gazi001

My 2000 RX 300 AWD has a strange sign come on "BRAKE" blinking & ringing
sounds (like when you leave the driver door open and the ignition key on). It happens when i start driving for few times a week. I checked the brake fluids,
pads, lines and master cylnder are good. Does anyone had similar problems ?
Please let me know.
It has 96K mileages, should i change the brake fluid?
I use the 5W-30 moblil 1 synthetic motor oil. At this mileages should I use the 10W-40 or 10W-30 engine oil ? Any ideas welcome.
Thanks.

salimshah

What does the owner's manual say?

Salim

gazi001

Hi Salim,
The brake works good but the brake sign comes and ringing. I read the manual
it says to check the fluid and parking brake swich on or off. Everything ok. Should I take the vehicle to the dealer ?

salimshah

I thought the book may tell you that there is a ABS malfunction detected (since I was not sure, I suggested looking it up). Since I am already on the limb,
... any one please correct me if I am wrong ...

Lexus has a dedicated electronic port reader for brake system. [similar to obdII port but dedicated.]

After checking the basics, I would suggest take it to a qualified shop. Dealer would be the obvious choice.

Good luck and please post back what was the diagnosis.

Salim

gazi001

Hi Salim,
Thanks again. I will see. The problem is, it doesnot do this thing all the times.

trhs75

I started a thread on this identical problem (blinking and chiming) not too long ago. Our local dealer (a very good one, by the way) spent two hours trying to find the problem but couldn't. I don't know what to do. My daughter goes nuts driving the vehicle. I think I'll change the e-brake switch just in case, although it seemed fine when I took it out and checked it. Sometimes, the problem is worsened by using the turn signals or electric window switches. Go figure!?! If you solve it, please let us know!

salimshah

This is a classic bad ground problem but you need some one who knows where the common circuit/ground is.

Similar symptoms are there if you have a marginal battery. Give that a try.

Salim

gazi001

Hi,
Finaly I get my problem solved. I changed the brake reservoir cap with switch
assembly (Part no. 84460-30040). You may note that my brake system works
good. After i changed the switch assembly for brake reservoir, no brake sign or any sound.

trhs75

I wonder why that did the trick? If it's not a really expensive part, I'll order one. Congratulations on solving the problem. Salim's idea is good, but I did just replace the battery last winter. Gaz, how did you ever figure that one out??

gazi001

I checked all my brakes & fluid level are good. So i disconnect the switch assembly from the reservoir and start the car, no noise or sign but when i connected switch same noise and sign came back. It make sense to replace it (cost $ 95.00). Good luck.

trhs75

I disconnected my switch yesterday with the same result you had, so I think I'll order the switch myself. I thank you and my daughter will thank you when I solve the chime problem. I'll have to tell the dealer!

trhs75

Gaz, you're trick worked. I installed my new brake fluid cap/sensor, reconnected the parking brake switch and the problem is solved. Thanks so much. This should help if it happens to anyone else!

Helena

Hi - I'm having this exact problem but I'm not sure how to disconnect the electrical wires to the cap. There's a gray plug that should unplug but I can't figure out where to pull or apply pressure without breaking something. I want to proceed with caution.

gazi001

The cap and wires are together. You just unplug the cable and twist the cap will come out easily.

KennyCool

Please Help I'm having same problem with 1999 - 2000 model Lexus RX300