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Hard Acceleration - Brake Fluid Warning Light

S

stocker

New member
Occasionally, upon hard acceleration I have gotten a brake fluid warning light. This makes sense as the fluid might drop away from the sensor depending on where it is placed.

However, it has gotten more frequent lately and now it just comes on when I start the car up. I check the fluid and the reservoir is about half full. I thought about topping it off but didn't want to open a large bottle of fluid only to top off the reservoir since it expires. I'd like to flush the system while I'm at it.

Just curious if anyone has thoughts on what may be occurring. Maybe I should be looking for a leak in the system somewhere as the fluid could be dropping slowly and now it is to the point where it is tripping the sensor?

Thanks,

Joe
 


I'd be looking for leaks. Check the rear lines where they go through the subframe. I just blew out both lines recently due to rust there. Your level shouldn't drop in the master unless there is a leak somewhere. If you can't find a leak, then top it off and keep an eye on the level. If it goes down again then you know it's getting out somewhere.
 
fill your master cylinder res, its low and making the light come on when the fluid moves away from the sensor. you either need new brakes really bad, or you have a leak for the level to get that low.
 
As your brake pads wear, they get smaller. Thus more fluid remains in the caliper, and the level in master drops SLIGHTLY over years, probably. Brake fluid sensor is under the reservoir. Simple small plastic part, goes for about $5, takes less than 5 minutes to swap out.


BTW: they do go bad, just changed mine this year. You don't need to bleed or flush just to change the part, only if you feel the need.
 
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^^^Definitely what Cheatah Faheatah said...

As your brake pads wear, they get thinner. As they get thinner, the caliper sticks out more. This displaces the fluid in the reservior.

Check your brake pads first. If they are worn, replace them. The light should go out then...
 
I'm aware of the pad wear vs fluid level relationship. I believe the fronts are good but I'll check them all anyway. I'll probably investigate in this order:

Check for leaks
Check pads
Top off fluid
Replace sensor (unlikely)
 
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