2010 Lexus RX 450h User Guide 2 - Page 619

5-2. Steps to take in an emergency If the vehicle becomes stuck Carry out the following procedures if the tires spin or the vehicle becomes stuck in mud, dirt or snow: STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3 STEP 4 STEP 5 Stop the hybrid system. Set the parking brake and shift the shift lever to P. Remove the mud, snow or sand from around the stuck tire. Place wood, stones or some other material under the tires to help provide traction. Restart the hybrid system. Shift the shift lever to the D or R position and carefully apply the accelerator to free the vehicle. Turn off the TRAC and VSC systems if these functions are hampering your attempts to free the vehicle. (→ P. 254) CAUTION n When attempting to free a stuck vehicle If you choose to push the vehicle back and forth to free it, make sure the surrounding area is clear to avoid striking other vehicles, objects or people. The vehicle may also lunge forward or lunge back suddenly as it becomes free. Use extreme caution. n When shifting the shift lever 5 When trouble arises Be careful not to shift the shift lever with the accelerator pedal depressed. This may lead to unexpected rapid acceleration of the vehicle that may cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury. NOTICE n To avoid damage to the hybrid transmission and other components l Avoid spinning the wheels. l If the vehicle remains stuck even after these procedures are performed, the vehi- cle may require towing to be freed. 625