Have you been caught in the puzzling situation of “What Causes Brake Light On Dash To Stay On?”? This question, or similar ones, may have led you to search for answers. Well, your search ends here.
So, what causes the brake light on your dash to stay on? The brake light indicator on your dash could remain illuminated due to a variety of reasons. This can range from simple issues such as a parking brake left engaged, and low brake fluid levels, to more complex problems like brake system malfunctions, ABS issues, or even sensor failures.
This article is a must-read for those dealing with this issue. Not only will it help you understand the reasons behind the persistent brake light, but it will also guide you through the top 15 causes of this problem, enabling you to address it with better knowledge and confidence.
Table of Contents
Dash brake light and its function
The dash brake light, also known as the brake warning light, is a small red light on your vehicle’s dashboard that illuminates when there is an issue with the braking system.
Its primary function is to alert the driver to potential problems, such as low brake fluid levels or worn brake pads.
The light usually turns on when you start the engine, but if it remains lit even after you release the parking brake or start driving, it’s an indication that there’s an issue that needs to be addressed.
15 Top Reasons for Brake Light to Stay On
A brake light that remains illuminated after releasing the pedal could be an indication of several problems. Here are the top four common causes:
1. Low brake fluid level:
Low brake fluid level is one of the most common causes of the brake light staying on. The brake system is a closed hydraulic system, and the fluid in the system should never decrease unless there is a leak. If the level of brake fluid in the reservoir is low, the brake light on the dashboard will illuminate.
The brake fluid level in the reservoir should be checked regularly, and if the level is low, it should be refilled immediately.
It is important to note that low brake fluid level is not only a problem because it causes the brake light to stay on but also because it can compromise the braking performance of the vehicle, which can lead to unsafe driving conditions.
The most common cause of low brake fluid level is a leak in the brake system. The leak can occur anywhere in the system, such as in the brake lines, calipers, or master cylinder.
A leak can be identified by looking for wet spots or puddles of brake fluid under the vehicle. If a leak is detected, it is important to have the brake system inspected and repaired immediately, as a low brake fluid level can lead to brake failure and increase the risk of an accident.
In summary, low brake fluid level is a serious issue that should not be ignored, and it is important to have the brake system inspected and repaired as soon as possible if a leak is detected.
2. Worn brake pads or rotors:
One of the most common causes of a brake light staying on is worn brake pads or rotors. Brake pads and rotors are essential components of the braking system that work together to bring your vehicle to a stop.
When your brake pads wear down or your rotors become warped, it can cause your brake light to stay on even when you’re not braking.
Over time, brake pads wear down due to friction with the rotors. When the pads are too thin, they no longer provide enough surface area to properly engage with the rotor, causing the brake light to stay on.
Similarly, if the rotors become warped or damaged, they may not provide enough contact with the brake pads to disengage the brake light.
If you suspect that your brake pads or rotors are worn, it’s important to have them inspected and replaced as soon as possible to ensure your brakes are functioning properly and to prevent further damage to your vehicle.
3. Parking brake left on:
Another common cause of a brake light staying on is simply leaving the parking brake engaged. The parking brake or handbrake is a separate braking system that is used to hold the vehicle in place when it is parked. It is usually located on the center console or on the floor next to the driver’s seat.
If the parking brake is left on, the brake warning light on the dashboard will illuminate to alert the driver that the brake is still engaged. If the parking brake is released and the brake light remains on, it may indicate that the parking brake is not fully disengaged, or there may be an issue with the brake system.
To fix the issue, the driver should first ensure that the parking brake is fully released. If the light remains on, it may be necessary to inspect the parking brake system for any damage or wear.
This may include checking the brake cables, the parking brake lever, and the brake shoes. If any components are found to be damaged or worn, they should be replaced as soon as possible to ensure proper braking function and to prevent further damage to the vehicle.
