Brake Message
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Apr 2024
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Brake Message
Hi all. I have a 1990 Corvette. Intermittently while driving, the red “BRAKE” light appears on the dash and then will go away. Sometimes on for a few minutes. Sometimes not on at all.
I’ve tried researching it but am getting super mixed answers. Anyone know what this truly means? My owners manual doesn’t even really explain it.
I’ve tried researching it but am getting super mixed answers. Anyone know what this truly means? My owners manual doesn’t even really explain it.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 1,480
Likes: 395
From: Liberty, SC
2023 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I forget if your model has 2 'Brake' lights.... at any rate is the one youre referring to the one that lights for the parking brake? If it is, jiggle that when the light comes on. If its the other, check your fluid level in the MC.
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Apr 2024
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Pro
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 596
Likes: 355
From: Mt Prospect IL
2025 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Check the fluid level in the master cylinder. Probably low, before you just top it off and call it good check the brake pads. The fluid moves to the calipers as the brakes wear and returns to the master cylinder when the pads are replaced.
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Apr 2024
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Fluid level is great (little dirty but good level). Pads are super thick.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 596
Likes: 355
From: Mt Prospect IL
2025 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
double check wire from master cylinder to make sure it hasn’t rubbed through somewhere and touching ground, also, try wiggling the parking brake when the light comes on to see if it affects it. If so, parking brake switch is the villain.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 596
Likes: 355
From: Mt Prospect IL
2025 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
also, did you look inside the master cylinder or just look at the outside of the reservoir. Sometimes the reservoir is stained and it looks full when it is actually low. This has bit me in the butt in the past 😉
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