jcollis217

When I release the emergency brakes the brake light goes off, but comes back on. It does this on & off as I drive. What could the problem be? Its a 1997 Lexus LS400.

deanshark

It could be the spring on the E-brake pedal doesn't have enough tension on it and the pedal moves while you drive which sets off the light.
Or, the more probable cause would be low on brake fluid.

usoff89

iTrader: (2)

When the light comes on, try taking your foot and pushing up on the e-brake pedal. If the light goes out, then the spring probably doesn't have enough tension.

jcollis217

Checked my brake fliud it was on min. I add brake fluid the problem is gone. Thanks for the helpful replys.

Yamae

You'd better also check the reason why the brake fluid is that low. I worry about the leak at somewhere.

Gene01

It is fairly common for the brake fluid to drop below the minimum level to keep the warning light off due to the pads wearing and becoming thinner. Check the pads to see if they need replacing.

jcollis217

Yes, my pads are low, I will replace them. I didn't see any leaks under the car and on the wheels. Thanks

deanshark

When you change your pads, (if you do it yourself) make sure you remove some of the fluid you just put in b/c when you collapse the calipers the fluid will spit out the resevoir.

Legender

I'd never push old fluid back into the reservoir... when I press the caliper back, I find it much easier to open the bleeder valve and push the old fluid out... then fill with new fluid... I use a small 1/4 hose to connect up to the bleeder and feed it into a bottle...that way it does not make a mess.
Then you can put fresh fluid in the reservoir before you bleed and then top off again after you bleed the brakes... that way you get some new fresh fluid in the system.
That's what I do...

deanshark

VERY good idea. That'll save some time by getting the old fluid out, if you wanted to change to fresh fluid when ya do the brakes.

usoff89

iTrader: (2)

Yes good idea!

Another thing... I use a clear hose into a bottle that has brake fluid already into it. Make sure the end of the hose is under the service of the fluid. Then I release the bleeder valve and go pump the pedal. This allows me to bleed the brakes by myself. Because when you let off the pedal, it doesn't suck back any air. I can also see the fluid in the clear hose and tell if there is any more air coming out. I'm sure this isn't a new trick, but it works great for me as I don't usually have an extra person around to help.

LScowboyLS

the reason people push the fluid back is that we don't want to bleed the brakes every time we change pads, at least I sure don't .........ugh!

deanshark

I dont, only when it needs it. And with the cap off the reservoir and collapsing the caliper, most of the time, the air will raise out the reservoir. (Hopefully)