Brake lamp light comes on

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Old Jan 28, 2013 | 04:50 PM
  #1  
rich9's Avatar
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Brake lamp light comes on

Hello,
The brake lamp light on the dash came on this morning. However,
the brake fluid levels is okay. Also, the parking brake foot pedal is released.

does this occur on Winter days when morning temps are less than 56 degrees F.

also, to change this resovoir cap, is it just two connections.
are there any resets, or anything I need to know.

Will an aftermarket cap work also.

Thanks.
Attached Thumbnails Brake lamp light comes on-master-cylinder.jpg  
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Old Jan 28, 2013 | 05:05 PM
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3.2TLc's Avatar
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Hey Rich9, try removing the reservoir cap and check the float.
It should work freely, could be sticking ? Maybe dirty fluid ?
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Old Jan 28, 2013 | 05:32 PM
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rich9's Avatar
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brake light comes on.

I will check, I believe the brake fluid is less than 8 months oild.
This happens on cold days.

Thanks.
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Old Jan 28, 2013 | 08:53 PM
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fsttyms1's Avatar
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Take the brake cap off and move the float up and down make sure its not stuck, also make sure the fluid is at the proper level.
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Old Feb 15, 2013 | 08:57 AM
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TLS1016's Avatar
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Is it possible for this light to come on when you have one side of the 3rd brake light out? When i turn on the car i dont get this light on until i step on the brake.
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Old Feb 15, 2013 | 09:26 AM
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The 3rd brake lamp only turns on with the brake. If a tail lamp is out usually you'll have a light near the door open part of the gauge cluster. A very good reason your light is on would be your fluid is low. If its low don't just add fluid, inspect your brake pads, they probably need replacing.
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Old Feb 15, 2013 | 10:03 AM
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Had the same problem - brake light on, fluid level OK. Occurred on cold mornings. It was the float (and dirty brake fluid). Opened the cap and moved the float to clear, and eventually flushed the fluid.
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Old Feb 15, 2013 | 10:13 AM
  #8  
acutee's Avatar
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Your brake pads are low if cap and fluid are fine.
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Old Feb 15, 2013 | 02:22 PM
  #9  
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You talking about the "brake" light or the "brakelamp" light?
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Old Feb 18, 2013 | 11:30 AM
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I just had the same problem a few weeks ago. My fluid was nasty. Got a brake flush done no problems since.
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Old Feb 18, 2013 | 12:44 PM
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This happens whenever the outside temp is sub30, which causes the fluid to become more condensed then normal. I wouldnt worry about it unless it stays on ALL the time
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Old Feb 18, 2013 | 04:57 PM
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TLer trash's Avatar
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There's a tsb for the "brake" light which involves replacing the strainer in the master cylinder reservoir. For the "brake lamp" light, check the brake light bulbs for failed, missing, or wrong wattage bulbs. Also check connections and grounds, as well as the brake light failure sensor in the left rear corner of the trunk. Since op mentioned both lights, still a mystery.
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Old Feb 19, 2013 | 04:13 AM
  #13  
NkBenzon's Avatar
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. Lol my break lamp light was on... And I just had a burnt bulb... Good times
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Old Feb 19, 2013 | 08:49 PM
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01tl4tl's Avatar
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brake lamp = bulb out

brake warning light = often bad res cap, slider sticks- flip cap over and see if light turns off
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Old Feb 23, 2013 | 03:13 PM
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buzzkillington503's Avatar
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this was happening to me too. i read somewhere that if this happens then your brakes are a no go and my car would always shake when i hit the brakes. i replaced my brakes and rotors with brakemotive rotors and pads and the light doesnt pop up anymore.
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Old Feb 23, 2013 | 10:41 PM
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The "Brake warning lamp" is designed to come on if the reservoir is low in fluid. When the brakes are worn, the level will normally lower some.....but if the float sensor detects an extremely low setpoint, the warning lamp will come on.

As long as there are no major leaks, your brakes will still work. But, once the lamp comes on......don't ignore it ! With the age of our cars in combination of old fluid, sometimes the sensor float will stick. If you have a leaky brake piston along with worn pads, the lamp is warning you
to have the braking system inspected.
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