Lexus IS-F 2008 User manual

Towing and
Road Service Guide
For
Lexus IS-F
Quality and Education Services
AAA Automotive
1000 AAA Drive
Heathrow, FL 32746
February 15, 2008

Index
Equipment availability 3
General Towing Information
Special Precautions 4
Car Carrier Loading and Transporting 5
Shifter Lock Override 8
Emergency Road Service Information
Jacking 9
Tire Service: 10
Out of Fuel 11
Jump-Start Procedures 12
Keyless Entry and Keyless Ignition Operation 13
2

EQUIPMENT AVAILABILITY:
xTo eliminate the need to remove the eye bolt from the vehicle’s tool kit during
loading or recovery, a screw-in eye bolt is available from any authorized Lexus
dealer’s parts department.
Eye Bolt Part number 5196153010
xThe towing and tie-down equipment discussed in this guide is available through
AW Direct, a preferred AAA supplier. Contact your local AAA club
representative for special offers available to AAA contractors.
3

AAA Towing and Roadside Assistance Guide for Lexus IS-F
February 15, 2008
GENERAL ROADSERVICE AND TOWING INFORMATION
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS:
xLexus IS-F is a front engine, Rear Wheel Drive vehicle.
xCar carrier equipment is the only authorized method of towing this vehicle.
THERE IS NO APPROVED PROCEDURE FOR THE USE OF SLING-TYPE
OR WHEEL LIFT EQUIPMENT ON THIS VEHICLE.
xIn an emergency situation where the vehicle will not roll or must be moved for
towing access, wheel-jacking equipment, such as Go-Jacks are recommended.
NOTE: THE REAR DRIVE WHEELS MUST BE RAISED BEFORE
MOVING. Although a car carrier is the only authorized method of transporting
these vehicles, in conditions where access with a car carrier is limited, wheel-lift
equipment may be used. When a wheel lift is utilized, a dolly is required under
the trailing wheels for both a front and a rear tow.
xWhen loading or pulling the Lexus IS-F vehicles, DO NOT USE HOOKS OF
ANY TYPE ON THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS. Follow only the approved
loading procedures specified in the following pages.
xWhen parking this vehicle ensure that the transmission is in “PARK” and the
parking brake is properly set. This vehicle does not use a conventional ignition
key or key cylinder so the vehicle can be shut off and the key removed from the
car without putting the transmission into the “PARK” position.
4

CAR CARRIER LOADING AND TRANSPORTING:
Car carrier equipment is the only authorized method of towing the Lexus IS-F vehicles.
Curb Weight:
The curb weight for the Lexus IS-F is 3,780 lbs with weight distribution of 54%
front/ 46% rear
The Lexus IS-F is a Rear Wheel Drive model. Loading onto a conventional car carrier
may require additional ramping in some circumstances. However, clearance at the
trailing end of the vehicle should always be monitored as it is loaded.
The eye bolt should be used for front loading of the IS-F series vehicles. The eye bolt is
located in the tool kit located in the center under the floor in the rear cargo area. (See
Figure 1)
Figure 1
Tool Bag Including
Eye Bolt
If the eye bolt is missing or otherwise inaccessible, the tie-down slots on the
undercarriage can be used to load the vehicle (See Figure 3).
5

NOTE: The eye bolt on this model has RIGHT-HAND THREADS. Screw the eye bolt
clockwise into the front pull point and attach the winch line to the eye bolt with the open
side of the hook facing upward when possible (See Figure 2).
Figure 2
Caution!
Do not over tighten the eye bolt. And use caution not to scratch the painted surfaces of
the front fascia.
6

Before loading, ensure that the transmission is in “Neutral” and the ignition switch is in
position to unlock the steering (operation of the keyless ignition switch is covered on
page 13 of this guide). When loading, remember that the eye bolt is designed for a
straight ahead pull within a 20 degree window, so stop the vehicle as the winch wire rope
begins to pull downward. To prevent too much downward pull you will need to keep the
leading edge of the vehicle about 3 feet from the winch drum
Once loaded, set the parking brake and secure the vehicle onto the carrier.
NOTE: Lexus states that the four tie-downs slots in the frame can be used to secure the
vehicle. Slots are provided in the frame to take either “T” or “mini-J” type hooks (See
Figure 3). AAA recommends the use of wheel strap style tie-downs around each wheel
as a means of securing the vehicle to the car carrier while reducing the risk of damaging
under-body and suspension components.
(Front tie down slot) (Rear tie down slot)
Figure 3
After securing, return the bed to the transporting position, then slacken the winch wire
rope slightly to prevent downward pull on the eye bolt as bumps are encountered during
transport. Make sure that the ignition switch is turned to the OFF position to avoid
unnecessary battery drain.
Caution!
This vehicle may be equipped with front carbon fiber brakes and specialized calipers
which are extremely costly. Operators should be extremely careful to avoid damage to
these components.
7

SHIFTER LOCK OVERRIDE:
If there is a problem with the shifter or if the ignition key is not available, the
transmission can be shifted out of the park position. This is accomplished by lifting out
the small cover above the shifter “Park (P)” indicator and depressing the button below the
cover to allow the shifter to be moved out of the Park position.
(Figure 5 Shifter with Access Plug in Place)
(Figure 6 with Access Plug Removed)
8

EMERGENCY ROAD SERVICE PROCEDURES
JACKING:
The jack supplied with the IS-F vehicles is located in the center of the rear cargo area,
under the floor (See Figure 8 below).
Jack
Tool Kit
Jack
Handle
Figure 8
The approved lifting locations are on the pinch weld or rocker sills, located inboard of
the wheels (See Figure 9 below).
Figure 9
Place the jack in its proper location. Observe all standard jacking precautions and ensure
that the vehicle is on firm, level ground. As the jack comes in contact with the vehicle
body, ensure that it is contacting the correct location on the vehicle. Continue lifting to
raise the vehicle high enough to change the tire.
9

TIRE SERVICE:
Caution!
The tires on the IS-F are location specific and are not rotated on this vehicle. There is a
tire specifically for each wheel location. A Left Front Tire, Right Front Tire, Left Rear
Tire and Right Rear Tire.
Figure 10
The spare tire is stored in a well in the trunk floor under trunk carpeting (Figure 10). See
“Out of Fuel Service for instructions on accessing the power trunk release switch.
Figure 11
When installing the spare wheel, follow all recommended procedures including cleaning
of the hub and axle mating surfaces, tightening the lug nuts securely in a criss-cross
pattern (Figure 11) and checking the spare for proper inflation.
Wheel Nut Torque: 76 ft•lbs (103 N•m, 10.5 kgf•m)
Tire pressure warning system (TPMS) malfunctions may occur after installation of the
temporary spare tire. Low inflation pressure of the spare tire will not be warned.
10