Brake Warning Light on?

Tiny
BADERMANZOO
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 HONDA ACCORD
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 125,000 MILES
Although I am sure it can be a variety of issues, what is the common culprit when the brake warning/sensor light comes on but then goes off as the engine warms up? The brakes themselves feel fine while driving.
Tuesday, February 3rd, 2009 AT 10:04 PM

27 Replies

Tiny
BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,542 POSTS
First thing to do is to inspect brake fluid level and brake pads.
Does the indicator light show the letters B R A K E inside of brackets or is it A B S? If it is BRAKE, that is the parking brake indicator and either the parking brake is slightly pulled or a sensor is going bad. If it is ABS, there is probably a faulty ABS sensor located at each wheel or it may be more serious. Further diagnosis at a reputable repair shop is recommended since braking is a necessity for driving a vehicle safely.

Thanks for using 2CarPros. Com!
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Tuesday, February 3rd, 2009 AT 10:11 PM
Tiny
HONDAMAN6200
  • MEMBER
  • 18 POSTS
Check the brake fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir. There is a float attached to the cap that raises and drops as the fluid level raises or drops in the reservoir. If the fluid level gets too low the brake warning light comes on. If the fluid level is low your brake pads may be worn or there may be a leak in the brake hydraulic system somewhere. Also check the brake light bulbs to ensure they are all lighting up. When the bulbs wear out the filiments inside will sometimes make contact correctly and sometimes not. Also check that a brake light illuminates when the parking brake is set. I mention all these due to there being more than one brake warning light on the car. Different lights for different problems.
Dave
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+2
Tuesday, February 3rd, 2009 AT 10:25 PM
Tiny
BADERMANZOO
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
After investigating that the fluid was fine and the pads appear to look good (I just had them replaced about 20K ago), I inspected the float attached to the brake fluid cap. Probably because the car is 10 years old, and the brake cap is the original, the float was sticking, causing the warning light to come on. Of course it was sticking during the morning when the engine was cold and as the engine warmed up, it would unstick. Bottom line, I replaced the cap and no more warning light. Thanks for the input.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+2
Friday, February 6th, 2009 AT 11:16 PM
Tiny
ECKOHAWKER
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Did it also turn off while braking, example like up to stop light, before it warmed up? I have the same issue with my 01 accord.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
-1
Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 AT 6:00 PM
Tiny
PHATPETIE4
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1999 HONDA ACCORD
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 137,000 MILES
This car was recently purchased from a honda dealer.

Just recently the brake light on my dash has been coming on every once in awhile, I though it was that the emergany brake was engaged but it wasn't. The light will stay on for awhile then go out. Can you give me an idea on what to look for.

My other question is how do I reset the mat required light.
Thanks for your help in advance
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 AT 5:56 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
I think you should check the brakes! As the pads wear, fluid in the master is drawn into the calipers, when enough fluid is displaced, the light turns on!
To reset Maint req'd light: turn ignition switch to off, push and hold the
selsect/reset button and turn ignition to on position, Hold for more than 10
seconds until the light goes out.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
-2
Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 AT 5:56 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MISTERWISH
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1998 HONDA ACCORD
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • MANUAL
  • 125,000 MILES
My accord EX is in great shape for the most part but I am experiencing problems with the oil burning down quickly, usually about every 1000 miles I have to get it topped off with 3-4 quarts. Brakes were replaced only about a year and 25k miles ago. I also have the brake light coming on and off frequently based on whether I push the brake or not. But it will come and go regardless of that too.

I am experiencing a rumbling noise that fluctuates based on when im turning and how fast i'm going. It's slower when i'm driving slower and less noticeble and clanky when im driving faster. If I keep it absolutely straight it seems to quiet down. Obviously I dont know what it sounds like on the passenger side but on the driver side I can feel it vibrate through my pedals and it seems to come from the far left wheel.

I've read some info about it possibly being related to wheel bearings, CV joints, axel shafts and sychro bearing inside the transmission. Does any of this make sense, i'm not too clear on anything and just relaying information i've found.

