Family was driving back from in-laws and 2002 RX 300 broke down about 50 miles from home. I had it towed and the local independent mechanic who towed the car indicated he knew what the problem was, fixed (w/ aftermarket I believe): ABS sensor (wheel speed cracked - reluctor ring broken on axle). The sensor had disintigrated and the wiring had wrapped in the axle.

Now, a few days later. The codes came back with the ABS noise and he told me that it is difficult for their machines to clear all ABS codes on a Lexus - he tried again and now there are no codes, however, 1 in 8 starts from a stop (stop sign, light, etc.) results in a short br-br-br-br-br sound from the front as if the ABS or VSC is coming on once the acceleration starts from 0 mph. Nothing flashes on the dash, however. Never had this problem before.

I am trying to schedule an appt. w/ Lexus (nearest is out-of-town), but they are closed until Monday. Any ideas? Something I should take to Lexus? If I just disconnected ABS module, I wonder if that would possibly narrow the issue down (if gone, then ABS issue). Thanks in advance.

 

I would take a real good look at the reluctor ring to make sure that it is not damaged or broken. It could even have some junk in the teeth making it happen.

Lots of info here: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...tone-ring.html

 

What's interesting is that the right rear reluctor ring was broken, and now it seems like the front (based on "feel") is the issue after the work was done...my issue is after a stop during acceleration - I didn't find anyone else w/ that problem (unless I overlooked it under search). Thanks for the advice though.

 

After driving it a bit yesterday, it does appear that the ABS is kicking on after a full stop and then acceleration (esp. if there is a bit of a load) - in the rear, maybe even the same repair side. The sensor is apparently kicking in the ABS - I read something about a yaw sensor...I'm going to schedule an appt. to take it in, but otherwise, I'm at a loss. G-d*mn sensors - save a life, cost a fortune. I read that LexMex unplugged ABS - does this also negate VSC?

 

Update...took it from the inde. mechanic to a reliable Lexus certified shop...turns out: dust shield on axle was bent for about 2 inches, and sensor was not flush - when those two issues/poor workmanship line up the ABS sensor reads "0" and the other tires compensate by kicking in their ABS. Inde. had 2 shots at it...pathetic.

 

Glad to hear your problem is fixed.