2008 Lexus IS250 tow

287
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
08_IS350/250_U_(L/O_0708)
CAUTION
The engine compartment contains many mechanisms and fluids that may move sud-
denly, become hot, or become electrically energized. To avoid death or serious injury,
observe the following precautions.
■When working on the engine compartment:
●Keep hands, clothing, and tools away from the moving fan and engine drive belt.
●Be careful not to touch the engine, radiator, exhaust manifold, etc. right after driv-
ing as they may be hot. Oil and other fluids may also be hot.
●Do not leave anything that may burn easily, such as paper or rags, in the engine
compartment.
●Do not smoke, cause sparks or expose an open flame to fuel or the battery. Fuel
and battery fumes are flammable.
●Be extremely cautious when working on the battery. It contains poisonous and
corrosive sulfuric acid.
ItemsParts and tools
Engine oil level (→P. 2 9 5 )
• “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equivalent
• Rag or paper towel, funnel (used
only for adding engine oil)
Fuses (→P. 3 2 7 )• Fuse with same amperage rating as
original
Tire inflation pressure (→P. 316)• Tire pressure gauge
• Compressed air source
Headlight aim (→P. 3 4 1 )• Phillips-head screwdriver
Radiator and condenser (→P. 3 0 1 )
Wa s h e r f l u i d (→P. 3 0 5 )
• Water washer fluid containing anti-freeze (for winter use)
•Funnel

When trouble arises5
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08_IS350/250_U_(L/O_0708)
5-1. Essential information................... 350
If your vehicle needs to be towed ..................................... 350
If you think something is wrong ...................................... 356
Fuel pump shut off system ..................................... 357
Event data recorder ............. 358
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency.................... 360
If a warning light turns on or a warning buzzer
sounds... ................................ 360
If a warning message is displayed ................................ 369
If you have a flat tire .............. 382
If the engine will not start ...... 391
If the shift lever cannot be shifted from P........................ 392
If you lose your keys ............... 393
If the electronic key does not operate properly .......... 394 If the vehicle battery is
discharged ............................ 397
If your vehicle overheats............................... 400
If the vehicle becomes stuck........................................ 402

350
08_IS350/250_U_(L/O_0708)
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 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 chain secured to the emergency towing
eyelet(s). This should only attempted on hard, surfaced roads for short
distances at low speeds.
A driver must be in the vehicle to steer and operate the brakes. The vehi-
cle’s wheels, drive train, axles, steer ing and brakes must be in good condi-
tion.
Towing eyelets
If towing is necessary, we recommend having your vehicle towed by your
Lexus dealer or a commercial towing se rvice, 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 vehicle’s front wheels and axles must be in good
condition. (
→P. 3 5 4 )
If they are damaged, use a to wing dolly or flat bed truck.

5
When trouble arises
351
5-1. Essential information
08_IS350/250_U_(L/O_0708)
■Emergency towing procedureRelease the parking brake.
Shift the shift lever to N.
Put the “ENGINE START STOP” switch in ACCESSORY mode (engine
off) or IGNITION ON mode (engine running).
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 eyelets and the cables or chains.
●If the engine is not running, the power assist for the brakes and steering will not
function, making steering and braking more difficult.
NOTICE
■To prevent causing serious damage to the transmission
(vehicles with an automatic transmission)
Never tow this vehicle from the front with the rear wheels on the ground.
This may cause serious damage to the transmission.
■When towing a vehicle without using a towing dolly
(vehicles with a manual transmission)
The “ENGINE START STOP” switch must not be OFF.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3

352
5-1. Essential information
08_IS350/250_U_(L/O_0708)
Installing towing eyeletsRemove the eyelet cover using a
flat head 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. 3 8 2

5
When trouble arises
353
5-1. Essential information
08_IS350/250_U_(L/O_0708)
Towing with a sling-type truck
CAUTION
■Installing towing eyelets to the vehicle
Make sure that towing eyelets are installed securely.
If not securely installed, towing eyelets may 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.

354
5-1. Essential information
08_IS350/250_U_(L/O_0708)
Towing with a wheel lift-type truckFrom the front Vehicles with an automatic trans-
mission: Use a towing dolly under
the rear wheels.
Vehicles with a manual transmis-
sions: We recommend to use a
towing dolly under the rear wheels.
When not using a towing dolly,
release the parking brake and shift
the shift lever to N.
From the rear (2WD models)Switch to ACCESSORY mode so
that the steering wheel is
unlocked.
From the rear (AWD models) Use a towing dolly under the front
wheel.

5
When trouble arises
355
5-1. Essential information
08_IS350/250_U_(L/O_0708)
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 transmission
(vehicles with an 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 from the rear with the “ENGINE START STOP” switch
OFF.
The steering lock mechanism is not strong enough to hold the front wheel
straight.
●When raising the vehicle from the rear, ensure adequate ground clearance for
towing at the opposite end of the raised vehicle. Without adequate clearance, the
vehicle could be damaged while being towed from the rear.