2016 LEXUS IS250 Owners Manual

372
5-1. Essential information
Emergency flashers
NOTICE
nTo prevent battery discharge
Do not leave the emergency flashers on longer than necessary when the engine is
not running.
Use the emergency flashers if the vehicle malfunctions or is involved in an
accident.
Press the switch to flash all the
turn signal lights. To turn them
off, press the switch once again.

5

When trouble arises
373
5-1. Essential information
If your vehicle needs to be towed
Before towing
The following may indicate a problem with your transmission. Contact
your Lexus dealer before towing.
lThe engine is running, but the vehicle will not move.
lThe vehicle makes an abnormal sound.
Emergency towing
If a tow truck is not available, in an emergency your vehicle may be tem-
porarily towed using a cable or chain secured to the emergency towing
eyelet(s). This should only attempted on hard, surfaced roads for short
distances at low speeds.
A driver must be in the vehicle to steer and operate the brakes. The vehi-
cle’s wheels, drive train, axles, steering and brakes must be in good condi-
tion.
Towing eyelets
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 flat
bed truck.
Use a safety chain system for all towing, and abide by all state/provincial
and local laws.
If towing from the rear, the vehicle’s front wheels and axles must be in good
condition. (→P. 377)
If they are damaged, use a towing dolly or flat bed truck.

374
5-1. Essential information
nEmergency towing procedure
Release the parking brake.
Shift the shift lever to N.
Put the “ENGINE START STOP” switch in ACCESSORY mode or IGNI-
TION ON mode.
CAUTION
nCaution while towing
lUse 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.
lIf the engine is not running, the power assist for the brakes and steering will not
function, making steering and braking more difficult.
NOTICE
nTo prevent causing serious damage to the transmission
(vehicles with an automatic transmission)
Never tow this vehicle from the front with the rear wheels on the ground.
This may cause serious damage to the transmission.
nWhen towing a vehicle without using a towing dolly
(vehicles with a manual transmission)
The “ENGINE START STOP” switch must not be OFF.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3

5

When trouble arises
375
5-1. Essential information
Installing towing eyelets
Remove the eyelet cover using a
flat head 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 eyelet
securely using a wheel nut wrench.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3
nLocation of the emergency towing eyelet
→P. 40 4

376
5-1. Essential information
Towing with a sling-type truck
CAUTION
nInstalling towing eyelets to the vehicle
Make sure that towing eyelets are installed securely.
If not securely installed, towing eyelets may come loose during towing. This may
lead to accidents that cause serious injury or even death.
NOTICE
nTo prevent body damage
Do not tow with a sling type truck, either from the front or rear.

5

When trouble arises
377
5-1. Essential information
Towing with a wheel lift-type truck
From the front
Vehicles with an automatic trans-
mission: Use a towing dolly under
the rear wheels.
Vehicles with a manual transmis-
sions: We recommend to use a
towing dolly under the rear wheels.
When not using a towing dolly,
release the parking brake and shift
the shift lever to N.
From the rear (2WD models)
Switch to ACCESSORY mode so
that the steering wheel is
unlocked.
From the rear (AWD models)
Use a towing dolly under the front
wheel.

378
5-1. Essential information
Using a flat bed truck
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.
NOTICE
nTo prevent causing serious damage to the transmission
(vehicles with an automatic transmission)
Never tow this vehicle from the front with the rear wheels on the ground.
nTo prevent damaging the vehicle
lDo not tow the vehicle from the rear with the “ENGINE START STOP” switch
OFF.
The steering lock mechanism is not strong enough to hold the front wheel
straight.
lWhen 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.

5

When trouble arises
379
5-1. Essential information
If you think something is wrong
If you notice any of the following symptoms, your vehicle probably needs
adjustment or repair. Contact your Lexus dealer as soon as possible.
nVisible symptoms
lFluid leaks under the vehicle
(Water dripping from the air conditioning after use is normal.)
lFlat-looking tires or uneven tire wear
lEngine coolant temperature gauge needle continually points
higher than normal
nAudible symptoms
lChanges in exhaust sound
lExcessive tire squeal when cornering
lStrange noises related to the suspension system
lPinging or other noises related to the engine
nOperational symptoms
lEngine missing, stumbling or running rough
lAppreciable loss of power
lVehicle pulls heavily to one side when braking
lVehicle pulls heavily to one side when driving on a level road
lLoss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling, pedal almost touches
the floor