2012 Lexus GS350 Owner's Manual

7407-2. Steps to take in an emergency
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
If your vehicle needs to be towed
The following may indicate a problem with your transmission.
Contact any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly
qualified and equipped professional before towing.
The engine is running but the vehicle will not move.
The vehicle makes an abnormal sound.
If towing is necessary, we recommend having your vehicle towed
by any authorized Lexus dealer or repairer, or another duly quali-
fied and equipped professional or a commercial towing service,
using a lift-type truck or flat bed truck.
Use a safety chain system for all towing, and abide by all state/pro-
vincial and local laws.
Before towing

7417-2. Steps to take in an emergency
7
When trouble arises
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)If a tow truck is not available in
an emergency, your vehicle may
be temporarily towed using a
cable or chain secured to the
emergency towing eyelet. This
should only be attempted on hard
surfaced roads for short dis-
tances at low speeds.
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.
Emergency towing

7427-2. Steps to take in an emergency
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)Take out the towing eyelet. (P. 784, 799)
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.
Tighten down the towing eye-
let securely using a wheel nut
wrench.
Installing towing eyelet
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2
3
4

7437-2. Steps to take in an emergency
7
When trouble arises
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)Do not tow with a sling-type
truck to prevent body damage.
Towing with a sling-type truck
Towing with a wheel-lift type truck
From the frontFrom the rear (2WD models)
Use a towing dolly under the
rear wheels.Turn the engine switch to
ACCESSORY mode so that the
steering wheel is unlocked.
From the rear (AWD models)
Use a towing dolly under the
front wheels.

7447-2. Steps to take in an emergency
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)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.
Using a flat bed truck

7457-2. Steps to take in an emergency
7
When trouble arises
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
Before emergency towing
Release the parking brake.
Shift the shift lever to N.
Turn the engine switch to ACCESSORY (engine off) or IGNITION ON
(engine running) mode.
CAUTION
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.
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. Always
be cautious of the surroundings and other vehicles while towing.
If the engine is not running, 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 towing eyelets are installed securely.
If not securely installed, towing eyelets may come loose during towing.
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2
3

7467-2. Steps to take in an emergency
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
NOTICE
To prevent causing serious damage to the transmission and transfer (AWD
models) when towing using a wheel-lift type truck
2WD models:
Never tow this vehicle from the front with the rear wheels on the ground.
AWD models:
Never tow this vehicle with any of the wheels in contact with the ground.
To prevent damage to the vehicle when towing using a wheel-lift type truck
2WD models:
Do not tow the vehicle from the rear with the engine switch off. The steer-
ing lock mechanism is not strong enough to hold the front wheels 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.
AWD models:
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 with 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 and transfer (AWD
models) in emergency towing
Never tow a vehicle from the rear with four wheels on the ground. This
may cause serious damage to the transmission and transfer.

747
7 7-2. Steps to take in an emergency
When trouble arises
GS350/250_EE (OM30C36E)
If you think something is wrong
Fluid leaks under the vehicle.
(Water dripping from the air conditioning after use is normal.)
Flat-looking tires or uneven tire wear
Engine coolant temperature gauge needle continually points
higher than normal.
Changes in exhaust sound
Excessive tire squeal when cornering
Strange noises related to the suspension system
Pinging or other noises related to the engine
Engine missing, stumbling or running roughly
Appreciable loss of power
Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when braking
Vehicle pulls heavily to one side when driving on a level road
Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling, pedal almost
touches the floor
If you notice any of the following symptoms, your vehicle proba-
bly needs adjustment or repair. Contact any authorized Lexus
dealer or repairer, or another duly qualified and equipped profes-
sional as soon as possible.
Visible symptoms
Audible symptoms
Operational symptoms