trhs75

We have noticed for the last few days on our '99 RX300 that the chime (I beieve it's the one which goes off if the e-brake is on or if the door is opened while the key is in the ignition) is getting more and more frequent while driving. I think it relates to a sticky switch activated by depressing the emergency brake pedal, because the BRAKE light on the dash sometimes blinks when the dinger goes off. I'll have to get under the dash to look for some kind of switch and try to lubricate it. Have any of you run into this, and how did you fix it. Did you have to replace the switch?
(I did make sure the e-brake pedal isn't depressed!)
Thanks for any suggestions!

bob2200

I don't recall my chime ever sounding when I use the emergency brake. The chiming I've encountered is when the rear hatch has not been completely closed. Some on the forum have reported problems with the switch at the rear hatch latch. But, maybe the chiming is associated with the emergency brake, and I just haven't been doing whatever it takes to get it to chime.

yeuemhoai

iTrader: (1)

Also the parking-brake chime is less frequent that the door chime if I remember correctly.

trhs75

Thank you for the input! I'll have to get the car back from my daughter long enough to figure this out!

AlexusAnja

I would say it's a sticky e-brake, since you said the light does come on in association with the "ding." Also, the e-brake does have chime (dings every few seconds, not ding ding ding ding constantly) if you leave it engaged and start driving. It's a warning to say "hey, take your e-brakes off unless you like using up more gas and wearing your pads out."

trhs75

I was able to remove the e-brake switch and make sure it operates well. Oddly enough, the dinging now gets more constant when the turn signals are on. I wonder if there's a short in the under-dash wiring. My next step is to try to find it!

salimshah

Other than auxiliary brake, door ajar and seat belt are possibly wired into the chime.

Salim

AlexusAnja

DOH !!! I guess you better stop "playing around" with the car and bring into a shop and get the electrical looked at. Any more looking around and you'll be dinging even with the engine turned off.

trhs75

I think you're right -- I may be starting to hear it in my sleep. It could be from spending all that time on my head under the dash!

pk3

One more vote for the rear hatch.

Mine has done this since I took the latch out to untie a Christmas tree back there. I can't say I've fixed it (though I've tried, nothing obviously amiss) I have minimized it and you might diagnose with my temp. solution.

I wrapped a couple of layers of electrical tape around the benign “U” shaped catch on the hatch... jam(?). Though it still boings it's not nearly as frequent. If it does the same for you, theres the problem..I'd like to see your solution

Regards, PK

trhs75

I'll give it a try -- thanks, PK!

salimshah

Just for grins ... turn ignition "ON" but do not start. Check all warning lights "test" correctly ... consult the owner's manual.

Just in case a warning bulb is popped in the dash ... which might help you isolate the problem.


Salim

trhs75

Rear hatch and all warning lights checked out OK. Took car to dealer this week. They've never seen this happen before, checked several things, but can't determine the problem. I know they know more than I do -- it just seems it should be a straightforward fix.

salimshah

Well, the dealer know well to fix commonly occurring problems. This may be the first one for them.

The problem is not an easy one to isolate, as there are multiple inputs (sources).

Salim

mikey00

Being that the brake light and chime are both coming on at the same time I suspect it is e-brake related. I know you already tested the switch, but try totally disconnecting the e-brake switch and see if problem goes away.
Are you sure your brake fluid isn't low? This is the other thing that will cause the brake light to come on. I didn't think the chime was also part of that but it's worth a check.