Brake Warning Indicator

I have recently been experiencing an issue on my 2000 Honda Passport, and I was hoping someone here may be able to provide some assistance.

The Brake warning indicator has recently been coming on. The indicator is not on all the time, but seems to be illuminated when the outside temperature is low. For example, in the mornings when I leave for work and it is cool outside the light is usually on, but goes off after 10 - 15 miles. On the drive home from work when it is warmer, the the light does not normally come on. I'm not sure if this has just been a coincidence up to this point, but it has been fairly consistent.

I had the Emergency Brake adjusted, and it seemed to be ok for a few days, but they were warm days.

Are there any sensors or switches that may need to be cleaned, or any suggestions for possible quick fixes? I have the truck up for sale right now, so I'd rather not have to answer "Brake Light" questions from potential buyers.

Thanks in advance for any input.

Is it the e-brake light (red one that says BRAKE)? If so it could be the sensor that turns on when you pull up on the break lever.

If it is a different light, it may mean you have low brake fluid (check the reservoir).

Is it the e-brake light (red one that says BRAKE)? If so it could be the sensor that turns on when you pull up on the break lever.

If it is a different light, it may mean you have low brake fluid (check the reservoir).


It is the red indicator that says BRAKE and indicates that the status of the emergency brake.

Thanks,

Robert

Either way, this is a classic low on brake fluid issue. I have had many types of foreign cars that did this. Usually doesnt mean that the brake fluid is low, it is, but the brake pads are in need of replacement. The piston is out more because of low pad depth, thus more fluid is in the lines and the piston chamber. this has robbed your brake fluid canister of fluid close to the low sensor point.
Good luck,
Jim

Either way, this is a classic low on brake fluid issue. I have had many types of foreign cars that did this. Usually doesnt mean that the brake fluid is low, it is, but the brake pads are in need of replacement. The piston is out more because of low pad depth, thus more fluid is in the lines and the piston chamber. this has robbed your brake fluid canister of fluid close to the low sensor point.
Good luck,
Jim

Thanks for the information, Jim.

I checked the fluid level and it was just above the "Add" line, so I toped it off. The brakes very well could need replacing, since they currently have 83K miles on them.

I should find out in the morning if the extra fluid resolved the issue. Hopefully the next owner can deal with replacing the pads.

I'll feel a little silly if that was the issue. Oh well...better to feel silly and fix the problem with $0.10 worth of brake fluid than to feel silly AND pay a mechanic.

Thanks Again....I'll let you know how it goes.

added this to the FAQ's.

A couple of months ago my brake light was comming on and I checked the fluid. It was low so I added some and thought nothing of it. Brake light stopped comming on. I thought all was well.

Just had an inspection and I failed because front brakes are down to zero. I can't believe I did not think to check the pads, but now I need to take care of the problem so I can get inspected.


When i got home I called Merlin at St. Charles and ordered some pads, amoung other things. I will have it fixed soon.

On a side note Merlin is great and he will get my business for as long as I own this vehicle. That man was extremely helpful.

marcre

what was your mileage at when the light came on?

marcre

what was your mileage at when the light came on?

Ryan,

The mileage was around 71,000. But it did not just come on and stay on. It would glow when I hit the breaks hard and then go off. Usually only when the vehicle was cold and it was slippery.

Either way, this is a classic low on brake fluid issue. I have had many types of foreign cars that did this. Usually doesnt mean that the brake fluid is low, it is, but the brake pads are in need of replacement. The piston is out more because of low pad depth, thus more fluid is in the lines and the piston chamber. this has robbed your brake fluid canister of fluid close to the low sensor point.
Good luck,
Jim


Jim....This seems to have resolved (or maybe I should say masked) the issue. No "BRAKE" warning light this morning.

Thanks for the information!

I am glad I could be of assistance. this ALWAYS has been the issue with Subaru vehicles I have owned from 19985 through 1999 model years. I have not seen it on my Passport yet, but I didnt see why it would not be the same once I understood how the braking system worked. First I would add fluid to resolve the brake light issue, then usually a few weeks later, the dreaded brake squeel or rubbing. Good luck with the sale of your vehicle.
Jim

I recently had the same brake light warning issue. i bought a 2500 psi pressure washer to clean my driveway, and decided to wash my car with it. after washing it the brake light started coming on in the morning, then going off when it got warmer. i changed the brake pads a year ago and they probably only have 10k miles on them. it also has plenty of brake fluid.
could my pressure washer have bent a sensor or something?

I had the same problem with lgiht coming on. Topped up fluid & kept an eye out for leaks. Turned out my pads were low. How did I find out? I went straight into the back of another car! It was as if the brakes worked, but the progressive deceleration was not proportional to my progressive braking.

New pads, no problem BUT!!!!!! My dealer warned me that, with mine being auto & used in city traffic, I should expect to change the pads TWICE A YEAR!!!!!!

You should never add brake fluid unless you have a leak and are going to fix it soon. I almost had a big problem with mine when I bought it. Brake fluid was close to full so I thought the pads were good. When I took the front end apart to replace balljoints I found out there was less then 1/8" of brake pad left. When the brake light comes on check the brake pads and replace if needed, if not look for leaks.

If you do add brake fluid you have to remove it again when you replace the pads otherwise it will over flow and make mess when you push the pistons back in. And brake fluid will eat the paint.

I should expect to change the pads TWICE A YEAR!!!!!!

I dont know about twice a year but automatics will eat brakes alot faster then standards, you should probably be able to get 30k out of a set of brakes though. You just use them alot more with autos and they are always trying to keep moving forward (which is why I will never buy one, sucks in winter). With manuals you can downshift and engine brake instead of using the brakes, much better control.

I'm at 70k on my OEM pads, I've read other that have gone over 100k on OEM pads.