Haven't taken it in yet because i'm afraid of what i'm going to find out. It's been doing this for a few weeks now.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 AT 5:56 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
  • MECHANIC
  • 8,548 POSTS
I would be more concerned about the oil consumption to be honest. You are either leaking oil or burning it. Perform a compression test on the cylinders. Do not let the oil get down 3-4 quarts, check it more often.

Raise the vehicle, put on stands. Grasp the wheel and push/pull both horizontally and vertically.
If there is any play it could be the bearings, ball joints, tie rods.

Inspect the CV boots for rips and tears and grease leaking, that is how they usually fail. If you find any, you will have to replace the CV axle.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 AT 5:56 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BAKOLLEH
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1998 HONDA ACCORD
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 199,000 MILES
My Honda accord runs great. One of my brakes light blew off. It ran fine. Quite recently, when I start the car, I don't see the brake light on the dash board as I should and it is very difficult to get from the Park mode into either the reverse or drive mode. My wife could not take it to church because it wouldn't shift from the park mode. What do I need to do?

Please help!
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 AT 5:56 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi bakolleh,

The interlock system is being locked out and the symptoms described seems to indicate:
1 a faulty brake switch or
2. a blown brake fuse. Check underhood fusebox Fuse # 47 (20A)


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/192750_FuseBox98Accord4cylHood_2.jpg

Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+2
Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 AT 5:56 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JCART99
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1998 HONDA ACCORD
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 64,000 MILES
Just replaced front and back brakes and new brakeline within past year. One month after brakeline work, brake light comes on and fluid is below 1/2.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 AT 5:56 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LEGITIMATE007
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,121 POSTS
If you cannot find any leaks under the vehicle, then chances are it is being sucked through the large vacuum hose into the combustion chamber and being burned there. It is because the diaphram inside the brake booster is faulty and needs replacement
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 AT 5:56 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SIXTO201
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1996 HONDA ACCORD
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 215,834 MILES
When I put my car in gear my brake light comes on in the cluster, olso when is in drive it does not change from first gear.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 AT 5:56 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi sixto201,

When the dash brake indicator lamp illuminates, one or more of the rear brake bulbs are blown or the warning circuit is faulty. When you engage gears, you need to depress the btakes so that is causing the indicator lamp to show.

Is the D4 light blinking when driving?
Get a diagnostic scan done to retrieve Diagnostic Trouble codes.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 AT 5:56 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SUMNER FERRIS
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
  • 1994 HONDA ACCORD
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,000 MILES
Recently replaced center mount bulb that was burned out. Failure warning on dash will not go out.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 AT 5:57 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,690 POSTS
Hello,

What happens is the light bulbs themselves become to high in resistance making he warning light come on. Please replace all bulbs you have not replaced even if they are working. Here is video to help you see what I am talking about:

https://youtu.be/JJeRxRi7Lpo

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/brake-lights-not-working

Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken

Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 AT 5:57 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RYMO199
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1994 HONDA ACCORD
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 192,000 MILES
Red brake light on dashboard panel has come on and not turned off. I have made sure emergency brake is off. Any suggestions would be very much appreciated.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 AT 5:57 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,937 POSTS
Hi there,

This may be a low brake fluid warning light, check the level and correct if low, re post what you find.

Mark (mhpautos)
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 AT 5:57 PM (Merged)
Tiny
N2NY2219
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Is it the sensor that says "brake lamp"? If it is, you just have a burned out brake light. I would recommend changing your bulbs. I just did mine on my 1994 Honda Accord. Ours are "double- contact" bulbs. It will still light up, but you will notice one or both might not flash when you step on the brakes.

To check, have someone stand at the back of the car to check the lights when you step on the brakes.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 AT 5:57 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CENTMAN1
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
It probably the emergency brake thats wat was wrong with mine, try bumping it in see will it go off
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 AT 5:57 PM (Merged)

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links