2010 Lexus HS250h tow

5
When trouble arises
483
5-1. Essential information
If your vehicle needs to be towed
Before towing
The following may indicate a problem with your hybrid transmission.
Contact your Lexus dealer before towing.
● The hybrid s
ystem is operating but the vehicle will not move.
● The v
ehicle makes an abnormal sound.
Emergency towing
If a tow truck is no t available in an
emergency, your vehicle may be
temporarily towed using a cable or
chain secured to the emergency
towing eyelet(s). This should only
be attempted on hard surfaced
roads for short distances at under
18 mph (30 km/h).
A driver must be in the vehicle to
steer and operate the brakes. The
vehicle’s wheels, drive train, axles,
steering and brakes must be in
good condition.
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
flatbed truck.

Use a safety chain system for all towing , a
nd abide by all state/provincial
and local laws.

484
5-1. Essential information
●If emergency towing cannot be performed
The vehicle cannot be towed by anot her v
ehicle in the following situa-
tions because the front wheels may be lock
ed by the parking lock.
Transport the vehicle with both front wheels or all 4 wheels lifted using
a flatbed or wheel-lift type truck.
• There is a malfunction in the smar t acces
s system with push-button
start.
• The P position control system is malfunctioning. ( P. 5 0 2 )
• The 12-volt battery is discharged.
Installing towing eyelets
Remove 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.

5
When trouble arises
485
5-1. Essential information
Tighten down the towing eyelet
securely using a wheel nut wrench.
Towing with a sling-type truck
Do not tow with a sling-type truck
to prevent body damage.
Towing with a wheel-lift type truck
From the frontRelease the parking brake.

486
5-1. Essential information
From the rearUse a towing dolly under the front
wheels.
Using a flatbed truck
If your Lexus is transported by a
flatbed truck, it should be tied
down at the locations shown in the
illustration.
If you use chains or cables to tie
do
wn your vehicle, the angles
shaded in black must be 45 .
Do not overly tighten the tie downs
or the v
ehicle may be damaged.

5
When trouble arises
487
5-1. Essential information
■Before emergency towingTurn the “POWER” switch to ON mode. ( P.
1 4 8 )
Do not turn the “POWER” switch to ACCESSORY mode.
Release the parking brake.
Change the shift position to N. 
When the “POWER” switch is in ACCESSORY mode, the shift position
ca
nnot be changed to N.
■Emergency towing eyelet location
 P. 5 2 1
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.
●Do not turn off the power switch. 
This may lead to accidents as th e parking lock will be engaged.
●If the hybrid system is off, the power assist for the brakes and steering will not
function, making steering and braking more difficult.
■Installing towing eyelets to the vehicle
Make sure that the towing eyelets are installed securely. 
If not securely installed, the towing eyel ets may come loose during towing. This may
lead to accidents that cause serious injury or even death.

488
5-1. Essential information
NOTICE
■To prevent damage the vehicle when towing using a wheel-lift type truck
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 body damage when towing using a sling-type truck
Do not tow with a sling-type truck, either from the front or rear.
■To prevent causing serious damage to the transmission when emergency towing
Never tow a vehicle from the rear with four wheels on the ground. This may cause
serious damage to the transmission.

5
When trouble arises
521
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If you have a flat tire
Remove the flat tire and replace it with the spare provided.
■Before jacking up the vehicle
●Stop the v
ehicle on a hard, flat surface.
●Set the parking br
ake.
● Change the shif
t position to P.
● Stop the hybrid s
ystem.
● T
urn on the emergency flashers.
■ Location of the spar
e tire, jack and tools
Tool tray
Towing eyelet
JackJack handle
Wr e n c h
Spare tire
Wheel nut wrench

526
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
Firmly tighten each wheel nut two
or three times in the order shown
in the illustration.
Tightening torque:
76 ft•lbf (103 N•m, 10.5 kgf•m)
Stow the flat tire, tire jack and all tools.
■The compact spare tire
●The compact spare tire is identified by the label “TEMPORARY USE ONLY”
on the tire sidewall. 
Use the compact spare tire temporarily, and only in an emergency.
●Make sure to check the tire inflatio n pressure of the compact spare tire. 
(  P. 555 )
■After completing the tire change
The tire pressure warning system must be reset. ( P.
4 3 9 )
■When using the compact spare tire
As the compact spare tire is not equipped with a tire pressure warning valve and
tr

ansmitter, low inflation pressure of the spare tire will not be indicated by the tire
pressure warning system. Also, if you repl ace the compact spare tire after the tire
pressure warning light comes on, the light remains on.
■If you have a flat front tire on a road covered with snow or ice
Install the compact spare tire on one of the rear wheels of the vehicle. Perform the
fo
llowing steps and fit tire chains to the front tires:
Replace a rear tire with the compact spare tire.
Replace the flat front tire with the tire removed from the rear of the vehi -
cle.
Fit tire chains to the front tires.