Parking brake light probelm and check engine problem
 

Hey everyone, so over the past couple of weeks I’ve started to notice that every so often my e brake light will go on without it being up and while I’m driving. Mainly when turning. Any ideas on why this happens. Also, I don’t know if this is the right section. But when I get very low on gas. My check engine light will go on. But will go off after I fill up and turn the car off. Any idea as to what that could be as well. Thanks everyone

A bit more info may help diagnose the problem. Has your car been in an accident? Mileage? Mods? Are you the first owner?

Was in a slight fender bender a while ago. Was professionally fixed. 50k miles. Cat back exhaust. And 2nd owner. I’ve owned the car for 5k miles and has never occurred previously

About the e-brake light, sometimes when the brake fluid gets low in the reservoir, the e-brake light will come on. I suggest you check the fluid level and top it off if necessary.

Oh, yes, if it continues to become low, you might want to look for a leak.

As far as the CEL and low fuel, the next time it happens you may wish to read (or have read) and code that is given (if any).

If you don't get a code, I wouldn't worry about it.


humfrz

Ok thanks. I’ll check in the morning. As for the cel. I mean to read the code when It comes on. But the only place I can is at the dealership I work at. And I usually have gas and it’s gone when I go in. Thank though

I suggest you buy a code reader for your very own.....;)

That way you can check for (and erase) codes anywhere you are.

Yep, for $30-$50. they are a handy tool to have in your trunk.


humfrz

I plan on buying an OFT in the next week or two. Don’t those show codes?

Yep, I understand that they will do that ......and much more ......;)


humfrz

Just be aware oft only read/clear engine eCU related codes.


they wont show codes from other control modules in car like ABS VSC Auto Trans dash ect

The light doesn't have to be on for them to read what codes were thrown. They can do it anytime.

Thanks everyone

I have to offer a different spin on this. Your brake fluid may indeed be low for the light to be occasionally coming on. The reason your fluid may be low is that the brakes may be low and in need of replacement (should be in the owner's manual). You should not be losing any fluid unless there is a leak in your system, so as the brakes wear out, the fluid level drops. When it gets to a certain low point, that would mean your pads are at or near the point of replacement. Have you done your brakes recently? Ever? Anyway, if you just top off the fluid level, you won't get another warning when your brake pads are totally worn out, you'll find out the hard way when you get metal on metal.

Have a look at your brake pads before you go adding any fluid.

^^This is exactly what I was going to say. I 'topped off' the fluid in my car at one point and then when I changed the rear pads and rotors drove about 40 miles at highway speed and all of a sudden the rear brakes nearly locked up. As the overfilled fluid heated up it pushed the pads in and ruined my day at 4am when I saw smoke pouring out of my car in the rearview mirror. I didn't realize what it was or I could have solved it quickly but instead sat there waiting for a shop to open in that town.