Hello Guys, This week I noticed a problem while driving my Maxima, the red brake light does not go off when I release the hand brake, it seems to go out after driving a few minutes but today I drove about 15 minutes and nothing, until a brake a bit hard and then disappeared, I don't know if this could be any sign of further mechanical problem or just the annoying red light on the dashboard.

What could be causing this problem? Thank you.

 

Does your max came with ABS?

If not, most likely it's a sticking proportioning valve (it's integrated with the master cylinder). Due to age and dirty fluid, debris can buildup inside a valve bore, a sudden flow of fluid can break it loose clearing the path of the valve.

3 Things that cause the red brake light to illuminate:
1. Low Brake fluid level
2. Parking brake engagement and/or parking brake switch
3. Unequal fluid pressure of front vs rear (may include driver vs passenger side)

 

I'm not completely sure but I remember checking before and it comes with ABS, (don't remember how to check).

I just check my brake fluid and is a little below the min level, I didn't know this could cause the brake light to come on, I remember someone told me: "don't refill the brake fluid if your fluid level is low is because you need new brake pads" is this statement true?

 

It's your fluid level. Which of course can indicate that you need new pads if the declining level is not caused by a leak.

 

I don't think is leaking, I have not seen any leaks, and I have not done brake service in about 4 years (rears were done 3 years ago) so this as you point out it might be the need of new pads, now the question is should I fill up my brake fluid level in the meanwhile before replacing new pads? (because I can't do it right now, maybe next week I will) Sorry for my ignorance I really don't know much about brake systems. Thank you for your help

 

Yes you can fill itt for now but because your fluid is low you might want to bleed them too when you add more fluid

 

Just remember to push the pistons back with the bleeder valve open to avoid pushing debris back into your system.