Brake light coming on?
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Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 78
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From: Clifton New Jersey
Brake light coming on?
I have noticed the last few times I had my 71 out that if I lean on the brakes the brake light on the dash comes on. I do not have power brakes and sometimes have to put a little extra weight on the pedal to stop. Is this something I need to be concerned about?
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
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From: Crossville TN
WHEN the brake light comes on is a matter of how the switch is adjusted. If you drive with your left foot on the brake pedal, quit it! You could be applying the brakes [just a bit], causing the light to come on, and wearing the brake pads for no reason.
Or, you may need to adjust the switch so it won't come on until the pedal moves 1/4" or so. I set mine up so the light comes on as soon as there is a bit of resistance to the pedal.
Or, you may need to adjust the switch so it won't come on until the pedal moves 1/4" or so. I set mine up so the light comes on as soon as there is a bit of resistance to the pedal.
Last edited by 7T1vette; Jun 26, 2017 at 10:04 PM.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 78
Likes: 5
From: Clifton New Jersey
WHEN the brake light comes on is a matter of how the switch is adjusted. If you drive with your left foot on the brake pedal, quit it! You could be applying the brakes [just a bit], causing the light to come on, and wearing the brake pads for no reason.
Or, you may need to adjust the switch so it won't come on until the pedal moves 1/4" or so. I set mine up so the light comes on as soon as there is a bit of resistance to the pedal.
Or, you may need to adjust the switch so it won't come on until the pedal moves 1/4" or so. I set mine up so the light comes on as soon as there is a bit of resistance to the pedal.
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the light is a warning, not a indication that they are on. I just changed my system from manual to power and I havent bled the system yet, When my pedal goes nearly to the floor because there is alot of air in the system,the light comes on. It naever came on before and I didn't even know it worked.
Check your fluid level, bleed your brakes, then get them check by a pro if it persists
Check your fluid level, bleed your brakes, then get them check by a pro if it persists
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2009
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2024 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Have you checked the fluid level? The front and rear systems have separate reservoirs. The warning lamp indicates an imbalance...OR...the parking brake switch has been activated, which is not your problem. Looks like 7t1 needs an extra cup of coffee this morning before responding.
Last edited by Faster Rat; Jun 27, 2017 at 09:50 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
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From: Crossville TN
Sorry. I misunderstood your post. You are saying that the brake warning light would light when you depressed the brakes.
As mentioned above, that light will come on when the emergency brake is actuated AND when there is a problem with your braking system. Since you were driving the car, the problem is with your braking system. Usually, this happens when there is some kind of leakage in either the front portion or the rear portion of the braking system. A leak in either area will cause the shuttle valve in the brake distribution block to shift (which will block pressure from reaching the defective side of the system) and turn on that warning light.
This could also occur if either portion of the system had significant amounts of air in the lines. In any event, you could carefully inspect your brakes (inside and out) for any sign of fluid leakage. You should also check brake fluid level; if the well is low or dry, that is your problem. If you find no leaks, you may want to bleed the brakes to rid the system of any trapped air. If you are not good (or experienced) at this, you could take it to a brake place or a mechanic to do that job for you.
As mentioned above, that light will come on when the emergency brake is actuated AND when there is a problem with your braking system. Since you were driving the car, the problem is with your braking system. Usually, this happens when there is some kind of leakage in either the front portion or the rear portion of the braking system. A leak in either area will cause the shuttle valve in the brake distribution block to shift (which will block pressure from reaching the defective side of the system) and turn on that warning light.
This could also occur if either portion of the system had significant amounts of air in the lines. In any event, you could carefully inspect your brakes (inside and out) for any sign of fluid leakage. You should also check brake fluid level; if the well is low or dry, that is your problem. If you find no leaks, you may want to bleed the brakes to rid the system of any trapped air. If you are not good (or experienced) at this, you could take it to a brake place or a mechanic to do that job for you.
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