Brake (!)(?) light comes on when braking

[94Matt]

In my 94 when I brake hard the Brake(!) light comes on. I am used to seeing this when the E brake is on but now it comes on whenever I brake hard. What is causing this and how can I fix it
Thanks
Matt

 

[Soundguy01tx]

When is the last time you changed pads? I know I had the same prob for a short time, and then suddnely while on the freeway from Houston to Dallas, I stopped at a Jack in the box and I was metal on metal. Freaked me out. As soon as I got to Dallas I had it looked at, and I ended up having to replace my rotors bc I have grooved them bc my pads where GONE and I was rubbing too much... Oops, wont make that mistake again.
--bryan

 

[Alec]

Our Explorers don't have pad/rotor sensors, so the light can't be caused by much. It's either brake fluid related or ABS related probably. Good luck!

 

[mrboyle]

Originally posted by Alec
Our Explorers don't have pad/rotor sensors, so the light can't be caused by much. It's either brake fluid related or ABS related probably. Good luck!

Actually it could be due to bad brakes, because as the pads wear the caliper hold more fluid and in return the level of the fluid in the resivor drops. If you combine pad wear rotor wear and even rear shoe wear the level in the resivor will drop low enough to cause the level sensor to turn on the light when braking. What needs to be done is have the entire brake system inspected, not only for worn parts, but also for the possibility of leaks.

 

[jimbo74]

yup.... like mr boyle said.... if the bl is coming on when braking there is probably not enough fluid for some reason or another... or your pads are really worn down....

 

[Soundguy01tx]

You guys are totally right! I wasnt thinking straight when I posted, but thats exactly what was happening to me. The level was getting low bc of the fluid in the caliper (or something like that). All I know is that is a $300 situation I advise you stay away from. Had I taken better care of it, I would have noticed it and been able to avoid that. $30 for pads or a few $ for fluid is nothin compared to the $ for what I HAD to do... craziness...
--bryan