Emergency Brake Indicator - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

crazymzungu · 10-01-2003, 01:49 AM

Over the last few days, the emergency brake indicator on my dash has started randomly coming on. It goes off when I put on the brake & then take it off again, but after that, it comes back on. Is this just a random electrical glitch, or could it be something else?

5Sfte · 10-01-2003, 01:51 AM

There is a switch underneath the casing that may be bad. Take off the casing and use a meter to test your switch.

Nick · 10-01-2003, 10:34 AM

check your brake fluid, i think that's what it means

if you noticed that it came on during turns, then that's what it is

crazymzungu · 10-01-2003, 01:12 PM

Sorry, I know this is a noob question, but how much money and/or work am I looking at for the brake fluid? From what you said, I'm pretty sure that must be it.

88 LE · 10-01-2003, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by crazymzungu
Sorry, I know this is a noob question, but how much money and/or work am I looking at for the brake fluid? From what you said, I'm pretty sure that must be it.

A few bucks for a little bottle (pint). You want DOT3, DOT4, or DOT3/DOT4.

The brake fluid reservoir is on the drivers side close to the strut tower. Its just a matter of taking off the cap then filling it up.

Make sure you don't overfill it though. Theres a min and max mark on it.

crazymzungu · 10-01-2003, 04:08 PM

I've been noticing alot more brake dust on my wheels than usual lately. Could this be related to low brake fluid, or does this mean I need new brake pads?

Nick · 10-01-2003, 08:22 PM

low brake fluid means that the pads are yes getting pretty worn down cuz the pistons adjust out for the wear, hence the increase in used fluid,

how worn down? couldn't tell ya, you'd have to take off your wheel and have a look

96CamryDX · 10-01-2003, 09:56 PM

i thought u brake system was a closed system so where does the fluid go if u have to refill it ....does it mean there is a slow leak

Nick · 10-02-2003, 01:32 AM

fluid can flow freely from the master cylinder cylinder... but not when the brakes are applied, it adjusts slowly when the pads wear down

haa21 · 10-02-2003, 10:23 AM

Yup! The person who told you that the brake fluid is low is correct! Start there by filling it up. That should solve your problem. If not, make sure your parking brake is fully disengaged (I'm assuming you already did that). If you are concerned about your pads, go to one of those places that give free esimates on brakes. They will tell you if you need them! Having low fluid itsn't necessarily because of worn pads. If you make hard stops often or if you regulary use the parking brake because you are doing Colin McRae impersonations the fluid can get low. Fill it up and if the light goes away don't worry about it! If you are concernedthat you have worn pads you should have those checked anyway for the sake of safety!