2012 Lexus HS250h emergency towing

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1-1. Hybrid system
HS250h_U_75050U
CAUTION
●If your vehicle needs to be towed, do so with front wheels raised. If the wheels
connected to the electric motor (traction motor) are on the ground when towing,
the motor may continue to generate electricity. This may cause an electricity
leakage leading to a fire. (
→P. 4 9 5 )
●Carefully inspect the ground under the vehicle. If you find that liquid has leaked
onto the ground, the fuel system may have been damaged. Leave the vehicle as
soon as possible.
■Nickel-metal hydride battery
Your vehicle contains a sealed nickel-metal hydride battery. If disposed of improp-
erly, it is hazardous to the environment and there is a risk of severe burns and elec-
trical shock that may result in death or serious injury.
■Emergency shut off system
Carefully check to see if there are exposed high voltage parts or cables. Never
touch the parts or cables. (
→P. 3 0 )
NOTICE
■Hybrid battery air vent
●Do not put foreign objects near the air vent. The hybrid battery (traction battery)
may overheat and be damaged.
●Clean the air vent regularly to prevent the hybrid battery (traction battery) from
overheating.
●Do not wet or allow foreign substances to enter the air vent as this may cause a
short circuit and damage the hybrid battery (traction battery).
●Do not carry large amounts of water such as water cooler bottles in the vehicle. If
water spills onto the hybrid battery (traction battery), the battery may be dam-
aged. Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer.

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3-7. Other interior features
HS250h_U_75050U■
Stolen Vehicle Location
If your vehicle is stolen, Safety Connect can work with local authorities
to assist them in locating and recovering the vehicle. After filing a
police report, call the Safety Conne ct response center at 1-800-25-
LEXUS (1-800-255-3987) and follow the prompts for Safety Con-
nect to initiate this service.
In addition to assisting law enforcement with recovery of a stolen vehi-
cle, Safety-Connect-equipped vehicle location data may, under cer-
tain circumstances, be shared with third parties to locate your vehicle.
Further information is available at Lexus.com.
■ Emergency Assistance Button (“SOS”)
In the event of an emergency on the road, push the “SOS” button to
reach the Safety Connect response center. The answering agent will
determine your vehicle’s location, assess the emergency, and dispatch
the necessary assistance required.
If you accidentally press the “SOS” button, tell the response-center agent
that you are not experiencing an emergency.
■Enhanced Roadside Assistance
Enhanced Roadside Assistance adds GPS data to the already
included warranty-based Lexus roadside service.
Subscribers can press the “SOS” button to reach a Safety Connect
response-center agent, who can help with a wide range of needs, such
as: towing, flat tire, fuel delivery, etc. For a description of the Roadside
Assistance services and their limitations, please see the Safety Con-
nect Terms and Conditions, which are available at Lexus.com.

5
When trouble arises
495
5-1. Essential information
HS250h_U_75050U
If your vehicle needs to be towed
Before towingThe following may indicate a problem with your hybrid transmission.
Contact your Lexus dealer before towing.
● The hybrid system is operating 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
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 recommend 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, and abide by all state/provincial
and local laws.

496
5-1. Essential information
HS250h_U_75050U●
If emergency towing cannot be performed
The vehicle cannot be towed by another vehicle in the following situa-
tions because the front wheels may be locked 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 smart access system with push-button
start.
• The P position control system is malfunctioning. ( →P. 513)
• 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
499
5-1. Essential information
HS250h_U_75050U
■Before emergency towingTurn the “POWER” switch to ON mode. ( →P. 1 5 3 )
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
cannot be changed to N.
■Emergency towing eyelet location
→ P. 5 3 2
CAUTION
■Caution while towing
●Use extreme caution when towing the vehicle.
Avoid sudden starts or erratic driving maneuvers which would place excessive
stress on the emergency towing eyelets and the cables or chains. Always be cau-
tious of the surroundings and other vehicles while towing.
●Do not turn off the power switch.
This may lead to accidents as the 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 eyelets may come loose during towing. This may
lead to accidents that cause serious injury or even death.

500
5-1. Essential information
HS250h_U_75050U
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.

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5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
HS250h_U_75050U
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.
● Change the shift position to P.
● Stop the hybrid system.
● Turn on the emergency flashers.
■ Location of the spare tire, jack and tools
To o l t r a y
Towing eyelet
JackJack handle
Wr e n c h
Spare tire
Wheel nut wrench

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When trouble arises
557
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
HS250h_U_75050U
NOTICE
■To avoid damage to the hybrid transmission and other components
●Avoid spinning the wheels and depressing the accelerator pedal more than nec-
essary.
●If the vehicle remains stuck even after these procedures are performed, the vehi-
cle may require towing to be freed.