All, I have a 2008 RX 400h with roughly 120k miles. Yesterday, I was driving downhill and i noticed that my brake was pulsating when I pressed on the brakes. The pulsating never happened on a flat road yesterday; however, this morning, while driving on a normal road my ABS/Brake/skidding and (!) lights came on and a few minutes later the VSC message showed up as well. What could be the problem? Appreciate all your help. Thanks in advance.

 

How many miles are on the pads/rotors? When was the brake fluid flushed w/ new dot 3 fluid?

 

Overheated?
PS: How long did you drive downhill?

 

While driving downhill on a grade > 9.12218 degrees this will case a pulsating brake pedal and later a dash warning light.

Did you scan for codes?
If only when downhill I would first suspect a slightly "warped" rotor since it only appears on more aggressive braking but the warning lights in dash suggest there is problems in the ABS controlled braking system or it sensed a condition it didn't like.

Suscribed to find out what the problem is.

 

I just used my actron OBD II pocket scanner and found 0 codes with a down arrow. MIL OFF, MONITRS, 0 Inc, 7 Ready, Misfire, Fuel, Comp, Catlyst, Evap, 02 Snsr, 02 Htr
The lights and the VSC message is still on

 

@felix It's all original

 

@iMSQ It was up and down (Yosemite) so it was difficult to say.

 

Before this happened, the car used to make clicking noise when parked at the stop light (when engine is on). I don't know wthether that was connected.

 

At a 120K & being original, I'd be looking to replace the pads & rotors.....Ceramic pads w/ a quality pr of rotors, I'd also flush the old brake fluid out w/ new dot 3 fluid.....

 

What type of pads and rotor would you recommend? Appreciate your help. Thanks.

 

Centric axle combo or Centric rotors w/ Akebono pads......http://tirerack.com

 

If you are going to keep this car and continue driving in mountains, I would recommend upgrading the brakes to 3rd Gen RX (https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...e-upgrade.html)
PS: Don't forget to use B "gear" while driving downhill (engine brake)