Brake light on

Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros. Com.

The first thing I need you to do is confirm that the brake fluid is not low. If it is, refill it. Once it is low enough, the brake light and ABS/traction control light will come on. The brake master cylinder is under the hood and mounted to the firewall on the driver's side. I attached an exploded view of what the part looks like. There is a white plastic reservoir with brake fluid in it. Make sure the fluid level is above the minimum line. Also, read the top of the brake fluid cap to determine if it requires DOT3 or DOT4 brake fluid. Only use what is recommended.

Do that and let me know what you find. Also, if this is not the issue, let me know.

Take care,
Joe

Hi again,

You did not mention refilling the fluid on a regular basis. That could be the result of a few different things. First, park the vehicle and pump the brakes several times. Check under the vehicle and behind the wheels to see if there are any wet spots, which would indicate a leak. Areas to check would include brake calipers, rubber brake hoses attached to calipers, and although it is unlikely at this point, steel brake lines.

Next, open the hood and inspect all around the master cylinder. If no leaks are present, then there is a chance the master cylinder is the problem. Often times, they will leak from the rear of the master cylinder and the fluid will go into the brake booster.

Also, inspect the master cylinder plastic reservoir where it mounts the master cylinder as well as the level sensor. If you look at picture 1, you will see sensor location.

If you determine that is what is happening, here are the directions for replacing the master cylinder.

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Replacement
Vehicle Brakes and Traction Control Hydraulic System Brake Master Cylinder Service and Repair Removal and Replacement Replacement
REPLACEMENT
BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER

Removal and Installation

CAUTION:
Be careful not to splash brake fluid on painted areas; it may cause paint damage. If brake fluid is splashed on painted areas, wash it away with water immediately.
NOTE:
When removing components such as hoses, tubes/lines, etc, cap or plug openings to prevent fluid from spilling.

REMOVAL

1. Remove master cylinder reservoir cap.
2. Disconnect the harness connector from the fluid level sensor.
3. Disconnect the brake pipes from the master cylinder assembly.
4. Remove brake pipes from the ABS actuator and electric unit (control unit).
5. Remove the master cylinder assembly nuts and discard.

CAUTION:
Discard the nuts, do not reuse.
6. Remove the master cylinder assembly and O-ring.

CAUTION:
Do not reuse O-ring.

INSTALLATION

Installation is in the reverse order of removal.

- Apply silicone grease to the brake booster at position (A) as shown, be sure the O-ring is in proper position when installing the master cylinder assembly to the brake booster.

CAUTION:
Do not reuse O-ring.
- Use new master cylinder assembly nuts for installation.

CAUTION:
Do not reuse the master cylinder assembly nuts.
- Refill the brake fluid and bleed the air. Refer to "Bleeding Brake System" See: Brake Bleeding > Procedures > Bleeding Brake System.

CAUTION:
- Refill using recommended brake fluid. Refer to "Drain and Refill" See: Brake Fluid > Removal and Replacement > Drain and Refill.
- Do not reuse drained brake fluid.
- Adjust the brake pedal. Refer to "Inspection and Adjustment" See: Brake Pedal Assy > Adjustments > Brake Pedal.

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You definitely have a leak and it should be repaired before you lose the brakes. If you do not find it with what I said, let me know.

Also, feel free to let me know if you have other questions or need more information.

Take care and let me know what you find.

Joe