Why Your Brake Warning Light is On
Why Brake Warning Light is On: Warning lights while driving are common occurrence and will cause distress, after all cars break down and we all been there.
Brake warning light can be even more confusing and can even create panic if you don’t know what light means and what to do about it. First thing that will come to you will probably be total brake failure.
A warning light does not mean total failure. Its designed to warn driver there is a problem within braking system, and sometimes might be just a simple thing.
For example, if you forget parking brake on, a warning light will be triggered along with parking brake light. Also if a fault develops within ABS system or ABS sensors, brake warning and ABS warning will be triggered simultaneously. More on ABS System Failures.
However, if other systems are in good operational condition and you get a red brake warning then there is problem with brake system per se.
Parking Brake Engaged Light
If parking brake is forgotten in park position, brake and parking brake warnings will simultaneously illuminate as a warning.
Low Brake Fluid Level
Low brake fluid level will trigger a red light to warn driver fluid in braking system is lower than normal specifications. Depending on severity, low brake fluid can seriously impede your vehicle ability to stop.
Check brake pedal if it has pressure, press pedal forcefully and hold it there. If pedal goes down to vehicle floor, do not drive the car anymore as you a have a serious fault and braking system can completely fail while driving.
Brake Master Cylinder Fluid Reservoir Sensor
Brake master cylinder is most important component of braking system. Master cylinder is mounted on brake booster unit. Fluid reservoir is located on top of brake master cylinder and monitored by a brake fluid level sensor.
Brake master cylinder generates pressure when you press your brake pedal. Force created by brake pedal is amplified by brake booster and sent to brake calipers or drums. If fluid level sensor on master cylinder fails, brake warning will illuminate.
What to do if Brake Warning Light comes On?
Do not panic and pull over when safe to do so, warning light usually does not mean immediate brake failure. However, it does mean a there is a problem with braking system. Turn off engine and restart it.
If brake light reappears, open hood on your car and check brake fluid reservoir level, located at windshield base on driver side. You might need to remove some plastic covers to see it.
I would say top up brake fluid reservoir if necessary but there are not too many people driving around with a brake fluid bottle in their trunk. Anyways, do not drive your car if brake fluid is low, call a tow truck and have a professional look at it.
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