Brake Light Stays On

Discuss any problems, warranty, repair, or replacement issues you are having with your Vibe & Matrix
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Lefty
Posts: 44
Joined: Tue Jan 26, 2010 10:53 am

Brake Light Stays On

Post by Lefty »

I have a 2004 Vibe with 89 thousand miles on it. I now drive it about 2000 miles a year. I had a brake job done about three, maybe four, years ago and the brakes still seem to be working OK. However, the brake light has come on and stays on. The parking brake is not engaged, so there's obviously something wrong. I no longer have an owner's manual, but I've found general advice on the web saying that in my situation I should have my car TOWED to a repair shop. Is that really necessary? I'm out in the country, the brakes seem to be working fine, and the nearest repair shop is about seven miles away. Would appreciate any advice from knowledgeable owners.

Thanks!
Lefty
gtv237
Posts: 387
Joined: Fri May 23, 2014 6:21 pm

Re: Brake Light Stays On

Post by gtv237 »

First thing to check is your brake fluid level. The brake fluid reservoir has a sensor on it that monitors fluid level. When the level drops below a certain point the brake light will come on. Brake fluid shouldn't disappear unless you have a leak. Although the fluid level in the reservoir can decrease as the brake pads wear down because the caliper pistons are pushed further out and more brake fluid is stored in the caliper instead of the reservoir. If your fluid level is fine, give the reservoir a few light taps. There is a possibility that the level switch is sticking. Another possibility is that the pressure differential switch has detected a leak.
Lefty
Posts: 44
Joined: Tue Jan 26, 2010 10:53 am

Re: Brake Light Stays On

Post by Lefty »

The brake fluid level was down and I added what looked like nine or ten ounces of fluid. Now the brake light goes off. So should I assume there's a leak and if so how critical is it that I take the Vibe into a repair shop?
lannvouivre
Posts: 1601
Joined: Thu Jun 09, 2011 1:00 pm
Location: Texas yay

Re: Brake Light Stays On

Post by lannvouivre »

Lefty wrote:The brake fluid level was down and I added what looked like nine or ten ounces of fluid. Now the brake light goes off. So should I assume there's a leak and if so how critical is it that I take the Vibe into a repair shop?
Brake pad wear naturally causes the level to drop because the fluid naturally comes further down to push the caliper pistons all the way to the rotors. I would sit back and watch the level or check brake pad thickness. You could try pumping the brakes while parked and looking to see if any brake fluid has dripped down. Be sure not to touch the fluid with your bare hands, it's very toxic.
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gtv237
Posts: 387
Joined: Fri May 23, 2014 6:21 pm

Re: Brake Light Stays On

Post by gtv237 »

Lefty wrote:The brake fluid level was down and I added what looked like nine or ten ounces of fluid. Now the brake light goes off. So should I assume there's a leak and if so how critical is it that I take the Vibe into a repair shop?
It doesn't necessarily mean there's a leak but I would keep a very close eye on it. If there is a leak, it can be extremely dangerous.
bluneon
Posts: 168
Joined: Tue Jan 10, 2012 8:04 am

Re: Brake Light Stays On

Post by bluneon »

consider basic fluid-temperature dynamics. brake fluid condenses when cold. expands when warm. fluid level will change with respect to temperature change.

consider also that as the brake pads/shoes wear, the pistons/cylinders will need more fluid to take up the slack. this will drop fluid level in the reservoir.

now, consider both scenarios....especially now in the winter time.

for the possibility of a leak; if you hold your brake pedal down and it doesn't drop to the floor you're probably ok. if you're pedal drops to the floor, then you're gonna have a bad day.
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