Why is my Brake light turning on?
Dec 3, 2003, 06:26 AM
#1
Evolving Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Connecticut
Posts: 253
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Why is my Brake light turning on?
Lately...I've noticed when braking real hard or pushing the car to redline even, my brake light on the dash is coming on for a few seconds and then going off.
I have 20k miles, with plenty of pad life left. However...it has been freezing lately. My E-brake handle is definitely down all the way when this is happening. Its been going on for the last few days.
Just curious if anyone else has had this type of problem?
I have 20k miles, with plenty of pad life left. However...it has been freezing lately. My E-brake handle is definitely down all the way when this is happening. Its been going on for the last few days.
Just curious if anyone else has had this type of problem?
Dec 3, 2003, 06:36 AM
#3
Evolving Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Connecticut
Posts: 253
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
No TT, I haven't tapped into the wires at all yet.
I did change my engine and tranny fluids over the weekend though. Before that, I installed a grounding kit about a month ago.
It's been in the 10-20 degree range lately, maybe the cold temps are throwing something off?
I did change my engine and tranny fluids over the weekend though. Before that, I installed a grounding kit about a month ago.
It's been in the 10-20 degree range lately, maybe the cold temps are throwing something off?
Dec 3, 2003, 06:37 AM
#4
Evolving Member
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Jupiter
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Check the level of your brake fluid. The sensor for the fluid will light up the dash light to indicate that it is low. Not sure if this is how it works on the EVO, but it does on other cars.
Dec 3, 2003, 06:47 AM
#5
Evolving Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Connecticut
Posts: 253
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Just ran out to check it and its barely above the minimum line. Thanks for tip!
It says to use either DOT 3 or DOT 4 type fluid?
Any recommendation on which brand and type I should go with?
thanks
It says to use either DOT 3 or DOT 4 type fluid?
Any recommendation on which brand and type I should go with?
thanks
Dec 3, 2003, 06:53 AM
#7
Evolving Member
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Denver CO
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Your are not supposed to refill it.
Brakes have a closed system. When the fluid is slow is because you need new pads. I don't know if these pads make the squeeking noise when they are low. One this is for sure when the light is on all the time. You need to change pads.
My light is starting to turn on when I brake really hard.
Of course my argument doesn't hold if you have a leek. I don't think that's the case though.
Brakes have a closed system. When the fluid is slow is because you need new pads. I don't know if these pads make the squeeking noise when they are low. One this is for sure when the light is on all the time. You need to change pads.
My light is starting to turn on when I brake really hard.
Of course my argument doesn't hold if you have a leek. I don't think that's the case though.
Trending Topics
Dec 3, 2003, 06:59 AM
#8
Evolving Member
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Jupiter
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Your talking about the "Squeekers" that the manufacturer puts in the pads as an indicator that you need new pads.
He may have to check this. He could also have been doing some heavy driving and boiled off some fluid.
He may have to check this. He could also have been doing some heavy driving and boiled off some fluid.
Dec 3, 2003, 07:06 AM
#9
Evolving Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Connecticut
Posts: 253
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally posted by amigoni
Your are not supposed to refill it.
Brakes have a closed system. When the fluid is slow is because you need new pads. I don't know if these pads make the squeeking noise when they are low. One this is for sure when the light is on all the time. You need to change pads.
My light is starting to turn on when I brake really hard.
Of course my argument doesn't hold if you have a leek. I don't think that's the case though.
Your are not supposed to refill it.
Brakes have a closed system. When the fluid is slow is because you need new pads. I don't know if these pads make the squeeking noise when they are low. One this is for sure when the light is on all the time. You need to change pads.
My light is starting to turn on when I brake really hard.
Of course my argument doesn't hold if you have a leek. I don't think that's the case though.
Dec 3, 2003, 07:24 AM
#10
Evolved Member
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Between the Blue and the Sand
Posts: 2,367
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally posted by amigoni
Your are not supposed to refill it.
