANCE
cccxxxivAccelerator pedal
Check
the pedal for smooth operation and uneven pedal ef fort
or catching.
Brake pedal
Check the pedal for smooth operation and the proper
clearance and freeplay. Check the brake booster function.
Brakes
In a safe place, check that the brakes do not pull to one side
when applied.
Parking brake
Check that the pedal has the proper travel and that, on a safe
incline, your vehicle is held securely with only the parking brake
applied.
Automatic transmission “Park” mechanism
On a safe incline, check that your vehicle is held securely with
the selector lever in “P” position and all brakes released.
Vehicle exterior
Items listed below should be performed from time to time,
unless otherwise specified.
Wheel nuts
When checking the tires, make sure to check the nuts for
looseness. Tighten them if necessary.
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.
INTRODUCTION
cccxliii
Use eye protection whenever you work on or under
your vehicle where you may be exposed to flying or
falling material, fluid spray, etc.
Be extremely cautious when working on the battery.
It contains poisonous and corrosive sulfuric acid.
NOTICE
Remember that battery and ignition cables carry high
currents or voltages. Be careful of accidentally
causing a short circuit.
Before closing the engine hood, check to see that you
have not forgotten any tools, rags, etc.
Do not drive with the air cleaner removed, or
excessive engine wear could result. Also backfiring
could cause a fire in the engine compartment.
Do not overfill automatic transmission fluid, or the
transmission could be damaged.
Be careful not to scratch the glass surface with the
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):
“Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equivalent
See page ccclviii for details about engine oil selection.
Tools:
Rag or paper towel
Funnel (only for adding oil)
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cccxliv
Checking the engine coolant level
Parts (if level is low):
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” or similar high quality
ethylene glycol based non −silicate, non− amine, non−nitrite,
and non −borate coolant with long −life hybrid organic acid
technology (Coolant with long −life hybrid organic acid
technology is a combination of low phosphates and organic
acids.)
“Toyota Super Long Life Coolant” is a mixture of 50% coolant
and 50% deionized water (for the U.S.A.) or 55% coolant
and 45% deionized water (for Canada). This coolant
provides protection down to about −35C (−31F) (for the
U.S.A.) or about −42C (− 44F) (for Canada).
Tools:
Funnel (only for adding coolant)
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
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cccxlvi
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 the vehicle
supported by the jack. 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 wheels on the opposite side of the jack up point
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 vehicle support
stands.
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.
NOTICE
Make sure to place the jack correctly, or your vehicle
may be damaged.