2002 Toyota RAV4 Owners Manual - Page 141

The brake system warning light may stay on for about 60 seconds after the motor switch is turned to the "ON" position. It is normal if the light turns off after a while. Depressing the brake pedal repeatedly may turn on the brake system warning light and buzzer. It is normal if the light turns off and the buzzer stops sounding after a few seconds. You may hear a small sound in the motor compartment after the motor is started or the brake pedal is depressed repeatedly. This is a pump pulsating sound of the brake system, and it is not a malfunction. ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM The anti-lock brake system is designed to automatically help prevent lock-up of the wheels during a sudden braking or braking on slippery road surfaces. This assists in providing directional 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, 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 in a panic stop. This will result in reduced braking performance. 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 motor compartment for a few seconds when the traction motor 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, either of the following conditions may occur. They do not indicate a malfunction of the system: CAUTION D Do not pump the brake pedal if the electric hydraulic pump fails. Each push on the pedal uses up your brake fluid pressure reserve. 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 motor compartment even after the vehicle is stopped. 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. D At the end of the anti-lock brake system activation, the brake pedal may move a little forward. 133