BREAK light on occasionally, where is the problem?

[ysun]

Hi, m8s,

The BREAK light of my Camry 2000 V6 is occasionally on especially in the moment after the car started from cold, the light on lasts about 15 min then off. Sometimes it lighted on during drive.

Does anyone know where is the problem? Which part I should check?

Thank you!

[the_professional]

check your brake fluid, its probably low.

the container is circular. I wanna say its above the steering column. It has no obvious markings. On the top it should say fill with dot 3 brake fluid.

its brake btw. (:

[ysun]

Originally Posted by the_professional

check your brake fluid, its probably low.

its brake btw. (:

Ah~ Thanks! I don't know much english words about cars.

btw, how do I change the brake fluid? Will it be as simple as "I read the manual and check the brake fluid number, then I go to walmart or autozone to buy it?"

Thanks!

[ysun]

Originally Posted by the_professional

check your brake fluid, its probably low.

the container is circular. I wanna say its above the steering column. It has no obvious markings. On the top it should say fill with code 3 brake fluid.

its brake btw. (:

Copy that, where can I buy the code 3 brake fluid?

Thanks!

[ASG14]

It's DOT 3. You can use EITHER DOT 3 or DOT 4. ANY Auto store has it. WalMart even has it.

You do not need to change the fluid, just add some to the tank. Check the side of the Brake Fluid container to see if it is near the "MIN" line

[TexanF250]

DOT 3 brake fluid can be had at Walmart or any auto parts store. You may even be able to get it at the grocery store in the little automotive section they have. Gas station might even have it. Auto Parts store will hae it for sure.

I would not worry about changing the brake fluid, just fill it so that it is back at the maximum fill line.

What I would worry about is why the brake fluid evel is low assuming it is. This could be an idication of any one of a number of things. Your disc brake pads may be getting thin. This causes t brake calipers to extend out furhter thereby increasing ever so slightly the volume in the brake system causing the level of brake fluid in your master cylinder to go down.

Another possibility is that you have a brake fluid leak somewhere, The usual suspects are a) aster Cylinder, b) front brake calipers, or c) rear brake wheel cylinder if you have rear drum brakes or the rear wheel brake calipers if you ahve rear disc brakes. Another possibility is the flexible piece of rubber brake line that attached to the brake caliper.

IF you can do it yourself, take a look for any wet spots around the brakes or the master cyliner. If not, have local independent repair shop take a look for you.

[ysun]

Thank you so much for the details, m8s. I will buy the brake fluid and check the possible leaking places tomorrow.

[ASG14]

Originally Posted by ysun

Thank you so much for the details, m8s. I will buy the brake fluid and check the possible leaking places tomorrow.

It's not leaking. As your brake pads wear down, more fluid goes into the brake calipers, causing a lower fluid level. I'd check your brakes pads whenever you get a chance as well, just to see if they are getting low.

[ysun]

Originally Posted by ASG14

It's not leaking. As your brake pads wear down, more fluid goes into the brake calipers, causing a lower fluid level. I'd check your brakes pads whenever you get a chance as well, just to see if they are getting low.

I see. Thanks! I will add some of the brake fluid first and then check the brakes pads.

[TexanF250]

But there could be a leak. If you don't see any wet spots, it's likely your disc brake pads are getting thin.

[ysun]

Originally Posted by TexanF250

But there could be a leak. If you don't see any wet spots, it's likely your disc brake pads are getting thin.

Thanks. Could you tell me about how thin that I should replace them?

[TexanF250]

There should be a set of metal tabs that begin to hit the rotor when the pads get down to a minimum thickness. This initiates a grindong noise on the brakes to alert you to the problem. I would say that once the pads get below 1/8" (3mm) you should replace them. Of course, if you find one pad this thin, replace them both and do both sides to the car.

[ysun]

Originally Posted by TexanF250

There should be a set of metal tabs that begin to hit the rotor when the pads get down to a minimu thickness. This initiates are grindong noise on the brakes to alert you to the problem. I would say that once the pads get below 1/8" (3mm) you should replace them. OF course, if you find one pad this thhin, replace them both and do both sides to the car.

I see. Thank you!