Parking and emergency brake warning lights on?

Tiny
RCHBRN
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 HONDA ACCORD
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 116,000 MILES
The parking/emergency brake light comes on while driving but the brake itself is not on (or does not seem to be on). What could be causing this?
Thursday, September 30th, 2010 AT 8:45 AM

32 Replies

Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,761 POSTS
That lights serves 3 purposes.

1) Parking brake on
2) Hydraulic imbalance that would cause a low pedal
3) Low brake fluid
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Thursday, September 30th, 2010 AT 9:05 AM
Tiny
AJRUSSELL44
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2003 HONDA ACCORD
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 155,000 MILES
I was driving my car one day and then all of a sudden these lights just came on. So I took it to the Honda dealer and they did a diagnostic check and my electrical system totally failed. So:

1. Replaced the battery, now my voltage is all good
but the light still remains. So we checked my brakes, I needed new brakes so:

2. I got new brakes, now I'm good to go on my brakes. But the lights still remain. So now they said well you should get a new master cylinder and that should solve the problem.

So my question is will the new master cylinder solve my check ABS light and Emergency brake light?
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Friday, August 16th, 2019 AT 2:04 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
Yes it can because the master has a fluid level sensor that can go out. Check out this guide it will help

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/brake-system-warning-light-on

Please run down this guide and report back.
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Friday, August 16th, 2019 AT 2:04 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LJ050405
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2005 HONDA ACCORD
2005 Honda Accord 4 cyl Automatic 138000 miles

Hi there! I am having a problem maybe once every couple of months where the car will be driving along the freeway and the car just completely dies all the lights, radio and everything go out and then comes right back on. It is very scary. This last time I noticed that the ABS and Emergency Brake Light flashed. The malfunction light came on and then the next time I started the car it was gone. The code cannot be read by the computer. My computer was rebooted, but problem did not occur again until 4 months later so I did not go back since I was told to come back when it happened again. Do you think this could be a computer problem? Also, the fuse box that controls the radio seems loose and so the radio goes on and off. If you apply pressure to the fuse box the radio comes back on. I heard about a recall on 2005 honda accords for fuse box issues, but I called honda and they said my car was not apart of the recall. The recall is in regards to the fuse box and the fuel pump so I am not sure I don't think this is the problem since electrical things happen. Your help is greatly appreciated.
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Friday, August 16th, 2019 AT 2:04 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MATHIASO
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,209 POSTS
Hello lj050405

I have found the recalls you have mentioned.
There is a phone number for Honda you can call to clarify the problem with what the dealer said to you.

Honda Accord Recalls
Accord FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP Recall - ID# 47207

Recall Date
MAR 14, 2007
Model Affected
2005 HONDA ACCORD
Description
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, A COIL WIRE INSIDE THE FUEL PUMP RELAY MAY BREAK, CAUSING THE FUEL PUMP TO LOSE POWER. IF THE FUEL PUMP BECOMES INOPERATIVE, THE ENGINE MAY NOT START.
Consequence
IF THE FUEL PUMP LOSES POWER WHILE DRIVING, THE ENGINE COULD STALL WITHOUT WARNING, AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP RELAY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 2, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.
Potential Units Affected
166561

Honda Accord Recalls
Accord ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS Recall - ID# 26978

Recall Date
APR 05, 2005
Model Affected
2005 HONDA ACCORD
Description
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, A LOOSE TERMINAL IN THE MAIN FUSE BOX MAY CAUSE THE FUEL PUMP TO LOSE POWER. IF THE FUEL PUMP BECOMES INOPERATIVE, THE ENGINE MAY NOT START.
Consequence
IF THE FUEL PUMP LOSES POWER WHILE DRIVING THE ENGINE COULD STALL WITHOUT WARNING WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENTIRE FUSE BOX FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 13, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.
Potential Units Affected
1923
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Friday, August 16th, 2019 AT 2:04 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LJ050405
  • MEMBER
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Hi there,

Actually I already called American Honda and they said my car is not apart of the recall. Does this sound like something that would be a consequence of the issues with the recall? They certainly did not care when I called and told them.

Would the ABS and emergency brake light flash? Would the car lose all power including electrical?
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Friday, August 16th, 2019 AT 2:04 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MATHIASO
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,209 POSTS
Hi,

Potential units affected for the first recall is 166561 vehicles
The second recall affected 1923 vehicles.
If they have taken information about your vehicle and find out that yours is not part of it, so I think the problem is somewhere else.
The problem happens while driving, a bad module may have electrical components inside that is damaged. Tiny transistors, diodes, resistors and other components are very sensitive to heat. And any of these components, near breaking down, may not fail until there is enough heat in the engine compartment. Have the ignition module tested, some auto part store do it for free.
Next, have the computer tested at your dealer to make sure it is not causing the problem.
Driver circuit in the computer may be bad.
Try disconnecting any sensor and find out if it shows the code.
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Friday, August 16th, 2019 AT 2:04 PM (Merged)
Tiny
PM1202
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I have recently encountered the same problem.
My car's entire electrical system went out while I was driving.
What occurred here seems to fit the fusebox recall 05V132000.
However my VIN number is not included in the recall bulletin.