4. Faulty brake light switch:
One of the most common reasons for a brake light on the dash to stay on is a faulty brake light switch. This switch is typically located near the brake pedal and is responsible for activating the brake lights when the pedal is depressed.
Over time, the switch can wear out or become misaligned, causing it to remain in the “on” position even when the pedal is not being pressed. This can lead to a drained battery or other electrical problems, as well as reduced visibility for other drivers on the road.
To fix a faulty brake light switch, the switch itself will typically need to be replaced. This is a relatively simple and straightforward process that can be done by most car owners with basic mechanical skills.
However, it’s important to note that the switch may be located in a difficult-to-reach area, which could make the job more challenging. In some cases, adjusting the position of the switch or replacing a worn or damaged spring may also be necessary to ensure proper function.
5. Faulty wiring:
Faulty wiring can also cause the brake light on the dash to stay on. The wiring for the brake light can become damaged or disconnected, which can lead to the light staying on even when the brakes are not being applied.
This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including wear and tear on the wiring due to age, exposure to the elements, or damage from an accident. It can also occur if the wiring was not installed properly during a previous repair or modification to the vehicle.
To diagnose faulty wiring as the cause of a brake light staying on, a visual inspection of the wiring should be conducted.
If the wiring appears damaged, it should be repaired or replaced. In some cases, the issue may be with the connector or socket that connects the wiring to the brake light switch.
In this case, the connector or socket may need to be replaced. It is important to address faulty wiring as soon as possible to ensure the proper functionality of the brake light system and avoid potential safety hazards on the road.
6. Blown fuse:
One of the possible causes for the brake light on the dash to stay on is a blown fuse. Fuses are designed to protect the electrical system from overloads and short circuits.
If a component in the brake light circuit, such as the brake light switch or wiring, experiences a short circuit or overload, it can blow the fuse and cause the brake light on the dash to stay on.
A blown fuse is often accompanied by other electrical problems, such as non-functional turn signals or dashboard lights. Checking the fuses in the car’s fuse box is a good first step in troubleshooting the cause of the brake light staying on.
Replacing a blown fuse is a simple fix for a brake light that stays on. The first step is to locate the fuse box, which is usually located under the dashboard on the driver’s side or in the engine compartment.
The owner’s manual or a fuse diagram on the cover of the fuse box will help identify the fuse for the brake lights.
Once the blown fuse is located, it can be removed and replaced with a new fuse of the same rating. It’s important to ensure that the correct fuse is used to avoid electrical problems or fires.
If the fuse blows again shortly after replacement, it may indicate a more serious problem in the electrical system that should be diagnosed and repaired by a qualified mechanic.
7. Bad alternator:
One of the lesser-known causes of a brake light staying on is a bad alternator. The alternator is responsible for providing power to the vehicle’s electrical system while the engine is running, including the battery.
If the alternator is failing, it can cause a drop in voltage to the brake light circuit, triggering the brake light on the dash to stay on. This issue can be easily diagnosed by testing the alternator’s output voltage and replacing it if necessary.
It’s important to address a bad alternator promptly, as it can lead to other electrical issues and potentially leave you stranded if it fails completely.
Symptoms of a bad alternator can include a dead battery, dimming headlights, and warning lights on the dash, including the brake light.
In addition to causing the brake light to stay on, a bad alternator can also affect the performance of other electrical components, such as the power steering and air conditioning.
If you suspect that your alternator is failing, it’s important to have it inspected by a qualified mechanic to determine the extent of the damage and prevent any further issues down the road.
8. Leaking brake line:
A leaking brake line is one of the most common reasons why the brake light on the dashboard stays on. Brake lines carry hydraulic fluid from the master cylinder to the brake calipers or wheel cylinders, which apply pressure to the brake pads or shoes, ultimately stopping the vehicle.
When a brake line is leaking, it results in a loss of hydraulic pressure and causes the brake light on the dashboard to remain illuminated.
