Baby it's cold outside.

[LarryIII]

When I started up the 92 SVX this morning, the brake light stayed on. I tested the brakes on my street then went to work with the light on. I know about cold weather and brake fluid reservoir float sticking. I'll have to free it up at lunchtime.
The 92 SVX sits in the driveway all the time. It was 16 deg. F this morning.
This is a big problem. Too many SVXes and not enough garage space. I guess I'll just have to build another garage.

[benebob]

Larry,
I have never had the brake fluid reservoir stick but would suspect that it would happen when there is water in the hydro. system. Brake fluid just shouldn't freeze at 16 degrees.

[Bwana]

Mine did that yesterday too.

The 'brake light on' problem is one of those niggly problems that all Subaru's experience regularly. My SVX is doing it again now- started as 'on and off again', but now steady 'on' and I just had to 'reset' the former wife's- now daughter-in-law's- '95 Outback recently, too.

Colder weather seems to aggrevate the problem (does brake fluid 'shrink'?) I just haven't had time or inclination to pop the hood and 'top off' 1/8 - 1/4" of brake fluid in the reservoir.

As long as you know what the problem is, you sometimes have a tendency to ignore it a little longer.

It was -12F here the other night. Sure am glad for the attached heated garage on the new house where it's never below 45 deg. (I suppose that means there's really no excuse for topping off my brake reservoir, is there?)

-Mark

[benebob]

Originally posted by mark10t
The 'brake light on' problem is one of those niggly problems that all Subaru's experience regularly.

Colder weather seems to aggrevate the problem (does brake fluid 'shrink'?)

-Mark

I wouldn't say that all subarus experience it reguarly. Like I said I've never had a Subaru (in 15 years and 7 Rus) do it but then again I've always flushed or had my Brake fluid every year to two years. Brake fluid naturally takes on water. Water has a much lower boiling point than Brake fluid so inherently your brakes will be unsafe once you reach that point.

Yes brake fluid does contract some when colder. Usually in the fall after a cool night you're light may come on but that is because you're low on fluid and probably were for a while just not down to that point. It should never become "stuck" on in normal circumstances.

[Mr. Pockets]

When I used to drive my SVX in the winter, I know that the brake l(!) light would stay on after I released the parking brake. My Justy does it, too - it's been around 5degF in the morning lately, but if it gets above 15 or so it doesn't do it.