Emergency brake light stays on... usually

[swaq]

Recently my emergency brake light has usually been staying on when I put down the e-brake. I've tried raising and lowering it repeatedly with little to no success. However, it will sometimes go off after driving for a while.

I figure something is sticking around the e-brake. I took off the e-brake cover but I don't know what to look for. Anyone want to point me in the right direction?

This wouldn't be very annoying except that cruise control won't set unless it thinks the e-brake is down.

 

[Jeff Lange]

Check your brake fluid. If it's low, check your brake pads. If they're still fine, look for leaks.

Jeff

 

[MassSupra89]

Had the same problem... Needed brakes. there's a sensor in the reservoir to tell you it's low, emits the same wanring brake light.

 

[lagged]

the sensor can go bad also.

 

[shaeff]

or the little button on the e-brake is broken, or sticking. (mine was broken- it's mounted with two small screws, and one broke off, allowing the switch to flip down, thus not be depressed by the e-brake handle when it went back to it's lowered position)

 

[WhtMa71]

Mine just started doing this when it got cold. But, doesnt do it all the time..sometimes when i drive it stays off..sometimes it will just come on when im driving and not even hitting the brakes. I need to do a complete brake service anyways, my fluid looks like dirty ass oil.

 

[swaq]

I took a closer look at the e-brake just now. Looks like it is hitting the button just fine when it goes down.

I checked the brake fluid level, it is right on the MIN line (cold). I assume I want it close to the MAX line? Do brake pads affect the fluid level? How do I check my brake pads? (I'll probably just look it up in my TSRM, but any hints/tips are appreciated ) I don't have any leaks as far as I can tell.

Thanks for your help guys!

 

[johnathan1]

It's normal for the fluid level to get low as the pads wear. I would check your brake pads and see if they are, in fact, low...if they have some life left in them, just add a little brake fluid.

 

[MassSupra89]

As the pads get low, more fluid leaves the reservoir and into the caliper to push the pads against the rotor.
Take your wheels off... look through the hole in the top of the caliper and see how low the pads are.
If they are low, replace them, good time to do rotors too as those are probably worn. flush the brake fluid, bleed, and you're good.
If you've got plenty of pad life left, but brake fluid is low... you could have a leak, follow the lines back to the master cylinder looking for brake fluid.

 

[Poodles]

happens when it cold because break fluid shrinks and expands depending upon the temp...

add a bit like everyone has said (after checking for leaks first)

 

[Jeff Lange]

Add some even if you haven't checked for leaks yet, etc. You don't want to run out of fluid in the master cylinder if you do have a leak. You can always check for leaks with the reservoir full of fluid .

Jeff

 

[swaq]

Guess I'll have to go get some brake fluid. Is there a certain kind I should be getting?

 

[johnathan1]

DOT3

 

[Poodles]

I prefure DOT4 as it will take the heat better and it won't interact with old DOT3 like DOT5 will...

 

[Jeff Lange]

DOT3, DOT4, or DOT5.1.

Chances are you have DOT3 in there now, if you're not flushing it, use DOT3.