Lexus RX Owners Manual (RX450h): Parking brake

A mode can be selected from the following modes.

Automatic mode

The parking brake is set or released automatically according to the shift lever operation.

Even when in automatic mode, the parking brake can be set and released manually.

1. Turns automatic mode on (while the vehicle is stopped, pull and hold the parking brake switch until the automatic mode lamp turns on)
   • When the shift lever is moved out of P, the parking brake will be released, and the parking brake indicator light and parking brake light turn off.
   • When the shift lever is moved into P, the parking brake will be set, and the parking brake indicator light and parking brake light turn on.

Operate the shift lever with the brake pedal depressed.

2. Turns automatic mode off (while the vehicle is stopped, press and hold the parking brake switch until the automatic mode lamp turns off)

Manual mode

The parking brake can be set and released manually.

1. Sets the parking brake
   The parking brake indicator light and parking brake light will turn on.

   Pull and hold the parking brake switch if an emergency occurs and it is necessary to operate the parking brake while driving.

2. Releases the parking brake
   Operate the parking brake switch while depressing the brake pedal. Make sure that the parking brake indicator light and parking brake light turn off.

If the parking brake indicator light and parking brake lamp flashes, operate the switch again.

■ Parking brake operation

• When the power switch is not in ON mode, the parking brake cannot be released using the parking brake switch.
• When the power switch is not in ON mode, automatic mode (automatic brake setting and releasing) is not available.

■ If "Parking Brake Overheated Parking Brake Unavailable" is displayed on the multi-information display If the parking brake is operated repeatedly over a short period of time, the system may restrict operation to prevent overheating. If this happens, refrain from operating the parking brake. Normal operation will return after about 1 minute.

■ If "EPB Activation Stopped Incompletely" or "Parking Brake Unavailable" is displayed on the multi-information display Operate the parking brake switch. If the message does not disappear after operating the switch several times, the system may be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately.

■ Parking brake operation sound When the parking brake operates, a motor sound (whirring sound) may be heard. This does not indicate a malfunction.

■ Parking brake indicator light and parking brake light

1. Depending on the power switch mode, the parking brake indicator light and parking brake light will turn on and stay on as described below: ON mode: Comes on until the parking brake is released.

   Not in ON mode: Stays on for approximately 15 seconds.

2. When the power switch is turned off with the parking brake set, the parking brake indicator light and parking brake light will stay on for about 15 seconds. This does not indicate a malfunction.

■ Changing the mode When changing the automatic mode on/off, the message will be shown on the multi-information display and the buzzer sounds.

■ Parking brake engaged warning buzzer A buzzer will sound if the vehicle is driven with the parking brake engaged. "Release Parking Brake" is displayed on the multi-information display.

■ Warning messages and buzzers Warning messages and buzzers are used to indicate a system malfunction or to inform the driver of the need for caution. If a warning message is shown on the multi-information display, read the message and follow the instructions.

WARNING

■When parking the vehicle Do not leave a child in the vehicle alone. The parking brake may be released unintentionally and there is the danger of the vehicle moving that may lead to an accident resulting in death or serious injury.

■ Parking brake switch Do not set any objects near the parking brake switch. Objects may interfere with the switch and may lead the parking brake to unexpectedly operate.

NOTICE

■When parking the vehicle Before you leave the vehicle, shift the shift lever to P, set the parking brake and make sure that the vehicle does not move.

■When the parking brake cannot be released due to a malfunction Driving the vehicle with the parking brake set will lead to brake components overheating, which may affect braking performance and increase brake wear. Contact your Lexus dealer immediately if this occurs.