Why does my car brake light sometime come on when driving?
I have a ford fiesta 1997 and just recently I have noticed the parking brake light comes on when driving. It comes on and goes straight off again. It don't happen all the time I drive and sometimes does not happen for a few days. Does anyone know what this is or has this happened to anyone before?
It could be due to a few issues… Either the brake fluid level is low in the reservoir or the parking brake switch is activating when it shouldn't… Bad switch… Or the switch wire is frayed and contacting/grounding out to nearby metal.
As the brake pads wear down over time, more fluid is needed to expand the brake caliper pistons and the brake system gets low on fluid in the reservoir which can trip the light… Check the fluid levels in the reservoir under the hood and top off with correct type of fluid if needed. The owners manual should specify the location of the brake fluid reservoir and what type of fluid but usual is type DOT 3 although some models may require DOT 4 or 5… Sold at parts stores, etc… Do NOT use any other fluid than brake fluid or you can ruin the seals in the system… Big bucks to fix.
You may want to have the brake system checked to see if it will be due for brakes in the near future… Or if the fluid levels are fine, then check for other issues with the parking brake or brake system.
There's also a proportioning valve in the brake system which can set off the light if one of the brake system lines to the wheels or wheel cylinders/calipers loses pressure from a leak although that would possibly show up as weak or inconsistent braking… Check for signs of any leaks on the ground under the car or wheel areas.
Probably just the switch under the handbrake lever that needs adjusting.
There will be a small microswitch under there some place. If it's slightly out of adjustment it can turn on when the brake is actually released.
Shouldn't be a major to get fixed.
Low fluid, most likely
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