Brake lines can develop leaks due to corrosion or physical damage from road debris or accidents. It is crucial to address a leaking brake line immediately as it can cause a significant safety hazard on the road.
To fix a leaking brake line, the damaged section of the line needs to be identified and replaced. This is not a task that can be easily performed by the average car owner and requires some technical knowledge and tools.
It is essential to have a qualified mechanic inspect and repair the brake line to ensure it is done correctly. If left unchecked, a leaking brake line can result in a complete loss of braking ability and a potentially dangerous situation while driving.
Regular maintenance checks and inspections can help identify any potential leaks early and prevent a more significant issue from occurring.
9. Faulty master cylinder:
A faulty master cylinder is another common reason why the brake light on the dash may stay on. The master cylinder is responsible for converting the pressure applied to the brake pedal into hydraulic pressure, which is used to operate the brakes.
If the master cylinder is faulty or damaged, it can cause a loss of pressure in the brake system, which triggers the brake warning light on the dashboard. Additionally, a leak in the master cylinder can cause the brake fluid level to drop, which can also trigger the brake light.
If you suspect that the master cylinder is the cause of the brake light staying on, it is important to have it inspected and repaired by a qualified mechanic.
To diagnose a faulty master cylinder, the mechanic will check the brake fluid level and inspect the brake lines for leaks. They will also check the brake pedal to see if it feels spongy or if there is a loss of pressure when it is depressed.
If the master cylinder is found to be faulty, it will need to be replaced with a new one. It is important to have the master cylinder replaced as soon as possible to ensure the safety of your vehicle and prevent further damage to the brake system.
10. Air in the brake lines:
One of the common causes of the brake light on the dash staying on is air in the brake lines. When there is air in the brake lines, the brake fluid cannot properly flow through the system, leading to reduced brake performance and triggering the brake light on the dash.
Air can enter the brake lines due to a leak in the system or during a brake component replacement. It can also occur when the brake fluid is not regularly changed and becomes contaminated with moisture, causing air bubbles to form in the system.
Additionally, if the brake lines are not properly bled during a brake system repair or maintenance, it can lead to air pockets in the lines.
To fix the issue of air in the brake lines, the brake system must be bled to remove any air pockets. This process involves opening the brake bleeder valves and allowing the brake fluid to flow through the system until all air bubbles are expelled.
It is important to start the bleeding process at the brake line furthest from the master cylinder and work towards the closest line. The bleeding process must be repeated until there are no more air bubbles visible in the brake fluid.
Once the system is free of air, the brake light on the dash should turn off, and the brakes should function properly.
11. Damaged ABS sensor:
One of the less common but still possible causes for a brake light to stay on is a damaged ABS sensor. ABS stands for anti-lock braking system, and the sensor is responsible for detecting the speed of the wheels and relaying that information to the car’s computer.
If the sensor becomes damaged or malfunctions, the computer may not receive accurate information about the wheel speed, which can trigger the brake light to stay on.
Damaged ABS sensors can be caused by a variety of factors, such as physical impact, electrical problems, or corrosion. In some cases, the sensor may need to be replaced entirely to resolve the issue.
If a damaged ABS sensor is suspected as the cause of a brake light staying on, it’s important to have it inspected and repaired by a qualified mechanic.
Driving with a malfunctioning ABS system can be dangerous, as the system is designed to help prevent skidding and loss of control in slippery or emergency situations.
Additionally, a brake light that is constantly illuminated can be distracting and make it difficult to detect other potential issues with the vehicle. A professional mechanic can diagnose and repair the problem to ensure safe and reliable braking performance.
12. Malfunctioning brake booster:
One of the potential causes for the brake light on the dash to stay on is a malfunctioning brake booster. The brake booster is a device that assists in the operation of the brake system by amplifying the force applied to the brake pedal.
If the brake booster malfunctions, it can cause a loss of power assistance, which can make it difficult to stop the vehicle. This can result in the brake light on the dashboard staying on as a warning to the driver that there is an issue with the brake system.
