IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
[1] Joint [2] When removing the jack, turn the joint by hand in the "contract" direction until the jack is free. [3] When storing, turn the joint by hand in the "expand" direction until the jack is firmly secured to prevent it from flying forward during a collision or sudden braking.
To remove the spare tire: [1] Remove the luggage tray. [2] Loosen the bolt and remove it.
When storing the spare tire, place it with the inner side of the wheel facing up. Then bolt the tire in place and install the luggage tool box to prevent the tire from flying forward during a collision or sudden braking.
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IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
- Block the wheel diagonally opposite the flat tire to keep the vehicle from rolling when it is jacked up.
When blocking the wheel, place a wheel block in front of one of the front wheels or behind one of the rear wheels.
- Loosen all the wheel nuts.
Always loosen the wheel nuts before raising the vehicle.
Turn the wheel nuts counterclockwise to loosen them. To get maximum leverage, fit the wrench to the nut so that the handle is on the right side, as shown above. Grab the wrench near the end of the handle and pull up on the handle. Be careful that the wrench does not slip off the nut.
Do not remove the nuts yet – just unscrew them about one-half turn.
CAUTION
Never use oil or grease on the bolts or nuts. The nuts may loosen and the wheels may fall off, which could cause a serious accident.
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- Position the jack at the jack points as shown. Make sure the jack is positioned on a level and solid surface.
- After making sure no one is in the vehicle, raise it high enough so that the spare tire can be installed.
Allow for the fact that you need more ground clearance when putting on the spare tire than when removing the flat tire.
To raise the vehicle, insert the jack handle into the jack (it is a loose fit) and turn it clockwise. As the jack touches the vehicle and begins to lift, double-check that it is properly positioned.
CAUTION
Never get under the vehicle when the vehicle is supported by the jack alone.
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- Remove the wheel nuts and remove the flat tire. Lift the flat tire straight off and put it aside.
- Reinstall all the wheel nuts finger tight. Align the holes in the wheel with the bolts. Then lift up the wheel and get at least the top bolt started through its hole. Wiggle the tire and press it back over the other bolts. Reinstall the wheel nuts and tighten them as much as you can by hand. Press the tire back and see if you can tighten them more.
Before putting on the wheel, remove any corrosion on the mounting surfaces with a wire brush or such. Installation of wheels without good metal-to-metal contact at the mounting surface can cause wheel nuts to loosen and eventually cause a wheel to come off while driving.
CAUTION Never use oil or grease on the bolts or nuts. Doing so may lead to overtightening the nuts and damaging the bolts. The nuts may loosen and the wheels may fall off, which could cause a serious accident. If there is oil or grease on any bolt or nut, clean it.
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- Lower the vehicle completely and tighten the wheel nuts.
Turn the jack handle counterclockwise to lower the vehicle.
Use only the wheel nut wrench to tighten the nuts. Do not use other tools or any additional leverage other than your hands, such as a hammer, pipe or your foot. Make sure the wrench is securely engaged over the nut.
Tighten each nut a little at a time in the order shown. Repeat the process until all the nuts are tight.
CAUTION
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When lowering the vehicle, make sure all portions of your body and all other persons around will not be injured as the vehicle is lowered to the ground.
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Have the wheel nuts tightened with torque wrench to 103 N·m (10.5 kgf·m, 76 ft·lbf.), as soon as possible after changing wheels. Otherwise, the nuts may loosen and the wheels may fall off, which could cause a serious accident.
- After changing the wheel, check the air pressure of the replaced tire. Stow all the tools, jack and flat tire securely.
If the pressure of the replaced tire is low, drive slowly to the nearest service station and fill to the correct pressure.
Do not forget to reinstall the tire valve cap as dirt and moisture could get into the valve core and possibly cause air leakage. If the cap is missing, put a new one on as soon as possible.
This is the same procedure for changing or rotating your tires.
CAUTION
- When reinstalling a standard tire, take due care in handling the ornament to avoid unexpected personal injury.
- Before driving, make sure all the tools, jack and flat tire are securely in place in their storage location to reduce the possibility of personal injury during a collision or sudden braking.
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IF YOUR VEHICLE BECOMES STUCK
If your vehicle becomes stuck in snow, mud, sand, etc. then you may attempt to rock the vehicle free by moving it forward and backward.
Turn off the traction control system to become unstuck to allow the tires to spin enough to remove the vehicle from the obstruction. (For details, see “Vehicle stability control system” on page 194.)
