We worked on a Toyota 4Runner that had its brake light turn on.
The brake pedal also didn’t feel right and the brake fluid reservoir was empty. Our technician didn’t see any brake fluid leaks.
Diagnostic testing was needed to determine the cause and any needed brake repair.
We started with a brake fluid exchange. This brought the brake fluid reservoir back to where it needed to be and restored the brake pedal.
Why did my brake light turn on?
The red brake light is supposed to be appear when your parking brake is on. If it doesn’t turn off when you release the parking brake, it could be hinting at an underlying problem.
Parking brake system issues: If the red brake light stays on, you may have a switch problem in your parking brake pedal or handle.
Electrical issue: On newer vehicles, it could indicate you have a parking brake issue because everything is electronic now. So, if the motor isn’t in the right position when you’re moving, it might throw that brake light on.
Low brake fluid: The brake light might also appear on your dashboard if the brake fluid isn’t at the right threshold.
ABS problem: For some cars, an anti-lock braking system (ABS) issue will prompt a bunch of lights to come on – possibly the ABS light, traction control light, and brake light. It can be an extra indicator that something is going on.
Brake pads: European vehicles will have brake pad wear sensors that trigger the light when it hits a certain measurement and tells you that you need brake pads.
What does diagnostic testing look like?
As we begin brake light diagnostics, we note any related concerns that a customer mentions.
Our technicians usually start with looking at the parking brake and brake fluid.
For the parking brake, we want to make sure the parking brake switch is disengaged and not sending a signal to the car saying the parking brake is on.
The brake fluid level is inspected, too.
A code scan is also a part of the diagnostic process.
Our next steps will depend on what we find initially. A parking brake-related problem would lead us to check travel on the cable and the switch.
Low brake fluid might indicate a brake fluid leak. There could be an external leak, such as a fitting, line, or brake caliper.
If we can’t see an external leak, we need to investigate internal leaks, which would be in the master cylinder. The master cylinder bolts to the booster that has a diaphragm. The brake fluid can go in there and you won’t see it because it gets burned up in the engine.
Resolving brake problems
Does your braking system seem off? Maybe it’s taking longer to stop your vehicle. Some drivers feel like the brake pedal is going to the floor or they have a hard brake pedal.
You may also get brake pulsations in the front or the rear. This will feel like shaking in the steering wheel, pedal or seat.
Motorists might hear a grinding noise or squealing sound, as well.
Make sure to get any brake problems you’re experiencing checked out by an auto repair shop. They could find that nothing is wrong, or your car might be due for brake maintenance.
HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Michelin and BFGoodrich tire dealer located near Dale City, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.