2007 Lexus GS450h emergency towing

10
1-1. Hybrid system
CAUTION
■Road accident cautions
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of injury.
●Pull your vehicle off the road, put the shift lever in “P”, apply the parking brake,
turn the hybrid system off.
●Do not touch the high voltage parts, cables and connectors.
●If electric wires are exposed inside or outside your vehicle, an electric shock may
occur. Never touch exposed electric wires.
●If a fluid leak occurs, do not touch it as it may be strong alkaline electrolyte from
the hybrid battery (traction battery). If it comes into contact with your skin or
eyes, wash it off immediately with a large amount of water or if possible, boric
acid solution. Seek immediate medical attention.
●If a fire occurs in the hybrid vehicle, leave the vehicle as soon as possible. Never
use a fire extinguisher that is not meant for electric fires. Using even a small
amount of water may be dangerous.
●If your vehicle needs to be towed, do so with the rear wheels raised. If the wheels
with the electric motor (t raction motor) are on the ground when towing, the
motor may continue to generate electricit y. This may cause an electricity leakage
leading to a fire.(
P. 4 2 0 )
■Nickel-metal hydride battery
Your vehicle contains a sealed nickel-metal hydride battery. If disposed of improp-
erly, it is hazardous to the environment and there is a risk of severe burns and elec-
trical shock that may result in death or serious injury.
■Emergency shut off system
●Carefully check to see if there are exposed high voltage parts or cables. Never
touch the parts or cables. (
P. 5 )
●Carefully inspect the ground under the vehicle. If you find that liquid has leaked
onto the ground, the fuel system may have been damaged. Leave the vehicle as
soon as possible.

420
5-1. Essential information
If your vehicle needs to be towed
Before towing
The following may indicate a problem with your transmission. Contact
your Lexus dealer before towing.
● The hybrid s
ystem is running, but the vehicle will not move.
● The v
ehicle 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 secur
ed 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 steer and oper
ate the brakes. The vehi-
cle’s wheels, drive train, axles, steering and br
akes 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 , a
nd 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
421
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

422
5-1. Essential information
Installing towing eyelet
Remove 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
secur
ely using a wheel nut wrench.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
■Location of the emergency towing eyelet
P.
4 5 6

456
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 v
ehicle on a hard, flat surface.
●Set the parking br
ake.
● Shif
t the shift lever to “P”.
●Stop the hybrid s
ystem.
● T
urn on the emergency flashers.
■ Location of the spar
e tire, jack and tools
Wheel nut wrench Jack
Jack handle
Spare tireTi g h t e n
Loosen
Tools
Towing eyelet

478
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 transm ission 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 fr
om around the stuck tire.
Place wood, stones or some ot her material to help pr
ovide
traction under the tires.
Restart the hybrid system.
Turn off TRAC. (  P. 1 6 4 )
Carefully apply the accelerator to free the vehicle.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
STEP4
STEP5
STEP6

516
Alphabetical index
Hybrid vehicle immobilizer 
system ..................................................... 62
Theft prevention labels .......................... 66
Tire inflation pressure ......................... 487
Tire information Glossary................................................. 497
Size ........................................................... 494
Tire identification number ............. 493
Uniform tire quality grading ......... 495
Tires Chains ....................................................... 176
Checking ............................................... 375
Compact spare tire .......................... 457
If you have a flat tire ............. 455, 456
Inflation pressure................................ 487
Information............................................ 492
Pressure warning system .............. 375
Replacing ............................................... 456
Rotating tires ........................................ 375
Size ........................................................... 487
Snow tires ................................................ 177
Tools ........................................................... 456
Total load capacity ................................ 173
Touch screen ........................................... 182
Towing Dinghy towing ...................................... 180
Emergency towing ............................. 421
Trailer towing......................................... 179
TRAC (Traction control) .................... 162
Transmission If the shift lever cannot be 
shifted from P ................................... 467
Mode select switch............................ 105
S mode..................................................... 106
Transmission ......................................... 104
Trip meter .................................................... 111Trunk
Opener ..................................................... 30
Trunk light ................................................. 32
Wattage ................................................. 488
Turn signal lights Replacing light bulbs ......................... 413
Switch ........................................................ 108
Wattage ................................................. 488
Vanity lights Vanity lights............................................ 318
Wattage ................................................. 488
Vanity mirrors ..........
...................................318
VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics 
Integrated Management) ................163
Vehicle identification number.......... 481
Vehicle load limits .................................. 173
Ventilators ............................................... 326
VGRS (Variable Gear Ratio 
Steering) .................................................162
VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) ...... 162
Warning buzzers Brake system ....................................... 430
Downshifting.......................................... 106
Open door ........................................... 432
Seat belt reminder ............................ 433
Warning lights Anti-lock brake system (ABS) .... 432
Brake system ....................................... 430
Charging system ................................. 431
ECB/VSC (Electronically 
Controlled Brake System/ 
Vehicle Stability Control)...........432
V
W