LEXUS LC 500 (2019 year). Instruction - part 21

328

7-1. Essential information

WARNING

■

Escaping the vehicle from the window

There are cases where escaping the 

vehicle from the window is not possible 

due to seating position, passenger body 

type, etc.
When using an emergency hammer, 

consider your seat location and the size 

of the window opening to ensure that the 

opening is accessible and large enough 

to escape.

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7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

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7-2.Steps to take in an emergency

If your vehicle needs to be 
towed

If towing is necessary, we recom-
mend 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/pro-
vincial and local laws.

WARNING

Observe the following precautions. 

Failure to do so may result in death or 

serious injury.

■

When towing the vehicle

LC500: Be sure to transport the vehicle 

with all four wheels raised off the ground. 

If the vehicle is towed with the tires con-

tacting the ground, the drivetrain and 

related parts may be damaged or an 

accident may occur due to a change in 

direction of the vehicle.
LC500h: Be sure to transport the vehi-

cle with all four wheels raised off the 

ground. If the vehicle is towed with the 

tires contacting the ground, the drive-

train and related parts may be damaged, 

an accident may occur due to a change 

in direction of the vehicle 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

●

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 dam-

aged, broken debris may hit people, 

and cause serious damage.

●

Do not turn the engine switch <power 

switch> off. 

This may lead to an accident as the 

rear wheels will be locked by the park-

ing lock. 

Also, there is a possibility that the 

steering wheel is locked and cannot be 

operated.

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7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

In the following situations, it is not pos-
sible to be towed by another vehicle 
using cables or chains, as the rear 
wheels may be locked due to the park-
ing lock. Contact your Lexus dealer or 
commercial towing service.
 There is a malfunction in the shift 

control system. (

P.149, 153, 347)

 There is a malfunction in the engine 

immobilizer system <immobilizer 
system>. (

P.69)

 There is a malfunction in the smart 

access system with push-button 
start. (

P.355)

 The 12-volt battery is discharged. 

(

P.357)

The following may indicate a problem 
with your transmission. Contact your 
Lexus dealer or commercial towing 
service before towing.
 LC500: The engine is running but 

the vehicle does not move.

 LC500h: The hybrid system warn-

ing message is shown on the multi-
information display and the vehicle 
does not move.

 The vehicle makes an abnormal 

sound.

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

WARNING

■

Installing towing eyelets to the vehi-

cle

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 engine switch <power 

switch> is off. The steering lock mecha-

nism is not strong enough to hold the 

front wheels straight.

●

When raising the vehicle, ensure ade-

quate ground clearance for towing at 

the opposite end of the raised vehicle. 

Without adequate clearance, the vehi-

cle 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

Do not secure cables or chains to the 

suspension components.

Situations when it is not possible 
to be towed by another vehicle

Situations when it is necessary to 
contact dealers before towing

Towing with a sling-type truck

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7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

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

From the front

Use a towing dolly under the rear 
wheels.



From the rear

Use a towing dolly under the front 
wheels.

If your vehicle is transported by a flat-
bed 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 45°.
Do not overly tighten the tie downs or 
the vehicle may be damaged.

If a tow truck is not available in an 
emergency, your vehicle may be tem-
porarily towed using cables or chains 
secured to the emergency towing eye-
lets. 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.

To have your vehicle towed by another 

Towing with a wheel-lift type 
truck

Using a flatbed truck

Emergency towing

Emergency towing procedure

332

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

vehicle, the towing eyelet must be 
installed to your vehicle. Install the tow-
ing eyelet using the following proce-
dure.

1

Take out the screwdriver and the 
towing eyelet. (

P.310)

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 the screwdriver 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 engine <hybrid system>.

If the engine <hybrid system> does not 

start, turn the engine switch <power 

switch> to IGNITION ON mode <ON 

mode>.

7

Shift the shift position to N and 
release the parking brake.

■

While towing

If the engine is not running <hybrid system is 

off>, the power assist for the brakes and 

steering will not function, making steering 

and braking more difficult.

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7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

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 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 nor-
mal.

 Changes in exhaust sound
 Excessive tire squeal when corner-

ing

 Strange noises related to the sus-

pension system

 Pinging or other noises related to 

the engine <hybrid system>

 Engine missing, stumbling or run-

ning 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

If you think something is 
wrong

If you notice any of the following 
symptoms, your vehicle probably 
needs adjustment or repair. Con-
tact your Lexus dealer as soon as 
possible.

Visible symptoms

Audible symptoms

Operational symptoms

334

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

Follow the procedure below to restart 
the engine after the system is activated.

1

Turn the engine switch to ACCES-
SORY mode or turn it off.

2

Restart the engine.

Fuel pump shut off system 
(LC500)

To minimize the risk of fuel leakage 
when the engine stalls or when an 
airbag inflates upon collision, the 
fuel pump shut off system stops the 
supply of fuel to the engine.

