2008 LEXUS RX400H emergency 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
379
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

384
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

5
When trouble arises
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5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
RX400h_U
Stowing the flat tire, jack and all toolsInstall the inside spare tire cover on the outer side of the spare tire
cover. Put the flat tire in the spare tire
cover with the outer side facing up
and install the holding bracket.
Turn the spare tire clamp bolt clockwise with a jack handle and
adapter socket until you hear a click.
Stow all the tools and jack securely.
STEP1
STEP2
■After completing the tire change
The tire pressure warning system must be reset. ( →P. 3 3 2 )
STEP3
STEP4

5
When trouble arises
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5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
RX400h_U
NOTICE
■Do not drive the vehicle with a flat tire.
Do not continue driving with a flat tire.
Driving even a short distance with a flat tire can damage the tire and the wheel
beyond repair.
■When replacing the tires
When removing or fitting the wheels, tires or the tire pressure warning valve and
transmitter, contact your Lexus dealer as the tire pressure warning valve and trans-
mitter may be damaged if not handled correctly.
■To avoid damaging the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters
Do not use liquid sealants on flat tires.
■When stowing the flat tire
●Ensure that there is no object caught between the tire and the vehicle underbody.
●Tighten the spare tire clamp bolt to hold the spare wheel carrier by the hook
securely.

5
When trouble arises
427
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
RX400h_U
If the vehicle becomes stuck
CAUTION
■When attempting to free a stuck vehicle
If you choose to rock the vehicle back and forth to free it, make sure the surround-
ing area is clear, to avoid striking other vehicles, objects or persons. The vehicle
may also lunge forward or lunge back suddenly as it becomes free. Use extreme
caution.
■When shifting the shift lever
Be careful not to shift the shift lever with the accelerator pedal depressed.
This may lead to unexpected rapid acceleration of the vehicle that may cause an
accident and result in death or serious injury.
NOTICE
■To avoid damaging the transmission and other components
●Avoid spinning the wheels and do not rev the hybrid system.
●If the vehicle remains stuck after trying these procedures, the vehicle may require
towing to be freed.
Carry out the following procedures if the tires spin or the vehicle becomes
stuck in mud, dirt, or snow.
●Stop the hybrid system. Set the parking brake and put the selec-
tor lever in P.
● Remove the mud, snow, or sand from around the stuck tire.
● Place wood, stones or some other material to help provide trac-
tion under the tires.
● Restart the hybrid system.
● Carefully apply the accelerator to free the vehicle.