Mathiaso, where did you get the info about a first recall?

IJ050405, What did you end up doing to get this resolved?
I will have the pleasure of contacting HONDA tomorrow.

Thanks
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Friday, August 16th, 2019 AT 2:04 PM (Merged)
Tiny
PM1202
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Ij050405 - is your VIN in the 1HGCM56? Range?
Just want to get an idea if its possible to get this recall expanded.
I picked up my car from the dealer in Oct 2004. So im assuming it may have been manufactured within a month. The recall is for cars manufactured nov 12th- 17th I think.
So assuming, from the number of cars affected 1900 about within a 5 day period.
This could easily include another 10k vehicles.2k vehicles pet week/5week estimate assuming my car was manufactured 1st week of Oct.

Any owners of a 2005 accord experiencing this same problem??

Thanks
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Friday, August 16th, 2019 AT 2:04 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MIKE H R
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,094 POSTS
Reference lose of power

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
ACURA / TL 2005

HONDA / ACCORD 2005

HONDA / ODYSSEY 2005

Manufacturer: HONDA (AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.) Mfr's Report Date: MAR 29, 2005
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 05V132000 N/A
NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
Potential Number of Units Affected: 1,923
Summary:
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, A LOOSE TERMINAL IN THE MAIN FUSE BOX MAY CAUSE THE FUEL PUMP TO LOSE POWER. IF THE FUEL PUMP BECOMES INOPERATIVE, THE ENGINE MAY NOT START.
Consequence:
IF THE FUEL PUMP LOSES POWER WHILE DRIVING THE ENGINE COULD STALL WITHOUT WARNING WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENTIRE FUSE BOX FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 13, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.
Notes:
HONDA RECALL NOS. P73, P74. CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

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Friday, August 16th, 2019 AT 2:04 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JCURTS75
  • MEMBER
  • 12 POSTS
  • 2004 HONDA ACCORD
  • 125,000 MILES
I checked the brake fluid level in the reservoir and it is full. Any thoughts? The car seems to stop fine when driving and really no difference than before.
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Friday, August 16th, 2019 AT 2:05 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DJCL
  • MECHANIC
  • 767 POSTS
Check the flote in the master cylinder. Try un plugging the sensor @ the flote. And try un plugging the parking prake switch to see if the light goes out
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Friday, August 16th, 2019 AT 2:05 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JCURTS75
  • MEMBER
  • 12 POSTS
Would you say it is safe to drive about 10 miles until I get home tonight to check?
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Friday, August 16th, 2019 AT 2:05 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DJCL
  • MECHANIC
  • 767 POSTS
With out seeing it I can't promise. But with what you stated sofar I would say its safe.
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Friday, August 16th, 2019 AT 2:05 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JCURTS75
  • MEMBER
  • 12 POSTS
What are my scenarios when I check these? If I unplug the sensor and the light goes out? What does that tell me? If I unplug the emergency brake switch and it goes out? What then? Sorry I'm a novice, but dad will be here tonight and knows a lot more about the car.
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Friday, August 16th, 2019 AT 2:05 PM (Merged)
Tiny
URPAPICHULO01
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2002 HONDA ACCORD
2002 Honda Accord 4 cyl Automatic 71994 miles

i was driving my car yesterday and my emergency break light came on what does tha mean? And no my emergency break was down
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Friday, August 16th, 2019 AT 2:05 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,542 POSTS
This usually indicates that you are running low on brake fluid. Check brake fluid in the resevoir in engine compartment.

There may also be a sensor located near the E brake lever that is stuck or the E brake needs adjustment so that the sensor reads the position of the release lever properly. This is very rare problem though so I suggest checking fluid first.

Post your results and I will follow up if needed.

Hope this helped and thanks for using 2carpros. Com!
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Friday, August 16th, 2019 AT 2:05 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JCURTS75
  • MEMBER
  • 12 POSTS
Is it possible that the brake pads have sensors in them that are telling me they need to be replaced?
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Friday, August 16th, 2019 AT 2:05 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
No, brakes pads do not have any sensors to tell you when pads are worn out.

If it is the word BRAKE, then you have a blown brake bulb. If it is the park brake indicator that is showing, then it most probably is due to low brake fluid level, which could mean a leakage somewhere or the pads are wearing out soon.
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Friday, August 16th, 2019 AT 2:05 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JCURTS75
  • MEMBER
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KHLow. Your statements are opposite of what the manual is telling me. The red word BRAKE is what's showing up, which talks about checking the break fluid
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Friday, August 16th, 2019 AT 2:05 PM (Merged)

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