Restarting the engine

NOTICE

■

Before starting the engine

Inspect the ground under the vehicle. 

If you find that fuel has leaked onto the 

ground, the fuel system has been dam-

aged and is in need of repair. Do not 

restart the engine.

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7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

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■

Brake system warning light (warning buzzer)

■

Charging system warning light

*

*

: This light illuminates on the multi-information display.

■

Low engine oil pressure warning light (warning buzzer)

*

*

: This light illuminates on the multi-information display.

If a warning light turns on or a warning buzzer sounds

Calmly perform the following actions if any of the warning lights comes on or 
flashes. If a light comes on or flashes, but then goes off, this does not necessar-
ily indicate a malfunction in the system. However, if this continues to occur, 
have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer.

Actions to the warning lights or warning buzzers

Warning light

Warning light/Details/Actions

(U.S.A.)

(red)

(Canada)

Indicates that:
The brake fluid level is low; or
The brake system is malfunctioning
This light also comes on when the parking brake is not released. If the 
light turns off after the parking brake is fully released the system is oper-
ating normally.
 Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact your Lexus 

dealer. Continuing to drive the vehicle may be dangerous.

Indicates that the brake pads are worn out (only the right-side pads 

can be detected)

 Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer.

Warning light

Warning light/Details/Actions

Indicates a malfunction in the vehicle’s charging system
 Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact your Lexus 

dealer.

Warning light

Warning light/Details/Actions

Indicates that the engine oil pressure is too low
 Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place and contact your Lexus 

dealer.

336

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

■

Malfunction indicator lamp (warning buzzer)

■

SRS warning light

■

ABS warning light (warning buzzer)

■

Electric power steering system warning light (warning buzzer)

Warning light

Warning light/Details/Actions

(U.S.A.)

(Canada)

Indicates a malfunction in:
The electronic engine control system;
The hybrid system (LC500h);
The electronic throttle control system;
The electronic automatic transmission control system (LC500); or
The electronic hybrid transmission control system (LC500h)
 Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.

Warning light

Warning light/Details/Actions

Indicates a malfunction in:
The SRS airbag system;
The front passenger occupant classification system; or
The seat belt pretensioner system
 Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.

Warning light

Warning light/Details/Actions

(U.S.A.)

(Canada)

Indicates a malfunction in:
The ABS; or
The brake assist system
 Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.

Warning light

Warning light/Details/Actions

(red)

or

(yellow)

Indicates a malfunction in the EPS (Electric Power Steering) system
 Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.

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7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

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■

PCS warning light (warning buzzer)

■

LKA (Lane-Keeping Assist) indicator

*

*

: This light illuminates on the multi-information display.

■

Slip indicator

Warning light

Warning light/Details/Actions

(Flashes or illumi-

nates)

Indicates a malfunction in the PCS (Pre-Collision System) or that the 
system is temporarily unavailable due to the vehicle being extremely 
hot/cold, or dirt around a front sensor, etc. (

 P.195, 344)

 Follow the instructions displayed on the multi-information display. 

(

P.195, 344)

If the PCS (Pre-Collision System) or VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) 
system is disabled, the PCS warning light will illuminate.
 P.233

Warning light

Warning light/Details/Actions

(orange)

Indicates a malfunction in the LKA (Lane-Keeping Assist)
 When “Lane Keeping Assist Unavailable” is displayed on the multi-

information display, turn the LKA (Lane-Keeping Assist) system 
off, drive the vehicle for a short time, and then turn the LKA (Lane-
Keeping Assist) system back on. (

P.198) 

When a message other than above is displayed, follow the instruc-
tions displayed in the message.

Warning light

Warning light/Details/Actions

Indicates a malfunction in:
The VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) system;
The TRAC (Traction Control) system; or
The hill-start assist control system
The light will flash when the VSC, TRAC or ABS system is operating.
 Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.

338

7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

■

Brake Override System warning light/Drive-Start Control warning light 
(warning buzzer)

*

*

: This light illuminates on the multi-information display.

■

Brake hold operated indicator

■

Parking brake indicator

Warning light

Warning light/Details/Actions

When the warning light flashes (and a buzzer sounds):
Indicates a malfunction in the Brake Override System or Drive-Start 
Control
 Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.
Indicates that the shift position was changed while depressing the accel-
erator pedal and Drive-Start Control was operated
 Momentarily release the accelerator pedal.
When the warning light flashes (and a buzzer does not sound):
Indicates that the accelerator and brake pedals are being depressed 
simultaneously
 Release the accelerator pedal and depress the brake pedal.

Warning light

Warning light/Details/Actions

(flashes)

Indicates a malfunction in the brake hold system
 Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer.

Warning light

Warning light/Details/Actions

(flashes)

(U.S.A.) 

or

(flashes)

(Canada)

Indicates a malfunction in the parking brake system
 Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.

