2008 Lexus GS450h transmission

482
GS_HV_U
December 12, 2007 3:50 pm
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 below 18 mph (30 km/h). 
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
483
5-1. Essential information
GS_HV_U
December 12, 2007 3:50 pm
Towing eyelet
■Emergency towing procedureRelease the parking brake.
Put the shift lever in “N”.
The “POWER” switch must be in the ACCESSORY mode (hybrid system
off) or the ON mode (hybrid system 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 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

486
5-1. Essential information
GS_HV_U
December 12, 2007 3:50 pm
Towing with a wheel lift-type truckFrom front Use a towing dolly under the rear
wheels.
From rear Turn the “POWER” switch to the
ACCESSORY mode so that the
steering wheel is unlocked.
NOTICE
■To prevent causing serious damage to the 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 “POWER” 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.

5
When trouble arises
489
5-1. Essential information
GS_HV_U
December 12, 2007 3:50 pm
Event data recorder
In a crash or a near car crash eventThe SRS airbag sensor ass embly contains the EDR. In a crash or a near
car crash event, this devic e may record some or all of the following infor-
mation:
● Gasoline engine speed
● Whether the brake pedal was applied or not
● Vehicle speed
● To what extent the accelerator pedal was depressed
● Position of the transmission shift lever
● Whether the driver and front passenger wore seat belts or not
● Driver’s seat position
● SRS airbag deployment data
● SRS airbag system diagnostic data
● Front passenger’s occupant classification
Your vehicle has computers that monitor and control certain aspects of
your vehicle. These computers assist in driving and maintaining optimal
vehicle performance.
Besides storing data useful for troublesh ooting, there is a system to record
data in a crash or a near car crash event. This is called an Event Data
Recorder (EDR).

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5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
GS_HV_U
December 12, 2007 3:50 pm
Have the vehicle inspected immediately.Failing to investigate the cause of the following warnings may lead to the
system operating abnormally and possibly cause an accident. Have the
vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
*2: Electronically Controlled Brake System
Warning lightWarning light/Details
(U.S.A.)

(Canada)
Malfunction indicator lamp
Malfunction in:
• The electronic engine control system;
• The hybrid system;
• The electronic throttle control system; or
• The transmission control system.
SRS warning lightMalfunction in:
• The SRS airbag system;
• The front passenger occupant classification system; or
• The seat belt pretensioner system.
(U.S.A.)

(Canada)
ABS warning lightMalfunction in:
•The ABS; or
• The brake assist system.
ECB*2/VSC warning light
Malfunction in:
• The electronically controlled brake system; or
• The VSC.
Electric power steering system warning light Malfunction in the EPS.
“PCS” warning light (if equipped)Malfunction in the pre-collision system.

5
When trouble arises
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5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
GS_HV_U
December 12, 2007 3:50 pm
Wa r n i n g m e s s a g eDetailsCorrection procedure
(If equipped, flashing)
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 hybrid system has
overheated.Stop and check. 
( P. 5 3 8 )
The vehicle is unable to
drive over 60 mph until
the transmission 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”.

510
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
GS_HV_U
December 12, 2007 3:50 pm
Wa r n i n g m e s s a g eDetailsCorrection procedure
(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”.
(Flashing)
The transmission is out of
“P” when attempting to
start the hybrid system.Shift the shift lever to “P”
before pressing the power
switch.
(Flashing)
The driver’s door is
opened when the trans-
mission is out of “P” with
the hybrid system on.
Shift the shift lever to “P”.
■After changing the engine oil (U.S.A. only)
Make sure to reset the oil maintenance data. (P. 4 2 5 )
■Approach warning message
In the following instances, there is the poss ibility that the approach warning will not
activate even when the vehicle-to-vehicle distance decreases.
●When your vehicle and the vehicle ahead are traveling at the same speed or the
vehicle ahead is traveling more quickly than your vehicle.
●When the vehicle ahead is traveling at very low speed.
●Immediately after cruise control speed is set.
●At the instant the accelerator pedal is depressed.

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5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
GS_HV_U
December 12, 2007 3:50 pm
NOTICE
■To avoid damaging the transmission and other components
●Avoid spinning the wheels.
●If the vehicle remains stuck after trying these procedures, the vehicle may require
towing to be freed.