brake light on dash

[journey50]

i just bought a 99 explorer sport and when i test drove it the brake light on the dash would come on when i hit the brake for about a sec and then it would turn off, the back rotors need to be replaced, and there doing that now but what would cause the brake light in the dash to come on, when i apply the brake they work fine just that red light comes on?

 

[DeRocha]

The red brake light only comes on for 2 reasons.

• The E-Brake is on
• Low brake fluid

Obviously it sounds like you fluid level in the brake fluid reservoir is right at the sensor level.. When you step on the brake or corner hard the fluid will be forced to one side causing the low fluid sensor to turn the brake warning light on.. After the fluid returns to a centered state it will re-cover the sensor which will shut off the light.. So just add a little brake fluid and you'll be good to go...

 

[skoobydoobiedew]

I have a similar problem on my 1994 xlt. And no the E-brake is not on. I also find that when I'm accelerating, as soon as I let off the gas, the light comes on. I'm thinking that makes sense because the fluid in the reservoir shifts; turning on the light. That's great to hear because I was worried I was due for new brakes!
On a different note, my ABS light comes on occasionally, too. I read in the manual that it's nothing to worry about. The ABS might not work, but the brakes will work fine. Is this true? Is there something simple wrong? Sorry for the newb. questions. I guess I've never really taken the time to learn about the braking system on our X's.

Any input would be great!!! Thanks!!!

 

[DeRocha]

If the ABS light comes on it indicates the ABS computer has detected a fault in the system (usually a problem with a wheel speed sensor) and has disabled ABS braking... This is no big deal as you will still have 100% regular braking, only the ABS is down.

 

[skoobydoobiedew]

thanks!!!

 

[DeRocha]

thanks!!!

No problem...
The ABS computer works by reading signals from each of the front wheel abs sensor and from the tone ring within the rear diff... These sensors tell the computer how fast the wheels are revolving and therefore how to pulse the brake @ the correct wheel to prevent it from locking up. If a sensor is bad or giving a false reading then the computer will have not way to accurately pulse the brakes and therefore deactivates ABS braking...

 

[Daylamay]

Response to Brake light lit....

i just bought a 99 explorer sport and when i test drove it the brake light on the dash would come on when i hit the brake for about a sec and then it would turn off, the back rotors need to be replaced, and there doing that now but what would cause the brake light in the dash to come on, when i apply the brake they work fine just that red light comes on?

I just had this problem. When I was driving my light would go on and periodically go off once I let off of the brake. As the days went on the light would come on more frequent. I realized that all I needed was to have the brake pads changed. Once I changed my pads, the light stayed off.

 

[ExplorerDMB]

I just had this problem. When I was driving my light would go on and periodically go off once I let off of the brake. As the days went on the light would come on more frequent. I realized that all I needed was to have the brake pads changed. Once I changed my pads, the light stayed off.

are you positive it wasn't just low on fluid? Cause if a shop did your work, they would of added fluid.

 

[DeRocha]

are you positive it wasn't just low on fluid? Cause if a shop did your work, they would of added fluid.

Its the same thing... As brake pads wear down a proportional amount of additional fluid is required to keep the pads in contact witht the rotor. When you install new pads the piston is forced back into its bore and the fluid returns to the reservoir...

 

[Daylamay]

I see someone answered already, but yes I am sure I wasn't low on fluid. I was standing right there while my pads were changed. I check my fluids at least once every 2 weeks and there were no shortages. It has been about 2 to 3 months since and my brake light has not come on at all. Another thing is that your light starts to come on pretty early when you're in need of a brake pad change. I saw the light for a week and when the pads came off there was still a good amount left on the pads. I thought for sure they would have been scraped down low after an entire week.

 

[410Fortune]

Check the little plastic switch mounted on your foot brake (e brake) these suckers can break and do all sorts of weird things to that BRAKE light on the dash.

Also check the sensor is seated properly in the brake master cylinder fluid resevoir.