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IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
470
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 put an object
on or under the jack.
Raise the vehicle only high enough to remove
and change the tire.
NOTICE
Do not use liquid sealants for a flat tire as tire
pressure sensors will be damaged.
Do not continue driving with a deflated tire.
Driving even a short distance can damage a tire
beyond repair.
When the tires must be repaired or replaced,
have them repaired or replaced by the nearest
Lexus dealer or authorized tire dealer. The tire
pressure sensors will be affected by the
installation or removal of tires.
When the tires must be replaced, replace the
grommets for tire pressure sensors as well.
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IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
486
(d) Emergency towing
G40019
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 “Installing towing eyelet”
on page 488.
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.
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.
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IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
487
Before towing, release the
parking brake and put the
transmission in ”N”. The engine switch must be selected in
“ACC” or “IG −ON” mode.
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.
Emergency towing eyelet precautions:
Before emergency towing, check that the eyelet is not
broken or damaged and that the installation bolts are not
loose.
Fasten the towing cable or chain securely to the eyelet.
Do not jerk the eyelet. Apply steady and even force.
To avoid damaging the eyelet, do not pull from the side or
at a vertical angle. Always pull straight ahead.
CAUTION
If the emergency towing eyelet is used to get out when
your vehicle becomes stuck in the mud, sand or other
condition from which the vehicle cannot be driven out
under its own power, make sure to observe the
precautions mentioned below. Otherwise, excessive
stress will be put on the eyelet and the towing cable or
chain may break, causing serious injury or damage.
If the towing vehicle can hardly move, do not forcibly
continue the towing. Contact your Lexus dealer or a
commercial tow truck service for assistance.
Tow the vehicle as straight ahead as possible.
Keep away from the vehicle during towing.
Page 510 of 622
IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
489
G40022
3. Tighten the towing eyelet securely by a wheel nut wrench.
CAUTION
When installing the eyelet on the vehicle, be sure to
tighten the eyelet securely. If the eyelet is loose, it may
come off when being towed and result in death or
serious injury.
IF YOU CANNOT SHIFT
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SELECTOR LEVER
G40001
If you cannot shift the selector lever, use the shift lock
override button as follows:
1Turn the engine switch off. Make sure the parking brake
is applied. Pry up the cover with a flathead screwdriver
or equivalent.
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IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
490
G40002
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.
IF YOU LOSE YOUR KEYS OR LOCK YOURSELF OUT
You can purchase a new key at your Lexus dealer if you
can give them the key number and electronic key.
Even if you lose only one key, contact your Lexus dealer to
make a new key. If you lose all your electronic keys, you
cannot make new keys; the whole engine immobilizer must be
replaced.
See the suggestion given in “Keys” on page 8.
You can use the smart access system with push −button start
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.
Page 515 of 622

MAINTENANCE
494Battery
Your Lexus has a maintenance free battery. You do not have
to add distilled water. For longer life of the battery, however,
see page 571 for additional information.
Brake fluid level
Make sure the brake fluid level is correct. See page 538 for
additional information.
Engine oil level
Check the level on the dipstick with the engine turned off and
the vehicle parked on a level spot.
See page 522 for additional
information.
Exhaust system
If you notice any change in the sound of the exhaust or smell
exhaust fumes, have the cause located and corrected
immediately. (See “Engine exhaust caution” on page 341.)
Vehicle interior
Items listed below should be checked regularly, e.g. while
performing periodic services, cleaning the vehicle, etc.
Lights
Make sure the headlight, stop lights, tail lights, turn signal
lights, and other lights are working. Check headlight aim.
Service reminder indicators and warning buzzers
Check that all service reminder indicators and warning
buzzers function properly.
Steering wheel
Check that it ha s the specified free play. Be alert for changes
in steering condition, such as hard steering, excessive free
play or strange noise.
Seats
Check that all front seat controls such as seat adjusters,
seatback recliner, etc. operate smoothly. Check that the head
restraints move up and down smoothly and that the locks hold
securely in any latched position.
Seat belts
Check that the seat belt system such as buckles, retractors
and anchors operate properly and smoothly. Make sure the
belt webbing is not cut, frayed, worn or damaged.
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MAINTENANCE
495
Accelerator 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 free play. 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.
Tire inflation pressure
Check the tire inflation pressure with a gauge every two
weeks, or at least once a month and adjust as shown on
the tire and loading information label. See page 539 for
additional information.
Tire surface
Check the tires carefully for cuts, damage or excessive
wear. See page 554 for additional information.
Tire rotation
Rotate the tires according to the maintenance schedule.
(For scheduled maintenance information, please refer to
the “Owner’s Manual Supplement / Scheduled
Maintenance”.) See page 554 for additional information.
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MAINTENANCE
496
DOES YOUR VEHICLE NEEDREPAIRING?
Be on the alert for changes in performance and sounds, and
visual tip −offs that indicate service is needed. Some important
clues are:
Engine missing, stumbling, or pinging
Appreciable loss of power
Strange engine noises
A fluid leak under the vehicle (however, water dripping from
the air conditioning after use is normal.)
Change in exhaust sound (This may indicate a dangerous
carbon monoxide leak. Drive with the windows open and
have the exhaust system checked immediately.)
Flat−looking tires, excessive tire squeal when cornering,
uneven tire wear
Vehicle pulls to one side when driving straight on a level
road
Strange noises related to suspension movement
Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling brake pedal,
pedal almost touches floors, vehicle pulls to one side when
braking
Engine coolant temperature continually higher than normal
If you notice any of these clues, take your vehicle to your Lexus
dealer as soon as possible. It probably needs adjustment or
repair.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving with the vehicle unchecked. It
could result in serious vehicle damage and possibly
personal injury.