2007 Lexus GS450h brakes

176
2-5. Driving information
Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving the
vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropriate to the
prevailing weather conditions.
■ Pre-winter preparations
●Use fluids that are appropria te to the prevailing outside tempera-
tures.
• Engine oil
• Engine/inverter coolant
• Washer fluid
● Have a service technician inspect th e level and specific gravity of
battery electrolyte.
● Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set of
tire chains for the rear tires.
Ensure that all tires are the same si ze and brand, and that chains match
the size of the tires.
■ Before driving the vehicle
Perform the following according to the driving conditions.
● Do not try to forcibly open a w indow or move a wiper that is fro-
zen. Pour warm water over the frozen area to melt the ice. Wipe
away the water immediately to prevent it from freezing.
● To ensure proper operation of the climate control system fan,
remove any snow that has accumulated on the air inlet vents in
front of the windshield.
● Remove any ice that has accumul ated on the vehicle chassis.
● Periodically check for and remove any excess ice or snow that
may have accumulated in the wheel well or on the brakes.

360
4-2. Maintenance
Vehicle interior
ItemsCheck points
Accelerator pedal• Moves smoothly (without uneven pedal effort or catching)?
Transmission “Park” 
mechanism• Can the vehicle be hold securely on an incline with the shift lever in “P”?
Brake pedal
• Moves smoothly?
• Does it have appropriate clearance and correct amount of free play?
Brakes
• Pulls to one side when applied?
• Loss of brake effectiveness?
• Spongy feeling brake pedal?
• Pedal almost touches floor?
Head restraints• Move smoothly and lock securely?
Indicators/buzzers• Function properly?
Lights• Do all the lights come on?
• Headlights aimed correctly? ( P. 4 1 9 )
Pa r k i n g b r a ke
• Moves smoothly?
• Can hold the vehicle securely on an
incline?
Seat belts
• Does the seat belt system operate smoothly?
• Are the belts undamaged?
Seats• Do the seat controls operate properly?
Steering wheel
• Moves smoothly?
• Has correct free play?
• No strange noises?

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
429
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

5
When trouble arises
443
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
CAUTION
■If the tire pressure warning light comes on
Be sure to observe the following precautions. Failure to do so could cause loss of
vehicle control and result in death or serious injury.
●Vehicles with run-flat tires:
• Decelerate to the lowest appropriate speed as soon as possible. Do not drive
over 55 mph (90 km/h).
• Check and adjust the tire inflation pressure immediately.
• If the tire pressure warning light comes on even after tire inflation pressure
adjustment, it is probable that you have a flat tire. Have the tire replaced by
the nearest Lexus dealer.
• Avoid abrupt maneuvering and braking. If the vehicle tires deteriorate, you
could lose control of the steering wheel or the brakes.
●Vehicles with standard tires:
• Stop your vehicle in a safe place as soon as possible. Adjust the tire inflation pressure immediately.
• If the tire pressure warning light comes on even after tire inflation pressure adjustment, it is probable that you have a flat tire. Check the tires. If the tire is
flat, change to the spare tire and have the flat tire repaired by the nearest
Lexus dealer.
• Avoid abrupt maneuvering and braking. If the vehicle tires deteriorate, you
could lose control of the steering wheel or the brakes.
■If a blowout or sudden air leakage should occur
The tire pressure warning system may not activate immediately.

5
When trouble arises
453
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
Wa r n i n g m e s s a g eDetailsCorrection procedure
(Flashing)
(If equipped)
The radar cruise control
system is unable to judge
vehicle-to-vehicle dis-
tance.
• Switch the mode select to either the normal or
power mode.
• If the windshield wipers
are on, turn them off or
set them to either the
intermittent or the slow
mode.
(Flashing)
(If equipped)
Yo u r v e h i c l e i s n e a r i n g
the vehicle ahead (in
radar cruise mode).Slow the vehicle by apply-
ing the brakes.
The vehicle is unable to
drive over 60 mph (or
120 km/h) until the trans-
mission warms up.
Wait until the transmission
warms up.
(Flashing)
The hybrid battery (trac-
tion battery) is low.Stop the vehicle and shift
the shift lever to “P”.
(Flashing)
The gasoline engine can-
not operate or the shift
lever is in “N” for a long
time.
Stop the vehicle and shift
the shift lever to “P”.

5
When trouble arises
459
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
InteriorbuzzerExterior buzzerWa r n i n g m e s s a g eDetailsCorrection
procedure

An open door has
been closed and
the power switch
has been turned
twice to the
“A C C ” m o d e f r o m
“OFF” mode.
Press the
power
switch while
applying the
brakes.

(Flashing)
The steering lock
has not released
within 3 seconds
of pressing the
power switch. The
power switch indi-
cator will flash
green for 15 sec-
onds.Press the
power
switch again
while turn-
ing the
steering
wheel with
the brake
pedal
depressed.

5
When trouble arises
475
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
Starting the hybrid systemPut the shift lever in “P” and apply the brakes. Hold the electronic key close to
the power switch (within 0.4 in. [10
mm]). Make sure that the button
side of the key is facing away from
the power switch.
An alarm will sound to indicate that
the start function cannot detect the
key with the depleted battery if any
of the doors will be opened and
closed while this operation.
Press the power switch within 5 seconds after the buzzer sounds,
keeping the brake pedal depressed.
If the hybrid system still cannot be started, contact your Lexus dealer.
STEP1
STEP2
■Replacing the key battery
As this procedure is the temporary measure, it is recommended that the electronic
key battery be replaced immediately. ( P. 4 0 1 )
STEP3