2008 LEXUS RX400H towing

378
RX400h_U
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 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 front, the vehicle’s rear wheels and axles must be in good
condition. ( →P. 3 8 2 )
If they are damaged, use a towing dolly or flat bed truck.

5
When trouble arises
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5-1. Essential information
RX400h_U
■Emergency towing procedureRelease the parking brake.
Shift the shift lever to N.
Turn the engine switch to the ACC (hybrid system off) or ON (hybrid sys-
tem on) position.
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 hybrid system 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
Never tow this vehicle from the rear with four wheels on the ground.
This may cause serious damage to the transmission.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3

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5-1. Essential information
RX400h_U
Installing towing eyeletsRemove the eyelet cover.
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. 4 0 8

5
When trouble arises
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5-1. Essential information
RX400h_U
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.

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5-1. Essential information
RX400h_U
Towing with a wheel lift-type truckFrom the front (2WD models) Release the parking brake.
From the front (AWD models) Use a towing dolly under the rear
wheel.
NOTICE
■To prevent damaging the vehicle
When raising the vehicle, 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.
■To prevent causing serious damage to the transmission (AWD models)
Never tow this vehicle from the front with the rear wheels on the ground.

5
When trouble arises
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5-1. Essential information
RX400h_UFrom rear
Use a towing dolly under the front
wheels.
Using a flat bed truck
If 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
Never tow this vehicle from the rear with the front wheels on the ground.
FrontFront

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5-1. Essential information
RX400h_U
NOTICE
■To avoid serious damage to your vehicle
Do not use the rear emergency towing eye-
lets.

408
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
RX400h_U
If you have a flat tire
Remove the flat tire and replace it with the spare provided.
■Before jacking up the vehicle
● Stop the vehicle on a hard, flat surface.
● Set the parking brake.
● Shift the shift lever to P.
● Stop the hybrid system.
● Turn on the emergency flashers.
■ Location of the spare tire, jack and tools
Jack
Adapter socket Wr e n c h
Towing eyelet
Jack handle
Tool bag
Spare tire