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Brake Light coming on randomly??

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Old May 8, 2012 | 10:29 PM
  #1  
coastal runner's Avatar
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From: Oregon Coast
Brake Light coming on randomly??

Hey guys,

just been looking around and couldn't find anything about a brake light coming on on the dash.

Ok, so heres my little prob. When I accelerate hard, and jump onto the highway, the brake light comes on. But its only for alittle bit, and it usually goes away after I put the clutch in and coast. Any suggestions?
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Old May 8, 2012 | 11:49 PM
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From: torrance, CA.
Check your brake fluid. Fill up.
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Old May 9, 2012 | 01:27 PM
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the sensor on the brake fluid res. may be bad as well. if you are low on fluid and a refil doesn't consistantly kill the light, then unplug the brake fluid res. sensor. that may "solve" the light problem. if so, you can try and find a used sensor, or do what i do and just leave it unplugged and check the fluid when you do other under the hood stuff.
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Old May 9, 2012 | 02:33 PM
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From: Ski town Colorado
Mine is doing the same thing. I don't think it's because it is simply low on fluid though. The brake pads need to be replaced in the front and I have no idea what the rears look like.

There have been a few times I've filled up the res with fluid only to have it pour all over the place when I did the brakes and it brought the fluid level back up. If you don't have any leaks I don't see why the level would just be low unless the brakes were worn way down.
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Old May 9, 2012 | 02:40 PM
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Elton's Avatar
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From: Siletz,Oregon
try pushing in the ebrake handle

Last edited by Elton; May 9, 2012 at 08:49 PM.
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Old May 9, 2012 | 02:55 PM
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From: Oregon, USA
A failing alternator will illuminate the brake AND charge lights, so I doubt that's the case here. It's either low on brake fluid due to worn brakes (or a leak), fluid level sensor is bad (common), or the switch under the dash needs to be adjusted.
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Old May 9, 2012 | 08:45 PM
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coastal runner's Avatar
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From: Oregon Coast
Hey guys, thanks for the imput.

I know when your alternator is goin' the battery light and brake light come on, had that happen a few years ago.

It came on again today and I tried pullin' the E-brake and letting off, but it didnt do anything. It just went out after I coasted alittle ways.

The brake fluid level is up there, but its kinda dark. I'll have to check it in the daylight to see how dark tho..

One thing I've learned is that it only seems to happen when she's cold. But when she warms up, everything is good. Its been a year and a half since I changed the front rotors, calipers, and bearings. Maybe something in the rear??
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Old May 10, 2012 | 09:57 AM
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coastal runner's Avatar
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From: Oregon Coast
Ok, so I checked the brake fluid again, and its just brown. Not too bad lookin. Would the light come on if the rear drums were needing replaced soon??
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Old May 10, 2012 | 10:07 AM
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ChefYota4x4's Avatar
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Brake Fluid Level Sensor x4....OR,............ CAP is toast. I drove around with my cap half on for a couple days(I KNOW! lol).... and the light came on. My sensor is fine, and it did trip the light. Popped it back on and voila. So, I could see the sensor being an issue here, as it's common.

Far as the rear brakes... Hmmm, unless it's leaking, not sure. Being a later model than mine, I'm not sure, but does it have an LPSV Sensor for the rear, guys???? Master Cyl pressure failure indicator?
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Old May 10, 2012 | 02:07 PM
  #10  
Alaska90's Avatar
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have you discounted the brake fluid res sensor? i'll bet a nickle that "solves" your brake light.
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