Anti–Lock Brake System - Lexus RX300 2001 Owner's Manual

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
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 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.
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When the anti–lock brake system is activated, the
following conditions may occur. They 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 forward.
Do not overestimate the anti–lock brake system:
Although the anti–lock brake system assists in
providing vehicle control, it is still important to drive
with all due care and maintain a moderate speed and
safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, because
there are limits to the vehicle stability and effectiveness
of steering wheel operation even with the anti–lock
brake system on.
If tires grip performance exceeds its capability, or if
hydroplaning occurs during high speed driving in the
rain, the anti–lock brake system does not provide
vehicle control.
2001 MY RX300_U (OM48431U)
CAUTION