'Brake' dashboard light comes on intermittently

[speedy]

Hi,

A couple of weeks ago I had new springs put on my car. Since approximately that time, the 'brake' light (the one that comes on when the e-brake is pulled) has been coming on intermittently.

Really it's on most of the time. It turns /off/ under brisk acceleration, then comes back on once the acceleration stops.

Of course the brake isn't on, so I imagine there's just some sensor that needs to be fiddled with. Anyone know what I should look for?

Thanks!

[Yobiwan]

check brake oil level.

[zkv476]

Originally Posted by Yobiwan

check brake oil level.

This, and then check for brake fluid leaks at the calipers. You don't usually drop brake fluid unless it was under-filled to begin with and you wore down the pads enough to drop the fluid below the sensor line or you're leaking. I had this issue with my old car, had a leaking caliper and this light when depressing the brake warned me before I lost half my brake circuit.

[speedy]

Thanks guys!

[Estey]

Originally Posted by speedy

Thanks guys!

did you conclude that is was your brake fluid?

Brought this up from the dead because Ive been having this issue recently as well, so can anyone else chime in?

I will check my fluid level tonight.

[wparsons]

Don't refill brake fluid without checking pad wear first. If you're low on fluid and fill it up, but the pads were shot, when you install the new pads the fluid will be over full and spill out everywhere.

If you're low on fluid and the pads are still full (or have tons of life), then you need to figure out where it's leaking from.

[Estey]

Originally Posted by wparsons

Don't refill brake fluid without checking pad wear first. If you're low on fluid and fill it up, but the pads were shot, when you install the new pads the fluid will be over full and spill out everywhere.

If you're low on fluid and the pads are still full (or have tons of life), then you need to figure out where it's leaking from.

Thanks man! I will check my pads when i get a chance. I replaced them in August and they still feel really good, so im not so sure if its the culprit. Ill make sure though.
btw my fluid level is a quarter inch above the minimum fluid line.

does anyone know if the light is intended to blink on with one of these issues?

[wparsons]

Typically it'll go on solid when the fluid is low, but if the fluid is sloshing around it could make it blink.

[Estey]

Originally Posted by wparsons

Typically it'll go on solid when the fluid is low, but if the fluid is sloshing around it could make it blink.

I just read that the brake fluid should be serviced every 30k, and I'm at 55k... Maybe I just need to change the fluid?

I was driving the car today, and (braking from 70mph) the brake light would come on each time I lifted my foot off of the brakes. I think thats when it always comes on. Every time i lift off the brake.

[wparsons]

There isn't a sensor to determine if the fluid is still good, so as long as the level is good the sensor is happy.

Definitely can't hurt to flush it though.