Lexus ES: Parking brake

The parking brake can be set or released automatically or manually.

In automatic mode, the parking brake can be set or released automatically according to shift lever operation. Also, even in automatic mode, the parking brake can be set or released manually.

Operating instructions

■ Using the manual mode The parking brake can be set and released manually.

1. U.S.A.
2. Canada

1. Push the switch to set the parking brake

The parking brake indicator light will turn on.

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

2. Pull the switch to release the parking brake
   • Operate the parking brake switch while depressing the brake pedal.
   • Using the parking brake automatic release function, the parking brake can be released by depressing the accelerator pedal. When using this function, slowly depress the accelerator pedal.

Make sure that the parking brake indicator light turn off.

■ Turning the automatic mode on While the vehicle is stopped, press and hold the parking brake switch until a message is shown on the multi-information display

When the automatic mode is turned on, the parking brake operates as follows.

• When the shift lever is shifted from P, the parking brake will be released, and the parking brake indicator light will turn off.
• When the shift lever is shifted to P, the parking brake will be set, and the parking brake indicator light will turn on.

Operate the shift lever with the vehicle stopped and the brake pedal depressed.

■ Turning the automatic mode off While the vehicle is stopped, pull and hold the parking brake switch until a message is shown on the multi-information display

■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.

■Parking brake automatic release function

• When the shift lever is shifted from P, the parking brake will be released in automatic mode.
• When all of the following conditions are met in manual mode, the parking brake can be released by depressing the accelerator pedal.
  • The driver's door is closed
  • The driver is wearing the seat belt
  • The shift lever is in D, S or R

■If "Parking Brake Temporarily 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 "Parking Brake Unavailable" or "EPB 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.

■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

• Depending on the power switch mode, the parking brake indicator 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.

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

■When the parking brake switch malfunctions Automatic mode (automatic brake setting and releasing) will be turned on automatically.

■Parking brake engaged warning buzzer A buzzer will sound if the vehicle is driven with the parking brake engaged. "EPB Applied" is displayed on the multi-information display (with the vehicle reached a speed of 3 mph [5 km/h]).

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.

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 system malfunctions Stop the vehicle in a safe place and check the warning messages.

■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.

Have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer immediately if this occurs.

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