MD350

When starting my car, I press the brake pedal and it is stiff (as if the power brakes are not operating). I understand that the power brakes only work when the engine is running, but I should get a few pumps with the engine off before it gets stiff.

It has become hard to push the brake pedal to get the green light on the push button start to start the car. Once I do start it, the power brakes kick in and all is fine.

Any suggestions? Brake fluid is full. Do I need a new master cylinder?

350Dave

That is a normal, if irritating, trait of the car...

esucaris1

You may have a leaking power booster canister

ng123ray

think of it as a good leg work out... XD

batman0510

I have the same problem myself. I noticed it just recently after driving my ES for a year now. My dealership thought I was crazy and could not duplicate. They said that I am pressing on the brake after I cut off the engine thus causing the brakes to bleed and become stiffer. I stated that I have driven my vehicle for over a year now and never have done so. They can't explain it and said it was because of me hitting the brake pedal.....

What did your dealership say?

350Dave

I would suggest you not worry about the feel of the brake pedal with the engine off as there are multiple safety features tied into the hydraulic and electrical components of the brake system

batman0510

I'm not worried so much about the feel of the pedal but more concerned that it's very difficult even for me to press the brake enough to get the green light to start the engine. My wife has really hard time pressing it far enough to get the green light. It was never like that for the past year. If it's little rigid, I would understand but this is much worse than that. I heard others complain about it in the past but didn't know until it happened to us.

MD350

Have not mentioned it to the dealer yet. I have a laundry list of warranty items that I will take it in for soon.

batman0510

Keep us updated on what your dealer says. I'm curious if they will give you the same crappy explanation.

batman0510

The dealership was finally able to duplicate it and they said the brake cylinder was losing the vacuum pressure so thus the stiff brake pedal when starting the car from cold. They replaced the system and now all is well.

MD350

Really? I forgot about this, just been living with it. Is this a TSIB?

Thanks for the update!

unknown2

Why don't you use the emergency start method (start the engine without pressing the brake at all)??

YotaCarFan

Interesting. A colleague of mine has the same problem with his ES350. I predict we'll see a TSB emerge for this issue eventually.

MD350

Please explain.....

unknown2

Without touching the brake at all, press the Start/Stop button for one time to get the ACC mode (radio on, engine and dash are still off)... Then press and keep pressing the start/stop button for about 10~15 seconds and your engine will crank... No need to toch the brake at all