Parking brake inoperable
#16
Advanced
Haha yup, funny timing. This happened to me today. First message was "parking brake inoperable," then the car tried to turn on and nothing but clicks. Tried the above method of starting up just the electronic first, then engine, no dice. Tried the same with all the headlights/DRL off, no dice. Ended up jumping the car, at the Lexus dealer now getting a new battery... I would normally go somewhere else for the battery, but after reading the Pep Boys horror story on here, I decided not to risk it. The extra $60-70 is worth the peace of mind, IMO. Car is a 2013 with (I'm pretty sure) original battery.
#17
Lexus Test Driver
Haha yup, funny timing. This happened to me today. First message was "parking brake inoperable," then the car tried to turn on and nothing but clicks. Tried the above method of starting up just the electronic first, then engine, no dice. Tried the same with all the headlights/DRL off, no dice. Ended up jumping the car, at the Lexus dealer now getting a new battery... I would normally go somewhere else for the battery, but after reading the Pep Boys horror story on here, I decided not to risk it. The extra $60-70 is worth the peace of mind, IMO. Car is a 2013 with (I'm pretty sure) original battery.
#18
Advanced
Are you talking about as a preventative measure, or to confirm that I need a new battery before replacing it? If you mean to confirm that I need a new battery, they will be testing before they replace. I guess I am just assuming it will need a replacement.
#19
Lexus Test Driver
#20
Advanced
Better things to do I guess, haha. And never thought to ask my mechanic when it was in for inspection. Batteries last a long time in this climate, so most people don't worry about it too much, but yeah, it would have been wise, as it could have left me stranded.
#21
#22
Driver School Candidate
Same error "Parking brake inoperable" after not driving much during lockdown, so suspected weak battery. Made many attempts to start it in various combinations, but no luck at first, the Display took ages to boot up, and Dashboard went thru the System Check but never got Ready sign. Found this thread, saw posts for starting up the electronics (dashboard & display) first with just the Start button, wait a bit, then put foot on the brake and start the engine. I had tried that but hadn't worked earlier, but it sounded logical and so I reckoned I was on the right track, so just took the guidance a step further and after the Display had settled I switched off the screen as well to save power, obviously the lights/radio/AC were off too, and then there was enough residual charge to start the engine first time! Thanks!
#23
Driver School Candidate
Join Date: Feb 2022
Location: ga
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Mine too. But I have a lake in my trunk
Inspection found a pool of water about 3 inches deep in my trunk causing the parking brake actuator to fail. Appears a seal is broken in the trunk, causing the water damage. I was quoted $2500 to fix.
#24
Intermediate
Is the $2500 repair for the trunk seal repair or the emergency brake actuator? Wouldn't water shorting the circuit snap a fuse, a relay, etc.? I bought my GS450h with the emergency brake system disabled. Selling dealer stated it happened when lot guy tried jump starting the car. The emergency brake actuator is under the car and constantly subjected to the elements so I doubt that fried without the fuse protecting it. The GS450h has a 30 amp fuse for the emergency brake circuit located on the top of the trunk mounted 12v battery. Not sure where fuse is on the GS350 but I'd start looking for it before dropping $2500 for new emergency brake system parts.
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Sprintman (03-06-22)
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