2007 Lexus GS450h towing

428
5-1. Essential information
If your vehicle needs to be towed
Before towingThe following may indicate a problem with your transmission. Contact
your Lexus dealer before towing.
● The hybrid system is running, but the vehicle will not move.
● The vehicle makes an abnormal sound.
Emergency towing
If a tow truck is not available, in an emergency your vehicle may be tem-
porarily towed using a cable or ch ain secured to the emergency towing
eyelet. This should only attempted on hard, surfaced roads for short dis-
tances at low speeds. 
A driver must be in the vehicle to s teer and operate the brakes. The vehi-
cle’s wheels, drive train, axles, steering and brakes must be in good condi-
tion.
If towing is necessary, we recommen d having your vehicle towed by your
Lexus dealer or a commercial towing service, using a lift-type truck or a flat
bed truck. 
Use a safety chain system for all towing , and abide by all state/provincial
and local laws.
The wheels and axle on the ground must be in good condition.
If they are damaged, use a to wing dolly or flat bed truck.

5
When trouble arises
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5-1. Essential information
Towing eyelet
■Emergency towing procedureRelease the parking brake.
Put the shift lever in “N”.
The power switch must be in the “ACC” mode (hybrid system off) or the
“IG-ON” mode (hybrid system on).
CAUTION
■Caution while towing
●Use extreme caution when towing the vehicle. 
Avoid sudden starts or erratic driving maneuvers which place excessive stress on
the emergency towing eyelet and the cable or chain.
●If the hybrid system is not running, the power assist for the brakes and steering
will not function, making steeri ng and braking more difficult.
NOTICE
■To prevent causing serious damage to the transmission
Never tow this vehicle from the front with the rear wheels on the ground. 
This may cause serious dama ge to the transmission.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3

430
5-1. Essential information
Installing towing eyeletRemove the eyelet cover using a
flathead screwdriver.
To protect the bodywork, place a
rag between the screwdriver and
the vehicle body, as shown in the
illustration.
Insert the towing eyelet into the
hole and tighten partially by hand.
Tighten down the towing eyelet
securely using a wheel nut wrench.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
■Location of the emergency towing eyelet
P. 4 6 1

5
When trouble arises
431
5-1. Essential information
Towing with a sling-type truck
CAUTION
■Installing towing eyelet to the vehicle
Make sure that towing eyelet is installed securely.
If not securely installed, towing eyelet ma y come loose during towing. This may lead
to accidents that cause serious injury or even death.
NOTICE
■To prevent body damage
Do not tow with a sling type truck, either from the front or rear.

432
5-1. Essential information
Towing with a wheel lift-type truckFrom front Use a towing dolly under the rear
wheels.
NOTICE
■To prevent causing serious damage to the transmission
Never tow this vehicle from the front with the rear wheels on the ground.

5
When trouble arises
433
5-1. Essential information
From rearSwitch to “ACC” mode so that the
steering wheel is unlocked.
NOTICE
■To prevent damaging the vehicle
●Do not tow the vehicle with the power switch “OFF”. 
The steering lock mechanism is not st rong enough to hold the front wheel
straight.
●When raising the vehicle, ensure adequate ground clearance for towing at the
opposite end of the raised vehicle. Wi thout adequate clearance, the vehicle
could be damaged while being towed.

5
When trouble arises
461
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If you have a flat tire (Vehicles with standard tires)
Remove the flat tire and replace it with the spare provided.
■Before jacking up the vehicle
●Stop the vehicle on a hard, flat surface.
● Set the parking brake.
● Shift the shift lever to “P”.
● Stop the hybrid system.
● Turn on the emergency flashers.
■ Location of the spare tire, jack and tools
Wheel nut wrench Jack
Jack handle
Spare tireTi g h t e n
Loosen
Tools
Towing eyelet

5
When trouble arises
483
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If the vehicle becomes stuck
CAUTION
■When attempting to free a stuck vehicle
If you choose to rock the vehicle back and forth to free it, make sure the surround-
ing area is clear, to avoid striking other vehicles, objects or persons. The vehicle
may also lunge forward or lunge back suddenly as it becomes free. Use extreme
caution.
■When shifting the shift lever
Be careful not to shift the shift lever with the accelerator pedal depressed.
This may lead to unexpected rapid acceleration of the vehicle that may cause an
accident and result in death or serious injury.
NOTICE
■To avoid damaging the transmission and other components
●Avoid spinning the wheels and racing the hybrid system.
●If the vehicle remains stuck after trying these procedures, the vehicle may require
towing to be freed.
Carry out the following procedures if the tires spin or the vehicle becomes
stuck in mud, dirt, or snow.
Stop the hybrid system. Set the parking brake and shift the shift
lever in “P”.
Remove the mud, snow, or sand from around the stuck tire.
Place wood, stones or some ot her material to help provide
traction under the tires.
Restart the hybrid system.
Turn off TRAC. (  P. 166)
Carefully apply the accelerator to free the vehicle.STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
STEP5
STEP6