Lexus ES: If your vehicle needs to be towed

If towing is necessary, we recommend having your vehicle towed by your Lexus dealer or commercial towing service, using a wheel-lift type truck or flatbed truck.

Use a safety chain system for all towing, and abide by all state/provincial and local laws.

WARNING

Observe the following precautions.

Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.

■When towing the vehicle Be sure to transport the vehicle with the front wheels raised or with all four wheels raised off the ground. If the vehicle is towed with the front wheels contacting the ground, the drivetrain and related parts may be damaged or electricity generated by the operation of the motor may cause a fire to occur depending on the nature of the damage or malfunction.

■While towing (vehicles with a towing eyelet)

• When towing using cables or chains, avoid sudden starts, etc. which place excessive stress on the towing eyelets, cables or chains. The towing eyelets, cables or chains may become damaged, broken debris may hit people, and cause serious damage.
• Do not turn the power switch off.

  There is a possibility that the steering wheel is locked and cannot be operated.

■Installing towing eyelets to the vehicle (vehicles with a towing eyelet) Make sure that towing eyelets are installed securely.

If not securely installed, towing eyelets may come loose during towing.

NOTICE

■To prevent damage to the vehicle when towing using a wheel-lift type truck

• Do not tow the vehicle from the rear when the power switch is off. The steering lock mechanism is not strong enough to hold the front wheels straight.
• 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 damage to the vehicle when towing with a sling-type truck Do not tow with a sling-type truck, either from the front or rear.

■To prevent damage to the vehicle during emergency towing (vehicles with a towing eyelet) Do not secure cables or chains to the suspension components.

Situations when it is necessary to contact dealers before towing

The following may indicate a problem with your hybrid transmission. Contact your Lexus dealer or commercial towing service before towing.

• The hybrid system warning message is shown on the multi-information display and the vehicle does not move.
• The vehicle makes an abnormal sound.

Towing with a sling-type truck

Do not tow with a sling-type truck to prevent body damage.

Towing with a wheel-lift type truck

From the front

Release the parking brake.

From the rear

Use a towing dolly under the front wheels.

Using a flatbed truck

If your vehicle is transported by a flatbed 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 45º.

Do not overly tighten the tie downs or the vehicle may be damaged.

Emergency towing (vehicles with a towing eyelet)

If a tow truck is not available in an emergency, your vehicle may be temporarily towed using cables or chains secured to the emergency towing eyelets.

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.

Emergency towing procedure (vehicles with a towing eyelet)

To have your vehicle towed by another vehicle, the towing eyelet must be installed to your vehicle. Install the towing eyelet using the following procedure.

1. Take out the towing eyelet.

2. 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.

3. Insert the towing eyelet into the hole and tighten partially by hand.

4. Tighten down the towing eyelet securely using a wheel nut wrench or hard metal bar.

5. Securely attach cables or chains to the towing eyelet.

Take care not to damage the vehicle body.

6. Enter the vehicle being towed and start the hybrid system.

If the hybrid system does not start, turn the power switch to ON mode.

7. Shift the shift lever to N and release the parking brake.

■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.

■Wheel nut wrench Wheel nut wrench is installed in trunk.

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.

Visible symptoms

• 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 continually points higher than normal.

Audible symptoms

• 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

Operational symptoms

• 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

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