ABS and brake light

[brownbag]

When I start my 2004 Vibe the ABS and brake light come on and stay on until I have driven roughly 50 feet. Then they both go off. Brakes seem to function fine. I always set my parking brake when I park, and it is time for new brake pads. Could needing new pads or a maladjusted parking brake be causing the warning lights to come on?Thanks.

[brownbag]

Oh and one other thing... these lights NEVER come on again until after I shut off and restart the car. They never come on at any other point while I'm driving.Thanks again

[prathman]

How's your brake fluid level? The brake light will come on if it's low and the level drops as your pads wear so if you haven't added any it may well be low. [But if you're changing pads anyway then do that first since the level will rise again.]

[Digger]

I would say new padds are needed. My van does the same thing when the padds get thin. If the pads are not it then I would check the E-brake and rear shoes if you have drums in the rear.

[Mavrik]

well the (brake) light comes on if the brake fluid is low. And it can come on if the pads are almost worn out as more fluid is in the lines to apply the brakes causing the reserve to become low.However that doesn't answer why the ABS light is on. Does it stay on until you move the car? Or if you let it sit for a few mins does it turn off?. The ABS does a self diag check every time you start your car but usually turns off the light within a few seconds. But if its turning off eventually then there probably isn't any codes.I have no idea on that one.

[brownbag]

You guys are awesome. Thanks for helping answer my questions. New pads and rotor turn is happening this weekend. As for the ABS light... When I crank the car, it comes on and stays on until I move the car about 50 feet. Then it always turns off after moving about 50 feet. Also, in that first 50 feet, the speedometer stays at zero and then the needle jumps up to the speed i'm going at the precise moment that the ABS light goes off (which is also when the "Brake"light goes off). At that point all warning lights are off. It's interesting.Safely, away from people and other cars, I did a hard stop on rainy surface to test ABS function, and it seemed to work fine. No lock up, stopped straight, etc.I'm on top of this and will report back what I find.