Dashboard brake light goes on - 2002 GS300
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Driver School Candidate
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: New York
Dashboard brake light goes on - 2002 GS300
The brake light on the dashboard of my 2002 GS300 comes on intermittenly. It comes on when I am driving even if I am not stepping on the brakes although it usually only stays on for less than 10 seconds. Also, if I step on the brakes while the light comes on, it will go off once I take my foot off the brake pedal. I was wondering if there is some sort of sensor (other than the noise sensor on the pads) which causes the light to go on if the pads are wearing down, or if there is some other problem that needs to be looked at by the dealer. The car stops normally when I hit the brakes and I don't feel any grinding. I've checked the fluid level and it is fine. I don't want to take it to the dealer just to get the brakes done as I will have it done elsewhere so I'm trying to find out if its just the pads wearing down which is causing the light to come on or if there could be some other problem. The car has 20,000 miles so I suspect that it might soon be time to change the brakes. Thanks for any help.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 7,379
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From: Florida
You say your brakes feel fine when applying them, and your brake fluid looks OK too. I don't think the GS (or any Lexus vehicle) has an indicator on the instrument cluster that tells you your brake pads are wearing down to the minimum thickness. I would say the reason you are getting the 'BRAKE' light on under these circumstances, is that either there are air bubbles somewhere in your brake lines, or your brake lines are not bled properly. Definitely bring your car to either a dealership or a reputable brake/service shop, and have the mechanic check out the brake system.
park on a very level surface and add a little fluid anyway. Toyo/Lex brake fluid level sensors are very touchy. I have seen this before, even though the fluid visually is between the min and max lines, the brake light can still be set off.
The other thing to consider is that the parking brake may need to be cleaned or adjusted. If you do not use the parking brake every time you park, it gets stiff and may intermittently trip the brake light.
sj
The other thing to consider is that the parking brake may need to be cleaned or adjusted. If you do not use the parking brake every time you park, it gets stiff and may intermittently trip the brake light.
sj
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 36
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From: New York
I have the same problem on my '01 GS, but my problem only happens when it's colder outside, let's say 50 degrees or cooler. Every time I push on the brake, the "brake" light turns on, and shuts off when I let go of the pedal, or the car is at a standstill. That would make me think that the fluid needs topping off, but it's fine in my car(doesn't need). the brakes are perfect as well, with very little wear so far. I don't want to top off the fluid, that's not a very good idea. Bottom line, I'm still confused as to why it's happening..
Ed
Ed
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Nov 2021
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From: Ca
having similar issues to everyone here but the brake light turns off when i step on the gas then immediately comes back on when i let off, this issue most often happens in the morning when it’s colder like someone had mentioned on their car too, checked the brakes and they seemed good, no grinding or any other noises, the fluid was also fine, anyone have this issue and find a solution?
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