All brake dashboard lights will not turn on

Tiny
ESSPASH
  • MEMBER
  • 2011 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 25,000 MILES
I did not have any accidents or so.
I park my car in a mall, after half an hour I went back and turn the car on and all the brake lights in the dash do not turn on. The hand brake, the ABS, the car in the street, the exclamation sign, all the brake dashboard lights went on. Does anybody know what could be the problem? Regards
Monday, November 26th, 2018 AT 6:13 PM

10 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,724 POSTS
Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.

The first thing and easiest to do is confirm the brake fluid is full. The reservoir is located under the hood and mounted on the driver's side of the firewall. If fluid is very low, it will set all lights.

I attached a picture of the master cylinder. Make sure there is the correct amount of brake fluid in it.

Let me know what you find.

Joe
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Monday, November 26th, 2018 AT 6:25 PM
Tiny
ESSPASH
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Hi Joe! Thanks!
I checked the brake fluid plastic and it is a little bit lower than the full but it is not under the lower line. What do you say?
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Monday, November 26th, 2018 AT 6:32 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,724 POSTS
Okay, that is not the problem. Do the brakes still work? Do you feel it is safe to drive? What really needs done at this point is to have the computer scanned for diagnostic trouble codes. Often times, a parts store will do it. However, they have scanners which are very limited. Usually they can only retrieve engine/power-train codes. Brake are different and require a better scanner.

At this point, that is the next step. If you have it done, let me know what codes came up so I can better direct you. It may simply be an ABS/wheel speed sensor which failed.

Let me know.

Joe
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Monday, November 26th, 2018 AT 6:36 PM
Tiny
ESSPASH
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  • 6 POSTS
The brakes are feeling good! The hand brakes work good and also the regular pedal. Brakes all working good!
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Monday, November 26th, 2018 AT 7:04 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,724 POSTS
Chances are it is a sensor. Have the computer scanned to determine which sensor is causing the issue. If it is an ABS sensor or the wheel speed sensor, brakes will work correctly, however, the ABS system will not function.

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions,

Take care,
Joe
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Monday, November 26th, 2018 AT 7:57 PM
Tiny
ESSPASH
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Okay, thanks! Which one of those do you think will turn on all four lights in dashboard?
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Tuesday, November 27th, 2018 AT 2:16 AM
Tiny
ESSPASH
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Here is the image of the codes, please advice!
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Tuesday, November 27th, 2018 AT 4:23 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,724 POSTS
Welcome back

All of the codes you provided point to a problem with the brake actuator. Since the first code is related to a voltage issue, I would start by checking to see if there was any damage to wiring or connector has occurred. Check that first. I have attached picture to help you locate it and identify it.

Also, if the wiring is good, contact a dealer. There have been issues with different model Toyota vehicles and the brake actuator. I know they extended the warranty on Highlander vehicles, but I think that was only through 2008.

If the wiring is good, chances are the actuator has failed. And yes, that turned on all the lights. One last thought. Make sure there are no brake fluid leaks when you inspect the unit. There could be external or internal leaks you cannot see causing the low pressure and abnormal leak.

Regardless of what you find, I would contact a Toyota dealer and request assistance since the vehicle has such low mileage and there are know issues extending the warranty on older model year vehicle of the same type.

Let me know what you find. I am interested in knowing what you find and how it is handled.

Joe
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+1
Tuesday, November 27th, 2018 AT 6:13 PM
Tiny
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  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Okay, thanks!
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Tuesday, November 27th, 2018 AT 8:43 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,724 POSTS
Happy to help. If you could, let me know the final outcome. I have a feeling it will help many people in the future.

Take care,
Joe
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Tuesday, November 27th, 2018 AT 8:55 PM

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