Dash E brake lamp coming on while driving??? Help please...

[harrymaneuvers]

So I always use my E brake when parking and about a week ago I noticed that after i released the brake... the red "brake" light on my dash remained lit. I didnt think too much about it because as soon as I accelerated out of my apartment complex... it went off.

It is now starting to come on during normal driving conditions though and I am not sure if it is related to anything except maybe the sensor that is connected to the actual E brake.


Can someone tell me why else that light would start to come on while driving? Is it also a brake pad warning lamp that warns you when your pistons in my calipers are traveling too far (indicating warn brake pads), or could it even be related to brake fluid levels or pressure?


All help is greatly appreciated!

[Okin DaVanh]

You EBrake "shoes" are within the rotor themselves. You need to remove the rear rotors to check.

[harrymaneuvers]

I really didnt think that the light was related to the ebrake because it works perfectly fine. If anything... i was thinking that it was the sensor for the ebrake which I believe is in the center console by the ebrake lever.


I was just wondering if that lamp is tied to any other sort of warning... IE warn pads/low brake fluid level, burnt out bulb, ect.


I dont need to adjust the E brake but if I do, I already know both methods of doing so (adjusting cable and turning the cog that is inside the actual e brake shoes themselves)


Any ideas as to what is making the dash light come on while driving?

[Okin DaVanh]

I used to have this happening to my car (BK) too. In no way are these suggestions the actual problem, but just a mental checklist.
Fluid Level? In which case, might be time to change the pads.
Check the thickness of your rotors while you're at it.
Burnt or old fluid.
Did you check the switch above the pedal itself?

Not really related to your situation,
but when my alternator gave me issues, my brakelight and ABS light came on at the same time. Maybe check your belt and grounds as a just in case.

[harrymaneuvers]

Good suggestions.

It has been about 35k miles of aggressive driving since the last pad/rotor change, so I am thinking it might be getting close to new pads at the least. I used brembo OEM replacement rotors (not slotted or cross-drilled) and ceramic pads...



Do you know for sure that the warning lamp on the dash has the ability to warn about low fluid level (related to warn pads)?

[Okin DaVanh]

Low fluid level, yes. Worn pads will cause your fluid level to go low, as the brake lines are sealed. You might as well upgrade to a synthetic (higher temp level) brake fluid if you do a lot of heavy breaking or spirited driving.

['Buru in the Burgh]

I had this same problem, but I actually had a tiny pebble stuck in my rear brake shoes and it was enough to think that the e-brake was engaged.