Low brake power light, RX not starting?
Racer
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,941
Likes: 581
From: New York
I encountered a similar problem ( car would not start, error code Brake Power Low) recently with my 2016 RX350. The dealer performed a warranty repair with a software update based on a Lexus issued service bulletin. When I asked them to explain the problem and how a software update would fix a problem that first occurred 3 years into service, they cannot ( or would not ) give me an explanation and referred me to Lexus headquarter instead. Since Lexus issued a service bulletin, they obviously was aware of the problem.
The experience left me very uneasy. Did they increase the tolerane so the sensor would not trigger the error? or they simply update the software to ignore the sensor?
The experience left me very uneasy. Did they increase the tolerane so the sensor would not trigger the error? or they simply update the software to ignore the sensor?
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 3
Likes: 1
From: CA
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 3
Likes: 1
From: CA
After another round with Lexus and the local dealer, I reached sort of a "resolution".
Lexus headquarter: I escalated the issue, but was not able to reach someone knowledgable about the mechanics of the brake system. It turned out, the Bulletin and the software update was simply meant to "fix" the error message. It did not address the " car not start " issue. They referred me back to dealer, or another dealer for a second opinion.
The local dealer: When I went back to the dealer, the service manger agreed to work with me and inspect the brake system and test the pressure. I took the car back. They found no problem with the brake.
I think this is the probably the best I can get, considering that the dealer was not able replicate the problem I encountered.
Lexus headquarter: I escalated the issue, but was not able to reach someone knowledgable about the mechanics of the brake system. It turned out, the Bulletin and the software update was simply meant to "fix" the error message. It did not address the " car not start " issue. They referred me back to dealer, or another dealer for a second opinion.
The local dealer: When I went back to the dealer, the service manger agreed to work with me and inspect the brake system and test the pressure. I took the car back. They found no problem with the brake.
I think this is the probably the best I can get, considering that the dealer was not able replicate the problem I encountered.
Had to get our 2017 RX350 towed to the dealership yesterday. Had just driven it for 2 hours straight. Stopped at a walmart to pick up some meds, get back in and wouldn't start. Get the "low braking power" message. Googled clublexus and found this thread. Dealer is suppose to inspect it this morning. Lets see what they say.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,555
Likes: 345
From: Ontario, Canada
Had to get our 2017 RX350 towed to the dealership yesterday. Had just driven it for 2 hours straight. Stopped at a walmart to pick up some meds, get back in and wouldn't start. Get the "low braking power" message. Googled clublexus and found this thread. Dealer is suppose to inspect it this morning. Lets see what they say.
Some weeks multiple times, others not. So frustrating!
She will bring it in for a recall and have them check it again.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: KS
Hi George,
How the dealer fixed your car? My car is 2016RX350, and it had the same issue like yours! I called Lexus Dealer, and They still working on it. Did not call me back yet, so I went up here to search for the answer!
Vu
How the dealer fixed your car? My car is 2016RX350, and it had the same issue like yours! I called Lexus Dealer, and They still working on it. Did not call me back yet, so I went up here to search for the answer!
Vu
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: KS
Low Brake power
Have your car get it fixed? My car has the same problem, and still waiting for reply from Lexus Dealer!
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: KS
Low Brake power
Just had the warning this morning. My odo 6,060 for my RX350 2017.
I haven't driven it for over 7days. It sits protected from the element under roof but at a slight incline. The brake pedal cannot be pressed down and the car will not start, or rather it sounds like solenoid clicks. A warning light indicates " "Braking Power Low Stop in a Safe Place See Owner' s Manual". My first thought was my battery had to be low because it wasn't engaging the starter (clicking sound). but the stiff brake pedal was what was throwing me. I turned off the car and stepped on the brake to see how it felt and it was stiff. I turn on the car, the warning light indicating the same, i press start and the same clicking sound. I went through several cycles of stepping on the brake and starting and about the 5th try my car started.
I got to work and looked up the issue online and ran across almost the same problem, here is the full text:
Sep 242017
I haven't driven it for over 7days. It sits protected from the element under roof but at a slight incline. The brake pedal cannot be pressed down and the car will not start, or rather it sounds like solenoid clicks. A warning light indicates " "Braking Power Low Stop in a Safe Place See Owner' s Manual". My first thought was my battery had to be low because it wasn't engaging the starter (clicking sound). but the stiff brake pedal was what was throwing me. I turned off the car and stepped on the brake to see how it felt and it was stiff. I turn on the car, the warning light indicating the same, i press start and the same clicking sound. I went through several cycles of stepping on the brake and starting and about the 5th try my car started.
I got to work and looked up the issue online and ran across almost the same problem, here is the full text:
Sep 242017
RX 350
- 2,000 miles
- In order to start the car, the brake must be pressed. However, if the car sits without use for several days, the brake pedal cannot be pressed down and the car will not start. A warning light indicates that "brake power is low, stop in a safe place". attached is a picture of the warning light. The car can generally be subsequently started by either waiting several minutes or exerting a lot of pressure on the brake pedal, and the warning light disappears. I've had many conversations with Lexus service and Lexus corporate office. They've said that this condition exists with "every 2016-2018 rx 350" and is not unique to my car. They've also said this condition cannot be repaired, despite the fact that the warning light indicates it is dangerous to drive the car. Lexus confirmed that despite the fact the condition occurs after the car has sat for a period of time, it is not a battery issue and likely occurs because of pressure lost in the brake system. Although I question Lexus' statements that this condition exists with every car, it is disconcerting that they cannot or will not fix a condition that may be dangerous to continue driving, as indicated by the car's warning light. This condition occurs regularly.- Santa Barbara, CA, USA