Fontaine

I want to think this through in my mind so that I remain as calm as possible in the remote chance that this should it happen (and then I would like to forget about this).

Is the correct order of response:

1. Press down hard on the break (do not pump)
2. Attempt to put the car in neutral
3. If that doesn't work - apply emergency break (I don't read much about this option)
4. Turn off ignition by holding down button for three seconds - do not tap (will cut off power steering - how long will this take to shut down car?)

Thank you.

MD350

Sounds like you got it right! If you get the ECU update, once you push the brake, the brakes should override the gas.

outbid81

I really don't think applying the parking brake would have too much effect. The front wheels are the drive wheels and the parking brake applies force to brake shoes on the inside of the rear rotors. It might slow you down slightly but it won't stop the vehicle.

Split

that's a good order of operations i'd say, this is never going to happen to you anyway.. if this problem was real, then it would be solveable with an ECU update anyway.

jerfitz

Fontaine,

Get your dealer to implement the ECU reprograming. I did and here are the results see this post.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/5257673-post25.html

JerryF

MD350

One interesting point on the emergency brake, I noticed mine was adjusted and tightened by the dealer when I took it in this week for the campaign.

Fontaine

I am turning my 2007 Lexus in at the end of the month for a new one, and I will confirm that the ECU in the new car has the updated programming; it definitely makes me feel better knowing that it worked to slow your car. I can just imagine testing it going down Broadway in Manhattan! (That's the scary part for me - driving in and around NYC there isn't room to pull into an empty lane while you put your speeding car into neutral and try the other tricks.)

My many thanks.

racingt

Had the ECU flash done to my '08 ES 3 weeks ago. Works like a charm. They should have had this done from the factory like the Germans do. Would have never given the pansie media a chance....

dreyfus

Okay, it's "brake", not "break". Sorry, this is just a pet peeve of mine that drives me crazy when I see it.

Yes, you're checklist looks okay to me. The engine cuts off in about three seconds when you hold the ignition button down. You can try it yourself. Just drive slowly in an empty parking lot and shut off the engine. The engine stops, the steering and brake assist stop, but you can still steer and brake without difficulty. You'll need to take the car out of drive to restart the engine.

I agree with Split that this isn't something you'll probably ever need. But being prepared is never a bad thing.