82DMC12 Posted November 15, 2011 Share Posted November 15, 2011 Hey guys, I have a 2008 2.5i LTD N/A. It has about 41K on it and all the maintenance is up to date. Lately I've noticed that when driving the red BRAKE light in the lower right side of the instrument cluster will illuminate at random times. Sometimes it will go out on its own, others it won't go out until I shut the car off and restart it. I'm positive the e-brake is disengaged and I checked the brake fluid level. Is this a common problem, or is there another answer? The brakes work just as good as they did new, but they are the original pads. Any ideas? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max Capacity Posted November 15, 2011 Share Posted November 15, 2011 Could be the level sensor in the cap. Remove the cap shake it a bit and put it back on. Make sure the connectors are tight also. Worse case, you may need a new sensor. If it's under warrenty, take to the Stealership. 305,600miles 5/2012 ej257 short block, 8/2011 installed VF52 turbo, @20.8psi, 280whp, 300ftlbs. (SOLD). CHECK your oil, these cars use it. Engine Build - Click Here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AZP Installs Posted November 15, 2011 Share Posted November 15, 2011 Check and make sure your level is correct and that your pads have decent life on them. The brake light is a dumby light for when you have nothing left. It could be the sensor or you might just need some new pads. But as Max said, if its under warranty dealership time. -Jake http://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/91072632.jpg http://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/133406601.jpg http://upload.pbase.com/image/137566671.jpg Call directly for your best Whiteline Price! | We also carry almost every manufacturer now, so before you buy parts call us. AIM: AZP Installs | E-mail: paisan@azpinstalls.com | 725 Fairfield Ave | Kenilworth, NJ 07033 | 908.248.AZP1 (2971) | T-1 Certified Amsoil Direct Jobber "Race Tested, Enthusiast Approved!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max Capacity Posted November 15, 2011 Share Posted November 15, 2011 Like Jake said, if it is the brakepads are getting close to being worn out, buy your replacements from them. I like my Hawk HPS they sold me. With your mileage that could be the case. 305,600miles 5/2012 ej257 short block, 8/2011 installed VF52 turbo, @20.8psi, 280whp, 300ftlbs. (SOLD). CHECK your oil, these cars use it. Engine Build - Click Here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PortCityLGT Posted November 15, 2011 Share Posted November 15, 2011 Don't mean to thread jack, but I have a related problem that isn't worth starting a new thread over. My brake light comes on during medium-hard acceleration in 1st and 2nd. Should I take this as a sign that my pads need replacing? Many thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shutterbc Posted November 16, 2011 Share Posted November 16, 2011 I'd start by checking fluid level. Generally you'll see the light come on during acceleration first, presumably because of the positioning of the fluid level sensor. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AZP Installs Posted November 16, 2011 Share Posted November 16, 2011 Yes check the fluid level. Your sensor is a float sensor so when you accelerate hard the fluid will slosh around. Normally if your brake light it coming on, you more likely need pads then fluid. When you put new pads and/or rotor in, your brake level will go up and ta-da no more light. If your pads and rotors are good and the fluid is still low then add more fluid. -Jake http://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/91072632.jpg http://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/133406601.jpg http://upload.pbase.com/image/137566671.jpg Call directly for your best Whiteline Price! | We also carry almost every manufacturer now, so before you buy parts call us. AIM: AZP Installs | E-mail: paisan@azpinstalls.com | 725 Fairfield Ave | Kenilworth, NJ 07033 | 908.248.AZP1 (2971) | T-1 Certified Amsoil Direct Jobber "Race Tested, Enthusiast Approved!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frank_ster Posted November 16, 2011 Share Posted November 16, 2011 the light comes one due to 3 things ,, low fluid or bad connection at the fluid level sensor hand brake altenator output. Now that's thinking out of the boxer! fyi all 05 + legacy's have built in code reader Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BAC5.2 Posted November 16, 2011 Share Posted November 16, 2011 the light comes one due to 3 things ,, low fluid or bad connection at the fluid level sensor hand brake altenator output. And almost always in that order! [URL="http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/proper-flip-key-interesti-159894.html"]Flip Key Development Thread[/URL] "Genius may have its limitations, but stupidity is not thus handicapped." - E. Hubbard Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CapnJack Posted November 16, 2011 Share Posted November 16, 2011 Adding brake fluid to a system that does not leak is an indicator that something is wrong with your pads. Manufacturers will typically build the reservoir to a very specific size so that when the pads are near worn out, the fluid level gets low and turns on the light. If you add fluid to the system you might do one of two things: 1) be misled that your pads are ok until the material is completely gone (I don't trust the little wear indicators that are supposed to squeal) or 2) when you do go to replace the pads and you compress the caliper pistons, you will overflow the brake reservoir making a huge mess and start stripping the paint in your engine bay. If your fluid level is low, I would start pulling off wheels and checking brake pads. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max Capacity Posted November 16, 2011 Share Posted November 16, 2011 Don't mean to thread jack, but I have a related problem that isn't worth starting a new thread over. My brake light comes on during medium-hard acceleration in 1st and 2nd. Should I take this as a sign that my pads need replacing? Many thanks! Yes, how many miles on the car or the brake pads? 305,600miles 5/2012 ej257 short block, 8/2011 installed VF52 turbo, @20.8psi, 280whp, 300ftlbs. (SOLD). CHECK your oil, these cars use it. Engine Build - Click Here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluesuby Posted September 23, 2018 Share Posted September 23, 2018 And almost always in that order! If the hand brake is the problem, is it because the switch which kills the light is hanging up? Where is the switch, and would a spritz of wd40 or PB Blaster free things up? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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