Brake warning light on/off

johnday · #1 11-13-2014, 06:33 PM

On the way to work this morning, I came to a stop at a stopsign, and my brake warning light came on. Brakes felt fine, and no problems stopping, so I just finished my drive. I parked it at the yard, with the rear end down in a hole, so the front was higher than the rear by quite a bit. Jumped in to come home, and the warning was out, and stayed out all the way home.
I'm thinking there is a level sensor in the fluid reservoir? I haven't had chance to check anything out, so plan on driving the 150 tomorrow.
First things to check out? Other than the fluid level and possible leaks? Plan on trying to figure it out Saturday when I have time.
Any ideas welcomed.

djfllmn · #2 11-13-2014, 06:34 PM

yea there is a level sensor...if it goes too low the light will come on

johnday · #3 11-14-2014, 03:17 AM

Thanks DJ, that's the first thing I'm going to check out. Possibly over thinking this, but is there anything else it could be?

djfllmn · #4 11-14-2014, 04:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnday

Thanks DJ, that's the first thing I'm going to check out. Possibly over thinking this, but is there anything else it could be?

could be the switch in the parking brake mechanism is starting to go bad

Prages · #5 11-14-2014, 07:10 AM

I wouldn't fret too much until you've checked the fluid level.

And DJ's idea about the parking brake is a good one. I know that before I replaced my cable, the pedal didn't really release all the way unless you helped it along, and the light would come on even if the pedal is only depressed a fraction of an inch.

djfllmn · #6 11-14-2014, 07:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prages

I wouldn't fret too much until you've checked the fluid level. And DJ's idea about the parking brake is a good one. I know that before I replaced my cable, the pedal didn't really release all the way unless you helped it along, and the light would come on even if the pedal is only depressed a fraction of an inch.

my olds does that sometimes. I have to help the pedal

johnday · #7 11-14-2014, 05:32 PM

My olde BII did that a lot. Of course kicking the thing everytime I got out of it didn't help. LOL
I'll check that out tomorrow as well. Couple simple fixes there guys, thanks!

johnday · #8 11-15-2014, 10:39 AM

Alright, my fluid level was pretty low, right down to the minimum line. Also checked out the Ebrake lever and switch, that all appeared to be right.
Topped off the reservoir, so we shall see. Embarrassing to admit I let it get low.

Ordinary Biker · #9 11-15-2014, 11:21 AM

How long ago did you put new pads/shoes on? A while? In a perfectly closed system, that is why the fluid level gets low, the friction surfaces wear.

johnday · #10 11-15-2014, 11:53 AM

LOL, thinking about it, I think I know what went on.
About 3 years ago, I had a local shop replace my brakes, as usual I didn't have time, and I was surprised at the low cost. So, after driving it for around 20k miles, my front pads were worn to the pointe of replacement!! When I stuck some Wagners on, I found the shop had used some CarQuest chineese crap. Hence the low mileage replacement. The rears are still the asian garbage, so, I'm thinking I'll be replacing those soon. And I'll betcha those shoes are about gone.
It all boils down to my lack of attention, and expecting a "reputable" shop in doing things right, not always the cheapest way, but I'm willing to pay for quality.
I've been burned a couple times from local shops in my area, from wheel bearings on my old Superdude, wheel bearings on my Ranger, and now the brakes on it as well.
I've got to take the time to get back into repairing things again myself, or just take my trucks to the dealer, I'm lucky that I have a dealer I can trust.