Superpug

So I just noticed the past few days that my BRAKE light will illuminate while I am driving, randomly for no apparent reason. I can't tie it down to temperature, driving style or anything else really. I'm worried that my parking brake is not releasing completely. It's an auto so I have the foot pedal and not the hand brake. I am hoping it's something easy like when my main brake light switch failed and I had to replace it a few months ago. Is this a common problem, or has anyone heard of this being an issue? Any guidance as to where to look first? Thanks folks

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blazerk5drew

Im not sure how your foot pedal is setup, but you may be able to adjust the switch that activates the light. They are usually adjustable.

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Altered

Check your brake fluid level, the low fluid warning uses the same light as the parking brake.

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Superpug

Crap! Ok, I will go check that now actually. It started turning on and off again this morning, but it was also like 32 over here.

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Superpug

Well I checked it and it is right at the plastic seam on the resevior, just above the MIN mark. I am assuming that this level is ok? The owners manual got me freaked out basically saying if that light comes on during driving, to pull over and check that fluid level - if it is above the MIN level, then go to the nearest Nissan dealer to have it checked out. I really, REALLY do not want to go through this with them. Could it have something to do with when I took my calipers off the rotor to paint them? But it didnt start immediately after that though - this has been a new thing the last few days. I barely have 36k on my car and already I have had to replace the brake switch and now this issue with the parking brake and/or brake system? This sucks!

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blazerk5drew

well top off your fluids and check the switch. Also, low fluid level can indicate worn out brakes.

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peelman

just add a little, as mentioned you probably need to service your brakes. Once new pads are installed the new fluid you added will be all over your engine bay if you add too much now.

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Altered

Well, the fluid went somewhere. The car came from the factory at the MAX mark, so either worn brake pads (get new ones and rotors replaced/resurfaced) or the fluid is leaking somewhere. Probably just time to do a brake job...

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peelman

Your right. The brake fluid is most likely in the brake lines. He needs a brake job.

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Superpug

Yeah I tried to tell my wife that... lol but when I was working on the brake system painting the calipers the pads did not seem worn down much. I've seen pads that were about 1/8 in thick - mine are about 1/4 in or more. They do squeak though. I have no leaks that I can identify, the only thing that I see every so often is water from the AC condenser. Thanks for the input though. If I were going to replace the pads - what kind are the best for the cost? Also, should I go to Nissan and get brake fluid, or just somewhere else if I need it? Thanks again!

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Unclear_Motives

The brake light coming on sometimes indicates a problem with the charging system in our cars...I'd have the alternator and battery tested if this keeps happening.

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Superpug

I've never heard of that. Bt i guess it could be possible. It happened again to me this morning but only once. I cant pin it down, Bt for some reason i want to say it happens more when i accelerate hard.

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Altered

You didn't add any brake fluid, buy some (Dealer or parts store, as long as it's DOT 3) and increase the level in the reservoir to the MAX mark, the light will stay off.

BTW I feel the OEM pads are best for street driving. I've tried other brands on other cars and got some I liked, and some I didn't. The ones I liked all cost about the same as pads from the dealer anyway, and all were just as good at getting dust on my wheels, lol.

Also: did you check the parking brake itself to make sure the cable was properly routed and secured when you put the calipers back on?

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Unclear_Motives

I have no idea how I missed this part, but Altered is right...you need fluid.

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Superpug

So I got some DOT4 fluid from (gasp) walmart last night. Will that work? It's Prestone crap

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