Your vehicle’s dashboard features a variety of warning indicators. The brake system warning light is one of the most famous warning lights. The brake warning light is designed to ensure your safety by alerting you to issues with your braking system.
A brake warning light may activate due to several causes, such as incorrect wiring, insufficient fluid, compromised brake lines, and more. In this article, we will explore the reasons why your brake light illuminates and how to fix them.
What does the Brake Warning Light Mean?
The brake warning light indicates that your parking brake is engaged, fluid leak, or the brake fluid is low. In any of these situations, a switch within the brake system activates the warning light to alert the driver.
As the driver engages the parking brake, the brake handle turns off a switch, illuminating the brake warning light. This warning may also start illuminating if the brake fluid level or the fluid pressure becomes lower than a specific limit.
Driving with non-functioning brake lights is highly dangerous, but it is equally hazardous to have brake lights that remain on constantly.
Causes of Brake Light
In the event that the brake warning light illuminates and remains on while starting the car, avoid driving it. In such conditions, you should shut off your engine and investigate the potential reasons for the problem.
When the brake warning light turns on during driving or in traffic, remain calm. Your car is equipped with multiple hydraulic braking systems. However, your braking system may take slightly longer to completely stop the vehicle than usual.
The brake warning light may illuminate due to one or more of the below-given causes:
- Insufficient Brake Fluid
- Bad Parking Brake
- Faulty Brake Pads
- Bad Brake Light Switch
- Faulty Brake Pedal Spring
- Brake Pedal is Stuck
- Faulty Electrical System
1) Insufficient Brake Fluid
Insufficient brake fluid is one of the major causes of brake light illumination. Brake fluid is a hydraulic fluid that is very important for the efficient performance of the brake system.
As the driver depresses the brake pedal, the pressurized brake fluid in the brake lines and hoses forces the piston in the brake caliper to exert pressure on the internal brake pad. This action compresses the pads against the brake rotor, enabling you to slow down.
To inspect the brake fluid, first, locate the brake fluid reservoir. This reservoir is typically installed on the driver’s side and made of yellow or white plastic.
Next, assess the fluid level. The reservoir has maximum and minimum markings to indicate the ideal fluid level. If the fluid level is lower than the minimum marking, then you need to add new brake fluid. But make sure to remove the old brake fluid before adding fresh fluid.
Read More: Low Brake Fluid Symptoms and Causes
2) Bad Parking Brake
A partially engaged parking brake is also a major cause of the brake light illumination. To resolve this issue, simply release the parking brake completely.
3) Faulty Brake Pads
The brake pad of your vehicle experiences wear and tear over time. When these pads become excessively worn, it’s crucial to replace them.
4) Bad Brake Light Switch or Sensor
One primary reason for brake light illumination is a malfunctioning switch within the brake system.
The brake system sensors and switches control the communication between the pedal’s position and the brake lights. If any of these components are faulty, the lights may receive incorrect information and start illuminating.
5) Faulty Brake Pedal Spring
The brake pedal spring enables the brake pedal to return to its original position once you release it. As the spring ages, it can lose its strength.
When the pedal spring goes bad, your pedal will not be able to return to its natural position; due to that, the brake warning light starts illuminating. Moreover, this issue may lead to brake pads staying engaged, resulting in further wear on both the rotor and pads.
6) Brake Pedal is Stuck
Having a faulty brake pedal can be even more problematic than a worn-out spring. If the brake pedal does not return from the floor to its original position, the brake light will remain on. Your vehicle’s pedal needs to return to its initial position to close the switch and the warning light to turn off.
Properly examine the brake pedal. Apply force to press down on the pedal. If it reaches the floor, there might be a leak or air in your braking system. A firm pedal, on the other hand, is a positive sign.
7) Faulty Electrical System
An issue in the electrical system can impact various parts of the braking system and may trigger the brake light. If you do not fix the issues related to the braking system, the brake warning light will continuously illuminate on your vehicle’s dashboard.
Troubleshooting an electrical fault may be the most complex cause to address and should only be considered once other potential sources have been eliminated.
How to reset the Brake Warning Light?
Follow the below-given steps to reset the illuminated brake system warning light:
- Park your vehicle on a leveled surface.
- You need to properly check the brake fluid level in the brake fluid reservoir. Add more fluid if needed.
- Check the fluid color. If it is contaminated, change it.
- Check the electrical system of your braking system. If your wirings are damaged, repair or replace them.
- Strongly press the brake pedal to park your vehicle. If it slowly sinks to the floor, you need to replace it.
- Replace the damaged or faulty braking system sensor.
- Replace the bad ABS
- Check the parking brake and ensure that it is fully disengaged.
- Replace the damaged brake light switch.
FAQ Section
What happens when the brake light comes on?
Usually, the brake warning light turns on when your parking brake is engaged. However, if the red or orange warning light remains illuminated even after disengaging the parking brake, it’s essential to have your brakes checked by a professional as soon as possible.
Can I drive with an illuminated brake system warning light?
Yes, you can, but it is not recommended to drive with an illuminated brake system warning light. Neglecting the brake system issues may result in further harm to the braking system and poses a safety risk. Failing to address the problem on time may lead to a partial or complete breakdown of the brakes.
Why is my brake light on, but the brakes work fine?
There are multiple causes of an illuminated brake service warning light, such as an issue with the parking brake, hydraulic problems, insufficient brake fluid, or worn-out brake pads. If the brake service warning light activates upon pressing the pedal, this may indicate hydraulic loss on one side of the car or insufficient brake fluid in the fluid reservoir.
How to reset the Brake Light?
- Adding more brake fluid if needed
- Replacing the bad parking brake
- Replacing the faulty or worn brake pads
- Replacing the bad brake light switch
- Replacing the faulty brake pedal spring
- Fixing the stuck brake pedal
- Replacing the electrical issues
What causes the brake light to come on and off?
- Insufficient brake fluid
- Bad parking brake
- Faulty brake pads
- Bad brake light switch
- Faulty brake pedal spring
- Stuck brake pedal
- Faulty electrical system
How to reset the parking brake light?
First of all, you need to make sure that the parking brake is completely disengaged to reset the parking brake light. If this light is still on, examine the brake fluid level and add more if needed. If this problem continues, it may direct a more severe issue with your braking system, and you must contact a professional mechanic to fix it.