Hey Guys, just wanted to know what it means when the brake light comes on from time to time and stays on, does it mean my brakes are low?

 

It could mean your pads are low, but it's sort of an indirect way of letting you know.

Most of time, it's your fluid being low or the float sensor under the brake fluid cap is stuck. I'd check that first.

Low brake pads will lower the fluid level. Not by much, but if you're on the hairy edge of minimum, it could cause it to tip over to the low end and throw the light.

 

hopefully you have done things like ck your brake pads every 6-12 months

and would also know the sound made by the low pad warning squeeler arm
--having heard cars pull up next to you at a light with a horrible noise,,,

many times its the cap float sensor is sticky or failed--do you change the brake fluid yearly? or 2 or ever? old brake fluid is not the cars friend
You can buy just the cap with sensor for about $35-40 last I knew

 

Thanks for the replies guys, yes, I do check the pads often and I do know that annoying sound when the pads start to go. I will check the brake fluid today and also, how would I know if the sensor is bad in the cap?

 

As all of them mentioned....here is what I would do:

check under the brake pedal to see if a switch is being pressed all the time....many people encounter this where the switch is pressed all the time and results in brake lights being ON all the time....

I didnt know the car warns for low fluid/pedals....but good to learn something everyday ....check the brake fluid reservoir and see how high the fluid is....a good way to check for brake pads without taking out the rims is "hear for squeal"....when you brake, if your car squeals then replace your pads....its time....

 

a little past time~

the noise maker arm is set at 2mm, the absolute minimum thickness you want to run.
Ive gotten mine thinner by waiting a few weeks after wife reported noise from the RB pads
right side pad remaining was 1 mm!! and you could see thru the remaining pad!!
Piston was well extended to make the brake work

once they get below 4mm their effectiveness is reduced, cant shed heat as well
dont brake as well.
the squeel is the = of the engine oil idiot light,,its a real problem right now!!

 

to test the fluid level sensor, remove cap, ck movement of slider
flip upside down and turn key on, ck light on dash

CAUTION!!!!! brake fluid EATS CAR PAINT
use shop rags around and under the master cyl. and to place cap on

pull screen filter up and out to inspect fluid color and condition

 

Thanks for this tread. Had same problem when start this morning, brake warning light on. Checked fluid level it was ok. Than pressed brake pedal and brake warning light start work on and off. It lead me to wrong conclusion at moment that something is wrong with brake switch. Then come across this tread, open reservoir cap and touch floater (slider). Screw it back and everything is ok.