CAUTION Do not attempt to rock the vehicle free by moving it forward and backward if people or objects are anywhere near the vehicle. During the rocking operation the vehicle may suddenly move forward or backward as it becomes unstuck, causing injury or damage to nearby people or objects.
NOTICE If you rock your vehicle, observe the following precautions to prevent damage to the transmission and other parts.
- Do not depress the accelerator pedal while shifting the selector lever or before the transmission is completely shifted to forward or reverse gear.
- Do not race the engine and avoid spinning the wheels.
- If your vehicle remains stuck after rocking the vehicle several times, consider other ways such as towing.
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IF YOUR VEHICLE NEEDS TO BE TOWED
If towing is necessary, we recommend you to have it done by your Lexus dealer or a commercial tow truck service. In consultation with them, have your vehicle towed using either (a) or (b).
(a) Towing with a wheel lift type truck (b) Using a flat bed truck (c) Never tow with a sling type truck
Only when you cannot receive a towing service from a Lexus dealer or commercial tow truck service, tow your vehicle carefully in accordance with the instructions given in "(d) Emergency towing" on page 229.
Proper equipment will help ensure that your vehicle is not damaged while being towed. Commercial operators are generally aware of the state/provincial and local laws pertaining to towing.
Your vehicle can be damaged if it is towed incorrectly. Although most operators know the correct procedure, it is possible to make a mistake. To avoid damage to your vehicle, make sure the following precautions are observed. If necessary, show this page to the tow truck driver.
TOWING PRECAUTIONS:
Use a safety chain system for all towing, and abide by the state/provincial and local laws. The wheels and axle on the ground must be in good condition. If they are damaged, use a towing dolly.
(a) Towing with a wheel lift type truck • From front
Use a towing dolly under the rear wheels.
NOTICE
Never tow a vehicle with an automatic transmission from the front with rear wheels on the ground, as this may cause serious damage to the transmission.
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● From rear
Place the ignition key in the "ACC" position.
(b) Using a flat bed truck
● Tie down points
NOTICE
- Do not tow with the key removed or in the "LOCK" position, as the steering lock mechanism is not strong enough to hold the front wheels straight.
- When lifting wheels, take care to ensure adequate ground clearance for towing at the opposite end of the raised vehicle. Otherwise, the bumper and/or underbody of the towed vehicle will be damaged during towing.
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If your Lexus is transported by a flat bed, it should be tied down at locations A and B as shown above.
►Rear emergency towing eyelets
NOTICE Do not use the rear emergency towing eyelets.
• Tie down angle
If you use chains or wires to tie down your vehicle, the angles shaded black must be at 45°.
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(c) Towing with a sling type truck
NOTICE Do not tow with a sling type truck, either from the front or rear. This may cause body damage.
(d) Emergency towing
If towing is necessary, we recommend you to have it done by your Lexus dealer or a commercial tow truck service.
If towing service is not available in an emergency, your vehicle may be temporarily towed by a cable or chain secured to the emergency towing eyelet. Use extreme caution when towing the vehicle.
A driver must be in the vehicle to steer it and operate the brakes.
Towing in this manner may be done only on hard-surfaced roads for a short distance and at low speeds. Also, the wheels, axles, drive train, steering and brakes must all be in good condition.
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CAUTION Use extreme caution when towing the vehicle. Avoid sudden starts or erratic driving maneuvers which would place excessive stress on the emergency towing eyelet and towing cable or chain. The eyelet and towing cable or chain may break and cause serious injury or damage.
NOTICE Use only a cable or chain specifically intended for use in towing vehicles. Securely fasten the cable or chain to the towing eyelet provided.
Before towing, release the parking brake and put the transmission in "N". The ignition key must be in "ACC" (engine off) or "ON" (engine running).
CAUTION If the engine is not running, the power assist for the brakes and steering will not work so steering and braking will be much harder than usual.
IF YOU CANNOT SHIFT AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SELECTOR LEVER
If you cannot shift the selector lever, use the shift lock override button as follows:
[1] Turn the ignition key to "LOCK" or "ACC". Make sure the parking brake is applied. Pry up the cover with a flat-bladed screwdriver or equivalent.
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[2] Insert your finger, the screwdriver or equivalent into the hole to push down the shift lock override button. You can shift the selector lever while pushing the button.
For your safety, keep the brake pedal depressed.
Be sure to have the system checked by your Lexus dealer as soon as possible.
IF YOU LOSE YOUR KEYS OR LOCK YOURSELF OUT
You can purchase a new key at your Lexus dealer if you can give them the key number and master key.