Brakes have a closed system. When the fluid is slow is because you need new pads. I don't know if these pads make the squeeking noise when they are low. One this is for sure when the light is on all the time. You need to change pads.
My light is starting to turn on when I brake really hard.
Of course my argument doesn't hold if you have a leek. I don't think that's the case though.
Your are not supposed to refill it.
Brakes have a closed system. When the fluid is slow is because you need new pads. I don't know if these pads make the squeeking noise when they are low. One this is for sure when the light is on all the time. You need to change pads.
My light is starting to turn on when I brake really hard.
Of course my argument doesn't hold if you have a leek. I don't think that's the case though.
A low fluid res is an indicator of one of 3 things.
1. You are boiling off fluid due to heavy use.
2. You have a leak in your braking system.
3. Your pads are low and will need replacing shortly.
Dec 3, 2003, 10:47 AM
#14
EvoM Staff Alumni
iTrader: (15)
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 2,464
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally posted by webguy330i
I personally won't let a Mitsu dealer touch my car unless something goes seriously wrong!
I personally won't let a Mitsu dealer touch my car unless something goes seriously wrong!
Dec 3, 2003, 12:06 PM
#15
Evolving Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Connecticut
Posts: 253
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'd have to agree with Webguy. I've owned a mitsu previous to the Evo and I've seen the quality of people, service and facilities they carry in my area and I've come to the conclusion I wouldn't let them touch my car either, unless I really needed them to.
There is only one service department I have found that does good work, but they wouldn't touch my car without me leaving it for a day, which would mean I'd need a rental.
Over lunch I stopped by a different mitsu dealer which i normally use for parts, but figured I'd save a few bucks and ask the service department to just top off the fluid. Well...sure enough, I was immediately greeted by one of the worst personalities a service manager could EVER have!
I was lucky to be able to walk out of there with a 1/2 bottle of OEM DOT 3 brake fluid after getting into a pissing match with her about my dam brake pads! For some reason, she could not understand the fact that my pads did not need replacing, as I personally checked them a few weeks ago when I rotated my tires and there was still plenty of life left on them. She eventually shut up and got me some brake fluid (probably just to get me out of there). It makes me wonder how much service this dealer is possibly losing because of this persons attitude. I'm generally an easy going person too.
So I got of there and filled up the reservoir to the mid point. I'll keep an eye out for the brake light the next few days.
I think either mitsu went short on the fluid when they filled it or this OEM stuff just isn't up to the task for these brembo's. I am tough on brakes in general, but still no where near track level abuse.
I'm getting tires changed over on friday, so I'll have the shop check for any leaks.
There is only one service department I have found that does good work, but they wouldn't touch my car without me leaving it for a day, which would mean I'd need a rental.
Over lunch I stopped by a different mitsu dealer which i normally use for parts, but figured I'd save a few bucks and ask the service department to just top off the fluid. Well...sure enough, I was immediately greeted by one of the worst personalities a service manager could EVER have!
I was lucky to be able to walk out of there with a 1/2 bottle of OEM DOT 3 brake fluid after getting into a pissing match with her about my dam brake pads! For some reason, she could not understand the fact that my pads did not need replacing, as I personally checked them a few weeks ago when I rotated my tires and there was still plenty of life left on them. She eventually shut up and got me some brake fluid (probably just to get me out of there). It makes me wonder how much service this dealer is possibly losing because of this persons attitude. I'm generally an easy going person too.
So I got of there and filled up the reservoir to the mid point. I'll keep an eye out for the brake light the next few days.
I think either mitsu went short on the fluid when they filled it or this OEM stuff just isn't up to the task for these brembo's. I am tough on brakes in general, but still no where near track level abuse.
I'm getting tires changed over on friday, so I'll have the shop check for any leaks.
Last edited by spyderturbo; Dec 3, 2003 at 12:09 PM.