My 2002 SC 430 has limited usage. when started and moving the brake light comes on . A code says possible accumulator issue. What is a possible repair?

 

Check brake fluid level first. Start simple.

 

Can you give us the specific code?

Do you have any brakes with the light on?

When you sit in the car and turn the key (But do not start the car) do you hear a sound like your power brakes are priming? (You should)

I am not sure what an accumulator is in the brake system, but I am afraid it might be your power steering module, which will cause you great problems stopping (if that is the problem)

 

Welcome to Club Lexus
you should know you shared your address with us…looks like a nice place

 

updated for him

 

thank you sir…my offer still stands :-)

 

This may be the pump motor that supplies pressure to the accumulator ( in an hydraulic system its like a battery in the electrical system, a container of fluid that stores pressure till needed) if that motor fails then the power brake booster wont work an you will be down to leg power to stop. YES it will stop,. you have not lost your brakes, but it will take more leg pressure, like a 1950 Ford. If that pump fails there is a "BRAKE" in red that will show on the cluster. Easiest way to know it is working is to turn on the ignition and "BRAKE" will appear but will go out in a second or two as the pump comes up to pressure. You should always check that it goes out before you start driving.

 

Be very careful, there were incidents on this forum that the brake suddenly failed when driving. I would have it fixed ASAP.

 

Thank you for the reply, best Mike y

 

The brakes DONT ACCUALY FAIL. they are still there but without power assist. If you are an old timer you know what brakes without booster are, but dont panic, just stomp down as hard as you can. It IS NOT FAILURE, just loss of boost. But it is to be avoided.
Take note of where the red light is that comes on when you turn on the ignition. It will go away, so get it quick so you will know here to look in the future. On the LS it is on the upper right hand side of the cluster, right behind where your right hand goes on the wheel so it is not noticeable if it comes on...LOL. So when it comes on while driving people dont notice it and dont relize they have lost their "BOOST" and they describe it as total failure. It isnt TOTAL so dont panic. If the light goes out after a second when starting, the pump is ok for now but may be generating a code because it is failing, so pay attention.