2000 Lexus RX 300 Owners Manual - Page 346

STARTING AND DRIVING Anti-lock brake system The anti-lock brake system is designed to help prevent lock-up of the wheels during a sudden braking or braking on slippery road surfaces. This assists in providing stability and steering performance of the vehicle under these circumstances. Effective way to press the ABS brake pedal: When the anti-lock brake system function is in action, just hold the brake pedal down more firmly. Especially, in a panic stop, you need to keep it depressed more firmly, and do not pump the brake. Pumping the brake pedal makes the stopping distance longer. 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). Depressing the brake pedal on slippery road surfaces such as on the manhole cover, the steel plate under the construction, joints in the bridge, etc. on a rainy day tends to activate the anti-lock brake system. You may hear a click or motor 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. When the anti-lock brake system is activated, the following conditions may occur, however, do not indicate a malfunction of the system: D You may hear the anti-lock brake system operating and feel the brake pedal pulsating and the vibrations of the vehicle body and steering wheel. You may also hear the motor sound in the engine compartment even after the vehicle is stopped. D At the end of the anti-lock brake system activation, the brake pedal may move a little to the forward. 329