Lexus LFA User manual

Towing and
Road Service Guide
For
Lexus LFA
Quality and Education Services
AAA Automotive
1000 AAA Drive
Heathrow, FL 32746
January 4, 2011
Updated February 28, 2011

2
Index
General Vehicle Information
Special Precautions 3
Car Carrier Loading and Transporting 4
Automatic Sequential Gearbox Operation 9
Electronic Parking Brake Override 11
Wheel Dollies 13
Emergency Road Service Information
Jacking 14
Tire Service 15
Out of Fuel 16
Jump-Start Procedures 17
Rear Cargo Area Lid and Hood Operation 20

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AAA Towing and Roadside Assistance Guide for Lexus LFA
January 4, 2011
Updated February 28, 2011
GENERAL VEHICLE INFORMATION
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS:
•Lexus LFA vehicles use unique construction techniques and materials. Most of
the body and chassis is constructed of aluminum or carbon fiber reinforced
plastic. The result is a vehicle that is light weight but requires special handling.
•Lexus LFA vehicles use a specifically designed 4.8L V-10 engine mounted under
the hood coupled to a 6 speed automated sequential gearbox mounted in the rear
of the car to provide weight balance.
•Car carrier equipment is the only authorized methods of towing this vehicle. Due
to the low profile of the vehicle and the unique construction components utilized
to build this vehicle, additional ramping, care and time must be used when
transporting.
•When loading or pulling the Lexus LFA, DO NOT USE HOOKS OF ANY TYPE
ON THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS OR ANY OTHER STEERING OR
SUSPENSION COMPONENT. Follow only the approved loading procedures
specified in the following pages.
•USE ONLY WHEEL STRAP TIE DOWNS to secure this vehicle when
transporting. The use of chains or hooks will damage under vehicle components.
•There is no override provision to get the transmission in a Lexus LFA into Neutral
should there be a failure in the shifting mechanism.
•In an emergency situation where the vehicle will not roll or must be moved for
towing access, wheel-jacking equipment, such as GoJaks are recommended. Due
to the limited ground clearance of this vehicle, some models of GoJaks may not
fit. It is recommended that GoJak model 4500 be used. Use care and caution
when installing GoJaks on this vehicle.
•When parking this vehicle ensure that the transmission is in First or Reverse and
the parking brake is properly set. This vehicle uses a paddle shifted sequential
manual transmission and an electronically applied parking brake. The proper
operation of these components is discussed in detail in this service guide.

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CAR CARRIER LOADING AND TRANSPORTING:
The use of car carrier equipment is the only approved method of transporting the Lexus
LFA.
The curb weight for the LFA is 3,483 lbs.
The Lexus LFA has a standard ground clearance of 4.3 inches and an approach angle of
7.0 degrees. The average flatbed tow truck has a loading angle of 13 – 17 degrees with
the bed down on a flat level surface. Additional ramping is required to load a Lexus LFA
without causing damage. Clearance at the trailing end of the vehicle should always be
monitored as it is loaded.
The towing eye bolt must be used for loading of this vehicle as there are not any
attachment points under the vehicle. The eye bolt is located in the tool kit which is
stowed under a removable cover on the right side forward portion of the rear cargo area.
Eyebolts are available for purchase through any Lexus dealership parts department.
Other towing and tie-down equipment shown in this guide is available through AW
Direct, a AAA preferred supplier.

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To install the eyelet correctly on this vehicle, start by carefully removing the eyelet
receiver cap from the bumper. If a sharp, metal object like a screwdriver is used as
shown below, use a cloth or piece of paper to protect the painted surfaces from scratches.
The eyelet has right-hand threads so it screws into the vehicle clockwise. It fits the
receiver in both the front and rear bumpers. The front receiver is on the driver’s side
while the rear receiver is on the passenger’s side of the vehicle. Make sure that the eyelet
is tightened securely before loading the vehicle.

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Although the receiver cap cover has a string-type piece that holds it to the vehicle when it
is removed, it is always a good idea to remove the assembly completely from the bumper.
Stow the receiver cap in the vehicle either in the trunk, where the eyelet was stowed, or in
a cup holder in the center console, so that it does not blow off the vehicle or get lost
during transport.
Attach your winch line hook to the eyelet ensuring there is no contact between the hook
and the painted surface. Leave the winch line attached to the installed towing eyelet
throughout the loading, transporting and unloading processes.

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Before loading, ensure that the transmission is in “Neutral” and the ignition switch is in
position to unlock the steering (Neutral position can be selected by pulling back paddle
shifter handles. More information on the operation of the transmission is found later in
this guide). When loading, remember that the eye bolts are 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 2 feet from the winch drum.
When the vehicle is in its loaded position on the flatbed with the bed still in the deployed
position, secure the vehicle to prevent it from rolling by chocking the wheels and
attaching one wheel strap to the wheel closest to you then set the parking brake. The
parking brake needs to be set with the vehicle in an inclined position for maximum park
brake applied force (refer to Electronic Parking Brake Override information in this
guide). In the event the parking brake does not function, secure the vehicle by placing
the transmission in First or Reverse gear while secure the vehicle and tilting the bed.
Once the bed is in its transport position and the vehicle is secured to the bed with four
wheel strap tie-downs, place the transmission into Neutral to prevent gear loading during
transport.
If the alarm activates while loading the vehicle, it is most likely caused by the tilt monitor
in the anti-theft system. To deactivate the tilt sensor, remove the key from the ignition,
open the glove box and press the tilt sensor switch. The tilt sensor is reactivated the next
time the ignition is switched to the “ON” position.
These vehicles must be secured to the flatbed surface using nylon straps around the
wheels as there is no provision for hooks or chains on this vehicle.