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7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

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■

Brake system warning light

■

Low fuel level warning light

■

Driver’s and front passenger’s seat belt reminder light (warning buzzer)

*

*

: Driver’s seat belt buzzer:

The driver’s seat belt buzzer sounds to alert the driver that his or her seat belt is not fas-
tened. Once the engine switch <power switch> is turned to IGNITION ON mode <ON 
mode>, the buzzer sounds for 6 seconds. If the vehicle reaches a speed of 12 mph (20 
km/h), the buzzer sounds once. If the seat belt is still unfastened after 24 seconds, the 
buzzer will sound intermittently for 6 seconds. Then, if the seat belt is still unfastened, the 
buzzer will sound in a different tone for 90 more seconds.
Front passenger’s seat belt buzzer:
The front passenger’s seat belt buzzer sounds to alert the front passenger that his or her 
seat belt is not fastened. The buzzer sounds once if the vehicle reaches a speed of 12 mph 
(20 km/h). If the seat belt is still unfastened after 24 seconds, the buzzer will sound inter-
mittently for 6 seconds. Then, if the seat belt is still unfastened, the buzzer will sound in a dif-
ferent tone for 90 more seconds.

Warning light

Warning light/Details/Actions

(yellow)

Indicates a malfunction in:
The electronically controlled brake system
The regenerated braking system (LC500h)
The parking brake system
 Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.

Warning light

Warning light/Details/Actions

Indicates that remaining fuel is approximately 3.3 gal. [12.6 L, 2.8 
Imp.gal.] or less
 Refuel the vehicle.

Warning light

Warning light/Details/Actions

Warns the driver and/or front passenger to fasten their seat belts
 Fasten the seat belt. 

If the front passenger’s seat is occupied, the front passenger’s seat 
belt also needs to be fastened to make the warning light (warning 
buzzer) turn off.

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7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

■

Rear passengers’ seat belt reminder lights (warning buzzer

*1

)

*2

*1

: Rear passenger’s seat belt buzzer:

The rear passenger’s seat belt buzzer sounds to alert the rear passenger that his or her seat 
belt is not fastened. The buzzer sounds for 6 seconds if the vehicle reaches a speed of 12 
mph (20 km/h). Then, if the seat belt is still unfastened, the buzzer will sound in a different 
tone for 24 more seconds.

*2

: This light illuminates on the center panel.

■

Master warning light (warning buzzer)

■

Tire pressure warning light

■

High coolant temperature warning light (warning buzzer)

*

Warning light

Warning light/Details/Actions

Warns the rear passengers to fasten their seat belts
 Fasten the seat belt.

Warning light

Warning light/Details/Actions

A buzzer sounds and the warning light comes on and flashes to indicate 
that the master warning system has detected a malfunction.
 P.344

Warning light

Warning light/Details/Actions

When the light comes on:
Low tire inflation pressure such as
Natural causes (

P.342)

Flat tire (

P.350)

 Adjust the tire inflation pressure to the specified level.

The light will turn off after a few minutes. In case the light does not 
turn off even if the tire inflation pressure is adjusted, have the sys-
tem checked by your Lexus dealer.

When the light comes on after blinking for 1 minute:
Malfunction in the tire pressure warning system
 Have the system checked by your Lexus dealer.

Warning light

Warning light/Details/Actions

Changes from a flashing to a solid light when the engine coolant tem-
perature increases
 Immediately stop the vehicle in a safe place.

Handling method. (

P.364, 366)

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7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

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*

: This light illuminates on the multi-information display.

■

Hybrid system overheat warning light (warning buzzer)

*

 (LC500h)

*

: This light illuminates on the multi-information display.

■

SRS warning light

This warning light system monitors the airbag sensor assembly, front impact sensors, side 

impact sensors (door), side impact sensors (front), side impact sensors (rear), driver’s seat 

position sensor, driver’s seat belt buckle switch, front passenger occupant classification sys-

tem (ECU and sensors), “AIR BAG ON” indicator light, “AIR BAG OFF” indicator light, 

front passenger’s seat belt buckle switch, seat belt pretensioners, airbags, interconnecting 

wiring and power sources. (

P.29)

■

Front passenger detection sensor, seat belt reminder and warning buzzer

If luggage is placed on the front passenger seat, the front passenger detection sensor may 

cause the warning light to flash and the warning buzzer to sound even if a passenger is not 

sitting in the seat.

■

If the malfunction indicator lamp comes on while driving

First check the following:

●

Is the fuel tank empty?

If it is, fill the fuel tank immediately.

●

Is the fuel tank cap loose?

If it is, tighten it securely.

The light will go off after several driving trips.
If the light does not go off even after several trips, contact your Lexus dealer as soon as pos-

sible.

