2013 Lexus GS450h Owner's Manual

704
GS450h_U (OM30D01U)
7-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If your vehicle needs to be towed
The following may indicate a problem with your transmission. Contact
your Lexus dealer before towing.
●The hybrid system is operating but the vehicle will not move.
●The vehicle makes an abnormal sound.
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 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 flat bed truck.
Use a safety chain system for all towing, and abide by all state/provin-
cial and local laws.
Before towing
Emergency towing
GS450h_U.book Page 704 Monday, January 23, 2012 10:20 AM

7057-2. Steps to take in an emergency
GS450h_U (OM30D01U)
7
When trouble arises
Take out the towing eyelet (→P. 7 5 0 )
Remove the eyelet cover using a
flathead screwdriver.
To protect the bodywork, place a rag
between the screwdriver and the vehi-
cle body as shown in the illustration.
Insert the towing eyelet into the
hole and tighten partially by hand.
Tighten down the towing eyelet
securely using a wheel nut
wrench.
Installing towing eyelet
1
2
3
4
GS450h_U.book Page 705 Monday, January 23, 2012 10:20 AM

7067-2. Steps to take in an emergency
GS450h_U (OM30D01U)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
XFrom the frontXFrom the rear
Use a towing dolly under the rear
wheels. Turn the power switch to ACCES-
SORY mode so that the steering
wheel is unlocked.
GS450h_U.book Page 706 Monday, January 23, 2012 10:20 AM

7077-2. Steps to take in an emergency
GS450h_U (OM30D01U)
7
When trouble arises
If your Lexus is transported by a flat
bed truck, it should be tied down at
the locations shown in the illustra-
tion.
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
GS450h_U.book Page 707 Monday, January 23, 2012 10:20 AM

7087-2. Steps to take in an emergency
GS450h_U (OM30D01U)
■Before emergency towingRelease 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.
■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
GS450h_U.book Page 708 Monday, January 23, 2012 10:20 AM

7097-2. Steps to take in an emergency
GS450h_U (OM30D01U)
7
When trouble arises
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 steering 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.
GS450h_U.book Page 709 Monday, January 23, 2012 10:20 AM

710
GS450h_U (OM30D01U)
7-2. Steps to take in an emergency
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 probably
needs adjustment or repair. Contact your Lexus dealer as soon as pos-
sible.
Visible symptoms
Audible symptoms
Operational symptoms
GS450h_U.book Page 710 Monday, January 23, 2012 10:20 AM

711
GS450h_U (OM30D01U)
7
When trouble arises
7-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If a warning light turns on or a warning buzzer
sounds
The following warning indicates a possible problem in the brake system.
Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact your Lexus
dealer.
Calmly perform the following actions if any of the warning lights comes
on or flashes. If a light comes on or flashes, but then goes off, this does
not necessarily indicate a malfunction in the system. However, if this
continues to occur, have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer.
Stop the vehicle immediately. Continuing to drive the vehicle may
be dangerous.
Warning lightWarning light/Details
(U.S.A.)
(Canada)Brake system warning light (warning buzzer) • Low brake fluid
• Malfunction in the electronically controlled brake system
GS450h_U.book Page 711 Monday, January 23, 2012 10:20 AM