Red "BRAKE" Warning Indicator and Chime
#33
Driver School Candidate
New member here. I had this problem last year, and disconnected the sensor at the brake cylinder, thinking it might be a faulty connection. This did resolve the problem, but not for long. To make this short, I repeated this process 4-5 times, but it has now been about a year with everything functioning normally. COST = $0.0
#34
I've had issues inthe past with the parking brake sticking, once even when it hadn't been engaged (it had sat undriven for a while). That last time I just drove it backwards and forwards a few times and it released. Today I woke up to -6° and right after it started the light came on. The parking prake is definitely not engaged so I'm guessing it's just a too cold sensor. Brake function is fine so if it doesn't go out when it warms up I may try Nick26's solution above.....
Edit: once engine warmed up light went out; brake fluid must've been like Jello!
Edit: once engine warmed up light went out; brake fluid must've been like Jello!
Last edited by djeddieo; 02-15-16 at 06:47 AM.
#36
Driver School Candidate
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Virginia
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Before going to a Lexus dealer or having the brakes checked, open the hood and "thump" the brake fluid reservoir with your finger a couple of times. The level sensor inside the reservoir rides up and down a center post, and sometimes gets stuck in the "Low" position during cold weather . . . after
going over a pothole or bump, I guess. Anyway, this has happened to me a couple of times (both in cold weather), and "thumping" the reservoir eliminated the nerve-wracking chime, proving it was neither the fluid level (observable), stuck emergency brake, or low brake pads causing it. But the next time you have your brake system flushed, have the mechanic fully-empty the reservoir and clean the inside post. Our RX300 is a 1999, still runs like a Switch watch at 150K, and the problem hasn't recurred.
#37
Driver School Candidate
Best Fix?? When this problem returned, I removed the cap, saw that the stem on which the floating sensor rides had detached itself from the top. The wiring was still attached. I found that the stem assembly can be re-attached simply by snapping it back into place,
For me, the fix was immediate, and it's been working perfectly for two months. I have to conclude that many of the reported problems are just because the loosened stem rides at an angle and doesn't let the float move freely.
Snapping the stem assembly back into place seems to be something to try out, doesn't it?
For me, the fix was immediate, and it's been working perfectly for two months. I have to conclude that many of the reported problems are just because the loosened stem rides at an angle and doesn't let the float move freely.
Snapping the stem assembly back into place seems to be something to try out, doesn't it?
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SteveLC (02-03-23)
#38
Driver School Candidate
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: UT
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Best Fix?? When this problem returned, I removed the cap, saw that the stem on which the floating sensor rides had detached itself from the top. The wiring was still attached. I found that the stem assembly can be re-attached simply by snapping it back into place,
For me, the fix was immediate, and it's been working perfectly for two months. I have to conclude that many of the reported problems are just because the loosened stem rides at an angle and doesn't let the float move freely.
Snapping the stem assembly back into place seems to be something to try out, doesn't it?
For me, the fix was immediate, and it's been working perfectly for two months. I have to conclude that many of the reported problems are just because the loosened stem rides at an angle and doesn't let the float move freely.
Snapping the stem assembly back into place seems to be something to try out, doesn't it?
#40
Driver School Candidate
Glad that your problem was fixed as easily as mine. Well, mine was a liitle later, when I already had a new cap in my hand. It was when I was about to install it that I took a good look at the old cap, noticed the loose stem and decided to find out what would happen if the stem could be reattached. I stil have that new cap, purchased on ebay, just in case. It's looking like it won't be needed anytime soon. {fingers crossed, knock on wood**
#41
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Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Texas
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Brake Like warning from Reservoir Senser
RX300 early production model (prior to 8/1/98) Just had new brakes installed. Did have a low brake fluid warning prior to that and added clear brake fluid up to the fill line. After the mechanic replaced the brake rotors and pads, the brake light would not go off. Problem was traced to the reservoir sensor cap. He suggested leaving it disconnected since it was a typical maintenance item. I will try to clean the sensor with brake fluid cleaner as described above and see if that will work.
#42
Moderator
RX300 early production model (prior to 8/1/98) Just had new brakes installed. Did have a low brake fluid warning prior to that and added clear brake fluid up to the fill line. After the mechanic replaced the brake rotors and pads, the brake light would not go off. Problem was traced to the reservoir sensor cap. He suggested leaving it disconnected since it was a typical maintenance item. I will try to clean the sensor with brake fluid cleaner as described above and see if that will work.
Salim
#44
This worked for me, but only for a couple of weeks. The light went on again and I checked the cap and it was still securely attached to the cap. For now I left it unplugged until I replace it...
#45
Moderator
Salim