Page 849 of 1014
8227-2. Steps to take in an emergency
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
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 hybrid system is operating 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
Page 850 of 1014
8237-2. Steps to take in an emergency
7
When trouble arises
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
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 distances
at under 30 km/h (18 mph).
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
Page 851 of 1014
8247-2. Steps to take in an emergency
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
Take out the towing eyelet. (P. 872, 886)
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
1
2
3
4
Page 852 of 1014
8257-2. Steps to take in an emergency
7
When trouble arises
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
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 frontFrom the rear
Use a towing dolly under the
rear wheels.Turn the power switch to
ACCESSORY mode so that the
steering wheel is unlocked.
Page 853 of 1014
8267-2. Steps to take in an emergency
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
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
Page 854 of 1014

8277-2. Steps to take in an emergency
7
When trouble arises
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
Before emergency towing
Release the parking brake.
Shift the shift lever to N.
Turn the power switch to ACCESSORY (hybrid system off) or ON (hybrid
system operating) mode.
CAUTION
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.
When transporting the vehicle
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 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 towing eyelets are installed securely.
If not securely installed, towing eyelets may come loose during towing.
1
2
3
Be sure to transport the vehicle with the
rear wheels raised or with all four wheels
raised off the ground. If the vehicle is
towed with the rear wheels contacting
the ground, the drivetrain and related
parts may be damaged or the motor may
generate electricity. If the motor gener-
ates electricity, depending on the state of
the damage or malfunction, a fire may
dt hti it
Page 855 of 1014
8287-2. Steps to take in an emergency
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
NOTICE
To prevent causing serious damage to the transmission when towing using a
wheel-lift type truck
Never tow this vehicle from the front with the rear wheels on the ground.
To prevent damage to the vehicle when towing using a wheel-lift type truck
Do not tow the vehicle from the rear with the power 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.
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.
Page 856 of 1014

829
7 7-2. Steps to take in an emergency
When trouble arises
GS450h_300h_OM_OM30D53E_(EE)
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 hybrid system
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