Hello everyone,

I have noticed that the Brake light in the odometer behind the tachometer will randomly turn on while driving, but will go out after a few seconds to a few minutes. I have tried to scan for fault codes with my OBDii scanner, but no codes are registered.

Any suggestions are welcomed.

 

Hello everyone,

I have noticed that the VDC Off light and the car swerving light in the odometer behind the tachometer will randomly turn on while driving, but will go out after a few seconds to a few minutes. I have tried to scan for fault codes with my OBDii scanner, but no codes are registered. Pressing the VDC button has no effect.

Any suggestions are welcomed.

 

refill your brake fluid.

 

^^^ That should come first ...

If that doesn't address the issue and assuming you've done no work/repairs to the braking system that you haven't mentioned, have your alternator checked.

 

If those lights were steadily on, the problem could be a serious loss of brake fluid or other problems as Turbobink indicated.

The fact they are coming on and going off most likely means (as Amerikaner indicated) the fluid in your brake fluid reservoir is a little low, and as it moves between front and rear in the reservoir as you slow down and speed up, or either climb a hill or descend a hill, the fluid alternates between being in contact with the 'brake fluid low' sensor (warning lights go off) and losing contact with the sensor (warning lights come on).

If the brakes have not been worked on in some time, the pads could gradually be wearing down, requiring the calipers to move further than when the pads were new. This additional movement means the brake fluid has to move further in the brake fluid lines, requiring more fluid from the reservoir, and bring the level below the 'fluid low' sensor.

Adding fluid clears the warning light, but this is a situation that should be monitored. As the pads continue to wear down, eventually they must be replaced, else damage could be done to the rotors. I have my brake pad thickness checked on all four wheels at each oil change.

 

thanks guys, the fluid was right at the minimum level. Definitely feel like a noob

 

If this had been the second time you posted this situation here, then yes, we can talk 'noob.' But this was the first time you posted this question, which makes it totally legit.

I would still advise that you occasionally have the thickness of you pads checked, just to be sure you don't damage the rotors. These pads are good, as I am well over 40K on my original pads, and my service tech says they are still fine. I think LtLeary said he reached 70K on his original pads, but then he and I use CVT compression braking, which eases wear on the pads.

 

No, I am still on my original brakes at 235,000. My RSAs lasted 70K.

 

I also got over 70K on my RSA's and have over 81,500 on my original brake pads on my 09 Max.

 

I wouldn't add brake fluid just yet. Low brake fluid is always a good indication your brakes are getting close to be needed replaced. First you need to check your front brakes. And remember if you add fluid now and your car needs front brakes, when you or your technician go to squeeze the caliper pistons in, that fluid you just put in is going to go everywhere.