Brake light keeps coming on

[Motorhead350]

This happened to me last winter and it's happening again. When it gets down to eight degrees outside and I use the brakes, the brake light will come on, the light by the tach. Soon as I let off the light will go off just like the actual brake lights or sometimes it will stay on full time.

Here is what I have done so far: Last summer I changed all of the pads and the rear discs. I did put on winter tires that are smaller than the stock ones, but this issue didn't start until it got really cold outside.

Last year I had the winter tires on too and last year I had this same problem. When I changed the pads and rear discs the brake light went off and stayed off. Now it's back.

What could this be?

[ImpalaSlayer]

This happened to me last winter and it's happening again. When it gets down to eight degrees outside and I use the brakes, the brake light will come on, the light by the tach. Soon as I let off the light will go off just like the actual brake lights or sometimes it will stay on full time.

Here is what I have done so far: Last summer I changed all of the pads and the rear discs. I did put on winter tires that are smaller than the stock ones, but this issue didn't start until it got really cold outside.

Last year I had the winter tires on too and last year I had this same problem. When I changed the pads and rear discs the brake light went off and stayed off. Now it's back.

What could this be?


does the abs light come on too? how much smaller are the tires? maybe if they are just big enough when its warm out they dont trip it. then when it gets really cold and the pressure is lower, it causes the tire to squat and become just small enough to trip the light? just a guess.

[guspech750]

I would just stop using the brakes and use more throttle.

[justbob]

If your fluid is full, then perhaps it is time for a new master cylinder.

[Motorhead350]

The ABS light doesn't come on.

[fastblackmerc]

Don't ever drive your Marauder again!

[J-MAN]

Your cars jealous because you spend soooo much time on the computer.

[SpartaPerformance]

Did you bleed the brakes at any time? Perhaps your master is not completely full.

[cvpiftw]

Your cars jealous because you spend soooo much time on the computer.
He has one of the highest mileage cars here, and its procharged :p

[Donny Carlson]

Your car detecting low pressure in at least one brake system when you apply the brake pedel, not sure why. But don't ignore it and get it checked out. You need good brakes with a heavy car like yours, and especially in winter. You bud Zack should be able to do this for you, so grab some chocolate milk and head over to his place.

[Motorhead350]

The brakes seem fine Donny, but you're right, something is up and it should be taken care of. Next time I run into Zack maybe we can get this done. I just wish there was something I could do. Maybe bleeding the brakes would help?

[martyo]

Fluid issue.

[Motorhead350]

Fluid issue.

Thank you.

[MM03MOK]

Phoebe has the same recent issue. This is the third season with the winter tires (17" same size all around) and it never happened before. The red light usually comes on when it's a harder stop, but not hard enough for the ABS light to come on. Emergency brake is not partially engaged - checked that.

[martyo]

Phoebe has the same recent issue. This is the third season with the winter tires (17" same size all around) and it never happened before. The red light usually comes on when it's a harder stop, but not hard enough for the ABS light to come on. Emergency brake is not partially engaged - checked that.

Mary: If your fluid is down more than an eigth of an inch, the light will come on on a hard stop. Add fluid by pouring it in slowly until you have brought it up to the "MAX" line and the problem should go away.

[RF Overlord]

I didn't realise the fluid level was that critical. I did notice the other day it was down a bit (maybe 3/4") from the MAX line and topped it off, so maybe that was it.

[martyo]

I didn't realise the fluid level was that critical. I did notice the other day it was down a bit (maybe 3/4") from the MAX line and topped it off, so maybe that was it.

It is that sensitive.

Go out and do a few hard stops and see if the problem is resolved.

[MM03MOK]

Thaaaaank you, Marty Dear!

[martyo]

Thaaaaank you, Marty Dear!

My pleasure.

I am kind of curious why so many people experienced this problem when the whether got cold.

[Phrog_gunner]

Volume will decrease with temperature, just like the air pressure in your tires fluctuates with temp. (water is a rare exception it expands as it freezes). I wouldn't think an "oil" like brake fluid would make that big of a difference unless the fluid level was already borderline, though.

[Motorhead350]

Martyo, this completely fixed the problem. My fluid level was down a noticeable amount and the problem was fixed for $3.85.

Thank you for keeping me safe.