1998 Lexus ES 300 Owners Manual - Page 148

STARTING AND DRIVING BRAKE SYSTEM The tandem master cylinder brake system is a hydraulic system with two separate sub-systems. If either sub-system should fail, the other will still work. However, the pedal will be harder to press, and your stopping distance will be longer. Also, the brake system warning light may come on. Anti-lock brake system The anti-lock brake system is designed to automatically help prevent lock-up of the wheels during a sudden brake or braking on slippery road surfaces. This assists in providing directional stability and steering performance of the vehicle under these circumstances. The anti-lock brake system becomes operative after the vehicle has accelerated to a speed in excess of approximately 10 km/h (6 mph). It stops operating when the vehicle decelerates to a speed below approximately 5 km/h (3 mph). You may hear a sound in the engine compartment for a few seconds when the engine is started or just after the vehicle is started. This means that the anti-lock brake system is in the self-check mode, and does not indicate a malfunction. Effective way to press the ABS brake pedal: When the anti-lock brake system function is in action, you may feel the brake pedal pulsating and hear a noise. In this situation, to let the anti-lock brake system work for you, just hold the brake pedal down more firmly. Do not pump the brake. This will result in reduced braking performance. The brake pedal pulsation caused by the anti-lock brake system may indicate hazardous road surface conditions. Although the anti-lock brake system assists in providing vehicle control, it is still important to drive with all due care, because the anti-lock brake system cannot overcome the laws of physics that act on your vehicle: D Braking capability is dependent on tire friction with the road surface. CAUTION Do not drive your vehicle with only a single brake system. Have your brakes fixed immediately. Brake booster The brake booster uses engine vacuum to power-assist the brakes. If the engine should quit while you are driving, you can bring the vehicle to a stop with normal pedal pressure. There is enough reserve vacuum for one or two stops but no more! CAUTION D Do not pump the brake pedal if the engine stalls. Each push on the pedal uses up your vacuum reserve. D Even if the power assist is completely lost, the brakes will still work. But you will have to push the pedal hard - much harder than normal. And your braking distance will be longer. 148