2008 Lexus GS350 tow

401
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
GS_G_U
May 13, 2008 5:14 pm
ItemsPa r t s a n d t o o l s
Engine oil level (P. 4 0 9 )
• “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or
equivalent
• Rag or paper towel, funnel (used
only for adding engine oil)
Fuses ( P. 4 4 2 )• Fuse with same amperage rating as
original
Headlight aim ( P. 4 6 7 )• Phillips-head screwdriver
Radiator and condenser (P. 4 1 5 )
Tire inflation pressure (P. 4 3 1 )• Tire pressure gauge
• Compressed air source
Wa s h e r f l u i d ( P. 4 2 0 )
• Water washer fluid containing anti-
freeze (for winter use)
•Funnel

When trouble arises5
477
GS_G_U
May 13, 2008 5:14 pm
5-1. Essential information..... 478If your vehicle needs 
to be towed ............................ 478
If you think something is  wrong ..................................... 484
Fuel pump shut off 
system .................................... 485
Event data recorder .............. 486 5-2. Steps to take in an

emergency ................... 488
If a warning light turns on or a 
warning buzzer sounds... .. 488
If a warning message is 
displayed................................. 497
If you have a flat tire (Vehicles 
with standard tires) .............. 512
If you have a flat tire (Vehicles 
with run-flat tires)................ 522
If the engine will not start .... 523
If the shift lever cannot be 
shifted from “P”.................... 524
If you lose your keys .............. 525
If the electronic key does 
not operate properly.......... 526
If the 12 volt battery is 
discharged ............................ 529
If your vehicle overheats ..... 533
If the vehicle becomes 
stuck........................................ 536

478
GS_G_U
May 13, 2008 5:14 pm
5-1. Essential information
If your vehicle needs to be towed
Before towingThe following may indicate a problem with your automatic transmission.
Contact your Lexus dealer before towing.
● The engine 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.
If towing from the rear, 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
479
5-1. Essential information
GS_G_U
May 13, 2008 5:14 pm
Towing eyelet
■Emergency towing procedureRelease the parking brake.
Put the shift lever in “N”.
The “ENGINE START STOP” switch must be in the ACCESSORY mode
(engine off) or the IGNITION ON mode (engine on).
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 engine is not running, the power assi st for the brakes and steering will not
function, making steering and braking more difficult.
NOTICE
■To prevent causing serious damage to the automatic transmission
Never tow this vehicle from the front with the rear wheels (2WD models) or four
wheels (4WD models) on the ground. 
This may cause serious damage to the automatic transmission.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3

480
5-1. Essential information
GS_G_U
May 13, 2008 5:14 pm
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. 5 1 2

5
When trouble arises
481
5-1. Essential information
GS_G_U
May 13, 2008 5:14 pm
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.

482
5-1. Essential information
GS_G_U
May 13, 2008 5:14 pm
Towing with a wheel lift-type truckFrom front Use a towing dolly under the rear
wheels.
From rear (2WD models) Turn the “ENGINE START STOP”
switch to the ACCESSORY mode
so that the steering wheel is
unlocked.
From rear (4WD models) Use a towing dolly under the front
wheels.

5
When trouble arises
483
5-1. Essential information
GS_G_U
May 13, 2008 5:14 pm
Using a flat bed truckIf your Lexus is transported by a
flat bed truck, it should be tied
down at the locations shown in the
illustration.
If you use chains or cables to tie
down your vehicle, the angles
shaded in black must be 45 .
Do not overly tighten the tie downs
or the vehicle may be damaged.
NOTICE
■To prevent causing serious damage to the automatic transmission
Never tow this vehicle from the front with the rear wheels on the ground.
■To prevent damaging the vehicle
●Do not tow the vehicle with the “ENGINE START STOP” switch is 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.