Silly brake light question
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,476
Likes: 1
From: Mt Juliet TN
Silly brake light question
I always thought the brake light in the middle of my dash
meant the parking brake was on. But lately its been coming
on and off as I've been driving. I guess I've had too many
modern cars so heres the silly question. Is there something wrong
with my brakes that the light is trying to tell me or is the light
just getting stuck on or off. I didn't think there were any electronic
sensors on my car but I thought I'd ask since it was brakes I'm
talking about. The fuid level seems fine. Thanks in advance for any
help.
meant the parking brake was on. But lately its been coming
on and off as I've been driving. I guess I've had too many
modern cars so heres the silly question. Is there something wrong
with my brakes that the light is trying to tell me or is the light
just getting stuck on or off. I didn't think there were any electronic
sensors on my car but I thought I'd ask since it was brakes I'm
talking about. The fuid level seems fine. Thanks in advance for any
help.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,482
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Silly brake light question (TTop Tony)
The brake tell-tale DOES let you know the e-brake is on, BUT it also advises you of a problem in the braking system. Check for brake fluid leaks.
:)
:)
Racer
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 271
Likes: 0
From: Sugar Hill,GA,USA
Re: Silly brake light question (TTop Tony)
Not sure if the 75 has it, but my 81 has a proportioning valve that works to keep the line pressure correct for the front and back. If one of the pressures drop, something inside moves and turns on the light. It also comes on when the e-brake is applied.
Good luck!
Good luck!
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,699
Likes: 1
From: Westampton NJ
Re: Silly brake light question (TTop Tony)
There will be a little block that is right off the lines that come from the master cylinder. It will be a brass colored block with 5 or so brake lines in it, and it should also have an electrical connector.
That connector is connected to a switch that turns on that brake light when there is not correct pressure in the brake system. I'd go by a place like Brakes Plus (usually paired with Advance Auto Parts) that offers a free brake check. :smash:
That connector is connected to a switch that turns on that brake light when there is not correct pressure in the brake system. I'd go by a place like Brakes Plus (usually paired with Advance Auto Parts) that offers a free brake check. :smash:
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 163
Likes: 0
From: Fullerton CA
Re: Silly brake light question (TTop Tony)
Tony,
Having recently gone through the same thing with my '80, I'd suggest bleeding the brakes as per the shop manual. It's a fairly easy procedure, and ensures you get any air out of the brake lines. While doing this, closely inspect each caliper for leaks. I found one of my calipers leaking, and subsequently sucking air back into the lines. Replaced the caliper, re-bled the brakes, and I'm back in business.
Good luck
Having recently gone through the same thing with my '80, I'd suggest bleeding the brakes as per the shop manual. It's a fairly easy procedure, and ensures you get any air out of the brake lines. While doing this, closely inspect each caliper for leaks. I found one of my calipers leaking, and subsequently sucking air back into the lines. Replaced the caliper, re-bled the brakes, and I'm back in business.
Good luck
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,476
Likes: 1
From: Mt Juliet TN
Re: Silly brake light question (av8vito)
Yeah thats what I was thinking of trying first. I was just thinking back and I remember noticing some fluid on the floor the past week or so. I thought it was power steering fluid but I bet its brake fluid. I probably have a leak somewhere up front. Oh well and its going to be so pretty down here this weekend. Hopefully I can figure it out and still take a couple of spins. :D
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Instructor
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 163
Likes: 0
From: Fullerton CA
Re: Silly brake light question (TTop Tony)
If it's a caliper that's causing the problems, shouldn't take too long to fix. Figure an hour to bleed all four corners (LR, RR, LF, RF). Then, if it is a caliper (which is common) figure another hour to swap it out. Overall, start early Saturday morning, and you should be cruising before lunch.
Good Luck
Good Luck
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,310
Likes: 1
Re: Silly brake light question (TTop Tony)
Does your '75 have the proportioning valve?
My '77 does not.
I thought they came out a little later.
Don't discount the Master Cylinder.
That will cause the brake light to come on too.
Sometimes it can be difficult to see a leak in the MC.
I thought I read about a way to do that on this forum, but I can't remember it now :crazy:
This is definitely something you want to keep on top of.
Total brake failure is never any fun.
Do you know if you have stainless steel brakes or not?
My '77 does not.
I thought they came out a little later.
Don't discount the Master Cylinder.
That will cause the brake light to come on too.
Sometimes it can be difficult to see a leak in the MC.
I thought I read about a way to do that on this forum, but I can't remember it now :crazy:
This is definitely something you want to keep on top of.
Total brake failure is never any fun.
Do you know if you have stainless steel brakes or not?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,476
Likes: 1
From: Mt Juliet TN
Re: Silly brake light question (jerryp58)
The calipers and master cylinder are less then a year old. I would hope there all right. The master cylinder was low on one side so I have a leak somewhere. I haven't found where yet but I did fill it up and the light stayed off. And its a slow enough leak that it stayed full all weekend. I do have a proportioning valve. I thought all cars after a certain year had one? I'll have to jack up the car and have someone press the brakes and see if I can find the leak.
