red brake light comes on under heavy accel.

[expo5.0]

why in the world is that happening. when i floor my truck (and especially when there is wheelspin) my brake dummy light comes on, then when i let off the gas or when i get up over 50 or 60 and the rate of acceleration slows down it turns off. anyone have an idea? i can't figure it out at all. its almost as if i have a traction control system which attempts to use the anti-lock brakes to slow a wheel when it is spinning to preserve traction. however, explorers don't have those so what the hell?

 

[Robert]

Sounds like the switch on your emergency brake is failing or loose or you are low on brake fluid. Either one of those will cause you red brake light to come on.

 

[expo5.0]

brake fluid could be shifting under heavy acceleration! therefore reading low. that makes sense

 

[Gonzo]

That's weird, I have the same problem with my '77 bug.

 

[Slick]

I've been having that same prob in my truck. i'll check out my brake fluid

 

[TPLYNCH]

If i remember correctly, ABS has a problem with wheelspin - causes is to go goofy. People have had their ABS light come on when spinning wheels in the snow/ice. Could be the same thing.

 

[Robert]

But Tom, there is a separate light for ABS related problems that is orange. It would be the one to light up if it were an ABS problem. The red brake light is only tied in to the parking brake and brake fluid level.

 

[Alec]

I've never had my ABS or brake light come on, even when doing full burnouts

 

[james t]

Originally posted by Alec
I've never had my ABS or brake light come on, even when doing full burnouts

same here.

drew, if you are even slightly low on brake fluid, and i mean slightly, the hard acceleration is pinning the fluid to the back of the resevoir. this will cause the light to come on momentarily. top it off, and i bet it goes away.

 

[TarHeel085]

im glad this thread came about becuase ive been havin the same prob lately.

 

[hrbib21]

Maybe it's telling you to slow down.

 

[Majisto]

It's brake fluid sloshing around in the tank. Since the Explorer has a fairly soft suspension, the truck bucks back a very good amount under heavy acceleration, and since the sensor is at the front of the brake fluid reservoir...well, you get the picture If mine doesn't come on, then I think I have a problem.