I just bought this 2010 RX350. The skid control light has been coming on occasionally. I first noticed it when I was stopped (in gear) and I reached around to the back seat, I put pressure on the brake pedal while reaching around. There was a beep and the light came on. Then the other day while stopped at a red light I pushed on the pedal inadvertently and that skid control light popped on. I then noticed if I put pressure on the brake pedal while the car is stopped and in gear this light comes on. When I take my foot off the brake to proceed on down the road you can feel a deliberate pause as something is kicking back into gear and then the light goes off and the car is fine. Is this something going bad? I have 5 days to return or 30 days warranty. No questions asked! CarMax.....Any advice?

 

Nope, nothing wrong! It's the "Hill Start Assist". It helps you keep from rolling backwards when you're stopped on a steep hill. It helps keep you from rolling backwards as you move your foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal. Pretty cool feature ..... if you're expecting it . I can imagine it would be a little alarming if you aren't!

I've never been able to make this engage on our RX. For all I know, it doesn't have the feature. I'll have to try again.

 

Woody is right. Hill start assist engages when slightly more than normal pressure is placed on the brake pedal. I've used it a few times. Works perfectly.

 

Okay, so the next time I freak out about this car, I will be certain to ask you all first! You are exactly right! Thanks a bunch!

 

No problem. Your'e not the first and won't be the last One thing that usually freaks people out is a strange buzzing noise from the engine when the RX is off and sitting for a few hours. Again, it's normal. The engine is performing a fuel evaporation leakage check. You can read more about it here.

 

My owner's manual, in chapter 2-4 says the Hill-start assist control keeps the brakes on for two seconds after the brake pedal is released. Why only two seconds? Also, it says it's function is to help start on a slippery slope, but not to use it on ice. Go figure.
I think this feature is for people that can't get their foot from the brake to the gas fast enough. I've never used it but once by accident. You are free to move about the country.