Why is the brake light on after a disc brake job?

The last step in any disc brake job is to return the caliper pistons to a position where they’re contacting the brake pad backing plate. To do that, you compress the brake pedal 2-3 times with the ENGINE OFF until you get a firm pedal. Skip that part and you’ll have lousy braking and a brake light on.

What makes a brake warning light come on?

If one part of the fluid circuit breaks, a tapered pin is forced off center to close off the leaking circuit. As the same time, the tapered pin completes an electrical circuit to light the BRAKE warning light on your dash. This alerts you to a potentially serious brake fluid issue.

Why is the brake light on on my Honda Civic?

The brake light indicates that there is a problem with the physical braking system itself. If you are reading this article trying to figure out whether you should drive your vehicle, check the emergency brake first. If it’s engaged, the brake light will stay lit.

Why is the brake light on in my Chevy Impala?

Either the brakes need bled, or there is a leak. Since you’ve already checked the emergency brake handle, now it’s time to check the master cylinder and see if the brake fluid is low or not. Now if it is low, but not empty, adding more may provide a temporary fix.

What does the brake fluid warning light look like?

When the main brake warning light is triggered by a fault in the system, it will be illuminated in red. It appears as a circle, with a “!” in the center, and parentheses on either side. If your brake fluid level is too low, typically you will see a similar warning light, only it will be yellow or amber instead of red.

What to do when your brake warning light is on?

On vehicles with automatic parking brake release mechanisms, there is a manual release lever near the top of the pedal assembly in case the automatic release fails. Occasionally, the switch that turns off the brake warning light when you disengage the parking brake can malfunction or need adjustment, making the light stay on.

Where is the brake light on a Harley Davidson?

The problem is usually found in the right handlebar switch housing where the front brake switch is located. Actuation of the switch is accomplished by the interplay between the brake lever/master cylinder assembly and the light switch.

Why is my rear brake light not working?

The rear brake light switch has proven quite problematic as well, and even forced Harley at one point to issue a recall on Touring models for it failing. The rear switch is hydraulic pressure-operated and, being close to the exhaust system, can fail in a variety of ways.

What to do when your brake lights won’t turn off?

If your brake lights won’t turn off, here’s a quick fix for your problem. Brake light sensors are an inexpensive part that may need adjusted, as you may find out when your lights won’t turn off. Loading…

What happens when you leave the brake pedal in place?

If you leave it in that position, it won’t contact the pad backing plate when you apply the brakes the first time. In fact, it usually takes 2-3 full pedal pumps to move the piston out far enough to contact the backing plate so it can apply braking pressure.

What to do when brake light comes on after brake job?

Once the new pads, shims and brake hardware are installed and torqued to spec, apply firm pressure to the brake pedal with the ENGINE OFF. THE PEDAL WILL GO TO THE FLOOR! Don’t be surprised! Release the pedal and re-apply several times until you get a firm pedal. Make sure you have a firm pedal BEFORE you start the engine.

Why does the brake light stay on after you apply the pedal?

If you skipped the pedal apply step and now have a brake light on after brake job, simply shut off the engine and perform it now. If the pedal firms up but the brake light stays on, you’ll have to reset the pressure differential switch. The switch is located in different places on every vehicle.

Where is the brake light switch on a car?

As you press the pedal, the shaft presses the button, which turns on the brake lights. If you are unsure where to locate your brake pedal switch, refer to the service manual for your specific vehicle. The switch will have a wired pigtail coming off of it and will be mounted directly behind the brake pedal.

Why are the brake lights not working but the tail lights are?

Blown out light bulbs are the most common reason for why the brake lights not working but the tail lights are. Remove the screws from the bulb lens (which you can access through the trunk or see your vehicle repair manual to get the exact location). Push the bulbs and turn them counterclockwise to remove from the socket.