Brake Light

So, a week or so ago my brake light came on when I started the car and wouldn't turn off. The "fix" was to remove the fluid reservior cap and replace it. Today the same thing happened, so I'm wondering if osmething else is wrong. I'll be checking the status of the brake pads on Thursday, and the fluid level seems to be fine. ABS works, though the brakes do get faded pretty easily. Any help would be most appreciated.

[immortal_suby]

Is the float in the fluid reservoir sticking?

[n00b on demand]

did u try opening the cap and closing it again?....if not then try that...it could be something silly like that.....the light coming on only means u have a fluid leak or low fluid.....the light i dont think indicates worn pads

[b3lha]

This is a common SVX problem, It happens to me all the time, especially when the weather is cold.

The light is activated by a reed switch underneath the reservoir which gets closed by a magnet inside the float. Supposedly when your fluid level is a bit low, the magnet gets close enough to close the reed switch.

The suggested fix is to add a spoonful more fluid. I tried that but it didn't help because my float is at the top of it's travel and indeed submerged (and the reservoir overflowed when I tried to put the cap on ).

I have a theory that either the reed switch loses it's springiness as it gets older or the fluid accumulates metallic particles which help conduct the magnetism such that the switch closes even when the magnet is at full travel.

I have a couple of ideas which I am going to try next time it happens: Either (a) stick some plastic tape on the bottom of the float to reduce the magnetism, or (b) shave some plastic off the float governer to allow it to go a little higher.

If all else fails, perhaps a change of fluid or a new reed switch will be in order. (or just disconnect the reed switch and remember to check your fluid level occasionally).

Phil.

[UberRoo]

I had an intermittent brake warning light problem. The lights worked just fine even with the warning light on.

I topped off the reservoir (which you shouldn't ever need to do) and the problem went away. Huh. Go figure.

The next day the problem recurred. I figured maybe a loose connection in the light housing. I trouble-shot everything back there until magically, it went away. Huh. Go figure.

The next day... Well, it turns out I was kicking the wire from the brake switch under the dash. It was a bit loose.