■

Electric power steering system warning light (warning buzzer)

When the 12-volt battery charge becomes insufficient or the voltage temporarily drops, the 

electric power steering system warning light may come on and the warning buzzer may 

sound.

■

Tire pressure warning light

When a malfunction occurs in the tire pressure warning system, the tire pressure warning 

light blinks to warn the driver. However, if the warning light blinks for 1 minute, and then 

remains illuminated, making it difficult to determine whether the warning light is blinking, 

turn the engine switch <power switch> from off to IGNITION ON mode <ON mode> and 

check if the warning light blinks.

■

When the tire pressure warning light comes on

Check the tire inflation pressure and adjust to the appropriate level. Pushing the tire pres-

sure warning reset switch will not turn off the tire pressure warning light.

Warning light

Warning light/Details/Actions

Indicates that the hybrid system has overheated
This light may be displayed when driving under severe operating condi-
tions. (For example, when driving up a long steep hill.)
 Stop the vehicle in a safe place and the hybrid system. (P.366)

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7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

■

The tire pressure warning light may come on due to natural causes

The tire pressure warning light may come on due to natural causes such as natural air leaks 

and tire inflation pressure changes caused by temperature. In this case, adjusting the tire 

inflation pressure will turn off the warning light (after a few minutes).

■

Conditions that the tire pressure warning system may not function properly

P.304

■

If the tire pressure warning light frequently comes on after blinking for 1 minute

If the tire pressure warning light frequently comes on after blinking for 1 minute when the 

engine switch <power switch> is turned to IGNITION ON mode <ON mode>, have it 

checked by your Lexus dealer.

■

Warning buzzer

In some cases, the buzzer may not be heard due to being in a noisy location or audio sound.

■

Customization

The vehicle speed linked seat belt reminder buzzer can be disabled. 

(Customizable features: 

P.391)

WARNING

■

If both the ABS and the brake system warning lights remain on

Stop your vehicle in a safe place immediately and contact your Lexus dealer. The vehicle 

will become extremely unstable during braking, and the ABS system may fail, which could 

cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.

■

When the electric power steering system warning light comes on

When the light comes on in yellow, the assist to the power steering is restricted. When the 

light comes on red, the assist to the power steering is lost and handling operations of the 

steering wheel become extremely heavy. When steering wheel operations are heavier 

than usual, grip the steering wheel firmly and operate it using more force than usual.

■

If the tire pressure warning light comes on

Be sure to observe the following precautions. Failure to do so could cause a loss of vehi-

cle control and result in death or serious injury.

●

Decelerate to the lowest appropriate speed as soon as possible. Do not drive over 50 

mph (80 km/h).

●

Check and adjust the tire inflation pressure immediately.

●

If the tire pressure warning light comes on even after tire inflation pressure adjustment, 

it is probable that you have a flat tire. Have the flat tire replaced by the nearest Lexus 

dealer.

●

Avoid abrupt maneuvering and braking. If the vehicle tires deteriorate, you could lose 

control of the steering wheel or the brakes.

■

If a blowout or sudden air leakage should occur

The tire pressure warning system may not activate immediately.

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7-2. Steps to take in an emergency

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WARNING

■

Maintenance of the tires

Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly when cold and 

inflated to the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehi-

cle placard or tire inflation pressure label (tire and load information label). (If your vehicle 

has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation 

pressure label [tire and load information label], you should determine the proper tire 

inflation pressure for those tires.)

As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a tire pressure monitor-

ing system (TPMS-tire pressure warning system) that illuminates a low tire pressure tell-

tale (tire pressure warning light) when one or more of your tires is significantly under-

inflated. Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale (tire pressure warning light) illu-

minates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the 

proper pressure. Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes the tire to overheat 

and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, 

and may affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability.

Please note that the TPMS (tire pressure warning system) is not a substitute for proper 

tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even 

if under-inflation has not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire 

pressure telltale (tire pressure warning light).

Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS (tire pressure warning system) mal-

function indicator to indicate when the system is not operating properly. The TPMS (tire 

pressure warning system) malfunction indicator is combined with the low tire pressure 

telltale (tire pressure warning light). When the system detects a malfunction, the telltale 

will flash for approximately one minute and then remain continuously illuminated. This 

sequence will continue upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction 

exists. When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may not be able to 

detect or signal low tire pressure as intended.

TPMS (tire pressure warning system) malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons, 

including the installation of replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that 

prevent the TPMS (tire pressure warning system) from functioning properly. Always 

check the TPMS (tire pressure warning system) malfunction telltale after replacing one or 

more tires or wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and 

wheels allow the TPMS (tire pressure warning system) to continue to function properly.

NOTICE

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To ensure the tire pressure warning system operates properly

Do not install tires with different specifications or makers, as the tire pressure warning 

system may not operate properly.