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View Full Version : Brake warning light on dash lights briefly when braking hard



ckadiddle
01-14-2008, 03:34 PM
All I know how to do is check the brake fluid, which I haven't done quite yet. Anything else that causes that symprom? This is a completely stock 04 to the best of my knowledge.

Brake light on dash comes on for a half a second when braking hard, immediately goes out and is OK until next hard braking event. My assumption is fluid needs topping off.

jdando
01-14-2008, 03:53 PM
Sounds like it, also check the pads for wear, that might be why the fluid level is low.

jeremy

Dennis Reinhart
01-14-2008, 04:00 PM
Check the fluid level

RoyLPita
01-14-2008, 04:06 PM
+1 on pad wear. I had that problem on my 03.

Vortech347
01-14-2008, 04:18 PM
Brake fluid level.

jgc61sr2002
01-14-2008, 05:20 PM
Brake fluid level.

What he said ^^^^Brake fluid level is low.

imorb1994
01-14-2008, 06:52 PM
IF your brake fluid is low check and replace brakes don't ever add fluid unless you have a leak.

magindat
01-15-2008, 06:04 AM
Pete,
I would replace the pads with NAPA Ceramix to begin with. Then I'd have the fluid flushed. DR has a machine. I'm sure there's a shop in your town that does, too. If not, there's a way to do it in the driveway as well.

If you wanna buy the parts and plan a day trip to visit, I could help you out.

No substitute for safety....
Rich

RoyLPita
01-15-2008, 06:10 AM
Which MM is having this problem? I know that my problem was a paper thin inner right rear pad.

mcb26
01-15-2008, 06:23 AM
Local L/M dealer said it might be water in the brake line. Is the brake fluid discolored.

ckadiddle
01-15-2008, 07:22 AM
It is an 04, my plan is to check fluid first. In another payday or two I will take it in to have all fluids changed and get it's full checkup. Will ask for brake fluid flush then also.

pantheroc
01-15-2008, 10:11 AM
Brake light on dash comes on for a half a second when braking hard, immediately goes out and is OK until next hard braking event. My assumption is fluid needs topping off.

I hope your not braking hard while on the road. You know what happened last time! ;)

ckadiddle
01-15-2008, 11:57 AM
I hope your not braking hard while on the road. You know what happened last time! ;)
Naw, this is Twyla's Marauder while she is driving. By the time she says "see! there it is!" the light has gone back off. I keep teasing her about her hallucinations. ;)

jgc61sr2002
01-15-2008, 03:30 PM
IF your brake fluid is low check and replace brakes don't ever add fluid unless you have a leak.



The brake fluid level goes down as the brake pads wear. (normal)
I would add the necessary fluid to keep it at the Max line.

ckadiddle
01-15-2008, 03:32 PM
U wukk be sure to ahve pads checked when the car goes in for it's initial checkup. Brakes nicely as far as I can tell when I drive it.

Vortech347
01-15-2008, 04:05 PM
Out of habit any time I replace the pads I bleed the brakes. I think its important in big cars like ours because the brakes get used HARD.

fastblackmerc
01-15-2008, 04:29 PM
The brake fluid level goes down as the brake pads wear. (normal)
I would add the necessary fluid to keep it at the Max line.

Yes, check the pads for wear and top off the fluid in the reservoir.

imorb1994
01-15-2008, 06:51 PM
The brake fluid level goes down as the brake pads wear. (normal)
I would add the necessary fluid to keep it at the Max line.[/quote]


as a mechanic for a living i strongly diasgree upon doing this. if its always full how do you know when the brakes are real thin. have had to perform $2000 brake jobs on medium duty trucks. the cutomer stated i always add fliud though.

jgc61sr2002
01-15-2008, 06:57 PM
The brake fluid level goes down as the brake pads wear. (normal)
I would add the necessary fluid to keep it at the Max line.


as a mechanic for a living i strongly diasgree upon doing this. if its always full how do you know when the brakes are real thin. have had to perform $2000 brake jobs on medium duty trucks. the cutomer stated i always add fliud though.[/QUOTE]

Visual inspection is the only way to check.

imorb1994
01-15-2008, 06:59 PM
not gonna argue with that.

ckadiddle
01-29-2008, 09:38 AM
Brake fluid was low. Bought some to top it off with this morning. Feb has three paychecks in it for us, so it'll be a good month to put Black Thunder in and have the fluids swapped out. I will have them give it a thorough inspection of everything while it is in the shop. Unfortunately it'll also cost a bundle, which will set us back as far as any mods for it.

Dennis Reinhart
01-29-2008, 09:55 AM
Check the fluid level


I am glad it was a simple thing, I would get the brakes flushed when you can.