Even if you lose only one key, contact your Lexus dealer to make a new key. If you lose all your master keys, you cannot make new keys; the whole engine immobiliser system must be replaced.
See the suggestion given in “Keys” on page 8.
You can use the wireless remote control system with the new key. Contact your Lexus dealer for detailed information.
If your keys are locked in the vehicle and you cannot get a duplicate, many Lexus dealers can still open the door for you, using their special tools. If you must break a window to get in, we suggest breaking the smallest side window because it is the least expensive to replace. Be extremely cautious to avoid cuts from the glass.
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SECTION 5
MAINTENANCE
Maintenance
- Maintenance requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ........ 234
- General maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ........ 235
- Does your vehicle need repairing? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ........
MAINTENANCE
MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
Your Lexus vehicle has been designed for fewer maintenance requirements with longer service intervals to save both your time and money. However, each regular maintenance as well as day-to-day care is more important than ever before to ensure smooth, trouble-free, safe, and economical driving.
It is the owner’s responsibility to make sure the specified maintenance, including general maintenance services, is performed. Note that both the new vehicle and emission control system warranties specify that proper maintenance and care must be performed. See “Owner’s Guide”, “Owner’s Manual Supplement” or “Warranty Booklet” for complete warranty information.
General maintenance
General maintenance items are those day-to-day care practices that are important to your vehicle for proper operation. It is the owner’s responsibility to ensure that the general maintenance items are performed regularly.
These checks or inspections can be done either by yourself or your Lexus dealer.
Scheduled maintenance
The scheduled maintenance items listed in the “Owner’s Manual Supplement / Scheduled Maintenance” are those required to be serviced at regular intervals.
For details of your maintenance schedule, read the “Owner’s Manual Supplement / Scheduled Maintenance”.
It is recommended that only genuine Lexus parts be used for maintenance or for the repair of the emission control system.
The owner may elect to use non-Lexus supplied parts for replacement purposes without invalidating the emission control system warranty. However, use of replacement parts which are not of equivalent quality may impair the effectiveness of the emission control systems.
You may also elect to have maintenance, replacement, or repair of the emission control devices and system performed by any automotive repair establishment or individual without invalidating this warranty. See “Owner’s Guide”, “Owner’s Manual Supplement” or “Warranty Booklet” for complete warranty information.
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Where to go for service?
Lexus technicians are well-trained specialists and are kept up to date with the latest service information through technical bulletins, service tips, and in-dealership training programs. They are well informed about the operation of all the systems on your vehicle.
You can be confident that your Lexus dealer's service department performs the best job to meet the maintenance requirements of your vehicle.
Your copy of the repair order is proof that all required maintenance has been performed for warranty coverage. If any problems should arise with your vehicle while under warranty, your Lexus dealer will promptly take care of it. Again, be sure to keep a copy of the repair order for any service performed on your Lexus.
What about do-it-yourself maintenance?
Many of the maintenance items are easy to do yourself, if you have a little mechanical ability and a few basic automotive tools. Simple instructions for how to perform them are presented in Section 6.
If you are a skilled do-it-yourself mechanic, the Lexus service manuals are recommended. Please be aware that do-it-yourself maintenance can affect your warranty coverage. See "Owner's Guide", "Owner's Manual Supplement" or "Warranty Booklet" for the details.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Listed below are the general maintenance items that should be performed at the intervals specified. It is recommended that any problem you notice be brought to the attention of your Lexus dealer or qualified service shop for their advice.
CAUTION Make these checks only with adequate ventilation if you run the engine.
Vehicle exterior
Items listed below should be performed from time to time, unless otherwise specified.
Tire pressure Check the pressure with a gauge every two weeks, or at least once a month and adjust as shown on the tire pressure label. See page 282 for additional information.
Tire surface Check the tires carefully for cuts, damage or excessive wear. See page 284 for additional information.
Wheel nuts When checking the tires, make sure to check the nuts for looseness. Tighten them if necessary.
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Tire rotation Rotate the tires according to the maintenance schedule. (For scheduled maintenance information, please refer to the “Owner’s Manual Supplement / Scheduled Maintenance”. ) See page 283 for additional information.
Fluid leaks Check underneath for leaking fuel, oil, water or other fluid after the vehicle has been parked for a while. If you smell fuel fumes or notice any leak, have the cause found and corrected immediately.
Doors and engine hood Check that all doors, including trunk lid, operate smoothly and all latches lock securely. Make sure the engine hood secondary latch secures the hood when the primary latch is released.
Vehicle interior Items listed below should be checked regularly, e.g. while performing periodic services, cleaning the vehicle, etc.
