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Hi there, glad to find this forum.

I drive a 1999 Lexus ES 300.   My breaks have suddenly become faulty (after a collision), and I'm afraid to even drive the car to the auto shop.   But I spoke to two mechanics today and they told me two different things.
 
the first guy told me that even if it's a simple $200 problem, the AVS could stop working at anytime like a microwave and then it will be a $1700 problem. He says it's rare but that a collision could potentially cause damage to the AVS.  I was involved in a collision and it's the other person's liability - the first mechanic said they will do a test drive to see what is causing the problem with the breaks but that whatever it is the AVS could become an extra problem later.

The second person just told me that if it's a problem with the AVS, the AVS light will be on - and otherwise it's some other problem which they will be able to diagnose free of charge.   Also, that a collision in the back would not cause damage to the AVS in which is in the front.    

Why did the first mechanic warn me about AVS problems and how bad they can be when the second mechanic just said as long as there is no AVS light, there is no AVS problem and they could give me a diagnosis in 15 minutes if I bring it in tomorrow?  

All of this has nothing to do with the obvious injury to the car from this collision, but it seems to have happened at the same time.   Thanks for any help I don't know anything about cars.  

first...  its ABS...    short for Antilock Brake System... but its OK.. i did not want to correct you but its important when working with initials..

read the ABS brake section of your factory owners manual..

if you still have it.. if not.. i can find a link to an electronic version you can download for free..  usually..

was the car repaired and returned to you after the accident??? and its not properly repaired... contact your insurance company.. contact their adjuster... it worked before the accident.. it should work after..

the ABS system consists of hydraulic parts...  mechanical parts and electrical parts..

usually if the ABS has a problem..  when you step on the brake and the system fails.. or when you step on the brake and the conditions are where the ABS activates.. beyond normal passive levels it will turn on at least one ABS light..

if the ABS light stays on..  for more than 5 seconds after you start the engine..  you need to get the ABS system scanned for codes.. there are several dozen codes that will set and stay if one of the components fails...

there are still hydraulic components in the brake system and a few mechanical components that can fail.. and NOT turn on the ABS warning light....

so.. the question i have to ask you...

when you turn the key to the ON position without starting the engine.. does a bunch of lights on the dash board come on ...   including the ABS light..   then when you start the car.. the ABS light goes out after the engine is running...

next.. when driving .. does the ABS light come on at any time. during normal driving..

if it comes ON during normal driving.. does it go back out or does it stay ON.. until you turn off the key..  

this is a 21 page acrobat file that describes how the ABS system operates..   its written for automotive brake students.. so it gives the basic theory you will need to know...

http://www.autoshop101.com/forms/brake09.pdf