The most common cause of a malfunctioning brake booster is a leak in the vacuum system. The brake booster is connected to the engine through a vacuum line, which provides the boost needed to operate the brakes.
If there is a leak in the vacuum system, the brake booster will not receive the proper amount of vacuum pressure, and the brake pedal will be harder to push. In some cases, the brake booster may need to be replaced to fix the issue, while in others, a simple repair of the vacuum system may be all that is needed.
If the brake light on the dash is staying on, it is important to have the brake system checked by a professional to determine the cause of the issue.
13. Corroded brake lines:
Corroded brake lines can also cause the brake light on the dashboard to stay on. Brake lines are essential components of the brake system, responsible for carrying brake fluid to the brake calipers or wheel cylinders.
Corrosion can occur due to exposure to water, salt, or other environmental factors, causing the brake lines to weaken and eventually develop leaks. When the brake lines corrode, the brake fluid may leak, causing the brake light to stay on.
If the brake lines are found to be corroded, they must be replaced as soon as possible. Continuing to drive with corroded brake lines can lead to a complete brake system failure, resulting in a dangerous situation.
It is best to have a professional mechanic inspect the brake lines regularly to catch any signs of corrosion early on. Additionally, regular maintenance and cleaning of the brake lines can help prevent corrosion from occurring in the first place.
14. Failed wheel cylinder:
One of the potential causes for a brake light on the dash to stay on is a failed wheel cylinder. This cylinder is responsible for applying the brake shoes to the drum when the brakes are engaged.
If the wheel cylinder fails, it can result in a loss of hydraulic pressure, which can cause the brake light on the dash to stay on.
Additionally, a failed wheel cylinder can cause a loss of braking power or even complete brake failure, which can be dangerous and potentially lead to an accident.
To diagnose a failed wheel cylinder as the cause of a brake light staying on, it’s important to check the condition of the brake fluid and look for any leaks around the wheel cylinder.
If the wheel cylinder is determined to be the problem, it will need to be replaced. It’s important to note that when one wheel cylinder fails, it’s usually recommended to replace all of the wheel cylinders at the same time to ensure the entire system is functioning properly.
Ignoring a failed wheel cylinder can lead to further damage to the braking system, potentially causing more expensive repairs down the line, so it’s important to address the issue as soon as possible.
15. Worn brake shoes:
One of the reasons why your brake light on the dashboard may stay on is worn brake shoes. Brake shoes are a vital component of drum brake systems, which are commonly found in the rear wheels of older cars.
Brake shoes are curved pads that press against the brake drum to slow down or stop the vehicle. Over time, they can wear down and become less effective, leading to reduced braking power and increased stopping distances.
When the brake shoes are excessively worn, the brake warning light on the dashboard may remain illuminated, indicating that there is an issue with the brake system that needs to be addressed.
To fix worn brake shoes, it’s essential to replace them promptly to ensure safe braking performance. It’s important to note that brake shoes typically wear down more quickly in vehicles that are frequently driven in stop-and-go traffic or those that are driven in mountainous areas.
When replacing brake shoes, it’s also important to inspect the brake drum for any signs of wear or damage. If the drum is worn or out of round, it can cause the new brake shoes to wear unevenly, leading to decreased braking performance and the potential for the brake light to stay on again in the future.
This Is Why Your Brake Light Is ON >> Check out the video below:
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Conclusion
In conclusion, a brake light that remains on the dashboard can indicate a wide range of issues with your vehicle’s braking system. While some issues may be minor and easily fixable, others can be more complex and require professional attention.
Regular maintenance and prompt identification of brake system issues can help prevent accidents and ensure your vehicle’s safe operation. If you are unsure about the cause of a brake light staying on, it is always best to seek the help of a qualified mechanic to properly diagnose and repair the problem.
Remember, safe driving is essential for you and those around you on the road.