BRAKE warning light

[dk05]

Ever since I got my car back out of storage the BRAKE warning light on the dash has stayed on. First thoughts were that someone pulled the E-Brake and it did not snap back. I don't know for sure if that's the case, but I did go under the car and pull back on the cable by hand. Obviously that did not work. Next I thought that maybe the fluid was low, which it was, so I added about 3-4oz or fluid, still didn't help. The brakes still respond the same as before (not very great...) but the light was never on before. Both the front and rear pads look ok from what I can see through the rims. I cannot see any fluid leaks under the car when I press the pedal down. The pedal increases pressure with the car off by pumping it, but when on if the pedal is hit slowly it sinks to the floor pretty much, if it is hit fast it grabs about 1/2 way down then sinks to the floor. The car can stop really good yet, but like I said, the pedal is way low. If anyone has any ideas or has had a problem like this before your help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[Savage Messiah]

well first off make sure your 3rd brake light isnt out... but because of the pedal situation i doubt thats it.

Check your master cylinder, and also if you have it check your ABS components

[Aremy Griese]

look where the master cylinder bolts to the booster. if fluid is running down the booster its the master cylinder. other then that the only other thing i can think of is a leak somewhere else or the lines simply need to be blead. the break light usualy only comes on if there is a significant loss in preasure.

if its the abs i would think that the abs light would come on

[97cavalier]

ya, bleed it first, then see what that does.

[dk05]

No 3rd brake light on the car or ABS, it's an 85. I will bleed them out, that is actually the next thing I was thinking too. I just don't understand why it would come on after being stored for the winter, yet the brakes do not behave any differently. I still think maybe someone pulled the E-Brake and it did not release completely, but then again, I would think that would slow the car down. I will bleed it out this weekend probably, cause that is the next time I have off work for a while. I'll post back after I do that and maybe change the pads while I am at it if I have the funds. Thanks.

[wrightz28]

I think your primary piston cup in the master dried up a bit and quit after sitting. If you had to add that much fluid, it almost confirms it along with the pedal travel. If it isn't visually leaking from between the master cyl. and booster, than chances are you have a vacuum booster loaded with the "lost" brake fluid. You could pull the vacuum hose off and check for signs of fluid to verify.

[dk05]

Originally Posted by wrightz28

I think your primary piston cup in the master dried up a bit and quit after sitting. If you had to add that much fluid, it almost confirms it along with the pedal travel. If it isn't visually leaking from between the master cyl. and booster, than chances are you have a vacuum booster loaded with the "lost" brake fluid. You could pull the vacuum hose off and check for signs of fluid to verify.

What would the solution be if this happens to be the case? Drain the booster?

[wrightz28]

Well vacuum is gonna take care of that for you for the most part. Hopefully it just didn't do any damage to the diaphragm that sepertes the vacuum from atmospheric pressure. boosters are kinda pricey.