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Clearance around the wheel is limited and careful routing of straps is needed to avoid
contacting brake lines and wheel speed sensor wires, especially on the back side of the
front wheels.
Due to the inset of the wheels and the width of the body, careful routing of the straps is
important to avoid contact with the painted surface. You will notice in the two pictures
above, the strap end that is traveling toward the middle of the car is routed on the outside
of the bedrail. This was done to prohibit strap contact with the body of the vehicle. The
end of the strap is secured into the bed tie-down slot from the underside.
After securing, return the bed to the transporting position, then slacken the winch wire
rope slightly to prevent downward pull on the towing 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.

9
AUTOMATIC SEQUENTIAL GEARBOX OPERATION:
The Lexus LFA is equipped with a special transmission that operates as both an
automatic transmission and a manual transmission. The mode which the transmission
operates is selectable by the driver. For purposes of providing roadside assistance, only
basic transmission operation is covered. For more information, refer to the vehicle
owner’s manual. All of the controls for the transmission are mounted on or near the
instrument cluster. The layout of the controls is as follows: 1. Upshift paddle switch, 2.
Downshift switch, 3. Reverse select switch, 4. Driving mode selector switch, 5. Shift
speed selector.
To shift the transmission into Neutral (“N”), turn the ignition to the ON position and pull
both shift paddles toward you.

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To shift the transmission into Drive (D1 or 1st gear) pull the Upshift paddle toward you.
To select Reverse, first ensure the vehicle is not rolling, then shift the transmission into
Neutral (“N”). From Neutral (“N”) you can select Reverse (“R”) by pulling rearward on
the Reverse switch located on the left of the instrument cluster.
When shutting off the vehicle, ensure that the transmission is set to either D1, 1st gear or
Reverse (“R”) and set the parking brake before turning the engine off.

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ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE OVERRIDE
Lexus LFA vehicles are equipped with an electrically applied parking brake. The system
uses a switch located on the lower right side of the instrument panel to send a signal to an
electric motor which applies or releases the parking brake. The LFA has the ability to
adjust the amount of tension on the park brake cable through the use of a tension sensor
on the cable and an angle sensor in the vehicle. If the LFA is sitting on a level surface
then moderate tension is applied to the parking brake when the switch is activated. If the
switch is activated with the LFA on an incline, more tension is applied to the parking
brake system to help hold the vehicle in position.
Power is needed in the vehicle to apply and release the parking brake. In the event that
the battery is discharged or the switch, mounted in the dash to the lower right of the
steering wheel, will not release the parking brake, an override procedure is incorporated
into the system.
The first step is to ensure there is battery power in the vehicle, so perform your normal
diagnostic procedure to ensure the battery is functioning. If there is any question as to
the state of charge of the battery, hook your jump starting system to the vehicle following
all the procedures outlined in the jump starting section of this service guide and your
normal jump starting precautions. If ensuring battery power does not release the parking
brake, it will need to be released manually using the following steps.
•Turn the key to the “ON” position
•Shift the transmission into Neutral (“N”) by pulling rearward on both shifter
paddles at the same time
•Turn the key to the OFF position

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•Chock the tires as the vehicle may roll once the parking brake is manually
released.
•Open the trunk and remove the parking brake release tool and screwdriver handle
from the tool kit.
•The access hole to release the parking brake mechanism is in rear of the center
console area between the seat backs
•Hold both sides of the bottom edge of the cover and lift to remove
•The access hole is between the two control modules under the cover
•Insert the tool until it bottoms out

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•Press the tool in firmly and turn the screwdriver handle counter clockwise until it
stops (approximately 30 full revolutions of the tool)
•The parking brake should now be released
•Re-applying the parking brake will reset the mechanism
WHEEL DOLLIES
In the event that the transmission is locked in gear or a failure with the brake mechanism
that cannot be overridden, wheel dollies such as “GoJaks” need to be used. Lexus
recommends GoJak model 4500 because of their lower profile for moving the LFA
(GoJak model comparison can be found at www. zendextool.com/gojak). Tire skates can
be used to assist with loading the vehicle however care must be taken when installing
skates or GoJaks due to the limited clearance around the wheels and between the vehicle
and the ground.

