Brake pedal is stiff
#1
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
Brake pedal is stiff
When starting my car, I press the brake pedal and it is stiff (as if the power brakes are not operating). I understand that the power brakes only work when the engine is running, but I should get a few pumps with the engine off before it gets stiff.
It has become hard to push the brake pedal to get the green light on the push button start to start the car. Once I do start it, the power brakes kick in and all is fine.
Any suggestions? Brake fluid is full. Do I need a new master cylinder?
It has become hard to push the brake pedal to get the green light on the push button start to start the car. Once I do start it, the power brakes kick in and all is fine.
Any suggestions? Brake fluid is full. Do I need a new master cylinder?
#5
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When starting my car, I press the brake pedal and it is stiff (as if the power brakes are not operating). I understand that the power brakes only work when the engine is running, but I should get a few pumps with the engine off before it gets stiff.
It has become hard to push the brake pedal to get the green light on the push button start to start the car. Once I do start it, the power brakes kick in and all is fine.
Any suggestions? Brake fluid is full. Do I need a new master cylinder?
It has become hard to push the brake pedal to get the green light on the push button start to start the car. Once I do start it, the power brakes kick in and all is fine.
Any suggestions? Brake fluid is full. Do I need a new master cylinder?
What did your dealership say?
#6
I would suggest you not worry about the feel of the brake pedal with the engine off as there are multiple safety features tied into the hydraulic and electrical components of the brake system
#7
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I'm not worried so much about the feel of the pedal but more concerned that it's very difficult even for me to press the brake enough to get the green light to start the engine. My wife has really hard time pressing it far enough to get the green light. It was never like that for the past year. If it's little rigid, I would understand but this is much worse than that. I heard others complain about it in the past but didn't know until it happened to us.
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#8
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
I have the same problem myself. I noticed it just recently after driving my ES for a year now. My dealership thought I was crazy and could not duplicate. They said that I am pressing on the brake after I cut off the engine thus causing the brakes to bleed and become stiffer. I stated that I have driven my vehicle for over a year now and never have done so. They can't explain it and said it was because of me hitting the brake pedal.....
What did your dealership say?
What did your dealership say?
#9
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#10
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The dealership was finally able to duplicate it and they said the brake cylinder was losing the vacuum pressure so thus the stiff brake pedal when starting the car from cold. They replaced the system and now all is well.
#11
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
Thanks for the update!
#15
Without touching the brake at all, press the Start/Stop button for one time to get the ACC mode (radio on, engine and dash are still off)... Then press and keep pressing the start/stop button for about 10~15 seconds and your engine will crank... No need to toch the brake at all