2016 LEXUS IS250 brake

322
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
nChecking battery condition
Check the battery condition using the indicator color.
Blue: Good condition
Red: Not working properly,
have the battery checked by
your Lexus dealer.
White: Charging is necessary.
Have the vehicle inspected by
your Lexus dealer.
nBefore recharging
When recharging, the battery produces hydrogen gas which is flammable and
explosive. Therefore, before recharging:
lIf recharging with the battery installed on the vehicle, be sure to disconnect the
ground cable.
lMake sure the power switch on the charger is off when connecting and discon-
necting the charger cables to the battery.
nAfter recharging/reconnecting the battery
In some cases, the engine may not start. Follow the procedure bellow to initialize
the system.
Shift the shift lever to “P” (automatic transmission) or depress the brake
pedal with the shift lever in N (manual transmission), and turn the
“ENGINE START STOP” switch OFF.
Open and close any of the doors.
Start the engine. (If the engine does not start first time, repeat the proce-
dure.)
If the engine will not start even after multiple attempts at the above method, contact
your Lexus dealer.
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3

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
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.

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

5

When trouble arises
381
5-1. Essential information
Event data recorder
In a crash or a near car crash event
The SRS airbag sensor assembly contains the EDR. In a crash or a near
car crash event, this device may record some or all of the following infor-
mation:
lEngine speed
lWhether the brake pedal was applied or not
lVehicle speed
lTo what extent the accelerator pedal was depressed
lPosition of the transmission shift lever
lWhether the driver and front passenger wore seat belts or not
lDriver's seat position
lSRS airbag deployment data
lSRS airbag system diagnostic data
lFront passenger’s occupant classification
The information above is intended to be used for the purpose of improv-
ing vehicle safety performance. Unlike general data recorders, the EDR
does not record sound data such as conversation between passengers.
Your vehicle has computers that monitor and control certain aspects of
your vehicle. These computers assist in driving and maintaining optimal
vehicle performance.
Besides storing data useful for troubleshooting, there is an event data
recorder (EDR) that records data in a crash or a near car crash event.

5

When trouble arises
383
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
If a warning light turns on or a warning buzzer sounds...
Stop the vehicle immediately. Continuing to drive the vehicle may be dangerous.
The following warning indicates a possible problem in the brake system.
Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact your Lexus
dealer.
*: Parking brake engaged warning buzzer:
→P. 39 5
Warning lightWarning light/Details
(U.S.A.)


(Canada)
Brake system warning light (warning buzzer)*

5

When trouble arises
389
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
CAUTION
nWhen the electric power steering warning light comes on
The steering wheel may become extremely heavy.
If the steering wheel becomes heavier than usual when operating, firmly hold and
operate it using more force than usual.
nIf the tire pressure warning light comes on
Be sure to observe the following precautions. Failure to do so could cause loss of
vehicle control and result in death or serious injury.
lStop your vehicle in a safe place as soon as possible. Adjust the tire inflation pres-
sure immediately.
lIf the tire pressure warning light comes on even after tire inflation pressure adjust-
ment, it is probable that you have a flat tire. Check the tires. If the tire is flat,
change to the spare tire and have the flat tire repaired by the nearest Lexus
dealer.
lAvoid abrupt maneuvering and braking. If the vehicle tires deteriorate, you could
lose control of the steering wheel or the brakes.
nIf a blowout or sudden air leakage should occur
The tire pressure warning system may not activate immediately.