Lights Make sure the headlight, stop lights, tail lights, turn signal lights, and other lights are working. Check headlight aim.
Service reminder indicators and warning buzzers Check that all service reminder indicators and warning buzzers function properly.
Steering wheel Check that it has the specified free play. Be alert for changes in steering condition, such as hard steering, excessive free play or strange noise.
Seats Check that all front seat controls such as seat adjusters, seatback recliner, etc. operate smoothly. Check that the head restraints move up and down smoothly and that the locks hold securely in any latched position.
Seat belts Check that the seat belt system such as buckles, retractors and anchors operate properly and smoothly. Make sure the belt webbing is not cut, frayed, worn or damaged.
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Accelerator pedal Check the pedal for smooth operation and uneven pedal effort or catching.
Brake pedal Check the pedal for smooth operation and the proper clearance and free play. Check the brake booster function.
Brakes At a safe place, check that the brakes do not pull to one side when applied.
Parking brake Check that the lever has the proper travel and that, on a safe incline, your vehicle is held securely with only the parking brake applied.
Automatic transmission "Park" mechanism On a safe incline, check that your vehicle is held securely with the selector lever in "P" position and all brakes released.
Engine compartment Items listed below should be checked from time to time, e.g. each time when refueling.
Washer fluid Make sure there is sufficient fluid in the tank. See page 303 for additional information.
Engine coolant level Make sure the coolant level is between the Upper and Lower lines on the see-through reservoir when the engine is cold. See page 264 for additional information.
Radiator, condenser and hoses Check that the front of the radiator and condenser are clean and not blocked with leaves, dirt, or insects. See page 266 for additional information.
Battery Your Lexus has a maintenance free battery. You do not have to add distilled water. For longer life of the battery, however, see page 296 for additional information.
Brake fluid level Make sure the brake fluid level is correct. See page 278 for additional information.
Engine oil level Check the level on the dipstick with the engine turned off and the vehicle parked on a level spot. See page 260 for additional information.
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Power steering fluid level GS430: Check the level through the reservoir. The level should be in the "HOT" or "COLD" range depending on the fluid temperature. See page 279 for additional information.
GS300: Check the level on the dipstick. The level should be in the "HOT" or "COLD" range depending on the fluid temperature. See page 280 for additional information.
Exhaust system If you notice any change in the sound of the exhaust or smell exhaust fumes, have the cause located and corrected immediately. (See “Engine exhaust caution” on page 177.)
DOES YOUR VEHICLE NEED REPAIRING?
Be on the alert for changes in performance and sounds, and visual tip-offs that indicate service is needed. Some important clues are:
- Engine missing, stumbling, or pinging
- Appreciable loss of power
- Strange engine noises
- A fluid leak under the vehicle (however, water dripping from the air conditioning after use is normal.)
- Change in exhaust sound (This may indicate a dangerous carbon monoxide leak. Drive with the windows open and have the exhaust system checked immediately.)
- Flat-looking tires, excessive tire squeal when cornering, uneven tire wear
- Vehicle pulls to one side when driving straight on a level road
- Strange noises related to suspension movement
- Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling brake pedal, pedal almost touches floors, vehicle pulls to one side when braking
- Engine coolant temperature continually higher than normal
If you notice any of these clues, take your vehicle to your Lexus dealer as soon as possible. It probably needs adjustment or repair.
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CAUTION Do not continue driving with the vehicle unchecked. It could result in serious vehicle damage and possibly personal injury.
EMISSION INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE (I/M) PROGRAMS
Some states have vehicle emission inspection programs which include OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) checks.
The OBD system monitors the operation of the emission control system. When the OBD system determines that a problem exists somewhere in the emission control system, the malfunction indicator lamp comes on. In this case, your vehicle may not pass the I/M test and need to be repaired. Contact your Lexus dealer to service the vehicle.
Even if the malfunction indicator lamp does not come on, your vehicle may not pass the I/M test as readiness codes have not been set in the OBD system.
Readiness codes are automatically set during ordinary driving. However, when the battery is disconnected or run down, the codes are erased. Also, depending on your driving habits, the codes may not be completely set.
Also, if the malfunction indicator lamp had come on recently due to temporary malfunction such as a loose fuel tank cap, your vehicle may not pass the I/M test.
The malfunction indicator lamp will go off after taking several driving trips, but the error code in the OBD system will not be cleared unless about 40 trips or more are taken.
If your vehicle does not pass the I/M test and the malfunction indicator lamp does not come on, contact your Lexus dealer to prepare the vehicle for re-testing.
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