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EMERGENCY ROAD SERVICE PROCEDURES
JACKING:
The Lexus LFA vehicle is not equipped with a jack from the factory and jacking in the
field should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. Due to the materials used to
construct the vehicle and its overall low clearance, extreme care must be taken if jacking
needs to occur. The only permissible jacking locations on this vehicle are shown in the
figure below.
The jack needs to be of the low profile design in order to fit under the LFA. With the
jack fully lowered, the saddle cannot be higher than 3.1 inches in order to fit under the
vehicle. Use of a rubber pad on the jack saddle is recommended to prevent damage at
the contact point of the vehicle.
Place the jack in its proper location. Observe all standard jacking precautions and ensure
that the vehicle is on firm, level ground and that the wheels are chocked. 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 execute the service
that needs to be performed. The tilt sensor may need to be turned off when jacking the
vehicle. Refer to page 7 for instructions on turning off the tilt sensor.
JACK STAND LOCATIONS:

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TIRE SERVICE:
The Lexus LFA does not come equipped with spare tire; instead the vehicle is equipped
with a tire inflation kit. The kit, which is part of the tool kit stored in the rear cargo area,
contains a 12-volt air compressor, puncture sealant, an injector hose, an extension hose
for extracting the sealant from the container, a valve core tool, a spare valve core and
warning stickers.
Check the nature of the damage to the tire. The sealant is only to be used if the flat tire
is a result of a nail or screw type puncture to the tire. If damage is greater than a small
puncture in the main part of the tread area of the tire or if the tire shows signs of being
driven on when deflated, tow the vehicle to a Lexus dealer or authorized repair facility to
have the tire properly repaired.
If the inflation kit is to be used, fully deflate the tire and remove the valve core using the
valve core tool. Shake the sealant container vigorously for about 1 minute to ensure
proper mixing of the sealant. Attach the injector tube to the container, remove the tube
plug and attach the tube to the valve stem. Squeeze the sealant into the tire. Affix the
small round warning sticker to the center of the wheel to alert service personnel that
sealant has been applied to the tire. Reinstall the valve core and inflate the wheel using
the compressor. After inflating the tire to its proper pressure, drive the vehicle for about
3 miles to ensure sealant has properly coated the inside of the tire. Stop and recheck tire
pressure before allowing vehicle to proceed to repair facility for proper tire evaluation
and repair. The larger warning sticker is meant to be placed on the inside of the
windshield support pillar on the driver’s side to warn the driver to proceed with caution
at a speed not greater than 50 MPH to a Lexus dealer or authorized repair facility to get
the tire properly repaired.

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OUT OF FUEL SERVICE:
There are no special precautions needed to refuel a Lexus LFA, although it is important
to take care not to damage the vehicle’s finish during refueling. The fuel filler is located
on the left-hand (driver’s) side of the vehicle on the rear quarter panel and is covered by
a locking door. A button with an image of a fuel pump, located on the left side of the
dash, is used to unlatch the fuel door.
If the fuel filler door is inoperative due to a discharged battery or other trouble, there is
an override in the cargo area on the left side behind the trim piece that covers the battery.
Access to the cargo area can be obtained by depressing the cargo area release button
above the fuel door release button on the dash. If the cargo area cover does not open
when the button is depressed, refer to the override procedure listed on page 20.

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JUMP-STARTING:
The following jump-starting procedures should be followed when rendering assistance to
a Lexus LFA.
•Follow all normal jump-starting precautions as outlined in other AAA/CAA
publications
•Ensure that all electrical accessories and the ignition switch are turned OFF and
the ignition key is removed from the ignition before connecting jumper cables or
a jumper box to the discharged vehicle
•Open the rear cargo area. If the battery is so discharged that the electric release
will not function, refer to the rear cargo release override information on page 20
•Remove the battery compartment cover
•When jump-starting this vehicle, you need to connect the jumper cables directly
to the battery due to the construction of the vehicle. Make the connections in
the following order:
1. Connect the positive (+) jumper cable to the positive battery terminal of the
discharged vehicle and to the positive (+) battery terminal of the donor vehicle
or jumper box.
2. Connect the negative (-) jumper cable to the negative battery terminal of the
donor vehicle. (Skip this step if using a jumper box.)
3. Connect the negative (-) cable to negative battery terminal of the discharged
vehicle. DO NOT CONNECT THE NEGATIVE TO THE BODY OF THE
VEHICLE AS DAMAGE TO THE BODY MAY RESULT.
4. If using a jumper box with an ON/OFF switch, make the connection with the
jumper box turned OFF.
•Get into the vehicle and close all doors before attempting to turn the ignition on

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•Turn the ignition ON and shift the transmission into Neutral (“N”) by pulling
rearward on both shifter paddles at the same time. Depress the brake pedal then
press the “ENGINE START” button on the steering wheel. The engine should
start

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•If the engine starts, ensure that the parking brake is set before releasing the
brake pedal and exiting the vehicle. Disconnect the jump-start connections in
reverse order and reinstall any covers removed to access the battery
•If the engine fails to start, turn the key OFF and remove it from the ignition
before checking the jump-start connections

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REAR CARGO AREA LID AND HOOD OPERATION:
The rear cargo compartment cover can be opened by pressing the cargo cover release
button on the left side of the dash.
An override for this switch is provided in case this button does not function such as
would be the case if the vehicle has a discharged battery. The override cable is located
under a removable trim piece on the rear package tray.
Pulling on the cable unlatches the rear cargo area cover.